GA 2/7 Fly free my sweet Putty

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Miriam and Putty (GA), Feb 7, 2016.

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  1. Miriam and Putty (GA)

    Miriam and Putty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    My heart was broken today. I am so sad to have to post this....

    We found Putty at six weeks old from our local MSPCA. He was born June 25th 2003. My daughter was very picky about which kitten she wanted but as soon as she put Putty on her lap he fell asleep and she knew he was the one for us. I was not a cat lover at the time. They were cute and nice I supposed but not for me....so I thought. It took less than 24 hours for me to fall in love with that little gray and white ball of fur.
    He was so cute and so silly that my daughter named him Silly Putty which we eventually shortened to Putty. I said I would never allow him to sleep in my bed but within 3 months there he was curled up on my legs every night...so much for rules. He was so much fun and so full of energy. He was a people cat. He never hid from anyone. When we had a party he was always in the center of the crowd.

    Putty was diagnosed with FD on August 21st 2008 when he was only 5 years old.
    All the vet did was show us how to give insulin and sent us home with a bag of prescription dry food. The best thing she did was put him on Lantus. I spent hours on my computer until I found this forum. I joined right away and my eyes were opened to a world of information from some of the greatest group of people. My husband ran out and bought a glucometer, test strips, wet food and anything else that was suggested for us to try.
    Although Putty was a sweetheart most of the time he did not take well to testing. It took two of us an hour to get one test the first time. I had to wrap him in a blanket and hold him on the couch while my husband tested. I never in a million years thought I could do it on my own.....I told my husband he had to quit his job if we had any chance of having Putty regulated or even go into remission. After about a month and lots of treats Putty allowed me to test him without a problem.
    Diabetic cats are so scheduled that they become your clock and Putty was no exception. He would jump out of bed every morning about 15 minutes before his morning routine. He would very politely poke me in the head or touch my face to let me know he was hungry. If that didn't get a response he would knock the jewelry off my nightstand...not working...he would go to my husband's nightstand and knock off his keys, cell phone and any papers that happened to be in his way. Not getting a response he went on to slam our bedroom door shut. When that failed he went into our bathroom to slam the door only to lock himself in day after day. He was very jealous of my husband. I was usually in bed when my husband left for work so when he would come over to kiss me Putty would jump on the bed and push his face away so he could groom my hair.

    Putty was very healthy despite his diabetes. I found a vet I loved and together we learned all we could about feline diabetes. To this day she says everything she learned about FD was from my research and not from veterinary school. He remained pretty healthy with a few bumps along the way but nothing that couldn't be treated very easily.

    The last year he was definitely on the decline. Up until 3 years ago he was between 12 and 13 pounds but started slowly losing some weight. He was tested for thyroid disease several times but it was always negative. His dose of insulin went from 1 unit down to less than .25 units to a few drops. His weight also fell to about 9 pounds a year ago to 7.5 pounds the last few months. November of 2014 the vet thought one of his organs was enlarged He had x-rays which showed a shadow on his liver. An ultrasound did not show anything. In July of 2015 at his annual check up his blood work showed his liver enzymes were elevated. Another ultrasound was performed which showed an enlarged liver. His kidney values were also a little off but nothing to worry about at that time.

    In November of 2015 I really started to notice he was not himself. He did not come upstairs very much to sleep, his eating was off just a little but he has always been a great eater. He walked a little slower but he was over 12 so I figured he was getting older. Brought him to the vet early December and his liver enzymes had gone up again. A few other things on his blood work did not look great and he had a mild case of pancreatitis. He was not himself at all. He pretty much stayed on the first floor and only came upstairs to let us know he was hungry which seemed to be all the time.
    Two weeks ago I took him back to my vet to see what she thought....I did not want to Putty to suffer just because his family wanted to keep him around. She said he was doing ok...his liver enzymes actually went down just a little but in the right direction. She did say everything could change for him very quickly.
    Yesterday Putty could not keep any food down. Last night his bg went from 389 at shot time to 40 four hours later. He was given a little high carb which he couldn't hold down. He started to go up. Around midnight he started dropping again and I rubbed Karo syrup in his mouth. At 2 am his bg was 28 and no amount of Karo was bringing him up. We brought him to the ER clinic where they kept him on a glucose drip. When his bg was stable they did blood work and x-rays and were going to keep him for a day or two to monitor. We left the clinic at 4:30 am. At 6 am the vet called me. She said he was much sicker than she originally thought. The blood work showed his liver enzymes were very high, his sodium was also very high, his white blood cell count was not good and electrolytes not good. The x-ray showed a very enlarged liver, kidney stones and a very large nodule in his chest. The vet thought most likely he had cancer based on a few other nodules she saw on the x-ray. He was very weak. I asked the vet what she would do in my case. She said individually some of his issues could be treated, collectively he had so many issues that the treatment would be very timely and most likely the outcome would not be successful. That is when we made the decision that we could not let him suffer or put his body through any more tests.
    Fly free my sweet boy. You will be missed more than you could ever imagine. The void in my heart and our home will be so hard to fill. :(
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2016
  2. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2015
    Miriam I am so sorry it was Putty's time to go to the rainbow bridge:bighug:
    It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you and he was loved very much.
    You did a wonderful job looking after him all those years.
    Fly free Puttycat_wings>o
     
