Posted on 07/16/2013 4:26:10 AM PDT by Lazamataz
Yesterday I got the worst possible news: My cat, my little girl Cathy might be dying. It started with a note from Kim, who is foster-sitting her, that Cathy was dropped off at the vet for excessive drinking. After some tests, diabetes and cancer and the like were ruled out, but she has a very serious condition called hepatic lipidosis. It was caused pretty much because she stopped eating because she missed her daddy. It's likely to be Separation Anxiety. When she stopped eating, the liver got very fatty and the liver enzymes and other readings skyrocketed. Right now some of the readings are 15 times normal. The prognosis, originally given as 'not good' (sent me into huge tears, again) was revised to the more accurate prognosis of 'uncertain'.
I scrambled to get to her at the vet and fed her her favorite, shaved turkey. She ate a little but gagged, but that is normal because she feels so nauseous. She was happy as hell to see me and purred (according to the vet) for the first time since she's been there. She's eaten twice, and while that's a good sign, there is no guarentee she pulls through. My eyes are clouding up as I type this. This is my little baby girl who I got as a tiny pre-weaned kitten. She really loves me and I wanted her to be with me for many more years. She's a mean kitty to everyone except me. She LOVES her Daddy!
I tried to pet her but she's feeling so sick she pushed my hand away with her little paw. She is glad to see me though.
I pray she doesn't die. Dear God, heal my little girl so we can have many more years together. I love my little girl.
I was angry at the pet foster people that they didn't pick up on this sooner, especially since they work with so many cats, but I know they didn't do this on purpose, and I know they have so many cats that it might escape notice. I won't put this on them. It just happened. If little Cathy pulls through, they've agreed to do things differently, having Shane spend time with her and we feed her shaved turkey from time to time. We just need little girl to pull through.
Today I go there and spend a few hours with her. Hopefully that gives her the will to pull through.
I almost wanted to blame myself – if I hadn't gotten loaded (something I did after the stresses of losing the 2012 election, and believing my country died), she wouldn't have been separated and experienced the stress of missing Daddy and stopping her eating. More to the point, if I hadn't gone into recovery housing, she wouldn't have been separated. But that's convoluted thinking. It's not real. One way or the other, continued using would have killed her.
I know two things from this: I can love deeply, and someone or something can love me deeply – so much so that missing me is killing them.
CATHY, PLEASE PULL THROUGH, HONEY!!!! GOD, PLEASE HEAL HER LITTLE LIVER AND GALL BLADDER!!! PLEASE!!!!
Can only imagine....really. true confession...so far I have always been too overwrought to ever do the deed myself. Always poor hubby had to take our old pets in that were suffering. I always lost it, but my favorite pal Monkey is getting old and I will have to step up to the plate on him when his time comes...we are just too close. I dread it. His name is Monkey because he is always on my back. He literally spoons me at night. Wrapping his little arms around my neck....lol. He looks a lot like Cathy.
You are in my thoughts and prayers Laz.
Please know you are doing what is best for Cathy. I know you will miss her, but you will be reunited again. Tell Cathy about the Rainbow Bridge,how beautiful it is, how she will be out of pain, and it is there for here to look out for you. I had to put down 2 dogs in less than 2 months time and while each time it killed me , I knew I was doing was the best for them. God Bless both you and Cathy. I will be praying for you both...
Oh, Laz, still praying.
Cyber and I lost two dogs and a cat in two years’ time. The cat, Simba, was the last to bid us adieu. Before Simba died, three other kittens decided to take up residence with us.
First one, then the twins. They took away some of the sadness in the family after losing the dogs. There was a chase scene every night for Simba and one dog. The other dog just let Simba walk over him.
I always had to call Cyber at work and say those horrible words, “It’s time.” Never stops hurting. I’m crying for you and praying for you at the same time.
As you know, we have five crazy cats now, but the pain and, believe it or not, the happiness of having those beautiful animals and the love they gave us has never ended.
May God bless you and give you strength.
Saw Cathy for several hours yesterday. She had declined a lot, which was a big reversal from the day before. She wasn’t nearly as energetic, and she hadn’t eaten. Her liver looks like it is failing. I spent a great deal of time with her, not as much as I would have liked, more like 2 hours, but she was very happy to stay on my chest. There were several times she heaved, and she isn’t feeling good at all. After that, I spent most of the day in tears, fighting tears, or talking to people about it. I asked God for one last-ditch miracle. I hope He sees fit to reverse her fortunes.
I was actually present for the moment when she was on my chest. That was neat to spend real time with her.
I talked with the Vet doctor and explained how this all went down, when I had to go take care of myself medically, and how she stopped eating in response. When I did, he told me, “You know I love animals, a lot. But I would still put a human over an animal any time.”
I had conjectured that if after I saw how much weight she lost, if I had only typed into Google “Cat Weight Loss Problems” I would have uncovered this life-threatening condition before it got too bad, but I just tried it and I got nothing. There is literally no way I could have known about this and it’s risk.
My heart hurt as I was going to sleep last night, got almost a panic thing.
I will spend almost the entire day with her, so she gets all the Daddy love she can. She gets her bloodwork at 2, and, if necessary, euthanasia at 4pm.
I am very sad. Lord, I ask that you help me through this. But I do have one prayer just as strong: Lord, I ask you heal her little liver before the reading.
Thank you for that. It's something that gives me comfort. Sometimes life just is; there's no reason, and I need to stay in acceptance.
Going to get ready and will be offline all day. Thanks for the love.
God is with you and also lots of love and prayers.
It sounds like your Cathy couldn’t wish for a more loving owner.
Today’s prayer for little Cathy ready to be offered, but also for you, Laz. I pray that God will heal her little liver just enough to show that there is hope, that sweet Cathy’s love for you is healing to her. If it is not to be, then we know He has other plans. Ours may “not be to reason” why, but we are part of His plan. I pray that you can understand. Laz -— hold your little Cathy close and let the love between the two of you be healing right now——— or if only in remembrance.
Prayers for you and Cathy.
She is gone.
I am sorry to hear, brother.
Misty screen here....so sorry for your loss FRiend,know the feeling all too well.May God bless and keep you Laz.
((((((Hugs)))))). Such a difficult decision, but for little Cathy to live in pain or to feel so sick, would not be a life for her. In her innocence, she felt your love to the end. May that last memory, and all the good times you had with her, hold you right now, Laz. And now we are here for you.
It's the price you pay for loving them and it's always worth it, even if it doesn't seem that way right now.
So very sorry Laz. Just remember, she will live in your heart forever. Sending you hugs and prayers for your broken heart. Hang in there.
Ping. Laz, meet my dear friend Monkey Face. She’ll be on later, she’s down right now.
I love ya bro. If there is anything I can do, just holler. I know you need some time right now, so Mrs. Liberty and I are praying for you right now....
Laz, I am sorry to hear about Cathy.
No one could love her more than you.
Her passing was fast, but she was secure with you.
As much as people like to play God, but when you are faced with such a decision, it is no longer appealing.
But you did what was necessary and right. Otherwise, her suffering would have been far greater.
Now, a prayer for you—for healing , for adjusting, for coping.I have not had to do what had to do this afternoon, so I cannot say I know how it feels. Others here certainly do, and they will share what they learned in the process.
Life is precious—for all living things.
Cathy made you a better person. Honor her by staying that way.
Sorry Laz.
Cathy died knowing she was well loved by someone who stayed with her until the end. She was lucky to have you and you her.
Thank you so much, for all you shared and the love you sent. As a interesting aside, she loved me dearly but hated everyone else. I named her CATHY, which is an acronym.
CAT
H ates
Y ou
C A T H Y
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