[Stacy Scott]

My 22 year old cat went from healthy to being euthanized in less than 24 hours and though my heart, head and gut told me putting him to sleep was the right thing to do, I'm now questioning my decision. He suffered a partial Saddle Thrombus (just one leg), and made it clear to me he needed help, so I took him to the vet immediately. An hour or two had passed and he was lightly using the leg, so the doctor gave him antibiotics and sent us home with pain meds and blood thinners. We got home from the vet around 6:00 PM and he was still enjoying his treats, so I had hope. By morning his breathing was short and fast though he was able to walk, so I rushed him back to the vet and she said he was in heart failure. She stabilized him on oxygen and gave him an injection of a diarrhetic to buy me an hour to make a decision. Money wasn't an issue as I'd do anything for my pets, but the doctor made it sound like he would have an uphill battle because of his age, so I decided to let him go. Even if meds could stabilize him and give us a few more weeks or months with him, I couldn't stand to think of him suffering, especially not being able to breathe. He was the nicest cat in the world, definitely a golden retriever of cats. After the oxygen and injection, he was purring again for the first time in almost 24 hours, and seemed to have bounced back, but again I realized this was purely artificial, thanks to the interventions. Anyway, I spent a few minutes with him and then proceeded with putting him to sleep... while he was feeling some relief, rather than letting him decline again. Anyway, I miss him terribly and need some reassurance that I did the right thing, and that his time was up. Money aside. Could I have gotten more time with him, without him having to suffer? I don't think it's fare to put my needs above his. It's just crazy to me that it came out of no where. Thanks for the help.

 

[192473]

You did the right thing for the best reason- you loved your little one and did not want any suffering to continue. I must have changed my mind 3 times the morning I had to let my Dizzy go and can still, if I dwell on it play the 2nd guessing game. It's the most difficult thing any one who is an animal guardian must do. I know right now you don't feel that way but as others on here will tell you, it's the most selfless expression of love there is.



My condolences to you during this time, remember all the good times you had. 22 years is WONDERFUL:heart

 

[lcordaro]

Stacy

You absolutely did the right thing. Your a strong willed person to have put his well being first. I’m glad he didn’t have to suffer any drawn out treatment. I bet you have always been an unselfish person in your life. For having 22 years of living, you did everything right. That’s amazing. What a great life he had with you.

Regards
Larry

 

[eldercat]

You chose to put his *needs* above your *wants*. Brave, kind, and good.

None of us wants to lose a furry friend, but just wait until you meet someone who refuses to let a suffering pet go. Then you know *for sure* you did the right thing.

Take care of yourself. Hold onto the thought that he is at rest, at peace, no fear, no suffering... just the pain in your heart, which you are glad to bear for his comfort.

 

[catsinthegarden]

Imo, it's usually safe to trust your gut feelings about situations where there are no clear answers. Not being able to breathe would be awful, so you did the kind (though difficult) thing. I'm so sorry . . .

 

[callie57]

You followed your heart and did the right thing out of love. I always said people must suffer but we love & take care of our pets and, at the right time, (we always know when), we let them go & I know they thank us for it. Rest easy and know he's happy.