Comments on: Stewardship

By: abby

abby — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:03:00 +0000

Ohmygosh, I am so sorry! :’(
I hate losing my pets even naturally; I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to make that decision.

By: Lane

Lane — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:20:13 +0000

One of the best, most rewarding things about writing a blog is that you get so much support from the people who read your blog. Thank you all for your kind and compassionate comments.

It is reassuring to hear that we will know when to put her down. Since we’ve had the ketamine, she seems to be happier, purring louder and more often. But we know it’s only a matter of time.

and to Tristan… What I meant by the statement that our other kitty is “just a pet” is that, although he is a beloved member of our family, he does not have the same personality as his “sister.” She is a special cat, and this will be a very difficult loss for us.

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:12:14 +0000

When we’ve made the decision we’ve always tried to make the decision on what’s best for our cat, and try to put aside our own feelings.

If we felt that our cat had no quality of life (was withdrawn, not interacting with us, not eating or drinking, not wanting to go outside) that may prompt the decision. We also rely on input from a trusted vet to estimate the level of discomfort.

As attached as you are to your cat (and I can really sympathize with you) it’s really important that your decision is based on the cat’s perceived quality of life and not your own feelings or reluctance to kill.

I guess if you believe that assisted suicide should be legal (and I do) then it’s not so much of a step to euthanize an animal. I certainly do not want to end my life with weeks of pain, and I wouldn’t want it for my pets.

Best wishes. Sean

By: Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:45:56 +0000

My heart goes out to the two of you. We had exactly the same experience with our old cat who died in March. Euthanasia is the hardest decision to make, especially when it’s an old friend who has become part of the family. I still well up just thinking about it.

It is poor comfort I know, but your decision when it comes will be borne of love and compassion and at soul level your cat will understand this.

I hope you are able to enjoy the time you have left and don’t worry about giving too much pain medication. She will be happier for it.

My deepest sympathy,

Sandy

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:40:43 +0000

I’d hate to be in your shoes. I remember when my cat, Blackie, died a few years ago and I kept having dreams about him afterward walking in the grass for the last time. He was 15 and diabetic and took a few weeks to die on his own. So sad. So hard to watch. I don’t know what the right answer is. I hope you will know in your heart what to do.

By: Ginny

Ginny — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:44:39 +0000

Thanks for this great post. We have lots of rescued cats and, believe it not, are faced with the euthanasia decision about once a year. It NEVER gets any easier. Here is what I wrote last year about my experience with our cat Paco.

http://ginnymessina.blogspot.com/2008/05/euthanizing-paco-our-tabby-cat.html

By: SeitanSaidDance

SeitanSaidDance — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:04:29 +0000

I’m so sorry you two are going through this. I’ve never had to deal with it myself but from what I’ve observed while helping friends through this, it seems like you’ll know when the time is right based on her behavior. The hardest part will probably be knowing it’s time to say goodbye for her sake but wanting to continue to hold on for your own. Instead of focusing on the void that will be left without her, try to think of the joy you had together and know you provided a loving, nurturing home for her for so many years.

By: Bea Elliott

Bea Elliott — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:26:24 +0000

I am so sorry your facing this decision – It’s a most difficult one; and the most important because of the love of your kitty. I had to make the decision last month…. for my ailing 18 year old dog Midas. It’s certainly not easy.

What I can tell you is this… that you will know. My cat who I lost last year was the same – somehow, they can communicate that it’s their time. It’s in their eyes… and their expression…. When they hurt so badly, nature has a way of permiting the brain to become “unfocused”… and you will see this in her eyes. Your kitty will be absent from you before you even make the decision to let her go completely.

Even so, you will question if you did the right thing. This is natural too. This will all heal as time passes and your thoughts become clearer.

Comfort yourselves and each other that kitty had a wonderful life…. I’m so sorry for the sorrow you face.

By: TRISTAN

TRISTAN — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:21:19 +0000

I am facing that same decision for my beloved feline companion, Tuxedo. He has terminal bone cancer. Probably tomorrow I will go to the vet and have to kill him. I have been through this 8 times already and it gets harder each time. When faced with this situation I suggest a sign, especially a dream to guide me. Plus we know our animal companions, they are eloquent in communicating what they need from us if we pay attention.
I don’t understand though what you mean about your other cat being a pet. Some animal companions are more aloof then others, some very affectionate, but to me,they always have a personality and are individuals worthy of being referred to as more than the pejorative “pet.”

By: m_s

m_s — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:47:02 +0000

A moving post and a horrible decision to have to make. I agree with @Kate – your intention is what matters most: so long as you’re acting from love, however difficult your choice may be, it will be for the best.