Hello everyone. let me say I have read many of your stories and they are all touching. I am a very sad man right now. My cat of 18+ years scooter is failing so very bad. His mobility is nearly gone. He is not able to make it from his bed to the litter box and back which is right next to him. I know what I have to do, I just want to know that it s the right thing. When I go over to my parents house to see him I hold him and pet him, he is purring anfd happy, not in pain it seems, so I have mixed emotions about going through with this. I have been in tears this whole week. My wife doesn't understand. I was raised an only child and I really feel as if I am losing a brother here. What should I do?

Hi, first off I'm so sorry for your situation. I know this is very hard for you right now. If you haven't made the decision already, you have answered your own question. It is time. If an animal is no longer mobile then you need to do the best thing for him. Cats do purr when they are in pain as well, so don't let that fool you. Animals will try to hide their discomfort as that is their instinct. Do your companion a favor and let him go. He's lived a full life and now it's your responsibility to set him free no matter how bad it hurts. Believe me he will be grateful for your loving deed. It's the best gift you can give him.

Take care and let us know how you are.

Chris

Thank you. i am going over to my folks' in a bit to hold him and I acutually havve an appt tommorow where he was supposed to recieve fluids. maybe it's best if I bring him there and have it done. One concern, I actually ordered a pet coffin on-line last night, knwing this IS coming. Do you think if I just wait couple of days until it arrives that I am doing him harm? I want to bury him in a very comfortable sleeping position as I can in my parents back yard. So I would say once that comes in the next couple of days, i will bring him and hold him as it is done. Thanks for your support and kind words, it really helps.

Mike

Mike,

I am so sorry for your situation. If you wait a couple of days you have to ask yourself...is he in pain, is he eating? I understand he cant make it to the litterbox. How long will this coffin take to get to you? You have to try to look at it from your babies point of view. I know that is difficult. Ask the vet what they think? Please keep me updated.

((((MIKE)))))
Michelle

Dear Mike, I am so sorry. I know what you are going through as I went through the same thing 3 weeks ago. I am still crying. My 20 year old cat was in the same situation and I agonized over what was the right thing to do. Please think of the quality of life Scooter has right now. It helped me to realize that, although I wanted to keep my Mitou with me, I HAD to do what was best for her, which was to let her go, no matter how wrenching that experience would be. Purring is not always an indication that a cat is happy or content. It can mean just the opposite and cats hide their pain by instinct. I know this is one of the hardest decisions you may ever have to make. Spend some special time with Scooter, let him know you love him. You've had a long time together and I think now it is time to say goodbye.

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have replied to me. I am going over to my parents very shortly to hang with scooter for a bit. IHave an appointment with the vet tommorow. I am going to take him to the vets tommorow and ask the Dr. what he thinks we should do. The appt is at 11:15. I am going to ask him what he thinks. My sleeping at night has been awful this whole week. Who cares though, I can deal with me, it's him. You have all made me feel so much better, everyone, what nice people I have found here. i would like to share 2 poems I found on-line with everyone, you may or may not have seen or read them before, but they both made me feel a little better, and If I can return the favor and make any of you feel any better by sharing these, than I know I have done something good, here they are.

IF IT SHOULD BE



If it be I grow frail and weak, And pain should wake me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done, For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad, I’ll understand, Don’t let your grief then stay your hand, For this day more than all the rest, Your love and friendship stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years, What is to come will hold no fears, You’ll not want me to suffer, so, When the time comes, please let me go.

I know in time, you too will see, It is a kindness you do me, Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering, I’ve been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you, Who has to decide this thing to do. We’ve been so close, we two, these years, Don’t let your heart hold any tears.




Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to some-one here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...-- Anon. --

You will do what is right, when you talk to your vet tomorrow. For now, just love and hold your Scooter. Comfort him as best you can. We all know your pain, and cry for you as well. You are in our thoughts, know that you are never alone here. We will be here for you when you need us. My cats name was Scooter also. He passed only 10 days ago.

