Spare thoughts for Nanook please (update page 4)

[BOBS DAD]

I am so sorry to hear all of this. I really don't know what to say. I also had to put down my kitty of 22 years. Before our 3 children, before we were married, there was Sammy the cat. Sammy never did really take much to the kids. She was even more indifferent to the dogs when they came along. She was a loner and an independant soul. She was an outdoor cat and a tree climber and bird catcher. She was active almost all the way until the end. It all happened so fast. At about 21 years Sammy just suddenly could not jump up on the counter (Yes, she was still jumping up on the counter to see you if you were doing dishes or leaning at the sink) any longer. And then from there, lots of house accidents - continual. Nothing I could do to stop her from urinating everywhere. Ruined the entire lower floor carpeting. But she still came upstairs every night and jumped up on the bed with my wife and I, snuggled at our feet and slept through until we awoke in the AM. Then finally she couldn't even jump on the bed. She began peeing upstairs. I started seeing blood in her urine. I had her to the vet several times and although her health was failing, she - like yours - didn't seem to be in any particular pain.

The vet said, "Sammy is old" and things are just failing. But otherwise, she was in remarkable shape for a cat 22 years old (and an outdoor one). "Whatever I wanted to do"... Each time, I came back home with Sammy. I think to everyone's surprise. Although everyone loved Sammy, I know they all thought it was time.

But when YOU are ultimately the one making that FINAL call, it is not as easy. I know. I know because although they all thought it was the right thing and appropriate. They did not ultimately take her there, hold her and watch her slip away. I don't know if there is ever an easy way. I do know that it would have probably been cruel to let Sammy waste away as she would have probably gone through some devasting setbacks and ultimate pain if I hadn't made the decision that I did (although it was still tough). I took Sammy back with me (that was also tough) and buried her on the hillside behind my house where she used to run and play and climb trees as a kitten. I hope she is happy there! I hope you have the strength and support to know what is right and when to act when that time comes. Peace be with you.

Dan (Bob's Dad)

[Roxyluvsme13]

Sue, I remember you telling me this on Yahoo, and it got me all teary eyed. Now I'm like about to bawl. I really dont know what to say, but of course I'll keep Nanook in my thoughts. He is a sweet gorgeous boy, and with all the time he's been with you, I know he's had more love than ever.
((((HUGS))))
Give Nanook some kisses from me.

[pipersmom]

Nanook, you handsome boy. You sure look years younger than your age sweetheart.

I will pray for Nanook to have good days always and for him to somehow let you know if the time is right.

Hugs to you.

[gemini9961]

Nanook I will be thinking of you handsome boy.

Sue, my thoughts for you as well. (((Hugs)))

[MyLittleMutt]

I'm so sorry. You two will be in my thoughts.

[Flatcoatluver]

(((HUGS))) this is so hard. Nanook and you will be in my prayers.

[anna_66]

Sue, I'm sitting here with LES because I know that feeling well.

All I can say is cherish every moment you can with him. Love him, hug him, kiss him and let him know just how much he's meant to you and how much he will always mean to you. Spend every minute you can with him.

I have to say... his pictures are beautiful.

Lots of loving {{{hugs}}} for both you and Nanook.
We'll be keeping that sweet boy in our thoughts and prayers.

[k9krazee]

Those are wonderful pictures, Sue! What a handsome happy guy! And like I've said before, he always looks so darn huggable! Please give the Nooker bean a big ol' {{hug}} from me!!

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Sue, I'm really sorry to hear this . We can all tell from your posts about him, just how much you love your boy. Just remember, you've given him 15 wonderful long years of love, attention & everything else a dog would ever want in life. He's such a happy, handsome boy. You will be in my thoughts.

[chocolatepuppy]

Nanook is such a handsome boy. I'm sure he knows how much you love him. My thoughts will be with Nanook and with you. {hugs}

[K9soul]

Sue, I'm sitting here with LES because I know that feeling well.

All I can say is cherish every moment you can with him. Love him, hug him, kiss him and let him know just how much he's meant to you and how much he will always mean to you. Spend every minute you can with him.

I just can't say it any better than Anna (and others) have already said. I do know the feeling well, and you just have to cherish every moment. He's such a loving, sweet boy. Your post really hit home, reminding me of my RB boys and those last couple years with them. It won't be easy, there's just no way around that, but when the time comes we will all be here to share in your grief and give you our love.

Give Nanook special kisses and gentle hugs from me please.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Nanook's pictures are precious. Take as many as you can because you will always cherish them and go back to them for comfort and beautiful memories. When my first Golden Girl, Taffey was having similar problems at 13 1/2 that you describe Nanook as having, I had a friend who was wise enough to take pictures for me. She even took pictures the morning it was decided it was "time" for her to journey on. Now all these years later, I find myself pulling out the pictures and remembering our special bond and the love we shared. I know she is waiting for me and has greeted others I have loved too. She will always be a part of my heart!

As others have said, you will know in your heart when it is time. Nanook will let you know because he loves you and trusts you with such an important decision. He feels the same about you as you feel about him!

Sending {{{{{BIG HUGS}}}}} to both you and Nanook.

[dab_20]

I'm SO sorry to read this. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved dog... and it's such a hard decsion to know when to let them go. Nanook is such a happy looking boy. I've always loved seeing pictures of him, I just love that big guy. I really hope he stays healthy and free of pain for as long as he can. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

((((((((hugs))))))))

[Alysser]

Oh Nanook! I am so sorry. Nanook I want you to know you've ALWAYS have been one of my favorite dogs on PT. Your mommy loves you to death and we know she is going to do whats best for you. I'm so sorry.((HUGS)) Prayers and good thoughts on the way

[Kenley's Cat Lady]

Yes, my thoughts are with you this must be a very difficult time for you. I'm new here and I haven't seen a lot of pictures of Nanook but he is a beautiful dog and he is obviouly loved very much, you've given him a good life!