Worried about Mimi........advice?

[Pam]

I can well remember the agony of facing each day the agony of watching the physical and mental decline of a pet. Sometimes I wondered which of us was suffering more.

Although it seems like the worst possible scenerio, if in fact one day she does go off and not come back, try to think of it as how she wanted it to be. As I write this, I am brought to tears as I know how dear Mimi is to you and your family. Even if you hadn't just had to deal with losing Murphy and Zipper, this situation is heart wrenching.

Whatever you choose to do, it will be a thoughtful and caring decision. You are capable of only that for your animals. Trust your heart.

As always, our dear friend, Rachel, has said what I would have said only in a much better way. (((Hugs))) to you Logan. I know Mimi has been your best friend for many years.

[jazzcat]

Logan I'm so sorry. Having gone through trying to decide with Disney just a year ago I am a bit familiar with this. It's heart-wrenching. You've had to deal with this pain too much.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

((((HUGS))))

[Logan]

I'm going to get the baby food this afternoon. Thank you, Debbie, for that reminder. I know that you know exactly what I'm dealing with, as so many of you do. She came downstairs, earlier, and let me hold her. I gave her milk, but she ignored it. I gave her canned food, which she ignored, too. I will try tuna later and see if she will eat it. And maybe the baby food will do the trick. Funny how there is no competition with Butter any longer. I guess she doesn't have the energy. She saves it for Mack, who has learned, through constant "No No" from me, to leave her alone most of the time.

I almost wish there were an obvious reason for her decline....a tumor, something......sounds sick for me to even type that out. It is just old age. Her kidney function is fine, her heart rate was off the map, but it was because she was so nervous at the vet. We'll just wait and see what Dr. Robinson says tomorrow and I might call Butter's vet. Dr. Anderson, too, just to get her input, since she specializes in cats. She has never seen Mimi, but she might have a suggestion. I'll do anything to prolong her life as long as she can enjoy living. Otherwise, I know what I must do.

Logan

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Aw, Logan, I'm so sorry!

I would for sure keep Mimi inside now and check with the vet. I'd let her sleep wherever she wants. Maybe being in Helen's closet is comforting to her. At least you don't have to worry about her being attacked by a stange animal there and she can be as comfy as possible.

Prayers on the way for you all.

[Donnaj4962]

I am so sorry to hear that Mimi is declining. I worry about this with my Tabitha, who recently turned 18. I would agree that your heart has to guide you. Tabitha has mostly good days, but sometimes I can tell she is slowing down, especially in the winter and colder days, and on humid days.

Love Mimi all that you can... and let her do what makes her the happiest.

That is the best advice that I can give you.

[Lizzie]

This is a very frustrating and distressing time for you, and one that many of us have shared. My instinct would be to keep her inside because I would be afraid of her being taken by wildlife when she was too weak to fight - that's Mother Nature at work, but not the way you want to lose her. Along with baby food, I've had good success with honey-roasted turkey breast slices from the deli and cheesecake.

My Ginger cries when I pick her up (she's 20) but her check-ups are excellent also. They found no signs of arthritis, no masses, and, of course, she didn't cry out once while the vet checked her out. It seems to be more grumpiness than anything else so I just hope for the best.

I was going to suggest hyperthyroidism for the weight loss, but then she would have an extreme appetite.

It's good that she has found a place where she likes to be and that you are willing to make it "her place". She must find it very comforting to be in the closet.

While she is obviously miserable right now, I believe she will give you "that look" when she really doesn't want to live in her body any more. It may be something that she just has to fight her way through and we'll all hope that's the case.

[jenluckenbach]

How sad to hear that Mimi is declining.

Just a person note, some "food for thought". When (RB) Bear was coming to the end of his life (at 19+ years) he too lost a lot of weight and went completely blind, but he still thrived. But, when his appetite also left, I knew he was giving up. He was saying that life was too hard for him now.

I wish you the best for however much time is left with Mimi.

[K & L]

Times like these are so hard, but you will know when it's time to let go. I don't know how to explain it, you just do. It's not an easy decision, but you do what's best for their comfort. We've had to make this decision a few times now, and as hard as it was, it was for the best. Savor the time you have with her and good luck to you both.