It pours
It looks like Spot isn’t going to make it. He’s got some pretty serious issues with his kidneys, his pancreas, and his thyroid. We found this out a couple of weeks ago when I took him to the vet out of concern for his weight loss. We thought he was doing better on all the meds and special food, but he’s stopped eating now, and I just weighed him.
He weighs six pounds, five ounces — down over a pound in the two weeks since he got weighed at the vet.
I’m afraid it’s time to let him go, and I sure don’t want to. He’s been with me longer than my wife has.
He was a stray who showed up at my back door as a tweener-cat (not a kitten, not an adult) back in 1994. It took me a week of sweet-talking before he’d let me touch him the first time…and the first thing I did was snatch him up and get him to the vet. 
He’s been far and away our most skittish kitty, choosing for his first 10 years to stay almost completely out of sight. Over the last few years, though, he really came out of his shell. He wasn’t personable, but he wanted to be more visible and like part of the family. He’s been a good boy.
Do you ever feel like life tries to pile as much as it can on you to see if you’ll break? First Spot, then the dog when we thought Spot was getting better, and now Spot again. I’ve never had to put down an animal I’ve had so long, and I’m terrified for him (and me).
In a perfect world, the vet would look at him and say, “oh, he just needs this,” but I don’t expect him to. When he diagnosed all the problems above, he wasn’t too optimistic about Spot bouncing back. We sure had hoped, though.
And, in the strange sort of circumstance that seems to plague my life, tomorrow marks four years to the day that Tubby died from complications from his diabetes.
Here he is just now. He’s been drinking some water with tuna in it (but not eating the tuna). If you look closely, you can see a tuna strand on his lower lip.
I’ll try to post or comment tomorrow with what the vet says, but I don’t expect it to be happy news.
When I saw the heading, I had a hunch. I am so sad for you. You and Spot were lucky to find each other.
So sorry– i had to put my 2 old ones down when they were 15 years old. It sucks.
Hang in there– he was a very lucky guy and you were lucky to have him in your life.
I’m sorry to hear about Spot. It’s never easy to let them go, but know he had the best life a kitty could with y’all.
Fred, I am so sorry about Spot. It’s really tough to lose an animal that is a member of your family.
We had the most amazing boxer while our daughters were growing up - he was their fierce protector and their gentle friend - but at nine years of age he developed mast-cell cancer and we could hardly bear to let him go. In retrospect, I think we allowed him to suffer longer than we should have, because we were so unable to say goodbye.
When we finally had to let our beloved boy go, my husband held him while our wonderful vet administered the injection, and it was very peaceful. My stoic husband, who had never shed a tear after either of his parents died, cried when Bogie passed on. It was the first (and only) time I have ever seen him break down like that.
We buried him in the back part of our property, and now there are forget-me-nots growing everywhere. Eventually the memories became stronger than our sadness … and now we are at the point where we can tell “Bogie” stories that always bring a smile.
Again, I am so sorry …
I am so sorry to read your news about Spot. Most of us have been where you are and there are no words to make it easier. Take comfort in knowing that Spot had a great life with you and you took care of him all the way.
Fred, I am so sorry about Spot. We lost Nummy the last Saturday of 2007. It was hard. We had her for over 20 years. It is never easy to say good-bye to our furry family members. But they know they were loved.
I am so sorry. I know how hard it is. Hugs to you and Robyn.
Oh Fred, I am so sorry.If the vet thinks there is still some hope I would suggest that you try some baby food meat to stimulate Spot’s eating. I know that it is not on his diet but on occasion we use it to jump start my elder statesman when he is having a poor time and stops eating. There is also a Royal Canin product my vet gave me that is called something like Recovery Diet. Again, not the best for those on specific illness related diets but it will jump start the eating. I tried the tuna juice also and had the same result with Gibson. Drank the juice left the tuna.
I have never had to help one of my furbabies in this way and I too am terrified because it is in our near future. I don’t know what to tell you other than to say that it is the right thing to do. You have provided a wonderful home for Spot that has allowed him to have a long and happy life. You have given him everything he could want or need. In the very beginning of his time with you he ignored his instincts and trusted you and put his life in your hands. Now he is trusting you again. Perhaps the timing of the dog showing up is more than just accidental. Perhaps he is here to provide you an outlet and a project to help you cope with Spot moving on. Please know that although your pain is terrible right now we are all sending our thoughts to you.
