Thursday, December 07, 2006

Tough Decision..

Mommy has a very tough decision..tonite my Meme is going to talk to Mommy seriously about having me euthanized..i cant go to the litter box and my feet are all stinky and dirty from it..i also wont eat by myself and am just so weak..Mommy doesnt want to go to the vet man with a live cat and leave with a dead one..she also doesnt want to have to tell me good bye..But then again she knows the next time she sees me it will be for eternity and that makes her happy..she also knows i wont be in any pain any more..But Mommy just doesnt know what to do..she doesnt want me to suffer but doesnt want to loose me..do any of you guys have experience with this and any advice?? I think its time for me to go home for a while then Mommy will join me soon...
Luv,
Libby

66 comments:

Myst and Blackie said...

We are so sorry... it is a very tough decision that you have to make. Our only thought is look at Libby's quality of life & if you think it isn't what you want then you need to let her go. We know you will do everything you can for her. Purrayers, purrs & headbutts...

Mia, Ghost & Jen

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

We agree with Mia and Ghost. It is quality of life that is important. We will light a candle for you tonight. Go with your head and your heart will follow. In times like this you need to put your heart second and let your head be the judge. Your heart will tell you to hang on forever, your head will tell you to do the kind thing.

CalicoMom Toni

Anonymous said...

I'm too sad - I don't know what to say. (doesn't anyone in this office have a box of tissues?)
Karen C.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

I don't know either and can't comment now other than to say all of us here love you.

Emma's Kat said...

We are so sorry you are so sick Libby. I have to also agree with Mia & Ghost. If Libby is no longer eating, playing and doing the things she used to do, you really have to think of her quality of life. I had to make this hardest decision 2 1/2 yrs. ago with my sweet Danny Boy. He had an aggressive cancer and I knew when he stopped playing, sitting in my lap and finally coming to bed with me, as he'd done every day of his life for 8 yrs., I knew he'd had enough. It brings tears to my eyes for you, but like you said, you'll see her again! Again, I'm so sorry you're facing this tough decision, my heart is aching for you. You'll know when it's time though. We'll be purraying for you!

Sadie said...

I am so so sorry. I can't give you advice, I have fortunately never had to make a decision like the one you are faced with, but I will pray for you and Libby. She knows you love her, remember that.

Best wishes for you to find peace in your decision.

Merlin's Mom

Skeezix the Cat said...

It is a vary vary vary sad desizhun that has to be made. But it is much much kinder to go for the long sleep than to have to stik arownd and be in pain and/or confyoozed and unkumfterbul. Sumtimes, owr peepul luv us SO MUCH they wunt to keep us arownd much longer than is reely considerd cumpashunit. And in the long run, it's much better to make the desizhun eerlier, keep them arownd too long and then for yeers afterward feel gilty for making them endyure a diffikult and paneful life.

It makes my face wet to tipe this, Libby Marie. We all luv yoo so vary much!!!

Beau said...

All we can say is our thoughts and prayers are with you in this tough time. When the time comes, I beieve you will know what to do. I hope her Secret Paws got there in time for her to enjoy them for at least a short while. Mom is shedding water from the eyes again.

Mr. Hendrix said...

We're praying for you all. Libby Marie knows you're doing what is best for her.

Hot(M)BC said...

Libby, my Mommy just talked to your Daddy on the phone. Please tell your Mommy to call us if she wants to talk. Mommy knows how tough a decision it is. And Libby, we know you're so tired and sick that it'll be good to get out of pain. Our Chloe will be there on the ofur side of the Rainbow Bridge and lots of ofur furriends and yall can wait togefur for the rest of us. We love you!
Sanjee, Boni, Mini, Pepi, Gree and Mom Robyn

Lilly Lu, Iris and Maxwell Mufsa Millon said...

we crying becuse my mama had this problem wiff kayla she could not tell her good bye she made the appment 3 times cancled it each time then kayla passed away. we furry sad we pray for you know matter what

mu shue, iris lily

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh oh oh, we are so sad. I know just what you are going through with this decision. When my Ralphie had cancer, he was really sick, then we gave him SubQ fluids and he got better for about 9 months, then he got really sick again, and one day he could not walk. I made the appointment through sobs on the phone and prayed for God to give me the strength to do this, becuase Ralphie was my heart and soul. The appointment was made for Saturday morning Oct 26, 2002 at 7am, before the office opened. Ralph had his own ideas and ran off to the Rainbow Bridge on his own at 5:15am that morning. He knew that we could not say goodbye to each other in the v-e-ts office. I wish you good luck and if you need support let me know. We all love Libby and don't want her to suffer. - Meezer Mom Mary

The Fluffy Tribe said...

