vet thinks Noah has another chance, we say no

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Noah & me (GA)

Noah & me (GA)

Member Since 2016
A little background is essential. Cynthia and I have never disagreed (and are not doing so now) about when it's time to go. With Nigel we took him home and what we thought might be a pain free week turned into 48 hours. When Jacob's ulcer was finally diagnosed as a painful cancer we brought him in the next morning. The worst experience was Kobiashi who was already very old and had an embolism break loose somewhere, rapid weight loss, then a cardiac event. On a Thursday night before a long weekend it was 99% certain his heart would give out very soon and we didn't want him suffering in an hour long car ride to emergency to be poked and prodded by strangers. He had a very rough life and came to us after being abandoned in an empty house. We made the decision to end his suffering on the spot.
I made an appointment for Noah on Wednesday so his vet since he was born would be there. She phoned me today urging us to have him tested tomorrow (Tuesday) for pancreatitis. I mumbled a maybe.
Below is what he looked like on Saturday even after he stopped eating. Now I am syringe feeding him and he hates me for it. He has not moved from his basket at the front door for 48 hours and has lost so much weight Cynthia burst into tears when she picked him up.
His teeth are all rotten and cannot be pulled, he has cardiomyopathy and his heart is so enlarged it has broken through the cardiac sac and is pressing on other organs. He hasn't had a bowel movement since Friday.
I have never had to deal with pancreatitis but unless the treatment involves God we are not wanting to put him through any more. He has not been weighed in a long time but I can safely say he is less than 1/2 his ideal body weight.
I never thought I'd have to ask this question but are doing the right thing? I cannot imagine any scenario that would extend his life past Christmas. He must be in organ failure right now. The appointment is tomorrow at 11AM. Please be honest.

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Noah & me (GA) said:
Now I am syringe feeding him and he hates me for it. He has not moved from his basket at the front door for 48 hours and has lost so much weight Cynthia burst into tears when she picked him up.
His teeth are all rotten and cannot be pulled, he has cardiomyopathy and his heart is so enlarged it has broken through the cardiac sac and is pressing on other organs. He hasn't had a bowel movement since Friday.
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You asked for honesty so I'm going there.....I think your answer is right there. Yes, sometimes assist feeding is the right thing to do, despite the objections, but there's just so much going wrong, I think it's time.

Yes, God may intervene.....He may wake up tomorrow, go straight to his food bowl and then off to the litter box to make a huge deposit. In that case, and only that case, I may give him a little more time, but it sure sounds to me like he's not living the life I know you wish for him.

Will pray for a miracle and also for peace for you both in the decision you're making.
 
Dickson, you know I regard you highly, and I agree with Chris and M, you have the answer already. If it was me I would give this gift, even while my heart was breaking. It's the kindest most loving thing you can do. And you are such a kind loving man. Hugs to you and Cynthia for being courageous and so loving to your furkids all through the years, today and tomorrow.
 
There's something I forgot. The vet Noah has had forever is not in tomorrow, that's why the original appointment was Wednesday.
My vet has known us for almost 20 years so she will sometimes ask me my opinion of her newest staff and the alternate vet is not her favorite person. There won't be any friction, I just wanted her to be there as she has been every time for all our cats and dog. I feel like a schmuck for doing that but Noah comes before someone else's hurt feelings. We should all be so lucky to have a vet like her.
 
Dickson and Cynthia...you are there and I am not ... you know Noah and I do not ..... I have no insight to offer but do offer my deepest most sincere prayers and petitions over all of you ... for insight, for wisdom, for peace , for invisible arms of love to wrap around you all... may all of us take a small piece of this heart burden and carry it in hopes of helping you bear this time... our hearts are heavy for you ❤️
 
Better a day too soon then a day too late. If you feel your kitty is ready, you know him better than anyone. It's not like you're one to make that decision for your own personal convenience. He looks tired.
 
Oh Dickson. Yes. I think you are making the right decision. It's the one I would make in your shoes (it's the one I DID make in your shoes...my Gypsy was in similar condition when I chose to let her go). Something Sue (you old timers will remember her I'm sure) told me when I was agonizing over what to do was this: "whatever decision you make will be the right one, because it was made from love". That gave me the strength to say goodbye when I knew it was time, and I hope it gives you some strength as well. Hugs to you and Cynthia my friend.
 
You know your cat... You are giving him release from the pain & oh so tiredness. I honestly believe that in your hearts, you & lovely Cynthia have decided what’s best for him. My heart breaks... & their pain becomes ours. I’ve made this decision & never regretted it. I’ll take that pain for my dear babes. Thinking of you all ... many hugs
 
This is the hardest part of it all. It takes unselfish love to make the call to let them go though you know it will tear you apart.

