Friday, April 23, 2010

Still in the dark

I want to thank you all for your kind comments and encouragement. We have left food outside our door (we are in a duplex so really we have no garden but a first floor balcony from which The Dude escaped) and also on the grounds near the tree we think he used to climb down. Nothing has been touched. We printed flyers and given it all around our neighbourhood and nearby shopping centre. We contacted the shelter and informed them of our lost pet. We still walk the grounds at least twice a day but so far no joy.

Patches is not getting any better, yesterday had fever again and trouble breathing. He's not eating much at all and hardly drinking (we have to force fluids in with a syringe). This is just heartbreaking. Last night we decided this was it, we cannot let him suffer so much, it's unfair. And believe me, it's definitely not about the money, I'd spend twice as much if I thought we can can get him through this. So this morning we rang the vet and told him the situation. I brought Patches in thinking it was his last journey. He looks so frail and submissive, I just tried to be strong and calm with little success. But the Vet said she wanted to give him another chance, not to worry about the money, they'll work something out. She took him in and will give him fluids, if he gets better by the afternoon she'll sedate him and X-ray him to check for polyps that may give him this recurrent breathing troubles. She'll also give him a scope to check his trachea and nose. I said to her I cannot bear the idea of torturing him any longer and she agrees that this won't be the case. She really believes we can save him.

I'm an emotional wreck, I broke down sobbing in work yesterday and had to go home. I know it may sound so silly to be so upset about cats, but this is all we have. I'll update as soon as I have news, I've been terrible at ICLW but I will catch up asap. Love to all and I know you are all sending positive thoughts, I can feel the warmth.

20 comments:

Illanare said...

It doesn't sound silly at all, you are going through some heartbreaking stuff with your darlings. Cats (well, pets in general) are part of the family and it is terrible when they feel poorly and you feel so helpless.

Thinking of you and hoping that they can figure out - and cure - what is going on with Patches and that The Dude comes home really soon.

Circus Princess said...

NOT silly AT ALL!
I'm glad Patches still has a chance and still hoping the Dude will show up just fine.

Big hugs!

Life Happens said...

I hope Patches comes home soon. And you are not being silly at all. That is your furbaby so you have every right to be upset. Hang in there.

Amy said...

It is not silly at all. I love my pets. I'm hoping that the Patches turns the corner and that the Dude will show up soon. There was recently a story here about a cat who disappeared from New Mexico and showed up MONTHS later in Chicago (this is about a 15+ hour car ride away). Cats can be resilient (the whole 9 lives thing). Don't give up hope.

Adele said...

You've just been through so darned much and this is really the terrible icing on the horrible cake - there's no way I would be able to hold it together under these circumstances either. And I agree with previous posters. It's not silly at all.

I'm glad the vet wants to give it another try, but I also think you are making the right decision, difficult as it is. It sounds like Patches is in calm, capable hands. That your vet will assess the situation calmly and humanely.

I am hoping hard that one day soon both cats will be at home with you, happy and healthy again. All my love, Adele

TeeJay said...

It's not silly at ALL. I was frantic when our door was left open for all of 20 minutes and I couldn't find my cat anywhere...tried calling her, shaking her treats and nothing. I was about to start crying hysterically until I caught a glimpse of her shiny eyes hiding under the AC unit. Our pets are our babies. I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this right now. I wish I could help you look for the Dude. I will keep hoping and praying that he comes back. I am also very hopeful about Patches getting better. The vet seems very sure that she can help and very dedicated. Hang in there, I know it's hard.

C said...

Sweetie, it's definitely not silly, not silly at all. Of all of the times I was at UCD, not once did I have dry eyes. I would walk in there with baby boy, tears rolling down my face. These cats are our babies. It is so hard to watch them go through so much. I'm glad the vet is giving your kitty another chance.

Will continue to hope and pray for your family, and that the Dude will come home very soon.

xxoo

Saige said...

Fran I feel so badly for you. :( This is all so sad. What a wonderful vet to help you out. I ptay that she can fix up Patches and he can come home soon. I hope they figure out what is going on. Poor kitty.

I am so sorry The Dude hasn't returned. He must be so scared. I pray he shows back up again.

I completely understand how much these kitties mean to you. It isn't silly at all, and anyone who says it is has never had a pet. These animals come into our lives complete with personalities and love to share. There is a quote that says, "My dog is the best person I know." It applies to cats too. They really are special "people."

Hang in there sweetie. It will get batter.

Kate said...

This is absolutely heartbreaking, and your reactions are not at all silly -- anyone who loves their pets will understand completely. I hope the Dude makes it safely home, and that Patches makes a thorough recovery.

Glass Case of Emotion said...

I am so sorry that there is all of this stress in your life. It's so hard to watch kitties or any of our animals suffer. I hope the Dude comes home soon, and that Patches can be healed. You and your furry ones are in my thoughts and prayers.

Christa said...

Thinking about you and praying for your little kitties. Hang in there

Mrs. Misfits said...

Fran! I'm heartbroken for you. What a terrible blow all around. I'm so very, very sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I really do hold hope that the Dude will return. I've had cats most of my life and we've had a few go missing only to return a week or two later, skinny and grateful for a home. Your Patches story is breaking my heart as well. I've had sick kitties in the past and it's a terrible thing to witness. It sounds like he's in good hands and I also really hope he pulls through and they figure out what is going on there. Shoot.

Keiko Zoll said...

It is never silly to care this much for your pets. They're family too! I'm so sorry you're having to go through all of this. I'm sending you lots of kitty healing vibes and kitty come home vibes. *hug*

~Miriam (ICLW #73) Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

It's so nice that your vet is willing to fight for Patches's life.

Take care, dear.

Come home, Dude!

Momasita said...

Fran, I'm so sorry about Dude and Patches. What a week you've had. It sounds like the vet is determined to help Patches, which is amazing. He's such a little fighter. As to Dude, I hope he makse an appearance soon. Sending hugs across the water.

VA Blondie said...

It is not silly to be upset over your cats. They are part of your family! I bet your house feels so empty right now!

It sounds like you have a great vet, and Patches is in good hands. And I hope The Dude comes home soon.

MJ said...

(((HUGS))

Jonelle said...

Oh Fran, I'm so sorry The Dude hasn't returned home. I hope he finds his way back soon. I'm also sorry about Patches, but I like that your vet is being proactive about finding the issue.

You are not being silly at all about Patches. Pets are our babies, so its completely understandable to be an emotional wreak when they are poorly. (((HUGS)))

Best When Used By said...

My heart just aches for you, Fran. You love your kitties and so of course you are suffering right now. Anyone would be. I am glad the vet is so kind - I almost had to stop reading when I thought you were going to put Patches down. Please, God, let there be a happy ending for both The Dude and Patches.

Mrs. Chapman's 2nd Grade Class said...

Oh Fran I am so sorry things have been so bad. I have been away from blogs all week and am just tonight catching up. Will keep praying for Patches healing and that the Dude comes home. ((HUGS))