Almost time to say goodbye to my kitty Miles
Miles made friends everywhere. In fact, when we lived in DC, he was missing at one point and I put up signs in the neighborhood. Several people contacted me that I didn't know but who knew Miles quite well. I had been letting him out into my patio. But apparently, he'd figured out how to get out and had a regular set of people he visited. One woman admitted she had a dish for Miles and would often feed him and cuddle with him. (Turns out he had been cat-napped by a young woman who lived across the alley. I prevailed upon her to return him but it cost me a ransom). He loved to be held at his armpits and swung back and forth between my legs. He loved milk, cream, yogurt, hearts of palm, melon and watermelon. He knocked over glasses of water consistently. He loved to drink from a running faucet. He always slept on my pillow. When I worked on the computer, he would sit as close as possible to the screen, often blocking my view. When I'm really stressed, he would insist on sitting in my lap. He was really good with travel (He's been to Boston, Maine, Vermont, Philly, NJ, and DC), fine in the car, and nonchalant about dogs. His most embarassing time was when I gave him the lion cut -- all shaved down with gogo boots and a big plume tail. He hid in between the pillows of my bed for over a week and I had to beg my friends not to laugh at him when he finally came out. He was healthy all his life, but at age 13, he suddenly lost alot of weight and was diagnosed with kidney failure (called Chronic Renal Failure, or CRF). I wasn't sure how much longer he would have. Vets estimated maybe a week, maybe a month. Against the odds, with basic and consistent treatment, Miles rebounded and lived another year or so in decent health. Recently, his conditioned worsened -- he lost weight and looked weak. I took him into the vet for "poor man's dialysis" -- they use IV fluids to help remove the toxins from the blood. He rebounded slightly for another month or so. Now, he has lost more weight. He probably weighs maybe 4 pounds. He is just a skeleton really. He can't quite walk normally so he runs so as not to lose his balance. He can't jump up even to a low height. He spends his days hiding in the bottom shelf of the bookshelf. He barely wants to eat because he feels nauseated all the time. I've been feeding him with a syringe. He stares at his water bowl. There is no cure for his condition. I know what I have to do, but I feel so bad knowing how much I will miss him. His dear sweet face doesn't show the ravages of his little body. My wonderful cat vet has agreed to come to my house on Wednesday to help him pass. I am going to miss him terribly.  |
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| {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}:cry: |
| Oh I'm so sorry *Hugs* |
| (((((((((HUGS)))))))) Oh Val, I'm so sorry What a hard decision but remember that part of loving our animals is knowing when to say enough. You've been a good Kitty Mom and you'll know when it's the right time. |
| aw poor miles... it sounds like he had a good run though. give miles a hug for me please. |
| BIG {{{{HUGS}}}} Oh val, Im sorry... |
I'm so sorry Val  It's the absolute worst decision to have to make. |
| I really loved reading all of your fond memories of Miles. They are very heartwarming and it sounds like he's had a very enriched life. You've done such a great job taking care of him, even through his sickness. |
| Val,
I am so sorry. Unfortunately animals cannot ask us for help verbally. But with their body language it is easy to see how bad they feel. You are making the right decision. I KNOW it is definitely the hardest decision. Just like he has always been there for you it is now your time for be there for him. Hugs and kisses to you and Miles! |
| I'm sorry for the loss you suffer now, and the one you will suffer later. You've been very loving to your friend, and now you're about to give him the best gift you can give him, "proof of your love" by letting him go.
God bless. |
| I am sorry too, so sad
Lovely fond memories of miles from a little kitten, sorry you have to say goodbye soon, that will be hard
Hugs to both of you. |
It's so apparent in reading your description of Miles how much you love each other. 