Thank you for your kind words. Thank all of you. I am so sorry for your cat Scooter as well, I really am. A special thanks to "love my tan girl." You gave me an idea today that has really made me come to peace with this. I am sorry about your cat "Fluffy" having cancer. But please know your sharing of your pain and sorrow has helped me a great deal. I plan to schedule my appointment as a house call at my parents house where my cat Scooter has lived all of his 18 1/2 years. I will sit on the couch, hold him, and then lay him to rest. I was dreading having my parents say goodbye to him, putting him in a carry box which he too HATES, and having him go to sleep at the vet. now because of you I will have him take his last earthly breath where he spent his life, here with me and my mother and father. Thanks again too everyone, my heart goes out to each and everyone of you as well. I can't thank you enough.

Mike


http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2988

Mike - You are doing the right thing. It is good that you have chosen to have your vet come to your home. Scooter will be at peace in your arms. We will all be thinking of you, your family and Scooter tomorrow. (My Scooter loved sleep under the Christmas tree also). I cherish the pictures I have of him there. Again, thoughts and prayers are with you all

I am bringing Scooter to the vet tomorow.Were talk about the house call PTS. Scooter actually had agood day today, walked around, was happy, I spent theday with him. So this is when I get mixed emotions.He is alert,responsive,he eats, he just has trouble walking. I Will let you all know how the vet visit goes tommorow. Right nowit'sjust aday by day thing,today was a goodday for Scooter. I am grateful.

Dear Mike,
I'm thinking of you today. I told my husband about Scooter and he sends his sympathy to you as well. I know you are doing the right thing, as difficult as it will be for you. That poem "If it should be" says it all. I printed it out have read it many times since yesterday and cry every time. Best wishes to you during this very difficult time.
Judy

I am actually on my way in just a few minutes to the vet with scooter. I do not plan to have him PTS just yet. We would like to make an appt to have it done here at the house if the vet suggets it's time. Thanks so so much for you e support, tell you husband I said thank you as well.

Dear Mike - I just got home from work, and I know all of our thoughts are with you. You will do the right thing when the time is right. I am glad that Scooteri is having a good day today. It does certainly give you mixed emotions though. You wiill know. Your vet will examine him and let you know what he thinks. I know you are cherishing every moment with Scooter.

Trish

Michelle, The vet gave gim some more IV fluids today, and a cortozone shot. He wants to see how he is in 48 hours.If not improvement, he said we should do something. I am going with what he says. Thank you for your kindness, Scooter is still with us for now, he is home comfortably resting.

mike

Well, Scooter is having a fabulous day. i came here to my parents house to see him, oh yeah, and my parents to, haha. He did something he hasn't done in some time, got outof his bed, climbed out of it and walked over to me. He has alot more energy today. The Vet gave him IV and a cortizone shot yesterday. I may bring him twice a week for fluids, that's what the Dr. Suggested. He said at this point he is not in pain, he said as long as we don't mind bringing in him in once, twice a week for fluids, he will remain comfy and happy. You should see him right now, I am happy. So as I am petting him the Mail man drops off the Cat coffin I ordered, I swear to god I put it away, when i came back Scooter was meowing very loud, he hasn't done that in a while. Was he trying to tell me something? ya never know. I know he has not much time eft, but he is home, happy, comfy. Every day is a gift I will cheris, just going day by day. I thank you all for your kindness.

mike

Mike - I'm glad you went to see your parents too(Ha). But more so, I am glad that Scooter is having better days, and behaving more like himself. I know you know it' won't be long, but like you said, it's a day by day thing. And the mailman dropping off the cat coffin while you were petting him, I think I'd have passed out myself. Animals understand more than we give them credit for sometimes, I don't know what the loud meowing was about, but I choose to think it was because you stopped petting him and left the room, and was saying "hey, get back here , I like that attention". Anyway, day by day. Take care
Trish

Mike - Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and wondering how you and Scooter are doing. You have been in my thoughts.
Trish

WOW, I just read your story Mike. I am glad Scooter is doing better. Enjoy the moments you have together. It will be day by day. I hope for many more days, weeks for you both.