Our thought are wif you wif such a hard decision to make. Quality of life is important. Momma always takes that into account when she has to make these decisions. But it does not make them any easier. We send comfort foofs and headbutts to you ~Poiland Tribe

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

o, Libby Marie, i's so sad to hear tha noos about you's being so sick.

Mine Mommie's been crying since she furrst read yours post.

i sended you a Christmas prezzie yesserday via Mom Robyn, cause yours Mommie said u loved to get prezzents so much.

i's glad u've got a fambly that luvs u so much 'n so many furriends that luv u.

Katnippia said...

We are very sorry, it is a hard decision to makes. We as well have to agree with Mia and Ghost. Her quality of life has to be where you feel it should be at. Our meowmize also belives that when we are ready to go that we will let her knows. We are sending lots of kitty purrareys and headbutts, and purrs with lots of loverz. Taps, Snowy, Sia, Pounce, Shamy, and Meowmize

Jack, Persephone, Tenzing and Lancelot said...

That is such an impossible decision to make. My heart goes out to you, but I have no advice at all. I've never lost a cat before, and even just the thought of having to make a decision like that about Jack breaks my heart.

Ann M & the Kitties said...

We are so sorry that you have to go through this. Two years ago my Cheyenne had cancer and I wrestled with the same horrible decision. My vet told me that when she stops eating the time is getting close. Every time I even thought about that 20 minute drive to the vet I cried. I just watched over her as best I could. Her final day was a Saturday. I probably would have taken her in that day if it was a weekday, because the change was so dramatic. But I didn't, and she passed on her own that afternoon as I stoked her and told her it would be OK. In hindsight, I guess it worked out OK for Chey, but I guess no one is ever sure. If you do take her in, do not go by yourself. You should not drive after something like that. My heart hurts for you. God bless.

Marilynn said...

I am so sorry your mommy has to make such a decision. My precious 12-year-old Pluto went through a long drawn-out illness (from about February until November in 2003), and I think I should have made the decision to let him go to Rainbow Bridge in September, but I was selfish. Then this past March when my precious almost-15-year-old Indy became suddenly withdrawn and clearly ill, I let the doctor be my guide. I could have kept her on meds for several more days or maybe weeks, but the result would have been the same. So I let her go, and that time I think the timing was the best for her. I loved my two babies so much, but watching them suffer was too hard on all of us.

Whatever your mommy's decision, please know there are lots of people and kitties and their prayers and purrs behind you both.

xoxoxoxo

Meowers from Missouri said...

daddy, meme, & abby--oh, dear ones, please be sure that the decision is what's best for libby. if she's not libby anymore, and won't ever be again, then you know what's kindest.

i've had to do this so many times, and though it doesn't get easier, i've learned that i must be there at the end, holding my baby on my lap so they are not bewildered. only once, the first time, did i not do this, and i have wept many more bitter tears over the fact that i let him go with strangers than i did over his loss. maybe not everyone can do this; but i know i will never again let my darlings go alone. please consider this last loving thing you can do. but if you just can't, i know she'll forgive you.

sweet libby--we don't want you to feel sick anymore, and if you go to sleep at the vet's, you'll wake up in the most wonderful place. there will be lots of kitties and woofies (all friendly) to greet you and lead you to fresh water, nip, great food, and playtime all the time (when it's not nap time). and before you know it, your best bean will come along and you'll be together--both of you--in a REAL forever home with no more partings.

we love you so much, libby marie--but we love you enough to let you go on the next great adventure if it's time.

your true friends,
nelson, edmund, nitro, and xing lu

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

We hope you have made your decision, and are at peace with it. I forgot to tell you, in my earlier post, how sad we all are for you. The tears come easily for me, I can only imagine how you are feeling. There are so many who are thinking of you in this tragic time.

CalicoMom Toni

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are so sorry. Going to the Rainbow Bridge is never easy, but sometimes staying here is even harder. Know that whatever you decide, Libby loves you and knows how much you love her. We are purraying for you both.

Tiki, Riley, & Mommy

Anonymous said...

