I'm new to the forum, and reading all of your comments here has made me want to post too.
Until least Saturday, we had three cats- two 'lap cats' called Smudge and Sam, and a fiercely independent moggy called George. At around two o'clock last Saturday afternoon, I recieved a phonecall, asking me if I was George's owner... she had been crossing the road in the village, and hit by a car. I got to her in a matter of seconds, but it was too late. As far as I could tell, there was nothing broken, but she had gone, and I can only assume that it was instant, and that she felt little pain... I'm glad about that.
I am bereft. I thought I was feeling better, but I'm really not... I've just watched the 'Rainbow Bridge' animation, and now I'm in hysterics again. I feel bad for a few reasons really... that I feel almost relieved that I don't have to worry about which road she's trying to cross (I used to cringe every time I heard a car horn, or squeaking brakes, and I'd lie awake worrying if we hadn't managed to get her in at night)- it all makes me feel rather guilty. She was never a particularly easy cat to like, because she was so independent and really only needed us for food and a house, and was rather short tempered and quick to lash out, but of course I loved her no end.
Because of the gap she left, we went to the shelter this week, and took home a big boy, who's going to need a lot of work and patience (24 hours in , and I can't get near him!)... was it too soon? He isn't a George replacement, but I just feel we have so much to give to a homeless cat...
I'm sorry for waffling... you must all think I'm crackers (I am...!). Is it wrong to grieve so much for a pet?
I'd never haerd of the rainbow bridge... I think it's beautiful, and I'm praying for George to send me her rainbow. I hope I haven't missed it.