Re: Andy is gone
Ah Jaime, my heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry. You do know Andy was a trooper. He fought hard but his body was dying...his spirit will always be within you. He will always be looking down at you. The time will come when he will be with you again. I'm sure he will send another furbaby your way to say in your mind "Hey Mom you gotta help this one!" that is in need. I didn't really want to open this email but I read it slow. I have to admit before I even got on to the second paragragh I couldn't contain myself. I did shed some tears I remember all your postings on him whether they were good or bad. He was a kick in the pants especially when you got the big puppy in which now is a huge adult puppy. Gosh, I even remember that! Anyway you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I send many hugs your way! In a message dated 5/23/2005 4:47:58 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nip
Re: Andy is gone
Jamie, I am so sorry Andy has left you but you have such sweet, sweet memories. How wonderful to have compassionate vet and techs at this terrible time of your life. Hugs, Del - Original Message - From: Jamie Laws To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 6:47 PM Subject: Andy is gone Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I
Re: Andy is gone
Jamie I'm so, so sorry your sweet Andy is gone. We know all about the "never agains" someone should write a book, that would be a sweet sad read. Andy is happy now and in no pain, it will take time for your heart to begin to heal, but it will happen. Just know that we are all here for you. Take care yourself and Abe. Sheila
Re: Andy is gone
Jamie, I am so sorry that you had to endure this awful thing; it hurts so much to let go. You captured the essence of Andy in your never agains; he was special and will always be a part of your life. SharonJamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at my computer. I will never. There are millions of those and I think that's the worst part. I guess the bright spot is I think I found a new vet. Their office visits seem really high to me, but they were just so wonderful to me. After it was done, t
Re: Andy is gone
Oh, Jamie, what a horrible day for you and Andy. I am so sorry. I wish I could say something that would help. You will be in my prayers.Jamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at my computer. I will never. There are millions of those and I think that's the worst part. I guess the bright spot is I think I found a new vet. Their office visits seem really high to me, but they were just so wonderful to me. After it was done, the vet and the tech both said to just go on out the front since they saw
Re: Andy is gone
Dear Jamie, I am sharing in your sorrow and tears as I read your heartfilled email. I am so sorry to hear about Andy. My heart goes out to you at this time. Carla Date sent: Mon, 23 May 2005 16:47:36 -0700 (PDT) From: Jamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Andy is gone Send reply to: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do > appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else > I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- > it was good to "meet" you for the first time. > > I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was > in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every > person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's > chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very > first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. > > Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to > commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this > long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the > beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in > shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% > sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. > Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye > and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" > And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I > didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he > just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak > and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was > not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we > were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a > bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and > told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came > and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with > him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was > washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. > Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). > But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and > went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So > I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my > husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms > and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting > type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a > little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So > then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming > it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since > he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I > am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep > him through the night to spend a little more time together. That > was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be > okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I > called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get > out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could > get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we > will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even > mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with > a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 > minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be > treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours > start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." > > Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment > area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed > his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never > witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all > too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his > eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone > until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The > "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will nev
RE: Andy is gone
Title: Message Jamie, I was away for a few days and just read this post. I am so sorry about Andy. This disease strikes so quickly. Puff, who died many years ago, was fine for 3 years and then all of a sudden stopped eating. I, like you, tried everything to keep her with me, but there came a time that she just had to leave. I know both you and Abe will miss him, but try to remember to love and joy he brought into your lives. Take care and again, I am so sad and sorry for your loss, Joan -Original Message-From: Jamie Laws [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 7:48 PMTo: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Andy is gone Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped.&
RE Andy is gone...