I wish you peace and a sweet goodbye when you make the call. :bighug:
 
Oh Dickson! My heart breaks for you and Cynthia. I send so much love to you both and pray that you will find comfort in knowing that Noah is free from pain and running and playing with all of the kitties who have gone before him. cat_wings>o
 
Noah & me (GA) said:
Noah passed away last night. It's already posted in Grief.
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Noah, your dad made me laugh and -smile on days when I thought it was impossible. Every time he told me about you, I felt like I knew you better and cared even more.

You were greatly loved here. Now run free and find your siblings. Will you look out for Grandpa?

Hugs Dickson and Cynthia.
 
Noah & me (GA) said:
Noah passed away last night. It's already posted in Grief.
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❤️

Frosty passed away yesterday on his own too, before our appointment. It was not peaceful unfortunately. I can’t bring myself to write about it right now. Maybe tomorrow.

The similarities to you guys, as well as to @Beck and Grandpa (GA) and the timing is just overwhelming. (Beck, it still freaks me the F out seeing GA after Grandpa’s name.)
 
I'm so sorry :( I am praying for all of you (((Dickson & Noah)), (((Beck & Grandpa))), and (((Ana & Frosty))).
I know how it feels. I wish you all peace and whatever comfort you can find. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Ana & Frosty said:
❤️

Frosty passed away yesterday on his own too, before our appointment. It was not peaceful unfortunately. I can’t bring myself to write about it right now. Maybe tomorrow.

The similarities to you guys, as well as to @Beck and Grandpa (GA) and the timing is just overwhelming. (Beck, it still freaks me the F out seeing GA after Grandpa’s name.)
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Oh my gosh. I am speechless... and so sorry! All three at almost the same time! I would give anything to have all three happy and healthy and with us again, but to know I'm walking through this pain with others that I know understand helps somewhat. This sucks!
 
So tonight not one of us has to give a shot. I can't remember when that last happened. I was fooling around with my meter's memory one day and there was a gap of a few months. I realized those were Nigel's numbers.
@Ana & Frosty I'm kicking myself now for not scheduling that appointment for Saturday but he was still up and about interacting with us and the other cats. I don't think there's a lesson to be learned, sometimes things just go badly so fast. I know you're not a child but this has to be worse for you. Sorry if I sound like the village elder, I hate that.
 
Noah & me (GA) said:
So tonight not one of us has to give a shot. I can't remember when that last happened.
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Oh Dickson, these words touched me so... opened the flood gates. I know. I remember.

I don't post much any more. As each year goes by it gets harder and harder to even open up a GA thread... almost impossible to visit the Grief Forum. Too many kitties. Too many losses. Each one feels like it tears off a little piece of my heart... even if I didn't "know" the kitty and caregiver well. I understand the kind of loss each caregiver is feeling and have a good idea of what they're going through.

@Beck and Grandpa (GA) , @Ana & Frosty , and @Noah & me (GA) ... my heart hurts and feels for you and yours. I am so sorry.
 
I feel so sad right now. Heart broken.

RIP Noah :rb_icon:cat_wings>o.

Big warm hugs for Dickson and Cynthia :bighug:.
 
Ana & Frosty said:
Frosty passed away yesterday on his own too, before our appointment. It was not peaceful unfortunately. I can’t bring myself to write about it right now. Maybe tomorrow.
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:(

Living and dying is rarely tidy it seems to me. Too often the tide of life turns as if on a whim , taking us by unwanted surprise and leaving us desolate & bereft.

I am sorry this happened to you, Ben & Frosty @Ana & Frosty . Sometimes life just stinks and is not at all fair.
 
For those of us who are long time members of this Board, @Jill & Alex (GA) could not have said it better. For whatever reason, there are times when several of our beloved kitties leave us in rapid succession. It's so very hard.

"Cats never completely leave you. They side step time, shrug off death - come at the call of memory their beauty undiminished, their touch as gentle, their love perpetual."
 
Beck and Grandpa (GA) said:
That got to me.
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I still feel like I need to rush home by 6 o’clock, but then I remember that I don’t.

Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
For those of us who are long time members of this Board, @Jill & Alex (GA) could not have said it better. For whatever reason, there are times when several of our beloved kitties leave us in rapid succession. It's so very hard.