I keep coming back to try to say something, but I just start crying. I just hope for Libby the same thing I hope for all of our beloved pets - that she can go when it's her time, without suffering, and that at the time of her passing she goes knowing how much she's loved.

Hot(M)BC said...

I've got a candle burning for you, Libby and Abby. It will burn all night and into the day and on. I've been where you are, Abby and it's so so hard. My heart, and my eyes too, just weep for you.

*hugs* and *soft scritches*
Robyn

Max said...

I've gone through this more than once. It's not easy and it hurts *so* much, but when it comes right down to it, if you're keeping a pet around for yourself and not for the pet's sake... sometimes the greater kindness is in letting go.

You never want to lose a loved pet, and sometimes it hurts more than losing a human in your life. I don't wish this decision on anyone, but when I've had to make it it's all boiled down to "who am I hanging on for? Me, or my pet?"

It sucks. It really, truly sucks.

~Thumper, owned by Max

Lux said...

Everyone else has said it all, pretty much, but I just want to say this breaks my heart. Love to all of you ...

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

So sorry to hear this. :( It is a very tough decision to make. I have to agree with Mia & Ghost (and the others who posted after) that quality of life is very important.

You are in our thoughts and prayers here. Take care.

Spock said...

Oh Libby. We are so very sorry that you are going through this. You will be in our prayers & thoughts until this is decided. So so sorry.
Heather & Oreo & family

Puff said...

We are sending you extra purrs and nuzzles. Mom says she knows how hard this decision can be. But she also says that moms and dads always do what is best for you.

(from Puff's Mom: It's hard to watch your pet suffer so sometimes you have to make the decision right away. Sometimes you can give it a day or two and see what happens. I think you will know when it's time.)

Carolina Cats said...

Fragile Circle
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan."

Irving Townsend.

*******************

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

Unknown said...

We are keeping you and your family in our prayeres, Libby. We are sad to know that you are sick.

The Crew said...

My heart goes out to you. We were faced with a similar situation with our cat Mia who was 14. We had lost her littermate sister, Shadow, to illness, then Mia started to go downhill, not eating, using the box, etc. I firmly believe she was mourning her sister. We went to a nasal feeding tube, staying up at night sleeping near her, carrying her to the box, etc. Finally it was so bad I realized her quality of life was terrible and I was selfishly only keeping her alive for me. We made the heartbreaking decision and brought her to the vet where she joined her sister a month to the day after Shadow left us.

You must do what's right for Libby.

Charlotte
Crews' Mom

Mo and The Purries said...

Libby Marie,
We lit a candle in our store today for you and your Mommy.
Please know how much your family loves you, and they will always love you.
Peace,
Not The Mama Morgen and the whole gang from Purrchance To Dream

Gemini said...

Momma said listen to your heart. You'll know what the right decision is for both of you.

Our purrs and thoughts for you family.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Dear Sweet Abby

Know in your heart that the strength will come to show you the way to help Libby. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Libby.

Debra

The Lee County Clowder said...

This is a tough decision. I've had to make it a couple times, and I'm not sure I ever made it right.

I hate the term 'quality of life', but that is what it boils down to. Is Libby happy? Is she still the Libby you know and love?

You alone can answer that.

Good luck.

Susie said...

Mommakitty was sad to hear this news. She had a kitty, Geno, who had lymphoma and she had to make this same decision. Mommakitty was told about the severity of Geno kitty's condition 2 days before Mommakitty's own momma passed away. Mommakitty wasn't ready to lose 2 family members so quickly, so the vet gave Geno kitty some medicine to ease his pain so Mommakitty could have a week to grieve for her momma. Mommakitty took that week to also snuggle and talk with Geno (he was a good talker) and they shared a lot of good memories. She thinks Geno kitty knew it was important to hang on a week to provide snuggly support while she grieved for her own momma. When the time came, Mommakitty and Daddykitty took Geno to the vet, who blocked off an hour for them so they could take their time. The vet was very nice about explaining the process and what to expect. They held Geno's paws and prayed for him until he passed to the rainbow bridge. They had his remains cremated and scattered his ashes around his favorite hang outs outside. Mommakitty said it was one of the hardest things she ever did but she could tell by talking with Geno he was ready to move on to a pain-free place. She says Geno & Misha (other kitty who passed) visit her in her dreams. Our family wishes you strength, prayers and purrs during this difficult time.

Henry M. Catterton said...

you are in all our prayers

The M's said...

