6/30/2019 previous thread <<-- link Tomorrow is probably Leo's last day, unless a miracle occurs. That is not likely. All of our tears are not enough to keep him going. The in-home vet appointment is in the morning (July 5, 2019). We are thankful for this service. His eating issues have taken him to ~11.5 pounds on his 16 pound frame. Today he won't eat at all, and he vomited the small food we got into him. The Acro and lymphoma have taken their toll. He just vomited the cerenia (tiny pill) and water we just gave him. No ketones, thankfully. His front elbows are all bowed out, and hurting him. It's time. Tonight and tomorrow - no more pokes, no more pills, and no dose. Just TV laptime with Leoberry, Mom, Dad, and the fur-kids. We have done everything through the years for Leo and his health issues. We have no guilt. I still remember the October 2016 - Austin to Colorado driving trip for Leo's radiation SRT for the Acromegaly. He was such a trooper. We have spent extra quality time with Leo over the past few months. Lots of lap-time. Lots of treats. Special visits to the front yard to wonder at the world. Back porch time with Little Dude. Extra special gravy food, hand fed. Leo responded with head butts, lots of rubs, and lots of rumbling purrs. Throughout all of Leo's issues, I have appreciated all the support and help on this FDMB forum. You helped Theresa and myself keep Leo healthy and happy.
Jeff, you are experiencing the worst part of having fur babies and loving them so deeply. I hope you have some comfort as you give Leo this last gift by knowing you have done everything possible. Unfortunately that means knowing when it’s time to help him cross. Prayers, hugs, and strength for you. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow.
Oh I am so sorry. I know how bad it hurts. I had to make the choice on 3 of my 4 kitties over the years and regret I didnt help the 4th to cross in peace. He was a very lucky kitty to have such loving parents. Bless him and hugs for you.
The picture you paint with words sounds all too familiar. I hate acromegaly and what it ultimately does to their little bodies. In spite of that, you and Theresa have done all you could, and more. For that, I am sure Leo knows and knows how much you love him. Painful as tomorrow will be for you, you are doing the best for your guy. I will be thinking of you and Theresa, and Leo’s best buddy LD tomorrow.
Many years ago, a then long time member here shared a fable about why we choose tears. Your post about Leo made be think of the fable. I'll have you and Leo in my thoughts tomorrow.
Oh Jeff, I’m so sorry You and Theresa have gone above and beyond in your care for Leo. I have followed Leo’s journey from the beginning, and your love for him and your other kittehs shines through in every post. I will be thinking of you, Theresa , LD, Chinus and of course sweet Leo tomorrow
Oh Jeff I am so sorry You and Theresa have been amazing beans. I am sure you were chosen to travel this journey with Leo because of who you both are. Give Leo a big hug from me and wish him s safe journey to the bridge. I’ll be thinking of you during this incredibly difficult few days.
Jeff and Theresa, my heart will be with u tomorrow as you set precious Leo free from his pain and failing body. Vines and prayers as you both deal with this chapter in Leo's journey.
Jeff, I'm new here and we've never "met," but I'm sorry for what you are going through and will have to go through. Thank you for taking care of Leo for as long and as well as you have. : )
Jeff, You, Leoberry and your family are often in my thoughts; tomorrow especially I will be thinking of you with love. , nikki
Jeff and Theresa , many thoughts going your way tomorrow as you set Leo free from his failing body. You two were the best fur parents he could have ever hoped for.
Holding you guys in my heart. It may be time and may be what is best but that does not ease the pain. May you all be at peace. Lots of love.
Jeff & Theresa & LD, my heart goes out to you at this sad time. You have given Leo the best of care with so much love. Tomorrow and the days to come will be difficult but releasing Leo is the one final loving gift you can give him. I will be thinking of you all as Leo takes his final journey. Safe passage Leo.
Leoberry, you are such a wonderful kitty! Everyone is thankful that you have been able to stay these past weeks so that you and your family could really savor each other even more. You have been a blessing to your household family and to your FDMB family. You know that LD and the other fur kids will take good care of your beloved JeffDad and TheresaMomma. Peace and love to you and yours.
I am so sorry to hear the time has come. Leoberry is a very special cat, blessed to be part of a very special family, so full of boundless love.
