Max

[Medusa]

Vickie, now it's my turn to remind you not to beat yourself up over Max as you did w/me and Yodie. We would never purposely neglect or harm our beloved furkids in any way but sometimes we just overlook things; overlook, not refuse to see; there's a big difference. Max knows how much your love him or he wouldn't want his snuggle time w/you; otherwise, he'd avoid you like the plague.

Max's story does remind me so much of what I experienced w/Puddy, especially the ice cubes and wanting to be in the tub. I bought little steps for Puddy so that she could get into the sink, which is where she wanted to be first before the tub, but she had the same problem as Max: she could get in but not out. If Max does have burning tongue syndrome as Puddy did, the ice cubes will be a big help plus she loved Fudgsicles! And I loved holding them for her and watching her slurp them up so you might try something like that w/Max. There isn't enough chocolate in them to do him any harm. Or maybe popsicles.

This is such a precious time, Vickie. We don't want them to suffer and yet we want to have them w/us for as long as possible. It's an honor to make the journey w/them even though we must leave them at the gate to the Bridge. Hopefully, you won't have to make the decision as to when that will be; Max may make it on his own but you'll be there w/him, I know. Enjoy every precious moment and know that the Fur Posse and I and all of PT are w/you, praying every step of the way. (((HUGS))) and scritchies.

P.S. There's no shame in wanting to be alone and sort of shutting down during this time. I'm the same way. There's no offense meant or taken. Everyone is different and we all respect that.

[gini]

I wish that I could take your pain and Max's away from you.

[Randi]

Slick, first of all, don't beat yourself up about finding out Max has arthritis, you know how good cats are hiding pain. I really hope the Cartrophen will help him feel better - from what QoP says, it sounds promising.

I loved to hear he's back snuggling with you in the evenings, that must feel so good!

I was thinking... do you know about those flat pillows you can put in the microwave? They keep the heat for hours. Perhaps you could get one of those he could lay on when you're out. It might help the pain.

Will e-mail you later.

((((hugs))) and gente scritches to Max.

[Pinot's Mom]

I was thinking... do you know about those flat pillows you can put in the microwave? They keep the heat for hours. Perhaps you could get one of those he could lay on when you're out. It might help the pain.

That sounds like a really good idea; warmth helps so much.

I'm so sorry about the journey you're taking with Max; many of us have done it and it rips your heart out. The tub reminded me of my own journey with my RB kitty Jamara; up to her last day, she got up on the counter in our bathroom to get water from the faucet. That memory is very tough for me.

Our hearts are with you, no matter whether you can respond or not, this community of people (and pets) will be there in spirit taking that journey with you and Max. Give Max a kiss for me, hugs to you, treasure this time with Max and know we're there.

Maggie

[Barbara]

Sending warm thoughts and lots of love. I think the micromaveable pillow sounds great. Warmth is good for human arthritic bones- so why not for sweet Max.
Keeping paws crossed that the steroids give Max a little more life quality.

[phesina]

To Max and Vickie, our love and prayers and a candle: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=9729450

Hugs and purrs to you both as you treasure your time together loving each other so much,
Pat and cats

[Moesha]

My heart is hurting for you. I do hope you can enjoy as many nice moments with dear Max as possible. We can only do our very best for our loved ones. Please be assured that you are doing that for Max. We are human after all.