Barney is an Angel Now.

[critters]

And I will ask them if there is a pain reliever I can get for Barney for the next few days. He can't be on Metacam because he is already on pred and the two can't be combined. And he has to be off pred for 48 hours before he can have metacam so that still won't help. But hopefully they will have something he can take.

They don't combine the two because of stomach upset and gastric problems, which seem to be a far less concern in this case. If they still don't want to use an NSAID, Tramadol is often used with pred for puppers (not sure about kitties). The heavy duty pain meds are also possible, so there shouldn't be any reason for him to be in pain or discomfort. You might have to push strongly for meds; I often have.

I'm sorry he's feeling so bad, and you're right--sometimes they feel like they've been a part of you forever, even when it's only been weeks or months. You made a serious difference to Barney Boy!!!!

[Grace]

Every time I look at photos of Barney I think of the cat in the musical Cats...I do not know the name...the one who gets to go to Cat Heaven?

Perhaps that should be his theme song....precious boy...

I think that was Grizabella - she's the one who sang that beautiful song Memories.

EDIT: And Barney will have wonderful memories once he crosses the Bridge; and thanks to EmeraldGreen, we will have wonderful memories of Barney.

[kb2yjx]

O Lara!!! I know how hard this must be for you right now!! We have seen four cats go to the Bridge since last December, and it was not easy. The way Barney is now, reminds me of little Molly Meu. She was a real trooper. But when she started having trouble walking any length and the ascitis was increasing, making her breathing difficult, it was time.... You sound like you have a good plan. Can you let us know what time you might be bringing Barney to the vet on Friday. I would like to put a candle out on the porch for him....Do not worry about what the vet might think about you, you do what is right for Barney... Prayers for comfort at this time for both Barney and you(and some HUGS, too!!!)...Sandra

[Catty1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grizabella
Grizabella is the "Glamour Cat" in the musical production Cats. She does not appear in T. S. Eliot's work Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but she is a prominent character in the stageplay. It appears that she is the feline version of the woman mentioned in T.S. Eliot's poem "Rhapsody on a Windy Night".

“Regard that woman (Remark the Cat)
Who hesitates toward you in the light of the door
Which opens on her like a grin.
You see the border of her dress (You see the border of her coat)
Is torn and stained with sand,
And you see the corner of her eye
Twists like a crooked pin.”

The character of Grizabella featured in an unpublished poem that T.S. Eliot wrote for his godchildren, intending to include it in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. However, as his widow, Valerie Eliot pointed out, he thought it was too "sad for children" and so didn't include it in the finished work. Valerie Eliot came to the 1980 Sydmonton Festival concert where Andrew Lloyd Webber premiered some of his settings of the Old Possum poems, and gave him the paper with the fragment of Grizabella written on it. From there Lloyd Webber and director Trevor Nunn incorporated the Grizabella poem as a main strand of the plot of the show.

Grizabella is, at the time of her appearance, a very old cat, withered by her age to the point that she no longer resembles the proud, carefree, flamboyant dancer of her youth. Her fellow Jellicles are quite jealous of Grizabella and hence sadistically pleased to see her in a dishevelled condition.

Possibly because of this jealousy, it is Grizabella whom Old Deuteronomy consigns to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. During her change, Grizabella sings the song "Memory", which has been thought of by audiences as a very emotionally touching, profound, and even mysterious composition. It has been recorded by over 150 different artists, including Barry Manilow, Michael Crawford, and Barbra Streisand.

Another interpretation of Grizabella's past is that she left the Jellicle tribe to explore the outside world ("Grizabella the Glamour Cat"), despite knowing that she would never be allowed back in. The other cats shun her for leaving them, despite that she wants to be with them again. After several attempts to gain their acceptance, Grizabella's emotional appeal (represented by "Memory") is accepted; seeing how much that she suffered, she is chosen to be reborn.

The name Grizabella is probably derived from "grizzle" which means either "grey" or "disheveled", and "belle" which means "beauty". Hence "Grizabella"; "The grey beauty" or "the disheveled beauty".

Daylight
See the dew on the sunflower
And a rose that is fading
Roses whither away
Like the sunflower
I yearn to turn my face to the dawn
I am waiting for the day . . .

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every streetlamp
Seems to beat a fatalistic warning
Someone mutters
And the streetlamp gutters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
The streetlamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me
You'll understand what happiness is

Look
A new day has begun

LES

Barney, I love you. I hope hope hope there is a heaven, a 'heaviside layer'.

I hope hope hope your day is new and bright, and you are healthy and free.

You were loved, Barney, and you loved.

Bless your meowmy Lara, bless Angela, and bless you darling boy.

[Emeraldgreen]

My thoughts exactly.

