Zara, I really don't know what to say but I know you will make the best decision for Tia and you're taking wonderful care of her. (((HUGS)))
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Zara, I really don't know what to say but I know you will make the best decision for Tia and you're taking wonderful care of her. (((HUGS)))
Holly, that is really kind of you to offer, but I doubt that we'd be able to find time to get down to London. My dad has quite a busy week at work so I don't think he would have chance to take time off before the holiday. My brother is a football club all this week, so my mum needs to be around to pick him up each day. Tia doesn't seem to mind travelling, but of course, I've never taken her on a journey via car for more than 20 minutes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Muddy4paws
But once again, that's so sweet of you to offer, and shows what great and caring people there are on this forum. ((hugs))
I'm going to telephone the lady this afternoon and explain to her the amount of care Tia will need. I'll also have to telephone the vets and book an appointment for sometime this week; we're going to get her checked over as she's nearly finished her course of antibiotics. We will also have to give permission for Tia to be PTS if she becomes gravely ill whilst we're away :( , and I will explain this to the lady too. I've started to type out a care sheet for the lady too, because there's quite a lot to remember and I just want to be sure than an aspect of her care isn't forgotten.
I checked the lady's card and she does have an award in small animal care, which gives me some hope that she will know what to do if there are any crisis situations whilst I'm not there, and will recognise the signs of pining from those of pain.
Tia seems about the same today, still quite lethargic but willing to shuffle about and tuck into whatever you offer her. We've noticed that it's most difficult for her to move around in her cage, as the shavings obstruct her a bit, but the bare floor is a little slippy for her. So I had a brainwave and nicked the rubber mats from my dad's car, gave them a good scrub with disinfectant and put them on the base of her cage instead. I think this makes it a lot easier for her to move about now. But I don't know how long it'll take my dad to realise that they're missing. ;)
Thanks for all your continued support, everyone, all kisses and scritches for Tia were much appreciated by the little madam herself. :)
These are the times I wished I could drive.. :rolleyes: !!
Just wanted to point out if that lady has the internet you might want to give her a link to www.fancy-rats.co.uk . That site has so much information and the people really do know their stuff on there. Im sure she will apreciate the sheet.
If its anyway possible dont dismiss my offer its always open for Tia if its needed. :)
So, I'm off to Cyprus tomorrow. And we've come to the point at which I was dreading, leaving Tia in someone else's care.
My mum had a good conversation with the woman who is taking care of her. She seems prepared to take everything on, which is good. I've written her a list of stuff that needs doing, and what to look for in Tia's behaviour. I'll demonstrate to her how to administer her medication, too.
We took her to the vets a few days ago, and thankfully they were quite happy with her condition. She's lost a lot of muscle around her back end, but isn't underweight or dehydrated, which is great. They said I must have been doing a good job with her medication and flexing her muscles for her, along with cleaning her up after any 'accidents', as she doesn't appear to be suffering and looks considerably bright-eyed and perky given all her ailments.
The tumour is an ugly beast now. She's getting a bit of hair loss around it as it swells so she's getting a pink, ping pong ball sized lump behind her right foreleg. :( However, she barely seems to pay it any attention and she doesn't scratch or bite at it, as the vets said she may do. She's a tough little girl, I'll give her that.
Even though things have looked up since her last scare, I know I will worry myself sick over her for the duration of the hoilday. I'm going to keep in contact with the lady. I just hope I don't get 'the' call which will say that it's time...
A little PT magic would be a great benefit to Tia and I, it's kept us going so far!
Thanks,
Zara
Zara, I don't know what to say. I've got tears my eyes because I can only imagine how hard going away is going to be for you. Try and remain positive for Tia's sake....she may pick up that somethings wrong or worrying you?
I'm sure the lady who is caring for her will give beautiful Tia as much undivided attention as she possibly can. If she knows the situation and hasn't run a mile...she's a great person. Not many people would take on the responsibility of a poorly animal.
