Author |
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 6:55 pm
Rest in Peace, Angelina
Today, I held my sweet Angelina as she quietly accepted the help of her vet and slipped away to the Rainbow Bridge. She was so young (perhaps only six) and I had her for less than two years. Her life couldn't have been easy before she came to the rescue and she had become depressed, as many cats do, spending week after week in a cage. She touched my heart and, against all logic, I brought her home to a very unaccepting older single kitty. The feeling was mutual, and unfortunate. I often wished there were two of me to be there for them both. I sort of knew she'd lost weight, but it was a day when she was walking funny that caused me to call the vet. A few days later she was more steady but shockingly, we found that she had, in less than two years, dropped from 11.0 pounds to 7.9 pounds. We checked for thyroid problems, liver, kidney, diabetes, FIP, all negative. Next was an x-ray and that told the tale, multiple masses throughout her lungs, almost certainly lymphoma metastases. I wish I had tons of money, then I could have made a decision about aggressive treatment without considering $5,000 or more for more testing and chemo and whatever, but I do think I wouldn't have put her through it. She went on special triple fish flavored prednisone, which she did enjoy. A few digestive ups and downs, solved by giving her canned pumpkin, and finally found the small cans of food, sweetly sent awhile back in a care package from Joely (through her friend). Mostly just lots and lots of lap time, hugs and loving, little steps and bridges so she could get to favorite places. Today we went in and I did know it was time, but needed more info, so I asked for another weighing and another xray. And, despite the good sign that she was still eating (cats in extreme pain don't eat), not only was she now jaundiced, which I first saw today, but her lungs were much worse and she was down to only 4 pounds. So I chose not to take her home for "a day or two", just for me, and chose to let her go. She was sedated, had a last "treat" of the triple fish gunk, got more kisses and loving and then when the vet did her job, it was so quick and quiet, her little body had no fight left. And she was quite a spirited fiesty kitty. That's how I'll remember her. A couple of "last" pictures in a couple of favorite places:

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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:01 pm
(((Seamonkey))) I am so sad to hear this news. You should be comforted in knowing you gave Angelina a wonderful two years. (It seems like only last month that you brought her home.) She was lucky to be adopted by you-not many adult cats are lucky to get adopted at all.
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Native_texan
Member
08-24-2004
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:13 pm
Oh, Sea, I am so sorry. When you were telling me about Angelina's cancer at the zoo, I had no idea it was so advanced. I hope it is some measure of comfort to know that she is no longer ill and that she is surrounded by our furry loves (and feathered and finned and etc.) that have gone before her.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:18 pm
I told her to go find my Dad. I think in parallel realities (sort of like in Grey's Anatomy near death sequences), she could be with my Dad without his dogs or even my mom, who didn't like cats. Dad did like cats and never got to have one in adult life. Thanks Julie, Native..
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:19 pm
Sea, I have tears streaming down, my heart aches for you. Angelina was lucky to have you and I know you gave her the best 2 yrs of her life. Rainbow Bridge has a new angel. (((Sea)))) xoxoxoxoox love you
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:23 pm
Sea, my love goes out to you tonight.
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:26 pm
Once again, I am so sorry Sea. Angelina was lucky to have you as a friend and it sounds like her last days were still for the most part happy ones and that she was a happy cat at the end which is the absolute best that you could do for her.
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:42 pm
((((Sea)))) I am so very sorry for your loss. You were such a gift to Angelina, as she was to you.
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Bonzacat
Member
07-08-2003
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 7:54 pm
Sea - my heart is heavy. I am so sorry to hear about Angelina, and yet I know what a blessing you were in her life. I am glad you both had each other.

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Twinkie
Member
09-24-2002
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 8:20 pm
Sea, I am so, so sorry. My heart is just breaking and tears are streaming for you and for Angelina. RIP sweet little angel.
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Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 8:45 pm
dearest sea, my heart is just breaking. angelina knew that in all of the time she was with you, that she was loved with all of your heart. i am so sorry for your loss.
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Merrysea
Member
08-13-2004
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 9:15 pm
(((Sea))) I am so sorry. I know Angelina will be happy with your Dad.
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Supergranny
Member
02-03-2005
| Monday, April 09, 2007 - 9:36 pm
Oh Sea I feel so sad for you. It is hard to let them go even when we know it's for the best.
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Spygirl
Board Administrator
04-23-2001
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 1:09 am
Well, add my tears to the mix, Sea. You are such a loving person and I know that Angelina's time with you was priceless for her. She lived a wonderful two years thanks to your generous heart.
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Citruscitygal
Member
08-07-2003
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 1:14 am
Copied from Dog thread My heart is breaking as I write. Today I had to let my beloved Chloe go. After four days back home with us, which I will cherish, complications unrelated to her mobility developed which would have required surgery, more hospitalization and a long recovery with no guarantee of a positive outcome. If the surgery was successful she would have still faced the challenge of regaining her mobility which was becoming less likely. Our family, along with our trusted vet, made the decision that it was time to let her rest in peace. I know it was the right decision, but I don’t know how I will ever fill this hole in my heart.

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Citruscitygal
Member
08-07-2003
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 1:24 am
Sea~ I am so sorry that you had to make the same heartbreaking decision today. How wonderful for Angelina that she found her way to your loving home. Not often one can truly say I know how you feel, but today I share your pain and hope for both of us that it lessens with time.

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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 4:08 am
CCGal - my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Chloe. She was a beautiful girl with such a sweetness in her eyes. Faced with a similar 'quality of life' issue in the past with one our pets, I know it was a most loving decision you made to let her go. 
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Cdbga
Member
10-04-2004
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 4:55 am
I'm so sorry Sea & Citrus. I know you both had to make heartwrenching decisions. You'll both be in my prayers.
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Prisonerno6
Member
08-31-2002
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 4:57 am
{{{Sea and Citrus}}}
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Scooterrific
Member
07-08-2005
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 5:01 am
((((((Sea)))))))) I am so sorry you had to make that decision today, although I know, as you and I discussed, that you knew when it would be best. That certainly doesn't make it any easier, but I admire your unselfishness. She will go find your dad, and she will make a wonderful pet for him. I know how much you will miss her, even though she was only in your life for a short time...that doesn't make a difference, they still worm their way into our hearts. Let me know if I can do anything. (((((Sea)))))
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 5:14 am
(((Sea & Citrus))))
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Babyruth
Member
07-19-2001
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 6:28 am
(((((Seamonkey and Citrus))))))
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Vacanick
Member
07-12-2004
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 6:35 am
Ohhhh Sea and Citrus ... what a sad day! Tears are running down my face as I read these posts. Hugs to both of you!!
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 6:54 am
There are no words to ease the heartache of losing the ones that love us without condition, that forgive us so quickly for our imperfections, that make us laugh, and make our lives so much fuller than they would be without them. My heart aches for both of you today, and hope that you will find peace in knowing what loving homes you provided, and that the pets you love are without pain now, sand till sending their faithful love to you.
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 7:00 am
{{{{Sea and Citrus}}}}} I can cry thinking about what you are going through
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