Max

[ChrisH]

Dearest Vickie, my heart is heavy for you and your dear boy. Prayers continuing and sending much, much love out to you both. {{hugs}}

[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.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I know that there are a few other kitties on board here who need many more candles so I appreciate you taking the time to say a word for my Max.

Dear Slick, always worrying more about others.....but it's your turn now, sweetie. You and Max are just as important here on PT as anyone else is, if not more so, so just accept the thoughts, prayers and candles. You both deserve them....and more.

It's hard to hear Max is still declining, but I'm SO glad he has started snuggling on your lap again. I'm sure that is very therapeutic for both of you.

What I did for Tubby in his last few days was put a heating pad down, but I put a blanket directly on top of it, then his little fleece "carpet condom" on top of the blanket. That way I know he couldn't be burned by the heat of the heating pad. He loved that spot and spent 90% of his last month right there.

I hope the meds help ease his arthritis. I know you will make him as comfortable as you possibly can, and we all know you would do whatever you possibly can for him, so don't beat yourself up and feel guilty, just love him, love him, love him and love him. He knows.....

{{{hugs}}}

[zippy-kat]

Continued prayers for you and Max. I'm sorry I haven't been on PT/checked the thread for awhile. You two are always in my thoughts.

[slick]

All I can say is that he's hanging in there. He still eats but his output is a concern for me. When I come home from work I have to check in every corner to see if he's left any presents for me. He never poos in the litterbox anymore.

Tonight when I came home I noticed that the litterbox had not been used (for pee) all day and that is very unusual. I'm hoping that he isn't peeing somewhere else although I've been snooping around for about 30 min and have not smelled/smelt??? anything.

He is losing control over his back end. It's a struggle now for him to get on the coffee table. I help him jump whenever I can.

He went for his 2nd steroid shot last Saturday and I'm continuing putting 4-5 drops of Metacam in his wet food at night. So far, I have not seen any change but it could be too soon. Dr. Singh says that if it doesn't do any good then there is nothing else he can do for him.

Every night when I settle down in front of the TV I have a special bowl of water with ice cubes in it. He love to lick it. When he was at the vet's last weekend, I had him check his mouth and there is no evidence of swelling or sores which is good.

Debbie and others: Thanks for the suggestion of the heating pad. I have that on my list of things to purchase this weekend.

I'm afraid I'm not dealing with this very well. The thought of being "petless" doesn't sit well with me.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Slick, I'm so sorry to hear that Max still isn't doing well. Hopefully a heating pad will help him feel more comfortable. Please know that I'm thinking of you both and he continues to remain in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Medusa]

Oh Slick, this gives me such heartache. I can feel your pain right through the monitor. I wish I could do something besides type a few words. Watching our pets age or not improve from an illness is the worst. My prayers are always w/you and sweet Max. Keep the faythe.

[Queen of Poop]

The cartrophen took a bit of time to work on Sasha, be patient. When it did work it was like a miracle. I pray that Max will realize the same relief/relife that Sasha did. Hugs for your both.

[kb2yjx]

Prayers for Max and YOU!!!