Tuesday, October 3, 2006

A happy birthday and a precious memory

First, Happy Birthday to my Brother-n-Law - Jake!!

That's about as happy as it gets today. Last night was one of the most difficult I've had to face with my little fur-family. Rachel, who was approximately 12 years old, had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I had the Vet do more than one blood work up to see if her numbers would come down any (creatnine was 16 and then 14, when it was supposed to be 1.5-2). Her numbers just wouldn't come down. They kept her on fluids since Saturday morning and had to eventually back off a little because it was going into and affecting her lungs (and breathing). I went to visit her twice yesterday and stayed with her as long as they'd let me. My vet said that he didn't expect her to live through the week, and most likely not through the night. :( OMG. I could't even begin to stand if she passed there all by herself in a cage. He had already suggested I put her to sleep (and I would only consider this as a final resort to the inevitable). So, finally, at about 7:30 pm last night, they injected her with the med that put her to sleep... she was asleep in less than 10 seconds. Seriously. She laid in my lap and cuddled my arm in her last couple of hours. She was so desperately weak and hadn't been able to eat because of the ulcerations/lesions on her tongue caused by the kidney failure. Apparently, signs of kidney failure go unnoticed until they have 30% or less of their functioning kidney and that is why it was SO SO SO fast. :( Unbelievable. I'm still quite in shock and I'm missing her terribly. She was and is definitely loved.

The vet's office gave me a little clay reminder with her name and her paw print that I baked today. They also cut a couple of tufts of her hair for me and I had her cremated. I couldn't even begin to sleep or do anything 'normal' last night...and am still just so very sad, depressed. I realize this was a cat, but she spent the last 10 years or so with me.

She was the sweetest cat I had. She would greet 'everyone'...and think that any guests I had were there to see HER. She was a hoot. She was my 'mommy' cat of the 4 and she took good care of Lancelot, especially. She will definitely be missed. I think Manna could even tell last night that something was wrong (perhaps 'cause I slept in the 2nd bedroom instead of my room)... I am definitely looking for God's comfort at this time. This was so quick and I hope Rachel is in heaven feeling much better today than she did last night.

Peace. Especially to all animal lovers out there. Give you cat or dog some love for me today.

10 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your cat. It is nice to know that someone loved her as much as you did.

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  2. Animals bring us such joy. I am sorry about your cat. My cat passed away in May. I, too, had to make the decision. I, too, held him. As heartbreaking as it is.... remember, you loved her and did the most gracious act of being there for her when she needed you, just as she had done for you so many times. My sympathies.

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  3. Thank you all for your sympathies. It has been a rough few days.

    Melissa

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  4. I am so sorry to hear about Rachel. I didn't read your blog yesterday and this morning I saw this post, I feel such sadness for you. Pets are so wonderful, as I know you realize. My heart goe out to you, I know that you must be so very upset.

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  5. I'm sorry to hear of Rachel's passing. Know that she's in a better place without pain, and will live in our memories forever. I miss her already.

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  6. I am so sorry to hear about your furbaby I totally understand, back in May I lost my 12 yr. old to a speeding car. They will always have a special place in our hearts! I just picked up my kitten from the vet this am. she was spayed and declawed yesterday and today my heart hurts for her.
    Hope your heart heals.
    *HUGABUGS*
    I am for sure going to give her special love today in memory of Rachel.

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  7. Oh, I'm so sorry. Our 1st (fur)baby died after surgery March 05. Hubs and I still cry about her. But its less often. And we talk about her, "remember when Tegan..?" and we laugh. It did get easier, but it was SO hard. Don't let anyone tell you how to feel or underestimate your feelings.

    I'll be thinking about you.

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  8. I am so sorry about Rachel. It is so hard losing the furred members of our families. I'm sure you will always remember her deeply. (My first dog, that I lost 27 years ago, still shows up in my dreams sometimes...I dream she is in the backyard waiting on me.)

    It is a blessing you had her all those years.

    ~Monica

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  9. My sympathies in losing your precious pet. Our fur babies are family and the hurt lingers when they are gone.

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  10. I just cannot begin to think how you are feeling! I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers go your way as well as Rachel's.

    Please accept my deepest sympathy.

    Sas

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