Time to say goodbye to Louie

I took Louie to the vet today and the vet said it was time to let him go. Louie is about 14 yo. He has a diagnosis of IBD (or lymphoma) and more recently kidney issues. He was down to 5 lbs today. He was around 15 lbs in his prime.

I had my 5 yo son with me at the appointment, so choose not to have Louie euthanized on the spot. I didn't want my son to see me so upset. But now I have to wait until Mon. or Tues late afternoon to get him back to the vet ( due to my work schedule and the vet's office hours). Or, I could probably take him to the emergency clinic. I'm not yet sure what to do.

I lost my other cat, Reese, just about 2 months ago.

Louie is such a sweet soul. When I first saw him at the shelter 14 years ago he was in the sick unit due to having the sniffles. When they took him out of the cage and gave him to me he wrapped his front legs around my neck giving me big hug and telling me to take him home.

This is going to be hard.

I am so sorry.  My prayers will be with you.   

I am so sorry for your loss.  My boy had exactly the same thing; IBD & cancer and was only 13. .  The vet said as long as he did normal cat things, didn't loss weight & did not show discomfort I could have some time with him.  I never had to do this before & it just broke my heart.  Losing two in such a short time must be awful.  The living have to grieve for the dead; it is just part of the process.   It helps to think of them on the other side; playing & completely healed, just wanting for our return. Sending you hugs & light.  Rest in peace pretty Louie!

maurine, sorry for the premature post on his death.  I read it again & realized you had not  put him to sleep yet.  Be brave, you are doing the best for him.

I am so sorry... that sounds terrible and I have no idea how I would deal with the waiting game... It would certainly be hard and it always is, regardless of how they leave us.

Prepare yourself for the loss and share those last moments with him, tell him how much you love him and how much you will miss him. Say your goodbye, because when mine cat died I did not have that chance and I keep saying it weeks later and it makes me upset...

Sending a lot of positive thoughts...

Thank you, everyone.  I got to spend a couple of hours sitting with him on the couch last night.  I feel like he's probably miserable but isn't in acute pain.  I will plan on getting him to the vet on Monday.  

Just give that sweet boy what he wants the most, your love and devotion. Knowing there is no 'cure', you are doing the only loving, humane thing left to do, sparing him anguish and pain in his days remaining on this earth. It will break your heart, but it will comfort him so for you to be with him at the end. My heart breaks for what you have to do, I know the anguish of losing such a sweet, loving member of your family, one that occupies a space in your heart that will feel empty for a while. But just remember,he would never want you to  remember him with such sadness, he would want you to celebrate the fourteen years of  love you shared, not dwell on the passing. My heart goes out to you, I'll keep you and Louie in my thoughts and prayers.

Louie 

I'm so sorry ... but am so thankful to you for loving your special furbaby and giving him the bestest life possible! I truly believe their natural instincts are "I'm ready to go"... it's hardest on us for sure...

I'm so sorry, my thought and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

I send my fervent wishes that you and Louie have a wonderful weekend together. I'm glad that you'll be able to spend some time with him; I think it will make things easier for you later. I know you'll treasure these precious moments for many years to come. I am sorry for your compounded loss. That must make it even that much more difficult. You and Louie are in our thoughts. Best wishes.

Best regards,

Phyllis

I said my last goodbye to Louie yesterday.  It was very hard.  I cried a little everyday before the appointment and, of course, right after.  But since then, I've felt mostly peace and probably some relief.  I know I have taken Louie's pain and suffering away and cut short his decline.  It is so odd a bit lonely with no cats in the house now.  For 14 years, Reesee and Louie have been a part of my daily routine.  In the last year especially, their health issues have weighed heavy on me.    So I think that is where the feeling of relief is coming from.  But, I'm thankful I had them in my lives.  Dealing with their passing, is one more lesson they have taught me. 

Thanks again, everyone for your kind words.

I found that too... I was a basket case during the diagnosis stage and few weeks after, and through different treatments... but when I finally got a hold of myself (and prayed saying I can't carry this burden on my own!) I had this huge relief and felt at peace and clear minded through the decision of putting her down and felt very blessed with strength and actually only shed a few tears through the actual goodbye... of course you will have your days..as did I that it's very difficult but peace of mind is an awesome healing aid!

I am so VERY sorry for your loss maurene. May you find strength and peace during this time, and know that Louie loved you more than you could ever know. 

Please accept my condolences, I'm so very sorry for your pain. I pray that Louie made it safely to the Rainbow Bridge, the heavens gained a beautiful star with his passing. I hope he can comfort you with his memories that remain in your heart, they are as precious as gold. RIP beautiful Louie!