...

[mousme]

I'm beginning to think I may have to make a Decision™ regarding Gretzky. I was hoping to let her live out her days quietly, since she was obviously content and not in any obvious pain, and just one day go to sleep and not wake up.

I don't think that's going to happen anymore. She's getting increasingly confused and today not only missed the litter box, but missed it by a whole room rather than by a few inches or a few feet.

I'm torn. Part of me thinks that I'm just being overdramatic about one litter box-related accident. Except that it's not one accident, it's been that way every day for a few months now. I don't mind picking up after her, but I'm wondering if maybe there isn't a bigger problem here than what I was imagining.

Gretzky is eighteen years old. She's lost a lot of weight, she's gone pretty much blind and almost completely deaf. Her hips are bothering her, and her hind legs are getting a little weak when she moves around.

I think maybe I might have to let her go sooner than I ever wanted to.

Comments

[heartofawarrior.livejournal.com]

*hugs* *scritches for Gretzky*

[guruwench.livejournal.com]

Oh, honey. :( *hugs you lots* I'm so sorry to hear Gretzky is feeling poorly.

This part of loving kitties sucks the big one, I can't lie. And it's never, ever long enough, no matter how old they get.

If you want to talk to someone who's been there, I think you have my number (and if you don't, you do have my email) - I'll be happy to listen.

*hugs* again.

[sassy-fae.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear she's doing poorly. It's not an easy decision to make, and I don't envy you it. *hugs*

[meallanmouse.livejournal.com]

*hugs* :(

[primrose-1.livejournal.com]

That's the part about pets that is the hardest. So sorry, lady!

[caersidi.livejournal.com]

This is the hardest part of sharing one's life with an animal. I do empathize.

[pdaughter.livejournal.com]

:hugs:

[owldaughter.livejournal.com]

Eighteen years is a damned good run. This is indeed the worst part of being a responsible pet owner, and you have my sympathy. Love and skritches to Gretzky.

[ladyiolanthe.livejournal.com]

Never a pleasant decision... :( 18 is a damn fine age for a kitty, though.

[diggerlicious.livejournal.com]

For me, appetite and a love of life are important factors too. Don't envy your having to go there, Phnee. Wishing you strength.

[karine.livejournal.com]

*hugs lots*

[authoressnebula.livejournal.com]

Aw sweetpea I'm so sorry. I felt about the same way about my 'puppy' Gizmo when it was near the end. It's a hard decision to make, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, especially not you. You'd be putting her out of pain, at least, and that's a terrible freakin' thing to think of as a consolation, but it is true.

*hughughug*

~Jean (Nebs)

[chasingthenuns.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. That is such a tough decision to have to make.

[pasley.livejournal.com]

Been there more times than I like to recall.

What made it a difficult decision for me, each time, was that it meant saying good-bye to someone I really loved, and knowing that I'd miss them when they were gone. But in terms of quality of life, ending suffering? Not a hard choice, really, and one that I was at least glad I had the power and the courage to make.

You'll find that courage, too, when you need it.

xoxox

[serenitylioness.livejournal.com]

loving hugs and roars to you and the whole feline family

[luvenditti.livejournal.com]

My heart breaks for you, Phnee.

[tcaptain.livejournal.com]

Oh my god, J and I just saw this!

*hugs*

This is a hard thing to go through.

You are in our thoughts.