Re: Add Keisha to CS?
I'm sorry for your loss, Laurie. tonya laurieskatz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Belinda, can Keisha be added to the CandleLight service list, please? She was not feline leukemia positive Died 7.14.07 Thanks, Laurie - Original Message - From: "Belinda" To: Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 1:10 PM Subject: Re: Typical course of a dying FELV kitty? long letter- sorry butpleaseindulge > I used epogen (same thing as procrit) when my Bailey was anemic along > with prenisolone because we suspected the virus was in his bone marrow > supressing his immune system and interfering with blood building. We > reversed his anemia with this combo. > > Procrit used in humans is at a much, much higher does and shouldn't scare > anyone off from using it with cats that are anemic, any cats with CRF end > up using it in the later stages as the kidney disease eventually > interferes with the production of erythropoietin which the Epogen, Procrit > and the new drug called Aranesp help to produce. > > In my mind your cat WILL die if the enemia isn't reversed period, so if > there is something that may help what have you got to lose?? > > Below paragraph my opinion (based on what my vet told me when I asked her > about this): > > PS. Has your cat been on a minimum 4 to 6 week course of Doxocycline for > possible hemobartonella? Even if he tested negative he should have gotten > this (my opinion). Hemo is very hard to test for and many cats tests > negative again and again before it is finally found. Though they are > never cured of hemo the doxy will put it into remission. If they don't > have it it isn't going to hurt to get the doxy but my very well save their > life if they have an undiagnosed case of hemo. > > -- > > Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > Be-Mi-Kitties > http://bemikitties.com > > Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens > http://adopt.bemikitties.com > > FeLV Candlelight Service > http://bemikitties.com/cls > > HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] > http://HostDesign4U.com > > > > BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] > http://bmk.bemikitties.com > >
Add Keisha to CS?
Belinda, can Keisha be added to the CandleLight service list, please? She was not feline leukemia positive Died 7.14.07 Thanks, Laurie - Original Message - From: "Belinda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 1:10 PM Subject: Re: Typical course of a dying FELV kitty? long letter- sorry butpleaseindulge I used epogen (same thing as procrit) when my Bailey was anemic along with prenisolone because we suspected the virus was in his bone marrow supressing his immune system and interfering with blood building. We reversed his anemia with this combo. Procrit used in humans is at a much, much higher does and shouldn't scare anyone off from using it with cats that are anemic, any cats with CRF end up using it in the later stages as the kidney disease eventually interferes with the production of erythropoietin which the Epogen, Procrit and the new drug called Aranesp help to produce. In my mind your cat WILL die if the enemia isn't reversed period, so if there is something that may help what have you got to lose?? Below paragraph my opinion (based on what my vet told me when I asked her about this): PS. Has your cat been on a minimum 4 to 6 week course of Doxocycline for possible hemobartonella? Even if he tested negative he should have gotten this (my opinion). Hemo is very hard to test for and many cats tests negative again and again before it is finally found. Though they are never cured of hemo the doxy will put it into remission. If they don't have it it isn't going to hurt to get the doxy but my very well save their life if they have an undiagnosed case of hemo. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
I'm glad Isabella is feeling better. That's interesting about sheep having this virus. I would definitely pursue that. I hope no one else catches this. tonya laurieskatz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
The transfer Factor plus you can get it from at the site of 4Life Maricarmen Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: ok, I know it has been posted before, but where do you get the tansfer factor? Sorry, too much going on to remember. :( Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: "laurieskatz" To: Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 9:27 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Thanks Glenda! I am recalling that Keisha ate Lamb and Brown Rice canned food for a year or two. Lamb and sheep hmm. Maybe something there..? Who knows. I can only guess. What I found on the internet was that sheep get this and it's contagious and viral and fatal within days or weeks. I will check out the human info, too. I am just loving my kitties and spending as much time as possible. My transfer factor (ordered 2 yesterday ~ one for Isabella and one for my kitties in case. Ordered Vit C powdered for Isabella, too, so have that here. Did the Colostrum for Teddy 4 years ago so familiar with that ~ it's also an ingredient in Transfer Factor. More as I learn more. Laurie - Original Message - From: "glenda Goodman" To: Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 7:39 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update - Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