Angel Antonius looked appreciatively at his tiny wooden workbench. Many millennia ago, he had carved it from a giant oak tree he had found after the great flood. He did not need the workbench to do his chosen task, but he found that it helped him focus. He needed that focus sometimes to help with the competing emotions of his chosen task. He ran his hand over the smooth finely-grained surface and once again felt connected to the earthly world he served.
“Antonius” a small voice cried out, “Antonius.”
Antonius saw the small Cherubim flying towards the area where he had positioned his workbench.
“Malachi.” Antonius replied to his friend. “I cannot talk now. I have to return to Earth.”
“I know.” Malachi responded. “I want to come with you. I want to learn what you know and to help.”
“Are you certain that this is the task you want for yourself?” Antonius asked as he gestured to his simple workbench and the tattered hem of his robe.
“You could fix your robe if you wished.” Malachi answered. “Many of the other angels think it is silly to have such a tattered robe.”
“It is not all joy and happiness, Malachi.” Antonius stated, a slight frown creased his brow. “My task brings pain with the joy, tears with the laughter.”
“But you bring the kittens to earth.” Malachi replied, “And I do love the newborn kittens.”
“But I also bring the Lost Ones back to Heaven.” Antonius stated.
“Please, Can I help you?”
“Yes.” Antonius agreed. “You may help me.”
Antonius motioned for Malachi to follow him.

They walked together across the vast expanse of Heaven.
Malachi noticed a simple cobblestone bridge. It shimmered with the colours of the rainbow. This side of the bridge was clear but the far side was concealed with a faint haze. Every so often, a human would appear. Sometimes they would be accompanied by a single cat or dog or bird or ferret or bunny or horse or other animal, other times they would be followed by several.
“Is that the Rainbow Bridge?” Malachi asked.
“Yes.” Antonius said. “We built it soon after Humans befriended the first animal.”
Antonius and Malachi reached a small spot where there appeared to be thousands of newborn kittens all sound asleep. Antonius walked softly amongst the sleeping kittens. He looked lovingly down upon the tiny little furry bodies.
“How do you know which ones to take?” Malachi asked.
“There are no wrong ones to take, Malachi.” Antonius replied. “Each has a purpose and a destiny set for it by God. I simply place them on their path.”
Antonius methodically picked from the multitude of sleeping kittens. The kittens barely stirred from their slumber as Antonius kissed them on their foreheads and placed them into the folds of his robe.
“Can I carry some?” Malachi asked.
“Certainly.” Antonius replied as he picked two small Siamese kittens and placed them into Malachi’s hands. “Now slip them into the folds of your robe for they get very cold.”
Malachi slipped the two kittens into his robes and grinned as he felt the kittens snuggle up to the warmth of his body. Antonius smiled.
“We will go and deliver these beloved ones to Earth.” Antonius said as he motioned for Malachis to follow.

Antonius and Malachi stood over the sleeping body of the pregnant Siamese cat. She was sleeping soundly and did not stir at the presence of the two angels. Antonius looked at Malachi.
“Take your kittens and give them to their mother.” Antonius guided.
“But there are four within her, Antonius.” Malachi asked. “Why did you have me bring only two?”
“Because that is all God said to bring.”
“What about the other two?”
“They were never meant to breathe the air of Earth.” Antonius said. “Do not fret for them. They will remain but a husk, an empty shell. Sometimes, that is the most merciful thing we can do.”
Malachi took the two kittens from his robe and placed them next to their mother.
“Now pay attention.” Antonius began to sing softly to the mother cat.
Malachi listened to the words of Antonius’s song and grew sad as he heard each note and syllable leave Antonius’s tongue. The forms of the two kittens slowly merged with the mother cat. When Antonius was done, Malachi saw that the angel was crying and that his tears fell softly on the still sleeping cat.
“Why do you weep, Antonius?” Malachi asked. “Is not birth of a creature a joyous thing?”
“The creation of life is a joyous event.” Antonius replied. “But life for these two will not be happy or pleasant. You wondered why we only brought two kittens. It is because the Humans who own this poor creature do not care for it properly and see it as a means to satisfy their own greed. Their callousness is why we could only bring two.”
Antonius brushed the tear from his cheek.
“Come.” Antonius moved away from the sleeping cat and her ready to be borne kittens. “We have many more to deliver yet.”
Malachi followed Antonius to the next cat. Antonius once again pulled a certain number of kittens from the fold of his robe and placed them next the sleeping cat. Once again with his mournful song, he merged the kittens with their new mother. The act repeated itself over and over. Malachi thought his heart would break as he felt the loss Antonius carried in his song. Soon there were no more kittens in Malachi’s or Antonius’s robes.

