Monday, May 01, 2006

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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.

27 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry, julia. it's never fun to hear news like this. my thoughts are with you and your husband.

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  2. I'm very sorry. I hope Buster's time with you is lengthy and peaceful.

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  3. Hi there...I somehow found your site through another knitter and am sad to read this about your cat. I'm a cat lover, too. The best you can do is to make him comfy. He's such a handsome cat!

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  4. oh, i'm so sorry to hear this. sounds like you've made such a nice life for your kitty. i hope you have more happy memories with buster.

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  5. That's the worst feeling ever... I'm so sorry. Just make him as comfortable as possible, and cherish your time with him.

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  6. my heart goes out to you and my positive thoughts to buster.

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  7. oh, poor buster!! that's so sad! be sure to spend as much time with buster as possible. he seems like such a fun and snugglie kitty.

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  8. Hi Julsey. I went through a similiar situation recently with my kitty, Mickey. It will not be easy, I'm sure you know. But these guys are indeed very strong. He will fight and stay with you as long as he can. The special diet is a good way to help him. Make him stronger. Give him all the love and attention you can. And he will let you know when his time with you needs to end. Our kitties hide their problems from us as long as they can. Hugs to you all, especially Buster. I'm sorry you have to face this.

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  9. I am so sorry about your beloved Buster. Take care, Buster!

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  10. aww, I'm so sorry! poor buster!

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  11. Buster will tell you when he is ready. He will simply look at you and say, "Mom, I don't feel like eating." Then it will be time to say a sweet good-bye. He knows he's cherished.

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  12. let him know how much you love him. good thoughts and lots of hugs to you and your family in this difficult time.

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  13. I'm really sorry to hear that. Take care!

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  14. I am so sorry to hear about your kitty. He is so beautiful! Enjoy your time with him, he knows he is loved.

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  15. You and Buster are in my thoughts!

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  16. awwww i'm soo sorry about Buster. Give him lots of lovings * which i'm sure he already gets* and enjoy him.
    Sending you hugs!

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  17. Oh I'm so sorry - I'm teary eyed. You now me and my cats, they are such important parts of the family. But this is the natural cycle and enjoy the time you have left with him - give him lots of cuddles for me!

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  18. I'm so sorry to hear this... it's not easy at all (my childhood cat passed away from this last year). You, your husband and Buster are all in my thoughts.

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  19. I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to all of you. Our cats are an enormous part of our lives and we would be equally devestatd if anything happened to them.

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  20. I'm so very sorry - I've had cats and dogs and they have all been/are such loving members of our family - hope you are able to enjoy Buster's last moments in a loving a painfree way.

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  21. I am so sorry to hear about Buster's health. Treasure the time you have with him and show lots of love.

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  22. your kitty is so beautiful. i'm sorry about his diagnosis. make the best of your time left with him....my prayers are with you.

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  23. ((hugs)) So very sorry to hear the news, Buster is such a cute! Enjoy him. My thoughts are with all of you

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  24. What a handsome and brave boy Buster is. Times like this can be so hard. My thoughts are with your family and Buster.

    I am sure if he could talk he would tell you how very much he loves you all and appreciates the wonderful life you have given him.

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  25. Thanks for the compliments on the sock bags, Julsey, and for coming by my blog.

    I am really sorry about your cat. I had to have my cat put down many years ago now - he was less than 2 years old and had the feline kidney problems. Sorry again.

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  26. I'll be thinking peaceful, comfortable thoughts for poor Buster. My cat Pequot is in a similar situation with cancer at age 14. She's just this goofy little mistake of a cat with a wonky tail and a bunch of missing toes (born that way), but she she's so gutsy and lovable and I just can't imagine her not being around forever. :( So I share your pain entirely! But I'm glad Buster has been a part of your life, and I'm sure he's glad you've been a part of his.

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  27. It's so hard on you, but my Mom (who has kind of an animal assisted living program) always tells me that for animals it's all about the good times, the joy. She says they don't experience time the same way we do; long or short, a happy, loving life is the best thing we can do for them. I'll be sending healthy kitty thoughts your way.

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