Cats exiting and entering our lives

[rosarugosa]

We had to euthanize our 17 year-old buddy Humphrey almost two weeks ago. He had CRF for awhile but was holding his own (he would not tolerate the treatment, so we went with his apparent wishes). He recently had really gone downhill and we finally realized the time had come. It is never easy. This was the first time we did an in-home euthanasia, and it was the most peaceful send-off we've given to any of our pets. It was more expensive, but it was money very well spent as it was easier on all of us, especially Humphrey. We buried him out in the yard, so although the vet service cost more than in-office, we didn't spend anything on cremation, etc.
Yesterday, we adopted a young male through our local volunteer rescue group, and Ogden, our other cat is very pissed off at all of us. So we have Silvio confined to one room for now while Oggie makes the adjustment to the interloper. Of course, Oggie was the interloper himself just a few short years ago, adopted through the same group, but he doesn't seem to remember any of that. I think Silvio is going to be a great pet, and he and Oggie will hopefully become good friends, but cats don't make transitions easily. This sure is a painful process, and I look forward to the day when we regain our feline tranquility!

[pinkytoe]

So sorry to hear - it is tough to lose one. My heart still grieves for one of ours in particular, a winsome Siamese named Cyrano. Mostly because it was a horrible vet euthanasia - he fought even past the shot. We will have any future ones done at home. And all that was six years ago. Somehow, in the interim time, we acquired two more Siamese strays and it feels like they have always been here. They are such dear spirits - our kitties.

[Float On]

I'm sorry for your loss of your kitty friend (love the name Humphrey).

[treehugger]

Sorry for your loss, rosarugosa. Best wishes for Silvio fitting in well and Oggie learning to get along.

I am planning to do use the at-home euthanasia service (for the first time) for my 19-year-old cat, Ophelia, when the time comes. She has always violently hated the vet, even under "good" circumstances, so I am loathe to bring her there ever again. She's earned the right to stay home where she is comfortable. That said, so far, she is doing well (no known problems or issues; she is just old). But, it's good to be prepared.

Kara

[Rosemary]

So sorry that you lost your long-time companion.

Welcome, Silvio! Hope he fits right in.

[Tussiemussies]

So sorry to hear that you lost your kitty, I hope your new buddy fits in really soon....chris

[Kat]

So sorry for your loss, rosarugosa. It is always so hard to let go of a beloved pet. I am happy to hear that you were able to open your heart to a new little friend, though. May your home be filled with peace and harmony soon! :-)

[fidgiegirl]

So sorry, rosa. I am glad to hear you opted for the in-home. I wish my parents would have done it for a recent pet they had to part with, but they didn't and the good thing is that she isn't in pain anymore.

Sending some peace Oggie's way too. :) Hopefully he'll adjust quickly enough.

[Sad Eyed Lady]

It's always hard to say goodbye to those sweet ones that love us so unconditionally. Peace to you and to Silvio as he makes his way into your family and your heart.

[rosarugosa]

Thanks everyone for your good wishes. I think it's the hardest on Oggie at the moment, but he is starting to come around. Silvio is ravenous from having lived on the streets, and I imagine rescue groups tend to feed more on the lean side. So I think I fed him like 7 times today! It's hard to hold back when he is so hungry and we have plenty of food!

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa351/rosa_rugosa/Silvio/Silvio008_zps195fbab4.jpg (http://s1193.photobucket.com/user/rosa_rugosa/media/Silvio/Silvio008_zps195fbab4.jpg.html)

[JaneV2.0]

What a gorgeous creature! I can almost feel that lush fur.

I waver. I miss cats but not the responsibility and definitely not the heartbreak. I'm sorry you lost Humphrey.

[rosarugosa]

Thanks for the kind words, Jane.
Update: By the middle of last week, I was almost certain that Silvio would have to go. That would have been a first for us and would have made me feel like a total failure; we are very big on honoring commitments around here. But he was being really mean and aggressive to Oggie (who is a teddybear of a cat), agressive toward us, and we have an obligation to preserve a good quality of life for Ogden. But then it totally turned around after a couple of days. I think this little guy is used to fighting for his life, and is just starting to realize that there is plenty of everything here, and he doesn't have to fight anymore for anything. He's starting to adapt to the good life, and I think he likes it! He and Ogden are acting like old friends, and all is harmonious again in our little cottage :)

[Florence]

We had to euthanize our sweet black cat, LuckyDuck, Sunday. There was never a cat with such a laid-back, mellow personality. He was loved every day of his 12 years and is very much missed.

[JaneV2.0]

Those last two posts made me tear up--for different reasons.

[rosarugosa]

I'm sorry for your loss, Florence.

[Float On]

I'm sorry Florence. I'd love to hear how you came to name your cat 'LuckyDuck'.
Rosarugosa, so glad Silvio settled in. After my beloved golden retriever passed away I made the mistake of bringing a new dog home....much to soon. She was aggressive and not a good fit with little children and I had to find her a new home. I've made myself wait 6 months before bringing someone new home since then.

[Florence]

Thank you rosa and float on. We named him LuckyDuck because it was pure luck that we found him before he died of exposure. We just happened to be visiting my 90 year old Aunt at her house out in the piney woods of East Texas on a cold, rainy November day when someone dumped 2 tiny kittens out by her old pump house. I should not have been able to hear those tiny mews over the wind and rain but I did. We brought them home with us and loved them the rest of their lives. (The other kitten we named RagMuffin but he didn't live very long.)