In a message dated 5/23/2005 7:47:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I guess the bright spot is I think I found a new vet. Their office visits seem really high to me, but they were just so wonderful to me. After it was done, the vet and the tech both said to just go on out the front since they saw me getting my wallet out to pay. I am getting his ashes on Thursday so they said to just take care of it then. I swear, my old vet would have followed me out to the front and told the girls at the front desk "she hasn't paid for the euthanasia yet." He has the bedside manner of a barracuda. But anyway, that's it. My head is pounding from crying so much so I am going to make myself a stiff drink now and piddle around in my garden for a while. What a sad day.Jamie Jamie, I am so sorry about Andy.what an ordeal for youtake peace in knowing he is in a better place...happy and healthy waiting to be reunited with you one day...My Recent Angel Akira will be waiting to welcome him to his new forever home.bless you for caring for himreading your story was so scary to me...that is almost exactly what happened with Akira and I..I went to the vet to get her treated...my boyfriend had gone to work.I had to call him at work and tell him that it was time for her to go.he felt awful..his last thoughts and words to her were begging her to hang on..for the treatmenthe had me tell her he loved her...and was sorry he couldn't be there At least both of you were there for Andyand Im sure he appreciates it Lisa and the furbratsAkira, Indy, Spooky, Mona, Lancelot, Bowtie, Bennie and Anza
Re: Andy is gone
Jamie, I am so sorry. I am behind and skipped ahead when I saw this message, so I don't know what all was going on with Andy, but I am so very, very sorry. Please take care of yourself, and post and cry as much as you please. That's what the list is for. I hope when you're feeling up to it you will check in and let us know how you and Abe and Miss Mouse, and didn't you have one more kitty?? have been doing. It sounds like Apollo is doing fine. tonyaJamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at
RE: Andy is gone
“He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at my computer. I will never. There are millions of those and I think that's the worst part” But you & your husband will always have those memories in your heart….. and Andy was hanging on to tell the two of you that…. Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jamie Laws Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 7:48 PM To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Andy is gone Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes
Re: Andy is gone
Hi all. Again I apologize while I try and figure out the "digest" mode. I realized I had missed a few posts- since they are numbered I know where to look now. I think I figured it out now but I am feeling a little brain dead at the moment. Thanks to you all for your words of support. I never thought my messages to people in grief were helpful. I mean, how could they be? I can't make their pet come back and "sorry for your loss" doesn't seem to be quite enough. But now I know from the other end of the stick that it DOES help. Miss Mouse and Barney seem okay. Barney sat with Andy this afternoon and kept trying to clean him up. Barney is the self-designated face washer. Cats, dogs, humans, whatever. If you sit still he will wash your face for you. And Andy loved it. So I didn't stop him. The dogs were surprised and suspicious that I allowed them on the couch with me this evening but I did. So it was me, Abe, 2 cats, a Great Dane and a Pitbull/boxer mix all on the couch. Just what I needed. Then the husband and I had 2 big old Rum and Cokes and strolled the yard. We did a huge amount of work this weekend outside and Abe said "well, the rum has numbed the pain in my body but not my heart." So true. I think it's harder for him because he won't let his feelings out. I just do my unabashed bawling without apology. He met me after his National Guard thing so he was at the vet in uniform. No way he'd cry. Holding it in is so much harder. Andy was his special guy. At night he always says "but where's Andy?" And will go seek him out to bring him in bed with us. He doesn't do that with any of the others. So I know this is hard for him. He just keeps coming to me and hugging me but I think it's as much for himself as it is for me. Well thanks to all of you for everything. I will take your advise. Now it's off for a hot shower and I am getting in bed. I was up until almost 1am just worried sick about Andy so I am exhausted anyway. Maybe I will be able to sleep in peace tonight knowing that he is. Glad y'all are out there. Goodnight. Jamie__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Andy is gone
Dear Jamie You've been through hell and high water today saying goodbye to your brave little Andy. After reading your heart-wrenching account I can safely say there are cat-people all over North America and probably worldwide crying with you tonight, me among them. In among all the horror of what you all endured today (and what you and Abe are still enduring), I am quietly glad for you and Andy that you found such a good-hearted vet. Not many would have had the compassion and presence of mind to say that they were "not making the call now," so that your husband could say goodbye too. That was so important. I know what it's like to be in that situation--you're so vulnerable you tend to go along with what the vet says, and I'm not so sure any vet I've used would have had the compassion yours had, all the way down the line. That will be one of Andy's most important legacies. He led you to that wonderful vet. It's so awful and agonizing and cruel that Andy lost his brave fight for life, but I'm glad that he was afforded the sensitivity and kindness from his vet that every pet should have (but sadly doesn't) in their last moments. It goes without saying that he couldn't have wished to have a more loving, caring mom and dad than you and Abe by his side. Thank you for everything you did and were to Andy. Thinking of you, and hoping you will eventually be comforted by all the warm memories of your good times with your dear little furball. With love and hugs, Kerry - Original Message - From: Jamie Laws To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 6:47 PM Subject: Andy is gone Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could
Re: Andy is gone
Jamie, I'm so sorry. I know what you mean, it gets me too - a ton of bricks. You shared a wonderful life with your baby Andy. My heart goes out to you. Gloria At 06:47 PM 5/23/2005, you wrote: ... The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at my computer. I will never. There are millions of those and I think that's the worst part. I guess the bright spot is I think I found a new vet. Their office visits seem really high to me, but they were just so wonderful to me. After it was done, the vet and the tech both said to just go on out the front since they saw me getting my wallet out to pay. I am getting his ashes on Thursday so they said to just take care of it then. I swear, my old vet would have followed me out to the front and told the girls at the front desk "she hasn't paid for the euthanasia yet." He has the bedside manner of a barracuda. But anyway, that's it. My head is pounding from crying so much so I am going to make myself a stiff drink now and piddle around in my garden for a while. What a sad day. Jamie
RE: Andy is gone
Sorry for your loss of Andy. From: Jamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Andy is gone Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 16:47:36 -0700 (PDT) Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at my computer. I will never.
