Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gina C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you all for your kind thoughts and suggestions for Tomi. He had a pretty good day yesterday, he was watching the birds outside the window for awhile and purring as I petted him. He was even interested in eating some food. Today was not such a good day. He seemed ok first thing this morning, but when I gave him a bit of food, he promptly vomited up. He was then a little out of breath from vomiting, and cried a bit because I believe he was scared as he was trying to catch his breath. He also peed himself for the first time ever :( After that, he had no energy to move all day. He basically stayed in my bedroom the whole day, lying under the sink. I gave him some towels to lie on, and he peed again tonight on those, too weak to get up. My vet clinic doesn't do house calls, so if I need to euthanize him, i'll have to call around and see if anyone will do a house call. I don't think he can handle a car ride at all now. Even the thought of putting him to sleep has me in tears every time, but I think he's at the point now that he is getting no pleasure out of life. I think he is waiting to die :( Cassandra - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra - No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM Visit my Tigger Tales site! - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible new car smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Cassandra, Love to you and to Tomi. My heart hurts with you. elizabeth On 4/28/07, C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you all for your kind thoughts and suggestions for Tomi. He had a pretty good day yesterday, he was watching the birds outside the window for awhile and purring as I petted him. He was even interested in eating some food. Today was not such a good day. He seemed ok first thing this morning, but when I gave him a bit of food, he promptly vomited up. He was then a little out of breath from vomiting, and cried a bit because I believe he was scared as he was trying to catch his breath. He also peed himself for the first time ever :( After that, he had no energy to move all day. He basically stayed in my bedroom the whole day, lying under the sink. I gave him some towels to lie on, and he peed again tonight on those, too weak to get up. My vet clinic doesn't do house calls, so if I need to euthanize him, i'll have to call around and see if anyone will do a house call. I don't think he can handle a car ride at all now. Even the thought of putting him to sleep has me in tears every time, but I think he's at the point now that he is getting no pleasure out of life. I think he is waiting to die :( Cassandra - Original Message - *From:* C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM *Subject:* I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Cassandra, You and Tomi are in my thoughts and prayers. tonya Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oh Cassandra, I am so sorry. Kelley On 4/29/07, elizabeth trent wrote: Cassandra, Love to you and to Tomi. My heart hurts with you. elizabeth On 4/28/07, C J wrote: Thank you all for your kind thoughts and suggestions for Tomi. He had a pretty good day yesterday, he was watching the birds outside the window for awhile and purring as I petted him. He was even interested in eating some food. Today was not such a good day. He seemed ok first thing this morning, but when I gave him a bit of food, he promptly vomited up. He was then a little out of breath from vomiting, and cried a bit because I believe he was scared as he was trying to catch his breath. He also peed himself for the first time ever :( After that, he had no energy to move all day. He basically stayed in my bedroom the whole day, lying under the sink. I gave him some towels to lie on, and he peed again tonight on those, too weak to get up. My vet clinic doesn't do house calls, so if I need to euthanize him, i'll have to call around and see if anyone will do a house call. I don't think he can handle a car ride at all now. Even the thought of putting him to sleep has me in tears every time, but I think he's at the point now that he is getting no pleasure out of life. I think he is waiting to die :( Cassandra - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health. He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Joey! http://www.firstgiving.com/Joey1
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and suggestions for Tomi. He had a pretty good day yesterday, he was watching the birds outside the window for awhile and purring as I petted him. He was even interested in eating some food. Today was not such a good day. He seemed ok first thing this morning, but when I gave him a bit of food, he promptly vomited up. He was then a little out of breath from vomiting, and cried a bit because I believe he was scared as he was trying to catch his breath. He also peed himself for the first time ever :( After that, he had no energy to move all day. He basically stayed in my bedroom the whole day, lying under the sink. I gave him some towels to lie on, and he peed again tonight on those, too weak to get up. My vet clinic doesn't do house calls, so if I need to euthanize him, i'll have to call around and see if anyone will do a house call. I don't think he can handle a car ride at all now. Even the thought of putting him to sleep has me in tears every time, but