“We have one more thing to do.” Antonius said. “For now, we have to guide the cats and kittens who have passed back to Heaven.”
Antonius took Malachi to a dreary forlorn spot. The building might have once been a warehouse where Humans worked and toiled, but now it was blackened and lifeless. Antonius moved to a small corner where several charred beams and pieces of wood had collapsed. Malachi gasped as Antonius lifted the burnt wood away and exposed the still, scarred body of a cat.
“Poor cat.” Malachi mourned, “I hope she did not suffer.”
“But she did.” Antonius replied. “She suffered most cruelly. But she gave her life in an attempt to save those she held most dear.”
Antonius gently moved the body of the cat and exposed the uncharred forms of three small kittens. Unlike their mother, their bodies bore no mark of fire.
“Knowing that she could not escape, she placed her body between her kittens and the fire in hopes of saving them with her sacrifice. But it was for naught, for although the fire did not touch them, the smoke surely did.” Antonius noted. “And now it is time to take them all home.”
Antonius knelt beside the still forms of the cats. He pulled one feather from his left wing and placed it on the ground in front of him. He then pulled another feather from his right wing and set it next to the other. Antonius repeated this pulling of feathers from his wings until he had four sets lying on the ground. He reached down to hem of his robe and pulled a thread from the silken cloth. Gently, he bound two feathers together with the thread and then he placed the feathers on the charred body of the mother cat.
Malachi listened to Antonius as he worked on the feathers. Once again Antonius was singing, but the song was not mournful or sad. It was full of joy and happiness. Malachi was confused.
Antonius placed his fingertips to his lips and then touched his hand to the feathers on top of the mother cat. There was golden shimmer as the feathers grew into a set of angel wings and attached themselves to the mother cat’s back. As they grew and fixated onto the cat’s body, the scars and burn marks from the fire faded. Antonius placed the feathers onto the kittens and placed a kiss onto each kitten. He sang as the wings appeared and smoke-filled lungs once again breathed clean air.
“That’s why your robe is tattered.” Malachi stated.
“Yes.” Antonius replied. “This is why it is always tattered. Never more than thumb-width, but never less. My tattered hem is a reminder of all the cats I have brought back to Heaven. To repair it would not be right.”
“But why was the song placing the kittens on Earth so sad, but the song of their death so happy.” Malachi asked.
“The song of their birth is sad, because I know that I might be dooming them to a life of fear, pain and loneliness far from the grace of Heaven.” Antonius said. “But my joy knows no bounds when I know that I have come to return them to Heaven. I am allowed to free them from their existence on Earth and bring them back into the light of God.”
“Some of the cats will choose to stay at the Rainbow Bridge and wait for the Humans that cared for them.” Antonius stated. “But Lost Ones, such as these, will come back with us to Heaven, for they have no one to wait for at the Rainbow Bridge.”
Antonius scooped up the three kittens and motioned for Malachi to pick up the female cat. The kittens purred and squirmed in Antonius’ arms. The female cat looked over at her kittens and accepted that they were finally safe. She snuggled into Malachi’s robe.
“Now we take them home.” Antonius smiled to a beaming Malachi.
Malachi smiled back and then briefly closed his eyes. The hem of his robe unraveled to match Antonius’s. Only a thumb-width. No more. No less.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Oh no.....Meowm and I hope that Libby doesn't have to go, but if her quality of life isn't good, then maybe she should. We will send out some purrayers that she has a miracle recovery!

Victor Tabbycat said...

Your love for Libby shows in how difficult this decision is. Thankfully, Mom's never had to make that decision; Bigotes' time was near and he passed on his own; Scruffy had untreatable tumors and suddenly was dieing and the vet eased her way. I think you'll know when it's time. Always remember that Libby has know the priceless gift of love.

Rascal said...

Purrs to you and yours. This is a hard decision but the entire Cat Blogosphere is with you on this one.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

I'm so sorry you have to go thru this. I know you'll do the right thing. It seems like we just found Libby and now...Momma's leaking from her eyes again, we'll all purray for you and Libby.

