Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
You made me tear up Beth. I found a little lock of fur in my house after my Buddy died and I kept it. I like to pet it now and again. I totally understand where you are coming from. Gina Gussies mom [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm so sorry.. I know how hard it is. If my boyfriend hadn't bee holding me when I put my second FeLV kitty to sleep I really think I would have snatched her from the table and ran, even though I knew it was the right thing to do. I had the vet shave some hair from the belly of one of my FeLV cats after he was PTS. He had the most beautiful golden belly fur. I put it in the jar with his ashes. Now I can pet him any time I want. Beth Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Marissa, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your Slinky. He is still there with you and will wait for you at the bridge. tonya Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been absolutely amazing and having people to talk to who've been there and understand how this is has been an unbelievable help! Thank you all so much for all your support!!! I know this is kinda long, but since you've all been reading so much about Slink, I thought you might want to know some of the details of his crossing. Thanks again for everything...I know I couldn't get through this without you!! Love to you and
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Marissa, I am so sorry you had to go through this. I know Slinky knows how much you loved him. I pray you find peace in the days ahead. Dede and Ki --- Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God Mosiah 2:17 TV dinner still cooling? Check out Tonight's Picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Hey Marissa, I cried reading your post this morning. I am hoping the kids who are testing across the library from me aren't watching. That old familiar lump kept popping up in my throat as I read along, first when you talked about giving him the only gift you could at that point, then when you spoke of laying him on his pillow while they did the catheter and crying, and then again when you spoke of your dad, and how wonderfully understanding and kind he was to you. That kind of kindness is just invaluable. I laughed when you said that you thought half the u.s. population is praying for you. I felt that way too when I came here when Cricket was sick. After he died, people here told me that he would visit me again. A few mornings after Cricket died, I woke up and looked down beside my bed and there was a cricket there. Granted, it was not alive, but still...usually we have a lot of crickets around november in texas and we just didn't have a cricket season that year. I hadn't seen any, so it shocked me to see this lone cricket by my bed. And Cricket was always 'different'...lol, so it would not surprise me that he would leave a dead cricket by my bed to try to communicate with me. I just want to tell you how much I think of you that you did all you could for Slinky. Bless you for your unconditional and endless love for Slinky. :) 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 ~~~ Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Marissa, My heart aches for your loss of Slinky. Gina Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been absolutely amazing and having people to talk to who've been there and understand how this is has been an unbelievable help! Thank you all so much for all your support!!! I know this is kinda long, but since you've all been reading so much about Slink, I thought you might want to know some of the details of his crossing. Thanks again for everything...I know I couldn't get through this without you!! Love to you and all your furkids! MJ -
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
I'm so sorry.. I know how hard it is. If my boyfriend hadn't bee holding me when I put my second FeLV kitty to sleep I really think I would have snatched her from the table and ran, even though I knew it was the right thing to do. I had the vet shave some hair from the belly of one of my FeLV cats after he was PTS. He had the most beautiful golden belly fur. I put it in the jar with his ashes. Now I can pet him any time I want. Beth Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been absolutely amazing and having people to talk to who've been there and understand how this is has been an unbelievable
Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been absolutely amazing and having people to talk to who've been there and understand how this is has been an unbelievable help! Thank you all so much for all your support!!! I know this is kinda long, but since you've all been reading so much about Slink, I thought you might want to know some of the details of his crossing. Thanks again for everything...I know I couldn't get through this without you!! Love to you and all your furkids! MJ - Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Marissa, It just leaves such a big hole in your heart, I know. They do let you know. It is so hard to let them go, but to let him pass the way he did was a gift of kindess and caring. I am so glad he came to let you know. Love and hugs - I am crying with you. elizabeth On 3/28/07, Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been absolutely amazing and having people to talk to who've been there and understand how this is has been an unbelievable help! Thank you all so much for all your support!!! I know this is kinda long, but since you've all been reading so much about Slink, I thought you might want to know some of the details of his crossing. Thanks again for everything...I know I couldn't get through this without