I went through this with my cat Cleo too. He was fairly OK for a whole year, and then went way downhill quickly in one day. I could see it in his eyes - he was ready. I told him it was OK to let go.

You will know when it is time. It's true.

Scooter had fluids today, he is comfy and he is with us. Thanks for asking. I am basically taking him twice a week for IV's. It helps him. He is comfy, the Doc says he does NOT think he is in pain. So day by day we continue, every day is a gift.

Mike

My Heidi had to have fluids several times a week right after she was diagnosed with renal failure, and towards the end every day. We were able to do the fluids at home, to save Heidi the stress of being taken to the vet's so often. Although I used to be an OB nurse, it was my husband, with no medical training whatsoever - he gets squeamish if he cuts himself shaving - who did the subcutaneous fluids himself. Heidi would tolerate it, then give him a dirty look as she walked away.She never fought, though, as if she knew we were trying to help her. And she never seemed to be in pain either, till the end, when she lost all energy and became very clingy. So good luck with Scooter - he will communicate with you somehow as to his condition. Take care - Barbara

Heidi - My husband was the one who also did the subq fluids for our precioius Scooter. It did help him though, for almost 18 months. They do help, and as long as your Scooter is doing fine, I know you are cherishing every moment together. It is good you and your vet are working together to do the best for Scooter. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Give your Scooter a little scratch behind the ears for me will you thanks. This post was for Heidi and Scooter's dad,, but I guess you kind of figured that one out.

I'm so glad Scooter is responding to treatment. What a gift! Many years ago my elderly cat also was given extra time (18 months) because of the sub q fluids. Now they give you the option of doing it yourself which I think is easier on the cat, not having to be brought to the vet twice a week. Good luck Mike and I hope Scooter continues to feel well.
Judy

To all of you whom have been so supportive, things are not looking good. Scooter is not moving much at all, the fluids seemed to have stopped helping. I held him today, he laid on my lap looking almost SEDATED. Thursday he was scheduled to go in for another dose of IV fluids, I changed it to an office visit. I do believe once the Doc sees him like this he will say it is time. I plan to spend some time with him tommorow, maybe our last day together. I wish to God he would die in sleep tonight, peacfully. He has been like a best friend for 128 1/2 years. What the hell am I going to do without my buddy Scootert? I must say I feel better about it now than i did about a week or so ago when I thought it was the end. I have alot of you to thank for that. i will be okay wit sending him home. I know I am going to miss him so bad, I also have to realize Cats do not live forever, and 18 1/2 healthy years is a gift from God. i will keep you all informed. Thanks for all the support.

Mike

Mike,

My thoughts will be with you and Scooter.

Mike,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Scooter, and whatever ends up happening, we are all thinking of both of you.

When I was about 12, we lived in Bangkok, Thailand, during the Viet Nam war. While we were there, we visited the Bridge on the River Kwai, which is actually just ruins now, but a new bridge has been built there now. The one thing I really remember was the cemetary for the Allied soldiers who died while working on the bridge during World War 2. I remember rows and rows of crosses, something like Arlington National Cemetary is now, but some of the crosses had inscriptions on them. My mom took a picture of one inscription, because she wanted to have it inscribed on her dad's crypt one day. The inscription was "Those who live on in our hearts never die". I'll never forgot that in all those graves, there were so many men who had died in what must have been miserable conditions, so far from home and family, who are probably still to this day remembered through family memories, stories, and thoughts, and so they will never really die.

I relate this not to depress you or to imply that Scooter will soon join those soldiers, but to remind you, as I so often have to remind myself, that my deceased pets are never gone, because they are in my heart, and their memories live on forever. In the depths and initial shock of our grief, sometimes those things are hard to feel, and believe, but I firmly and undoubtedly believe that no pet, when they leave us, is ever really gone. Their funny traits, their goofy habits, and their furry love is not present anymore, but they are not gone, ever.

