Our hearts are heavy...

It is with heavy hearts that we must tell you that our dear Panda crossed the Rainbow Bridge last night. She had been doing so well and we truly thought that Panda would be with us for a much longer time. Panda took a turn for the worse sometime Thursday night. That was the last time I saw her until she got up on Saturday morning. Panda was laying in my computer room. She let me pet her and when it was time for her sub-q fluids, she let me pick her up and administer them while she laid on her favorite spot on the cat tree.

Panda showed no interest in food, water, or treats. She stayed on the cat tree all day, napping in the sun. She occasionally switched positions but that was it. Around 6pm she jumped down and her back legs almost gave out on her. She took a few steps and laid down again. Then she threw up. That's when I knew I had to take her to the E.R. vet.

Upon her exam, I found out that she had lost more weight and she was severely dehydrated, even with the sub-q fluids. She was also running another fever. Given the condition of her legs and the fever, I believe that either the UTI had returned, or perhaps, never cleared up completely.

The vet who examined her was professional and compassionate. I told her that Panda's B.U.N., creatine, and phosphorus had been elevated and even though they had gone down they were still high as of April 5th. Panda was due to go back to our regular vet on April 26th for another blood workup and urinalysis. This vet said that she could certainly admit Panda and run those tests and give her more fluids. I chose not to do this. My concern has always been Panda's comfort and quality of life. My girl was wasting away and I didn't want to put her through more tests and stress for something that, in the long run, would not change.

I held Panda and talked to her and told her about all of the nice things she would see over the Bridge. I told her how much I loved her and then I let her go. Her passing was quick and peaceful.

I know it was the right thing to do. That doesn't make the pain of her loss any easier to bear.

Fly free and soar on your Angel's wings sweet girl. We will miss you and you will always have a place in our hearts.

Malinda and Greg (my brother) and the kitties