I just got back from UT Vet clinic, where I had to put Wiregrass to sleep. I know this does not seem like a big deal to some of you, but this was the coolest cat ever. She would have been 16 this June, and when I came home Friday night she could barely breathe. After a long series of tests which discovered she was A) diabetic (Bad) B) immune compromised (Worse) and C) had restrictive cardiomyopathy (way bad) her most optimistic prognosis would have been 6 months of life left likely full of needles and scary things. I just couldn't do that to my little buddy. Together, we went through

2 years of college
4 years of med school
a surgery internship during which I was so routinely sleep deprived I could barely remember my own name much less pay attention to her
4 years of radiology residency
an interventional radiology fellowship
2 years in Mobile
2 years back in Knoxville, at last

5 girlfreinds
11 moves
3 episodes where she disappeared for at least a day or more, one of which involved a round trip from Greenville, SC to Enterprise, AL to get her back.

She was the most loyal cat ever. When she could, if I was in the house, she was within a few feet of me. Even after her first stroke, when she could no longer deal with stairs well, if I was on the main floor of the house, she was nearby.

She was always there to listen and was a world class purrer.

After one more round of "Scratch-my-tail-and-I'll-nibble-my-left-front-paw" I left her so she could go to a better place with fewer needles.

Thanks for listening.

Wiregrass 1989-2005

 

Sorry for your loss, she was indeed part of your family.

 

I feel for you, Cath.

I had to have our family Cocker Spaniel put to sleep when she was 14 years old. She'd watched our kids grow from small children to adults. She lived through moves from Nashville to Charlotte to Seattle back to Charlotte.

She'd been very sick and her breathing was so labored it was painful to watch. I was elected to take her to the vet. I'll never forget her looking at me as I left her with the vet. Her eyes said it all. I wiped tears from my eyes for an hour afterwards, and, in fact, there's a tear in my eye now as I think of that day.

 

Liz and I had to put a 16 year old pomeranian to sleep after his eyes said he could not take it anymore. A middle of the night run to the Vet ER...

Sorry Val

 

Sorry for your loss, a cat like yours as you describe is rare. We have four cats and our oldest is 17-year-old Maine-Coon. Your Wiregrass reminds me of her, Whiskers was diagnosed with a kidney problem several years ago we thought for sure she was might not be with us longer. Even after losing all her hair and the hair regrowth we were not sure.

These days we cherish each day with her as she does her part to play with the younger cats and purr loud enough to ensure you always know where she is and happy.

Cath, you had in Wiregrass a great and wonderful partner to share the highs and lows that many pet owners would love to have enjoyed. Again I am sad for your loss, while her passing hurts, she moves onto a better place filled with hopefully all the toys, and anything lese that will make her happy.

 

 

Hey Val!

sorry for your loss!

Jack

 

"I know this does not seem like a big deal to some of you"

It is to you! You did the right thing.

We had to put Indy to sleep nearly one year ago; it seems like yesterday. He left 7 years to the weekend (Indy 500 - hence his name) we got him as a kitten. I was willing to do whatever it took to get him healthy again but he told me it was time; I honored that request.

I'll bet they're playing near the Rainbow Bridge.



"Don't cry because they're gone; smile because they were here!"

 

You said it very well .... I'm a cat lover too!

 

Very sad news my friend but you did what was best.

 

Went through something very similar with my Chocolate chesapeake retriever a couple of months ago. He was 15. It's tough to let them go.

 

Sorry bud, had to put my favorite Doberman down too back in the day....damn near killed me.

 

I'm very sorry to hear that Val. If there's anything we can do, you know we're always here for you.

 

Thanks guys, that stuff really helps. I am sure I will be (mostly) OK in a day or so but for now,

 

Sorry,Val. My wife and I are cat people. You don't have to feel bad about feeling bad. You just lost a close member of the family.

 

Lois and I raised and showed Dobermans and Shepards for years, as well as, bringing home abandoned dogs and cats. They were all close family members and none will be forgotten. Appreciate their presence in your life. You and your family were blessed. Appreciate the time you had with this special family member. The memories will comfort you with time.
Bernie

 

I'm sorry to hear that Wiregrass passed away Val.

 

Sorry for your loss. Wiregrass was not just a cat, but your family.

 

We have gone through our share as well Val...........just think about the new personality of your next choice...........

 

Sorry to hear this Val
I know how it feels to lose a loved one!

that is why I got Sparkles she will out live me!
though sometomes she is a bit LOUD!!