So sorry that it's time for Leoberry! He had a wonderful life with you, could not have been better! It is so hard to say goodbye to our sweet little thing who shared every moments of our life, even if we know it's the best thing to do! Will be thinking of you tomorrow !!
Even though it's time, that doesn't make it any easier, does it... "One should die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly", said Friedrich Nietzsche. That's the gift that you are giving to Leo. Hugs to all of you, we'll be with you in spirit tomorrow.
It's never easy. You and Theresa are very special caregivers to a very special cat. Every moment has been full of nothing but love.
Sending hugs. I scrolled through the pics linked in your signature, and it looks like it has been a very loving journey with Leo, and he will be moving on filled with that love.
((((( Jeff, Theresa, and Little Dude ))))) This part can be so hard. Sending you strength and peace... wishing there was some way to ease the pain. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Leo knows just how much he is loved.
I am so sorry Leo cannot stay with you longer. I know he is grateful for the love, the quality of life, the time. I will be thinking of you all as the morning comes.
Jeff, I’m sorry I’m just seeing this as tears roll down my face, you and your wife have been the most amazing beans and it breaks my heart into to know he has told u it’s time, please know we all will be with u and Theresa in this time of need, you’ve given him a great life and you could always tell in the pics he was very happy and very loved, I will be thinking of you all today as you give him the ultimate gift of love I hope you find so,e peace knowing that Jamie and Bella
He knows he's loved and has been for his life with you. You've been wonderful parents to him and given him the very best. Now your kindness and final act of love - will release him from all the pain of this earth - thank you for being such kind and caring people. Sending virtual hugs and wings for your little angel - and much gratitude for your strength to help him this one last time. Much love to you both.
Thinking of you as you navigate the day. Your journey is so hauntingly familiar. The slow decline, the long goodbye, the desperate yet often futile attempts to help them. I'm so sorry. Give Leo a scritch on the head for me and tell him that he is one stoic, tough kitty and to go find Tubby and have an acro alumni party.
So sorry to hear, very sad news, glad he is in the comfort of his home with everyone that loves him at the end, much easier for him.
Jeff, I’m so very sorry for you and Theresa, my heart is broken for you. I hope Little Dude will bring you comfort in the days to come. RIP sweet little Leoberry, you will be missed so much. xo
(((Jeff and Theresa))) Leoberry was the luckiest of fellows to have you and your family. I know that your love will be with him always and his with you. And all of our GA’s will be at the Bridge to welcome him. Soar sweet Leo, land softly and please give your family signs to comfort them and let them know that all is well. With love and hugs, Sina and Sootie’s Tribe, of the here and now and of the Spirit.❤️
Jeff and Theresa, I can't even see what I'm typing , I am crying so much, I had just read all about Leo, what a sweet precious boy and a real fighter. You and Theresa were the best parents to Leo, kiokinl at some of his pictures and I just can't stop crying. It doesn't make it easier but he will no longer be in pain. You gave him all the love and so much more and I'm sure Leo knows this. I've been through this twice and as we all know it's the worst part of being a parent. My thoughts will be with you and Theresa. Gentle hugs and Leo you go run and jump and have a ball up there with all of the other fur babies.
I'm so very sorry this sad day has come. You're such fantastic fur parents and your devotion to Leoberry has always warmed my heart. He knows how much you love him! Be free little Leoberry and land gently where there is no more pain. Jeff and Theresa, take care of each other and take comfort in knowing that you did everything possible to give your boy a great life. Hugs for all of you.
Oh Jeff, Theresa and LD, I know what you are feeling right now and I send you all my wishes for good memories and love. Sending extra scritches for Little Dude in the coming days as he misses his brother.
Jeff and Theresa, it's a sad day and we are all with you in spirit and love. Sweet Leoberry, a soft peaceful crossing, you have been looking beyond for a little while now, to see what's on the other side. No pain, no hunger, sweet smells, running swiftly through the grass just like when you were young, climbing high and resting deeply. Always in our hearts.
I'm so sorry to hear this. You are doing the kindest and hardest thing you can do for your dear Leo. He knows you will do only what you think is best for him.
