Posted by Kathy on June 23, 2001 at 14:09:48:
In Reply to: Sweet Judy blue eyes is gone…msg posted by Mary L on June 22, 2001 at 18:34:17:
: We had to let our Judy go this morning. She started having much more trouble breathing last night, she couldn't get comfortable in her chair, and she was making little sighing and wheezing noises. I think the tumor in her chest had begun to constrict her airway and swallowing and there was more fluid building up that made her breathing so difficult. It was obvious the steroid injection she had on Wednesday wasn't helping, and there seemed to be more fluid accumulating around her lungs in just that short time.
: She let us know last night that she was ready to go, but that she could stay until morning so we could spend a little more time with her and say goodbye. The light was gone from her eyes, although she purred and purred for us and reached out her paws to us as we stroked her and told her how much we love her. I tried to sleep upstairs last night, but I couldn't bear to leave her alone in the basement and I felt she was too weak and too uncomfortable to be carried upstairs, so I slept on the air mattress on the basement floor. Not long after I laid down, she somehow found the energy to get down from her chair and join me. She didn't cuddle close, and I didn't pet her much, but it was comforting for us to have each other close.
: This morning it was clear she needed us to help her leave her body. I called the vet early and made an early appointment. She stayed downstairs while we showered and dressed. Then my husband found her at the bottom of the basement stairs while we were getting breakfast, so he brought her up to join us. She soaked up some warm summer sunshine and fresh air on the living room floor as we took turns sitting with her.
: Judy was my mom's cat before Mom had to give up her own home and Judy came to live with us. Mom has been visiting for a few weeks. She was supposed to go back home to my brother's at the beginning of this week, but her plans had to be changed for other reasons. Now I understand why Mom was meant to stay longer. Mom has some dementia, but she understood that Judy was sick and that the time had come to let her go. We had hoped to spare her this sadness, but I am now thankful she had the opportunity to be with Judy in her final days and to say her goodbyes with us. She loved Judy as much as we did and it would have been selfish not to share that with her. A good friend stayed with her while we took Jude to the vet.
: It's a sad day, but we are reflecting on Judy's life and how sweetly she shared it with us. Gentle journey, my sweet little brownie girl. You are in a wonderful place now with Chessie, Leonard, and Willie, and so many other kitties. We will see you again.
: I wish I could post a picture so you could see how lovely she was. I'm locked out of my photopoint account now and haven't had time to do anything about it. Judy was a Siamese cross, sealpoint with rounded features and a Manx back end.
: Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts. I'm sure they sustained her and I know they helped give us strength.
: Mary L
I was so sad when I read your story about Judy. My thoughts are with you and your family.