I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassion

The light of my life, my Oscar, was diagnosed with diabetes two months ago. He was started on 2U of insulin twice a day (Lantus). I did home monitoring as best as he would allow me to (he has one testable ear, the other had a hematoma)...and had to bring him to the vet every week for checks. We also changed his diet to canned food (MD). At first, the insulin appeared to help, though it's been creeping up. More vet trips...increase in dosage to 3U twice a day. During this time, he's doing well, eating normally, urinating a lot...but we got his water consumption under control (6 ounces per day). He's been playing and very happy...and looking very good.

Over the past two weeks, his appetite shrank to about 85-90% of what it had been. We thought that it might be due to the weather warming up...but had the vet run a glucose curve last Thursday. His scores were consistently over 400 with a high over 500. So...we increased the insulin dosage to 4U twice a day (again, as of last Thursday). Saturday, he started throwing up (big time). Into the vet (fortunately, they are open). IV, anti-vomiting meds and a blood screen that makes the vet suspect liver disease. Home with instructions that if he doesn't eat, go to the Pet Emergency. He eats a little Saturday...stops Saturday night and by Sunday morning, he is in bad shape. Into the Emergency Clinic we go. Ultrasound done Monday. No cancer or growths (hooray!), but liver is aggravated (almost "glows" on the image).

He stays with the vet Monday. She has me try him at home yesterday afternoon...with instructions to try and get him to eat. He won't. She gave me AD food and a syringe to force feed him and try and jump start his appetite. No luck; as of this morning he won't eat. We're going back to the vet in an hour. Yesterday, he looked good after all the IV and special meds, but he's pretty drained now. Yesterday, he was so tired of the vet, but doing well enough that he pushed his nose against the cage until it swelled up...and pawed at the thing until his little feet got raw. That he won't eat is a vicious circle as I can't give him his insulin and he can't continue down that road. I guess we'll know a little more after we see the vet. Of course, she is willing to go as far as we are...but between the cost and his unhappiness/suffering, we can't go as far as she can.

It's getting really hard now. We're $2k into this in 4 days and it doesn't look like we're winning. While the vet mentioned the possibility of a feeding tube to us yesterday, my wife is vehemently opposed to that. For me, Oscar is the most magical little buddy in the world. I can't even begin to tell you how special he is to my wife and I. I love him with every fiber of my heart and would gladly take the disease for him if I could. My wife is at her wits end. We can't let him suffer. This is completely wrenching my heart out of my chest. We feel so powerless. We are talking about putting him to sleep...and even the discussion is just chewing my soul to shreds. While I was typing this, he looked up at me from his bed (which he loves) and the look on his face of "Dad, I feel so drained." has this old bear of a man in tears. I literally don't know what to do. We lost an older cat (she was 14) just back in March. We lost another great buddy (he was about 15) literally a year before (to cancer, we think...the previous vet...that we no longer see...never could figure out what was wrong with him or how to treat it). Emotionally, these losses are still very fresh to us...and I guess we're feeling quite "raw" since the wounds haven't healed. Sorry to go on like this...it's just that there aren't a lot of people that love cats the way that I do and I figured that you folks probably feel much the same. Come the end of the day...or tomorrow, the worst thing may be where we end up. God help us.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

With those high readings, did your vet check for ketones? Diabetic ketoacidosis happens with not enough insulin, not enough food and infection.

I'm crying my eyes out here, reading about Oscar and your love for him.

He will tell you if it's time to go.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Hi, I'm going to jump right in - OK

You mentioned that you have done some home testing. Were you successful in getting blood to take the tests from his one good ear?

Do you need help on how to test his ear?

If you are unable to test the ear, an alternate testing location is the paw pad.

The important question is, are you willing and able to test at home? If yes, we can certainly help teach you techniques, tips, tricks, etc.

I am concerned about how the insulin is being increased. Typically, we suggest changing the dose in small increments of 0.25 or 0.50 units at a time. We never suggest changing dose by 1 full unit at a time.

The reason for this is that you could potentially skip over the ideal dose and never know and once you inject insulin, you can't remove it from the cat. This is where home testing will help you to learn just how high and low the cat is going in a cycle.

Additionally, we recommend holding the dose for 5-7 days in order to allow it to settle in. I don't know how frequently you are changing the dose.

Also, are you being consistent with giving the insulin every 12 hours. Or do you sometimes give it 10, 11 or 13 hours apart. In order for lantus to be most effective, it is best to give it as close to 12 hours apart as possible. If you give lantus early, it is considered the same as giving a dose increase and if you give it late, it is considered a dose decrease.

There is about 15 minutes or so flexibility in giving lantus to not be considered late or early shot.

When you have time, I suggest you visit the Lantus forum and read the starred (sticky) information that is posted at the top of the forum. It will give you all the detailed information you need to learn about using Lantus.

Here is a link to the page: viewforum.php?f=9

Regarding food - Many cats that start with prescription food, start to not like it very quickly. There are many reasons for it and the fact is, it really is not necessary to feed the prescription at all. It is expensive and the quality of food is no better than what you can buy in the market.

Many of us here feed Fancy Feast Classics and Friskies pate style food. The main goal with feeding is LOW CARB. A vet who supports this group, put together a food chart that lists the true values of most commercial and prescription foods and the goal is to give the cat a food he likes that is less than 10% carbs. I typically feed foods that are 0 - 7% carb content.

Here is the link to Dr. Lisa's site: http://www.catinfo.org and just scroll down the right side of her page for the food chart list: Protein/Fat/Carbs Chart

And of course when you have time, read through her site, it is full of useful information.

Finally, please tell us where you are located - city/state, or city/province/country (if outside the US). There may be members nearby who can help you in-person.

There is more that we can share, but for now, this may be enough to help you get started and not feel so overwhelmed and helpless. You are not helpless and we will do what we can to help you help your cat.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Oh, you poor love...

It sounds like you're going through absolute hell at the moment...

I'm sure everyone here understands the pain and torment that you are going through. And making that decision to let one of our 'fur babies' go is never an easy thing. I had 'that talk' with my OH very recently about one of our cats who has cancer. It's really tough, weighing up all the options, trying to work out what to do for the best, wishing you had a crystal ball so you could know for certain what would happen if you did this or that... In our case we decided not to PTS but instead gambled on a course of action that might give our cat some extra quality time. But every situation is different, and every cat is different....

