Thanks, Gloria - I started to call you when I got to work this morning and then decided it was too early. He really went downhill fast. But we know there are worse things than going fast.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
SUSAN - Oh my - I'm so sorry. I'm shocked. I just didn't think
about Big Rik going so soon. I just can't imagine him gone. Such a
sweet, wonderful guy. I know he's going to still hang around your
house with you, where he's been for so long. I'm sorry.
Gloria
On Aug 31, 2005, at 8:21 AM, Susan Loesch wrote:
> Thank you, Julie. Aren't our old guys wonderful. I am so sad to
> have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.
> I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet
> and added it to his SQ fluids. Late yesterday afternoon he seemed
> to rally a bit but it didn't last long. He has had this voracious
> appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he
> seemed to feel a little better yesterday.. I think that in itself
> is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I
> know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost -
> that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it
> wasn't really a positive thing. He may have had some thyroid
> problems to develop or diabetes. Had I not known his kidneys were
> so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had
> blood work done.) In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way
> fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb. I look at
> the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
>
> Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me. I hope they are around for
> many, many years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be
> there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".
> Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the
> last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit. I will
> definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have
> other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to
> Big Rik. Thanks for that information.
> Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:
> Dear Susan,
>
> Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik! I adore
> the grumpy old men! My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure
> how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters. My vet
> Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the
> combination of age and arthritis. I have some kitty glucosamine/
> condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he
> really objects to being pilled. This company does have a treat
> formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years
> old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I
> think I'll try it again for him.
>
> http://www.zukes.com/cats/
>
> Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely
> 'what a drag it is getting old...'
>
> Love, Julie
>
> Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:
> Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.
> He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but
> incredibly healthy. He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to
> need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are
> getting week and unsteady. He's a really fine old fella, felv
> negative. thanks
>
>
> "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is
> to protection by man from the cruelty of man. "
>
> "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
> by the way its animals are treated."
>
> Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
>
>
> Paws Come WITH Claws!!!
>
> If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think
> your decision to acquire a pet.
> __________________________________________________
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