I think he's at the point now that he is getting no pleasure out of life. I think he is waiting to die :( Cassandra - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Cassandra~~Bless Tomi and bless you. Taylor Scobie Humphrey [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Apr 28, 2007, at 9:57 PM, C J wrote: Thank you all for your kind thoughts and suggestions for Tomi. He had a pretty good day yesterday, he was watching the birds outside the window for awhile and purring as I petted him. He was even interested in eating some food. Today was not such a good day. He seemed ok first thing this morning, but when I gave him a bit of food, he promptly vomited up. He was then a little out of breath from vomiting, and cried a bit because I believe he was scared as he was trying to catch his breath. He also peed himself for the first time ever :( After that, he had no energy to move all day. He basically stayed in my bedroom the whole day, lying under the sink. I gave him some towels to lie on, and he peed again tonight on those, too weak to get up. My vet clinic doesn't do house calls, so if I need to euthanize him, i'll have to call around and see if anyone will do a house call. I don't think he can handle a car ride at all now. Even the thought of putting him to sleep has me in tears every time, but I think he's at the point now that he is getting no pleasure out of life. I think he is waiting to die :( Cassandra - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM
I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
At 02:18 PM 4/25/2007, you wrote: there are many wonderful vets that will come to your home to help them cross, Make sure you find one that will pre sedate,I takes about 10 minutes longer but makes all the difference, I have been there twice recently, the first time big d did not have an IV so the vet gave hime a small sedating injestion sub q that he did not even feel, He very peacefully just dozed of safely in my arms, and then the vet administered the rest and he just looked so peaceful and comfortable, The last time last month my kitty was having resp problems, and that is so ver very hard to watch, Two steps and he was out of breath, He had a pulmonary embolism, He was at the emergency vets and so he had an IV, the kind vet administered a tranquilizer and he becane very comfortable, She wrapped him in a blanket and brought him to me... I cried and said my last good byes and petted him and held him close while the vet just used the iv to that last medication,, and he too just gently crossed over, It was of course harder on me and still is. all my very good thoughts for you ,,,this si so very very hard, I know. I am so very very sorry, Kelly L I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM
RE: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
My thoughts and prayers are with you Cassandra. I agree that making him endure a horrifying car ride and having to go to the vet's office with the scary smells, sights, sounds, would not be fair. I would contact your vet and see if he/she would visit. It would be very compassionate of you to let Tomi go in your arms where he is loved and where he only knows safety and happiness. Whatever you decide, you'll know that you were a wonderful person to Tomi! Hugs, Melissa _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of C J Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Oh Cassandra! I know EXACTLY how you're feeling!! I had my Slinky for only 8 months and we grew even closer than we already had during the weeks I was nursing him and praying he'd recover. I agree with Melissa. If he's uncomfortable and not having a good quality of life, you may want to consider euthanizing him. He will tell you when it's time...you'll notice that his eyes are empty, that he's getting no enjoyment out of life, that he's not himself. If you are able to quiet your thoughts with all the emotions and fears clamoring for your attention, you'll be able to hear him tell you what he wants. With Slinky, I had hoped and prayed that he would go on his own...that way it wouldn't feel like a decision I made. But I could really tell...somehow I just knew...when he was ready to go. After the appointment (much later when I was able to process some of it), I realized that I think he needed me to make that decision for him. While I had told him that I would do whatever he wanted me to do and that it was okay for him to go, I did so through tears (I wasn't strong enough to stop them). And I think he knew better...I really honestly believe that he was fighting for ME...that he wanted to be there to take care of me because he knew I needed him. I think that if I hadn't helped him to go, he would have held on to the bitter end and it would have been the most painful awful existance he could've had. I think by making the decision to end his fight, I was sending him the message loud and clear that it was okay for him to go. Every time we went to the vet in those last few days/weeks (and going to the vet was never terribly traumatic for Slink, so it didn't bother me...but I know it can be horrible for other cats), I told him we were going to see Dr. Garrison and see if she could make him feel better. When we went to that last appointment, I had dreaded that moment, and trying to figure out what I was going to tell him. But the words came...and I told him that we were going to see Dr. Garrison so she could help him go to the bridge, so