I agree with Deb about your checking your cat's pee for ketones. That is a sound idea.
Also, regarding the feeding tube; I have no experience of doing this, but others here have, and sometimes with considerable success. So, maybe that is still something to consider...? I hope someone with experience of that will be along to help you soon...

Sending healing wishes to your kitty, and a very big (((hug))) to you and to your wife.

Elizabeth

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Dr. Lisa Pierson has this wonderful article about feeding tubes and how they save lives. Please read this. It may change minds about the feeding tube.http://www.catinfo.org/?link=feedingtubes

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

If you can test and if he's through the roof glucose wise, a token dose (ex 0.25 to 0.5 units)) will bring that down a little whether or not he eats. And getting it down some may perk up his appetite.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I was crying as I read your post. Just about everyone at some point has been where you are. Its a hard hard row to hoe. I know that there are many people that can help you with the diabetes. It seems like a terrible thing however many cats have it and go on to lead very happy lives for many years. I do hope that your baby makes it long enough for you to get help with the diabetes.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
T

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Ok so let's try and get him eating. Give him anything he will eat. Create a little plate and hand feed him bits of the following. If he likes any of it, give him more and/or try it on top of his favourite cat food.

His previous food.. Wet or dry.. Whatever he was getting before diagnosis. If its wet, try mixing it with a little warm water or heating it up a little
Any treats he likes

sprinkle food with :
FortiFlora -- a probiotic you can get at vets or online. is very smelly and cats love the taste of it.
parmesean cheese
smashed crumbles of dry food
bonito/tuna flakes (Can be found at Asian markets or sometimes in the Asian food section of a large grocery store.)
halo chicken treats (freeze dried chicken) -- crumble into dust over food -- my Wolfie loves this stuff.
pour a little water from tuna in water over food (I use low sodium/no sodium added as other kinds in water has veg. broth in it and I assume that means onions, which are toxic to cats and it shouldn't contain soy -- check labels)
powdered oregano. yep sounds weird . but some cats like it and it will entice them to eat.

other ideas of foods to offer your kitty to stim appy:
trader joe tuna for cats
baby food -- beechnut or Gerber Stage 2 -- you want a baby food that is only a protein + broth (although the Gerber contains cornstarch). It should have no onions or other additives. some babyfoods have onions . please read labels if you can't find beechnut.
kentucky fried chicken
deli turkey /chicken
plain cooked ( boiled or baked ) chicken breast
canned chicken for people (watch the label that their are no onions)
chicken broth -- low sodium
Sprinkle food with crumbled Cheesy chips, Shortbread, cake, butter, mayo
Milk, Cheese, olives

Wendy

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

You have come to the right place......help and compassion is what these people are all about. I am a newbie, but I do understand loss of a pet, it is the hardest thing.......hardest. you are such a lovely person to care and wish to take his disease from him, lovely.

All I can say is: yes, feed him ANYTHING he will eat....anything.

Feeding tube: yes, try it if you and your wife can emotionally handle it. He may feel right as rain soon with that help.

My thoughts are with you today......and with sweet Oscar

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

There is a school of thought that you don't give insulin at all if the cat isn't eating, but in this instance I really agree with BJ. I used to give tiny token doses of insulin to Bertie when his numbers were really high and he was off his food. Sometimes just bringing the blood glucose level down a little can help the kitty to feel better, and if the kitty feels better they may be more inclined to eat.

Eliz

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I can relate to the fear of the feeding tube. I had just spent my rent money on an incorrect diagnosis (they said it was distemper but it turned out to be toxic poisoning). I was horrified at the thought of a putting a feeding tube into my new 8-month old darling, tuxedo kitten named Ben but when I realized what was causing his ailment I decided to do it - only I had to wait until the next payday which was two days away. On payday, I rushed home to take him in to the vet for the feeding tube but he was already gone. I buried him in my parent's backyard during a snowstorm while I was hysterically crying. Since then I have done a lot of research on the feeding tube and have seen it on Dr. Pierson's site and it seems to look worse to beans than it really is to the kitty. I believe it would have saved my Ben.

FYI - the vet told me that Ben's liver number was elevated and that is why he stopped eating - for my situation, this was due to him drinking from a dirty faucet (I found it and removed it after I figured it out).

I'm praying for Oscar.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

First of all, my prayers to you and Oscar.

I had a VERY similar situation w/ Katie last summer. Everything was suddenly going wrong, including inflamed liver (like Oscar), wouldn't eat, pancreatitis, vomiting up a storm, ketones in urine, the whole nine yards. I thought for sure we were going to have to say goodbye to her. She stayed at the vets for IV fluids, came home, no better...Like you, I kept thinking "this can't be happening, we are going to lose her..." Hubby and I were preparing to make that "final appointment", I kept thinking, "this is wrong, this doesn't feel right". So we waited, continued to try and feed her, etc. Then suddenly, like a light switch, she started eating a little, and within a few days everything was back to normal. It was miraculous.

I guess I am saying, don't give up. With Katie I realized as long as she still fighting, so will I. The only other thing I would mention is fluids..fluids can do wonder in making them feel better. You can do sub-qs at home or IV fluids at the vets, but with no food, he def needs fluids.

Also try hand feeding. My previous kitty had CRF and would not eat, the ONLY way she would eat is if I literally hand fed her. Put the food on my finger and she licked it off. She would not eat off a plate, only my finger. Anything is worth a try.
Good luck and many prayers.........

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Prayers, purrs, and good thoughts to you and your sweet furry baby.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I am so very sorry you are in such pain. It is so hard to love that little being and know they are in pain and can't tell you why. :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Oh, please I hope that Oscar can be saved. I can see how much you love him and need him. This said it all.

Please, we are all so worried how you are doing. Let us know when you have a chance.

Sending prayers and good thoughts to you, your wife and Oscar.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Hello Chris and Welcome. I totally feel for you and your wife.
My kitty was admitted for DKA for 8 and 1/2 days at the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. It cost about $4500 for those 8 and 1/2 days, but my bank had encouraged me to get a Home Equity Line Of Credit a couple months previously, so that took care of that. You might find that a large veterinary school is less expensive. J.D. also would not eat the entire time he was at the vets, so came home with a feeding tube. It was just after Christmas, and I was so distraught, all I thought about was my cat. J.D. only had the feeding tube for another day and a half but that was the only way they would release him to me to come home. I was exhausted and messed up from the exhaustion and when I tried to assist feed him, I pretty much got his liquid food everywhere. After a day and a half of that, I went to get him for his next feeding and his feeding tube had been pulled out. I called my regular local vet to ask what to do and looked down and J.D. was eating his food from his bowl. Feeding tubes do really save lives.
Please check for ketones. The high numbers and inappetance and throwing up are what J.D. had before he got the DKA. The hospital save his life and the feeding tube helped.