ok, I know it has been posted before, but where do you get the tansfer factor? Sorry, too much going on to remember. :( Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: "laurieskatz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 9:27 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Thanks Glenda! I am recalling that Keisha ate Lamb and Brown Rice canned food for a year or two. Lamb and sheep hmm. Maybe something there..? Who knows. I can only guess. What I found on the internet was that sheep get this and it's contagious and viral and fatal within days or weeks. I will check out the human info, too. I am just loving my kitties and spending as much time as possible. My transfer factor (ordered 2 yesterday ~ one for Isabella and one for my kitties in case. Ordered Vit C powdered for Isabella, too, so have that here. Did the Colostrum for Teddy 4 years ago so familiar with that ~ it's also an ingredient in Transfer Factor. More as I learn more. Laurie - Original Message - From: "glenda Goodman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 7:39 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Hi Laurie, I'm glad that Isabella is doing so much better. You must be relieved. I was surprised to learn Keisha's necropsy results. I'd never heard of adenomatosis before. What exactly is it and does it only affect the lungs? How do they get the toxin or viral infection/where does it come from? It sounds like an overall catch-all for things the vets don't otherwise know how to diagnose. What were her symptoms? It's really scary to think there's nothing that can be done for it. I am praying that your others did not contract it from her. Please keep us posted. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Thanks Glenda! I am recalling that Keisha ate Lamb and Brown Rice canned food for a year or two. Lamb and sheep hmm. Maybe something there..? Who knows. I can only guess. What I found on the internet was that sheep get this and it's contagious and viral and fatal within days or weeks. I will check out the human info, too. I am just loving my kitties and spending as much time as possible. My transfer factor (ordered 2 yesterday ~ one for Isabella and one for my kitties in case. Ordered Vit C powdered for Isabella, too, so have that here. Did the Colostrum for Teddy 4 years ago so familiar with that ~ it's also an ingredient in Transfer Factor. More as I learn more. Laurie - Original Message - From: "glenda Goodman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 7:39 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Laurie, I'm so glad your Isabella is feeling better. I know this is a huge relief! As for Keisha, I hope you are able to get some "real" answers soon. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has tried to google ADENOMATOSIS and was left even more confused than when you just introduced this term as the cause of Keisha's death... Again, I'm so sorry for you and Keisha...Thank you for helping all of us learn all we can on how to best care for our cats...I know you are stressing, worried about your other five, until you learn if this was a viral condition.I do imagine your vet is in the dark as it does seem there is not much out there on this subject, so do not get too scared until you are actually able to talk to someone a bit more qualified in that area...I guess I do not put a lot of stock in one vet's opinion...and you have a long weekend to worry...Meanwhile, just build up your kitties' immune systems...can't go wrong there... I did notice that the vets I have dealt with here, in Nebraska, at best, have told me exactly, what I have found myself, online and of course, this group of people, have so far, shared and directed me towards better information than either of my vets. I did notice there are a lot of listings for different types of adenomatosis in humans, affecting different areas of the body...I did not see anywhere, where it was always fatal or acts like cancer...Those words, coming from a vet that admits he does not really know much, are scary words to live with over the weekend...I know you are worried about your other kitties, just wanted to comfort you a bit...Glenda --- laurieskatz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Laurie, I'm so glad your Isabella is feeling better. I know this is a huge relief! As for Keisha, I hope you are able to get some "real" answers soon. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has tried to google ADENOMATOSIS and was left even more confused than when you just introduced this term as the cause of Keisha's death... Again, I'm so sorry for you and Keisha...Thank you for helping all of us learn all we can on how to best care for our cats...I know you are stressing, worried about your other five, until you learn if this was a viral condition.I do imagine your vet is in the dark as it does seem there is not much out there on this subject, so do not get too scared until you are actually able to talk to someone a bit more qualified in that area...I guess I do not put a lot of stock in one vet's opinion...and you have a long weekend to worry...Meanwhile, just build up your kitties' immune systems...can't go wrong there... I did notice that the vets I have dealt with here, in Nebraska, at best, have told me exactly, what I have found myself, online and of course, this group of people, have so far, shared and directed me towards better information than either of my vets. I did notice there are a lot of listings for different types of adenomatosis in humans, affecting different areas of the body...I did not see anywhere, where it was always fatal or acts like cancer...Those words, coming from a vet that admits he does not really know much, are scary words to live with over the weekend...I know you are worried about your other kitties, just wanted to comfort you a bit...Glenda --- laurieskatz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are > starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on > tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and > we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying > out, we aren't seeing tremors! > > Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, > vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and > is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a > toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were > infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and > my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from > the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. > > Laurie Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Laurie Maitake-DMG liquid is the supplement my vet (homeopath) recommended for immune support. Glad that Isabella is so much better. Jane On Jul 20, 2007, at 5:28 PM, laurieskatz wrote: Good thought. Thank-you. I have L-lysine. Is that what you would use??? - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Start building their immune system so they have extra to fight anything that may be thrown at them. 