My beautiful Diego left this earthly world Saturday December 31st. It was such a lousy way to start the new year..

He was 13 years old and my baby boy. Doing well until I left him to go home to Washington State for the family Christmas .
Diego has his sister,Sandy, same age, sister from another mother, and the 3 year Boomer, just a nuisance to him, but tolerable.
Last October, after many bouts of vomiting, an ultrasound showed a mass in Diego's intestine, most likely cancer and at his age nothing could be done so he was sent home to live out maybe the couple weeks he had left.
He was put on prednisolone which made him feel great and kept his life extended, along with a miracle from God, he lived 14 months beyond the vets expectations!!!
About two months ago he was diagnosed with diabetes and this too did not affect his happy outlook. He never noticed the daily injection I would give him. In fact it hurt me more than it ever hurt him, I even poked my finger and made it bleed, he never lost a drop of blood from the shot. he was still doing well, but I never stopped worrying about that inevitable day to come.
So when we left for five days to go home for Christmas, I got a house sitter who loves animals and is going to school to be a para medic. She thought caring for Diego and his special needs was right up her alley. I left him and Sandy and Boomer in safe hands, but still I worried it could be his last Christmas. . We talked to the sitter everyday and was assured everyone was good, so I was not worried, what could I do anyway.
When we returned, he was not waiting to greet us as usual and when he did come down the stairs, I could see he was taking cautious steps. Still he ate and drank and used the litter box that day, but didn't want much attention. The next day he ate, but less than usual and I thought he walked funny. As I petted him, the stomach felt very extended so I weighed him and found he had gained a pound in one week. That is a huge amount for a cat, especially a senior cat! So, I called my vet and when she came over that night we removed almost 4ounces of fluid from his belly. After taking blood to check for tests, he received an iv for dehydration and seemed comfortable enough to sleep the rest of the night, although I did not!
Next morning he ate, but some of the fluid obviously returned and the tests on the blood showed nothing much and the fluid left nothing remarkable..So we got an ultrasound done at our home the

next day, Saturday the 31st and the results showed the mass, that d--n mass had grown and spread to the lymph nodes And surrounding tissue. The ultra sound techs left just saying how sorry they were. My vet then talked to a couple specialists, but she told me what I already knew.... There was nothing we could do. I asked her to tell me what to do and she helped me make the decision to help Diego go on to the next world. We said our long goodbyes, my adult daughter, her boyfriend, my wonderful home vet and me. He then laid on my chest in a chair as he was first given a sedative to sleep, before the final painless last injection. He could hear every word I said to him up until his last breath and he knew how loved and adored he was. In the end Diego died peacefully, beautifully, and in my arms.
I am glad I was there and he was home and he was comfortable.
If I had to loose him, I at least wanted it to be as comforting as possible.
I have no regrets for I had him much longer than expected.
This site has given me much hope to know one day I will get past the pain. I will read all the stories everyday and grow stronger with words of comfort from those who know exactly what I am going through. Everyday gets better.
If I ever find someone who needs the same support, this is the first place I will send them , for I am doing as well as I am in part, because of the kind words I have read here.
I love my brave Diego, I miss you so very very much, but you will never be forgotten, never.
All my love,
See you again some day

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Diego. I lost my Max on Dec, 28 2011 so I know exactly what you are going through. This a great site with many great people and it really does help to have support.

Hi, Cheri, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Diego. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our companions at great sacrifice to ourselves so that they can be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

There is no "good time" for us to be physically separated from our companions, but it is particularly diffucult during the holidays. The good news is that your beloved Diego's sweet Living Spirit is forever with you in your heart and your memories - - he is always a forever a part of you - - he is forever a heartbeat close to you.

Cheri, this grief journey is filled with many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at once sometimes when we least expect it. There are many "firsts" to get through as we adjust to the physical absence of our beloved companions. Please know you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Diego with us, Cheri. I hope today is being kind to you. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of your beloved Diego - - but only when / if you are ready. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cheri, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you so much for caring about me. I am doing well, I think I am getting to a good place again and it is because I have read such compassionate words from all of you. Wow, the simple act of kindness from complete strangers has accomplished more in my healing than even my closest family members. Again Diego has taught me a new meaning of animal love and understanding. I am in aw.

I am so sorry for your loss. All of us here understand and sympathize with this kind of grief. I am hoping for better and happier days ahead for you.

I'm so sorry to hear the loss of your pet. My beautiful dog Otis died on the 6th January and it feels like i've lost my best friend. I wish you all the best and just hope you know your cat is in a better place now. God bless x

Hi Cheri

So sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved Diego. He sounded like such a fighter - a brave spirit. When you mention "simple act of kindness from complete strangers has accomplished more in my healing than even my closest family members" I totally agree. Forum members here are so open and caring there's not one of my closest friends or family members who seem to understand my pain as profoundly as our fellow members here. I'm so glad that Diego outlasted all expectations. You were able to no doubt cherish all that extra time with him. The way you described his passing was absolutely beautiful. So peaceful and loved. 2012 will be brighter for you.

Warm regards

Peter

Cheri, I am so sorry about Diego. I lost my cat Chloe (17) to renal failure on January 1st. I know that the 2 of them arrived in heaven close to the same time and are keeping each other company. God bless you and I hope that you are feeling better soon. This is hard. Love, Jennifer in Texas