I will keep both Tia and yourself in my thoughts whilst your away...but please promise to give an update as soon as you can. I feel like I know you and Tia....and I've never even met you!!
Take care and have a great holiday xxx
Aw, thank you Mandy. ((hug))
We took Tia on 'her holidays' this afternoon, along with the gerbils too, of course. My room feels desperately empty without her!
I'm confident that this woman will do good with her, whatever happens. She seems really concerned for her welfare and obliged to everything I explained that needed to be be done. She's in a quiet area of the woman's house in a cosy room, so I'm hoping she feels safe and comfortable. The gerbils are in the same room as her, and even though Tia doesn't care much for them, I think they'll remind her of home.
I hope the gerbils will be alright too! This is the first time they've been away from home, after all.
I have my fingers crossed tightly that she'll pull through. But whatever happens, I'm glad we took a chance on her, as she showed us what a fighter she is. I just hope the risk pays off.
This holiday better be flaming good, because I need to relax! ;)
And thanks everyone for the support, you're the best.
Zara
Tia got through the two weeks almost without any problems whatsoever! It's the best I could have hoped for. In fact, the gerbils caused far more trouble than she did (see my gerbil thread also in pet general). Tia is one tough cookie, and she doesn't go down without a fight.
She took her medicine and was very well-behaved according to her carer, and was more than prepared to potter about the room in which she was kept. She was eating and drinking well, although a couple of times the lady gave her a little water via syringe to keep her well hydrated.
The tumour has grown and now it sticks out at a strange angle under her foreleg, but she still seems to ignore it as best she can. The paralysis has worsened slightly, but not yet drastically so as I feared it would.
Apparently, Tia had another choking incident, but once again managed to bring it back up herself. We don't know what got stuck in her throat, but we can just be thankful that she managed to sort it herself.
She's fighting on, and I'm proud of her. She's really not letting either of her ailments destroy her lust for life. I reckon she's a real inspiration.
All those thoughts and prayers worked in those weeks I was dreading most, so, from Tia, my family and I, thank you all so much. At least now I know I will be around for when the inevitable happens.
Zara
Dear Miss Tia,
Winkie here. I just want you to know I think you are the most beautiful, BRAVEST rat I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I think about you all the time and you are in my prayers.
Love and kisses,
Your Winkie ;)
I was going to ask but I didn't know how she was so I was waiting for your post. Glad to hear she made it through okay. I know you were worried about that. Thanks for letting us know! Keep it up Tia.
That's wonderful that Tia is doing well.(((HUGS)))to you and Tia.
I knew I would be typing this sooner or later.
She's really not well at all now. Her back legs are awful, and it breaks my heart to see her trying her best to move around now. She seems stiff and uncomfortable, plus as she's got no strength whatsoever to lift herself off the ground, she's urinating on herself so much that it's getting hard to clean it up every hour or so. It can't be nice for her covered in pee all the time. :(
She's still eating, but doesn't move about as much as before, and can no longer reach her water bottle. I have to take it down and offer the nozzle to her to allow her to drink.
I am contemplating where exactly I draw the line that marks good and bad quality of life.
:(
I would draw the line when Tia cant eat anymore. Although is sounds like she is already not having an very good life.
OMG! Zara! (((Hugs))) and mega (((Hugs))) :eek: :(
A tiny kiss to Tia aswell.
Zara, you have been the perfect mummy/owner for Tia, just do what you think is right for her, you have done that so far and Tia has had a wonderful life...
(((Hugs again)))
:(
I'm very sorry she's doing so poorly. Unfortunately you can't be there 24 hours a day to clean her up and offer her water, so you need to weigh her ability to tolerate longer periods while you are sleeping and at school without water and without being cleaned=( Only you can decide.
Aw, Zara, I am so sorry. I know you have been dreading this, and I fully support any decision you choose to make.
(((hugs)))
Oh Zara.. I wish I could just reach through the computer and give you and Tia biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hugs! :(
**********HUGS**********
It breaks my heart to read this. :(
I'll continue to keep her in my thoughts until that day comes.
