Old Dude is gone...

I made the decision to put Old Dude to sleep today. He was the patriarch of our feral colony and he will be missed.
It was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever made. His health was declining rapidly and we could tell that he wasn't comfortable. His coat was thinning and he could not keep warm. Whether to let him pass naturally or to step in an ease his discomfort was a major dilemma and I will always wonder if it was the right decision.
I was able to bring him in for the last couple of days so he was able to sleep in a warm, comfortable place and eat lots of ham and chicken. The fact that I was able to pick him up was a sign of how poorly he was feeling.
Please say a prayer for this tough old guy. Although an outside cat, he was well-loved.

Originally Posted by JIL05

Whether to let him pass naturally or to step in an ease his discomfort was a major dilemma and I will always wonder if it was the right decision.

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A very wise man told me one time that sometimes there IS no right decision. The best you can do in those circumstances is to make the best decision you know how to make and then (the important part) commit to seeing that decision through, making it work to the extent of your abilities.

You made a decision, and the important thing is that you carried it through well, and Old Dude's passing was painless and dignified. Of course, that doesn't make it hurt any less, and I am very sorry for your loss. You did the right thing.

Bless his heart, but i'm sure he'll know that you did it for his own good
You showed Dude some extra loving before he left to cross the bridge so i'm sure it made his journey a pleasant one knowing someone loved him

RIP Dude, have fun with all the other kitties over the bridge

Originally Posted by evnshawn

A very wise man told me one time that sometimes there IS no right decision. The best you can do in those circumstances is to make the best decision you know how to make and then (the important part) commit to seeing that decision through, making it work to the extent of your abilities.

You made a decision, and the important thing is that you carried it through well, and Old Dude's passing was painless and dignified. Of course, that doesn't make it hurt any less, and I am very sorry for your loss.

You did the right thing.

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wow what an amazing response. And so very very true

I can not say it any better than that

RIP Old Dude - you will be deeply missed

I know how tough it was to make that decision. I try not to get too attached to my (outdoor) barn cats, but ultimately I do.

RIP Old Dude.

Sorry for your loss. I have ferals and it is hard to not get attached even if you never hold them or pet them. They are still one of God's little creatures. I am sure he is in a better place now. My God bless you for your feral work and give you comfort in this time of sorrow.

You loved him & gave him the dignified passing of the old king I imagine he was.

R.I.P. Old Dude. Young, healthy & full of spirit over the bridge.

You made the right decision in letting Old Dude pass with dignity and knowing that he was loved. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss of Old Dude. It is a hard decision, but one we all have faced or will face in the future. It is never easy. Right now your are hurting, but I pray your memories will bring you peace and comfort. Dude, rest in peace sweet kitty. You are loved and missed.

Originally Posted by Aries

My God bless you for your feral work and give you comfort in this time of sorrow.

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Thank you for making the difficult decision to ease Old Dude's passing. How sad to say goodbye to such a tough tomcat. Condolences on your loss.

Rest in peace, big guy. Now you are king of a REAL big colony, there in heaven!

I'm so sorry for the loss of Old Dude. I care for ferals, too and when one disappeared last year I was heartbroken.

You have my sympathy.

Thank you for making that hard decision to ease him from life, rather than to have to suffer.
I know how hard it was for you....but I`ve seen suffering...and know what that is like....and I`ve also seen 2 animals PTS....and it was such an easy passing that I could`nt hardly belive that they were`nt still just sleeping!
You did the right thing for him...please know that.
I am sorry for your loss....I know that you are grieving.
Linda

Thank you all for wise words of support and encouragement. He was a true warrior and you all seemed to capture his spirit. After your responses and this snow storm that we had today, although difficult, I am feeling more sure that I made the right decision.
Thank you all!

I'm very sorry to hear about Old Dude. I know how much care you give to your feral/stray colony; always sad to hear when one falls sick & there is just nothing we can do.

Although your decision was difficult, I believe it was the most humane decision you could have made. As you know, I too, care for a colony & would have done the same.

Bless you for caring & for having Old Dude spend his last days in loving & safe arms.

I'm so sorry for your loss Sending PM your way.....

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