  3. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    {{{Miriam}}}

    Thank you for sharing Putty's story. Although I was not active on the board when you were, I feel as though I know you through this story and things I've heard from other veterans. My heart aches for you. I am fresh from setting free two of my beloved Civvies in the past three weeks, so I know the anguish you are feeling. I also know your head is telling you that you made the right choice. You gave Putty the ultimate gift, loving and selfless. Remember he will always be with you, and in time you'll smile more than cry as you think of him - at least, that's what they tell me...and from past losses, I know it's true. Meanwhile, please accept my deepest condolences and some hugs. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    Fly free, Putty, and land softly.
     
  4. Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA

    Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Miriam, I don't know if you remember me but I remember you and Putty from Basil's days here. And I'm so sorry to hear you lost him. My condolences and may happy memories soon replace all the sad ones.
     
  5. Asrael

    Asrael Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Sending big hugs and so much light your way. Fly Free Dear Putty :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  6. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Miriam, so sorry for your loss. He was a special baby indeed. Be free little one.
     
  7. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    (((((Miriam)))))

    You were among the people here when I came to FDMB. I remember the stories of Putty knocking things off of the nightstand. I remember the shared evenings spent on the "ledge" or at the "pool" because our kitties were being unpredictable. I also remember your being there for the early rising newbies who needed guidance and a calm hand to walk them through low numbers. But most of all, I remember Diahann coming up with the graphic of Polite Officer Putty who helped to remind us of all of the little housekeeping details that old and new members alike needed to be attentive to.

    For those of us who remember Putty fondly, know that he is well loved and is dearly missed. For those that didn't have a chance to get to know him, he will forever be the sweet boy who has a wonderful caregiver that took him on family vacations to Cape Cod because it wouldn't be a family or a vacation without him.

    Fly free Putty and land softly. Gabby and many of your Lantus Land family are waiting to greet you at the Bridge and be your playmates until you are reunited with the ones you love best.

     
  8. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Oh, Miriam........................ what a sad, sad day. It's difficult to type through the tears.
    Lantus Land's own Sergeant-at-Arms, Officer Putty... or Polite Putty as he was known.
    My heart hurts for you and your family. I'm so sorry.
    May your heart and soul find peace and comfort in your loving memories...
    and Miriam, a special thank you for all you contributed to our community over the years.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:



    [​IMG]
    Fly free Officer Putty... land softly.
    You are missed.
     
  9. Melanie and Smokey

    Melanie and Smokey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2010
    I am so sorry for your loss of Putty. It sounds like a fabulous life you enjoyed together.
     
  10. marniepaul & miles

    marniepaul & miles Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2011
    Thank you for sharing Putty's story. What amazing work you did with him, managing his diabetes beautifully and giving him a wonderful life!
    Miles, Stratus, and I (we are all crowded around the laptop) send our condolences. Rest easy, dear Putty.
     
  11. MJ+Donovan

    MJ+Donovan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    lighting Butthead's candle for Putty... <3

    I remember Putty from when I first joined with Captain Donovan, back in 2009.
    The Bridge is full of so many Lantus Land troublemakers ;)- Officer Putty will undoubtedly keep them in line.

