Little Dude was the best cat. He had such a huge personality and was famous for talking with me. It was hysterical how he would meow and I would say a few words and he would meow back. He would follow we all over the house. Didn't matter what I was doing: Cooking, working at the computer, cleaning, doing laundry or sleeping. He was my constant companion. Even when I brought 3 children, two dogs and another cat into the household he accepted them.
Then fast forward to 2007 - I was hoping that I would never have to make the decision to "put my companion of 17 years to sleep". That was 3 years ago when during a visit to a local emergency clinic for pets I was told it was time to let him go. Instead I decided to have one night at home with my Siamese cat Little Dude and then return the next day. I was so happy and grateful that during the night Little Dude actually started walking around the house, eating and drinking and then snuggling with me. The next morning he was up again and on the go. For three years I took care of giving him i/v's, making him special meals, and making sure he was comfortable. During these years I knew that his days were numbered because of his age. He was approaching 20 years old. Though each morning he would get up and follow me around the house even though he was gradually losing his sight. When he knew I was near going to work he would go lie in his bed or sit in the sun and wait for me to come home. When I got home he would hear the door close and he would be up to greet me.
I could tell each day that he was getting slower and slower and I really thought I would come home one day and he would be asleep in his bed and that I would not have to make the one decision I never wanted to make. One of our last visits to the vet we noticed a sore was growing in his mouth and the c word was mentioned. He was still eating well though the sore would bleed and I had to stop the bleeding with a kleenex compression. I couldn't face coming home and finding that he had bled to death so I decided to have him put to sleep at home. I searched the web and found Annie Forslund's website. The entire site explained the process and I could feel the empathy she felt for anyone in my position. She really cared and wanted to make sure that the absolutely best care was given to the owner and the pet. I could not take Little Dude back to the vet. He needed to be with me and in his own bed at home. No stress, no apprehension only be in his loving environment. Thank you Dr. Forslund. You're the best!
Susan Fritts
Newport Beach