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Warning: this is not my usual blog post. Today we got some sad kitty news. Buster, our 9 year old domestic long hair was diagnosed with feline kidney disease. It’s a common condition in cats, yet chronic and irreversible. He’s pretty far along now, his left kidney function is almost completely gone and his right one is picking up the slack. He’s severely anemic, underweight and has no appetite, yet he drinks (and pees!) like a fish. Buster is sweet, yet very strong. Not once did he let us know that he was sick – he bears his burdens with grace. He never complains. Although there is no recovery in sight, we are trying to help him gain weight with a special diet, and regain some of his strength with electrolyte injections.

We have had the pleasure of loving Buster since 1999, when he came to us from an unhappy family. At first, he was timid and shy, only speaking up when he was scared or hungry. He has grown to be a very important part of our family. Chris and I couldn’t imagine life without him.
When we took him to the vet on Saturday, they did a “geriatric profile” for poor Busty. Chris was shocked that he has grown old enough to be considered geriatric…His entire life flashed before our eyes in what seems like a single moment. He’s lived in three apartments with us, endured lazy life with student Chris, rejoiced at the birth of a baby brother kitten who suffered major trauma, yet played the role of big brother flawlessly. All the while, Buster never faltered.

Now, we have to consider the future without our furry friend. Moving into a new house and children are part of our future. Buster may not be so lucky.
We plan to cherish every moment, but not let him suffer. He deserves to be peaceful. I just hope it doesn’t take him too quickly.

Thanks for listening.