    [​IMG]

    MJ
     
  12. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    (((Miriam))) I am so heartbroken for you all....i always loved when you posted about Officer Putty. And I always, always appreciated your help and reality checks when we were new. We all admired how handsome Putty was....he was a very special kitty in the old Lantus Land and so many of us will hold him and you in our hearts. I'm just so very, very sorry and send you many hugs and lots of caring thoughts.

    Fly free, Putty. Loved and missed forever and ever.
     
    Anne & Zener GA likes this.
  13. Anne & Zener GA

    Anne & Zener GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2011
    I am so sorry. Putty had a wonderful life with you.
    Liz
     
  14. suki & crystal (GA)

    suki & crystal (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2014
    My deepest condolences Miriam, I never knew Officer Putty but he sounds like one of the many L&LL legends that will be greatly missed, but never forgotten :bighug: Fly free Putty and land softly:rb_icon:
     
  15. Tara & Ivana (GA)

    Tara & Ivana (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2015
    So sorry to read this Miriam, rest in peace little Putty :rb_icon::bighug:
     
  16. julie & punkin (ga)

    julie & punkin (ga) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2011
    Miriam, holding you close in my heart . . . what a sad time. Polite Officer Putty was a very special part of Lantus Land!

    Fly free little Putty. You are loved!
    [​IMG]
     
  17. sarahtee

    sarahtee Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2015
    I'm so sorry for your loss, Miriam and family :bighug:
     
  18. elizabeth and gus

    elizabeth and gus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2015
    I am sorry for your loss. Fly free sweet Putty.
     
  19. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2012
    I'm so sorry. You did a very loving thing in letting him go. Fly free Putty. Sending prayers. :bighug:
     
  20. Peg and Toby

    Peg and Toby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2014
    Sending Prayers and Hugs to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Fly Free Putty cat_wings>o
     
  21. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    You were so lucky to have had each other. Cheers to a beautiful life. Fly free handsome Putty!
     
  22. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2011
    I'm so sorry it was Putty's time to cross. You are in our thoughts and prayers....
     
  23. Judy and Boomer

    Judy and Boomer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2014
    I am so sorry for your loss. Fly free little Putty!
     
  24. Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

    Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Dear ((((Miriam, DH and DD)))),
    :rb_icon:We are very sorry that it was Officer Putty's time to begin a new adventure. What a great cat he was, and how well he kept order in Lantus Land! He has many friends at the Bridge and they are all there at the Bridge Landing to welcome him. Chefs Stu and Mannie in their Two Chefs' Bridge Kitchen are at work on a welcome feast. And Chief Pastry Chef Tess will present Putty with a dessert surprise worthy of the Polite Officer.

    Here back in L&LL, we will always remember your fine kitty. Fly Free, dear Officer Putty, on your new Golden Wings. You are much loved.

    In deepest sympathy,
    Ella & Edward, Rusty, and Stu (GA)
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2016
  25. milfordcollector

    milfordcollector Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2012
    (((Hugs & prayers))) Miriam may you find comfort that Putty is free & enjoying romping at the Rainbow Bridge:rb_icon:cat_wings>o Cindy & Angel Sabrina
     
  26. Michelle and Mannie (GA)

    Michelle and Mannie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Miriam, I am so sad to read this. I am sorry that it was Officer Putty's time to begin a new chapter in his journey. It is ever so difficult to make that decision, but I know Putty does thank you. It is our final gift of love to one that has become such an integral part of our lives. It was good to read Putty's story, much of it reminded me of Mannie, and our journey together. You were one of the first people that we learned from when we began our journey here. I thank you for your expertise. I hope all the wonderful memories of Putty will bring you comfort. He will always be with you, in your mind's eye, tucked away in that special corner of your heart. I expect there is a grand feast going on now at the Bridge, all under the watchful eye of Chef Stu and Chef Mannie. They will take good care of Putty, be glad to be reunited with their friend. :rb_icon:

    Fly free Putty. Land softly at the bridge. I will always remember you, with much fondness, and respect.

    phpPfAouMAM.jpg
    For Putty, so that he may always have grass at his feet, trees to climb, meadows to run in, sun on his back, and rainbows to ponder.
     
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  27. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    I am so sorry.... sending much peace love and light to you and your family.....fly free and land softly sweet boy...:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  28. Linda and Bear Man

    Linda and Bear Man Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    (((Miriam))) You and Putty were such a big part of the Lantus Land community when Bear Man and I were regulars here. Your sense of humour and your stories about Putty were daily highlights for me, and those times bring back many fond memories for me.

