Posted on 07/20/2006 11:51:19 AM PDT by freedumb2003
My kittie "Musica" is 24 years old. Up until now, she has done well but the vet says her thyroid is failing.
She has been with me for almost my entire adult life. She has been on thyroid (and other) medication for the last 6 years but it looks like the medication isn't working any more.
The vet said radiation therapy might work but 24 equates to over a hundred years old in human terms. It would be torture to put her through that. Even a trip to the vet is an ordeal.
Prayers for Musica.
I am not even sure what kinds of prayers I am asking for. I want Musica to be well (again) -- she has been to the precipice before and has been miraculously well. But if it isn't mean to be, then I need prayers to help me see when and if I need to take action to alleviate her suffering. So I guess I need prayers for me to have wisdom.
I join in prayer for you - God's peace and guidance - and for Musica, your beloved companion.
Prayers and love for Musica.
Joni Eareckson Tada, who is paralyzed due to a swimming accident in the late 60s, used to say, no, our pets won't be in heaven. But, someone challenged her on it and she studied the issue. After a thorough biblical study, she came back with the conclusion, why not? Biblically, we know in the Millenium that the lion will lay down with the Lamb and Jesus returns on a white horse. So, knowing that heaven will be lovely, I believe that God will allow us those things that brought us such joy in our earthly lives. I expect to see all of my kitties and other pets in Heaven (and I expect our old grumpy dog to have a better attitude :)) I hope she gets better. But if not, I think you can have comfort with the belief that they will be there.
Please don't take this a callous. I see that you care for you pet a great deal, as do many people. I merely offer this - perhaps at the wrong time and in the wrong thread - to share with you our view.
While we like the pets that we have (like you, cats) we would never become so attached to them that we would think of praying over them. If they get seriously ill, we put them down rather than pay a large vet bill.
Before you get mad at me, our view is that if we are going to spend hundreds (or thousands as incredibly some people do), we will take that money and help a fellow human being in need.
Again, I don't mean any ill will towards you and do hope that you pet will continue to give you joy. And if it passes on, that you will be comforted by all the years you have been together.
God Bless the humans.
Best of luck. Whatever occurs, you are a concerned, caring pet owner. Trust your instincts regarding your cat's well-being.
Prayers for you, your wife, and Musica, that you each have the strength to accept and bear whatever is to come.
Mark
I believe you and your wife will know precisely what to do when the time comes to let Musica go. Both of you sound like you're very much in tune with your special girl.
In the past I've felt my animals have signaled me in any number of ways when they've been ready to let go. When I've factored in those signals with what our trusted vet has had to say, my answers have come.
A lot of us are standing by you through this difficult time. Please keep us posted. In the interim I wish all three of you the very best.
I offer you my favorite prayer.
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
My cat looks like your Musica. Another tiger cat. I consider my cat beautiful, just as you do yours. My kitty is now 18 years old. Arthritis is starting to attack her back legs (she's getting stiff and it's harder for her to get up and down off of things). We have that in common (me and kitty both have creaky joints).
Like you, I had a health scare with kitty about 10 months ago. She had what seemed to be a tooth infection and it was operated on. The vet told me it could be cancerous, but it turned out not to be, and kitty recovered very well. Her name is Petunia (the affectionate name my father coined for my mom). Although I must admit her real name is "Here Kitty Kitty", or alternatively, "Big Kitty", as I have a younger one also (Smudge de la Plume) that is all black, and is usage-wise, "Little Kitty".
I actually am happy to hear that your cat has made it to 24, as that means my Big Kitty may make it that far too. I worry now, as I know Big Kitty's days may be numbered. My nephew's cat (Peaches) made it to 22, so hopefully cat longevity is in the family, so to speak. Hope your kitty makes it to 27, like one of the other cats mentioned on this thread did. Humans are living longer these days; why not cats?
In the loving memorie of your faithful pet please consider getting a dog that needs you. The pounds are full of wonderful, beautiful brown eyed faithful would be pets. We know what will happen to many of them if someone does not open up their heart and home to them. I am sure one who can love a dog as have will make a wonderful pet parent. You will not be sorry but doggie love will again fill your heart and home. God bless.
You've got it, neighbor. May things work out for the best.
Rainbow Bridge Poem Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge . When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...
You're more than welcome, hoping for the best.
Nonsense.
Freedumb2003, my prayers, and those of many Freepers are with you and your sweet kitty.
Our pets are a little piece of God's creation that we are personally assigned to care for. If He knows each sparrow that falls, he knows our kitties, too. We paid a lot of money to keep our eldery cat alive for just one more year. It was a happy year and she did well right up to the end. We don't regret a dime we spent for it.
Well, it costs $500 a year for Musica's meds and $1200 a year and about $300 extra every other year for follow-ups for vet visits and she has been on that regime for 10 years so I figure we are looking at around $15,000-$20,000 over that period.
Fortunately, I make a pretty good living and get to do what I want with my money (or what is left after Uncle Sam takes his part). She is worth every penny.
But you do remind me for folks on the thread -- get health insurance for your pet when it is young. It is inexpensive and can save a bundle later.
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