72 Azure.......

[henry5]

Thanks for the thoughts everybody. Unfortunately this was the first time I'd had to make the actual decision and it was terribly hard; the guilt is really getting to me. I've been through a very difficult patch emotionally & mentally over the last few years (as indeed has my family; my brother just had yet another drunken guy run into him sending him straight back to hospital) and Amber got me through the worst of it, the worst being very, very bad indeed. When I decided to go for the Azure I was really worried about it; I couldn't really afford it and was concerned it would be a mistake. When I got it and it was great I finally thought things were maybe beginning to turn around. The next day I got the news about Amber.

Joshua, it's obvious you feel similarly to me. Ironically I recently became involved in an online discussion (on another bass forum!) about animal cruelty and was horrified to see that some people didn't care about it at all. Still, I have no desire to start another debate; I'll just say that Amber was my best friend (and in many ways, as you say, was like my child) and I'm missing her dreadfully. My partner has taken it badly but I've taken it far worse and things just don't seem the same anymore.

BTW, I hope Ollie's ok and I'm sorry to hear about Levi.

Anyway, apologies for hijacking my own thread; back to basses!

[Tarrbot]

I'm sorry to hear about Amber.

You and Josh aren't the only cat lovers on board. I have several Sphynx cats--one of which is like a daughter to me.

I've been where you were on decision time (multiple times) and taken different paths. I've spent a good chunk of change at an e-vet for one animal only to have to put the poor guy down 2 days later due to complications... all because someone couldn't be bothered with giving the poor guy a dose of antibiotics (he was a rescue).

I've got some of our past cats cremated and put in cat shaped urns and some of our pets make it to the cemetery plot in the backyard with a plaque that reads:

Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever.

Similar to this one

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

[coolingitdown]

I'm shocked (and delighted) to see there are a lot of animal lovers here. I often get really frustrated watching TV or reading comments elsewhere online and noticing the callous or dismissive attitude a lot of people have towards life that isn't human. It's nice to know that there are plenty of others out there who love our animal friends.

Count me among 'em. My wife and I love our two miniature pinschers and two housecats so much! The hard thing is that the oldest of those four just turned two years old (Sable, who looks just like Amber), so they'll probably all get old together. Enough about me...

So sorry to hear about Amber. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[cjj]

Yes, there are lots of us here. So sorry to hear about Amber after such a fight. I know the feeling, we've had a few in that category over the years, luckily, we all got to enjoy each other for as long as we all could.

Our current count is 9 cats, 2 dogs, and 3 horses (soon to be 4 when Iris foals!). Our oldest, a Siamese Manx named Bob, is pushing 20. He's still in pretty good health, but it's obvious he's getting old...

[rickenbrother]

Shaun, I'm so sorry to hear about Amber!

[teeder]

Sorry for your loss, Shaun. We had to make the same decision last week about our Son's cat.

[henry5]

Scott, that post reduced me to tears (again). We've buried Amber in my sister's garden as we're gearing up for a house move (immaculate timing as usual). Thanks so much for your thoughts, and yours Jonathan. Getting old together sounds like a good thing to me; let's hope it's a way off yet. CJ, that's some count! I hope Bob hangs on in there and keeps 'em all in line! I hope all yours live long and happy lives. Thanks Joey, and Kevin, I'm really sorry to hear that. Obviously my thoughts go out to you, and I hope you're all ok, especially your son.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the posts people have made. It really means a lot to me that in the middle of a bass forum (albeit a rather special one!) people care enough to take the time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[Ivan3000]

The upsetting news that we had concerns our beloved cat Amber, who has been through a lot in the past couple of years including radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. The day after the Azure arrived I took her for her regular checkup and the vet found a tumour in her mouth. If there are any animal lovers out there I'd be grateful for any prayers/positive thoughts; we love her as much as any family member.

Here she is playing tech to my main '72, LB.

Hope she feels better (I would be very upset if my chinchilla got hurt) BTW, those two in the picture...they are both very cute

[jps]

It looks like Amber was playing this on the bass!

[henry5]

Thanks for the thoughts Ivan, but I guess you didn't make it to the second half of the thread. They are cute though....

Jeff, ironically whenever I was doing any singing at home she used to come running in and scratch my legs, I'm assuming because she wanted me to stop!

[johnallg]

Thanks for the thoughts Ivan, but I guess you didn't make it to the second half of the thread. They are cute though....

Jeff, ironically whenever I was doing any singing at home she used to come running in and scratch my legs, I'm assuming because she wanted me to stop!

Your worst critic!

[Rubsoul]

Sorry for your loss, Shaun. Had to make that call last year with our 19 year old Siamese Gwen in 2010.
We still have a herd of 6 here. Also have a 73 Azurglo in the house. That's mine in the appraisals section.
I lived in Harrogate for 4 years in the late 80's. Used to head west on the A-59 and visit Lancs. Had a great Bangers & Mash at a pub near the tower last time I was in BPool. Drink a Theakston Bitter for me will ya.
John

[henry5]

Sorry John, missed this. Been moving house so have been a bit out of sync recently. Sorry to hear about your cat. I'd love to drink some Theakston's but these days it would probably knock me flat (unlike in the old days...!). I'll see what's on offer next time I'm out. I hardly ever drink these days so it doesn't take much; was wiped out recently sharing a couple of Old Rosie's (cider) at the Wizard in Alderely Edge. I'm a big Alan Garner fan and had been wanting to visit since I was 8; the weather was gorgeous and a nice cold glass of cider seemed like a good idea....