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On July 4, 1994, Punch Latham was born at my friend Stoney's house. She and her sister, Judy, came to live at our very new to us home in late July 1994 when I gave Kevin a "housewarming gift." He wasn't a "cat person" at the time, but I guess he's since become one. Punch was the funniest kitten, and constantly sat on her haunches like a squirrel. We have pictures (somewhere) of her sitting on our deck like that.
She has always been my cat. She sleeps right beside me and for years she would curl up in my arm and sleep with her head on my arm. She has the sweetest disposition of any cat. She's never had any "accidents"; never been anything but sweet with kids. She is the best pet I could ever ask for -- and the best friend. Her sweet fur has captured many tears. She always knows when I'm upset or don't feel good and comes to lay with me -- either on my lap or curled up beside me in bed.
For the past few days she has been acting like she doesn't feel well. Kevin commented that he thought she had lost weight. Her "meow" sounds different; she's been hacking like she had a hairball. She's lying around. I decided she needed to go to the vet first thing this morning.
Apparently, the news isn't so good. She has hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis explains a myriad of symptoms she's had as of late. But, if that weren't enough, her kidney levels are off indicating kidney failure is beginning. Ironically, treating and improving the hyperthyroidism can cause her kidney failure to worsen. Catch 22.
We've begun the methimazole tablets -- one pill twice per day. In three weeks we will return to ascertain where w are then. Kevin and I have both agreed that we will not put Punch through a lot of treatment and agony just to keep her with us longer. It will be the hardest decision I will ever have to make if I have to make it. But, she has been a wonderful friend and I know she deserves to have an ending that is free from suffering.
I love you, Punchie.
6 comments:
That is a cat with some serious personality! I am sorry that your beloved pet is sick...I still miss my Oscar (my wiener dog).
Makes me so sad just reading this. My cat, Raisin, died 4 days ago. He was just like a dog! Rode with me in he saddle, he'd just hop on! Ran with all the dogs on trail rides, I've never seen anything like it! So I feel your pain, sorry for the bad diagnosis.
Is Ellie sleeping better?
I'm sorry to hear your Punchie isn't feeling well. I treated my furbaby for chronic renal (kidney) failure for several years.
I hope the meds help her and then perhaps you can stablize the other issue.
Hugs.
My prayers are with you, I lost two Keeshond dogs around the time I adopted my son and did not get time to get a new puppy until this summer. The puppy is "his own dog" not a replacement but filled a huge void in my heart.
Oh...I was so worried to start reading this...and for good reason. I knew it was going to make me cry! I was right.
Punch reminds me so much of our childhood cat, Misty. I've never been a big cat person...love animals, so like them and all, but...more a dog person. But Misty--oh, how Misty and my mom loved each other. She even looked like your Punchie. She knew everything about my mom...lived for her...and my mom lived for Misty. Misty lay on my mom's chest on the bed/sofa/whatever...and for my mom, the world revolved around Misty. When Misty was killed (hit by a car in a fluke accident--she was a TOTAL indoor cat!) I don't know that my mom ever recovered fully from the hole in her heart.
I know how much pets mean in our lives. I still mourn my Random...who died 3 years and 6 days ago. It was one of the hardest things John and I have had to deal with...and we've lost TWO parents!
Lots of prayers for you and Punch.
XOXOXO
Oh {{{hugs}}} Maria this is the worst and hardest thing to live through. I hope Punch rallies and has many more good months and years with you. But if you must make the final decision, I pray you are good with it and can be there for the final good bye. :-( I've been there twice, it's no fun.
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