Oh, Michelle...again, I am so sorry that you have to endure this...I agree with what has already been said, if he's resting comfortably and in no obvious pain or discomfort, I'd let him be. I agree with what one member mentioned awhile back (I think it was Sally)...animals understand better than we do that death is very much a part of the cycle of life. If asked, they much prefer to go on their own as the process of dying prepares their souls for their next existance (hopefully, there are more margaritas on the other side...). :) But some babies do need our help from time to time as they are a little unsure of the journey ahead.
For what it's worth, I can tell you about our Leo's passing...his bone marrow was shot and he only had a matter of a few days left in him...he became unresponsive one night, just laid in a single spot and couldn't move. We were undecided about whether to take him to the emergency vet or not to help him cross when we asked a neighbor (she used to be a vet tech) to come see him. We all agreed that he didn't appear to be in any obvious pain and was resting comfortably...so we gave him until morning to see what happened hoping that he would pass peacefully in the night. Well, the next morning came and he was still with us...I sat next to him and called his name, and, unbelievably, he looked at me and let out a little whimper! Something he hadn't done in 24 hours. Leo continued to rally for the next few days actually getting up to use the litter box and take a few sips of water...we were thrilled! And then on the third day, he crashed again...he had a vet appointment anyway so we took him in to see what could be done (if anything at all). It was getting harder and harder for him to breathe and we knew he wouldn't make it much longer. The vet left us to make the agonizing decision whether to try a transfusion or to help end his suffering...in that time Leo made the decision for us...he collapsed and I held him while telling him it was okay...to go on ahead and say "hi" to all of the others for us. The whole episode lasted only a few minutes...I can't say that it was the easiest thing to watch...but I knew that he was gone well before his body started to shut down. When it was over, I couldn't help but feel a weight lifted, knowing that he was no longer in any pain, knowing that he went on his own, and, just as importantly, knowing that we did everything that we could...it was just his time. I was able to cope with his passing much easier than all of the others (who were assisted to the other side) because I didn't have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something else could have been done. I could really focus on the good memories of my sweet little boy. Just be sure to let Simon know that it's okay to go on ahead...you'll catch up to him at a later time! :) Take care and stay strong...you guys are in my thoughts! Jen -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 2:00 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Simon I think that Simon is dying, but I am not sure. Just two hours or so ago, maybe more, he was lying on his back with his legs spread apart getting belly rubs from me and my partner and purring incredibly loudly. He ate two bites of food. He got up and laid down on his side and seemed to sleep. After a half hour or so he got up and moved and looked uncomfortable to me, but still purred when I pet him. So I gave him 50 c of fluids, thinking he might be dehydrated. After the fluids he got up and walked a few steps, then meowed plaintively twice and laid down and was breathing and twice normal speed but otherwise not moving. His breathing slowed to slower than normal after a few seconds and he has just been lying there quietly on his side ever since with his eyes closed. I am not sure if he is sleeping. he opened his eyes and looked at me once, then lifted his head and licked his lips as if nauseous. He was due for a reglan so I gave it to him. He then put his head back down and closed his eyes and is still lying still like that, breathing slowly. he is not panting or gasping, his mouth is closed, he is not making any noises. He is not purring either, though, when I pet him. I do not know if he is asleep or just very weak. I am not sure what happened when I gave him the fluids. A friend who called me said I should euthanize him. My partner says not to, that he seems peaceful and may go peacefully on his own, but my partner is also against euthanasia. I really am not sure what to do. I generally think it is better to go peacefully on one's own than to get a shot, if it is possible. He looks peaceful, but I do not know how he feels. My partner also says that he turned around so much last night after 8 hours of hiding and looking miserable to suddenly wanting pets and belly rubs and eating some and drinking, that maybe something just happened from the fluids and he will sleep it off and have a little bit more quality time. Everyone says you just "know" by looking at them what to do and when. I do not agree, for me at least. I really don't know. I feel torn between people who think that once the death process starts it is cruel not to euthanize because why put them through this, and people who are totally against euthanasia. I feel like if there were a standard for doing it with humans I might find comfort in that and feel I could know it was time with an animal, but suffering is suffering so if no one would euthanize a human in the stat that simon is in then why is it that people think it is cruel not to euthanize him? I have been laying by his side all day, and all last night, and all yesterday. Some people say that not euthanizing is selfish and is for the human, but I know that I will soon have to mourn him and it is not like it is easier for me to lay here and watch him go through all these little rollercoasters. I really do just want to do what is best for him, but just do not know what that is. Michelle