{{{Jeff and Theresa}}} My heart is breaking for you, and for Little Dude, too. The journey you have been on with Leo has taken you through many highs and lows, and now it is ending, but his presence will be felt forever, deep in your hearts. The dedication you have shown has inspired many. Leo could never doubt how much he has been loved, and the final proof is in your giving him the hardest, yet greatest gift - freedom from the little body that was no longer a comfortable place for him. Be good to yourselves, during this period of adjustment, and please don't be strangers here. We are a family and we are all here for you. Fly free, sweet Leoberry, and land softly.
Oh Jeff, my heart is aching right now for the pain you, Theresa, and LD are experiencing. I had a feeling I needed to come on the board today. A feeling of dread, but yet I had to come see what drew me. This was the post I have been dreading to see, yet, I knew in my heart would come sooner rather than later. Leo's had such an epic story, and I have never gotten sick of seeing pics of him and LD hanging out by themselves or with Theresa. You and Theresa were such good beans to him and I take comfort knowing he had a great life, despite the obstacles thrown at him. The love you all shared was obvious by your words and posts and by the pictures you shared of a happy kitty, even when he wasn't feeling the best. I am SO happy that you had time to shower that beautiful boy with even more attention and love before it was time to say goodbye. I cannot fully convey how much I'm going to miss hearing Leoberry updates from you. Sending you, Theresa, and Little Dude hugs and vines of comfort, love, and peace during this difficult time. Give LD an extra scritch or two from me. Fly free sweet Leo and land softly. You will be missed sweetheart.
Leoberry's Eulogy in Grief subforum <<-- Leo's last thread Thank you so much to everyone for the kind words and best wishes. Leo was purring as he left us. He passed gently and without pain. We are left with a void in our hearts that is hard to describe. I miss Leo so much. Theresa and I have read through each and every post. They mean a lot to us.
This is such sad news. It’s obvious from your posts how very much you love Leo and that you gave him the very best care always. Prayers for peace and comfort for you and the rest of Leo’s family.
Little Dude doesn't understand. We showed him Leo today, after passing. Several times in the afternoon and evening, Little Dude was walking around the house and the back porch - crying and looking for Leo. He misses his big brother. Leo and LD were such great soulmates, inseparable at times. I comforted LD on the couch tonight until he fell asleep. Our home feels so empty without Leoberry. His big personality brought such joy to our house. It feels odd to not worry about testing him and recording numbers anymore. I used to brush him 10 times daily, and ensure his food was fresh. We did everything, but he wouldn't eat anymore. He had no body fat left, and his muscles were shrunken. Sometimes I had 10 bowls of food out so he would eat at least something. The compassionate vet said that our intervention saved Leo from an emergency passing on a sterile steel table at the emergency clinic. Theresa took Leo out front for 30 minutes this morning. In the afternoon, I did the same. He just liked to look around and sit in the grass. I carried him around too. He liked to be held and carried in the last month. I tried to make his last months and days the best that were possible. We cuddled with him and talked to him after he passed today. We cuddled and talked to him during the procedure, so he wouldn't be afraid. Leo knew we were helping him. We gave Leo as much love as we could. I miss him so much. Leo was a soulmate to everyone in the house. Oh my sweet boy.
I'm so sorry to hear it was your dear sweet Leoberry's time to leave you. I totally understand what you're going through....you watch the clock for "shot time" and then you remember...You walk into the house scanning for the familiar face and then you remember....you reach into the fridge and then you remember. It's heart-wrenching. But the fact that it hurts so much just proves how much you loved him. Fly free sweet Leoberry and land softly.....Look up China....she'll be your friend and show you all the best places to chase the butterflies
Losing Leoberry has touched so many people from across the globe. How amazing is that? I can tell you tears have flowed from as far away as Australia and that you are being thought of during these hard days. My friend Jeff, who I've never met, was one of the people who caught me when I was in a free-fall after my Tucker was diagnosed last year. Without his support, wisdom and empathy I don't know if I could have brought Tucker's diabetes under control. I'll always be grateful and hope when it is Tucker's time to leave us, I'll be half the bean you were to Leo. I also hope we stay friends and you won't be disappearing from this group as you are important to many people here. Take care of one another and shower Little Dude with love. I'm so sorry for your heartache. X
((((Jeff & Teresa)))) Your description of LD searching the house made me recall what it was like after Gabby crossed the Bridge. My description is similar. (See Gabby's Legacy in my signature -- my post in #7.) I don't think still Gizmo searches for her but then again, I'm not home the better part of the day. I do think we both continue to miss her presence but have found a new balance with each other.
