Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa, I've missed a lot of posts this year, and just saw yours. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Three of my positives lost the battle in the same way. What a brave and fabulous character your little Jake clearly was--it made me smile to read about him playing havoc with your jewelry box! I'm so glad he found you, and wassurrounded by loveright to the end. I've forwarded your pic to my work where I'll be able to see Jake better tomorrow. love and hugs and take care, Kerry M. - Original Message - From: Marissa To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 6:13 PM Subject: I lost my Jake I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like "why are you doing this to me." It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa, I am so sorry to hear that Jake passed on. It's so hard when you love them so much. He was adorable. I love the slide show that you made of him. It sounds like you made the right decision to let him go. He's out playing now with the others at the Rainbow Bridge, free and full of life and energy, and no more pain. You are an angel to have taken him in and given him such a wonderful life. He looked so happy and serene in his photos. I got the idea that no matter where you took him, he would be happy as long as he was with you. Moving to a new city (much less NYC!!!) is hard, but moving and then losing your beloved furbaby soon after makes it all the more difficult. I hope you have family there or a good support system. If not, if you need anything or need to vent or cry, please don't hesitate to come here. We are here for you. Be gentle with yourself right now, Marissa. Give yourself time and take care. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Subject: I lost my Jake
Marrissa, Very touching story that you wrote about Jake. Unfortunately can't view the pictures since it said it is timed out hopefully later I can open and view the pictures of Jake. Sometimes we find that certain cat that seems to touch us in a little different way than the others. Please know that you did the best for him and when they loose that twinkle in their eye I think it's there way to let us know it's ok to say goodbye they are ready. Brings back some last moment memories of one of mine that last that twinkle and all I could do was cry because I knew it was time to say goodbye. I know that Jack has touched you in a very special way and will be with you forever in your heart. Carla Message: 11 Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2006 18:13:48 -0500 From: Marissa [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: I lost my Jake To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like why are you doing this to me. It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him:
Re: I lost my Jake
What a beautiful, happy boy he was. The pictures are wonderful. You are so lucky to have found each other, and I know your heart is breaking. I am so sorry.Marissa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like "why are you doing this to me." It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa,I am so sorry for your loss. You did all that you could. I have a cat that will not take medicine or be force fed either. It is really hard in that situation. tonyaMarissa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like "why are you doing this to me." It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
I'm so sorry, Marissa, about your Jake. What a beautiful kitty - I love your pictures! With mine, I also try to honor their refusals of force feedings and meds, when they get really bad off - I figure they're in a different process, on a different path, and sometimes its just the right thing to let them go... Sending you sympathy and blessings, Gloria On Mar 4, 2006, at 5:13 PM, Marissa wrote: I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like why are you doing this to me. It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/ sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
God, Marissa, I am so sorry. I do not think there was any hope of his anemia getting better once it was down to 8, so I do not think you made the wrong decision. And while a few of the cats on this list have improved in terms of hematocrit, to be honest it has only been a few out of a great many who have died from anemia. So I do not think there is any rationality to your beating yourself up about this. Had Jake responded, even earlier, he would have been the exception, not the rule. I know that guilt is hard to fight, and we all struggle with it viciously after we lose our loved ones, but please know that it is not really rational in this case. Michelle
Re: I lost my Jake
Thank you all for your kind words. It really helps. I miss Jake, and wish we had more time together, but it was his time and I amglad I was able to be there with him when he passed. THanks again for everything... On 3/5/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: God, Marissa, I am so sorry. I do not think there was any hope of his anemia getting better once it was down to 8, so I do not think you made the wrong decision. And while a few of the cats on this list have improved in terms of hematocrit, to be honest it has only been a few out of a great many who have died from anemia. So I do not think there is any rationality to your beating yourself up about this. Had Jake responded, even earlier, he would have been the exception, not the rule. I know that guilt is hard to fight, and we all struggle with it viciously after we lose our loved ones, but please know that it is not really rational in this case. Michelle
I lost my Jake
I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like why are you doing this to me. It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
He spent the last part of his life loved. We have no clue what happened before he came to you and there is nothing you can/could do about that. You did every thing you could do and you did it all out of love. Jake knows this and is very grateful. You are right. He knew it was time to leave and that is why he didn't want to eat. But he gave you time to understand that for yourself. Hesends you tremendous love for what you gave him and for what you saved him from. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Marissa To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 5:13 PM Subject: I lost my Jake I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like "why are you doing this to me." It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
