Several weeks ago I noticed that Tory's purring changed in depth and timber. He was also slowly loosing weight, although I could only tell because I picked him up every morning into my lap while at the computer before leaving for work. Monday he didn't eat enough for me to tell that he had eaten. Tuesday and Wednesday were the same (Fuzzy eats different food, which Tory wouldn't touch). I thought I felt a hard lump in his throat, but was unsure.
Thursday morning I took him to the vet. She confirmed that he had a restriction growing along his windpipe that was squeezing it shut. Thus, the change in his purring/snoring (he was working hard to breathe) and probably the culprit for his not wishing to eat. It was a hard mass along the full length of his windpipe, and there was no way they could remove it. My choices were to take him home and watch him decline for the next couple of weeks before putting down, or let him go then.
I had already prepared myself over the last couple of days (hoping for the best, fearing the worst) and had spent extra special time the previous night and that morning - I held him as he drew his last breath on the examine table.
This is the most at peace I have been with helping a furry friend to the end. I didn't wait too long as I did for some, circumstances didn't force the decision too soon as happened with others, I had the opportunity to help as I didn't get to for a couple of others. He went before his struggle became a burden.
Pictures taken 6/22 and 6/23
He looks remarkably good for a 16 year old cat who had, at best, 2-3 weeks to live. I miss my lap kitty, but know it was for the best.
Rest easy my friend.
I'm so sorry, and so glad it was the right timing. I still worry I waited to long for Janie and she suffered more than she had to....
Posted by: Ruth | June 26, 2016 at 09:00 AM
It is so, so hard to make the decision at "just the right" time, Bogie. I am sorry that your lap kitty is gone but know that you did the best for him. Thank you for sharing Tory's last chapter with us.
Posted by: Cop Car | June 26, 2016 at 09:35 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss, though glad you did not let your pet go in the company of only vet and staff, caring though they are; I can imagine few things as potentially frightening for a pet as being left by their person/people to face the end of awareness without them. This is not something we were meant to get used to, no matter how often we experience it. Knowing you had your Tory go with love,
thinkingman
Posted by: thinkingman | June 26, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Thank you all for your sympathies!
Thinkingman - I never let my pets go alone when I take them to the vet. I always accompany them right thru their last breath and beyond. I still rue that I couldn't be there for Shadow since he slipped away while I was at work - I was going to take him in that evening.
Posted by: bogie | July 04, 2016 at 06:14 AM