Sandra sent this to me in email and asked me to share it:
(Nicholas on right; Riley on left)
As most of you already know, Nicholas was not at all well. On December 8th, he stopped eating. On December 10th, he was at the vet. Bloodwork showed that his liver enzymes were thru the roof. The next day, he had an ultrasound that showed no masses, all looked OK. December 15th, he was taken to Animerge(ER for animals). Back to our vet on Monday, stayed overnight for a repeat ultrasound with needle biopsy of the liver. Dr. Ascher called on Thursday evening, hepatic lipidosis was found, but not that drastic. She suggested taking Nick to Garden State Vet Hospital so he could have an " e-tube" placed so he could be fed, and prevent more hepatic lipidosis from occuring. While at GSVH, Nicholas was in the very capable hands of Dr. Pintar, who thought that Nicholas was just a great cat! The "e-tube" placed, Nicholas was tolerating the feeding. Nicholas would have a " pass" to be home for Christmas, then on Wednesday, return to Dr. Pintar, and on Thursday, have a laparoscopy with another liver biopsy.
I picked up a very happy " I want to get home" Nicholas yesterday afternoon. He tolerated his feeding very nicely, sat with HIS Barry for most of the evening. This morning, I was going to give him his feeding, and slowly flushed the tube with 2cc's of water, when Nicholas had projectile vomiting. I called GSVH, and reported this. Thoughout the day, Nicholas became weaker and weaker. At one point he collapsed at the water bowl. It was at this point, that Barry and I took a very long hard look at our boy. He looked horrible. And was just getting weaker. I called GSVH and spoke with the vet who discharged Nicholas on Saturday. I told her what was going on, how he was not even the same cat she saw on Saturday, and please let Dr. Pintar know how much we appreciated all that was done for Nicholas. I also told her, I thought that Nicholas did what he had to do to get home to say goodbye, and now, even though it was a very hard thing to do, it was best for Nicholas if we let him go while he still had some dignity left. She agreed.
Animerge was called. We took Nicholas there, and at 626pm, Nicholas left for the bridge. On our way home, it POURED. I am quite sure that NIcholas has something to do with that!!
Nicholas came to our house on March 1, 1997. He belonged to Sister Elizabeth McHenry at the Villa Maria. Nicholas was famous for his ball playing with Barry, his " ring leader " attitude, and was so VERBAL!!! He was a very special cat, who was always there and wanting your total attention. Riley(on the left in the photo of Nicholas)was his best buddy. Nicholas was the BIG Uncle that raised all the little kittens that came to the house. Next to Riley, I know that Sharon's Jasmine was his favourite.
It is never easy to say so long to one of these special creatures, especially when they are such a part of your life. Nicholas will be missed, esp. by Barry.....Sandra
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