Fred, I am so sorry.
Yesterday, we had to euthanize our beloved Bose . . . silly name, wonderful cat. He was 14, and had cancer (as it turns out). He crashed fast, and we did not expect, 3 days ago, to lose him yesterday. Everything seemed to fail at once.
We stayed with him during the whole procedure. It was hard . . . I was scared. But Bose needed us. I stroked his head the entire time, and I am sure that he appreciated having his humans with him at the very end.
We have two other cats, but Bose (and Mags, our oldest cat at 17) are the “best cats ever.” So hard to lose a buddy you’ve had for so long.
Pics of Bose, and some of our other cats.
http://imageevent.com/rrainbow/cats
Bose and our other kitty angels: Streaks, Mocha, Jezebelle, will live forever in our hearts.
Dear Fred, My heart goes out to you. I had to put down my beautiful Bo, the best cat that ever lived when he had been ill for too long.In trying to fix him, I put him thru more than he should have had to endure. I still tear up when I think of him and it’s been years. Knowing when to say goodby is the last kindness we can do for our beloved pets.
When I had to put down my 17 year old kitty ~ the kitty who brought me through the lean college years, the lonely post college period, the first few years of my marriage, and the birth of my first son ~ it was probably the single most difficult decision I had to make. Alone and sobbing in that vet’s office, I called my mom and begged her to make the decision for me, because even though I knew it was “the right thing to do”, I couldn’t bring myself to say the words I needed to say. She later sent me this quote from the short story in the book Separate Lifetimes by Irving Townsend. It gave me great comfort during a very difficult time. I always have hope that we’ll get one more day with the animals we love so much, but sometimes we have to make decisions for what they need, instead of what we want. Whatever happens, you will know that Spot has been loved and he knows that too. Good luck.
“We who choose to surround ourselves with lives more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan. The life of …[an animal]… seems endless until one day. That day has come and gone for me, and I am once again within a somewhat smaller circle.”
-Irving Townsend “The Once Again Prince”
(edited to be about all animals, though it was originally written about a horse)
~ Mia
Fred, I’m so sorry about Spot. I still remember when Tubby died and how sad that was for you and Robyn. You guys do so well by all your animals and though it should be of some comfort that Spot has led the most comfortable and sweet life a cat can lead, his absence will be keenly felt. I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry Fred. It is never easy to put down part of your feline family. But it is also hard to see them when they aren’t well, and most likely won’t get any better.
Spot is pretty smart–to find such a caring and loving owner.
Sorry to hear the news about Spot. It’s so hard to let an old friend go. In 2004, my family had to put our 21 year old cat to sleep- the only pet we had growing up, and who was with my sister and I through most of our childhoods. It was so sad, but I what comforted me was thinking that being left without her opened up my heart to other cats. First the old cats I was housesitting that year, and then the two cats I have today. He lived a good life, and you can remember him though the love you give to your other kitties.
Spot has relied on you for his care most of his life. You’ve given him a good life, and if it must be, give him a good end to his life. It’s hard on the humans to let them go, harder on us than it is on them that’s for sure. I wish you the best.
I am so sorry to hear about Spot. I know when my cat was dying from liver cancer, the hardest part for me was knowing when it was time to let go. I knew it was inevitable that I would have to put her down, but I was terrified of letting her go too soon, thus robbing us of time we could have spent together. At the same time I was scared to hang on to her for too long and prolong her suffering. My heart goes out to you, Robyn and the other Anders0n kitties.
Oh, the poor kid! I’m so sorry, Fred. This is the hardest part of having and loving pets. You gave him a wonderful life!
Fred,
Spot couldn’t of asked for a better friend. The ride he is on may be almost over, but you made sure it was a good one.