she coud help him leave his sick and tired body...and that I was giving him the only gift I had left to give: a peaceful bridge crossing. I picked up his ashes today when I took my new baby to the vet...so all this is a bit raw at the moment. But it just means I understand completely how you're feeling. If it's terribly traumatic for Tomi to go to the vet, as Melissa said, many vets will come to your house for pts...for that very reason. If your vet won't do that, there are house-call vets that you could call. Of course the final decision is yours (and Tomi's). I remember someone on here saying they waited 'till their baby went on his own and by the end they were begging God to take him because he was suffering so much. I'd hate to see you or Tomi go through that. Their little spirits love us so much that they'll endure almost anything to stay with us. It's our job to steward that love and trust and make the best decisions we can with the information we have at the moment. If that information changes later, that doesn't necessarily mean the decision was wrong (thanks for that pearl of wisdom, MC!). Only you can know what the best decision is in this situation. Just love him as much as you can and try to listen (and be willing to hear) to what he wants you to do. ((Cassandra This is some of the worst pain you can go through...hang in there and keep us updated. We're all here for you!! Hugs to you and head bonks to Tomi. Marissa, Mouse, and Angel Slinky =^..^= C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Cassandra, I don't know if this would be appropriate, but my Spencer benefited from daily Dexamethasone shots I gave him subq. He was failing fast and the dex made him feel so much better and gave him another month of quality living. He did so much better with the steroid shots that I even began to hope once again that he would recover. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. I will always be grateful for my time with him and esp for that last extra month. When it was clear that his time was at an end, when it was apparent to me that he was ready to go on, I had a house call vet come to the house to help him on his way. You might want to ask your vet if he thinks steroid shots would help Tomi, and if he could recommend a house call vet. Blessings to you both, Nina C J wrote: I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
The Royal Princess Kitty Katt hated cars and vets too. So much so that a vet 2 1/2 hours from me agreed to drive down if I needed him and help her leave this world at home. She did not. She chose to leave on her own. Letting her do this her way was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But it can be done. Make very sure this is what Tomi wants to do. Talk to him with your heart or have an AC do it if you are unsure of your ability..I was. I think 7 ACs talked to Kitty and a couple stayed in very close contact with herthat really aggravated her. Kitty had cancer throughout her body and her lungs were so bad that the vet wondered how she managed to walk to the litter box, much less chase Dixie Louise from her room. All of this is to say PLEASE listen to your heart and let Tomi leave this world on his terms unless he is in such pain that you just can't (I've made this decision too for several critters). And don't expect to sleep well while you are going thru this. But, at least for me, I sleep well knowing that I did what Kitty wanted and I really don't believe she was in much pain. I do know that I arranged for the person she originally chose to live with (my mother) to visit and hold her and do those things that only they could doif Tomi has anything special, now is the time to give it to him. Bless you and himit is so very hard. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 PM Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Tears are from love and kindness not from lack of strength.never, ever be ashamed of tears or even regret them for 1/1 of a second. Our little friends often hold on for us or for a special time to leave...some day we will always remember perhaps (a long story but two did that with me). They have to know it is ok and sometimes we just have to make the decisioneven if it is not the one the friend would make they understand and love us unconditionally. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Marissa Johnson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 6:07 PM Subject: Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon Oh Cassandra! I know EXACTLY how you're feeling!! I had my Slinky for only 8 months and we grew even closer than we already had during the weeks I was nursing him and praying he'd recover. I agree with Melissa. If he's uncomfortable and not having a good quality of life, you may want to consider euthanizing him. He will tell you when it's time...you'll notice that his eyes are empty, that he's getting no enjoyment out of life, that he's not himself. If you are able to quiet your thoughts with all the emotions and fears clamoring for your attention, you'll be able to hear him tell you what he wants. With Slinky, I had hoped and prayed that he would go on his own...that way it wouldn't feel like a decision I made. But I could really tell...somehow I just knew...when he was ready to go. After the appointment (much later when I was able to process some of it), I realized that I think he needed me to make that decision for him. While I had told him that