This week I’ve been looking after a friend’s two elderly cats. While one shows her age only by her lack of teeth, the one in this photo was thin and slow.
A couple of nights ago, this little guy was listless. My husband and I massaged him, got him to drink some broth, turned up the room’s thermostat, and made sure he was comfy on his pillow throughout the night.
The next morning he was back to looking awful.
A couple of months earlier he’d appeared to be on the brink of death, yet pulled through. Now, given how he’d perked up somewhat the night before, I took him to the vet optimistic that some intravenous fluids might perk him up.
Unfortunately, the vet affirmed that there was remote hope that the kitty had any more good days allotted to him, probably not a single day left without constant pain and nausea.
Of the few pets I’ve had, I’ve never had to decide whether to euthanize them.
In the case of this sweet boy, my friend decided. I did, however, decide whether to be with the kitty when the final injection was administered. The vet’s caveat was that the cat wouldn’t care either way. Given that, he suggested that if I stayed, I might always remember the cat at his worst.
After considerable deliberation, I opted not to be there.
Have you had to make such a decision? If so, how and what did you choose?
Do’s and don’ts for if your friend has lost a pet.
Here and here are professional links about pet euthanasia.
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Hate this part of loving pets. :0( sorry. It’s horrible.
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I’ve been through this excruciating situation 6 times over the last 25 years–three cats and three dogs. We have a wonderful vet who will come to the house and do it while we all hold and/or stroke the beloved pet. Just thinking about it makes me teary. If only animals lived as long as they deserved.
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Yes, I’ve been the lucky friend/parent to two amazing dogs, both goldens. Tory was our family member for 12 years, and she told us when it was time for her to pass on. Literally, she looked at us and said, “NOW.” We would never consider not being with her when the vet gave her the injection that ended her pain and old age. The hardest thing was to not cry; the vet suggested we just let Tory feel our love as she passed on. We waited a year, and then parented Henry, bringing him into our home when he was 8 weeks old. He became an incredible family member and, truth be told, my best friend. Twelve years later, Henry, also, told us with his eyes, “it’s time.” I will never forget the communication that occurred between Henry and my guy and me as he passed on with the help of our vet’s injection, and our soothing loving words. Hardest moments in my life, and yet the most precious. xoxo
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Rest in peace, little cuddly Angel ❤
I had to make that decision in my life, I was always holding their little paw to accompany them to the gate of the Rainbow Bridge!
Big hugs ❤
Sid
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thank you, Sid ❤
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❤
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sorry I HOPE … !!
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