Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

1. 

   Was last night. His final gift will arrive for him on Thursday early evening, in the form of the compassionate Dr. Carpenter and a vet tech, making a house call.

   Glenn and I have been giving Even extra subcutaneous fluids every other day or so, and he seems to perk up a bit after them. However, based on his visit yesterday, his modest weight gain seems to be all water. His numerous health problems, at this point, are all exacerbated by the underlying FIV, which is making it impossible for him to bounce back. Even so, his heart murmur problem is minor, at this point, in comparison to his serious anorexia, extreme anemia, and racing heartbeat.

   So last night dinner was grilled chicken for him, which he ate with enthusiasm. And last night he got to sleep with us on top of the electric blanket, which seemed to make him happier and more comfortable.

   He may slip away from us before Thursday. But we're hoping if he departs us sooner, that it will be in his sleep and while comfortably lying on the electric blanket.

   It's been hard for me to stop the tears that just sometimes seem to well up on their own. But he'll no longer feel discomfort at all soon, and that is the only final, heartbreaking gift I can offer him.

   I keep trying to focus on the good times we've shared, and on how much he still seems to appreciate being scritched and sitting in my lap...

   Posted 7 months ago by anncetera2 #

2. 

   Oh, Ann, I'm so sorry. I went through this with Jasper and it's awful. Jasper seemed to really appreciate the Feliway diffuser which I had on at that time for Millie and Libby, he would search out the room it was in (it changed from kitchen to living room depending on where Libby was) and sleep there. Perhaps it might comfort Even too? I still cry when I think of my Jasper but that's because he gave me so much happiness when he was here. {{{HUGS}}} He went away from me in his last days, he didn't want to be touched or stroked and he kind of withdrew, so I'm so glad Even is still loving being cuddled.

   Posted 7 months ago by jcat #

3. 

   Thanks, JCat! It might help, but at this point he sleeps a lot on our bed; he prefers it to anywhere else, always has. The only place preferable might be a sunbeam, but I think the bed's giving him more heat than a sunbeam, at this point.

   We're going to continue with small amounts of fluid daily, but one bigger bolus about an hour before the vet arrives (in the hopes it makes it easier for her to find a good vein on him, and avoid resticking).

   Poor guy, there's just not much else we can do for him.

   Posted 7 months ago by anncetera2 #

4. 

   He's had a wonderful life with you, that's all he would ever have asked for. I bet he felt like he won the lottery, every day!

   Posted 7 months ago by jcat #

5. 

   {{{Even & Anncetera & Glenn}}} May he go peacefully and feel no discomfort or pain any longer. It may be a little thing but glad that he is enjoying the warmth of the electric blanket and your company. He has been loved and returns that love to you both.

   I totally understand going thru this with Kinker, Max and so recently Ms. B, my heart aches for all of you.

   Posted 7 months ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #

6. 

   We are lucky to have had him in our lives.

   This is especially tough for Glenn. When he and I first started seeing each other, he asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I was still on unemployment, and struggling to make ends meet; anything extra like vet visits were on a pretty tight budget.

   I told him the only thing I wanted for Christmas was to be able to get Even to the vet, and do full bloodwork and any other testing to find out the cause behind his weight loss and deteriorating condition.

   He looked at me really funny. He carefully asked me if that was all I really wanted. I looked back at him, and the tears started to well up in my eyes.

   I said yes, that's really all I want. I hadn't been able to afford to even find out what's wrong, let alone seek treatment. And Even had been so good to me, it hurt to see him getting worse and not be able to do anything at all. If it were something treatable, I wanted to find out and be able to proceed from there, if possible.

   Did I mention that Glenn is the sweetest guy in the world?

   Posted 7 months ago by anncetera2 #

7. 

   I remember you writing about that, Ann. I think we all figured you'd found a good guy when when we heard that. He's a keeper!

   Posted 7 months ago by jcat #

8. 

   I am so sorry Ann. My prayers are with you, Glenn, and Even as you enjoy your last moments together. Hugs.

   Posted 7 months ago by Lynn from PA 6/8 #

9. 

   Thank you both! I have to run now, to get to work this morning... Even's still fast asleep on the bed with Glenn.

   Posted 7 months ago by anncetera2 #

10. 

    Sending warm hugs to you all. May Even enjoy the comfort of the electric blanket and your loving touch, and be transferred painlessly to the comfort of the Meadow.

    Posted 7 months ago by paulajeanne #

11. 

    {{{Ann, Glenn, Even}}} I'm so sorry Even has to make his journey from you. What a great life he has had! Wishing you comforting final moments together.

    Posted 7 months ago by JoanfromNewJersey #

12. 

    {{{{Ann, Glenn, Even}}}} I'm so sorry to hear this, Ann. Even has been so lucky to have you and Glenn, as lucky as you've been to have him.

    And I agree, Glenn's a keeper.

    Posted 7 months ago by Kilroy #

13. 

    Oh poor sweet Even. I'm glad he has had you in his life and sorry that his time with you here is almost done, I know how much you love him. I am praying for peaceful thoughts for you and Glenn. *HUGS*

    Posted 7 months ago by HuddysMama #

14. 

    Aw, sending sandpaper kisses from Crockey for sweet Even and TLC hugs for you & Glenn, Anncetra. This is a special time as you care for your special kit during his twilight time. What a wonderful gift you gave him as a furever luving, caring home.

    Posted 7 months ago by jeankit #

15. 

    (((Ann, Glenn and Even))) I'm so sorry!

    Posted 7 months ago by GD #

16. 

    (((Even, Ann and Glenn))) I'm so sorry this decision has to be made, Ann. You made his life comfortable and pleasant and he will be there in the Meadow waiting for you when the time arrives. May his passing be peaceful.