I know the hardest thing is not being able to be greeted by that darling face of hers after its her time(its how it is everyday without Sid here), but take pride in the fact that you've stuck with her through thick and thin.
Zara, Tia is the luckiest rat in the world to have you as her mum. There are few people in this world that would go to such lengths for any rodent, and I'm glad to know that you are one of them.
Major ((((((HUGS)))))) to you & Miss Tia.
Zara,
You are in my thoughts and prayers honey, as is Tia. She lived a wonderful life with you, sweetheart. Just remember all the wonderful times you had with her. Your heart will tell you when the time has come. Listen to it.
(((((HUGS)))))
Donna
Tia my darling,
This is your love, Winkie. I just want you to know that you are and always will be my first love. Your love from afar.
Love and kisses,
Your Winkie ;)
I'm so sorry Zara. I really don't know what else to say. As you have been, Tia and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Aww I'm so sorry about your little rat Tia,
I hope she breaks threw this, of course I want her to be with you longer, get better little Tia! :(
Zara,
I know I haven't been here a lot and have really trying to avoid here but anyways I just wanted to let you know that you as well as Tia are in my thoughts and that I am praying and hoping for the best for both of you.
I know Tia is strong and I know she can fight this.
*HUGS*
Hey Zara,
I'm so sorry to hear about the decline in Tia's health....she has been a fighter for so long now. I'm sure I speak to everyone when I say that you have been a great fur mum to Tia and your courage and adult look on life is an inspiration to us all.
Your heart will tell you when it is time to make a decision - listen to it.
Sending you big (((((hugs))))) and lots of kisses for Tia.
Take Care xx
How sad it must be to see her struggle to move about. Could you fashion her a little cart with wheels? Some toy car or something? Poor Tia. You'll be in our prayers, still.
... but she has suddenly become quite a lot worse in the space of a few hours.
I'm not sure whether she's had a stroke, but she's lost the use of her left hind leg completely, and she is tilted now when she walks.
That is, if you can call it walking.
It's so harrowing to watch her now that I feel the pain and discomfort for her with every step she takes. She needs a breather at least every 30 seconds, and then finds it quite difficult to get going again. She's eaten a little today, but not an awful lot, although she does usually eat mostly in the late evening so I'm hoping she will find an appetite.
To be honest, though, if she does eat or not, she's another step closer to the bridge, and she's not far off now. If a vet saw her now, I believe s/he would reccommend that she is laid to rest. I'm giving myself a day to think this over, but if I for once believe she is in pain, then make no hesitation, I will not see her suffer for my own selfish needs.
This comes at a time which I really could do without, as another major matter has arisen within my family that I am still getting my head around. At such a time, I would depend on Tia. Now the prospect of losing her in the middle of it sends a cold plummet in my gut. I think I'm heading for another January 06. http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif
Thinking of you and Tia Zara xxxx
We will help you through it in any way we can
(((hugs)))
Zara,
Just wanted to check in and see how Miss Tia is doing? You've been in my thoughts and prayers lately.
Zara...whatever day it is, it will be here in 2007...and we are here for you.
{{{{hugs}}}}
*Hugs* for you and Miss Tia.
That's about as positive as I can get. As I type, she is awake, and attempting with her heart and soul to drag herself to her cheese. I am in awe of her ability to thrive when her body is collapsing around her.
As originally thought, I am now unsure as to whether she had a stroke. You see, it is her left side which seems considerably weakened, yet her head is not tilted quite like I originally imagined. When she manages to shift her weight into a more equal balance, she looks quite normal. It is only when she walks that all her weight flops to the left. Movement is laborious for her. Having said that, she does not confine herself to her bed, and more often than not when I am around, she is up.
I had a scare on Tuesday night, she seemed very limp and unresponsive, and when I laid her on her bed, she did not flinch at all. She lay in the same position until I went to bed myself, and I prepared myself that I might have woken up to find that she had gone. I was distraught, of course, but also considered myself lucky that I would not have to make the decision I'd been dreading, and that Tia would be comfortable, and none the wiser.
