Saying goodbye

[abendgules]

We took Harley to the vet this morning. 

The lymphoma on her small intestine had grown in the past two weeks, and was noticeable from the outside as her belly was getting larger. She'd lost weight, so even though her belly was curved, she was getting increasingly bony everywhere else.

She was having trouble finding comfortable positions for sitting and lying, laps were no longer comfy, and she was increasingly retreating to quiet places in the house to be by herself. Her fine conversation was dropping off, though she'd still purr when stroked or brushed.

We talked it over, and felt we'd rather say goodbye while she was still moderately well, rather than dragging out a lengthy illness.

So last night we fed her as much jellied mush as she could eat, and spent a lot of time on the sofa with her.

Today we asked the vet to put her to sleep, and kept her company as he did so, and cried.

We're both pretty wrung out. 

Comments

[thirstysmurf.livejournal.com]

*Hugs with extra hugs*

[my-stitching.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear about Harley. When she wandered into your life, she brought so much love and contentment and amusement. And in return you gave her a wonderful loving home and a happy life. May she rest in peace. *hug*

[ethnowoman.livejournal.com]

Wow, that was fast.

Given the speedy progress of that thing, it seems like attempts to get at it would have failed miserably anyway.

Well done you for making a hard decision, and making it fast enough that she didn't suffer.

Lots of hugs to you and your guy today.

[merlyn-gabriel.livejournal.com]

having worked on the other side of this story as a vet tech I can tell you that pet owners like you are rare and to be wondered at. You gave her a wonderful, loving home and you let her go as painlessly and as peacefully as possible. There's nothing else to say except I am sad for your loss. Hugs.

[suelet.livejournal.com]

What ethnowoman is saying....

It's never easy.

My thoughts are with you.

[armillary.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry that she had to go, but you gave her a warm, loving home and a much better life than she would have had as a stray.

Lots of hugs from us both.

[con-girl.livejournal.com]

Hugs.

And fuck cancer.

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

That's very sad, but you have watched her decline so carefully that I am sure you knew the right time. We made a similar decision for little Theakston just over a year ago and I know how bad it feels. Lots of sympathy to you.

[maryf.livejournal.com]

Hugs - how sad for you, but at least you gave her a good life whilst she was with you, and you will have happy memories of her.

[acorngirl.livejournal.com]

I know how much it hurts right now, but you made the right decision. At your own emotional expense, you took away her pain. That's the hardest but most important thing we can ever do for our beloved pets.

Harley was a loving and loved little girl. You made her short life so much better and in return she gave you love and purrs and her gentle personality. Like China, she will always have a special place in your heart. *Hugs*

[ingaborg.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry. I know exactly how it feels. There is nothing better you could have done, and Harley is not suffering or frightened. But I cried buckets over our dear, defective cat, and I still feel sad.

[hayleygreen.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. Everyone's said everything else already. THinking of you.

Love, C

[hobbitomm.livejournal.com]

*hug* There's nothing really to say, but we know how it feels.

[exmoor-cat.livejournal.com]

Really really sorry to hear for both of you. I've only briefly met Harley and she was a lovely puss.

[starmadeshadow.livejournal.com]

I'm so, so sorry. Hugs to both of you.

[m-nivalis.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[henrytroup.livejournal.com]

So sorry for you

[elfie-chan.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry for your loss. Even when you know that it's time, and that what you are doing is right, it still hurts.

Love and nose-bumps from me and mine to you and yours.

[aryanhwy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I am so, so sorry. :(

[larmer.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to read of your loss. Losing a loved pet is hard. Hugs.

[nestaverchwyn.livejournal.com]

So sorry hon. Hug from a fellow cat lover.

[ormsweird.livejournal.com]

Hugs.

[isiswardrobe.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss. It's a hard to decide such a thing, but it is the right one. *hugs*

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

Aww. Poor Harley. But she had a lovely home for a few years with you guys.

[idaho-smith.livejournal.com]

That's sad news.

Both of you have my sympathy.

[badgersandjam.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about that, but if she was suffering, it was the right decision. Doesn't mean it's any easier, I know.

Good on you for your compassion, and *hugs* to both of you.

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

So sorry for your loss. Reading your stories Harley gave me a lot of pleasure even though I never met her in person. I can only imagine how painful this must have been for you both. Hugs!