Please let us know how it goes, and any questions or concerns or rants you want to express here, are welcome :YMHUG:

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

The people here are the experts on diabetes. There is a yahoo group which I point everyone to for cats with appetite issues, especially diabetics where calories are even more critical. Cats can get liver disease and Maverick recovered from this with the help of the Yahoo Feline Assisted Feeding group. He was as close to dying as you could get and had a feeding tube and recovered. The vet did his best to kill him but with the help of Yahoo FAF and his feeding tube I had 2.5 amazing glorious cuddle filled years with him. I couldn't imagine managing his diabetes without the gang here also. His story is in my signature.

*Regarding food: Join the FAF group right away http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feli ... d-Feeding/
*Post an intro. You will get advice on dealing with assist feeding and liver disease. They understand pancreatitis and diabetes but are not diabetes experts so. Keep both groups up to date.
*When you join you will be sent autofiles. One is an in depth article on syringe feeding. There is a great video on the homepage of a kitty being assist fed. If you can't get in enough calories to maintain weight at a minimum, you should consider an etube. They are easy to place and will actually be less stress because you know you can get in the calories. Feeding tubes are temporary - most cats only need them for a few weeks. Maverick did need his longer but his story is a bit longer.
*Iams MaxCal has double the calories of AD and is low carb 3 or 6% I can't remember. 330 calories a can vs 160. Calories are critical. In the same amount of feeding you will get double the calories with MaxCal.
*Liver disease is horribly nauseating. My Dad had liver disease and he was able to verbalize how horrible he felt. He didn't eat solid food for six weeks before he finally was admitted and found out what he was dealing with. Cerenia controls vomiting but not the nausea associated with liver disease. Ondansetron/dolasetron or anzemet are the cornerstone medications for dealing with nausea in cats. Some cats need both Cerenia for acute vomiting and ondansetron. Ondansetron can be bought at a human pharmacy - Costco is priced cheap I hear. This drug used to be crazy expensive when only its brand name was available. For Maverick we paid $9/pill up in Canada and it was worth its weight in gold. It took convincing to get my vet to consider it. When you join FAF let me know and I will send you the link to the Nausea article written by a renouned vet on treating nausea in cats. Calories have to be kept down. But you also have to address nausea - or he won't eat or feel well until its gone and his liver has recovered.

You are in amazing hands. The groups will give you emotional support and keep your feet on the ground. The amazing thing is you are not alone. We have all been there (either with FDMB or FAF) and know what you are going through. Take a deep breath and keep fighting. Liver disease in most cases can be overcome. Its a good thing in most cases - the liver is an amazing organ.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris, I am praying for Oscar. My cat, Chase, had similar issues several years ago. He got a feeding tube (an esophageal tube) and with the feeding he recovered fully. I got several more excellent years with him. His tube was only in a few days when he also pulled it out and began eating on his own. The feeding tube may well be only a temporary situation.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

First, on behalf of Oscar, my wife and I, I thank all of you that responded. As I write this, Oscar is cat napping on his bed next to me. Fair warning, this will be a long read. I will also be brutally candid and personal. If any of you are uncomfortable with that, I certainly understand...and one of the nice things about the internet is that you can simply click a link and avoid something that you don't want to read. I suppose that before I bring you up to date, I should answer a couple of the questions that were asked.

* Yes, I've had Oscar's urine tested for keytones. I thought that he might be experiencing ketoacidosis...so I asked them to check and see (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). He's actually had multiple urinalysis done. All have come back clean and isn't DKA.

* I've tried nearly everything to get him to eat...including suggestions that have been made here. He refuses everything. So...I got a whole can (plus some) of AD down him yesterday (syringe feeding) between 10AM and 4PM. To let you know what this did, his glucose score in the morning was 189. At 5 in the afternoon it was 336. Clearly, this was the result of getting food in him. He did get a bunch of IV fluids and we went home. I should say that during this vet trip, the vet and I had a very difficult desperate measures discussion and a bit of a reality check for me. He is, certainly, VERY sick.

It appears that Oscar probably has hepatic lipidosis. His ears are yellowing...as are the membranes of his eyes. Watching my best friend in the entire world go through this is SO very hard. If God only allowed me to take Oscar's illnesses, I would...in less than a mili-second. It sounds like several of you have walked this path...and you have a kindred spirit in me. I'll try not to use melodramatic phrases as I type this reply...but, part of the reason for doing this is my own selfish need for some modicum of catharsis. For better or worse, that involves me expressing some feelings that I imagine are familiar to most (if not all) of you. Admittedly, when it comes to our pets or my wife, I am NOT objective; I simply love them with all that I am. As a somewhat humorous contradiction, I am, normally, pretty unemotional...which makes what we're experiencing all the more difficult for me.

My wife, in spite of my attempts to discuss the option of a feeding tube, is still vehemently opposed. While she acknowledges that it isn't as bad for cats as she originally envisioned (they aren't hooked up to some crazy machine), she feels, strongly, that it's no way to live...and, sadly, she wonders how many times would we possibly have go through this again. While I'm willing to go through it, she is not. Oscar has been miserable at both of the vet clinics. I may have mentioned this yesterday, but he was so miserable that he head butted the cage door so much that his nose and forehead swelled up quite a bit and he rubbed the pads on his front paws raw. It took the better part of 6 hours for me to syringe feed him yesterday. Were we retired, I'd simply commit to doing this, pull up my boot straps and lock in. Unfortunately, I'm the main source of income...so this isn't viable (and I work long hours). My wife works (no surprise in the era of the two-income family requirement). Our kids are grown and gone. So...that takes us back to hospitalization. Our vet is perfectly willing to do this. She has told us that it usually takes 6-8 weeks to beat hepatic lipidosis. At $100 a day, that's somewhere between $4-6K...which we can't do. Given how he hates being at the vet, even if we magically found a way to swing that much capital (we were hurt by the sustained economic recession; a few years ago, I could have plopped the money on the table), if he survived it (which sounds likely), he'd be miserable in the process. I suppose that they could give him some kind of anti-anxiety med while he was there...so he wouldn't hurt himself. Again, we just don't have the cash. Or, sadly, the time that it would take to force feed him at home (which, by the way, he hated...and I'm sure wonders, "Dad! Why are you torturing me?! I feel very sick. Help me...don't torture me!"; still he forgives me and wants me to pet him. That, friends, is what life is about).