At a time like this, these things are all academic now, but whatever happens, your Scooter is always right there with you. You've done everything possible for him, and he may bounce back from this now, but just in case . . . Please know that we're thinking of you both. Take care - Barbara

It is a blessing that you had some extra time to say goodbye. It is a very difficult step to take. I would say that as long as the treatments help to keep prolonging his life. Beyond that point there isn't much of a choice. Steel yourself emotionally for this and hide your pain for Scooter's sake. As you say goodbye let only your love show through so he can have a peaceful passing.

I am so sorry to see anyone else go through this. Just let Scooter know how much you care and how valued he is in your life. As he leaves, the last thought he should have on Earth is how much he loves you. That is the best gift you can give him to take on his new journey.

Take care and keep in touch,
Ken Albin

Mike - Barbara's words were so beautifuly written, and I could have not expressed how we are all feeling for you now, any better. You have done all you can for Scooter. You gave him some extra time, feeling well. My thoughts are with you both. We are here for you always, and if Scooter is to pass, you have given him a wonderful home, and so much love.
Trish

Dear Mike,
Ken is so right. I have been regretting how upset I was when it was time to let Mitou go. and wish I had been calmer because it probably was upsetting to her that I was so emotional. When the time comes, the most important thing is to let Scooter know how much he is loved, which I'm sure he already knows based on what you have said.

Well, I always knew this day would come. I just got off the phone with the vet. He is comong here to my parents house tommorow at 1:30 to put Scooter to sleep. I actually just dug the hole to lay his little casket in tommorow. Last week I was weeping constantly, for some reason now I feel a little better, even though I KNOW tommorow is the day. I am 32 years old and I got Scooter when I wasin the 8'th grade, long time, 18 1/2 years. I am grateful. I am going to go hold him in my lap for a while now. If I don't make a post tommorow, i will soon after. Who ever started this site has done a wonderful thing, you all have been so nice. I know I am biased but I am convinced he is the best cat who ever lived. I am going to miss him forever. Talk to you all soon.

Mike

Mike,

There is nothing wrong with thinking your cat is the best cat ever. That is all of our jobs... to think the world of our beloved friends. I too knew my Simba's days were numbered a couple weeks before and was just torn up. I think I lost about 10 pounds with him. When the time came I did feel alot better to know that he was no longer in pain and suffering. I also felt relief to see that it was very fast and painless and could see that he was leaving in peace.

Spend the time with him and be with him to the very end. Then remember the great memories of the past 18 years. As long as you remember Scooter, talk about him, and keep his memory alive he will live forever in your heart.

Mike - I am so saddened to hear about Scooter. You gave him a loving home, and you are doing the best for him now. Prehaps I am crying now with you, because my cat's name was Scooter, but, more to the truth, I feel your pain, as does everyone else here. We will understand if you don't post tomorrow. Take whatever time you need, but you know, we are always here when you want. Just know, our thoughts and hearts will be with you tomrrow, and always.

Trish

It's all over.... Scooter's life is complete. He was born in the month of March 1988, he was put to sleep and laid to rest today around 1:30 pm. 18 years and about 5 months. My parents got him from an ad in the paper in a town about 1/2 hour from here when he was 5 weeks old. I was 14. I came to my parents early this morning, of course hoping for some kind of miracle, or a sign of him telling me " not to do this." Thee was none. I held him for a few hours, he just looked at me, tired, dehydrated, he hasn't urinated in over 2 days and hasn't had a bowel movement in about 4. It was the time, the day. When I saw the vet and the tech walking up the driveway, I lost it. I asked him again if this is what he would do and he told me " yes I would." I sat in the chair we always hung out in together, he shaved his front paw, gave him 1 anesthetic to make him go to sleep, which it did very quickly, then another to stop the heart, which it did even quicker. I wept like a child, placed in in his little coffin, placed that in a giant vac%% seal bag, put him in the whole I dug out yesterday. My wife and my parents all said the " Our father" I already miss him, and it's been about an hour, I miss im so bad. Go home Scooter, I hope I did what you wanted me to do.

