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Home > Put my Sage to sleep

Put my Sage to sleep

October 7th, 2008 at 02:16 pm

He was my 17 year old cat (my husband thinks he was 16). Over the past summer he had what I think was a kitty stroke, robbed him of some motor skills, some brainpower. We made one vet trip who wanted to do the whole 9 yards (lab work) to tell me it was just old age. That was when I was distraught.

The last week or so he had developed a cough (fluid in the lungs no doubt), been disinterested in water (usually a big drinker), not eating, not moving around much and unsteady on his feet when he was. The writing was on the walls, it was a matter of 48, maybe 72 hours.

I am not distraught now. Because in the summertime time I made a plan how to euthanize him when needed. It was (in hindsight) a simple call to the County shelter who does the service 7 days a week. There is a small fee ($30). It gave me much relief to have the option of taking him there when I felt it right without the trauma of last minute emergency.

Was I callous? Pragmatic? Heavy handed?
I don't really care what others think. I'm glad for not being stressed by paying out a load of money for putting him down. But it's pretty quiet around here without him.

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments »

11 Responses to “Put my Sage to sleep”

  1. mbkonef Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 03:02 pm 1223391724
    1223391724

    I don't think you are callous. Those of us who love our pets know that the hardest choice is to euthanize when the time comes but we know we are doing it to prevent them further pain, illness, trauma etc. Why should you feel guilty for not making an already difficult choice even harder by knowing you are paying thru the nose for it? Kudos to you for doing what you felt was right for your pet and not breaking the bank to do it!

  2. scfr Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 05:37 pm 1223401044
    1223401044

    No, friend, not callous at all. I have seen many pet owners go through this difficult decision ... Have had to go through it myself ... And one thing all the owners I have known have in common, even if they come to different decisions, is that they love their pets and do what they think is best.

    I am sorry for your loss.

  3. mom-sense Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 05:57 pm 1223402244
    1223402244

    I am so sorry to hear about your pet. You did what you needed to do, and your were acting in the best interest of your furry friend.

  4. Ima saver Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 07:03 pm 1223406222
    1223406222

    I am so sorry for your loss.

  5. HouseHopeful Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 10:09 pm 1223417350
    1223417350

    You did the right thing for you and for your cat. I'm sorry for your loss.

  6. dmontngrey Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 11:01 pm 1223420462
    1223420462

    Wow, how nice you were able to calmly plan for such a tough situation. Good thing for me to keep in mind I think. I've never had to deal with this in my adult life, but I have an 11 yo dog and 13 yo cat (plus two younger mutts). The time will come at some point and I hope to be able to handle this with such strength as you seemed to have. Best wishes and my thoughts are with you.

  7. sillyoleme Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 11:42 pm 1223422954
    1223422954

    I think you planned for what was inevitable very well. I'm sure your kitty was glad that you didn't prolong his suffering. Sorry for your loss though!

  8. homebody Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 12:25 am 1223425552
    1223425552

    Yes you did the right thing. Kitty had a good life.

  9. pretty cheap jewelry Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 03:39 am 1223437157
    1223437157

    thx for all the 'props' and online support, muchas gracias (that's southern california speak!) as it gives much objective perspective.

  10. frugaltexan75 Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 03:49 am 1223437752
    1223437752

    I'm so sorry for your loss. And I agree that you did the right thing.

  11. JanH Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 04:05 am 1223438718
    1223438718

    So sorry for your loss. I think you did the right thing. One of the final acts of love is not to let kitty suffer. Having a plan makes things easier to put into action when emotions are sad. Glad you had such a long time with your kitty.

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