"Cats never completely leave you. They side step time, shrug off death - come at the call of memory their beauty undiminished, their touch as gentle, their love perpetual."
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I just can’t get over the fact that the other 2 members I followed closely. It’s so crazy. I do agree @Beck and Grandpa (GA) , in a weird and maybe somewhat messed up way, it is helpful knowing I’m not alone at this very moment. Of course I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, especially those I consider friends here, but I’m sure you guys know what I mean. It’s still just mind blowing to me... I’m in shock your babies left almost at the same time mine did.
Noah & me (GA) said:
@Ana & Frosty I'm kicking myself now for not scheduling that appointment for Saturday but he was still up and about interacting with us and the other cats. I don't think there's a lesson to be learned, sometimes things just go badly so fast. I know you're not a child but this has to be worse for you. Sorry if I sound like the village elder, I hate that.
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I’m kicking myself for a lot of things. I didn’t realize how much guilt there is associated with pet loss.

I am doing OK bc I’m working, but i do have my moments of intense sadness and regret . I know it’s normal.

I still intend to post more later in a separate thread. I also have 8 people I am trying to send / give medical supplies to. I have to get organized and start sending stuff out. There’s so much to do. But i want to help others in Frosty’s memory.
 
@Ana & Frosty I'm glad you replied to that. When I said "I know you're not a child" that could have come off sounding a lot worse. What I meant was I've been through this a lot. When we brought Noah in yesterday there were two new staffers who had no idea who I was. I'm the guy that can just walk straight past "no customers" and no one says anything. These two new people had not checked our file, this is the 10th time we've been in that stupid room.
So basically I'm older than your dad and like I said before you've been through the ringer with Frosty as opposed to Noah just slowly going downhill over the years. That was a super-human effort and it had to hurt.
Actually Ana you always seem to know what I really mean, that's why you're one of my favorite people. The thread about suicide was what did it for me because nothing speaks louder than honesty and compassion. Promise me you won't close your account. Bye Frosty. :( :bighug:
 
Ana & Frosty said:
I just can’t get over the fact that the other 2 members I followed closely. It’s so crazy. I do agree @Beck and Grandpa (GA) , in a weird and maybe somewhat messed up way, it is helpful knowing I’m not alone at this very moment. Of course I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, especially those I consider friends here, but I’m sure you guys know what I mean. It’s still just mind blowing to me... I’m in shock your babies left almost at the same time .
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I definitely know what you mean. I don't want any of us to walk this road, but it helps not to walk alone.

This morning the Alphatrak meter beeped its 7 AM alarm from the kitchen drawer. I just froze for a minute. Then I was looking for treats and found them by the front door under Grandpa's Superman costume. I must have dropped it there when we came in from the yard where I took his pictures. It's the little things.

I'm also finding myself confusing Trixie's care with Grandpa's. Trixie is still recovering so I found myself buying a ton of food samples. I have to remind myself that I now need grain free, not low carb.
 
Beck and Grandpa (GA) said:
I definitely know what you mean. I don't want any of us to walk this road, but it helps not to walk alone.

This morning the Alphatrak meter beeped its 7 AM alarm from the kitchen drawer. I just froze for a minute. Then I was looking for treats and found them by the front door under Grandpa's Superman costume. I must have dropped it there when we came in from the yard where I took his pictures. It's the little things.

I'm also finding myself confusing Trixie's care with Grandpa's. Trixie is still recovering so I found myself buying a ton of food samples. I have to remind myself that I now need grain free, not low carb.
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:bighug::bighug: How is Trixie doing, Beck ? Have had her on my heart and mind ❤️
 
Noah & me (GA) said:
@Ana & Frosty you've been through the ringer with Frosty as opposed to Noah just slowly going downhill over the years. That was a super-human effort and it had to hurt.

Actually Ana you always seem to know what I really mean, that's why you're one of my favorite people. The thread about suicide was what did it for me because nothing speaks louder than honesty and compassion. Promise me you won't close your account. Bye Frosty. :( :bighug:
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I don’t think that what I went through makes what you’ve been through any less difficult, it’s just different, These experience can’t really be compared. And I didn’t choose this either - I thought I was adopting a diabetic cat and he would probably get off insulin and live another 5 years. I had NO IDEA what I signed up for - none of us do. We do it because we love our pets.

I think my favorite part is the GA after your name. That’s why I knew we understood each other hahaha. I’m probably too young for the level of sarcasm and sense of humor I have. In fact, I’m the opposite of grumpy in person, but deep down, I’m on that level. What can I do... maybe I’m young(er) that most members, but I know what I’ve been through in life and I definitely learn a lot. I reflect a lot.

I’m sticking around for now for moral support, for myself and also for you and @Beck and Grandpa (GA) . Don’t know how long I will stay, but the best thing I think I can offer on this forum is mental/moral support for other members with sick cats, rather than help with diabetes/dosing. And of course advice for those with cushing’s cats. I think there’s enough diabetes experts here.
 
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