((((((Carla))))) I am sorry to hear that KiKi's time is almost up. My RB Bert also developed a large cancerous tumor - on his lung - also at the age of 16, and the time came when I also had to make the decision to let him go. I took my daughter Missy out of school since she was also very close to our cats - and brought her to the vet with me. We both stayed with him as he was given the shot because I wanted him to hear our voices and feel us stroking his fur until the very end. I am SOOO very glad that we did this and I know it helped him to not be afraid. He simply slipped into his final sleep. I know how much you will miss KiKi because even some 7 years later, I still miss my Bert and sometimes cry to think of him. But, I also know that my decision was made in his best interest - because he had trouble walking and sometimes even breathing. It was time.
We brought him home and made a nice box for him and my older son dug his grave. We buried him near a window - at the head of my bed. My son also scraped his name into a rock Now, he is joined by RB Ernie and there are two white memorial stones that my hubby made and a tree that my daughter planted - once a foot tall and now bigger than the house!!
Yes, please relish these last days and revel in all the years and happiness you have shared. I wish something I could say would help you not to hurt but of course that is not possible - thank you for sharing the pictures and some of your memories here