I am sorry Drake. That's really sad. Cat's will get themselves into a whole lot of troubles. They're curious and just follow their nose with caution to the wind. Your neighbor was right. It isn't your fault. Peace.

I can't stop seeing him lying there in the floorboard of my truck. That poor guy must've been terrified.

deep breaths Drake. Maybe say a prayer for him. Or go to church and light a candle. I don't know if religion is your thing - but I think honoring him in some way might ease your mind a little.

and just had a thought. sometimes cats when they know they are going to pass, they go to weird places to pass on their own. He might have been sick already and was just finding a place for himself to be on his own.

Ouchie Papa. That would haunt me, too.

Hope healing happens here. Genuine sorrow for all that this happened.

So sorry you are going through this. I know it's got to be hard. It wasn't your fault. I know sometimes things happen that are upsetting, but that's just life and there is nothing we can do about it. Try to forgive yourself.

That is indeed a sad and tragic event. It wasn’t your fault. I cry when I run over raccoons so I get it. I think this is something only time can heal

I think you have to give yourself a break on this one, you definitely did nothing wrong or intentional. It's not so much that bad things happen, but the span of life has to occur or the world would have no room for all of the new animals born into it everyday. Animals get themselves into troubles all on their own and go through their lives.

I've had various cats over the years, I'm a cat person, but I'm not a "pets are people" kind of person, they're pets. I have a small antique bird bath in one of my garden's as a memorial for passed pets. Maybe you could put a small "smokey" bird feeder or garden decoration, just something to make you think fondly of Smokey when you look at it in your or your neighbors yard.

I'm so sorry that happened. I know that has to be really hard to process. It's one thing to know it's not your fault and you didnt do it intentionally but its something else to accept it, heal and let it go.

A few years ago one of my parents' cats fell in the pool, got caught under the pool cover in the middle of the night, and drowned. I kept imagining what he must have gone through and kept reliving the event. I can understand if maybe you feel everything intensely like I do that what happened truly devestates you.

Maybe a few days of just keeping your mind engaged in other things, and staying busy will make it feel farther away. Time might be the only thing that helps. Others have given great ideas and reassurances, just keep telling yourself theres nothing you could have done differently and it wasn't your fault. Sometimes bad things just happen.

Hugs.

Gentle hug..... I am really sorry that this happened to you both..... This was an accident ... It wasn't anyone's fault

Another hug and a blessing....xo

Thank you all. I bought my neighbor a figurine. It's a kitten with Angel wings. I think giving her that as a memorial can help. Seeing Smoky lying in my truck will hopefully fade with time. You all are awesome. Big hugs.

I’m so sorry that happened. You were so kind to do that for your neighbor. I’m sure it was appreciated.

My father once pulled away with the family cat on the top of the car. Needless to say the cat didn’t survive the injuries. Not to make light of the situation, but accidents can happen all the time to animals.

So sorry you went through that. Not your fault at all. Of course it’s a fragile thing so give it some time, but don’t think it’s your fault. As everyone said animals can get into all sorts of situations and it was perhaps just his time in a place of comfort. Peace and hugs.

The kitten with Angel Wings figurine sounds like the perfect memorial gesture for Smokey.

Take care,