We may have to put down my Dad's cat

[RapidRabbit]

So for a quick background, My wife brought home 3 cats that were abandoned by their mother when they 3 weeks old and bottle feed them to save them.
We kept 2 and gave one to my dad when he retired. His name is Toby. That was 10 years ago last month.

My dad never loved any of the animals we had as kids. After retiring he was lonely and the cat and him became inseparable. They spent everyday together watching tv and sitting in his chair.

In 2006 my Dad passed away and my Mom has been taking care of Toby since. Now my grandparents are moving in with my Mom due to medical issues, and Toby was going to live with my wife's uncle.

Well, we took him to the vet to have him checked out and he is Diabetic and needs to be on insulin. Toby has lost 8 pounds over the last few months and the vet said his body is probably shutting down. He also has been peeing all over my mom's house for years.

My mom can't deal with the insulin and shots with having to take care of my grandparents. We have 3 cats already and know that they would not tolerate another moving in. Plus with the baby 4 cats would be to much.

So with a lot of sadness we have decided to have him put down this weekend. It was not an easy decision to make. We do not want him suffering and we know that no one would take him with the peeing issue and needing to do insulin shots everyday. It is kind of like I am losing another piece of my Dad.

I guess I just needed to talk. Thanks for listening.

 

[lethal289]

Damn Pat, that sucks. But you could look at it like your dad, is just getting another piece back. Maybe he is ready for his favorite cat. Im sure its the best decision for all involved. Good luck.

 

[RapidRabbit]

Damn Pat, that sucks. But you could look at it like your dad, is just getting another piece back. Maybe he is ready for his favorite cat. Im sure its the best decision for all involved. Good luck.

That's kind of what we are thinking. They will be together again.
Toby's quality of life has been getting worse and he has trouble walking and is very lethargic.

 

[Kats66Pny]

aww I'm sorry. It's never easy when you have to let go of them. That is a cute kitty. I love orange tabbys. I use to have one... his name was O'Malley (from a Disney movie Aristocats). I aquired him when I worked at the animal ER. His owners couldn't afford his bill anymore and wanted him put to sleep...but I took him instead. Sadly though, a year later I had to have him put down because he got blocked again (for the 5th time in his 3yr lifespan) meaning crystals in his urinary tract which kept him from urinating and if not treated asap, death.

It was hard but I knew it was the best decision. Maybe Toby and your father will be reunited and can chill in a chair and watch your life on some heavenly tv set.


edit to add this. Call me cheesy or whatever but I like this poem.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

​

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.​

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.​

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...​

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear the news Pat. It's a tough decision to have to make, but it sounds like the right one.

 

[RustyRed]

Sorry to hear about the cat. Always hard to make that decision.

 

[B67FSTB]

Sorry to hear the news Pat. It's a tough decision to have to make, but it sounds like the right one.

+1 here. Unbeleveble how animals can touch our lives .

You made the right decision.