I'm Sorry...its never an easy decision to make. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. But I know i did the right thing, as I'm sure you know as well.

I've been there too, and it's super hard, but our Jezebel let us know that it was time.

We were worried, but stayed with her at the vet's and felt relieved after the procedure was finished, realizing it was the kindest thing we could have done. (((Jannie))) (((Whisper)))

Yes, it sounds like it's timee for you to help your baby cross the bridge. It is very difficult but try to keep in mind that you've had 17 wonderful years as companions and friends. You are a wonderful mom for taking care of her till the end. My prayers are with you.

Jannie, I'm glad for Whispers sake that you now realize the time has come. It's hard to come to that realization for many people. Just the fact that she rarely purrs tells you a lot. As many times as I've had to do this it never gets easy whether it's sudden, expected, an older animal or a young one. It always hurts. You have my sympathy for sure. Don't feel bad no matter how much you need to mourn. Take it as you need to. You have to know what a wonderful long life you gave Whisper. Thinking of you and Whisper.

(((HUGS)))

It's so hard isn't it? I had to let my B.E. (big Ernie) go just a few weeks ago so I can empathize with your situation. I too came to believe he had a sad look in his eyes. When he rarely showed his usual signs of happiness and couldn't handle basic bodily functions on his own any more I felt like he no longer had his dignity which I thought would make him sad. It's hard to let them go and sometimes I think we delay because we don't want to go through the pain of losing them - but we have to try to think about their pain and suffering and do what is best for them.

I'm so sorry! I have had many, many cats and several dogs, and it is always a terrible wrench and sadness when we have to part. I still cry over some of them from time to time.

Many years ago when one of my favorite cats died of kidney disease at only 4 yrs. and 4 months, a vet said to me, "Be glad that we generally outlive our pets because that means we can take care of them right up to the end." In the end, it is the fact that they were loved and had happy lives that is the most important. You have certainly given Whisper a happy life and you are saving her from a prolonged miserable end. You know you are doing the right thing and you certainly have all my sympathy in that difficult task.

Thank you for all your good thoughts. I know it's the Right Thing to Do. I've been here before. I've made an apointment for Whisper for Monday morning and I'll stay in the room with her. My Vet is terrific. She even sends a pet condolence card in the mail afterwards. And I'll give Whisper a great weekend-lots of petting and treats.

Does she sometimes pace?

Hyper-thyroidism will cause the dull coat, disinterest in grooming, lack of appetite, listlessness.

& it's easily treated.

If she were a younger cat, you could have her thyroid irradiated, but at Whisper's age, you'd just put her on medication.

.................
.................
.................

I once had a cat named Whisper;
she was a pound kitten, found by animal control inside a water meter box.
She had multiple birth defects (vet said her parents might have been related), but she had such a strong will & an engaging personality.

When she was just a tiny *kitten* with a bum leg & one eye that didn't work exactly right, my big Lab mix decided to "investigate" her.

Bubbles sniffed & prodded, & Whisper looked up at this great big thing whose head was twice the size of her (Whisper's) entire body.

& she made the "ugly cat face" (ears flat, eyes squinched up, teeth bared) & hissed.

Bubbles backed up.

My Whisper didn't have a very long life, her health problems were just too great, but she enjoyed it, & I was lucky to have had her.

I have been where you are many times and it is so hard to let them go, but it's the right thing to do. I'm sorry.Take care.