Pets
Related: About this forumMy kitty is close to crossing the bridge
I adopted Cleo last Oct. when my best friend passed away. My friend lived in Cleveland her whole life, and I moved to s.e. Ohio when I was 17. We always stayed in touch, and over the years, we both had many pets. My friend adopted Cleo when she showed up as a stray where my friend worked. Over the years, I got to know Cleo when I visited my friend. Cleo's vet records put her age as 19, but she might be older. Cleo has kidney and thyroid disease. She had been on a special diet for some time, and took prescribed thyroid medicine.
I knew my friend wasn't going to survive her illness, so the end of September, I took Cleo to her Cleveland vet, and made sure she was healthy enough for the drive to Marietta. I got her updated vacs, had her bloodwork done, and we were good to go. I told my friend I would take care of Cleo, so she wouldn't worry. The day I came home with Cleo, I drove without stopping, about 2.5 hours. We 2 old ladies really had to peeby the time we got to my house! I had brought Cleo's litter box, and a couple cups of her used litter, and rushing into the house, dumped the litter into the box, showed it to Cleo and got to my bathroom. My friend and I both had ranch style homes with a basement, so Cleo adapted really well. I asked my daughter to recommend a local vet, and was able to get into a vet who is close to my house, and was taking patients. I used my friend's prescriptions until they ran out, and then got prescriptions for food and medicine through our new vet.
Cleo has been eating less the last month or so, and finally on Wed. stopped eating. I had gotten some lickable treats, and offered them to her more frequently the last week or so. I even sauteed a little piece of chicken breast, which was the last thing she wanted. She continued drinking water. I laid out newspaper in the living room, and put a large trash bag over it, and put litter on it. God love Cleo, she used it like a champ. She is in her final stage now, sleeping away on a bed by my feet. I used a dropper to moisten her mouth with water. I am playing calming cat chakras, and she really likes them. I put them on yesterday, on my tablet, and she moved to be closer to the sound. The chakras are pulling my sadness out, so I took a break.
I'll have Cleo cremated when the time comes, and will take her ashes to my friend's sister, who will put them alongside my friend and her other pets, who are also cremated. I'll be spending time with my friend's sister, who is having surgery in Aug.
It is a tough day, breaking off another link in the chain.

Blue Owl
(56,818 posts)

Karadeniz
(24,596 posts)Marthe48
(21,386 posts)The pet universe didn't have a kinder star.
CurtEastPoint
(19,592 posts)SheltieLover
(72,201 posts)So sorry you are going through this, Marthe, but we are here for you.
It was just 1 yr ago yesterday that my beloved Trixie departed for the Bridge...
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)I'll be staying with my grand pets in Aug. and then pet sitting while my friend's sister is in the hospital.
Sorry for your loss. It is hard to find a way to accept when we lose a pet. My last kitty died last year in May. Cleo has filled in for many loved ones and has been a comfort.
SheltieLover
(72,201 posts)Then sitting with your friend's sister's pet(s).
Healing vibes on the way to you & Cleo.
sinkingfeeling
(56,011 posts)patterns. Andy also was FIV positive. I'm leaving the country today, so my vet and I thought the best option for Andy was a humane euthanasia.
He left me on Monday afternoon. Broke my heart. Still crying.
But there comes a point when you know they are ready and slowly leaving you.
Peace to both you and Cleo.
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)I've had pets euthanized, but it was for their comfort. I let my last 3 kitties stay home and sleep away. Two were 17 and my last kitty was 22. I've stayed home with Cleo to keep her company until she meets my friend.
I'm sorry for your loss. You gave Andy a good life and kept him healthy as you could. Safe travels.
SheltieLover
(72,201 posts)Best of luck in your big move! Please let us know how you are settling in.
niyad
(125,628 posts)send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious boy. Such monumental changes in top of each other must be rather overwhelming. Safe travels, and know that your DU family is here for you.
EverHopeful
(568 posts)A friend died during the pandemic and I couldn't bear to take my current guys in because it felt somehow impossible with the Gracie-shaped hole in my heart. I also felt sure someone more ready to love them would welcome them.
After their year in foster care I finally came to my senses and it was one of my best decisions. They are a daily reminder of my dear, lost friend and I really function much better under feline supervision.
Sending love and hugs to you and so glad you were able to allow Cleo into your life despite the pain her loss will bring.
alittlelark
(19,027 posts)The chakra music creates an almost sacred shift. I have used solfeggios to support the passage of my pets in the past. The tones help both of you 😇
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)I found some that helped with nausea.
When my last kitty got sick, I found cat chakras and played them. That kitty snapped out of her illness and lived another 7 months. I thought they'd comfort Cleo, and I think it is helping her.
Thanks for telling me about solfeggios. I'll look into that later.
alittlelark
(19,027 posts)With specific chakras - just musical terminology for the same conceptualization of energy. You are holding space for a sacred transition. 🙏🏻
irisblue
(35,539 posts)radical noodle
(10,306 posts)Cleo is so blessed to have had you and your friend in her life all these years.
Billsdaughter
(25 posts)Sweet baby Cleo. We are collectively holding you both close to our hearts. Sending you love and calm.
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)
Billsdaughter
(25 posts)bronxiteforever
(10,651 posts)Your compassion is the best gift for her.
niyad
(125,628 posts)send peace and comfort to her grieving loved one.
Please know that your DU pet family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need.
Grim Chieftain
(441 posts)Losing a beloved pet is beyond sad. You and your sweet kitty are in my thoughts.
LetMyPeopleVote
(167,017 posts)johnnyfins
(2,528 posts)
cayugafalls
(5,890 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,797 posts)Your friend was so fortunate to have you. And losing a beloved animal under any circumstances is never easy. Please be kind to yourself.
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)We were friends for 67 years. She would've done the same for me.
Ocelot II
(126,335 posts)and hugs and comfort to you.
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)Cleo passed about 4 p.m. I was holding her on my lap when she crossed the bridge. I will imagine that she went from my lap to my friend's arms, and they are both full of joy and restored health.
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)I was holding her when she crossed over, and it was very peaceful.
The support I got today from DUers was so strengthening. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to post or rec and once again, you've made a bad time easier to face.
niyad
(125,628 posts)Marthe48
(21,386 posts)My local daughter and granddaughter drove me to the place for cremation. We made a couple of stops on the way home, which was cheering
You are so kind
bif
(26,002 posts)She is reunited with her best Mom
MIButterfly
(916 posts)How kind of you to take your friend's cat and keep and love her for the rest of her life. You have a good heart.
I hope you find comfort in knowing that you gave Cleo a good life for as long as you had her and that she and your friend will be together again. What a joyous reunion that will be!
I extend to you my deepest sympathy and hope you eventually find peace.
Love,
MIButterfly
Marthe48
(21,386 posts)Cleo was a good kitty and my friend was a great friend