Some people may not like what I did
aka: how can things go so bad so quickly?
AKA: Remembering Lola July 7th 2009-13 March 2026
This is about Lola, who was very nearly 18 years old and doing well in spite of having arthritis.
Her allergic dermatitis was under control, migraines were no longer happening, she was fine apart from anxiety when I was away from home too long.
Recently she began having trouble jumping up to the table where she liked to eat her food, so I placed a chair to make it easier. Even more recently she couldn't manage the chair easily, though she would jump up to be near me, so her food bowls were placed on the floor.
Getting into bed with me was easy, the covers hung low enough that she could claw her way up and during the day, she would meow for me to lift her. So far so good.
Then last month she began losing weight and barely eating, a lot of uneaten food went into the freezer to be put in the bin on collection day.
Last Thursday I arrived home from visiting the twins and noticed Lola barely able to walk. Her hips were collapsing under her as she hobbled along. I went to the vet the next morning and arranged for an exam later in the day. I explained she had also been vomiting quite often but not her food, just liquid. I was told that is never a good sign
She was taken to another room for an IV to be placed in one leg and a sedative to make her sleep, then she was brought back to me and I held her as final injections were given and she slipped away.
I knew that "keeping her going" would be hard on both of us and I did not want to put her through that.
I cried all the way home.
My dear friend, my heart goes out to you! You did the absolute right thing in letting her go. She was in pain and unable to do things the way we know cats can! I feel your pain. I have had cats most of my 69 years and it is never easy to let them go. Sometimes they pass on their own, sometimes they need our help.
ReplyDeletePlease know that my thoughts are with you. Sending you much love and many hugs.
Linda's Relaxing Lair; thank you. Yesterday around dinner time I suddenly looked around wondering why Lola had been so quiet all day, then I remembered and cried a little again.
DeleteI know what you're feeling. Carlos and I have had 12 cats over the years and some have passed away quietly at home after good long lives, and others we have made THAT decision for, which is best for them even if it's hard on us.
ReplyDeleteLola is free from pain, and running and walking and climbing on beds now. Perhaps she's even met The Great Tuxedo. She had a good long life, and was loved by you and she loved you right back.
RIP Lola
Bob; thank you, I like to think that maybe Lola has met The Great Tuxedo and my Angel too and several other cats I've known who have passed.
DeleteAre we watching Hyacinth? That is the thing about our beloved little angels in fur suits - they do not outlive us but lucky for them they have good care and a loving ending. Thank you for that! She was a beautiful little cat. And you have been a beautiful Mum.
ReplyDeleteLinda Sue; we were watching Hyacinth! Thank you, I miss her more than I thought I would.
DeleteI am crying for you now. It's so hard to let them go. You did the right thing, by not letting Lola endure further pain. To keep her around for your companionship would have been selfish. Sometimes, letting nature take its course is inhumane.
ReplyDeleteVal; thank you, that was my thinking exactly and the vet agreed with me.
DeleteI'm so sorry, Poor Lola. Poor you. Things can change so very quickly. Keep playing your little video to remind you how she was until so recently, loving and loved.
ReplyDeletejabblog; thank you. Things did change so very quickly, she was fine at the beginning of the month then it all went downhill in a week. I have photos to remember her.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of Lola's passing. I'm a big believer in not letting animals suffer unnecessarily at the end stage of life. Why put them through all that pain and confusion. SO much more kind and loving to let them slip away to peace. My condolences. It's hard when a beloved companion animal is no longer with us but I hope your memories can bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteDebra She Who seeks; thank you. I agree putting her (or any other pet) through months or maybe years of pain relief injections just because you can't bear to say goodbye is wrong. I will always remember her, just as I still remember Angel who was before Lola and got stolen from the yard here.
DeleteI'm so sorry for the passing of Lola. As a retired Vet Tech I want to assure you that you did the right thing. As heart breaking as it is know that the care you gave right up to the end was done in love and Lola knows that. You have a lifetime of memories and love.
ReplyDelete