Otis

Yesterday I had to have my beloved pet, Otis, an 11 mo old, rescued from the pound, put to sleep. It was just about the hardest thing I've ever had to do. About a month ago I wrote in the forum about his disease, Megaesophagus . About 1 week after we adopted him we noticed he was having a hard time keeping any food down. Thanks to my wonderful, caring vet, we did some testing and he found the disease which is VERY rare in cats. At that time he told us it was life-threatening and that there would come a time we'd have to make this decision. The past few days he would throw up anything he ate, he was losing weight rapidly, losing his fur, didn't want to be held, petted or rubbed. Originally he was a VERY affectionate cat so this indicated to us that he was in pain and couldn't stand the human touch. The enlarged esophagus was pressing on his heart and lungs making it difficult for him to breathe. Yesterday morning, he came to me and laid on my lap and just put his head down. I knew it was time. I called the vet and took him in immediately. I had filled out the papers a while ago so I could give him all my attention. I chose to stay with him so he wouldn't pass alone. Chris, my vet, was the kindest and most tender human being. He cared not only for the well-being of Otis but to my feelings and grief. I held Otis in my arms and told him how much I loved him and would miss him and felt his life leave his body. I'm comforted by the fact that we did everything humanly possible to give him a good quality of life for the two months he was with us and that he no longer is in pain. I am so glad we adopted him and cared for him. I know he is in a better place and he will always be in my heart.

To all of you with kind and loving words, Thank You!
Sharing with people who understand what it is to loose a pet especially by your own hand is more of a comfort than you will ever know. I'm so grateful to have found this site during his illness and that now in my sorrow I am embraced by people who don't even know me. God gives us the grace to have a pet in our lives and I truly believe that Otis is one of God's little angels. Again, thank for your kind words.