A loyal friend for over 14 years.
Toonces has been a champ for a long time now, but diabetes and renal failure have been progressively wearing him down – both physically and mentally. With a long, slow cronic disease, there will never be an obvious no-choice time, but bad times will increase and good times will fade away. When the balance is permanently tipped…
Last night, Kathy picked him up from the lower landing and brought him upstairs. When she set him down to walk, his back legs gave out. He wasn’t able to get up and stay up, and he just laid down with a heavy sigh. We took him to the vet’s. Dr. Tope was still there at 8:30pm. We were able to go in back with him as he checked Toonces out. He was dehydrated and possibly hypoglycemic. While Dr. Tope administered fluids and offerred Toonces food (which he accepted graciously while standing there wobbly and hooked up to an IV), we talked.
Dr. Tope said Toonces has been getting tired, especially in the last few weeks (he went in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for rehydration by IV). Dr. Tope felt Toonces was becoming clinically depressed. Kathy and I have both seen it too, the more so since we knew how little time was left and we made the most of it. We talked about it and decided to bring Toonces home.
Today, he got to eat as often and as much as he wanted. I spent time with him on the couch again. This evening, Dr. Tope came to the house at our request to put Toonces to sleep humanely and in familiar surroundings.
I already miss him.
It’s always so hard to say goodbye to our dearest friends. My condolences…
Sorry to read about this Michael. My condolences in addition to Donna’s. . .
The personal seems inconsequential compared to the atrocities we’re causing at home and abroad, but when it’s you ‘n yours… Kathy and I were both wrapped around his little paws.
Thank you, Donna.
Thank you, Tim.
So sorry to hear about your friend.
A few years ago, I went through a similar loss, with an 18 year old cat who had been my been my best friend for more than a decade.
I still miss him.
soooo sorry! i can surely sympathize with you. there is nothing like a loyal furry friend.
Thank you. Losing Toonces hit us both harder than we were prepared for, but it was time.
Michael, I’m sending you my sincerest condolences. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but you did a wonderful thing by knowing when to let him go, and for doing it in his home with those who love him.
Just thought I’d (belatedly) return the favor and offer my sympathies. People who’ve been to my blog recently know what I’d been through with my beloeved Sheena. Going to bed will not be half so pleasurable knowing that she won’t be there purring and curling herself around my left arm.
Thanks. Losing Sheena hurts and nothing can make it better, but time will help make it less bad. When the memories come on, let them come on strong. Your mind will find places to keep them and you’ll be able to remember her without so much pain eventually.