You're right, I try not to obsess over the wretched sense of abject betrayal I had as I was holding trusting old Mercury and the vet was doing the euthanizing. At least we were fortunate enough to have great vet.s which made the dismal process a little easier. Thanks again, I'm truly grateful for your concern and kind words.
My cat was 18 and making horrible noises because she was in great pain. I finally had to end things for her. The vet was a very gentle Jewish lady who sat with me for over an hour as I went back and forth while Sara didn’t even have the energy to stand up.i saw her chest rising and falling and laboring for each breath and asked the vet how Sara ever forgive me for killing her. The vet told me cats can linger for a very long time and if I met Sara again she would thank me. I signed the papers and she was gone almost immediately. A week later I received a letter from the vet saying that a tree was planted in Israel in Sara’s name. The vet urged me to get another cat but I never could. I also had a very old dog who I let suffer to the point it was beyond cruel as she had cancer everything. I intended to have her put down but every time I brought out the leash she got excited. She finally died in agony while I was at work!! These are horrible searing memories! You on the other hand did the right thing. And I hope you know that.
And I still think Mercury is like the best cat name like ever! The way they move and the way they look. Perfect
Thank you for your reassurance. I was very lucky to have my wife and excellent support and guidance from the vets who have treated our animals for years. Our vet also sent a nice card and flower seeds to be planted in our garden to remind us of Mercury. It sounds like you, too, had an excellent and generous vet to help you make your decision. Reassurance from trained professionals is essential when you're trying to decide when it's time to euthanize an old, trusting companion. It's as if we need permission from someone else before we can do what we know is the right thing. Mercury was a bit like your very old dog in that he would be lethargic for a while but perked up and got excited when I broke out the cat treats. I once had a great old dog who was kind enough to me to euthanize herself. She could barely walk but somehow, one cold night, she managed to make it about 200 yards to a busy road where she was hit by a car & killed. I guess she knew how much I procrastinate and got tired of waiting for me to do the right thing. I hope you won't be too hard on yourself since no one knows when it's the exact right time to euthanize a trusting, old companion. It's the most natural thing in the world to put off until another day. Thanks so much for your kindness and reassurance, it's very helpful.
I’m around if you want to talk. I thought I was over these things. I hope I meet these guys again but my dog hated cats so it will involve a discussion with her!
Thanks again. Did you lose your dog and cat recently? Because I'm about 70 years old, I've outlived several dogs, cats and even a parrot that I rescued from an abusive home. What sort of sick individual abuses a parrot? Anyway, you never forget the really special animals so it's natural that you would still have feelings for your former animal companions. Have you considered getting another dog or cat? Not everyone's schedule or situation allows them to have a dog or cat because of the time, expense and attention they require. My mother gave me the Siamese cat because her living situation didn't allow for such an active fellow. He and our only girl (a calico cat) are very close just as the two dogs (a Pomeranian and Poodle-Pomeranian mix) are almost always together and act like brothers. I also hope to meet my former animal companions in the next life but to be on the safe side, I'm trying to be especially attentive to the ones I've got in this life. Thanks, again for your time and concern. I, too, am around in case you want to talk but right now, it's time to clean the litter boxes again. Best Wishes,