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: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:52 PM Subject: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Isn't that what Colostrum is for also? Immune support? I guess it's also known as "Mother's Milk?" My holistic vet put Monkee on that when we first went to see her. She provided the bottle of capsules to break open and mix in his food. But they have it at health food/natural health stores too. But I don't know if the veterinary and human grades are any different? The actual "experts" on this site should know more -Caroline From: "laurieskatz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella updateDate: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:28:25 -0600 Good thought. Thank-you. I have L-lysine. Is that what you would use??? - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Start building their immune system so they have extra to fight anything that may be thrown at them. 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: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:52 PM Subject: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie Missed the show? Watch videos of the Live Earth Concert on MSN.
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Just Born with Colostrum, Transfer Factor and any good vitamins especially C. I would consider talking to an alternative vet asap too. And I would feed them the best possible diet with lots of protein. 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: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 4:28 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Good thought. Thank-you. I have L-lysine. Is that what you would use??? - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Start building their immune system so they have extra to fight anything that may be thrown at them. 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: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:52 PM Subject: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Good thought. Thank-you. I have L-lysine. Is that what you would use??? - Original Message - From: Marylyn To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Start building their immune system so they have extra to fight anything that may be thrown at them. 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: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:52 PM Subject: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie
Re: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Start building their immune system so they have extra to fight anything that may be thrown at them. 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: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:52 PM Subject: Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie
Keisha necropsy results and Isabella update
Good news first. Isabella is doing great. We are starting to decrease the prednisone. She is still on tramadal for pain and clavamox. She is a trooper and we are pleased with her progress. She isn't crying out, we aren't seeing tremors! Keisha died from adenomatosis. This is very rare, vet's know little about it. It acts like cancer and is always fatal. The suspected underlying cause is a toxin or chronic viral infection. Her lungs were infiltrated. If it was viral, it is contagious and my other 5 are at risk. I am waiting for a call from the specialist. She may not be back until Monday. Laurie
Re: Keisha
I'm very sorry about Keisha. Gentle Bridge vibes to her. Gina "Rosenfeldt, Diane" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Laurie -- I am so sorry about Keisha, how terrible and sudden. I know you must be feeling devastated and traumatized. Take comfort in knowing she knew how loved she was. Hugs to you. Diane R. - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of laurieskatz Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:08 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else he could catch in the courtyard of my law school apartment complex in Northern Ky 4 years ago. And four years and 1 month ago, I couldn't take his living it up in "the killing fields"- as I called it- anymore. It took so long to get him to be a somewhat normal cat. Something bad must have happened to him
Re: Keisha
I am sorry for your sudden loss of Keisha. It must be a terrible shock to lose a baby so unexpectedly. At least she didn't have to endure a long illness before she passed. I know that is the way I would want to go, very quickly. Cassandra - Original Message - From: Rosenfeldt, Diane To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:13 AM Subject: Keisha Laurie -- I am so sorry about Keisha, how terrible and sudden. I know you must be feeling devastated and traumatized. Take comfort in knowing she knew how loved she was. Hugs to you. Diane R. -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of laurieskatz Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:08 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else he could catch in the court
Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha
Laurie, I am very sorry your precious Keisha has passed away. I can feel your pain knowing when it becomes my turn to lose a beloved kitty family member, I will be a complete basket case.I will be trying to put my grief into words too... The good news is the people on this site are so full of love and have made such a wonderful difference in so many cat's lives. Being a kitty in this world is not easy when you think about the horrible lives most kitties live...It is an incredibly lucky kitty that is blessed by people like the people on this site. I guess all any of us can do is just be as loving and kind to all living creatures as we are blessed to touch. This does not mean just kitties, but everything innocent and dear... Glenda Larsen --- laurieskatz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers > for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free > now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your > heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died > Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into > respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to > the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and > she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side > and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned > to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send > her home. When she went into respiratory distress > again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and > gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held > her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock > and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave > her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline > leukemia positive. > May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding > me. > Laurie > - Original Message - > From: Caroline Kaufmann > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM > Subject: Monkee is gone > > > My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms > while I held him with my Mom standing next to my > side. At about 2:30 a.m. > > We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for > euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he > could make it until then and that he wouldn't want > to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never > been to before for his passing. I didn't know he > was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. > He was having some trouble breathing, but I was > usually able to calm him down by holding him and > giving him flower essences. He had begun to have > trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly > when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do > because his brain was not getting enough oxygen > (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain > or suffer and I feel like I failed him. > > He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it > was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding > him. He took a last gasp of air and then he > stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I > might die too. I think the only thing that helped > me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with > her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd > to say that, but immediately after it happened, I > felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue > remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just > held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him > and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how > wonderful he was and that I would never be the same > without him. I walked around the house, sat with > him on the porch he loved so much and took him > outside for his last time to hold him while sitting > on the front steps. > > I have never had an animal die in my arms like > that and to have it be my best friend-- the best > companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like > it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and > traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the > memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I > see his face as he took his last breath. I don't > how to recover from that. > I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now > that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. > > I hope all of you are able to continue to care for > your cats and give them the peace and love that they > so desperately need. I admire those of you who take > care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the > past and continue to keep doing the work that you > do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of > you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the > mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the > past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I > will be praying for you now. > >
Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha
I am sorry, Laura. My thoughts are w/ you & Keisha. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: laurieskatz To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:07 AM Subject: Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else he could catch in the courtyard of my law school apartment complex in Northern Ky 4 years ago. And four years and 1 month ago, I couldn't take his living it up in "the killing fields"- as I called it- anymore. I
Re: Keisha
Laurie, I'm so sorry for your loss. It hurts so much when it's unexpected. :( tonya "Rosenfeldt, Diane" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Laurie -- I am so sorry about Keisha, how terrible and sudden. I know you must be feeling devastated and traumatized. Take comfort in knowing she knew how loved she was. Hugs to you. Diane R. - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of laurieskatz Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:08 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else he could catch in the courtyard of my law school apartment complex in Northern Ky 4 years ago. And four years and 1 month ago, I couldn't take his living it up in "the killing fields"- as I called it- anymore. It took so long to get him to be a somewhat normal cat. Something
RE: Keisha too
Laurie: How sudden and shocking. I'm so sorry for you. I hope you can take comfort in you happy memories, but right now just take time to be sad and grieve. Keisha was blessed to have such a loving home. Melissa
Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha
I am sorry for your loss too. I guess that is what they would have done with Monkee if we could have made it to the emergency vet in time, but when his respiratory distress hit, I knew we wouldn't make it even up from the bed, so I just held him, then he was gone. But we would have had to euthensize him either way because we were fighting a losing battle. I couldn't have gone through this again with another blood transfusion. The blood transfusion did give him a little over two weeks, but when it wore off, it really wore off. I wish I had known he was going to decline so rapidly and if I had, we would have done things differently. But then again, I don't think Monkee would have wanted to go any other way then in the bed with me holding him. I will keep you in my thoughts too. Thanks, Caroline From: "laurieskatz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: Subject: Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is KeishaDate: Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:07:53 -0600 Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else
Keisha
Laurie -- I am so sorry about Keisha, how terrible and sudden. I know you must be feeling devastated and traumatized. Take comfort in knowing she knew how loved she was. Hugs to you. Diane R. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of laurieskatz Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:08 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else he could catch in the courtyard of my law school apartment complex in Northern Ky 4 years ago. And four years and 1 month ago, I couldn't take his living it up in "the killing fields"- as I called it- anymore. It took so long to get him to be a somewhat normal cat. Something bad must have happened to him because he was already neutered when I found him, so he had to have belong to someone. He was
Re: Monkee is gone ~ so is Keisha
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and pain. Prayers for safe travels for Monkee's soul. Monkee is free now but nothing can compensate for the hole in your heart and life. I know. My beloved Keisha died Saturday completely unexpectedly. She went into respiratory distress here at home. I rushed her to the ER clinic. They put her in the oxygen tank and she appeared comfortable ~ she was not on her side and was no longer open mouth breathing. They planned to keep her in the tank for 2 hours and then send her home. When she went into respiratory distress again, they tried to save her ~ intubated her and gave her CPR but could not. After she died, I held her for 2 hours and stroked her fur.I am in shock and it doesn't seem real. I didn't want to leave her. We are doing a necropsy. She was not feline leukemia positive. May your Higher Power hold you as mine is holding me. Laurie - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:47 AM Subject: Monkee is gone My beloved cat Monkee passed last night in my arms while I held him with my Mom standing next to my side. At about 2:30 a.m. We were going to take him to Dr. Maier's for euthanasia this morning at 8:00 a.m. I thought he could make it until then and that he wouldn't want to go to a strange emergency vet clinic he'd never been to before for his passing. I didn't know he was that bad. I feel so bad. It was so horrible. He was having some trouble breathing, but I was usually able to calm him down by holding him and giving him flower essences. He had begun to have trouble walking and he would cry at me really loudly when he wasn't able to do something he wanted to do because his brain was not getting enough oxygen (like walk around). I didn't want him to be in pain or suffer and I feel like I failed him. He did go really quick, but I was hysterical as it was happening. We were on my bed and I was holding him. He took a last gasp of air and then he stopped. When his body when limp, I felt like I might die too. I think the only thing that helped me and my mom was that she has "rescue remedy" with her and we both took it right away. It sounds odd to say that, but immediately after it happened, I felt a sense of peace-- for him. I think the rescue remedy helped my breathing at that time. I just held him afterwards and talked to him and pet him and kissed him for about two hours. I told him how wonderful he was and that I would never be the same without him. I walked around the house, sat with him on the porch he loved so much and took him outside for his last time to hold him while sitting on the front steps. I have never had an animal die in my arms like that and to have it be my best friend-- the best companion I've ever had...my heart just feels like it's wrenching in half. I feel guilty and traumatized. I am having a hard time erasing the memories of his passing. When I close my eyes, I see his face as he took his last breath. I don't how to recover from that. I've never been lonely since I had Monkee and now that he's gone, that loneliness is crashing in. I hope all of you are able to continue to care for your cats and give them the peace and love that they so desperately need. I admire those of you who take care of multiple FelV cats and have lost some in the past and continue to keep doing the work that you do. My thoughts and my prayers are now with all of you and your babies. I felt like I didn't have the mental energy to devote many of my prayers in the past few weeks to any cat other than Monkee, but I will be praying for you now. I also wanted to remind everyone that you never really know the power of what love can do for a cat like Monkee, until you experience it. When I found him, he was a crazy, dirty, little ragamuffin eating doves, baby rabbits, and whatever else he could catch in the courtyard of my law school apartment complex in Northern Ky 4 years ago. And four years and 1 month ago, I couldn't take his living it up in "the killing fields"- as I called it- anymore. It took so long to get him to be a somewhat normal cat. Something bad must have happened to him because he was already neutered when I found him, so he had to have belong to someone. He was deathly afraid of men and it took until probably about this past year for that fear to almost subside. I don't think anyone else in my life (other than myself) believed that he'd ever be trusting, cuddling, sweet, lfunny, love-bug that he was with me. The first time I turned on my radio and my tv after I had brought him into my life, he freaked out and hid under the bed for hours. After lots of love and being spoiled rotten, and having four years to experience as many things as possible, he had tr