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.

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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.
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I have never been to this forum before, I usually hang out in the garden areas but I needed to get some relief this morning. This post has helped me just to break down and let all that 'strength' and pain go. I do not wish to take away from the purpose of this thread but I would like to share my story with someone. It has been about a month or a little more since we lost Fred; Fred was a beagle that we adopted from a couple who left him in a crate almost 24/7; he was about 2 years old when he was sent to us.... that was 15 years ago. In that time , I have lost my two shepherd mix girls at 15 and 14 years old.... I have taken in three more pups as they passed my way in need... but Fred was special. Independent, never needing attention and so appreciative when he got it. About 6 months ago , he went blind and my husband thought it was best to help him cross over, I disagreed. I told him that if that were the case, I would know but Fred seemed to be adjusting well and he did...... most times, you could not tell he was blind to watch him. Physically , he was still pretty active, his teeth were getting pretty bad but the vet said none were in need of removal YET.... Long story short, I made the decision that the time had truly come about a month ago because it seemed that everything that moved began to startle him and he seemed to be in constant fear and that was not the purpose of adopting him; it was to give him love, freedom and a carefree life......he had that. That morning, I told him how much I loved him and we spent an hour or more just cuddling...I explained that I was ready to let him go and I knew he was ready ..... I had contacted my vet and we were to be there at 3 pm; at 1 pm, I went to get him and spend just a few more special moments and I found him in his bed; he had taken the journey on his own after receiving my permission to give up..... he now sleeps under a newly planted magnolia (in his honor) with a beautiful marble head stone that has his picture on it....and I spend some very nice quiet times there just as we did together for so many years..... Thank you all for letting me share this here and please know that your thread has helped me get through yet another day without Fred...
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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

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