Mike

Mike - I am so,so sorry for Scooter's passing, You did the right thing and from what you described,, he was ready. That doesn't make it any easier though. But, you had him in his familiar surroundings and you held him. Your family was with you, and I hope that was a little comfort to you. I know that nothing at this point can ease your pain, it is so new. You loved him, gave him a wonderful home, and comforted him till the very end. You did all you could do for him. I wish I could take your pain away. The only advice I can give you is try to get rest, eat at least as little, even if you don't feel like it, and try to find comfort knowing that Scooter is no longer in pain, or suffering. For me, knowing my pet was not suffering anymore did not help much in the beginning. I am still going through the stages of grieving, and you will too. Just know there are people here who understand and are here for you.
My deepest sympathy,
Trish

Dear Mike,
It's 3:30 and I just checked in to see how you and Scooter were doing. I'm so sorry for what you are enduring today. Those of us who bring an animal into our lives and hearts are signing on for this devastating experience of loss as well as are pets age and get sick. Remember the good times and the way he was when he was well, but also remember how he was during the last few weeks and that will help you to know you did the right thing. That's what I've been doing. l still miss Mitou terribly and still cry; I want her back just to hold her once more but I know I made the right choice. You do too.
Judy

Mike:

My heart is with you and Scooter. I just took my baby Chloe in to the hospital today for one more round of treatments to try to prolong her life. I've been giving her IV fluids and medications at home for many months as she suffers from Renal Failure. We are all blessed in different ways by our pets, and in different ways by their passing. Scooter lived so long and free of suffering, and it sounds like his death could not have been more peaceful. He was in his home, surrounded by his family, and simply went to sleep. He is fortunate to have had such a loving "big brother" as you. You are fortunate that all of your memories of him will be of a happy cat, except for the decreased mobility toward the end of his life.

I also want to say that when the time is right for you, doing some sort of memorial can be a very healing part of the grief process. After my dog died (6 years ago this september), I had to just be sad, cry, and live with a broken heart for a while. At some point, I found it therapeutic to gather pictures and memories of him from all members of the family who loved him. I compiled it all into a memory scrapbook, and this is a happy way I can remember Bruno any time I like. I plan to do something similar for Chloe when she passes. This may not be the right method of rememberance for you, but doing something like that may be soothing for you at some point, and will help you to keep Scooter living on in your heart and memories. You are in my thoughts.

Linda

Linda, thank you, already started. My mom brought out some pics of him from 12-14,15 years ago when he was nearly 20 lbs. Ijust feel empty. I want to see him so bad right now and can't it hurts. I miss him already, I know I alwyas will. This really hurts. However I do know it is part of the process of life, it will get better as time passes, but I'll always miss him.

Mike

Well, home now everyone. Was at my parents all day as you know. I keep thinking about the last few minutes, the whole process, the nedles, picking him up AFTER he was gone and how different that felt. I know I did right by him, but I want to hold him once more, and I can't. I have to accept it, and I will. Buddy I miss you.

Mike

It has been a difficult process for you the last few weeks. All of us here know what you were going through and we understand what you are feeling now. My thoughts are with you.

Oh Mike, you and Scooter have been through so much....I was so sad to hear your news. It brought up all my memories and tears about Cleo too. I had him for 18 yrs too and feel like I grew up with him - just like you and Scooter.

It was so hard for us both to see our beloved pets decline so quickly...Cleo went through what Scooter did...toward the end he just laid there and looked at me. He and Scooter knew they were so loved, their bodies were failing and needed peace.

My thoughts are with you.

Ps. even though I adopted someone new....I still cry for Cleo every day and wish I could hold him again. Tonight I keep seeing phantoms images of him out of the corner of my eye...

I would just like to thank everyone who have been supportive of Scooter and I these past several weeks. It was so hard to hold him and feel him take his last breathe, but I really feel better because He passed in my arms, no one elses. I will miss him forever, I am so thankful to have had him. I will be checking in here and offering support to others who need it as well. My folks may or may not get another cat someday. I can not because my wife is allergic to cats. If they get a cat, great, if not, fine as well. I just miss my friend. Thanks to all.

Mike