Monday, February 22, 2010

a very sad update

On Saturday Guinness’ lead veterinarian called to say that he was hooked up to an IV and was showing little interest in food; they were syringing food into him. She had tried to induce an episode with his legs to take more video, but in that regard he was doing well and not having episodes. She wanted to continue to observe him through the weekend.

This afternoon a woman called to say that Guinness was eating and using the litter box. The university still hadn’t heard from the neurologists that they had sent the videos to in the U.K. They wanted to keep Guinness overnight again, not the news I wanted to hear.

Tonight Guinness’ lead vet called; the news is not good. She feels that he is continuing to deteriorate and not only are his back legs weak, his front legs are now weak too. She said that he is also somewhat reluctant to get onto his feet. As far as a diagnosis, there still isn’t one. He doesn’t fit the category for any one disease and the neurologists from the U.K. have still not been in touch; they will be called tomorrow. Guinness will be starting a high dose of steroids tonight because there really isn’t much more that can be done, so why not try it.

I expressed my desire for him to be home one more time, so we are picking him up tomorrow morning. I don’t know how long we will keep him here, probably not long. One thing is certain, my love for him and his quality of life always has and always will take precedence over my desire to have him “here” and personal selfishness. I also told the vet that I want to be there when he takes his last breath, which she agreed to. I will be cradling my baby boy as he leaves his earthly existence.

My heart is broken and my body physically hurts with pain. I can’t possibly put into words the love I have for that cat. Someday, hopefully soon, I will explain why he is more than just a pet to me, why he is so loved, so important to “his mommy.” For now I just wanted to let you know what is happening with my dear, baby boy.

I have asked the vet to summarize his history and tests as I will be immediately contacting several veterinary programs and specialists in the U.S. for more opinions. I honestly don’t expect to hear anything different than what we’ve been told here, but I need to exhaust every avenue possible for my own peace of mind.

Please pray that we will have a few good days with Guinness, and that this difficult process is as easy as possible, for all of us.

helping me pack a box a few weeks ago


Guinness loves Sundays.
I like having clean, white sheets on the bed to start the week and one of Guinness' favorite things to do is "help" me make the bed every Sunday night. Of course it always takes twice as long because we spend so much time playing, but I've never regretted those extra minutes. Looking back, I'm so glad that I let him have that time every week. It was worth every minute and every black hair on the clean sheets. I love you baby boy.

24 comments:

  1. I just look at him and all I can see is my kitty, Pepper, whom I love more than anything. I am so sorry that all of this is happening to Guiness. I wish they could fix him. It's so, so sad! At least he has an owner (you) that cares about him as much as you care about him. He's lucky, if only for that reason.

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  2. I'm so, so sorry.

    I hope you get a couple good days with your little boy.

    ((HUGS))

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  3. I'm so sorry Guinness is not doing well. Love him up while he's home.

    I'm so glad you have each other!

    Can't wait to hear the story of why he's more than a pet.

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm very glad you are going to be able to be with him no matter what the outcome. I feel a lot of guilt that I wasn't able to be with my cat when he died last year. No matter what he knows you love him. :(

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  5. I'm so sorry.

    I hope that you both enjoy your time together at home.

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  6. Oh, how sad! I'm hoping something miraculous happens, of course.

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  7. I'm so sorry. He's very lucky to have you as his Mommy. I'm praying for a miracle.

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  8. I'm so very sorry to hear this about your beloved boy. I hope that you get good days with him, of course, but I hope more that it is, after all, something that can be treated.

    Hugs.

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  9. I'm so sorry! Wishing you happy times when he's home with you. This is cheesy, but this poem always makes me cry:

    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...

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  10. Dear C, I'm so incredibly sad with you about your dear Guinness. I'm glad he can come home with you for his last days so he can be with his family and feel the comfort of his devoted mama and be surrounded with love. It's so great that you chronicled his life here. Those pictures of him are adorable. It sounds like he is a very helpful cat who likes a job to do and has fun while he is doing it. Just a thought, if you do have to say goodbye to him, could the vet come to your house? That's what we did with our childhood beloved cat and it felt so right. Not sure if they do that there.
    Sending you peace and hope for some quality of life and some light in these days ahead. Anyone who loves their cat as dearly as you do is a friend of mine:)

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  11. I am so very sorry, I know how hard it is to lose a cat, it is clear how much you love him.

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  12. I'm so sorry. The pain of losing a furry baby can be as bad as a human one.

    Ask for subcutaneous fluids if needed to make things a little better if he's not eating/drinking. I hope that what ever time you have left together is the best it can be. Love your Guinness for me.

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  13. Poor little guy. I'm sorry to hear this.

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear about your fur baby. Still hoping he'll recover and live a full life!

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  15. Oh sweetie, I am in tears. We'll collect our cats today and I can't even imagine how sad you must feel. I will keep hoping that the steroids will do the trick. Much love, Fran

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  16. I'm so sorry. I was hoping for a miracle. Every time I read something like this, it reminds me of losing my Harry boy, the sweetest, little cat on four paws. Just give him all the love you can.

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  17. I'm so very sorry. This sucks. I was so hoping for better news. Your baby boy is so adorable and I love all the pictures you post of him. I love my kitty so much and so I can understand your pain. Give your baby boy much love while he is home with you and cherish every memory and all the great pictures you have of him. I'm so sorry and I'm hoping you can find some peace. Sending you lots of (hugs) and comfort during this sad time.

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  18. I am so so sorry to hear this. It's so hard losing a cat, especially a much loved cat like Guinness. You are in my thoughts and paryers!

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  19. My heart is aching.... I see the love the you have for him and I understand it completely. I am praying for a miracle for your baby boy, really and truly I am. xoxoxoxoxo

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  20. I'm so sorry for you and the sweet kitty. It's so hard when one of our pets is sick. I'll be praying for you and the kitty. :-)
    Much love ~SJ

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  21. I'm so sorry C. :-( I'll be praying for you and the kitty.
    Much love, ~SJ

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  22. I'm so sorry about Guinness. He sounds like a wonderful cat. I hope he pulls through, but if not just hug him tight today - he knows you love him.

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  23. Such a sweet face. I am sorry Guiness is so weak and I pray he makes a full recovery.

    Don't apologize for loving him more then some think you should. He is part of your family and you love him like family.

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