Thanks Debbie, that was exactly what I was looking for. The bad news is that Tubby is drinking, but eating very little to nothing, just like Ernie started to do. I tempted him tonight with some more wet food, and again he only licked up the gravy and didn't eat the chunks, but I guess the good news is that he looked really interested and seemed to "perk up" when I brought it to him. Another scary part is that he has staked out his place in the living room - just like Ernie.

I'm really starting to think it's more than just arthritis and that it is his kidneys. Maybe this is a self-defense technique - I guess to prepare myself that it just could be "his time." If you would have asked me last week if I thought I'd be saying this today, I would have said no way. Tubby just got a good report at the vet and he was active and normal and still pestering Peanut and licking on her head. But I'm slowly coming to accept that he may not make it to 19......

Thank you so much, Deb. I can't thank you enough for your story of Ernie. I know it can't be easy for you to remember those painful details, but it really helps me.

And thanks to everybody else for the time and effort you've put into this. Kim, I got the same type of results when I looked up renal failure online, and that's why I thought I'd ask here for any personal experiences.

{{{hugs}}} and thanks to you all. I'm sad....but at least I'm home now and can give him a smooch whenever I please. <weak smile>