I woke the following morning earlier than usual and felt the plummet in my stomach as I remembered, and bracing myself, I climbed out of bed and switched on my desk lamp. And there she was, awake and in the middle of her cage, albeit flipped over to her left, eating the hard boiled egg I'd left in the hope she might gather an appetite.
Of course, that means nothing to the bigger picture. I must be straight here, Tia could go tonight, or she could see out another week. I just don't know how quickly her illnesses will accelerate again, I can only judge that they will be very soon, as the series of events so far has barely left any breathing space. I don't think she can get any worse than she is now and I am not expecting miracles, but as long as she continues to teeth chatter when she feels my touch upon her back, then I cradle and protect her right to live out her final days with the family she loves so much.
I am sorry that I only feel like replying to this particular thread for a while on PT, my mind is just quite preoccupied with more pressing matters, such as this, which I believe prevent me from responding whole-heartedly to those of others. I don't want anyone to think I'm blowing my own trumpet by doing so. I will, however, now reply to the lovely PMs I have been sent, and I apologise for not doing so sooner. Thanks also to everyone who replied and is keeping Tia in their thoughts, I am sure they have kept her with me until now. Now I wish for your thoughts to be with her as her life draws to a close, in hoping that she is satisfied, and knows how loved she is.
Sorry I haven't been posting much Zara. I have been thinking about you and your Tia. I know you will do the right thing for her and give her the best you can do in this difficult time :(
aww you're making me want to cry! This is a lot like what happened to freddie, my cat. she had cancer and we didnt want to do surgery. she was laid to rest in 2005.
I'm so sad it might end that way with Tia.
Tia's got lots of hugs, nuzzles, and licks coming from my end of the computer!
I'm so sorry this is happening to you and Tia. :(
Zara, I am so sorry I didn't see this update earlier! I am glad to hear Tia still has an appetite, this is such a sad situation to hear of. I feel for you. I went through the same thing with Sassy(who is now much better). I wish you both luck!
How is she doing now?
Sorry I've been away for a bit and haven't updated sooner. With school starting and such, I've been quite busy lately.
Well, she's still with us, pretty decrepit I must say, but she's thriving. Her appetite has diminished somewhat although she doesn't say no to the odd slice of corned beef or hard-boiled egg, and still takes all her medicine brilliantly. We've started to give her baths to get the pee off her fur when she has accidents instead of the baby wipes now, it means that she doesn't need cleaning up so often and makes her feel a lot more comfortable too.
It feels quite odd talking about her now for some reason, whether it's because I know I've already said everything I want to say about her condition in previous posts, or that I'm simply hanging onto each day whilst she's still here and don't want to dampen them, I don't know. All I do know is that the day she departs could be now, could be next week, could be anytime. She has done amazing so far, we really thought we'd have lost her a few weeks ago, and she's battled on up till now. For such a little body and such a tiny heart, she is working overtime to stay put.
I love her to bits and still dread the day that's looming, but I think now I've realised that when it's really time, then it's her body's reward of rest for its efforts.
Zara,
Hang in there, honey. I know how precious Tia is to you. You're doing the best you can for her right now. Make her comfortable and love her.
My heart and prayers go out to you. Winkie sends Tia all his love too.
(((((((HUGS))))))
Donna
P.S. Thanks for the hard-boiled egg idea. I never knew how much Winkie liked them till you mentioned it. He also loves pitted dates.
((((((hugs))))))
Thanks for the update. :)
Its nice to hear Miss Tia Maria is still hanging in there, she definately is a fighter.
Give that girl a kiss from me & my gang, will you? We're all hoping that her strength stays as long as comfortably possible.
Still sending good vibes.
Thanks for the update on the beautiful girl. I am glad to hear she is doing okay. It's great to hear that. (((hugs))) Trust me, you will know when it is her time.