Had to send Cassie (Old Lady Beige Cat) to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. Had to do this alone -- the first time I have ever had to be alone so I was not happy about that. She was close to 21 years old and her kidneys were shutting down. She hadn't eaten anything in days -- I had even made her chicken and then beef and fish but she wouldn't try any of it. She was drinking just a wee bit of water and not going potty at all -- her purr was just not right and she was starting to get a bit wobbly when she walked. The Baby Dr. said she was jaundiced -- yellow eyes and gums, had a bit of fluid in her lungs and her heart didn't sound as strong as it had been. I'm leaving on holiday the end of the week (the family cruise to Alaska) and will be gone for near on two weeks. Cassie has never been happy when I am gone so I knew it would be extremely hard on her. The Vet said he could give her fluids and some meds if I wanted to keep her around but I declined. First off, the cat is at least twenty years old and has had a really good life. Secondly, I didn't want to have to put the Pet Lady in the position of trying to give Cassie meds -OR- make the decision that she needed to go to the Rainbow Bridge while I was gone. I discussed all of this with the Vet and he agreed. Said I was making the right decision at the *right* time. I had hoped she would not go downhill so fast because DH will be with me when I return to the cabin and he would get to say goodbye to her and be with me. Thank heavens I have Auggi (Smoosh Face Slime Dog) for company!!! CiaoMeow >^;;^<
PAX, Tia Mary /\___/\