Dear Lara;
This tough time will end. Just know in your heart that you won't be alone. We will all be there with you in spirit holding your hand. Bless you dear lady for giving precious Barney a chance of what life is really all about and thank you for what you are about to do, give him a peaceful passing. We will never forget what you have done for him and most of all, we will never forget our dear Barney.
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

Krazyaboutkatz wrote:

Lara, I think that this is an excellent plan even though it's going to be very difficult to let him go. Like Lorraine has said, you won't be alone during this difficult time and we'll all be with you in spirit and can provide lots of cyber hugs and emotional support. You're a very special lady and I want you to always remember that. Now I'm getting major LES. Please take care.(((HUGS)))

Thanks, I really appreciate that. And thanks to everyone else too for your posts too. I definitely don't feel alone in this and it makes it so much easier.

We decided not to go to town today because we have another wind storm and while we were sure we could catch a ferry there, we weren't sure if they would be running to get us back home. We were worried about getting stuck in town overnight.

Critters wrote:

They don't combine the two because of stomach upset and gastric problems, which seem to be a far less concern in this case. If they still don't want to use an NSAID, Tramadol is often used with pred for puppers (not sure about kitties). The heavy duty pain meds are also possible, so there shouldn't be any reason for him to be in pain or discomfort. You might have to push strongly for meds; I often have.

I'm sorry he's feeling so bad, and you're right--sometimes they feel like they've been a part of you forever, even when it's only been weeks or months. You made a serious difference to Barney Boy!!!!

I was thinking about that this morning. I have some Metacam on hand and thought about what the contraindications might be and if they were really a concern right now since we're not looking at long term here. I did read up about this morning and found something about gastric bleeding but maybe that is a result of combining the two long term? I will give him some and I will stop giving the pred. His last dose was this morning.

Barney is actually doing better today than he was yesterday. Why is it always like that?!?!? It's as if they know you've made the decision and then they perk up. Makes it so much harder. But what I've decided is to leave it open. I will either take him in on Friday or on Monday morning. If he is doing alright, like he is today, over the next few days, I will wait until Monday. That way I don't have to leave work early and I'm off work on Monday. And it will give me 2 more days with him. But if he gets any worse, I will stick with my Friday plan. My boss has already ok'd it.

I spoke with Terri, the woman who rents the cottage where Barney was hanging around. She is good friends with Angela and I told her that I had emailed Angela to let her know. But as it turn out, Angela is in Hawaii until the 19th.

I'll let you guys know which day I take him in but I'm hoping now I can wait until Monday, especially if the Metacam helps him feel better. He's still eating like crazy and I picked him up a couple of cans of cat tuna from our local store half an hour ago.

My husband and I are planning on having a quiet night for New Years so we'll be here to hang out with Barney by the fire. I'm so happy about that. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Just hope the power stays on!!! The worst of the wind should move on by late tomorrow I think.

Anyway, thanks for listening guys. It has helped me tremendously to work through this and find my way. This is the hardest part.

[Emeraldgreen]

Oh my gosh, thank you Candace! I think you and I posted at the same time because I only saw your post and Sandra's post after I posted!

You know, I've never seen the musical Cats, can you believe that?! I was going to look it up so I could see what cat Tracey was talking about but now I don't have to! Thank you. And thank you for the pics you posted and your words.

Sandra, in my most recent post a few minutes ago, I wrote that I might bring him in on Monday if he continues to do okay, like he is today. I'm hoping the Metacam will help him. I've decided to give it to him and stop the pred. But I think that is the nicest idea to light a candle and I will definitely post the day and time when I will be bringing him in. For now, I think it will be Monday.

ETA: I meant to mention in this post that after reading about Grizabella, I completely agree that Barney is so similar to her character and he is indeed a 'disshevelled beauty'. And as you wrote Candace, I too hope there is a Heaviside Layer (Heaven). I feel certain there is.

[kb2yjx]

Candace!!! That was LOVELY!!!
Lara! I cannot help recalling what Dr. Artuso said when we were remembering Raven after she went to the Bridge. I told her how I almost cancelled Raven's appointment because of the way she swiped a hot dog off my supper plate, about one hour before she was leaving for the Bridge. Dr. Artuso said she thinks our pets do the best they can to " be well" as she put it, because they want us to remember them as being well, funny, and loving, not sick, uncomfortable, and feeling badly.
Thank you for letting us know about Monday....EXTRA HUGS!!!!

[momtomany]

Our Christmas miracle did happen with our Barney. He brought all of us all together, Barney's Angels, as a family as only Pet Talkers can be. Angel Lara shared and incredible journey of Barney and allowed all of us to be a part of it. For that I am thankful and grateful. Know whatever day is right for Barney to go to the Bridge, we all will be there with you and him in our hearts, minds and spirit.