I would do whatever he wanted me to do and that it was okay for him to go, I did so through tears (I wasn't strong enough to stop them). And I think he knew better...I really honestly believe that he was fighting for ME...that he wanted to be there to take care of me because he knew I needed him. I think that if I hadn't helped him to go, he would have held on to the bitter end and it would have been the most painful awful existance he could've had. I think by making the decision to end his fight, I was sending him the message loud and clear that it was okay for him to go. Every time we went to the vet in those last few days/weeks (and going to the vet was never terribly traumatic for Slink, so it didn't bother me...but I know it can be horrible for other cats), I told him we were going to see Dr. Garrison and see if she could make him feel better. When we went to that last appointment, I had dreaded that moment, and trying to figure out what I was going to tell him. But the words came...and I told him that we were going to see Dr. Garrison so she could help him go to the bridge, so she coud help him leave his sick and tired body...and that I was giving him the only gift I had left to give: a peaceful bridge crossing. I picked up his ashes today when I took my new baby to the vet...so all this is a bit raw at the moment. But it just means I understand completely how you're feeling. If it's terribly traumatic for Tomi to go to the vet, as Melissa said, many vets will come to your house for pts...for that very reason. If your vet won't do that, there are house-call vets that you could call. Of course the final decision is yours (and Tomi's). I remember someone on here saying they waited 'till their baby went on his own and by the end they were begging God to take him because he was suffering so much. I'd hate to see you or Tomi go through that. Their little spirits love us so much that they'll endure almost anything to stay with us. It's our job to steward that love and trust and make the best decisions we can with the information we have at the moment. If that information changes later, that doesn't necessarily mean the decision was wrong (thanks for that pearl of wisdom, MC!). Only you can know what the best decision is in this situation. Just love him as much as you can and try to listen (and be willing to hear) to what he wants you to do. ((Cassandra This is some of the worst pain you can go through...hang in there and keep us updated. We're all here for you!! Hugs to you and head bonks to Tomi. Marissa, Mouse, and Angel Slinky =^..^= C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
I'm so sorry to hear he's struggling. It is very hard to find a vet that will do a housecall euthanasia in many places, but it's an option you should call around and inquire about. Phaewryn http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Special Needs Cat Resources - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 5:18 PM Subject: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon I've been hoping and praying that Tomi would somehow pull through this, and last week he did seem to be doing better on the 2 prednisone per day. But now, the last few days, he's been going downhill fast. Today, he is out of breath just walking a few feet, and breathing fast. I'm still able to coax him to eat a bit of baby food, but he just threw up the last bit of food I gave him. He never throws up normally. I guess I have to finally accept the fact that he's not going to get better. I've been thinking about the whole euthanizing thing, but I honestly don't know how I could do that to him. To spend the last hours of his life doing to him what he hates the most (car ride and vet visit), seems too hard for me to handle. I don't think i'm strong enough to make that decision. To me it feels like I would be personally ending his life. I don't want him to suffer either, and i'm not sure at all how much longer he will last when he is having difficulty getting enough oxygen circulated due to anemia. I still can't believe all this has happened. Two months ago I was positive he would one day become a chunky, lazy old tom cat, lounging in the sun. I would never have dreamed I would lose him after only 2 and a half years. Over the last 7 weeks, i've become even closer to him than ever as I've been trying to nurse him back to health.He's always been so loving and tolerant of my hugs and kisses. Life is going to feel so empty when he is gone. Cassandra -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.463 / Virus Database: 269.6.0/775 - Release Date: 4/24/2007 5:43 PM
Re: I believe I am going to lose Tomi soon
Cassandra, I'm so sorry that Tomi is not doing well. How hard it must be for you to watch him decline like he is. I'm really sorry Cassandra. If it doesn't feel right to take Tomi in for pts, you have two options. One is to have a vet come to you to pts at home, or two, to let Tomi pass naturally. Only you and Tomi can know what is right for him. Tomi should be able to give you some idea as to what he wants. Just ask him and then listen. No one can say what is right here; it's a very sensitive, very personal choice. Do what you feel is right for him in your gut. I completely understand how you feel about this. This is a decision that none of us ever want to have to make, but sadly many of us do. Please know you and Tomi are in our thoughts. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
