Readers, I am typing through tears today. This morning Anthony and I had to say goodbye to our beloved pip squeak of a cat, Nacho.
She has had a mysterious breathing problem her whole life. X-rays showed that her lungs were malformed--some kind of birth defect--resulting in asthma-like attacks. Last week she had a particularly bad spell in which the vet had to give her oxygen. She came home and had a few pretty good (not great) days.
But early this morning she just could not get her breath, period. We rushed her to the emergency vet, where they tried to help her with an inhaler and more oxygen. But she continued to struggle. At that point the doctor told us that in his opinion, we should let her go. We knew it was true. Anything else they could have done for her would have been only a temporary fix, at best. As horrible as the choice was, the thought of her asphyxiating alone during the night or while we weren't home was worse. I held her on my lap as the vet administered the final injection.
We've been trying to think about some happier stories about our sweet little sidekick. Believe me, there was much more to her than her medical problems! I will write more and share some of these memories when I feel up to it.
RIP Nacho, 2007-2011
Poor Nacho Kitty! Big hugs from me.
I totally understand about making that decision -- realizing it was Thander's time was pretty similar. At least you can know that you spared her the worst.
Posted by: Gaidig | Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 01:31
I´m so sorry for your loss, Stacy! Hugs from Sweden
Posted by: Sølvi | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 17:26
((((Stacy)))) You and your husband have my sympathies.
Posted by: Tori | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 15:24
I am so sorry the your loss. It is so sad to lose a beloved pet.
Posted by: Sandy | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 14:30
I'm so sorry, Stacy. It's always hard to lose a beloved pet.
Posted by: Camelia Crinoline | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 14:18
I am so sorry for your loss! Nacho is a beautiful kitty and I'm sure she had a very happy life with you. It's a tough decision, but part of being a responsible pet custodian and you did the right thing.
Posted by: D | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 13:41
Oh dear, I'm so sorry for your loss. I just had to use tissues to dry my eyes at work, while I read your post.
I can only imagine how much courage it took to make that hard decision for your Nacho, but I think you did the right thing.
My heart goes out to you and Anthony.
Posted by: Liz | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 13:40