Bad news for Ralph Syracuse

[kb2yjx]

Again, thank you all for your kind words. I think the prednisone has kicked in. Ralph was like him old self today, getting into things and trouble!! I had to yell at him for biting Nicholas' ear after he licked it!!! He did great at supper, cleaned the plate. I hope there are more days like today! Sandra

[Cataholic]

Thinking of you and Ralph fondly. Hugs to you, and scritchies to him, and may his time, however long, be filled with your love.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear about Ralph. I just wanted to let you know that you made the right decision. He deserves to be spoiled, pampered, and loved and he'll let you know when it's time for him to go. I hope that the pred will allow him to remain with you and have good quality of life for a long time to come. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[smokey the elder]

That's really great. At this stage the benefit of prednisone definitely outweigh the long term risks. He can probably have just about any food he wants, too.

{{Hugs}} to you and Ralph.

[rg_girlca]

I am so sorry to hear about your precious Ralph and I agree with the others that you guys made the right decision concerning him.
Sounds like the prednisone is doing it's job and that Ralph is comfortable.

Stay well Ralph for as long as you can. Headbumpies and kisses to you sweetie.

((((((HUGS)))))) Sandra & Barry

[TopCat3]

Sandra, I am so very sorry.
I must admit however that I would look at things in the same way. I would never put a 14 year old kitty through that much surgery and bloodwork and chemo as I believe a cat is ready to go when it is time- it is just us who are not ready

I hope that Ralph's remaining time is happy and painless- he will love you for that.

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Barbara, these are such wise words "I believe a cat is ready to go when it is time- it is just us who are not ready"
Thank you so much.

I am trying to make myself ready too. I don't wish to hi-jack Sandra's thread about Ralph, but she knows, because we are in contact, off here, that I am going through very similar with Cleo who is now on twice weekly fluids. It is all just palliative care, I know there cannot be too long to go and it is very, very hard and I have been unable to share this openly because I am so devastated.

Now back to Ralphie, I too believe this is the best and kindest choice to make to preserve his comfort and dignity. It is interesting how the other cats are respecting what he is going through. They just "know", don't they? it's happening in my house too. I have got to know Ralph well and seen many photos of him and I really feel for what he is going through and for his beloved guardians Sandra and Barry and my heart goes out to them, what's left of it anyway, as it is all in pieces at the moment, anyway Sandra Barry and Ralph and the rest of the Clan make what use you can of these pieces and know they are sent with much understanding because I am going through a similar thing and I still can't believe it either.

Sandra has asked me to post a photo for everyone to see the Clan on holiday at Cape Cod - something about resizing the picture it's just easier if I do it for her so here goes...

I've also put a couple of others in so we can celebrate Ralph's "character" and his life. For the good times...

[Catty1]

I LOVE that face, and the paw on the edge of the box!

I just had a PM from Sandra, and she said she was posting here shortly...I don't even really know Ralph, and my heart is breaking for him! Just look at that face!

Be comfortable and at peace, Ralph....when the time comes, maybe the vet will come to your house so you will feel at home...

I just want a miracle here so much!

Catty1

[tabbygirl]

Sweetie,

I know we (I ) cried yesterday about Ralphie but he's been such a part of all our conversations since we became friends so many years ago. Glad to have seen him in February when he looked fairly decent. Glad that you've chosen the easier way. Would not have been fair to have such a "guy" have his final days be in the vet's office more than home.

He will truly missed by us and our next visit will not be the same but we will keep going (as I write I am welling up again so I will stop now)

love tabbygirl

[kb2yjx]

TopCat!!! Thanks so much for posting ALL the photos!!! Yes, that is Ralph on vacation on Cape Cod in 2003. He is with Spunky(gray cat), Raven, and I think Norton. Where the rest of the Clan was at the time, I have no idea!!Perhaps in other windows!!! The Sisters at the Monastery refer to Ralph as the OPW(the Offical Pope Watcher)from his glued to the TV and computer when the Pope is on!! And, the HIS box photo!!!This is how we want to remember Ralph, Ralph the nut, Ralph the itty bitty kitty, and just Ralph!!
It was a bad evening yesterday and early afternoon. He vomited so badly!! I had given him fluids this afternoon, then he vomited. Ralph(so far)has kept down his supper. He is looking so thin, his hip bones are sticking out. But, the purr machine keeps going. I cannot even begin to think how he would do with all the needles and the chemo. Except for the vomiting, Ralph is fairly comfortable and that is how it will be. Thank you again for all the support and words. At the Easter Vigil at the Monastery at 11pm, you all will be remembered in our prayers....