Oh Jeff, I am so so sorry to reading about this. I'm literally tearing up about poor Leo. My 2 guys have multitudes of health issues right now, so this hits me hard. He may be gone, but he will forever be in your hearts.
Dear Jeff, Teresa, and Little Dude, Leoberry arrived safely at the Bridge, swept aloft on his new golden wings by your love. The GAs welcomed him with open paws, and he will be "in good paws" until that wonderful day when when the family is reunited. Leo was such a fine kitty and he will be missed by all of us. I am glad that his crossing was peaceful. Now he is at home in that special place in your hearts that belongs only to him. Please give LD extra special scritches from us as you share your memories of dear Leo. Fly free, sweet Leo! In loving remembrance and deepest sympathy, Ella & Edward, Rusty (GA), and Stu (GA)
When Alice’s brother passed, I didn’t get to show her why he was never coming home again. I hope LD manages to find new comforts. And you as well. When someone we don’t know how to live without leaves us.... there are very empty moments. The space they held in our daily routines can feel very lonely sometimes. Like something hollow. I have been in tears for you all through his passing. I think being able to save Leo from having to pass in a scary, cold veterinary office is amazing and good. Alice’s brother passed in an oxygen chamber at the emergency vet and I never forgave myself for not being there to hold him as he left us.
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. Leoberry touched so many hearts here & Bronx lost a fellow acro brother. The void here will be felt forever. Leo's SRT journey inspired Bronx & myself on our decision to do the same, I can't thank you and Leo enough for that. Leo was so special and such a trooper, your love for him was second to none. He had the best life ever, he was blessed to have you. And you, Theresa & Little Dude were blessed to have him.
Heartfelt tears for you & Teresa. Know your sadness is felt by many here that understand how difficult this is for you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you gave him the very best life possible. So much of your experience with Leoberry reminds me of Gizmo ... from the extreme weight loss, outside adventures in the last month, to the constant reminders that he isn’t physically here with us anymore ... although his presence is still very much felt even a year later. Just this week on a camping trip, our civvie sat at the camper door where Gizmo used to sit and rolled around on the mat purring and meowing (she rarely comes out of the back bunk, let alone to the door). May time comfort and heal your grief.
(((((Jeff, Theresa, and Little Dude)))) I don’t have the words to express how deep my condolences are. Your posts have been poignant and such a beautiful story of the love you all share with Leo. I am certain he knew your greatest gift of love would set him free. After my Gracie crossed from SCL, people would say, “she will always be in your heart”. I knew this but I wanted her in my arms. What I have found is that she is always with me; I always feel her presence and so I hope, in the stillness, you will always feel Leo there with you because he is. Be sure and take care of yourselves and honor your grief. It’s a long, necessary process. Fly free, Leo; romp through the grass and enjoy your new journey.
Our first orange boy, Ernie, literally did a daily room-by-room canvassing for about a week looking for his buddy, JT, after JT died. It was heartbreaking, but we gave Ernie extra love, and I explained to him many times what happened to his best friend. Eventually Ernie stopped and seemed to understand. Now, for the scheduling of your every move around testing, meds, feeding and shooting was harder for me to break. In our case, I lasted 9 months after our first diabetic cat Brady passed on, when a late night perusal of petfinder.com for special needs cats, you know, just "browsing" , popped up a spitting image of Brady 6 hours away in Maryland - and so we began our journey with Whispy who had been in that rescue for years after being diagnosed with diabetes. Other strange coincidences happened too that absolutely led us to believe that Brady led us directly to Whispy. I guess all I am saying is that, if your mind is open to it, Leo might lead you on your next adventure. It isn't necessarily to adopt another diabetic or an acro, but I think Leo will help take care of the whole in your hearts.