    Posted 7 months ago by roxysmommy #

17. 

    I am so sorry, honey. I tried to get on Catster to get a look at this sweet baby and couldn't figure out which one was Even. Is he on the site? I would love to get a look at him.

    Please know you are in my prayers, all three of you.

    Posted 7 months ago by Emma #

18. 

    Sending warm and fuzzy thoughts your way. We went thru this with my Tiger Lily, and then Mack, within the last 5-6 years. Just know that you've given Even a happy life and a wonderful home.

    Posted 7 months ago by jymberry #

19. 

    I'm so sorry. Peace to both of you.

    Posted 7 months ago by ecbrown #

20. 

    {{{Ann, Glenn & Even}}} Ann I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could find words of comfort or wisdom right now for you but I'm still reeling from my own loss of Rusty and Whiskers last month. Please know that in letting him go, you are setting him free.

    Posted 7 months ago by debsterwiz #

21. 

    I'm so sorry Ann,I have a 17 year old kitty named Bitty who I'm watching decline unfortunately. It's so hard. Evan has had a wonderful life with you and visa versa. Those of us who love animals gain so much from our relationships but it hurts so much when we lose one. {{{{Ann,Glen & Even}}}}

    Posted 7 months ago by Buttercup #

22. 

    *hugs*

    Posted 7 months ago by Arcalian #

23. 

    "Soon?" whispers Wilbur. Rusty and Whiskers are playing tag with Maverick and Hopper in the long green grass of the Meadow, and although he thinks about joining the game, he stays with the Wolf. He knows the Wolf is waiting for Even.

    The Wolf nods quietly.

    "Soon enough. When they can all bear to part, Even will come to the Meadow."

    Zappo tears past the two creatures, yelling back over his shoulder, "Can't catch me!" The Wolf sees the longing and also the deep loyalty shining in Wilbur's gentle eyes, and he smiles, releasing him.

    "Go, dear one." The Wolf noses Wilbur toward the four friends who dash about in the greenery. Wilbur leans against the Wolf for a heartbeat and then darts off, calling to Hopper.

    The Wolf rests his head against two dark paws, knowing heartbreak that will come before Even plays in the Meadow. Letting what they love go from that life to this Life -- in his heart, the great creature mourns for those Even will leave behind. He thinks gently of Even's mama and papa.

    Rusty pauses in his rush toward Zappo and he turns. "Is he asleep?" he asks Wilbur.

    "No, he never sleeps. But I know he is thinking about Even and his family. Whenever someone comes here, he worries about those who were left in the old life."

    "What can we do? I hate it when he is troubled!" Wilbur's eyes are huge, and the five young cats gather around, thinking they are hidden by the long grasses. A shadow falls across their backs. Five heads turn, looking upward into the kindest face in this Life.

    "You can play tag," smiles the Wolf, his voice full of love for the little ones in his care.

    "And," he continues, "we will all get ready to welcome our Even to the Meadow."

    Posted 7 months ago by Emma #

24. 

    I'm so sorry, Ann. I know how hard it is to give your much loved furry friends that final great gift of love.

    Posted 7 months ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

25. 

    When I took my Sam on his last journey, the vet tech told me that, even though it cuts the deepest and hurts the most, it is the last, best gift we can give our furry loved ones. May you find some comfort in knowing Even will be at peace and free from distress. It's wonderful that he can slip away at home, in familiar surroundings. I only wish I could have done it for Sam.

    Posted 7 months ago by GizzysAuntie #

26. 

    (((Ann, Glenn and Even))) I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you.

    Posted 7 months ago by KapitiKats in NZ #

27. 

    So many TDK friends will be waiting for Even at the meadow. Know that you have given him the best life you could. He is loved and loves you in return.

    Posted 7 months ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

28. 

    You are all so wonderful! I know so many of you have walked this same path, whether recently or long ago... but it never gets easier.

    Glenn seems to be more at ease with this difficult decision, and he agrees that he doesn't want to see Even decline to the point where he no longer enjoys anything at all. In a few minutes, we're going to go walk Pepper around the yard, and take a look at the site Glenn's suggesting for burial of Even's remains. We will surely find an appropriate spot.

    Even is very much huddled up on us and the electric blanket, at every chance. We'll do some more fluids tonight and tomorrow night. We'll need all the good thoughts you can spare on Thursday, around 5:30 pm or so...

    Here are a couple of photos of Even, from much healthier, happier days. The first one is him in 2008. He probably weighed about 10 lbs in that photo (already down from his peak weight of 12-13 pounds a couple years previously).

    http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s201/anncetera/Cats/P1000015.jpg

    And here he is, wearing a ridiculous hat around Christmas of 2009, just to make me happy... probably down to 8-9 pounds.

    http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s201/anncetera/EvenChristmas2009.jpg

    He's now just above 6 pounds, with patchy thin fur from the roundworm that he picked up over the summer. I'm sure that relief from the itching alone will be a blessing! In spite of numerous baths, dips, and medications, he's just not been able to shake this.

    Tonight we'll see how he feels about eating some ground beef and cheese... maybe even some ice cream.

    Posted 7 months ago by anncetera2 #

29. 

    I'm crying for you and Glenn and Even. I know he will soon be released to return to perfect health and he will have oh so many friends to play with while awaiting his mama. Sending lots of strength and love to all of you. Lainey

    Posted 7 months ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

30. 

    I'm so sorry. You are doing the best thing for him and it hurts you the most. (((((((((An, Glen, and Even)))))))))))))))))

    Posted 7 months ago by Cat talk rules #

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