Grady in Hospice

[fatrockstar]

I originally posted this as a note on FB:

I posted a status last month that Grady's days were numbered. The vet confirmed this tonight, declaring Grady officially "in hospice" until the time comes when he either decides to go on his own or he is no longer comfortable. For now, he is comfortable and friendly if not terribly active. He spends most of his days on a heated throw on my sofa.

Everyone who has had a pet has had a Grady. That one special animal companion who knows you well, is there when you're sad but don't want to talk about it, and knows just what buttons on you to push to get a snack out of you. Grady saw me through the most stressful times in my life and was there to keep me company when I wasn't fit for the company of other people. That's a true friend.

If my Grady holds a special place in your heart, even if it's been a while, please come by New Year's weekend and visit. He's a good boy, yes he is, my itty bitty kitty wumpus boo-boo. Thank you for all your support and thoughts for my little buddy over the years. He is truly an amazing cat.

I don't know how long he really has. Could be a couple of weeks, could be a month. He's wrapping things up for now. The vet said that animals decide on their own when they're going to go. I heard the same from my mother many years ago. I got a lot of reassurances that I wasn't a bad pet owner, but I still feel like I failed my best friend on a deeper level. He was my familiar and deserved better. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, I don't know. It's just now hitting me.

For now I'm just going to go sit on the sofa with him. Now that his belly is drained he's curled up in a ball, full of tuna and sleeping.

Comments

[kistha.livejournal.com]

Much loves to you, it is so hard to do the decline with a beloved pet.

We'll try and come by and see him this weekend.

Loves

[planetgeorge.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry...it's really hard to let go. Make the most of whatever time he has left.

[crazy-talk23.livejournal.com]

thinking of you and grady... <3 i know exactly what you're going through and i wish there was something i could do. i will say you aren't a failure to your furry friend, its what we all think in the end, but you always did the best you could for him.

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

I wish I could come by and visit you two.

Grady

[(Anonymous)]

It just breaks my heart. Just went through this 4 years ago with our Myca BooBoo Kitty. I swear, sometimes I can feel her jump on the bed and crawl over to my pillow. Still. There are not really any words for losing such a friend as Grady - more than a friend, really - part of your heart and your life. I hope when his time does finally come, that it is swift and peaceful. My thoughts are always with you both. --Marianne--