It’s Trifextra Weekend Challenge time.
This weekend’s rules: Entrants must write a letter of apology in 33 words exactly. Addresses, salutations, closings, etc. do not count in the 33 words.
Wanna help pick the winners? Click here between Sunday 8pm EST and Monday 8am EST to vote for your top three.
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Dear Toby,
I never should’ve allowed them to convince me to leave the room, because I was pregnant, while you were being put down. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, boy. You deserved better.
Regretfully,
Michele
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OldDogNewTits 
Toby was a mighty fine cat. He’s still missed. Regret is a big Bitch.
And he was privileged to know you, too, H. Thanks.
Wow. What a sad story. You have my vote. Again, wow. This is achingly painful, starkly sobering. And the fact that it is true just makes it have all that much more of a powerful impact. This story packs a powerful, sobering emotional punch. Like a sucker-punch directly in the gut. Regrets can be so painful, they can remain with us for the rest of our lives, hovering in the back of our minds. This is just so sad.
Great story. This deserves to be a winner for sure. I can think of no better apology. You nailed the prompt. Nailed it.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You are hired to write on the back of any book jackets with which I might be associated in the future. 🙂
Again, thanks.
You’re very welcome 🙂 This story really hit me hard, you know that kind of feeling you get when you’re all happy and bouncy and laughy (I think I just made up a word there) and then all of a sudden something comes along and just hits you like a pin deflating a floating balloon. POP-KAPOW. That’s what your writing did for me. You are an excellent storyteller. I am looking forward to that first book! Keep us posted 😉
This is really well done. I really feel for you. 😦
Thanks. It’s been a lot of years but I still feel I cheated him … as well as myself for the closure. My sweet boy continues to haunt me, mostly in my dreams. And, although it’s been a decade now, Dave mistakenly calls Milo by the name Toby from time to time. (No offense, Milo.)
They took our ferret out of the room to do it. I didn’t have a choice, they just said that’s how they did it. We had him frm 9 weeks old, so I know how you feel. I had time to say good-bye, but still broke my heart. 😦
Heck, I call the kids Mojo sometimes by accident. He was as mischievous as a kid. 😉
So sad. Losing a pet is never easy, but especially pregnant. I lost a dog last summer (when I was 8 months pregnant) to a snake bite. I have to believe they forgive us when we can’t be there or make it better.
To a snake bite?!!? That’s horrible. So sorry to hear that.
One year ago I said goodbye to our cat of 15 years at the vet’s office, alone. I didn’t know how I’d react, but it was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to go through. Your piece had an even added layer of sadness because of your absence. I honestly don’t know which one is worse: to watch and say goodbye, or silently say goodbye elsewhere. (Hug!)
I totally agree that either circumstance is awful. In this situation, I just felt like a manipulated coward.
Aw. I was with our 18yr old cat when she breathed her last. I’ll never forget it.
Sorry to hear that. Such a sad moment.
Well done, ODNT.
Thanks, Guap.
It’s so sad to be with an animal when it’s put down. They go so quickly! Happy hunting Toby and I seriously LOVE your blog title!
Thanks.
ohhhhhh…
ooomph….
RIP Toby. Mommy loved you, she just proved it.
well done, Michele. well friggin done.
Well, thanks, Lance. 🙂
Sorry about Toby 😦 He knew you loved him. The vet was kind to him, I’m sure…and you were trying to look out for the baby – its hard to have conflicting responsibilities – right? Well, anyway, well-written. You’ve got one of my votes 😉
Thanks, Libby. I liked yours a lot, too. I just commented on it actually.
It’s so hard to know what’s right in any situation. But I can’t imagine how empty your arms must feel right now.
Even ten years later.
They’re filled with a great new orange tabby. And two kids. But still … 😦
And there are pets who cannot be replaced. I’m sure your new tabby was never intended to replace toby, any more than were the children. He’s got his own slot. I had a cat who I sang “you are my sunshine” to. After he died, it was after my daughter was born before I could handle that song again.
I’m glad the song is part of you again. My kids and I sing it together every night at bedtime and have for years. It’s the state song around these parts. 🙂
Toby, Tippy, Soda Pop, Pepper, Minou – they come into our lives, capture our hearts, and quietly leave us, but with smiles and good memories. Thank you, God, for creating pets. Great entry, Michele.
Thanks, Geege.
Terrific entry…made me teary as I remembered some of my sweet pets…your title, though, cracks me up!
Thanks, sorry and thanks.
That must be one of the most difficult things to do. I brought in my eighteen year old black cat ‘Killer’ last fall. His kidneys were failing. I cried like a baby, and I do not cry often! I am voting this one in honor of my cat!
Im super behind – this was sad……dreading that moment every day as our old fart dog is 13 and little child adores him….thankfully he is still in pretty good shape, though much slower and more stiff these days…
The horse on the other hand…will probably go to college with small child, as horses can go well into their 30s if taken care of properly…