So sorry you're having such a hard time trying to do the right thing, Susan. Over the last few years, since my husband's death and my quandary, our local attitude has changed considerably and we're now able to take unused meds to all of our local pharmacies plus the police stations. Perhaps all your calls will get the powers that be in your area to modernize their attitudes, as well. I'm sure that my dilemma contributed to our local action. I wasn't alone in my quest...and many a widow pleaded with our local system to relieve them of their burden. It became quite an issue. Although I'm sure the Clorox destroyed any harmful effects those meds may have had...I was still uncomfortable about disposing of the package so I understand exactly how you feel. Personally...I'm appalled that your hospital pharmacist gave you such dangerous advice. It would make me think twice about ever using their facility if he's indicative of their "talent". Anne

Also highly in favor of sub-cutaneous (fluids administered under the skin, nicknamed sub-Q fluids.) I would get a second opinion, ie see another vet and ask him/her to show you how to give fluid treatment to your kitty. Or else try to prod your current vet into giving fluids a try. Be sure to use size 20 needles. For some reason most vets prefer size 18 which is a bigger diameter and uncomfortable for the patient. However they will provide 20 gage needles if you request them. My current kitty is 18 yrs old like your cat, and she gets fluids once a week. The two cats I had before her both were on fluid treatment at home (per order of my vet) first once weekly, and later twice weekly. They both lived into their 20s and the therapy vastly improved their quality of life. I also gave my little sheltie fluid treatment twice weekly for her last two years when her kidney function began to deteriorate, again as mandated by my vets. In all my CRI (chronic renal insufficient) pets, the fluids alleviated nausea, improved appetites, renewed my animals' energy, and just made my pets SO much more comfortable. If you've ever suffered from dehydration (during an illness for instance) you know how miserable this is (headache, grogginess, nausea, etc.) Once an animal becomes accustomed to receiving the fluids, they will lie quietly for the treatment. My cats have all laid on my lap and purred. I think after a few times they began to connect the therapy with feeling better immediately afterwards. I give/gave fluids while watching TV and it is a relaxing experience, not painful or stressful for me or my pets. There are a lot of instructional web sites and CRF/CRI groups right here on yahoo that can help answer questions for you. These were invaluable to me when I was just learning to give fluids. A vet tech instructed me, but it helped to also have these resources. Also there are many places who sell at a discount lactated ringer solutions (the bags of fluid) as well as 20 gage turamo needles and the lines that attach the needle to the fluid bag. However with only one kitty to treat, you're probably better off just getting your fluid supplies from your vet. Don't assume there is nothing you can do for your cat. Sub-Q fluids should vastly improve both your cat's quality of life as well as longevity. Your cat cannot get the amount of fluids needed to help counter CRI simply by drinking. Good luck and hope kitty feels better. Nutrition is important, but it comes in a pale second when treating CRI. Sub-cutaneous fluids should be the first and foremost treatment.

"Well, the biggest piece is a 20-year-old Ethan Allen sofa. The fabric was navy in a former life, but is faded & torn now. Conceivably, someone might want it to reupholster. Perhaps I could sell it for cheap then give the money to charity." No offense, but it doesn't sound like an item that many people would want or could use. Reupholstering is pretty pricey anyway so that wouldn't be anyone's bargain. I'd suggest paying to have it removed. As you say, that gives someone some money for doing the labor. And before I get jumped on by those who will say 'beggars can't be choosers' etc, I think that in today's world of mass production when there are a lot of decent items being discarded, charities shouldn't be expected to come haul off decades old, faded and torn heavy furniture. That is a service to you, not the charity. I've called Salvation Army and also a homeless assistance agency here in my town, similar to what has already been described. They have a 'showroom' in which families transitioning from shelters to permanent homes can pick out what they need. Then again I tend to be a serial remodeler, unfortunately. So the stuff I've been discarding is relatively new and although not top of the line, still in pretty good condition. I do have a massive tv armoire that was cheap to begin with and now has the back coming apart, the door hanging etc. I'm going to have my son take that to the trash station when I get ready to replace it; I wouldn't donate it because it is junk. Ann

oldgardener unfortunately that is definitely not an absolute, I and my mother experience the severe coughing with every type, some are rated as lower chance of causing it but any can cause it. Even the atenolol will cause me to cough when I have tried a stronger dose. I am not the norm, my doctors reached that conclusion pretty quickly, but they do try when new ones come out that are not a high coughing risk, I give it a try but so far no luck. Which will be bad if I ever had to stop the atenolol.