    Thank you for posting Putty's story here. I am heartbroken for you and your family that you had to say goodbye to him. You were a devoted Mom to him, and he knew nothing but love until the moment he left on his journey to the Bridge.

    I know that Putty is at the Bridge right now, demonstrating the door slamming technique to all his old friends there.

    May you someday be able to find peace and comfort from your memories of him. He was loved by so many here, and will never be forgotten.
     
  29. Sparkle

    Sparkle Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2016
    Thank you for sharing your love story. I know it may be too soon, but enjoy the mind freedom that comes (in time) from knowing your child is safe and warm and healthy and still there to wrap your heart with love even when the heart pain can seem unbearable. I'm glad there are Polite officers and great chefs at the rainbow bridge. That makes me feel so much better over the loss of my 4 kids so recently. Reading your story and writing this is allowing me to cry. I haven't been able to. I've just been numb. That you for the gift of sharing.
     
  30. Grayson & Lu

    Grayson & Lu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    So sorry for your loss. Your story of your beloved boy is heartwarming. You were an amazing mom to him, and he clearly knew love. Thank you for sharing him with us. Fly free dear Putty. Peace to you and your family Miriam.

    Lu-Ann
     
  31. Gill & George

    Gill & George Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2015
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
    Fly Free sweet Putty
     
  32. Sandy and Black Kitty

    Sandy and Black Kitty Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2009
    image.jpeg ((((((Miriam))))))
     
  33. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    I am so sorry.
    Fly Free Putty.
    I hope you can still feel his love.
    [​IMG]
     
  34. Tiger(GA) and Ruth

    Tiger(GA) and Ruth Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2014
    I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Officer Putty- his stories from the old LL are legendary.

    Fly free Putty and land softly- you were so loved.
     
  35. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2010
    Requiem aeternum, Putty.

    {{hugs}}
     
  36. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    (((Miriam))) My deepest sympathies to you and your daughter on your loss. :bighug: It sounds like he had an amazing life with you.
     
  37. Randi & Max (GA)

    Randi & Max (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    (((Miriam))) I am so heartbroken to hear that dear sweet Officer Putty has earned his wings and has joined too many of our beloveds that have crossed
    before him. I so remember the times way back in 2009 when I was one of those "newbies" and how you were there for me in the early hours
    in the morning when we would get together "for coffee" with Michelle and Scrabble (GA) as we were the only ones awake.
    Many nights I had to stay awake when I did not know what to do with Max's numbers and you were there for me.
    I always loved your stories about Putty and it helped to relieve the stresses at that time.

    Fly free sweet Putty. You are always loved and forever remembered. Don't forget to send a sign that you have arrived safely and send many kitty
    hugs and kisses to our dearest Angels waiting to greet you.

    cat_wings>oPutty
     
  38. Helene & Tizon

    Helene & Tizon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    ((((Miriam))))). My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

    Reading this on the train wasn't exactly the smartest idea I had... (As I pretend that the water on my face isn't tears).

    I remember the Polite Putty stories from my time here on the Board. My heart is broken for you. Diabetic kitties are extra special and it feels like the void they leave in our heart is enormous.

    I wish Putty a soft landing on the other side of the rainbow bridge. May there be lots of catnip and all kinds of stuff for him to knock over and be mischievous. He will have lots of friends there to guide him.

    Fly free sweet Polite Putty. You will not be forgotten.
     
  39. Miriam and Putty (GA)

    Miriam and Putty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I just want to thank everyone for your kind words, hugs and memories of my sweet polite officer Putty. For those that have gone through this before me my heart hurts for you. This was the first time I have ever had to make this decision. I had no idea how deep the loss and emptiness from not having Putty with us would be. It has been a very tough week for me and my family. He has given us lots of love and laughs and all the great memories he gave us will keep him alive in our minds and hearts.
    This was once our daily home here so I feel great comfort when I visit which is not often enough. Even though I don't know most of you I do know what you go through on a daily basis and I also know how bonded we become with our kitty's because of FD. So.....give your baby an extra kiss on the head (Putty's favorite) and hold them close. :cat:
     
    sarahtee and julie & punkin (ga) like this.
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