[…] Please keep Robyn and Fred’s cat, Spot, in your thoughts and prayers. He’s been struggling with some health issues the last few weeks, and he’s not doing well. […]
Damn. I hate to hear that about Spot. Leslie is right, though, about euthanasia, Fred, if it comes to that. I was horrified when I had to help a single neighbor with a cat that was just as close to us (we used to say we shared custody). I was so surprised at how peaceful it was, too. There seemed to be absolutely no pain whatsoever to our shared kitty. My neighbor held him while I petted him and I really felt like our voices were reasurring and kept him completely calm.
Another friend who lost her kitty had a service called “Compassionate Vets” come to her home. She said the fee was very reasonable and she was able to hold her kitty as well as have him in his own environment. The most important thing, though, is to know that he won’t suffer in the slightest and that you and Robyn gave him the BEST imaginable kitty life on earth!
Wow. I had really hoped he was improving. He sounds like he’s been a wonderful cat, and I’m sure if he could, he would thank you and Robyn for spoiling him rotten over the years. Love on him fiercely today (as much as he will allow), and I hope and pray that tomorrow comes with better news.
You and Robyn are some of the most caring people that I know when it comes to animals, and I can think of no better people in this world for Spot to be with when it’s his time to go.
Fred, I’m so vsery sorry. I’m sending loving thoughts to you all.
Fred and fam… I’m so sorry about Spot.
Hi Fred,
I just HAD to comment and tell you that this past summer, our 14 year old cat went through an almost identical situation. She was losing weight fast, and we live in the the bush so our pilot friend actually flew her to Anchorage to the vet. They called and said she was in renal failure and all they could do was pump her full of fluids, feed her special food, and hope for the best. The vet didn’t sound very optimistic and we prepared to let her go…but then…a few days later, she started turning around and a week later, our friend flew her back to us and we had her on a regimen of subcutaneous fluids every 4 days. We agreed that if her quality of life went downhill we would end her suffering….but she completely recovered. Not only did she gain her weight (and moxie) back, she’s now completely off the sub-q fluids. We do feed her a special formula designed for healthy kidney function but she’s doing great now. The vet said renal failure is irreversible but I’ve gotta say, you’d never know she nearly died. Her weight was at 3.5 lbs at her smallest by the way. I’m so glad we didn’t give up on her and I know that this is a tough time for you and Robyn. I know ultimately you’ve got to do what’s in Spot’s best interest and I wish you all the best.
God bless you and Robyn for what you’ve been doing for the ones without a voice.
(also, so sorry for taking up all the comment space! I’m email challenged right now)
What deep and abiding love exists in your home. Your family, fur-bearing ones included, are in my prayers.
I’m so sorry you have to go through this.
As others have said, Spot was lucky to find you.
I’m so sorry. I don’t know what else to say. Spot couldn’t have had a better life or better humans than the two of you. I’ll be hoping the news you get tomorrow isn’t what you’re expecting - you’ll be in my thoughts.
Having had to put way too many of my pets down over the years, I know exactly how you’re feeling. The’s a great poem someone sent me once that’s perfect for these times. Unfortunately I can’t find it right now but the point of the whole thing is, I’m not gone. I’m just out of sight, waiting for you around the corner. I’ll be here when it’s your time to come. So even though Spot may not be with you much longer here, he’ll be waiting for whatever happens next.
Fred and Robyn,
I am so, so sorry. When you posted the findings of the vet on Spot’s condition, I was afraid then that he was in peril. I’m so glad he graced the Christmas card and I’m grateful that he had you two in his life.
Sammi
I’m so sorry. Its never easy, especially when you’ve had them for so long.
Fred and Robyn,
One of the posters in yesterday’s entry called y’all “Animal Angels”. A little laugh escaped me when I read that because I got a hilarious picture of you two in my head dressed in superhero garb (you know… tights, cape, mask, boots,) with the wind blowing your flowing tresses behind you. Yeah, I know that’s not possible, as you have short hair, but it was MY vision, dammit!
Anyway, over the years, and through all of your animal posts, I’ve come to see you as Animal Angels, only hadn’t been able to articulate it until your astute reader tagged you as such. Y’all have done so much for the animals in your life - permanent and transient. Any animal that has you as family is fortunate, indeed.