My heart is breaking for you having to make this difficult decision. Even when you know it is best and truly the right thing for him, it is still so hard knowing how much you'll miss him. My thoughts & prayers are with you, Val. |
Oh, Val, I'm so sorry about Miles.  You are making the only decision you can, and although it is excrutionatingly hard for you, it is the right thing for Miles. He will always live in your heart and memories. Big ((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))) to you as you grieve. |
| I'm so sorry Val
You'll know when it's the right time to release him from the body that's failing him despite how much it saddens you to do it. I had to do the same thing with my kitty a few years back... it's a tough thing to do. Hugs to you and your sweet kitty Miles. Jaci |
| Val,
I'm so sorry you've been going through such a rough time lately. A part of me would like to think that maybe Chum knew she needed to be away for a little bit in order for you to focus on Miles. You have taken such wonderful care of him and he has had such a marvelous life. I am proud to say that I had a chance to meet with him and experience how sweet and friendly he was. I know it's hard to imagine life without him, but it will get better with the passing of time. Love from us! |
| im so sorry for what you are going through at the moment. Sending (((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))) your way. Your in my thoughts and prayers |
| So sorry to here about your kitty. Sending hugs your way. |
| I'm so sorry, Val (((HUGE HUGS))) |
| Poor Miles. I know you'll do what you have to when it's time. I'm sorry. |
| Thanks everyone for the support. It was not a difficult decision to make because he was deteriorating so rapidly, but it was not easy to let him go. He enjoyed a last meal of fancy feast dry food. He hadn't eaten on his own in several days so that was a surprise. He washed that down with water. Then he cuddled on the pillow on my lap. He was peaceful for a while while I petted him gently and said sweet nothings. The Vet came to our house. She sedated him while he was resting in my arms. Then, when I was ready, she helped him pass. It was very peaceful. Chummie watched from a respectful distance. I know it was time to let him go and I am glad to end his suffering, but I am so sad that he is gone. He was a dear, dear kitty and wonderful companion. Goodbye to my dear, sweet Miles. . . |
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| Val,
I am sure that Miles appreciated everything you did for him in his life. He is waiting for you in a better place.
Give Chumley and Maggie big hugs and kisses. They can help relieve all of the emotional stress of the past few weeks.  |
| Hugs and kisses from us |
| So sorry Val!!! |
| I'm so, so sorry Val!!! Precious boy Miles Big hugs to you and your family as you mourn. |
| I'm sorry Val You did right by Miles.
I remember when I had to put my 5 yr old cat down. I had him in College with me. He was my best buddy. Murray had unexplained fever and bad nerve damage in his hind leg. After trying every drug on the market and spending LOTs of money on Vet bills. I called the Vet tech you knew me so well she immediately said Hi Elissa. When they recognize you by your voice you know you spend too much time there. Anyhow I spoke with very frankly and said I had been thinking about putting him down.... But I felt quilty for doing that. She reassured me that I tried Everything that I possibly could for him and maybe it was time to let him go.
So I set the date. I was in there with him. As he was delivered the sedative he looked me in the ears very clearly and licked my hand. I knew that at that very moment I had made the right decision. It still broke my heart to do it. Hugs to you (((((Val))))) |
| So sorry for your loss of Miles, Val. You know we're here for you, we all love all of our furry friends.
Give Maggie and Chummie and extra hug for me. |
| I'm sorry about Miles, Val. |
| Valerie - I'm so sorry for your recent loss. It is so hard to lose good friends and family members. |
| I'm so sorry Val... you are a braver soul than I, I have never been able to be there, but I'm sure Miles appreciated it and was very peaceful. *hugs* |
| Sorry that the time had come Val but I'm sure that you know you did the best thing for him. |
| I have been following this thread, so now will offer my condolences. Miles had a great life with you, and it was his time.
You will miss him, I know. You've had a hard past couple of weeks. |
| Hi Valerie,
You've had your share of grief lately and I'm so sorry to hear about Miles. Letting them go is one of the hardest while at the same time the most unselfish acts we can do for out beloved furballs. From your description he sounds as if he was an endearing character whom had a devoted and loving mom. His little antics made me smile and may he still be enjoying them at the Rainbow Bridge. Sorry for your loss. Hugs to you Marianne and the boys |
| Dear Valerie,
I am greatly saddened by the loss of your dear Miles. You were such a good Mom to him! The stories of how sweet he was are very touching. I was so touched that you had the vet come to your home. That truly is the caring of a true animal lover. Peace and blessings to you now and always. |
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