The hard decision.....

Thanks so much for all the support. It really helps a lot. MA, I am so sorry you are going through this, too.

My heart goes out to you. I had to make that same painful decision in February with my precious Snoopy who was 20. I didn't think I could do it. He was my best friend in the world. The night before I took him in, he looked at me, and it seemed to me like he was telling me , it was time to let him go.

It's so hard to say "good-bye" to a special friend who has been with you that many years. I will send you Vibes to do what is right for Fred.

Rebecca, Fred is special and you are allowing him a way to escape that would not be available to him were he living outside, or even living with someone else. It is a very hard decision to make, because it requires us to go outside our own personal needs and try and figure out the best route for the cat. Many, are unable to do this. You are not one of the many, you are one of the few-

Rebecca and Mary Anne, I'm so sorry that you're both going through the pain of this, in order to spare your precious fur babies pain and suffering.
They never really leave us. I was cleaning Friday, and picked up my childhood teddy bear to dust off a shelf. His ear was chewed off by Teddy, the beagle we had when I was little. I found myself remembering Teddy so clearly, down to the way it felt to cuddle him, his howl, the way he used to steal food (several roasts right off the table), and even the way he smelled when he rolled in things.

I am so sorry to her about your kitty. I hope everything goes okay. Sorry for your loss.

aww Rebecca~ I am sorry for poor Fred...he looks like such a sweet kitty poo...((hugs))

I fully expected to come here today and tell you all the deed had been done. I got up this morning, and Fred seemed to be back to his old self. He was even playing and chasing Scooter around. He has not played for months! He ate like a horse, then dragged the bone from a T-bone steak from the trash and was gnawing on it. He smacked Pepper out of his spot, and has not been back in his closet. He slept on my chest during his nap time this morning, and seemed to be breathing fine, not crying when I petted him. We discussed it, and have decided to monitor him closely for a week and see what happens. We have given him up for gone several times over the years, and he has snapped back. Maybe he just missed me while I was gone. He seems better than he has for months. He has developed some very bad habits in his old age, but I will not put him down just because he has become inconvenient. We will see what happens. Right now I just happy to be able to keep him for at least a few more days.

Rebecca, I'm very glad Fred has rallied for the time being. Enjoy this time with him to the fullest. I am so sorry for what both you AND MA are going through. Like MA said, though- you are not one of the many, you are one of the few. I know you will make the right decision for Fred.
My heart goes out to you and MA right now during this time of difficult decisions.

From everything you've ever said about Fred, it sounds like you two have a very special connection. I think it's entirely possible that he missed you so much that it affected his health. And now that he has his beloved Meowmy back, he can be back to normal too.

I love the sound of Fred's personality, he must be a very special fellow.

Fred does sound like a real love, and perhaps he was knocked for a loop by your absence, and now can get back to himself. I'm happy to hear that he seems to be better, and pray that continues.

aww im so happy to hear he's back to himself!! Guess he was just being a little moddy for you what a stinker... lol give him scritches for me!!!

Yay! Glad for good news for Fred!