But there’s a flip side to **being** animal angels, and that’s **having** animal angels. I don’t doubt for a moment that those animals that have made a significant impact in your life - like dear Tubby - continue to watch over you and your non-human brood. I bet Tubster is just waiting for Spot to join him for a roll in catnip fields.
Saying goodbye is never easy. I have an almost 19 year old furbaby, Katie, that isn’t looking very spry anymore. I’m afraid she’s not long for this world either, and that saddens me.
Please know that all of your readers commiserate with you and Robyn. Hope for the best, but prepare yourself for the rest.
i’m so sorry.
Fred & Robyn,
I’m sorry.
My prayers are with you during this difficlut time. You were blessed to have had Spot in your life as he was blessed to have you.
Fred: Sorry to hear about Spot. Hope all goes well at the Vet,s tomorrow.
I am so sorry, Fred and Robyn. We had to let our Archie sleep away peacefully on the
day after Thanksgiving. He was an old guy, we never knew just how old because he was
a young adult when I found him on my doorstep 14 years ago. But finally, all his ailments caught
up with him and he stopped eating, and it was very clear that his life had become a burden
and not a pleasure. Our vet was compassionate and kind, and we were with Archie, holding
him, until the end.
We brought him home and buried him in the garden. A few weeks ago, we planted a pomegranate
bush to shade his resting-place. In the spring, it should bloom, and eventually, it will be
a place for birds to come.
Your vet will know if the time has come or not. It’s hard to let go, but it’s the last gift
you can give to the pet who has given so much to you.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
No matter how long our pets are a part of our life, it’s just never enough.
Poor little guy. Hugs to you and Robyn.
I think my Sissy is going to be like him; it’ll be a good ten years before she’ll not be so skittish and I be able to pet her.
Oh, Fred, I’m so sorry. You, Robyn, and Spot are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear about Spot, Fred
It never gets any easier, does it? We have a herd of geriatric dogs that are coming to their end….and I dread it.
i’m so, so sorry to hear about spot. you and robyn are in my thoughts.
[…] Fred placed an interesting blog post on It pours.Here’s a brief overview:It looks like Spot isn’t going to make it. He’s got some pretty serious issues with his kidneys, his pancreas, and his thyroid. We found this out a couple of weeks ago when I took him to the vet out of concern for his weight loss. … […]
*hugs*
I am so sorry
If it helps any I have definitely been there and done that! You are certainly in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry, Fred. It’s hard to put any animal down, but with one who’s been part of your life for that long, it’s especially difficult. You and Robyn are in my thoughts.
Hope Spot’s Vet visit turns around and goes well.
Please, when the time comes, please stay with him until the end. I had my lab of 12 years put down this summer and I stayed with her. I talked to her the entire time, telling her what a good girl she was, that we loved her and that her pain would be over. You will regret it if you don’t. Best wishes, Spot is a good boy and is very lucky to have ended up on your back porch.
Poor little Spot. I’M SO SORRY. Spot lived a long and pleasant life with you guys. We have had to put down one cat and two dogs. It is the hardest thing in the world to do. I’m glad that you put Spot on the Christmas cards this year. I have been reading your journal for so many years (and Robyn’s too) that I feel like the cats are mine also. I will really miss him.
Spot has had a royal life with you and Robyn. He could not have asked anyone for any more. I know you will do what it right for Spot. I had to put my 12-year old Terry down last year. He was down to 6 pounds. The vet wasn’t positive that treatment would not work. That made it hard for me. The treatment made my kitty run and hide from me whenever he saw me. It was only a pill twice a day, but he obviously did not like it and it scared him. I figured I could not chase him down twice a day with the hope he’d get better. I did not think he’d get better - he’d been on antibotics for a month with no improvement. The dr wanted to do a liver biopsy, but I said no.
Fred and Robin, i’m so sorry for your loss. It so damn hard each and every time. I was in the same boat when I had to put my Tody down. I had him in my life longer than anyone had been besides my family, even longer than my husband. It was hard and I still miss him.
The consolation is that we gave our babies good homes. They were loved beyond measure and I believe they know it in their own way.