Re: Andy is gone
Oh, Jamie, I'm so sorry to hear about Andy. It is so hard to lose them, especially when they have to go through such harsh endings. (I can't imagine I could ever survive seeing one of my cats do a poop of blood, I'd have a heart attack and die on the spot) I do think that in some way, his troubles did lead you to a vet you can trust now though. Maybe that was Andy's way of making sure your next kitty gets a really great vet! That vet sounds like a keeper. R.I.P. Andy! In Sympathy, Jenn No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.15 - Release Date: 5/22/2005
Re: Andy is gone
This blasted disease. Geez, Jamie -- I don't post much anymore, but I have to say that after being here since 1999, I feel like Andy was sort of "my" boy too. I still remember your funny stories about the darling things he used to do, and that hysterical story you posted about the psych drug and the pharmacist all those years ago. I weep with you. Try not to dwell on the "never agains"...you'll go crazy. Think instead about all of those endearing things that were uniquely Andy. Treasure his memory. In the meantime, he's free now -- and he's at the Bridge with my Samantha, Arielle, Alec, Gareth and Ruthie. Big hugs to you and to Abe. =^..^= Terri, Salome', Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth and Alec =^..^= Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350 - Original Message - From: Barb Moermond To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 8:05 PM Subject: Re: Andy is gone Oh Jamie, I'm crying with you. First, let me say "go with the new clinic!". My clinic is kinda pricey, but the way they treat me and my boys makes it worth every cent. I'm so so so sorry it was Andy's time, but I'm glad that you (with the help of Abe) had the strength to help him make it a relatively peaceful passing. The "never agains" will drive you crazy, try to shift the angle at which you're looking at the memories. "remember how sweet it was when he did that little cold nose bumping?" try to celebrate his memories instead of mourn them. Focus on the blessing of his presence in your life and what he brought to your home and family, instead of his current absence. For a while, this will be done through tears, I know and remember that and that's OK. But focusing on what a good loving life he had with you and that he's free of pain and illness now will help you while the pain is so fresh. I wish I could give you a big hug right now - we could get tipsy and putz around in the garden. How is Miss Mouse doing? Had they been particular friends? And how's Apollo? The only piece of practical advice I'm going to offer is to try to get enough sleep this week - even if you don't fall asleep right away, go to bed on time. Spend some extra time w/the other members of the household - you can comfort each other a great deal I'm sure. Our thoughts and tears are with you and yours. <<<<<<<>>>>>>> barbJamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (
Re: Andy is gone
jamie, i am so sorry i didn't know you from before, but have been reading all the posts what a great vet you found, tho i wish you hadn't had to GLOW for all who loved andy... -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Andy is gone
Oh Jamie, I'm crying with you. First, let me say "go with the new clinic!". My clinic is kinda pricey, but the way they treat me and my boys makes it worth every cent. I'm so so so sorry it was Andy's time, but I'm glad that you (with the help of Abe) had the strength to help him make it a relatively peaceful passing. The "never agains" will drive you crazy, try to shift the angle at which you're looking at the memories. "remember how sweet it was when he did that little cold nose bumping?" try to celebrate his memories instead of mourn them. Focus on the blessing of his presence in your life and what he brought to your home and family, instead of his current absence. For a while, this will be done through tears, I know and remember that and that's OK. But focusing on what a good loving life he had with you and that he's free of pain and illness now will help you while the pain is so fresh. I wish I could give you a big hug right now - we could get tipsy and putz around in the garden. How is Miss Mouse doing? Had they been particular friends? And how's Apollo? The only piece of practical advice I'm going to offer is to try to get enough sleep this week - even if you don't fall asleep right away, go to bed on time. Spend some extra time w/the other members of the household - you can comfort each other a great deal I'm sure. Our thoughts and tears are with you and yours. <<<>>> barbJamie Laws <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe ther
Andy is gone
Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond about Andy. I do appreciate it. Barb, Sharon, Yvonne, Terrie, Belinda and anyone else I may have missed- it was good to hear from you again. To the others- it was good to "meet" you for the first time. I did take him to the vet first thing this morning. Dr. Caldwell was in surgery so I saw Dr. Baxter instead. Also a very nice man. Every person in that place has just been wonderful! He looked at Andy's chart and said he hoped I didn't think of them as "bad" since my very first experience there has been this ordeal with my baby boy. Anyway, he was very straight forward and said while he wanted to commend me on an outstanding job taking care of a Felv+ cat for this long, that there was not much he could do and that this was the beginning of the end. Whatever was going on had his insides in shreds. The vet said even if I WANTED him to run tests, he was 99% sure that Andy would not come out of the sedation in that state. Barb- it was so strange. He held up Andy's face so we were eye to eye and said "Mrs. Laws, tell me, do you really see Andy there anymore?" And the answer was no. So I started bawling and babbling about how I didn't warn my husband that this was a possibility this morning and he just went to work without saying goodbye. I mean I was a crying freak and I just met the man! So he gave me a small TOWEL and said I was not having a "Kleenex cry" so to take a towel. Then he told me we were not making the call right now, and not like that. He gave him a bag of fluids and a shot of Prednisone and told me to talk to my husband first. I went back to work, then came and got Andy at lunch. I took him home and spent the afternoon with him. He pooped blood all over himself TWICE. The second time I was washing him off in the sink and he had one of his episodes (Dr. Baxter said these were probably small strokes rather than seizures). But this time it lasted a long, long time. He quit breathing and went limp in my arms. No noise, no chest movement. He was gone. So I laid him on the floor on the towel and my phone rang, it was my husband. So I was hysterical telling him Andy just died in my arms and I was freaking out. Right then, Andy let out this gaspy, panting type breath and started convulsing. Then he just kind of sat up a little bit like nothing happened! But he was dead I tell you. So then I really freaked out and said "he's not dead!" I mean screaming it. So Abe (husband) asked what freeway the new vet was off of since he was on his way home. I told him where it was and he just said "I am meeting you there right now." So I knew. I was not going to keep him through the night to spend a little more time together. That was it. He was suffering and I was thinking of what I needed to be okay and not Andy. I wrapped him in a towel and drove to the vet. I called first and again, just crying into the phone I managed to get out "I had my cat in there this morning and..." that's all I could get out. The poor girl who answered said "I'm so sorry Jamie, we will see you in a minute." She knew my name and I hadn't even mentioned the cat's name. Guess I was the only bawling woman in with a cat today. Anyway, I managed to choke out "but you close in 15 minutes." She just said "we'll be here." It was so wonderful to be treated with compassion. My old vet would have said "well ER hours start in 15 minutes so just be prepared to pay double." Anyway, I met Abe there and Dr. Baxter took us back to the treatment area. Andy laid on the table very still and I petting him and kissed his little face as the vet gave him the injection. I have never witnessed an animal bing PTS in real life. I'm sorry if this is all too graphic but it helps me to get it out. I was surprised that his eyes didn't close and nothing changed. I didn't realize he was gone until the vet said "ok, his heart stopped." Then I lost it. The "never agains" hit me like a ton of bricks. He will never do his cold nose bumping and tiny front teeth nipping on my husband's inner arm trying to get him to pet him. He will never serve as my "fun police" when I want my great dane to stop bringing his toy to me. I would just lay it on the coffee table right next to Andy who was always ready with his right hook. That kept Apollo in check. He would NOT go for that toy if Andy was sitting by it. :) I will never again have my soft little lap warmer as I sit at my computer. I will never. There are millions of those and I think that's the worst part. I guess the bright spot is I think I found a new vet. Their office visits seem really high to me, but they were just so wonderful to me. After it was done, the vet and the tech both said to just go on out the front since they saw me getting my wallet out to pay. I am getting his ashes on Thursday so they said to just take care of it then. I swear, my old vet would have followed me out to the front and
