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Cat of 17 years, Fiver, gone today. A few words on that.
7 years ago
I went to the vet's office with a huge weight on my shoulders and left with the weight moved to my heart, where it can heal.
It was time. My cat of 17 years, Fiver, the best cat that ever lived was put to sleep this morning. He had a good long life. A healthy life up until this last year when he needed some teeth removed and at the same time, developed something that caused him to eat less and less and thin down from fourteen pounds to 5 over a year, the last 6 over the last 3 months. Testing, so much spent on testing turned up some hints but only invasive procedures would give more info and even then it's not likely it would be something that could be reversed. Remember, 17.
I'm glad I stayed with him to the end. It was comforting to me to see the medicine they gave him to relax put him in a place he hasn't been in a while. I petted him and talked to him and then in the end, I had closure. He was gone but I saw his peace and I was there with him. Seeing him wilt slowly was a huge weight that's gone. Hurts like hell but that hurt heals.
The thing I want to communicate is that as hard as it is, when it's time, it's time. Don't watch your pet debilitated by age or illness dwindle too long. When that quality of life is gone, they spend the days trying to sleep and are obviously uncomfortable, it's time to decide. Don't keep them around for you. When it's time, be that loving owner, do the thing for them that shows how much you love them.
It was time. My cat of 17 years, Fiver, the best cat that ever lived was put to sleep this morning. He had a good long life. A healthy life up until this last year when he needed some teeth removed and at the same time, developed something that caused him to eat less and less and thin down from fourteen pounds to 5 over a year, the last 6 over the last 3 months. Testing, so much spent on testing turned up some hints but only invasive procedures would give more info and even then it's not likely it would be something that could be reversed. Remember, 17.
I'm glad I stayed with him to the end. It was comforting to me to see the medicine they gave him to relax put him in a place he hasn't been in a while. I petted him and talked to him and then in the end, I had closure. He was gone but I saw his peace and I was there with him. Seeing him wilt slowly was a huge weight that's gone. Hurts like hell but that hurt heals.
The thing I want to communicate is that as hard as it is, when it's time, it's time. Don't watch your pet debilitated by age or illness dwindle too long. When that quality of life is gone, they spend the days trying to sleep and are obviously uncomfortable, it's time to decide. Don't keep them around for you. When it's time, be that loving owner, do the thing for them that shows how much you love them.
I have to pat you on the back for being so brave. I couldn't get my self to stay until the end. I was crying like a baby both times. It's been a year and I still open the door slowly so I won't spook them lol. Then I remember, they're not there, and then I have a laugh at how they weasel war danced any time I scared them with opening the door too quickly lol
Our pets show us unconditional love, the least we can do is show them the same love when that time comes. You did the right thing! *hugs*