I am afraid this is it - Marshall had several seizures this evening and seems to be in a coma now. He is 17 years old and has always lived indoors with us with his littermate, Miss Kitty. He had FUS surgery 7 years ago and has done very well although uncontrollable diarrhea this last 2 years and terrible weight loss. Still, he was frisky, cheerful, loved company, and could jump on the couch. Now he's lying on his rug on the floor and we are taking turns watching over him. It could be a long time but I pray for the right answer.

I am hoping to hear from you new friends.

Cookie,

oh, how I feel your pain. This is such a difficult time for you and I dont have words to make it better. I just wish I could come over and sit with all of you!

((((Hugs))))

Jake's Mom

I know its hard, but you could try telling him its ok for him to go now.

Sometimes they hang on for our sake knowing the pain we will feel.

Tell him how much you love him and that youll be ok, you will you know, in time.

Love Sue

Thank you to Jake's Mom and SJJ&S. Your kindness means a lot.

Marshall is still with us today. I guess he had a stroke. He doesn't seem to be able to move except his head, a little. I'm giving him drops of water. I don't think he can close his eyes. We have told him it's okay to go and have given him a little time alone but are lucky enough to both be at home today.

Pray for his crossing.

So sorry to hear about your dog. Curious as to why you are not taking him to the vet? Why let him hang on when clearly he is at the point of no return. I'm not trying to be mean, but I think sometimes it's easier for us to hold on rather then come to the logical conclusion.

My prayers are with you and Marshall.

I must agree with Phinny, and if he is able to still move his head, he is not in a coma, but it is possible that if he had a stroke he may be paralyzed and the poor dear is probably very distressed over not being able to move. I know you would rather he pass at home on his own, but because you don't know how much he is aware, and how much he may be suffering, it is your responsiblity to do what is in his best interest, and I would encourage you to help him in this time of desperate need. Maybe your vet will even come to your home to assist..many will do that if you just ask. I would have also liked my girl to pass on her own, and she would have been able to as long as she did so comfortably, but the truth was that she was suffering, and by not ending her suffering would have been cruel on my part. I hope you will at least consider this for your kitty....I would hate for you to live with the regret of letting him suffer when it's all said and done...
Your friend in grief,
Kim

No change - still waiting and watching.

In response - My vet is not in today - it is a 20 mile ride there and another vet (a stranger) would be even farther. It will have been 24 hours of this condition soon so I am hoping for divine intervention.


Phinny - he's a CAT.

By the way - I did contact the vet and talk to the assistant about tomorrow...if needed. I don't think there's hope for treatment - believe me, I'd pay anything if I thought it was best - I already did. He had the surgery for FUS crystallization 7 years ago and it's NOT CHEAP! A lot of people criticized us for spending that much on a house cat, but it was very successful and he recovered very quickly. I'm very thankful that he was able to recover and enjoy life - even though he always had to have 3 litterboxes going at once after that. He's been a blessing in my life; often there when others weren't. Thank God for animals to share life with us.

Cookie,
Please rest assured that no one here thinks you wouldn't do, or give, anything to make Marhall better, and please don't think my response in any way reflects that you have neglected Marshall's needs...I knew from your original post that it wasn't about the money (I am a vet tech and am aware of how costly the FUS surgery can be). Please remember that I, as well as a large percentage of others here, have been in your shoes not long ago and we are simply trying to prevent you from living with the same regrets we may have had, using our experiences to help guide you, that is what this forum is all about...helping each other make this transition as painless as possible. We can't go back and change the way we did things for our babies, but we can certainly try to make it better for others who are going through it now. I am praying that Marshall will pass peacefully on his own, and that you can find peace in the wonderful 17 years of life you were able to provide for him....so many kitties out there will never know such love...
your friend in grief,
Kim

Kim - Thank you for your kind message and also for sharing a picture of your baby. I will be glad to end this thread and start a new one - maybe I can learn to post a picture like you did. I am going to go sleep on the living room floor now. My husband is on the couch but I can't bear to go upstairs.

sign me,
one sad cookie...

and just to think - only night before last he was trying to steal a donut.

He's gone on.

Cookie,
I am so sorry your Marshall has gone on, and assuming he went on his own, I am glad that you didn't have to make that dreadful decision to help him along...although it is sometimes necessary, it is still the most difficult thing in the world to do, and I am glad you were spared that. Your Marshall was very lucky to have had you as his Mommy, as it is obvious that you took very good care of him right up to the end . As others here often say, grieving is hard work, so take good care of yourself. I'm sure Miss Kitty will neeed you more than ever now, as she has suffered a great loss as well, so give her lots of hugs and kisses.....
your friend in grief,
Kim

Kim,
Thank you for your prayers.

We had a beautiful ceremony and buried him facing East in his favorite basket. It is covered with rocks and has a beautiful saddle of spirea branches over it.

I had prayed that God would help him before the sun came up in the east and I was blessed by answer. He is on the east side of our house where the sun will always come up on him.

I am going to go hold Miss Kitty now.

I am so sorry for your loss. The ceremony you had sounds beautiful and touching. Give Miss Kitty a hug for me as well. Here is a recent photo of our own Miss Kitty. I guess there are a huge number of Miss Kittys of all species out there.

Take care and <healing vibes>,
Ken Albin