Iris contacted a local vet, and found we could get an emergency exam for $90, and given the circumstances, if euthanasia looked to be the best option, the doctor would do it for free. Ozma was emaciated, her temperature was about 10 degrees F hypothermic, she was severely anemic and dehydrated. The vet's prognosis was that even if money was no issue, Ozma's chances were extremely poor. She said that euthanasia truly was the best option. I could tell Friday that she was going fast; I'm not inclined to discuss the reasons because I'm still kind of traumatized by it all. I really didn't expect her to make it until this morning.
In short, I had already come to a certain degree of acceptance that her time had come.
The end was very peaceful. I held her in my arms, and scratched her ears and neck; she looked up once as the fluid entered the catheter, but she didn't protest. She lifted her head one last time so I could scratch her chin and jaw. Then she relaxed and it was over.
She had spent nearly 30 continuous hours in my lap, arms, and bed. Unless I set her down- in which case, she would start crying piteously- she didn't express discomfort or pain. But she was scared and uncomfortable, and both of us were suffering. That's over now, at least for her. Knowing that helps me face my own sorrow.
Below are three pictures I took last night, expecting not to see her today. She looks very relaxed, and that posture of hugging my left arm has been her mode since she discovered what human laps were intended for.
Goodnight, Ozma. You were a blessing I never expected, and will never forget.
i'm so sorry lockwood
ReplyDeleteShe was so very, very lucky to have you. Her life and her end were both so much better because she found herself a good human to look after her.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a vet available to give her a peaceful end rather than lingering too long in pain, and I'm very glad she allowed it - I was afraid she wouldn't.
Those last photos and last moments of cuddling are precious. It's hell to lose them, though, no matter how it happens.
We'll all miss you, baby girl, even those of us who never got to meet you face-to-face. Love and hugs to you and your papa.
We might wonder how real our human friendships are, but never our furry friends; they're for real and that's that. So hard to let them go.
ReplyDeleteGlad the end was peaceful, and may memories of her bring you peace.
I'm very sorry.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight sweet kitty.
ReplyDeleteI wish there was something that could be done to ease your suffering and pain but now you just have to let the grieving run its course. You are & will be in my thoughts my friend because right now I would like to give you a big hug. I just wish I could give it in person and be there with you during this trying time. I am so,so,so sorry for you lost.
ReplyDeleteLove -- Ann O'Brien Willis
Such a sweet kitty, and lucky to have you around.
ReplyDeletePeace.
I'm sorry Lockwood.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I still remember the morning I took my first cat to the vet because the end had come, and that was over two decades ago. But mostly all I have now are the sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Sorry for your loss, Lockwood. She looks so purty in the pictures and was lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteCats really are our friends. As I found out with Ozma and other cats, they either choose to be with us or they don't. That she chose you was special. As you say, her life was almost certainly better, because she had a friend, too, someone who would be with her at the end.
ReplyDeleteGood luck adjusting to her being gone. Sounds like you both did well together.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm crying, she looks just like our Eek.
ReplyDeleteCats are family. Sorry for your loss.
My eyes are all fogged up. I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave her a good life with a lot of love, which made her a very lucky girl - and I'm sure she knew it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cat. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDelete:(
ReplyDelete