Saying goodbye to Rudy, my beautiful cat

13 years ago

My cat, Rudy, has end-stage renal failure, and I think it's time to let him go. He is almost 17 years old, and I've had him for nearly 16. I know it's the right thing to do, but it feels so terribly wrong.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (44)

pam_25f
13 years ago
You have my sympathy. It is such a hard decision.
hounds_x_two
13 years ago
Sending gentle hugs your way. I know how much it hurts to have to make the decision and say goodbye.
Related Discussions
Say Hello (and Good-bye!) to Tutter!
Q
Comments (5)
I agree with Mona--you did a great thing by helping him find his home. And you get extra points for the use (and correct spelling!) of the word "gambol". We don't hear that word often enough anymore--maybe because there's just not that much gamboling going on anymore? ...but it's so evocative, isn't it? :)
...See More
Saying Goodbye to a Cat
Q
Comments (94)
Wow! Thanks Amj, Ttodd and HIWTHI! Haven't been over here in a while...missed your lovely posts. I'm researching bathroom items (tubs, toilets, etc.) & went to the bath forum today. So glad I did, & checked over here while I was at it! Amj, Jasmine is doing really well. About the same as before the dramatic incident! True, the ear situation continues as before as well, but she is eating, drinking & "using her box" regularly. She moves with agility and is steady on her feet. Feel I've been given a second chance with her...who knows how long it will last? However much longer she's with us, I appreciate her presence in my life more than ever! As for my sister, she will soon begin radiation & chemo. This time, she must have both therapies simultaneously. Last year she had them separately, with a short break between the two. Having them together sounds brutal, but her doc thinks she's tough enough to endure it, and this will be the most effective treatment for her particular cancer, which metasized from her lung. I feel so sorry that she must go through such a grueling treatment, but am elated that there is a way to address what she is diagnosed with. Her doctor is optimistic for the short term and the long term using this therapy. Thanks for asking, & for thinking about us, Amj. You are really a sweetheart! Ttodd, thank you SO much for sharing your cat's ear history! I've never met anyone with a cat who had such severe ear issues either! Amazing. Glad your kitty lived on to enjoy a long, happy life! 18 years is really a long time for a kitty to live! I appreciate your good wishes, & send you a hug back! HIWTHI, thank you for sharing your story too. We are currently using Prednisone, an oral steroid, for itch relief, and I have some drops that she sometimes lets me put in. She's a tough customer these days as far as letting me touch the ear...I'm not pushing it either. Just glad she's doing the basics again! Never thought I'd be so thrilled to see a kitty eat, drink & potty. I'm so grateful for this time with my little fur-baby! Thanks again for your thoughtful reply. I believe my sister will do well, but has a rough patch to go through with her treatment first. Now that her house is sold, she's living in a tiny, three-room apt. until her house on the water is finished being renovated in October. At first I thought this whole house sale/house purchase/reno thing was miserable timing, but now I think re-doing a house gives her a lot to look forward to. I think that's really important, & now see it, even with all the chaos it's introduced, as a blessing!
...See More
Annie D. & others -- Should I say goodbye to my crystal chandelier?
Q
Comments (17)
Well, tonight has certainly been an education. Robo, thank you for taking the time to do the layout. I think your recommendation of down by 3" sounds right to me. What puzzles me is that the certified framer, with training and years of experience, centered this piece on the wall in both directions. Apparently her training was different. I think I'll ask her about it as she's a lovely person and won't mind. After looking through the houzz photos again, the take away is that dining room art is usually hung lower and that the entire composition of the room, and size of the art, has to be taken into consideration. I've also read online that when one has a vaulted dining room ceiling, chandeliers are hung higher than the norm. Most chandeliers in the houzz photos, especially with large art, were hung high. At this time, mine is at 31" above table top. I think I'll experiment by getting a S-hook to temporarily raise it and see how things look. I'll think about your advice to keep some mystery, Annie. Mahalo, which means "thank you" in Hawaiian.
...See More
I know what I need to do, I just can't bring myself to say goodbye.
Q
Comments (37)
I'm so sorry. I was in your shoes this time last year. I knew our almost 13 year old German Shorthair Pointer was at the end of his life, and I was thinking I'd wait until after Christmas, but I realized that I needed to do it the right thing for him even though it was hard for me. We put him down on Dec. 17. :( I probably waited a bit too long, and I didn't realize how much stress I'd been under thinking about whether or not it was the right time until he was gone. There was almost a sense of relief. Missing him wasn't as difficult as wondering and worrying about whether or not I was doing the right thing. We all still miss him terribly, though. When the time comes, I highly recommend getting a vet to come to your house. It was so peaceful and less stressful than taking him to the office.
...See More
juellie1962
13 years ago
Oh, so sorry for your sad choice. I swore off pets the last time I had to make that decision. Didn't last long though. I hope knowing that Rudy had a wonderful life helps you find peace!
alisande
13 years ago
He's gorgeous, Joann. They trust us not to let them suffer, but that decision is nearly unbearable. Hugs to you and Rudy.
mojomom
13 years ago
I am so sorry, Joann. He is beautiful and I know how hard if is. We will be thinking of you and your Rudy.
bigack
13 years ago
So sad, he's beautiful, I always wanted an orange kitty,.
nanny98
13 years ago
What a beauiful boy. It is sad; sending hugs.
Jasdip
13 years ago
He's gorgeous Joann! Having been in your shoes more times than I wanted to, I know what you are going through.

