I am still numb, but wanted to let everyone who showed so much kindness to me and my "son" during his difficult time to know that Meeshe went to RB Friday morning at vet. Due to the results of the specialized outside lab work that indicated liver failure, vet concurred with my feelings that any further medical treatment would only prolong his suffering and detain the inevitable. Even a blood transfusion would only halt the FeLV+ destruction of his liver temporarily, and it would soon rear its ugly head to ravage his other organs.

I feel fortunate and blessed to have had him with us for this many years. I was astounded to learn (according to a fact sheet on FeLV from the vet's office) that 80% of cats depart within 2 to 3 years after diagnosis. He was FeLV+ from when I rescued him at about 6 months of age. I guess he beat the odds, and I am very thankful to have experienced the joy of knowing him and loving him so much. I hope his roomate, Muskrat (also FeLV+) is not too lonely without her "big brother", and that she continues to enjoy good health in spite of the odds stacked against her. I had a long talk with her about Meeshe, and explained that physically he is gone, but he is watching over her from RB. She can always view his grave from the screened-in porch where she resides; he is buried right next to Lily.

Blessings to everyone, and thank you for your caring sentiments, thoughts and prayers. Please know that your words have helped tremendously. I will try to formulate my thoughts and post a tribute in cat memorial to honour his life.