Sad day...

Hi everyone,

In the last month or so, our family pet, Chaucer, the orange tabby, has developed a serious cancer in his intestines. This my parents found out today after they had him at a specialist's office for an ultrasound to figure out why he'd stopped eating recently. They've had him on steroids and appetite boosters but he went from being 18lbs (!!) to 15lbs in a matter of a couple of weeks and the vet couldn't find anything wrong with him that was obvious. Anyhow, they are now at the decision point because of upcoming travel, to either cancel the trip and be with him or to have him put to sleep next Monday. He's 11 years old and doesn't seem to be expressing pain of sorts, but I think due to the fact that he's not been eating, tells me that he's been suffering for a bit now. The big problem is that my mother is very attached to him, as he was always her companion when my father would travel on business, and he's got a great personality, very talkative and a great warm lap cat. He'll be hard to replace. I knew after I received the phone call from my father today that I'd have to brace for a difficult call from my mother, and sure enough that call came in after she found out, so I've been trying to reassure her that he's lived a good, pampered life and that he knows he's loved by everyone and that putting him to sleep is the most humane way to handle this. I think I'll honor him here on Ferrarichat with a recent pic from last weekend...he'd like that

Anyways, sorry for the sob story! 2008's really been a mother!

Cheers,
Aaron
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It was sad to read your story. As much as you rehearse the conversation, you will still have to wing it with your Mother. She WILL understand what needs to be done, but she just may not show it. Like I have said before, I dread when the time comes in which I'm in that position with my Dog, so I truly feel your pain. One thing for sure is that there are a LOT of animal lovers here with lots of shoulders.

 

Damn, hate to hear this kind of stuff especially this time of year. Not sure if your folks are close but if they are maybe your mom would appreciate a visit and a big hug.

 

Tigger and I send our condolences.

 

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Unfortunately, my parents live in Cleveland and I'm in Cincinnati, about four hours away, but I'm going to head up there this weekend to spend time with them and if they decide on Monday as "the day", I've decided to drive the Bentley to take him on his final stately ride. After all, that's what any proper cat named after an Englishman would want

Cheers,
Aaron

 

Been there/done that with our pal Chino the day after Xmas 2 years ago.

It doesn't get any easier.

 

Sorry to hear it. I lost my cat a few years ago to a stroke so I know how you feel.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. I cried all the way home from the vet after I had to put my poodle to sleep and then I had to tell my parents and it was so hard.

 

It's tough, but your parents will know what to do. It's usually a hard decision, but the answer will come.

Tiger and I give our best.......I hate this kind of stuff!

 

Man, I hate to hear that. Losing a loved family pet is nothing short of losing a family member. My condolences.

 

Sorry to hear, hopefully 2009 will be a better year.

 

Very sad

 

I am sorry to hear this.

 

sorry to hear this,
words would be hard to describe how your mum would feel. Moral and emotional support would be good and the memory of your handsome cat would live on.

 

Sorry to hear.

Bests.

 

bergxu,
Condolences from my family to yours, we just putdown Ms.Misty after 16 great years.

God bless and Happy New Year,
Gregg

 

Aaron,
Sorry to hear...and words no matter how good will fail...it takes time to heal and even then the memories come back...the grief is not easy but the alternative would be never knowing the attachment;unacceptable.
We really appreciated our son making a big trip to be here when we had to let a pack member go...his presence was supportive...so good on you for doing that for your parents.
And again sorry for the loss,
RE

 

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts. It's always helpful to have plenty of moral support during these times and I know when I show my mother a copy of this thread it will make her feel better too because it will remind her that many others have gone through the same pain but also that time indeed will heal. She's quite the emotional person whereas my father is not at all so I provide the "long distance" shoulder for her in times like this...and I wouldn't have it any other way. Anyhow; thanks again guys and gals! It's gonna be a long weekend waiting for Monday to come..

 

Very sad story, wish you the best. My cats are such a part of my life that it's hard to fathom them not being here one day.

 

Thats is what friends are for my man.

 

Sorry to hear.

RMX

 

On an up-note, I'll soon be bringing a new member into my family. She's a 'Severe Macaw'; I sure hope she and my cat get along!

 

I've been through that painful process with many of my cats. As difficult as it is I alway hold them during the process ... they shouldn't be alone. They gave me unconditional love .. they deserve the same at the end. My sympathy goes out to your Mom.

 

Let your mom read this. It really helped us when our vet sent it to us a few days after we had to have our "Pooter" put to sleep. Sorry to hear of your loss. I think you are approaching it correctly.
http://petsarepartners.info/myPictures/RainbowBridge.jpg

 

Thank you all again for all of your thoughts and especially for that link to the Rainbow Bridge. I have printed it and will give it to my mom today. I drove up here to Cleveland to spend time with my parents and the cat before they have him put down this week.

As I type this he is sitting on my lap

He'll sure be missed.