I think you'll soon find that your home is empty without a fur-baby to greet you and you'll find it in your heart to give another needy cat a home. That doesn't mean that you love Rudy any less, or feel disrespectful to him. There's room in our hearts for another pet.

((((Joann and Rudy)))))
Granlan_TX
13 years ago
Beautiful Rudy.. and you are doing the right thing for sure, but I know how sad and hurtful it is to say goodbye.

Lots of good years together..a blessing.
murraysmom Zone 6a OH
13 years ago
Wow, he is one gorgeous cat. I can see how it would be so difficult to let him go, but you know it is the greatest gift we can give our friends. So sad, but such a gift.
Georgysmom
13 years ago
Rudy is beautiful! Those of us that have fur babies know what you are going through and how difficult it is. We also know that when the time comes, making that decision is the greatest gift we can give them. ((((Joann))))
marilyn_c
13 years ago
It's not wrong. It is extremely sad to have to put down a beloved pet, but sometimes it is the kindest thing we can do. I know you don't want him to suffer. He is truly a beautiful cat. I'm so sorry.
heather_on
13 years ago
Sending you a hug.
User
13 years ago
Rudy is a lovely cat. I've gone thru this so many times but every time is worse. Every New Year, my first wish is I don't lose a pet this year. My thoughts are with you. You'll make the right decision.
yayagal
13 years ago
You've made the right decision be it today or tomorrow. Visualize him being pampered by all your lost loved ones and how happy he'll be, free of pain. Treat yourself to a personal day and then, in due time, go find another kitty that needs the love you can give. One door closes and another opens.
katlan
13 years ago
I'm so sorry you are losing your sweet pet. It is so painful. I truly wish you didn't have to go through this. I'll be thinking of you.

We lost our sweet dog this morning.
blfenton
13 years ago
We had a cat that looks very much like Rudy. Long-haired ginger named Julius and, like Rudy, had to be right in the middle of all the paper work. He lived to be 20 and like Rudy, had renal failure. It was such a hard decision but he basically made it for us. One morning he was struggling to walk down the hallway, sat down and just looked at me and I knew he was ready. We weren't. But he was and that was what counted. That was several years ago and although we still miss him, it was the right decision. You will know when it is time.

My heart is with you as you go through this.
caflowerluver
13 years ago
It is not an easy to thing to go through, but I believe better than having them suffer. I had to go through it with 2 dogs so know how you feel. Wish you the best.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
Oh I hated to open the post knowing the heartache you are in. I have been through your situation 3 times now, each with renal failure, in advanced age. My Garfield, same color as Rudy but short haired, was 21 years old when we were faced with it. The Vet had me do IVs at home to rehydrate him it kept him going well for about a year. Garfield knew when he needed his IV he would let me know and was so good during them.