Jeff, I’m so, so sorry to hear about Leoberry, he was such a beautiful cat and I wish you could have had more time with him. I’m thinking of you and your family. Please take care
Theresa and I have read through the condolences here a couple of times. We appreciate the outpouring of love for our family and our beautiful boy Leoberry. It means the world to us. I can't respond to everyone. I appreciate the post from Patty, with Leo's positive impact across the globe. I hope to continue contributing to FDMB. In the past, I have tried to help many people with their diabetic and Acromegaly kittehs in the past. Theresa and I were looking at pictures. Leo started sliding in December 2018. Then in the last month, he lost 1.5 pounds as disease coursed through him. His body was giving us the final message that the fight was over. We are happy the signs were clear, and it made the decision easier. We are happy he crossed over, in our loving embrace at home. Yesterday we took 3 large boxes of food to the local SPCA, all of the varieties we had tried, to get Leo to eat something. It felt good to help some other kittehs, I hope they find beautiful homes for those shelter kittehs. The SPCA volunteer was surprised at the amount of food for one cat. I was too grief stricken to respond. Theresa marked Leo's passing on the kitchen calendar, July 5th: Dearest Leo If Love could have saved you, then you would have lived forever.Love Mom and Dad A few memories of Leo: - Leo and Chinus babies in 2006 - Leo, Chinus, and Mom ~2008 - Scoobs and Leo in 2014, one of my favorite pics, Leo loved Scooby so much (Scoobs was a neighborhood stray we adopted).
All your fur-kids always seem to absolutely adore their momma! I know they think the world of their dad, too.
Jeff, I am only just learning of this now from you replying on Cricket's thread. I can't even imagine the strength to do so while you are so freshly grieving, so thank you. I often feel that they see us as immortals as we are present for their whole lives and barely age in their eyes. But the emotional burden is on us in this case. I find that animals know when they want to go and tend to be very present with that. It doesn't make it any easier for us humans when we have bonded so deeply with our companions. Sending you and Theresa virtual support in your grieving. It'll take time, it'll be hard until it is less hard. I know Leoberry will always be with you. Many hugs, Teresa
(((Jeff, Theresa and LD))))) I've visited your thread a number of times in the last couple of days and left in tears without posting. It's clear that Leoberry was loved by you both and that he adored you, and in the end you gave him the greatest gift, I see him now at the bridge, chasing butterflies, making new friends and reunited with old. Be kind to yourselves, take time to heal Fly Free and Land softly Sweet Leoberry
Dear Jeff, Theresa, and LD - I'm so very sad for your tremendous loss. I'm crying with you during this difficult time.
Thank you all for the additional condolences. We are still processing Leo's passing. We have still left all his blankets in his favorite places. It feels so odd that he is not around. Twice today, I started to go check on him. Teresa - you may be right. The kittehs may see us as immortals. And the burden is on us for the final time. For Leo, we are glad that it was clear he couldn't fight the diseases anymore. Tonight we lit the memory candle, for past kittehs, and for tender Leoberry. I hope he is chasing butterflies and making new friends. We looked through pictures as the candle glowed. We couldn't find a bad picture. Leo looks happy and lovable in all of them. I miss my sweet boy so much. Leo and Mom - December 2007 Scoobs loving on Leo - July 2010
I’m thinking of you & the family Jeff. You all are the best kitteh parents & im hoping your hearts mend quickly!
Thanks Becky. I always used to update Theresa about Baby Girl. She and I were both in awe of your dedication to your blind diabetic kitteh.
Jeff - I am not on this board much; my little guy passed away last year and everything is still painful. I haven't looked at his chart until this week when I was starting to bone up to help a friend who's little one was just diagnosed (not acro). I looked up a few folks I was starting to connect with last year and I saw that your little guy passed away. I am so very sorry and want to extend my heartfelt condolences. We all know how much this hurts.
Thanks Cynthia. The grief is subsiding a little. Leo was a great fur-kid. We are still lighting the candle every Monday night and looking through his pictures to cope. Little Dude is now adjusted too. It took him about 3 weeks - he walked around the house and the backyard crying for Leo, and looking for him. He just kept looking and not finding Leo. It was hard on him. But now he realizes the change is permanent. They were the very best of brothers. I'll convey your condolences to Theresa too.
Jeff and Teresa my heart breaks for both of you and Little Dude. I have tears in my eyes just hearing about Little Dude looking for precious Leo. I was looking at the pictures of your kitties, such precious babies. I know how it feels to say goodbye to one of our babies. Years ago I had to say goodbye to 2 of my precious kitties. You just never forget them. I'm sure that every kitty that has passed is now having the time of their lives just playing around and jumping from cloud to cloud , eating whatever they want to. I'm sure Leo knew that you both loved him so very much. Again my heart goes out to you both
