Making The Most Difficult Of Decisions!

bethanney

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My 19 year old guy - Augusta - stopped eating Sunday. He was diagnosed with kidney failure; had been maintaining pretty well on wet food and always loved his bowl of food. For him to not want to eat tells me it’s time. He’s been drinking water but as of last night, hasn’t eliminated. I know he’s at that point and he’s seems comfortable by me on his little cat pad on the table by me on the couch.
I have Lap of Love scheduled to come to my house in the morning. This is the best option so that I’m not having to up and move my guy to a vet’s office. But I don’t know if I’m causing him needless suffering by waiting AND I’m in North Florida so I have the added stress of having it be Labor Day and Hurricane Dorian on approach. I think it will take another day for Dorian to hit us but who knows??
I would love to hear from others’ as to their experience at this end stage decision to help me in making the determination of “when”.
Thanks for listening!
 

Mamanyt1953

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I'll be thinking of you both. Although most of my losses were either due to sudden, acute illnesses or injury, I know many people who have opted for home euthanasia, and they ALL said it was the best decision they ever made. They helped their pet from This Adventure to the Next Great Adventure in peace, and in the comfort of familiar surrounding and beloved family. It is what I would choose for my own cat when the time comes...

Come to think of it, I would choose it for myself, given the option.
 

CatLover49

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My 19 year old guy - Augusta - stopped eating Sunday. He was diagnosed with kidney failure; had been maintaining pretty well on wet food and always loved his bowl of food. For him to not want to eat tells me it’s time. He’s been drinking water but as of last night, hasn’t eliminated. I know he’s at that point and he’s seems comfortable by me on his little cat pad on the table by me on the couch.
I have Lap of Love scheduled to come to my house in the morning. This is the best option so that I’m not having to up and move my guy to a vet’s office. But I don’t know if I’m causing him needless suffering by waiting AND I’m in North Florida so I have the added stress of having it be Labor Day and Hurricane Dorian on approach. I think it will take another day for Dorian to hit us but who knows??
I would love to hear from others’ as to their experience at this end stage decision to help me in making the determination of “when”.
Thanks for listening!
My heart goes out to u n Augusta....May God Bless u BOTH....
 

fionasmom

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I am just trying to get a time frame here...you posted 31 minutes ago so the visit to your house is Tuesday AM? Unless you suspect serious discomfort on the part of Augusta, it seems as if going with that option is the best. I realize that the hurricane...and I hope that you will be safe....is a complication to your time frame and you are best able to judge that from updates. I had home euthanasia for my largest German shepherd and it was so much preferable to the trip to the vet in his case. Augusta has evidently had a wonderful 19 year long life with you, and if you had not been a wonderful caretaker for him you would not be here asking this question out of concern for his end of life experience. I am so sorry that you are facing this.
 
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bethanney

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I’m sorry I wasn’t clear on the time frame - yes, the vet will be here to perform home euthanasia at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday). I am feeling more confident about the decision to wait as he has urinated twice this evening so at least he is eliminating the toxins in his body.
 

Tik cat's mum

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My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. It sounds like you have made the right decision at the right time. At least your boy will be at home with the people who love him and have cared for him. I am so sorry.
 

riley1

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I hope it is all over and things went well! I had to do this for my baby Rizzo 4 1/2 years ago. He was only 13 and had cancer! The vet said we had a few weeks together as long as he ate something every day! Having the vet come to the house to help your cat to the other side is the greatest gift! I did this for my boy because it was not an emergency and he hated going to the vet. Know that your kitty is still with you but now not in any discomfort! I still miss my Rizzo but with all that these guys give us we need to be very brave for them this one time! Go to the Rainbow Bridge forum on this site!
 
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