Son's cat had to be PTS
 

I've written on this forum before about baby sitting my son's cat, Buddy. Russ was a cop for 9 years and came across 3 young boys one day chasing a kitten with baseball bats. He pulled over and the kitten ran straight up his leg. Russ put him inside his shirt, put the boys in his patrol car and took them home to their parents so he could tell them what the boys were doing.

Buddy is now 4 years old and is strictly Russ' cat. Last night @ 9:00, Russ called and said that Buddy was sick. He had not eaten at all yesterday and that was unusual in itself as he weighed 19 lbs. Russ said he just fell over and lost control of all his bodily functions. Our local vet's office was closed, but has an answering service. One of the vets called Russ back and told him to "watch" Buddy until this morning. Well, Russ called me and told me about it and I told him to pack Buddy up and we would find an ER vet. The closest one was 1.5 hrs away and we got there at about 11:30.

These were the most kind, compassionate people I've ever met. They never mentioned $, but took Buddy back immediately and began treating him. At first they thought he had asthma because of his labored breathing, but his temp was dropping and they began a series of x-rays and bloodwork that revealed positive for feline leukemia, heartworms, and feline AIDS. This cat was given all shots, etc by the local vet and was neutered and declawed about 7 months ago. We took him in then because he was attacked by a larger animal and Russ nearly lost him then. The decision to de-claw was hard to make, but to keep him inside was the best thing to do.

The vets last night told Russ they may be able to treat Buddy, but that it would be prolonging his suffering because they didn't expect him to make it thru the night. Russ broke down and cried like I haven't seen him do since my husband died a year ago. This huge, 31 year old man cried like a baby when the vet said that to put Buddy to sleep may be the best option because these diseases were so advanced. He held Buddy in his arms while the procedure was done and told him goodbye.

We got back to our hometown about 3:00 this morning and I dropped Russ and my DIL at their house so they could pick up their car. They brought Buddy to my house and buried him at 4:00 this morning beside my goldfish pond. The vet had him in a small cardboard casket decorated with hearts and little cat tracks and had written his name on it.

My son is absolutely devastated. He loved that cat with all his heart even tho he had never liked cats before. Buddy was just special to us all.

Please pray for Russ. It is just breaking my heart to see him like this.

(Sorry to be so long)

Im so sorry to hear of this loss. May Buddy rest in peace xx

Oh I'm so sorry !! I had a cat like that and it took me a long long time to stop crying - I had him 16 years and he was just like a dog in personality....I know how very attached we can be with our cats and my heart goes out to your son.

I am so sorry your son lost his beloved cat. It doesn't matter if it's a dog, cat, or any pet that has wiggeled it's way into our hearts, the pain is devastating. Anyone who has ever lost that part of their heart or had to make the "pts" decision knows just how much he is hurting and is hurting with him. Please let him know he is in our thoughts and prayers and in time the cherished memories he has of Buddy will start to numb the pain of his loss. God Bless you and Russ. Hugs to you both.

So sorry to hear about your son's cat. We had to put down our cat New Year's day. She was 16 years old and my daughter and I stayed with her until she was gone. It was one of the hardest thing I ever had to do, but we knew it was time and best for her. Time does help with the pain.

im so sorry for the loss of your sons cat.. i have tears in my eyes and my
heart is breaking for him... i know its even worse to see a grown man cry.
it makes it even harder for you.... hugs to your son please...may god
help in his healing...

Please give your son and DIL our deepest sympathies. Most of us know what it is like to lose a beloved pet and we know the hurt and pain therefore our heart aches for those going through it right now. May Buddy rest in peace and your son feel at peace knowing they gave one another a wonderful four years on this earth.

That is so sad. Losing a beloved pet is so heartbreaking. Your son can take comfort in knowing he saved that babies life and gave him a wonderful few years.

its so sad i know i just lost my childhood dog sunday and its sad. its just as hard losing a human. my buddy rest in peace, and your son and yourself are in my prayers

I am so sorry to hear this, Rest in peace Buddy

I am so sorry to read about about poor Buddy, I am sending your family prayers and to your son that God my ease his pain...I have a 21 year old son that has a cat that lives with me, so I know how boys feel...not too many like cats and when they do its a special bond....May God be with your family...Rest in Peace sweet angel Buddy....:(

Thank you all! I talked to Russ today and my DIL said he was still crying. I talked to him and he has a "thing" about rescuing animals. He has done it since he was a little boy, but Buddy was so special to him.

Anyway, I told him that if he wanted a kitten, we would find one thru the humane society or find some other way to rescue one. We ended up driving an hour to a place in Macon, Ga that had 2 kittens. One was black and white and the little female was grey. When we walked in, the little female walked out of the kitty house she was in and looked right at him and he just fell in love. He said he felt guilty because he didn't want anyone to think he was trying to "replace Buddy". He knows you can't replace one with another, but his heart is soooooo big and he just wanted another cat to love.

He ended up bringing the little grey female home and has tentatively named her "Myra", which I love. She is going to an out of town vet tomorrow for a complete checkup and whatever shots she may need. She is a precious 8 weeks old and has the most beautiful green eyes!

The one thing I love about both my sons is their compassion. I'm so proud that Russ has a heart big enough to welcome another little kitten into his life even though his heart is breaking from the loss of Buddy.

Thank you all for your prayers. I'll pass your well wishes on to Russ and I know he'll thank you all too.


Kim

Kim -- I am so very sorry for Russ' loss. Sending hugs and prayres :)