Advice for a (possibly soon-to-be) grieving kitty mom

[Alissa]

My kitty is 17 now. Although she is still around, I have to face the reality of the fact that she won't be for long. I had quite a scare yesterday! I still remember, at age 7, picking her out when she was about 2 weeks old from my friend down the street. She has had her share of health problems lately, from not going to the bathroom (she now gets medicine every day), to her worsening arthritis interfering with her ability to clean herself properly. Yesterday, she didn't seem to want to wake up, and when I picked up her head, she was just limp, like a rag doll. Of course I lost it! As soon as my mom made it downstairs, she had woken up, lifted her head up and was looking around like everything was fine. I'm thrilled that she's still here, but I know it's coming sooner rather then later.... Does anyone have any advice to help me prepare for this fact, and to deal with it afterwards?

[All things Parrot]

Someone who has had many pets, seen some of them pass on. It's very hard thing to deal with, no matter how prepared you are, because fact is you love your pets, like people. Therefore, its going to hurt. So I would suggest taking as many photos with your pet, spending as much time as possible. Always remember all the good times with your pet, maybe even write journal or something.

Never try to forget your pet. It's important to remember them, in time the pain will lessen some. However, they will always be missed.