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Marissa, Thanks for letting us know about Slink. Even though I was expecting to read this, I prayed that the situation would turn around for him, somehow. Pretty normal to hope until the last, but you obviously did the right thing for him by helping him to leave. I'm glad you got a meow from him. Take care. Lance On Mar 28, 2007, at 10:04 PM, Marissa Johnson wrote: Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been absolutely amazing and having people to talk to who've been there and understand how this is has been an unbelievable help! Thank you all so much for all your support!!! I know this is kinda long, but since you've
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
Slinky knew just exactly what to do and gave you a special time with him. 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 Johnson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:04 PM Subject: Slinky - Please add to the CLS Hi all. I guess I need to complete the updates on Slinky, huh? Yes, he went to the bridge last night. I was having second thoughts all day yesterday...he, of course, perked up a bit, sat in the window sill again (hadn't done that in ages), and was still drinking, eating, and breathing fine. I even started to wonder if his nose looked pinker. But I decided to go to the vet appointment and ask her what she thought - and that all important question, what would you do if he were your kitty? Right before we left I think I finally understood that it really was time. It occurred to me that on Sunday he was very cuddly with me and initiating some cuddle time on his own. But yesterday he didn't want anything to do with me. And when we left the vet on Monday, someone said he'd tell me when it was time, and I remember thinking, I think he already has told me but I didn't want to believe it. I think his spirit left on Sunday...I think all that cuddling was him saying goodbye and beginning to get ready for the journey. So we went to the vet and I asked her if she thought his nose looked pinker. She looked at his gums, etc. and assured me that they were not. I was tempted to have her do another CBC, but that seemed like just adding to the torture he'd already been through. Without my even asking, the vet said, If this were my cat, this is what I would be doing. Not only is he not getting any better, but he's actually getting steadily worse...and he's just going to suffer if we wait much longer. She of course pointed out that I had the option of waiting, but that seemed like it would just drag out the inevitable. He was so weak the last couple days that he couldn't even get back on the bed once he'd gotten down. The vet explained everything in detail and even shaved some of his fur for me since I'd forgotten I wanted a sample (good cuz what she got was way better than anything I could've gotten with a scissors). Then she gave him the tranquilizer (I think she did it quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind...knowing that was best for me and for Slinky). She said it would take a few minutes for it to work, so they left and I just held him and cried and told him how much I loved him. Thanked him for letting me share in his life and told him I was giving him the only gift I could at this point. The room we were in had a beautiful painting of the bridge, so I showed it to him and told him that was where he was going. They had put a sheep skin-like pad on the table and when they came back I laid him on that and put his head on his favorite pillow (he loved to knead on this sqush pillow I have). She thought they might have to put a catheter in his front leg to get the needle in since his veins were so small, but she was able to do it in his back leg. Once it was in, I just held him and cried and cried some more. But I know he was in peace. He visited me this morning - as I was waking up I could hear the birds outside my window and I distinctly heard a meow (I remember thinking that I didn't know of a bird that meowed). When it happened I got chills. And when I woke up fully I realized that he was letting me know that he's happy and he loves me. I'm actually doing much better than I expected to be. After the vet appointment my friend took me out to dinner and then to ben and jerry's (self-medicating is always good!), which distracted me and that helped a lot. Of course when I got home I completely lost it, but I knew that would happen. I called dad and he was wondeful about telling me I did all the right things, that he loves me, and not to worry about paying all those bills back 'till some time in the future. Today I relaxed in the morning and then went and got my hair cut (my stylist is dad's partner and the owner of the salon...so he has lots of experience with losing kitties) and did some shopping. I got a stuffed kitty that looks just like Slinky, so he'll be my new sleeping buddy. I thought I would lose it when I came home tonight, but I just choked up for a bit and really was okay. I know all the prayers and thoughts everyone is sending me are helping a ton!!! I think half the population of the US is praying for me and checking on me! You guys have been
Re: Slinky - Please add to the CLS
I'm so sorry for your loss Marissa. Slinky had a wonderful life with you, and that sounds like the best and most peaceful euthanasia I've ever heard of - everything seemed to just flow and work out. I'm so glad it went smoothly, and he was so at peace. You absolutely did the right thing. I know it's really hard, but please take solace in the fact that you did the VERY BEST for him, and he is now at peace. My thoughts go out to you. Phaewryn
