I am here and still feeling a little sad and dealing. Last night Smokey had to be put down and it was a tough and sad day. Hubby and I took her to the vet after work and stayed with her through the process and I’m glad we did.
A couple of nights ago she started declining losing interest in food and became very lethargic. I followed the vet’s recommendation of giving her medicine, making sure she stayed hydrated, and giving her time to get through a possible temporary bad time. But things were getting worse, she stopped drinking and kept trying to hide under furniture system which is a bad sign for cats and cancer.
When I came home for lunch yesterday, I found her lying on the floor partially under the entertainment system and not wanting to move and I knew it was time to call the vet.
It’s such a hard decision and tough thing to do. But we felt she was miserable and waiting to move on and I didn’t want her to suffer more. Unlike previous trips to the vet, I felt confident it was time and not dreading or feeling as terrible about it as before. It’s tough and I think especially tough for vegans who focus on protecting and preserving life. Who am I to decide when it’s her time? That has been bothering me a lot the last few weeks as we knew this was coming. But I felt better about making it seeing how tough it got for her.
We adopted Smokey in 2003 as a 3-year-old adult cat while living in Florida and she’s been through a lot with us including a long drive across the country when we moved to California and she tolerated multiple new dog siblings.
She was always cool and collected with an intense stare that convinced us she’s actually a hyper-smart alien and would just start talking to us one day. She was also very patient with us and her fur siblings.
Smokey reminded us to always be thankful for companionship and appreciate loved ones every chance you get. We miss her and it will be strange not having her in the house.
I’m so sorry Christine. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. I remember when my cat died last year. I raised him since I found him at age 4 (I was 25 when he died) and he always had my back. Whenever my sister and I would fight, he always managed to pee in her room. I took that as love. Animals are so intuitive and know cats specifically know what their human companions need.
Sending you hugs and smiles.
Thanks, I appreciate that. They are family and it’s so tough saying goodbye and trying to do what’s right for them. Your cat sounds like a sweetie! I had one I was very close to in high school too, such a great friend during tough times.
Oh no!!! Honey, I am so sorry to hear this! My husband and I have five fur babies, that we had long before we had children, and I know how precious our furry family members can be. You are in my thoughts and prayers right now… I am so sorry for your loss!
Thanks. They really are family too, Smokey has been with us since we bought our first house and had room for more pets.
Christine, so sorry for your loss. My sympathies.
Thank you so much.
I’m so sorry! Smokey sounds like she was a wonderful cat & very well-loved. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Thank you, she was family and such a good buddy to the dogs too.
Sending love to you, your hubby and pups. It is the most difficult thing to say goodbye, but a compassionate and loving one to let them transition. I hope your Smokey and my Harley kitty become fast friends and find the very best sunny spots to lay in together. Thinking of you!
Thank you so much for the kind words, it is so true. Me too on Smokey and Harley.
I’m so very sorry, Christine. Making that decision is one of the most difficult and heart wrenching things we fur baby parents will ever do. Every time I had to make that decision I asked myself what I would want if the situation were reversed. Would I want to suffer, or would I want someone to make my last moments on this earth easier? Smokey is in a better place and you helped her get there without having to endure the pain any longer. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much for the kind words, it is so difficult and making sure it’s the right time. I hope so on Smokey and having good advice from the vet helped me to feel confident when the best time for her was.