My wife's threshold for watching him be miserable is less than mine (not that I handle his misery well). She's a wonderful gal, but she just can't bear to see him like this and she tends to views efforts like this as prolonging his misery more than currative. She sees it as cruel and a bit selfish. She and I come from very different backgrounds. My parents believe that when you take a pet into your life, you have just as much responsibility for and to them as you do your human children. Or put in today's more modern-speak; you have to be "all-in", for better or worse. That is pretty much how I think. My wife's family, however, sees pets as being not nearly as important as their human family members. While my wife's view doesn't mirror this, she does not see pets as being of equal value when compared to humans (as family members). Truly, she loves Oscar; she just sees him from a different view than I do. I share this perhaps inappropriately personal information...because when we, as a pet's caregivers find ourselves (us and the pet) in these agonizing and frightening dilemmas, it's a complicated scenario...that really needs committed teamwork and shared vision to overcome. When you don't have that, it's often not possible for one person to carry the load. This doesn't make anyone bad...or indicate that they don't love their pet. I think that in the interest of possibly helping others face a crisis with their beloved pet, being this candid and personal has value.

It is with soul-crushing sorrow that I tell you that we've decided to let my very best friend enjoy his last day at home. The Rainbow Bridge is on this afternoon's horizon. I'm kind of a hard man...though to read this you'd never know it. When it comes to Oscar, I am a total baby. I've cried more tears in the past 24 hours...the gut-wrenching/body-wracking kind...than I have in a lifetime. The children that I've raised with my wife, came with her when we got married. While I love them, I've never had any "of my own" (sounds bad, I know). At this stage in my life, I won't be having any human children (my wife and I are too old now). I say this to let you know, for me, my pets ARE MY CHILDREN (some of you probably understand what I'm saying). Oscar is my 7th cat (my first cat joined the family during my early teens...many years ago). I know that just as we aren't suppoed to have favorite children, we're not supposed to have favorite pets. Oscar, in just a couple of short years, has become "my favorite". I say this just to be candid; NOT to disrespect the invaluable love that my pets that proceeded Oscar gave me. Truly, each pet has blessed my life more than I EVER deserved. Each one has had a beautifully unique personality all their own; I cherish memories of all of them. My life has been better for each and every one. We've had dogs too...and I've had some strong connections with them as well...but with Oscar, I have learned that I am a cat person. Perhaps a mad-catter (a bad attempt at sad humor). So...not having my wonderful Oscar, quite literally takes the light out of my life. The fiery sorrow that I feel is certainly going to scar me for the rest of my days; as it should. Experiences in life change us as we live; none of us get to opt out of such things. Fortunately, with my wife's help...I'll try to make every day forward one that I celebrate in Oscar's honor. It is the least that I can do in consideration of all that he has given me and taught me (yes, I learn a lot about life through my pets).

Unfortunatley, given the circumstances, this particular cat tale...shares with you the ending of a journey...and not the glorious, wonderful, life-inspiring begining. No, this is NOT a happy ending. It ends with a loss that, for me, is horrifically painful. "Love" isn't a strong enough word to express how I feel about Oscar. If people see that kind of feeling toward a pet as "crazy"...well, they are entitiled to their own opinion; I just don't value it. In just two-and-a-half short years, Oscar and I have shared some absolutely heart-warming and magnificient experiences. Oscar re-ignited in me, a flame that I thought long gone. Life can be a very tough road and Oscar healed things in me that I thought incapable of healing. The GREAT things that I could tell you about Oscar far outweigh the sad challenge of his disease.

I just got off the phone with the vet. He will be here a little after noon. At that point, Oscar will suffer no more. For those of you that feel like we are giving up to soon, if you've read all this, you've seen the intense love that I feel for Oscar and know that I have given this everything I could. It isn't right to let a beloved pet suffer. At some point, Oscar and I will be together at the Rainbow Bridge. Until then...

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

We will be crying with you as you say goodbye to your beloved Oscar. Please, hold him and give him that snot halo as you say goodbye to him and send him to the Rainbow Bridge.

God bless you for making the agonizing decision. It is never easy and we understand your devastation and sorrow completely.

We were all hoping this did not have to be, but you made the right choice and we support you in your decision.

There is a grief forum here. Please, feel free to join and pour your heart out. We have all had to say goodbye to our beloved cats. It is heart wrenching.

Lighting a ring of candles in Oscar's memory.

I'm crying so hard, as if Oscar were one of my very own cats. With your descriptions of him, he became one of our FDMB family in a few short hours.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

What a beautiful tribute to Oscar. The decision is a hard one but you know your little man and you know what he would or would not want. I've treated so many terminally ill kitties and I think the hardest part is letting go and giving that final gift of true love.

I wish Oscar a peaceful crossing and strength for you and your wife.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I am sorry to hear this. Maverick was yellow as a banana almost orange. He made a full recovery. Calories cures hepatic lipidosis. An etube is a five minute procedure that is needed for about four weeks. I am sorry you made this decision. But I have to post this for others following along. I've been through this and many others have also. There are options. A tube is not cruel. There are hundreds of new members every year on the FAF site and your wife should join and educate herself before making a permanent decision. Cats are just unique from dogs. I can't sleep at night if I didn't speak up.

Keeping you in my thoughts. I will light a candle for him.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I am sorry to hear this. Maverick was yellow as a banana almost orange. He made a full recovery. Calories cures hepatic lipidosis. An etube is a five minute procedure that is needed for about four weeks. I am sorry you made this decision. But I have to post this for others following along. I've been through this and many others have also. There are options. A tube is not cruel. There are hundreds of new members every year on the FAF site and your wife should join and educate herself before making a permanent decision. Cats are just unique from dogs. I can't sleep at night if I didn't speak up.

Keeping you in my thoughts. I will light a candle for him.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

BIG HUGE LOOOOOOONG HUG CHRIS! I'm so so sorry it's Oscar's time to cross but REMEMBER PLEASE - He's not GONE, you just have to hug him differently. We aren't here to judge whether the time is right or not, that's between you, your wife, Oscar and your vet..not us. Because of your fierce love, we KNOW you're doing the best for him. No it's NEVER easy but what a HUGE gift that we can give our fuzzy feetz that we can't give our human counterparts. I've had to go thru this more often than I ever imagined - it never gets easier. Please be AT PEACE WITH IT...you've done right by your sweet baby.