It certainly is never an easy decision, it rips at the heart.

You have my heart felt sympathy, Rudy is just beautiful.
I have found the website petloss.com helpful, you can add Rudy to the candle list.

Here is a link that might be useful: petloss
susanjf_gw
13 years ago
did the same thing this past summer, for my jack...the vet said i'd done the right thing...
linda_in_iowa
13 years ago
I am so sorry. I have had to let so many pets go because it was best for them not to be in pain.
glenda_al
13 years ago
Rudy is beautiful!!
chisue
13 years ago
Hugs to you Joann -- and to Katlan. Sad times.
sandiefl
13 years ago
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Sue
13 years ago
I am so sorry, hugs. He is so pretty.

Sue
suzieque
13 years ago
I'm so sorry. I have known that pain. You and he have loved each other so fully. This release is a gift you can give him. And you will keep him forever in your heart.
lisa_fla
13 years ago
He is one of the nicest looking cats I have ever seen! So sorry its his time to go. I too have a cat with renal disease. He's almost 10 years younger than Rudy. I hope you find comfort in the fact that he lived to be 17.
YogaLady1948
13 years ago
So sorry, he is a beautiful kitty~~~tell him to look for our sweet girl kitty Cleo when he gets to Kitty Heaven. We had to let her go after 18 wonderful years in November.
mawheel
13 years ago
Tears are near the surface as I read these posts. I am so sorry for your difficult decision, but you know you are doing the right thing for Rudy. He truly is a beautiful cat.
schoolhouse_gw
13 years ago
Will be thinking of you.
moonie_57 (8 NC)
13 years ago
I'm so sorry you are having to make that decision. He is such a handsome guy! Both of you were lucky to have each other for such a long time.

Katlan - my heart goes out to you as well. I hope your pain will be a little less each and every day.

It's so difficult to have to do it. Two years ago I had to do it twice in the same year. Our 16 year old golden and our 4 year old golden. Some of you may remember Quincy, who was having cluster seizures. I still mourn that darn dog.
liz
13 years ago
he's such a beautiful boy...and you will make the ultimate sacrifice...your feelings to end his suffering...my heart hurts for you...
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
Blessings on you during this difficult time. Rudy is a spectacular cat.
rob333 (zone 7b)
13 years ago
Rudy looks like a good one! I admit he reminds so much my Keegan kitty (spectacular to look at, and so loving) who passed due to renal failure. Maybe they're soul brothers?! I hope Keegan can find him on the other side. (((hugs to you))) and (((headbutts to Rudy))).

I'll be thinking of you, especially today.
jel48
13 years ago
I'm so sorry.
jannie
13 years ago
I'm so sorry. I've lost so many cats.It's never an easy decision.
Kathsgrdn
13 years ago
((((Joann))))
Alice_sj
13 years ago
I'm so sorry. My heart aches for you. I understand the pain of having to make such a decision and losing a loved one. Rudy is beautiful. You gave him a wonderful life and made the best decisions for him. *hugs*
sleeperblues
13 years ago
Rudy is beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a wonderful friend.
FlamingO in AR
13 years ago
I am so sorry, he's a beautiful boy and you'll miss him so much, I'm sure. So sad.
joann23456
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks to everyone. We just got back from the vet's office, where Rudy died peacefully, surrounded by his family. I am heartbroken and already miss him desperately, but I am sure I did the right thing. Thanks for all the support.
clubm
13 years ago
So sorry. Yes,you did the right thing as ever hard it was. Rudy
would say Thank You if he could.
ritamay91710
13 years ago
Joann,

I'm so sorry about Rudy...........he's beautiful.
kacram
13 years ago
He is gorgeous! I'm sorry.

Saying goodbye to Rudy, my beautiful cat

Comments (44)

Related Discussions

joann23456Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

joann23456
Original Author