Among Friends

[monicakm]

Since he was a rescue (he found us almost 9yr ago), we don't know exactly how old he is but a vet said "about 5 years".  I've also read that after one year, it's hard to know.  If he was 5 when he found us, that makes him 13, 14 in April.  Good news is he's still drinking and eating. He is also growling, snarling (wrinkling his nose while growling) and bit DH.  Not hard, didn't break skin.  It was a warning.  And he's slowed way down, which I realize is normal with his age.  

Several months ago we bought a dog ramp so he could get on the bed.  DH helped him on the bed last night.  He needed help even tho he was using the ramp.  He probably snuggled with me for the last time   

I won't let him suffer.  I know he's suffering now but I feel he still has some quality of life.  When I feel otherwise, I'll do the humane thing.  DH can't/won't make the call.  We had a beautiful and warm day today.  Quite windy but it kept the day from being too warm.  Howie lay in his usual spot in the pasture and slept for hours.  He ate maybe half of his dinner tonight.  Thankfully, he's "just right" in the weight dept.  I would hate for him to have to carry around extra weight while being in pain.  DH's love language is food...it's a struggle.  

[beach-mom]

@monicakm - I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're tuned in to how he's doing, and you and your DH are doing everything you can to make him comfortable. He's eating and drinking, but there might be something else going on that is causing him pain, like hip dysplasia, which these days can be treated.

Only you and your veterinarian know when his suffering is so bad that you'll have to say goodbye. 

I will be thinking of you.  (((HUGS)))

[GingerHead]

@monicakm 

I'm sorry to hear that Howie isn't feeling well.

It's really hard when our little loves are in pain....not much worse really.

Hopefully it's something that can be remedied like @beach-mom said.

Wishing you and Sweet Howie well

[monicakm]

Thank you @beach-mom 

He's on meds for his hips.  He sits down very slowly   Last night I felt a lump in his left front "arm pit".  Frankie is going to be lost without him but thankfully he was here to show her the ropes.  He still goes out front every night and barks himself hoarse.  Frankie cramps his style when they're out front tho so we bring her in the house and let him have his alone time...he appreciates it.  Their Pro Heart is due in Jan.  I don't believe I've ever noticed a difference in him physically with the 6-month shot but we sure did the one time they both had the 12-month shot.  We'll see how he is when we take them for their shots, let his vet examine him and ask his opinion about our concerns and if he should get the shot.  I SO want to let him free just one more time.  We never "let" him free before, he's just a good escape artist.  No one has a better time than Howie when he's galloping through the countryside and swimming in ponds.  DH discovered he can fire his shotgun and he'll come home, but I would never forgive myself if something happened to him and we couldn't find him.

[monicakm]

Wishing you and Sweet Howie well

Thank you sweet @GingerHead 

[vermint]

@monicakm I'm so sorry you & Howie are going through this...but at least he has you to look out for him.

We lost our 15 year old kitty in August, and have one that is almost 18. We're watching her closely, as she is looking very frail. Still eats/drinks well, probably some arthritis, She's always been very healthy except for some upper respiratory issues.

Sometimes I wonder if she's ready to go...but I think when the time comes, I won't really have to wonder. Really hoping she just slips away in her sleep, at home!

Anyway, all that to say...I know how hard it is to watch them grow old, and know their time with you is limited. Sending prayers!

[qualitygal]

Bless your heart.  The hardest goodbye but the best gift you give them.  Breaks our heart to have to do that.  Sending warm hugs to you and your husband, it's hard. 

[San Antonio Gal]

Oh @monicakm  I am so sorry.  I know how much you love your babies.  Please keep us posted on Howie.  

[wagirl]

@monicakm --such a difficult thing to have to decide--I made that decision on Sept 23 of this year--had a lovely, sweet cat named Echo for 15 of her 16 years. She got me thru my cancer zombie adventure as well as when a huge tree fell on the room she and I were snuggled in bed. She warned me both times of those things---and even was there for me during my very contentious divorce in 2022---but she got very sick --had many issues, wasn't eating much and just not herself--and then that day she actually let me know that it was time to end her pain---and I did it that afternoon. Out all the garbage I went thru,as stated above, doing that one last thing  for her, was/is the hardest most heartbreaking thing I've ever done. Am crying about it right now. My best to you!!

[cindyNC]

@monicakm The worst decision a pet owner has to make, but the most humane one. My heart goes out to you.