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Sunday, April 21, 2013

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

32 comments:

  1. We are so sorry for your loss. Mommy says she would have done the same if it had been one of us--Panda is free from pain and illness now. Sending you soft purrs and {{hugs}},
    The Lounge Kats and Mommy Trish

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  2. We, too, are so sorry for Panda's crossing. Be at peace, knowing you loved her dearly and did the very best for her, including making that oh-so difficult final decision to let her go with mercy, gently. Godspeed to Panda's spirit and purrs and hugs to you.

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  3. We are so very sorry to hear about dear Panda. We send you many purrs, hugs and lots of love.

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  4. We are so very sorry to hear that Panda had to leave for the Bridge. We know she was well met. We hope that your happy memories of her help you through this....

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  5. That just gives mommy such leaky eyes. We are so so sorry for your loss. Fly away sweetest girl and wait for us all..we'll be there by and by. xxxooo

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  6. I'm so sorry. You did what was best for Panda - purrs to you.

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  7. So sorry to hear about your Panda. Sending you purrs of comfort and soft whisker kisses. XOXOXO

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  8. Very sorry for the loss of your Panda. Purrs and pawtaps.

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  9. So sorry for the loss of Panda.
    Sending PURRS from all of us at Purrchance To Dream.

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  10. *hugs and purrs* I am so sorry for your loss :( RIP Panda <3

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  11. We are very sorry to hear that your dear friend Panda had to go to the Bridge. You did the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. We are sending all of you Purrs Of Comfort.

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  12. From all of us at Zee and Zoey's we are so very sorry to hear of Panda's crossing to the bridge and our thoughts are with you...

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  14. We are so very sorry for your loss. May you have peace, knowing you loved her dearly and did the very best for her, including making that oh-so difficult final decision to let her go. Comforting purrs for those she leaves behind.

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  15. We are so sorry... and didn't realize we know you under another name/another board.

    It is always difficult to do what is right. Sending purrs and hugs.

    ~ The Bunch and Mom Bobbie

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  16. We are so very sorry for your loss. Know that you did the best thing for her and she will always live on in your heart.

    cats of wildcat woods

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  17. It's never easy to know when it's the right time but that is our jobs as their Mom. You knew. She tried so hard for you.

    I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Panda.

    I know all too well how much this hurts.

    Hugs to you,
    JC

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  18. Oh dear - so sorry and sad for your precious sweetie. It's so hard to say goodbye to our furbabies, but one day we will meet again. Panda can now run free and chase butterflies. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

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  19. I just heard and came by to bless Panda's memory, and send you love from the Pet Museum crew. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be waiting for you.

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  20. We're so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet kitty she was.

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  21. Sometimes the only thing you can do is to give them a kiss, and send them on their way. That doesn't make it any easier. ppuurrrrrrsss

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  22. We are so sorry for your loss, we have just lost our precious Lola the same way. Its hard to say goodbye. Sending you all purrs and hugs xxx

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  23. We are so sorry to ready your news and send sympathy and many purrs and hugs. Honoring quality of life is so important to a cat, and you did so out of pure love.

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  24. We just learned of Panda leaving for The Bridge. We are so sorry that you have lost a darling friend, but you did the very best thing to help her on her way. It really was the kindest gift. We send you large rumbly purrs and love

    Fly free beautiful Panda

    Gerry, Mungo & The Ape xx

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  25. We are so sorry to hear about Panda but we agree with everyone else, that you did the right thing for sure. It sounds like she had a most wonderful life and was well loved. Sending great big hugs and many purrs.

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  26. I wish I'd been able to read other news of Panda, rather than of her passing. Please accept my condolences at this grievous time.

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  27. Sending purrs and prayers at this time of loss.

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  28. We are very sorry that Panda had to leave your family and send gentle purrs and headbumps.

    Run free at the Bridge, lovely Panda ...

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  29. We were very sadden to learn of your sweet Panda's sudden run to the Bridge. We know you loved her greatly and that she will be terribly missed. We are keeping you all in our purrs and prayers.

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  30. I am so very sorry that you had to help Panda to the Rainbow Bridge. You did the very best thing for her, but that doesn't make it any easier. My kitties are purring for you and I send you my sympathy.

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  31. I'm so sorry for the loss of Panda, such a dear girl. We're sending you our purrs.

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  32. Purrs and prayers on the loss of your sweet little girl.
    Maggy and Zoey and Ann

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