I'm losing Dusty

I am so sorry sweetheart

I will pray for your kitty now!!

I never know what to say at times like this. I'm just so very sorry to hear this, and the tribe and I send lotsa lotsa vibes and feel better headbumps.

How is Dusty after getting fluids?

Any update on Dusty? She is still in my thoughts and prayers.

It is so hard when we know our babies are no longer thriving....
sending love and hugs.

Originally Posted by mrsgreenjeens

How is Dusty after getting fluids?

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Originally Posted by farleyv

Any update on Dusty? She is still in my thoughts and prayers.

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I wrote a long post earlier, but it got lost when this site went down. grrrrr!

Now I can't remember what I said. She is weak, and eating very little. Her meow sounds different, and I don't know if she is in pain or not. I think I will know by Monday if she is perking up or not, but right now it doesn't look good. I asked my husband what we should do with her body, and then I dissolved into tears, like I'm doing right now again. I just can't bear to think of life without her. She has asked for so very little, and she has given so much love in return. I just think she is very special, and I don't know that I can ever love another kitty the way I love her.

I know I could give her fluids at home, and shove pills down her, and she might last awhile longer, but then she is losing the quality that I cherish for her.

Originally Posted by Dusty's Mom

I wrote a long post earlier, but it got lost when this site went down. grrrrr!

Now I can't remember what I said. She is weak, and eating very little. Her meow sounds different, and I don't know if she is in pain or not. I think I will know by Monday if she is perking up or not, but right now it doesn't look good. I asked my husband what we should do with her body, and then I dissolved into tears, like I'm doing right now again. I just can't bear to think of life without her. She has asked for so very little, and she has given so much love in return. I just think she is very special, and I don't know that I can ever love another kitty the way I love her.

I know I could give her fluids at home, and shove pills down her, and she might last awhile longer, but then she is losing the quality that I cherish for her.

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I went through this with Lucy too, but it came to a point when I knew old age and illness had caught up with her and no matter how much I wanted to keep her here with me, this time I had to let her go.

She went with all my love and her Spirit lives in my heart and memories.

No, you will never love another kitty in the way you love Dusty any more than I will ever love another cat the same way as I loved Lucy but when the time is right, another cat will come into your life in need of love and kindness and that cat will bring his or her own love with them.

The bonds of love will be just as strong but in a slightly different way.

The legacy Lucy left me was to love another cat/kitten in her honour.

I'm sure, if the worst comes to the worst, that is the legacy Dusty will leave for you too.

to you in this tough time. I know you will know when to let go by trusting Dusty to tell you.

Dusty has always been an in/out cat from before she came to live with us. Because she's been sick the past several weeks, I haven't let her out much, and frankly she hasn't been too interested in going out either.

This morning she wanted out, so I let her into the backyard. The last few days she has only gone out for a few minutes, hasn't left the yard, and wants back in within minutes. As we were getting ready to leave the house this morning, I went outside to coax Dusty back in, but she wasn't there. Panic! I started calling her. And then I heard the most panicked and pitiful cry for help. The more she heard me, the more agitated her cries became. We discovered that she had climbed the fence into the neighbor's yard, but because their side was the smooth side, she didn't have the strength to climb back. I called my husband and we ran around the corner. Our backyard neighbors have an RV and they have been traveling for several weeks, so I knew no one was home. I was afraid they might have had their gate locked, but fortunately it wasn't, and we could get in. She was certainly glad to see us! Poor girl was so scared. I brought her inside, and she's been sleeping under the bed ever since.

I don't think she is eating much, but is drinking a little water. I would like to wait a little longer. But every time I think of losing her, I bawl like a baby.

Yes, I agree. I know it's all about quality of life, and you don't want to make her uncomfortable by sticking her with a needle and shoving pills down her throat, but the IV fluids usually aren't bad at all (one of our cats purred thru the process!), and if pills are needed, as long as they don't make them sicker (as some antibiotics can do) and if you can give them in a manner which doesn't freak Dusty out (like in pill pockets or have them compounded into a tasty treat), her quality of life could still be good.

Having said that, YOU know her better than we do! But if she was able to climb the fence, that's a good sign, isn't it? She's still got some spunk in her.

Prayers for your Dusty, from another "Dusty's mom"...

Thanks to all my cyber friends here for your thoughtful posts.

Dusty is still eating and drinking, though very little. She threw up this morning. She still climbs up on my lap, and she is still going outside, though she is not going near the fence (which is a good thing).

How do I know if it is time? I don't want her to continue to suffer, but I can't tell how bad she feels. Any suggestions?

I have been wondering how the two of you are doing. Sigh...

I know for me, I just knew. It was like another sense that I had, kicked in gear. I really can't say anything else than that. You will just know. With the closeness you two have shared, you are atuned to her.

I wish I could be of more help. But if having others thinking of you and sending prayers and thoughts your way, that should help bolster you up.

Seeing her body language is still fairly good, sitting with you and even climbing that wall, tells me maybe she is not in much discomfort. You will have to judge that as you are with her and observe her all the time.

God, they break our hearts, don't they? Be strong, my friend. There is a a time for everything. A little cat in California has touched someone clear across the country and they mourn too.

Originally Posted by Dusty's Mom

Thanks to all my cyber friends here for your thoughtful posts.

Dusty is still eating and drinking, though very little. She threw up this morning. She still climbs up on my lap, and she is still going outside, though she is not going near the fence (which is a good thing).

How do I know if it is time? I don't want her to continue to suffer, but I can't tell how bad she feels. Any suggestions?

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Have you spoken to the vet about this? His/her thoughts on how serious her condition really is, and if this can be reversed? So many things are temporary... Cats do often turn around and live long and happy lives... she is so young... Maybe force feeding her for a while, fluids, CRF food.... I don't know, but maybe talking to the vet you will get a better picture of how she is really doing... Right now I get the feeling she is wasting away... she needs to be forcefed, otherwise this will also affect her liver and things will only get worse...
I know this is really really hard, but if the decision has been made of no more treatment, no force feeding, no fluids, and no intervention... please please don't let her waste away to a painful death... please end her suffering sooner than later...

She is eating and drinking, and that's a good sign. I think she has gained some weight because her spine doesn't seem quite as bony. She still wants to go outside, and she will lay in the shade of a bush. Sometimes she will even go over the fence, and she can now get back by herself. I think her ear infection really knocked her for a loop, but now that her ears are healed, she's doing much better.

I know that her CRF is not curable, and I will not force feed her. Once I feel that her quality has deteriorated to the point that she is in pain, I'll end her suffering.

Her blood work also showed that she is anemic. Does anyone have a home remedy for that?