Oscar KNOWS he's loved - when the hurt lessens, you will feel the patter of his feetz run across your heart again.

BIG HUGE HUG AGAIN,

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I am so sorry that it has come to this. Fly free sweet Oscar. May you soar high and wide and land softly. You are much loved and will be sorely missed.

And it is considered a badge of honor and love to send him on his journey with a snot and tear filled halo!

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio


I am so very sorry Chris and wife. Fly free, dear Oscar. You have been most loved. wings_cat

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I am so sorry for you and your wife Chris. Your story is a wonderful tribute to Oscar. There is no doubt of your deep love for him. I wish there were words to take away your pain.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
rb_icon

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris - I'm relatively new here, but I wanted to express my sympathy. It sounds like you have done everything you possibly can do and more. You have no idea what would happen if you decided to leave Oscar at the vet for 6-8 weeks. There is always the chance he could pass away there and he would have been miserable and unhappy during his last days. This way, he gets to spend the day at home with his mom and dad and then pass away quietly and peacefully with the people who love him around him. I think being able to euthanize a sick animal is really a gift - I know there are many, many people who wish they could euthanize their human loved ones and prevent their suffering. Sometimes, we just want to keep our animals around because of how WE feel, not the animal. This is hurting you more than it is Oscar, you will be bringing him peace, so please don't question what you have decided to do. I've been there, as have many others so you are not alone. We've all made this excruciating decision. I'll be praying for your family.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Maverick was home with me every day after his feeding tube. He recovered from Hepatic Lipidosis at home as most cats are sent home. I have never heard of a cat needing to be at the hospital for 6-8 weeks. I've been active on the assist feeding forum since July of 2008 and seen at least a thousand cats deal with feeding issues with half of them probably getting feeding tubes. Some deal with chronic issues like kidney disease, IBD, cancer etc.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Sending purrs and prayers. It is always difficult to have to make that decision. Remember, you did make the right decision.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris:

I am fairly new here also...I know the heart wrenching decision of putting down a beloved pet...which is more like a member of the family. I, too, had to make a decision very similar to yours about 4 years ago.

If you are a believer, than you know that God calls ALL of His home. There is no pain, no suffering, no tears at Rainbow Bridge...only sunshine, treats everywhere, and the ability to pounce and chase to Oscar's little hearts content.

I am sorry...I feel your pain...grieve..but also know that Oscar knows you loved him and ALWAYS had his best interest at heart.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris:

I am fairly new here also...I know the heart wrenching decision of putting down a beloved pet...which is more like a member of the family. I, too, had to make a decision very similar to yours about 4 years ago.

If you are a believer, than you know that God calls ALL of His home. There is no pain, no suffering, no tears at Rainbow Bridge...only sunshine, treats everywhere, and the ability to pounce and chase to Oscar's little hearts content.

I am sorry...I feel your pain...grieve..but also know that Oscar knows you loved him and ALWAYS had his best interest at heart.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

My deepest sympathies to you and your wife. It is one of the hardest decisions we ever have to make. Oscar is at peace now wings_cat

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

{{{hugs}}}

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I'm so sorry.
Fly Free Oscar.... rb_icon

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Friends,

Oscar crossed the Rainbow Bridge today at just a little after 12:45 PM. He was so very weak. He was a little scared at first, but this vet is a very considerate individual. He has helped the last two kitties pass; he gives them a sedative to relax them...and then the final injection. Both Oscar (today) and his big sister (Angel; she passed just three months ago) made the journey in the relative peace of our HOME.

Given the terrible sorrow that my wife and I are going through, it is imperative that I thank all of you for the kind words. Part of my original hope in submitting the original post was to find people who felt as strongly as I do about my pets. I desparately needed (and still do) that support. The hole in my heart is the size of a freight train...and burning so very painfully. At this point...and I know this doesn't sound very manly...I'd be surprised if I don't burn out my tear ducts. My throat is absolutely raw. My wife is in misery. Our house feels so very...empty...without Oscar, our beacon of light. After going through this with multiple cats and multiple dogs, I can tell you that it never ever gets easier. As I said in the previous posting, this experience absolutely scars our souls...and IT SHOULD.

So that you know, over night...and in spite of my force feeding with the syringe...Oscar really declined. And that's with him getting sub-q fluids.I've said this before...but feel compelled to say it again; if ONLY I could have taken his diseases into my body and made his body healthy. While I am a beliver and know that God has a plan and purpose for everything, I'm not going to deny that I'm angry with Him right now. Since He knows, why deny it? Through the blood of Christ, he'll forgive me...but He knows where my shattered heart is right this second.

Before I close...to go sit on my back deck and watch the sunset while thinking of Oscar, my very heart and soul, I need to make a couple of comments.

* For those of you that suggested the feeding tube, a significant part of me wishes that we would have at least tried it. Of course, being an emotional wreck right now, I'm having more conflicting feelings than I can process...so another part of me says, "No. You did the right thing." My wife, as I've mentioned...and I believe her opinion to be largely influenced by relative ignorance (we are all ignorant to greater and lesser extents, unfortunately)...could not/would not bring herself to try it to save poor Oscar. She felt, strongly, that it prolonged his suffering (and he was suffering). For what it's worth to know, if my health ever declines to that stage, I may very well want someone to "shut me off". For those of you that have tried the feeding tube...and have been successful with it, I applaud your strength and courage and am extremely pleased that the outcome was in favor of you and your furry hearts. Please, please, PLEASE continue to share your success with others so they may become aware of the life-saving possibility that this presents!

* Deb and Wink: Your caring about this sad tale...and support...has been extremely helpful. I cite you specifically...though all of you have been "heros" for me in this process...because of your involvement in the site. FDMB is a much needed asset. I wish that I had come across it much earlier.

* Venita: I thank you for taking the time with me the other day. Though my wife, Oscar and I were unable to go down that road...your willingness to invest the time in us, and your kind words, were very helpful. What you do...and your commitment to cats...makes you a super hero to me. Once we've recovered from the financial damage this experience has wrought in our lives, I'd like to help your efforts out. At that point, I'll try to contact you and we'll see how I can help the effort. I'd really very much like to see a LOT of financial help for people that dearly want to save their furry hearts, but lack the fiscal horsepower to do so. LET'S SAVE MORE CATS...and the poor hearts of their parents.

