Ella's health has deteriorated rapidly since I took these photographs a week ago. We must remember Ella is at least 20, possible older than 25. We adopted Ella from a rescue centre and when we got her she was not young.
About 2 years ago we discovered a cyst, which we promptly had drained. The vet explained there was nothing sinister about it, just a build up of fluid. The cyst gradually returned the same time that Ella was due her annual vaccination ready for her spell at the cattery coinciding with our annual holiday. The vet explained that the effect of the drugs used for her vaccination would be affected if the cyst was drained and recommended we leave the cyst as it was not suspect. We did this.
I must explain at this point that Ella absolutely hates car journeys of any description so we minimise any unnecessary distress - just the one journey a year to the cattery when we go away. This year however a neighbour looked after Ella whilst we were away. The journey to Margaret's house was a matter of a couple of minutes....no cat transporter, just a blanket on my knee. Ella had a lovely time with Margaret who fussed her and as she said "Gave her some love."
Ella had developed a few more lumps, found grooming difficult and was sleeping more and more. I didn't want to distress her by taking her to the vet. She was of a very good age and any treatment would probably finish her off, the car journey alone would be a nightmare for her.
Over recent weeks Ella has slept even more. For the past couple of days she has not eaten anything, the last she ate was on Friday when I cooked her some liver, she enjoyed it so much. She has slept ever since.
This morning she left her bed and went outside. After a few minutes in the sunshine she returned and drank a fair amount of water. She then made her way to her bed where she sleeps. The way she sleeps indicates she is in pain, I suspect kidney issues, possible tumours and some dementia.
She just wants to sleep.
I made the phone call to the vet this morning and now I await his call. He will call when he is on his way, Jon will come home and we will ensure Ella has no more pain and distress.
She will pass into cat heaven very peacefully, and join our wonderful friend Clyde who passed away last Monday. Thinking of you at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteOh Denise! It's always painful losing a pet, words can't help I know, but I'm sure she had a wonderful life with you.
ReplyDeleteIt's the last gift we can give our animal companions. The chance to slip away in their own home, with their family around them xx
ReplyDeleteSo sad for you all in the Nesbitt home, thinking of you with love Di.xx
ReplyDeleteSad. It's one of the reasons I hated getting cats.
ReplyDeleteGood on you, though.
Oh Denise, I'm sorry, but, like you say, responsible pet owners do the right thing at the right time.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you at this time. Be sure, you gave her everything, especially your hearts.
Blessings xxx
I always say Denise that the worst thing about keeping animals is that they do not have our life span and in the end they cause us sadness. But you are right - thank goodness we are in a position to ensure they have a painless and peaceful end - unlike feral cats and cats in many other parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteSleep well after a long and happy life Ella.
So sad, butyou are doing the right thing Denise. She has had a wonderful likfe with you and Jon. (((Hugs))) xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Denise. What a year you've had. But you are doing the right thing. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you at this sad time. We have to be very strong and do the right thing by our pets, we owe it to them after all the love and companionship they've given to us over the years. Sending lots of love. xx
ReplyDeleteI am holding you, Jon and Ella in my heart today.
ReplyDeleteIt is always so easy to love your furry friends but so hard to say goodbye.
cheers, parsnip
So sorry to hear your sad news. It is heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye to a beloved pet but she will be out of her pain and discomfort and you have happy memories of her.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to here about this, sending you some *hugs*
ReplyDeleteOh Denise! I am so sorry...I know how much you love Ella and you've had her most of her life. She will be at peace soon and please know that you are in my thoughts as you work your way through this grief.
ReplyDeleteHow sad but you are doing the right thing. Sending you hugs xxxx
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