My friend is dying

[Liquide]

Well don't laugh and try to take me serious now you hear.

Was to the vet yesterday with one of my dearest and oldest friends, my 15 years old cat namned Linus.

I first met him when he was 5 days old, and from his 25th day of life we have been friends and always liked and lived with eachother.

Now like I said I was at the vets yesterday and I learned that he got old, and he is more or less dying bit by bit for each day that passes.

The vet told me that the best way for me was to put him to sleep, but I feel I cannot do that I cannot take away the life of a friend of mine that I have known for so long and share so many good memories with.

I know it would be best for him as a cat to put him to sleep but I'm too human for that, and I picture Linus as one of my friends that has tagged along with me for quite some time.

So for all of you that has been in my situation please help me and tell me how I should act.

 

[Piratecat]

I'm very sorry. The death of something or someone you love is always painful.

Don't keep him in pain, and remember him how he was in life. Mourning is normal and healthy, as is sadness. It's always hard to remember the prime of life when someone is sick now.

 

[Mark]

My condolences...

 

[Guillaume]

I know very well how you feel. I've grown up around cats and dogs and being a single child, most of them were like the brothers and sisters I never had.

When animals reach a certain point in their life, vets will often suggest that they be euthanised. Now don't get me wrong, certain situations may warrant such actions. However, my parents before me and now my wife and I have generally held to the belief that our animals will die when they die. They will be euthanised if, and only if, they are so sick and so miserable that euthanasia IS the best solution for the animal. In all other matters, we will take care of it.

You are facing one of the most difficult decision there is to make: whether you may consciously end the life of another living being who is dear to you. I wish you wisdom and peace of mind as in the end, you must take a decision which will allow you to look yourself in the mirror in the morning.

Best wishes,

Guillaume

 

[Terraism]

So very sorry to hear that, Liquide...

 

[Morrus]

I'm sorry, Rob. Feel free to phone me, although I'm not sure I'll be any help.

 

[Quickbeam]

You have my deepest sympathies. And as PC so wisely suggested, take your vet's advice and put Linus to sleep. Then do everything you can to remember him as he was.

 

[Sunglar]

I am very sorry...

Liquide…

As a person who loves his pets dearly, like family, I feel your pin and understand perfectly well what you are going through.

As hard as it may be, seeing anyone you love, animal or human, suffer is not pretty. It may be the hard thing to do, but I advice you to follow you vet’s advice.

Best of luck, and be strong…

 

[tleilaxu]

my old dog is 16 years old now. still lives with the parents back in michigan. doesn't do too much these days, but is still kicking....

 

[tleilaxu]

here is my fantasy connection:

You know how in LotR Elrond is 'against' Arwen getting together with Aragorn? I suppose it is the same as one's parent's telling you not to get too attached to your pets, because their lifespan is just shorter.

I remember my first dog, Bert. One day he just stopped eating and my mom had to put him down. That was a sad day. The house seemed emptier after that....