The Meezers or Billy said...

we was just checking back in to offer more support and wondering how things were. We are still purraying for you and we lit a candle for Libby last night and today. - The Meezers and Mom

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are praying for you, but as Mia and Ghost said, you have to think of the quality of life that Libby is having now. I made the mistake with my first cat of keeping the treatment going to long, when I knew there was no hope of improvement and that he was suffering. I kept him going for my sake not his, and have regretted it for the last 24 years. I vowed never to make the same wrong decision again. It is so hard to make the decision, but only you can do that,as only you know how much she is suffering, and just remember that one day you will be re-united at the Rainbow Bridge where you will find her fit and healthy again.
Jackie

tiggerprr said...

Having had to make this decision twice in the last couple of years, unexpectedly, I feel your pain as my own. It would be so easy to keep our friends with us for our sake, but they hurt for it. I hope that you find the strength to make the right decision for Libby, I know you don't want her to suffer needlessly. I hope you feel the hundreds of furry and non-furry paws lifting you up in this dark time.

Meow (aka Connie) said...

No words from anyone can make this decision any easier. You will know in your heart what is the right thing to do. We had to make this decision a couple of years ago for our 16 year old kitty ... very difficult, but ultimately the right decision. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Take care, Meow

Unknown said...

I had an older cat that had to be euthanized, and this is what I learned.

Hold Libby as much as you can in those last days or hours, and talk to her, and love her. Make her happy. Call everywhere to get a vet who will come into your house to do the procedure. (I had to call for hours, but I finally found someone, and I will never go to any other vet, ever again.) They just shave a little place on her arm so they can get a good vein, and then they give her the shot. It’s over very quickly. They took the body from me and had her cremated – she could never get warm enough, so I thought she would like to be cremated. Then I waited for a very nice sunny warm day, and I sprinkled her out in the yard.

This is awful, and no matter what you do, you will feel guilty. Make the kindest decisions that you can for Libby, and you won’t be able to regret your decisions. Good luck. God bless. Libby will be happy at the Bridge, when she is free from her pain. Help her to go peacefully.

Toffee K. Ripple Fuzzypants & Feline American Angels said...

Oh, honey ... We are so sorry. This is a monumentally hard decision that our mom has had to make many, many times ... It never gets any easier. I only hope that you parents can allow themselves to do what's merciful for you. You have my prayers.
DaisyMae Maus

Jake and Bathsheba said...

Such sad, sad news. We are very sorry and really feel for you and Abby.

A long time ago, our much older Maine Coon kitty sister was 19 with serious kidney failure. She was fading fast and Mom decided that she would have to take Precious to the vet to be euthanized the next day. Mom lay next to Precious that night, and Precious died before the night was over. It's so hard to lose somebody you love so very much.

We're sending our love your way.

~J&B

Rosie & Cheeto said...

Oh libby, we don't have any gud advice to give yoo but if the decision is made to put you out of the pain yer going to be in a better place where you are healthy and happy and you can be your lady's guardian angel just as she has been yours throughout your life. Our hearts go out to you.

-Rosie, Cheeto and Kimberly (our lady)

Nika said...

nothing i can say will make this decision any easier. i have gone through putting a cat down twice; once with my cat that i had as a little girl and early this year with my boyfriend's (and mine, for the last 4 years) long-time cat. the only suggestion i can give you is considering the option of a home visit vet. my boyfriend and i did this for his kitty because she absolutely hated going to the vet--we wanted her last moments to be as peaceful and comfortable as possible. i know it was the best thing we could have done. if your normal vet doesn't do any home visits (ours didn't) you can probably get a referral for someone who does.

my thought and kitty prayers are with you.

The Tower Hill Mob said...

Everyone who loves animals has made a similar decision and it is always gut wrenching. We weren't ready to let Tilly go, so she went herself. Sometimes we don't want to let go even when it's apparent that it's kinder to release the spirit.
Whatever you decide, we are all here for you.
Many blessings, headbonks and purrs to you.

Magoo, Smudge, Bella & Dolce said...

Having a pet that is severely sick is not an easy thing to bear. Each day brings the question of "Is this the day?" We know what you are going through since we are also going through the same thing. All you can do is follow your heart, listen to your vet, and most importantly listen to your cat. She will let you know when it is time to let her go.

We are purraying for Libby.

Smudge's Dad

Eclair said...

