I had the same experience about 4 and a half years ago with a wonderful rescue dog who was half chocolate lab and half Weimaraner. He was wasting away and seemed to have terminal cancer but I couldn’t get a definite diagnosis in site of a few thousand dollars spent on tests. Eventually I made the decision myself and had an autopsy done. Thank God I was right; it was lymphoma. He was the most loving dog I’ve ever had. Three and a half years ago I replaced him with a Great Dane who’s doing a great job of giving him a run for the money in the loving department. DANES ROCK!!
We had our old girl (at least 15 years old; we didn’t know for sure) put down August 1. Thyroid issues, among others. My husband lost 20 pounds the two following months because the loss hit him so hard. We have six remaining, but this one was special and his best buddy.
He ran across a book online, “Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates” that seemed to make him feel better. I haven’t read it so can’t recommend myself, but he likes it.
We agree that the hardest decision was knowing when it was time. Afterward, we found some pics of her when she was in her prime and that confirmed the decision. The deterioration of her health and essence was in such sharp contrast to better days.
I am so sorry you lost your once in a lifetime cat.
I lost my once in a lifetime horse Jack in March of 2013.
I still cry when I think about him. You just can’t replace a horse like him who was safe to ride and be around. He would nod his head like Mr.Ed, and be quite expressive, especially if I was near the horse treat bucket. He almost could talk to me.
He went suddenly with no warning.
He was fine the night before when I put him in his stall for the night. The next morning he could not get up, and he had to have an emergency euthanization. Vet said it was a blood clot that made the back half of his body not work. He was buried by noon. Worst day of my life. He was my best friend.