*KarensPoe: THANK YOU so much for your words. Dear God I needed to hear (read) that.

* Larry and Kitties: Thank you for supporting my terrifying decision.

To everyone that I've failed to mention here...I did not leave you out because I wanted to. I did it because I'm actually feeling woozy right now (not good) and need to take some very deep breaths. So...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. At some point, after the flood of blood from our wound slows, I may submit a post sharing some of the special moments that Oscar and I have had together. It seems important to honor Oscar's beautiful impact upon my soul with a posting about more than his disease, his passing and our resultant sorrow. WHEN OSCAR AND I MEET AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, ALL WILL BE MADE RIGHT. I have to admit that I'm very much looking forward to it...also because his big sister Angel, his big brother Tiger, sweet older sister Jasmine, yet older brother Snickers...and senior brother Angus will be there waiting for me...along with their slobery doggie siblings. It will be such a joy to be reunited. Until then, I'll live each day...in their honor.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Fly free Oscar. You earned your wings. Land softly and know you are loved wings_cat

Chris, I am so sorry. My condolences to you and your family. I know personally just how very hard this day is for you. :sad:

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris,

I could barely read your last two posts through my tears. My heart aches for you and your wife. I can understand the unimaginable grief you feel, as I have felt when I lost my soul mate kitty, Hope, from CRF when she was 20 years old. It's been nearly 9 years since that time and I still ache and mourn for her. They are all special i there own ways, but I think we get one or two in our lifetime that are our soul mates and I don't care what non animal lovers say, you love them just as much as human children, it's no different. Oscar was your soul mate.

And perhaps this sounds stupid, but when I lost Hope, I questioned where she was, what had happened to her, would I ever see her again, did I do the right thing, you know all the age old questions...my faith was tested. The only solace I could find was knowing she was not hurting anymore. No one knows what happens when we leave this earth, but the only thing I knew for sure was she wasn't hurting. And Oscar doesn't hurt anymore, and that's a good thing. But now you do, but take solace in the fact you are hurting now so he doesn't have to. That makes the pain a little more bearable.

Unfortunately, nothing anyone says can help you, but just know there are many here sending healing prayers to you and understand.
Oscar was so lucky to have you. You were his guardian angel here on earth, now he is yours. I will light a candle for him tonight.

Many {{hugs}} to you both.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

We understand.

My 16 year old furry best friend is exactly that, my best friend, he too has seen me through the roughest journeys and helped to keep me relatively sane, without him I doubt I would still be here...there is nothing quite like the unconditional love of a 'pet' or I prefer to call 'furry child'. I have kids, a grandson, a close ex-hubby and a wonderful new one...but it was Miley who got me through the hardest parts. My kids joke that I like him better than them, don't tell them, but I might :lol: !

Your story has made me cry, and I understand completely, I'm following your steps daily wondering when it will be Miley's turn to cross the bridge and go out to play. Oh, how hard it is to let our loved ones go, both human and furry. Just remember, one day you will see him again...he's waiting and while he does, he's still there, watching over you.

Bebe and Milo

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris....so many of us understand the closeness with our pets.

About six years ago my husband was in home-based hospice care. (My husband survived his terminal diagnosis and is still with me.) The hospice sent a massage therapist to work on both our bodies. While I was laying on the bed getting the knots worked out of my back, right there with me was Ennis, wanting to protect me...

"Is that lady hurting you Mom?'
"No, baby, she is helping me to feel better."
"Why are you crying Mom?"
"It's not hurt, Ennieman. It's relief."

I lost Ennis in March 2012 to cancers. He was very old and disabled in many ways, but still enjoying life and I gave him palliative care for about 3 months. He had a beautiful crossing and I am thankful every day for the time I was able to spend with him. I took care of him during that time the way he took care of me that massage day.

We do understand the closeness.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

This wonderful man made the kindest, most loving decision he's probably ever made in his life--you shouldn't feel sorry about his decision; it should be respected with kindness...these statements would be very hurtful to me if I was the owner, in fact one of my cats was on fluids and he was not responding (kidney failure) and I know I also made the most kindest and loving decision for him--I had the vet come to my home and we sent him off to the Rainbow Bridge together...

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris (& family): It is with tears that I read your post: tears of sadness, sympathy and of your grief for the passing of a best friend. I also have tears of happiness for your compassion, love and kindness that you've given him. I had to have a best friend, "Mr. Big" go to the Rainbow Bridge as he was dying of kidney failure and his quality of life was null. Lovingly, my daughter, the vet and I seen him to the Rainbow Bridge in the comfort of my home. It was the hardest decision I've made in my life and I know it was one of the truly kindness acts that can be given to a best friend. Mr. Big was not responding at all and the only thing keeping him alive was the subQ fluids. When I would look into his eyes (he couldn't even stand up), I seen his sadness that he was feeling for me and telling me it was time to let him go. He loved me so much and was telling me that it was okay and that everything would be alright. He looked at me with so much love the last few hours and slowly passed with his love shining everywhere. Please accept my sympathy. My heart is breaking for you. He's now at The Bridge with his siblings and he'll be waiting for you in perfect health when you get there. Kat

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris-

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your sweet Oscar.

May he fly free.

Dan

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I'm so sorry. Sometimes the greatest gift, relief from suffering, is the hardest to give.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Yes, and Amen !!

He knows, and He grieves with you. We were given dominion over the earth and creatures, but with Adam's fall, came death, even to our furry loved ones.

He does have a plan...and as your grieving lessens in time, you will begin to see it.

I happen to believe myself that God has allowed Poe to come to this place of FB because there is something in all this for me somehow.

Blessings and Peace to you...know that Oscar is healed right now in the place where the lion and the lamb lay together.

 

Thru the rain......

Chris, I started with your first post and I did not respond because you had been given excellent advice in the beginning.......nothing truly for me to add. Feeding tubes do save lives.....3 of mine alone......but there are those times when nothing will save them. We discover they have become diabetic, we try and treat them but they just continue to decline. Diabetes at times is the first problem discovered when in actuality it is the secondary disease to another major one that we cannot discover.

I am sending a link to you that I had posted on the Grief forum a while back. I had saved it when Larry had first written it back in '06. May it help you also. You did right by your beloved Oscar.....your last gift of love was to be with him and help him peacefully to the Bridge. My heart truly breaks for you.......those of us with a GA after our names all know the depth of pain, loss, making that decision.....never easy but our pets do let us know and we have to love them enough to let them go and forget about our pain.

