Rachel, I've had a lot of experience with end-of-life decisions, both personally with my own beloved pets, and during my time at the emergency clinic. If I can be a resource in any way, I would be honored to help you
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Thank you so much for this, Laurie. I absolutely needed to hear this advice, as it makes it easier to make the right (but difficult) decision. I plan to make that list tonight.
Rachel- I just read your post and I am running late for work so I don't have time to type everything I want to say. Since I just went through this with my Maya I know what you are feeling and how your heart is aching. I will make a longer post tonight when I get home. I'm thinking about you and Cocoa! :)
Thanks, Tierney. :) It seems most of the pictures I've taken of her in the past 6 months have been of her sleeping in some cute way. That is how she spends a majority of her days...
I did reply to the comment from xiphias below this one about my plan to bring her in early next week before my vacation for the exact reasons you mentioned. The move will be stressful, I don't want to worry about her on vacation, and I want to be there with her during her last moments.
I'm glad you found Laurie's comments helpful in thinking of Maya. She's truly awesome and incredibly knowledgeable about animals, so I'm glad I'm not the only one benefitting from her wisdom in this post.
It's totally fair to consider the stress of moving as part of your consideration of when it's time to euthanize Cocoa. When Boopsie was reaching the end of her life, we were getting ready for a several-week trip. We have a very good friend who deeply cares for animals with whom we would have left her, if necessary, with the understanding that, if our friend decided it was time, SHE could make the decision to put Boopsie to sleep
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Thank you so much for these added words. I feel that Cocoa may be in the maybe-yes-maybe-no category at the moment, as all of her health issues are (seemingly) treatable. Now, however, they are becoming more numerous.
We have a 4-day trip planned next weekend. While the neighbor comes down to feed her medicated food twice a day and gives her a little TLC during these vacation times, it won't be the same as us being here. Also, if something were to happen to her during that time, I wouldn't want to not be there with her. We then move 2 weeks later. So, I'm looking at early next week to bring her in. It will give me enough time to give her some final TLC (my goal is to make her purr at least once a day, because then I know she truly is happy) and mentally prepare myself a bit more for this sad but important decision. Dragging it on after my vacation would just be out of fear on my part. And, I know I would worry about her on the trip, and I'd like to avoid that.
I hate to say it, but if Hunter was in the same situation I think I would let him go. I dread the day I have to make that decision... he is the best cat I have ever had, and will ever have.
Whatever you decide, try not to feel guilty - you know her better than anyone and I'm sure that the decision you reach will be the correct one for her/your situation.
Just because veterinary technology has advanced to the point where they can extend lifespans so far past natural age, it doesn't follow that a cat has the same reasons to struggle through the pain of old age that human beings do.
I'm honored that you took some time to write a response, Scott, especially since I don't see you on LJ much. :)
Hunter is such a sweetheart, and looks so much like Cocoa. I definitely have a sweet spot for him and completely understand how upset you'd be over losing him. Given you'd put him down in my situation, knowing how much you love him, helps me come to terms with my decision. I'm actually surprised at how many people are encouraging the plan. But, it's probably because I've never been through it with an animal I've been so close to and because I'm so emotionally involved in my current circumstances.
You are right; I shouldn't continue her struggles just because medicine and technology will allow her to. Thanks for helping me put things into perspective.
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I just read your post and I am running late for work so I don't have time to type everything I want to say. Since I just went through this with my Maya I know what you are feeling and how your heart is aching. I will make a longer post tonight when I get home. I'm thinking about you and Cocoa! :)
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I did reply to the comment from xiphias below this one about my plan to bring her in early next week before my vacation for the exact reasons you mentioned. The move will be stressful, I don't want to worry about her on vacation, and I want to be there with her during her last moments.
I'm glad you found Laurie's comments helpful in thinking of Maya. She's truly awesome and incredibly knowledgeable about animals, so I'm glad I'm not the only one benefitting from her wisdom in this post.
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We have a 4-day trip planned next weekend. While the neighbor comes down to feed her medicated food twice a day and gives her a little TLC during these vacation times, it won't be the same as us being here. Also, if something were to happen to her during that time, I wouldn't want to not be there with her. We then move 2 weeks later. So, I'm looking at early next week to bring her in. It will give me enough time to give her some final TLC (my goal is to make her purr at least once a day, because then I know she truly is happy) and mentally prepare myself a bit more for this sad but important decision. Dragging it on after my vacation would just be out of fear on my part. And, I know I would worry about her on the trip, and I'd like to avoid that.
Thanks for helping ease some of my guilt.
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Whatever you decide, try not to feel guilty - you know her better than anyone and I'm sure that the decision you reach will be the correct one for her/your situation.
Just because veterinary technology has advanced to the point where they can extend lifespans so far past natural age, it doesn't follow that a cat has the same reasons to struggle through the pain of old age that human beings do.
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Hunter is such a sweetheart, and looks so much like Cocoa. I definitely have a sweet spot for him and completely understand how upset you'd be over losing him. Given you'd put him down in my situation, knowing how much you love him, helps me come to terms with my decision. I'm actually surprised at how many people are encouraging the plan. But, it's probably because I've never been through it with an animal I've been so close to and because I'm so emotionally involved in my current circumstances.
You are right; I shouldn't continue her struggles just because medicine and technology will allow her to. Thanks for helping me put things into perspective.
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