Well. Mars didn't make it. We don't know what happened. Shortly after we moved, when he started slimming down from his ample 19 pounds, we attributed it to life in a more exercise-friendly, multi-level house. His energy picked up as his weight came down. When the energy trend reversed and his weight trend didn't, something was wrong. We took him back to Lansing -- our vet there is the best, and we weren't going to give her up over a drive -- where tests showed everything working well except his kidneys, his temperature and, well, the obvious. He slipped into a coma last night, and not the kind you come out of.
Patty and I had rushed to Lansing Saturday either to encourage a or to say our goodbyes. I guess it was both. Yesterday's news was good. He was more alert, his vital signs were better, his temperature was improving if not stable. He was still getting syringe-fed, but he was keeping it down. The news looked good.
Or very bad.
Look. I race. I know how it works. Some races, the ones we call character-builders, I guess, you hit a point where business as usual isn't going to get you there and you have to decide: Do you quit? You decide no. But that decision's not free, and the surge costs everything that's left. Whether it carries you the full distance or wipes you out a few ticks sooner than coasting is not your decision anymore. I think I recognized Mars' surge for what it was Saturday. Now I guess I have to accept his DNF for what it is: An honorable one.
Rest in peace, Mars. Say hi to Fiona. Please, please, have to wait a while to see Mr. B.
God, it's been a long year.
14 comments:
I'm so sorry Jeff. I know that pain. You want so much to have the miracle happen. You use every excuse to try something else. I have been there, done that and hate the t-shirt.
My condolences.
Just went through this myself--also kidneys, also the best behaved cat I've ever known. It's never easy, but I'm sure Mars had a great life with you. There's gonna be a crowd waiting for us on the other side of The Bridge.
Very sorry to read about your cat, Jef. We recently said goodbye to our old girl, Phoebe. It is never easy. Take care, Justine and Jeff N.
So sad to hear about Mars. My condolences.
So sorry to hear about your kitty, Jef. We lost our first cat, Owen, to kidney failure earlier this year, so I know what you are going through.
Sleep well good kitty. Your humans will miss you.
Hi Jef! So sorry to read this... I still miss my cat Remo who departed about 6 years ago, so I can sympathize. It has been a crazy year for you, huh? I've been meaning to write to say "hi" and just haven't gotten 'round to it. *sigh* So, I guess what I'm saying is that it takes some bad news for me to get my head outta my you-know-what long enough to say "hi." Sheesh.
Anyway, there's bound to be some sunshine up ahead. Hang tough and I'm sure Mars is purring down on you right now.
The smile in the pic proves what joy Mars brought you, Jef.
As one waiting on the biopsy results for our greyhound, I certainly understand the angst.
But please focus on the pleasure (and that smile) that Mars brought you.
Jef & Patty - Please know that you're in our thoughts. The only bad thing about our furry family members is that they're never with us long enough...
Please accept my condolences on your cat. I hope he is in kitty-heaven with lots of sunbeams to lie in and small fast (but not too fast) things to chase.
So sorry for your loss, Jef.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our family's thoughts are with you and yours.
My condolences, Jef. I'm sure Mars is enjoying that great sunbeam in the sky.
I'm sorry about your loss. My 7 year old cat had kidney failure over a year ago and it still sucks. Everytime I pull into the driveway I expect him to be waiting in the window. Hang in there and remember the good times.
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