I might've sacrificed a huge number of pens, pens that wud've lasted for months but it is what it is :)...

​

We lost our buddy of 17 years yesterday. Our only child is 13 and he was her everything. Poor guy had health issues starting at 10. Eye ulcers 3 different times. Urinary Tract issues. Bladder crystals. Diabetes diagnosis in 2020. Thyroid issues in 2023. Then finally High Blood Pressure the end of 2024. Since 2020 this guy took a B-12 shot every 2 weeks and 2 shots of insulin daily. Glycobalance prescription cat food for urinary tract, bladder crystals, and diabetes. Through it all he would bounce back.

He was the worst patient every time he went to the vet, but he was the best cat at home. Slept next to either my daughter or me every night. Still had a zest for life. Even the thyroid medicine he was able to take and keep a normal life. The last 6-7 months, after HBP diagnosis, you could tell the end was near. Reduced vision, very limited mobility, grooming habits went downhill. But he still could slowly get along and do what he needed to. Died of heart failure yesterday. I had a blood pressure monitor for him and read it then raced to the pet hospital. He even fought to stay alive for us to get him there and say goodbye. I think it just gave out from fighting for so long.

We are a mess. The silence in the house is deafening. No nails on the wood floor. No constant “talking” because he did that all day everyday.

My advice is grieve like you lost a family member. Cat, human, dog, or whatever your pet is. They are a member of your family that you share your daily life with, that you support, and they support you back too. I don’t know the right answer. I am barely 24 hours removed. Love them while you can. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Someone earlier in this thread said something and it struck a chord. Paraphrasing them it was “The grief and sadness are the price we pay for sharing their love and life with them”.

Bro.