My deepest and most sincere and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Oscar. May loving memories help you through the "moments"....tears are our only relief . Oscar knew he was loved.....always remember that wings_cat

God gives us love......something to love He lends us.

http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=71888

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris,
You did right by your bestest friend. Somrtimes we just cannot fix them. I went through it I think we ALL have...Love is forever it will be again as it has.
My deepest condolences and through tears,
jeanne

For Oscar:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/mes ... d=18733483

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Dear Chris

Karen is right. It is all God's plan for us and there are many that believe that God prepares us for death by allowing us to experience the loss of our pets. That's God's love.

All our pets ask for is love and care and God gave you that so you could give it to Oscar -- even in your decision to fly him to the Rainbow Bridge. Don't ever regret that decision because it was made with love even though your heart is breaking.

Thanks for letting us get to know Oscar and please know that we are crying with you.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Chris,
I don't really know what to say, but wanted to let you know I am sorry for your loss. I can relate to your pain; just the thought of loosing our cat makes me cry. Just remember, you gave Oscar a wonderful, loving life. Melissa

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

I'm so sorry for your loss but after reading what Oscar went through, it sounds like you did right by your guy.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Dear Chris;

I am so very sorry for your loss. I, too, am of the school that my 'pets' are also my children. They are just four legged and wear small fur coats instead of walking upright and being skin covered, (and I HAVE human children - grand children - and great grandchildren!). Losing a beloved family member hurts. Regardless of how long that have been a part of your life. I grieve with and for you. My sincere condolences on your heartbreaking loss.

~M

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Well, friends, it's day 3 1/2 without Oscar, our beacon of light. The house feels so strange. On one hand, it's hard to be here...and on the other, I take some solace in being here because this is our HOME (we shared with Oscar, Angel and Tiger). I think that I stated that I would post something celebrating Oscar’s life...and I'm going to attempt that here. It’ll be a long read (yes, I’m long-winded)…but if you are a cat lover, I think that you’ll really enjoy most of it. I’ll make a small apology up front…as this isn’t the best write-up that I could do. I’m somewhat “rushing” it…because I feel emotionally compelled to do so. With that…please dive in…and enjoy…


Discovering Oscar
It was a weekend...and a Sunday I think...in February 2011, when my wife was looking at our cold and snowy backyard (winter here can be pretty brutal). In the northwest corner of our backyard, we have an apple tree. Under the apple tree, we have a wooden bench that a friend made for us. We cover it with a tarp each winter to protect if from the harshest part of winter. Anyway…I was in the living room when my wife asked me to look out the window; she said that she thought that she saw something hiding under the tarp that covers the bench. I looked and didn’t see anything....so I shrugged my shoulders and started to head back to the living room...when she stops me, "See! I told you. It's a cat." Sure enough, it's an orange cat...and that color really stood out against the cold, white snow. I shook my head thinking, "Some people are just completely oblivious. We have owls, hawks, dogs and coyotes roaming about...and some dingaling thinks that this orange cat is 'just fine' outside?!!!" My wife...of course...asks, "Do you think he's a stray? It looks like he's hiding under the tarp to get shelter." My response was pretty ambivalent; "I'm sure that he belongs to one of the newer families in the neighborhood...and they probably wouldn't appreciate us running of with their cat."

Shortly after that, I had to go run some errands. While I'm out, my wife has gone outside to check on the orange cat hiding under the tarp. Shortly after returning, she pulls me to the window and says, "You have to have a look at him. I think that he's abandoned...and there's something wrong with his ear." At this point, I concede...more to humor my wife than anything. Surprise...he won't come out from under the tarp for me and doesn't respond to the obligatory, "Here kitty!" call. My wife corrects me...and says, "Watch this." She crouches and says, "Meow, meow. Come here meow, meow." Sure enough, this little orange guy comes out from under the tarp. He approaches her tentatively...but is watching me...as if expecting me to shoo him off. I can tell my wife is smitten with him. We had two other cats in our house at the time...and I wasn't really thinking of a third. However, when I saw his deformed ear, something in me said, "This is different. Take a good look at him." So...I put my hand down...and he carefully came over. I'd never seen a cat with a hematoma before...so I thought that he had been in some scrap with another cat or animal. Though I felt like helping him, I was worried that he belonged to someone (he looked just a little thin, not "bad"). So...we decided to give it some time and see if he'd go back to wherever he came from.

Day turned to night...and the snowstorm worsened. I happened to turn the light on the back porch...and there’s the orange cat, hiding under some tarps that we put over the patio furniture. My wife decides to see if he needs food. Well...the little guy was very hungry and he gobbled it right up. She then put a basket with a blanket in it under the tarp. The cat huddled in the basket...while snow fell harder and harder. This was about 6:30 PM. We checked on him at 10 PM; he was still there...but very wet and covered in snow. That was all either of us could stand...and so in came the orange cat. After toweling him off...giving him some food and water...we both knew that he could not go back outside. I commented to my wife, "If he belongs to anyone, they sure are thoughtless. This guy might not survive the night." And so my wife gave the orange cat a name; Oscar. As I've mentioned, we had two other cats (purely indoor; we never let our cats outside). Oscar bumped that number to three.


Welcome to the Family
Tiger and Angel had been with us for a number of years and were very well established in our lives. Neither particularly welcomed Oscar...and the poor little orange kitty really had to watch his back (Tiger was a LOT bigger...and Angel was only slightly larger). Shortly after Oscar became "our cat", I was in the living room one evening...when Tiger was trying to harass Oscar. Oscar was clearly tired of it. I was just getting ready to pop out of my chair and discourage Tiger's fun...when Oscar jumped up onto my lap, climbed up onto my chest and curled into a little orange ball. I reclined a bit...and the next thing I knew, he was snoozing away...and purring super loudly. That was the moment when I realized that our Oscar was a bit special...and that I was glad that he had joined the family.

Over the next year, Oscar and Tiger learned to get along...and while I don't think that they were ever "friends", they were perfectly fine with sharing space and their parents. Angel...however...never did learn how to play well with others. She treated Oscar the exact same way that she treated her big brother Tiger; which is to say with a lot of verbal instruction to "Stay away from me!" Tiger was a very unusual cat...and, in many ways, I think that he had a pretty odd sense of humor (sound goofy? well...you had to be there). He always seemed amused when Angel gave Oscar "what for". As the elder cat, Tiger really was "king of the castle"...though Angel never did give him any respect. Angel, though, wasn’t amused in the least and meant every spitting word uttered from her lips. With three cats...all with very distinctive personalities, our home was a happy cat haven.