Oh Libby, we arr cryin heer sharin the saddniss of yoor ladee. The most importent thing is that yoo noe yoo arr luved an yoor ladee has dun evrythin she can fur yoo.
Yoo will be missed by meny but thair arr lotz of frends to greet yoo at the Raynboe Bridjaftur yoo go to sleep.
Meny blessings to yoo an yoor ladee.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Libby - Skeeter and LC here together... We don't ever want to leave The Big Thing. But there were The Cats Who Came Before, and we learned a few things from them.

There comes a time when life is too hard to keep going, even for us strong determined kitties. The One Immediately Before just left one day when she was real old, and our Big Thing has never gotten over that.

So we are going to stay around until it is time to leave for the Rainbow Bridge and let him help us over to there.

And, when it is tine to go to the Rainbow Bridge, we will let him know, or he will help us understand that it is. We want to go from him with dignity, and we want him to be there when we go.

We don't want not to be able to get to the litterbox anymore, we don't want to not be able to eat our food, we don't want to not be able to clean ourselves anymore. We don't want to be as helpless as new-born kittens again.

We want to just be held by our Big Thing one last time and purr to him as we go to sleep one last time.

And we will know there will be The Cats Who Come After, to bring happiness and joy to our Big Thing. We not only don't mind, we kind of like the idea that we will be legends The Big Thing will talk about to future kitties. And their eyes will grow big and they will try to be as good kitties as we were.

We won't ever give up. We can't. We don't know how to do anything but keep going. But we trust our Big Thing to know when it is getting too hard for us and we just need to stop the struggle.

We think it is the right time for you to go to the Rainbow Bridge. And our Big Thing has lit a candle...

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

We were just checking in, we've been purraying and purring for you. We hope you find comfort in knowing so many care for and about you and your momma. We told our old frend Punkin to watche for you at the brij with all the others and to see to your comfort there. We're still purraying for a mircle tho.

Smeagol and Strider, Mystery (Sunnin' at the Bridge) and Gizmo too! said...

We are so sorry and sad, you are all in our purrayers.

mister jeter harris, hizself said...

deer libby marie ... an her grate mom,
i am thinkin uv u rite now ... an i know it'z hard fer both uv u. i want u to know dat yer in mom'z prayerz an in mine, too.
luv--yer frend--jh

Chloe-Cat said...

So very sorry about you being so sick, Libby. I'm praying for you and your mom. I let my dear Digby go but as hard as it was, I know he's waiting for me and I'll see him again. I miss him so much but I am glad he isn't sick anymore.

many hugs,

amy and the bad cats said...

a year and a half ago i had to make this same hard decision, and it was very, very hard - perhaps the hardest thing i've ever had to do. because scruffy had diabetes, the vet had spoken to me often about needing to make this decision if his quality of life deteriorated severely. i'll be praying for you as you have to decide, and for libby, too.

amy

Karen said...

Ok my catblog is butterscotchkitty.com
YOu may want to read this.
I just made this decision as well. And it is so tough. It is hard in many ways. Think of how you would feel if you were Libby. would you want to " live" like that. Good luck with theis tough decision. I am sure you know what you should do. But it is tough to do it.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Karen, I remember when you lost little Butterscotch, very sad time. Here's Karen's blog: http://www.butterscotchkitty.blogspot.com/ or click here.

Anita said...

Ohhh Libby... What has happened???

:'-(

Ele' and Gimme said...

Oh Libby, our hearts hurt for you and for your family. It is the hardest, most impossible decision to have to make. We all just want for you to feel better and be well. We wish so much that there was something we could do to make that happen for you. But all we can do is purr for you. Please know that you are dearly loved, and you have so many friends.

Love, and hugs, and our purrs,
Ele', Gimme, and Ambro

peppylady (Dora) said...

sorry to hear about your tough decision.
I'll light a candle for you.

My friend Quenelle had this premature kitten born and as it was struggle with life.
I'm surprise it made it to Cat hood and now elfin is full grown Kitty.

I wish I could have advice for you but in all honesty I was shocked that my friend Quenelle Kitty made it to Cathood.

Bogart H. Devil said...

When you're ready you'll be able to let your mom know... you should never, ever suffer or be in pain and humans don't want to see you suffer...

My mom had to help some of her kitties over the Rainbow Bridge and it was really, really, really hard but at the same time she knew she was doing the right thing because she never, ever wanted them to be in pain.

I send all of my best wishes and love to you, and we're lighting a candle for you...

Love,
Bogart