Star: July 1987 to January 2, 2005

[phantomcg]

I've had a kind of rough start to 2005. I had to take Star (my 16 year old "baby" kitty) in to the ER Sunday morning. Her left back leg was quite swollen and she was having difficulty breathing. It ended up that she was in the late stages of kidney failure, had advanced heart disease (neither of which was a complete surprise to me), had a small amount of fluid around her lungs and had a possible/probable tumor inside one lung and was in pretty bad respiratory distress. The vet was afraid that Star would go into respiratory failure so she put her on oxygen while she took x-rays and drew blood. While the vet did not think that Star was in pain, she did feel that she was most likely very uncomfortable and she didn't feel that, even with treatment, Star would be with me much longer. She was afraid that if I brought her home with me Star would end up basically suffocating to death - I couldn't let that happen. I cannot even imagine the panic that this would have cause Star who was a very skittish (and totally deaf) kitty. The vet spent ALOT of time with me and, when I asked, she did admit that if Star were her cat, she would let her go. At about 11:45 Sunday morning, Star passed peacefully from this world while in my arms. I am completely heart broken over this. I know it's not true, but I feel like I let her down, like there is something else that I should have done for her. I'm comforted by the fact that (at least in my mind) she is now reunited with her big brother, Casey, who we lost 8 years ago to stomach cancer. He was always taking care of Star and now, he is again.

On a little brighter note, Sneekers, who you may remember was diagnosed with cancer in September and given only 2 weeks to live, had not been eating more thatn a bite or two since Friday or Saturday and I was getting really worried about him. Well, he decided to eat again tonight! I don't know how many of these amazing turnarounds he has in him, but I'm REALLY grateful for this one!

I know in the "big picture" me and my pets are a very small part, but I'd appreciate it if you could spare a positive thought or a small prayer for my little Star girl and my Sneekers boy.

Thanks,

Cheryl

[Natasha]

Cheryl,

Hugs to you, Star and Sneekers.

Natasha

[oceanjasper]

Oh boy, that is really tough. My thoughts are with you and your furry loved ones.

[aggie94]

Oh Cheryl, I don't know how you do it. I am still reeling from losing Casey almost 3 years ago, and here you are again. :( You are the strongest person I know. None of your furbabies could have asked for a better home, and I am positive that they are nothing but thankful that you came into their lives.

Hugs to baby Star and Sneekers, and wishes for a happier 2005 for you and Jeff.

[Peggy]

(((Cheryl))) :( Being a cat mother, I can truly empathize with your feelings and loss. I'm so sorry this has happened.

Peggy

[SueK]

Cheryl - I'm so sorry to hear about Star. Pets are such a huge part of our lives, and it hurts terribly when we lose them. (((Hugs to you))).

[Chefzhat]

Cheryl, you are such a good pet mommy. Your kitties love you, as much as you love them.

Lots of hugs, sweetie. It's so hard to lose a pet.

xo
Debie

[SandyM]

Cheryl, you didn't let Star down - you gave her a loving home (along with her brother) and you cared for her more than anyone I know could have. They all were (and are) lucky to have had you for a mom.

As Eva said, you've been through so much already. I don't know how you do it.

Take care.

(((((Cheryl)))))

[KathrynY]

((((((((((Cheryl)))))))) I'm so sorry to hear about Star - I'm certain she knew how much you loved her. I'm glad to hear that Sneekers is still hanging in there - he knows you need him right now. Sending warm thoughts your way. Take care.

[stefania4]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful gift you were to Star! Of course we are keeping Sneakers in our prayers.

[NewMrsG]

I'm so sorry to hear this! I had to put my beloved cat down almost 2 years ago now and I still miss him terribly every day. Sounds like Star was lucky to have you there for her.

[Jessica]

Cheryl, I am so sorry you lost your beloved Star. You didn't let her down; you were loving right to the end. I am sending good thoughts to you and your family, including Sneekers.

((((Cheryl and furbabies))))

[lisas3575]

Sending you a big hug, Cheryl. I'm sorry about Star.

[kristalsnow7]

(((Cheryl)))

I'm so sorry to hear about Star. It sounds like you were an amazing kitty mom to her, so please don't feel like you let her down.

[rosie_one]

I'm sorry too. Such a blessing when they are with us, so hard when they leave.

I think you did the best for her too. And I'm impressed at how compassionate your vet was.

[phantomcg]

It really has been hard - we've lost 3 pets since May 2003 and, to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure how I've done it. I guess it's like a friend said to me - you do it because you have to.

I got a card from the ER vet today - I was REALLY surprised by it! This was the first time that I had ever used the ER and I was very impressed by the professionalism and the caring attitude of all the staff. One of the vet techs from my regular vet clinic works there and it really helped to have him there on Sunday.

Thanks for all the hugs, thoughts and prayers - they really do help! I know that there's been some negativity on the boards for awhile, but it's sure nice to know that the "kitchen table" is still here and that, really, the vast majority of people here are beautiful, caring people.

Cheryl

[Molli526]

(((((Cheryl)))))

I am so sorry for your loss of Star.

[lhall]

(((((Cheryl)))))

I'm so sorry to hear about Star.

Leigh