Dr. Oscar to the Rescue!
Oscar had taken to sleeping with us. I tend to sleep on my side with my hand tucked between my pillow and my ear. This leaves my bent arm exposed. Oscar really liked to curl up on my exposed arm with his face near mine. He'd then purr very loudly. I've had difficulty sleeping for years...and it's gotten worse as I've become older. Well...Oscar sleeping like this and purring so loudly...seemed to be just what the doctor ordered...and I'd fall asleep quickly. For the first time in ages...I was sleeping well. Those of you that have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep understand what I'm talking about...and the relief I'd found under the watchful care of Oscar. Additionally, I have a rather stressful job. Shortly after dinner each night, Oscar and I would play. He had a couple of favorite toys in particular. Two of his favorites...were...drum roll please...yes, STRING!!! Imagine that. We actually discovered his great affinity for string after my wife left a blue tennis shoe lace on the floor. Oscar would actually bring it to us when he wanted to play...and if we threw it...he'd chase it and bring it back! We also found that he liked a fishing pole with a mouse tied on the end of the string. When he wanted to play with that, he'd go get it...and drag it to us as an overt message of, “Let’s play!!!” My wife and I have never had a cat do this...and our nightly play time was a source of great enjoyment (and served to lower my blood pressure as well!).


Loosing Tiger: Spring 2012
In March of 2012, Oscar's big brother Tiger had taken ill. He was pulling his fur out on the backs of his hind legs. He wasn't eating right and was losing weight. Tiger was my wife's special cat and this was horribly hard on her. Multiple vet trips...all inconclusive...and all attempts to treat Tiger failed. In fact, the vet wasn't really sure what was wrong with him. Tiger then developed the shakes. By April of 2012...and without any veterinary progress...we were forced to help Tiger to the Rainbow Bridge. While I loved Tiger, he and I never had a particularly strong bond. However, my wife was absolutely devastated...and nearly inconsolable (Tiger was 15 and the two were very close). In stepped Oscar with his orange rays of sunshine. Oscar’s always-upbeat personality has ever been positively contagious. And he was a very determined little guy...and with his care, my wife recovered (she still cries over Tiger from time to time). His persistent little orange-colored band-aids helped heal his Mom’s broken heart.


Dr. Oscar to the rescue yet again! And…Oscar develops Diabetes…
So...we were down to a two-cat household with Angel and Oscar. From April 2012...into Winter of 2012, Oscar worked his way…completely…into our hearts. The things that I've mentioned in here barely scratch the surface of what he'd do. He'd talk...give back massages...and occasionally make Tim-the-Tool-Man-Taylor sounds (yep...all on his own; what a character!). Fast forward...

March of 2013. My wife has a health issue...and it’s one that she's had for years. We thought that we had it well-controlled. Nope. One morning...she collapsed before my very eyes. CPR does save lives...and so that's what I did until the paramedics arrived. In short order, we had 5-8 people...total strangers invading our house. Poor Oscar was absolutely scared witless. He watched these strangers take his Mom away in an ambulance while I held him. Fortunately, my wife survived and recovered. Oscar...yet again, played a vital role in that...keeping her company as she gained her health back. His beautifully sunny personality also helped me keep things together; without my little buddy's company, coming so close to losing my wife would have been more than I could handle. However...to this day, I'm convinced that the extreme stress and fright that Oscar experienced when the paramedics came into our house...played a big role in triggering his diabetes. It is a well documented fact that stress damages bodies. He was diagnosed with diabetes in April.


Losing Angel: Spring 2013...and Oscar the diabetic cat puts band-aids on Dad’s heart.
While Oscar was developing diabetes (between March and April of this year), his big sister, Angel developed cancer (or...that's what the vet's loose diagnosis was; we never did find out conclusively). Though this particular tale is about Oscar, I should tell you that Angel was an incredibly special cat herself (and, without a doubt, she was daddy's girl). Angel, as best we can tell, was 14 or 15 years old. You'd have to know Angel to really understand her...as she could be a very difficult and emotional cat. She and I did have a strong bond. Losing Angel hurt me deeply...as she had been a huge part of my life for a little over a decade. Oscar seemed to sense how Angel’s passing upset me…and determined that his upbeat personality would rescue his dad’s spirit. Just like how he helped my wife get through losing Tiger, Oscar’s warm and sunny personality helped me cope with losing Angel (she was our one and only calico cat…and she had the coolest pajamas ever).


Oscar. Going forward…in his parents’ hearts…
And…so I’ll close this posting…this celebration of Oscar’s short time with us. You know how the story ends. Perhaps in reading these little excerpts from Oscar’s time with my wife and I…you can see why I love him so dearly…and why I say that he was (and perhaps is?) such an incredibly special cat. Our household has been devastated in the past 13 months. In that time, we’ve lost three totally irreplaceable family members…and my wife narrowly escaped death herself. In spite of this flow of words…I actually can’t find the right ones to really say how Oscar’s passing has affected us. However, with this small tribute, I give you a very personal look into how his amazing sunshine made our lives infinitely better! Dear Oscar; know that you are in your Mom and Dad’s hearts…with every beat…and every breath we take. God blessed us with you…and even though the time was entirely TOO SHORT, we thank Him for having had shared it together! We cherish every second that we’ve had with you and look forward to that special day when we are reunited with you and your brothers and sisters!

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

That is a beautiful tribute to Oscar.

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Male orange tabby cats are a very special animal. My Whiskey was with me for almost 18 years and he was my best friend. He has been gone for 11 years this coming Saturday and I still miss him every single day. Godspeed Oscar. Know you are loved. wings_cat o

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Three words: PRAISE. THE. LORD!!!

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

Tears are streaming down my face. What as special kitty Oscar was. Chris I'm so sorry for you and your wife at this great time of sorrow. You have had a lot put on you this past 13 months. I loved reading your story!!
My orange George passed away 4 weeks ago today so I know how hard it is and I know how bad you are hurting. The only thing that helps is knowing that they are not in any pain anymore and that their soul has now been returned to the mighty one that gave him to us in the first place - that is God. I pray that you find peace and comfort.
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Terri

 

Re: I'm new, but we're in bad shape. Need help and compassio

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. The love comes through so strong, I know Oscar appreciates what you did for him, always.