Aw Marissa, I'm so sorry about Jake. You two tried so hard. I know you gave him much more quality time than he would have had without you, probably even more than he would have wanted without you. The amount of time we share doesn't make the difference of how much we grieve, unconditional, eternal love can take only moments to blossom in our hearts. The way you describe the connection between the two of you, I'm absolutely sure that he knew everything you did was to try and help him get better. I started to cry looking at the pictures of sweet Jake you posted. It's so obvious what an adorable little soul he is. It's true that we all second guess ourselves after the fact, at least Jake helped you to see that it was indeed his time to go, (the vacant look, not swallowing when fed), and I hope you can take some comfort in knowing, (however much you regret the fact of it), that you gave him the oh so difficult unselfish gift of love in helping him cross. Rest easy now sweet little Jake, Mommy loves you and always will. What a blessing that he came into your life, for you and for him. I know you're not anywhere near ready, but when you are, consider giving another deserving soul a place in your heart and home. Think of it as a continuing legacy of love from your Angel boy Jake. With much love to you in your sorrow Marissa, Nina Marissa wrote: I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like why are you doing this to me. It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa
Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa,I am sitting here crying like a baby after seeing Jake Ryan's beautiful pictures. He looks so much like My Rudy except she had a white nose. I know the pain you are going through 5 months is just not enough time. I wish you could have had 13 years like I did with my Rudy. You will be in my prayers. Sheila
Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa,hugs to you in this sad time.Jake was a very handsome guy and he was lucky you were his mom.I only had my Maizee Grace for 13 1/2 months before I had to let her go.Bless you. SherryMarissa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like "why are you doing this to me." It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa Yahoo! Mail Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.
Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa, I'm so sorry... Jake sounds a little like Paassht. It's like they know they only have a little while to show us they love us. Becca Angel Paassht
Re: I lost my Jake
Marissa,I am so sorry that Jake's time had come. That decision is a blessing and a curse; we can help end their pain and pass with dignity, but we have to make the decision to lose a loved one. Your pictures of him are wonderful, he was a beautiful boy and sounds just delightful to have lived with. GLOW to guide his path and ease your painOur thoughts and tears are with you.HUGS.Marissa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I had to let Jake go. He kept getting worse and worse. He was barely moving, breathing really hard and panting, no control of his bodily functions...he was ready...I tried feeding him w/ a syringe and also with baby food. He wouldn't let me open his mouth and if I did manage to get some in there, it would just sit there...he wouldn't even swallow. He looked at me like "why are you doing this to me." It killed me. I hope he knew that I was only trying to help him. His HCT was down to 8. He was miserable, and I decided that it was selfish to put him through more when it was so bleak. I wish I wish I wish I had caught it earlier and he would have had time to see if he could respond to the treatments he was getting. I am of course second guessing myself and wishing I could do things over again, etc. I know it's normal to do that, but it's so hard. By the time I finally let him go, he wasn't even there I don't think..empty look in his eyesI think he was already gone. I miss him so much. I only had 5 months with him but it was filled with so much joy. Jake (full name Jake Ryan after the character in the movie 16 Candles) was given up by his previous owner to a shelter. Not sure why, I guess you never do. The shelter usually puts down cats that are FELV+, but they fell in love with him and gave him a second chance. Jake is one of the friendliest, most playful, warm, sweetest cats around. The shelter gave him to the rescue group I used to volunteer for. I was looking to adopt a cat from the group since I was moving to NYC. I didn't set out for a FELV+, and didn't know anything about it, but he was just to precious to live the rest of his life in a cage, which is what was probably going to happen. So I took Jake with me, one of the best decisions I have made. He had a rough go, constantly fighting URIs, diarrhea, and finally the anemia. But he never lost his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love. He didn't deserve to live such a short life (he was about 2 1/2), but I am glad I was able to make the end of it a happy one. He was so affectionate. Would literally rub everything in sight! My favorite thing was putting my knuckle a few inches above his head and he would get on two legs so he could rub. He just loved rubbing! He would also love climbing on my dresser while I was sleeping, and he was bored, and taking out my jewelry from my jewelry box and throwing it on the floor.it drove me crazy but I would give anything to be able to be driven crazy again! I posted some pictures of him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mm2424/sets/72057594074811372/show/ Thanks to all on this list for advice along the way. You all definitely helped him get over his URI, which made his last months much more pleasant. Marissa Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous Yahoo! Mail Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.