[weluvcats]

for the first time tonight. I actually have seen this thread before, but avoided reading it because I knew it would upset me, but tonight I wanted to see what was going on with your Barney. What a lucky, precious boy he is to have you! My husband and I have been married for 25 years and have taken in 8 stray cats over the years, all of whom we kept except two, whom we found homes for. I know what you are going through, and my heart breaks for you and the decision you are in the process of making. We had to say goodbye to one of our beloved kitties, Billy, in June, and I still cry frequently from missing him. This decision is never, ever easy, even if you have had to make it before (we have). Please know that your Barney loves you for all that you have done for him, and when the time comes, he will, in some way, know and understand why you are letting him go. Bless you for all that you have done for Barney, and know that there are many of us here praying for you all...Judy

[rosethecopycat]

Just put some puppy pads down instead of a litterbox, it will make it easier on him.

No matter how much time his has left on this earth, he will have touched more lives than you'll ever know.

Soft Meezer songs for Barney.

[Taz_Zoee]

I am in tears. Even though I knew it would eventually come to this, it is still hard. I think all of us feel like we know Barney personally even though we've never met him.
Lara, you and Scott have given Barney so much in such a short time. I hope you realize that. He knows that and loves you for it.

I'm sorry, I don't know what else to say. I must go wash my face now.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

I am so sorry Lara. I am truly sorry. *HUGS*

Barney, I am sorry you did not get the life you deserved. But you had the best end to a life anyone could ever imagine. When the time comes, I hope you have a easy passing, and know that your meowmie loves you so much, and tried her very best everyday just for you, special boy.

If you need anything, PM me. And please give Barney a kiss, and tell him it is from me

[jennielynn1970]

I think most of us have been hoping beyond hope that this would turn out differently. Wishing on a PT miracle. Well, I think we have seen a miracle, and I think that's been Barney showing us what love and dedication and a pure heart will do to revive a broken animal.

You've helped heal his soul, Lara. You and your hubby both. You've done a wonderful job, and unfortunately with that job, comes the part of having to say goodbye to Barn Barn for all of us. That is a great weight upon your shoulders, my dear.

Please know that we are all here, everyone of us, behind you in this. You have seen this beautiful soul of Barney's day in and day out, and you know he will let you know when it's his time to go.

I'm sure Gary will have the Cat Angel Army out for him when he goes, so that he will have other PT kitties to welcome him with open arms and let him know how special he was to all of us. And maybe Mr. Phred will have Peanut and fellow "silver klowd kats" come down and help him on his way to the Bridge. Lord know he deserves it.

I'm crying my eyes out now of course, and I'm so sorry that you do have to go through this alone, but know we are all there, and we all love you for what you have done for Barney. You are truly Barney's #1 Angel.

(((((HUGS))))) to you and Scott.
Love, Jenn

[Medusa]

I just got my computer back; another bad virus, so I was w/out it for nearly 3 days. Barney's was the first thread I went to and I'm just so disheartened to read this, even though I knew that this would eventually happen. Lara, I wish I could be there to help you through this. You've done so much for our Barney and this is so difficult for you, I know. I can recall how I felt when my Puddy was going downhill. It seemed as though I'd make the decision to help her to the Bridge and then she'd rally. My very last post was when you had told me about trying the B complex injected into her bag of fluids and she did so well for two days, it was as though I had my ol' Pudilator back. My last words were "Life is good". Then she suddenly took a turn for the worse and was gone w/in one hour. So I can understand and totally relate to your dilemma w/not knowing if you should let Barney go or not. All I can say w/certainty is that I can see on the video how he's deteriorated but you are the one who is giving him such good care, so you are the only one who can know for sure when it's time. However, it's clear that Barney is ready at any time now, if that's any consolation. You won't be selling him short; you'll be doing the last act of kindness for him but only when you know that he's just plain had enough of this life.

I love you, Barney and I love you, too, Lara. You're the best.

[Cinder & Smoke]

< dials da Kat Division > ... < rinnnng >
Hi God ~

Purrayer Pups here wiffa KatHats on ...

Wunder iffin You kan ask Tubby an Peanut ta gas up da Silver Klowd Express fur
a Taxi run down here onna ole Durt Ball fur lil Barney?
He's gotta 'pointment inna KatShop next week fur a major overhaul ta get
ebberthing fixed up fur his New Assignment next year. He's got his appikashin in
wiff Boots da Kat inna frunt office ta be assigned to a lil Kid that needs a Kitty Buddy.

He'll be waitin atta White Coats, wiff Miz Lara ...
Gib her a BIG {{{God'sHug}}} an tell her GOOD JOB!!

Drop Barney off onna Bridge ... Unka Gary reserved da Bridge Room so's da
Kat Angel Army kan toss Barney a nice *Welkome to da Bridge* Partee.

We'd like ta wish Barney a Safe Trip to da Bridge,
an Good Luck on his New Assignment.

< sniff >

THANKS, God.
/s/ the Purrayer Pups