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Tuesday, August 16, 2016

And then there were 14...

Our hearts are heavy with the news we must bring. We said goodbye to Fred today. As you know, he had kidney disease and has been on sub-q fluids for a little over a month. He rallied when he first started on them, and the B-12 shot probably helped, too. But that was not to last. Fred practically stopped eating. All he wanted was mom's almond milk.

On top of the kidney issues, Fred developed a very bad respiratory infection. Mom took him to see the vet this morning. She dropped him off and had planned to pick him up when she left work later today. She even took his bag of fluid so he could get it while he was there.

The vet called mom later in the morning and she said Fred's prognosis was not good. His kidneys were small and had shrank. His chest was congested as was his sinuses. She told mom she could prescribe an antibiotic for Fred, but his immune system was so compromised that even if it cleared up, something else would make him sick. Mom said she didn't want to put Fred through more knowing he really wasn't going to get any better. Mom left work and went to the vet's office so she could be with him when he crossed the Bridge.

Clarissa's mom here:  Frederick Jerome DeWinter was one of the gentlest, sweetest cats I've known. He didn't have a mean bone in his body. He loved everyone. He got along with all of the other cats in my household. It broke my heart to let him go today, but I don't regret the decision. His passing was very peaceful. I chose to have his body cremated and will pick up his ashes when they are returned to the vet's office.

It has been a very hard and difficult day for me. I also lost a friend who I only knew through a cat message board and then Facebook. Sue's health had been declining over the past years and she had moved into an assisted living facility earlier this year. She entered the hospital late last week and went into "comfort care" on Sunday. She passed during the night. I found out this morning.

Life is fragile. Cuddle your fur family. Tell your friends and family that you love them.

On behalf of Clarissa & Co. and me:  We love you and appreciate all you do.

Fred in his prime.
2006 - August 16, 2016.

16 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry about Fred, and about your friend. You are right - life is fleeting and it's important to treasure every moment.

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  2. We are sorry to hear about your friend and Fred. we are sending you lots of purrs

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  3. We are all so very very sorry to hear about both your friend and your dear beloved Fred. Our deepest sympathies.

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  4. I am deeply sorry about precious Fred. Thank God he had you to are for him and treasure his life with him. And thank you for making a terribly hard decision on his behalf. I am so sorry about your friend too We all here know how you feel as we have gone through the same heart rending times with fur and human family and friends. Lots of love. Really.

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  5. Sometimes we forget how fragile life is. We love them so much that we don't even think about them not being wit us physically. Unconditional love. They truly never leave us; we just can't see them amu more.

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  6. We are so sorry to hear about dear Fred and we all send love and hugs to you.

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  7. We are so sorry. Sending you hugs and purrs.

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  8. Godspeed your journey to heaven Fred; we are truly sorry and send hugs and loves to your mom and family. We also send sincerest sympathies on the loss of her friend Sue ~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥ boomer, daisy, tuna, dude and sauce

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  9. We are so sorry to hear that Fred has crossed over. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers to you during this difficult time.

    All of us at Forty Paws and Maw

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  10. How sad to lose a friend and a beloved canine on the same day. We know each is hard. We know Fred had a wonderful life with you. A warm hug.

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  11. I am so sorry about Fred and your friend. I know only too well how quickly life can change. Sending comforting purrs to you from our gang.

    Cats of Wildcat woods

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  12. Fred was a handsome guy. I am so sorry we did not get to know him. We are sending hugs and ourrs.

    Angel, Kirby, Max and mom Nan

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  13. I am so very sorry, and can totally relate to hating the decision but not regretting it.

    Purrs of healing and condolence

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  14. Purrs and purrayer from the opinionated pussycats

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  15. We're so sorry to hear about Fred...and your friend. We send you lots of comforting purrs...

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  16. We're so sorry to hear about Fred. We're sending purrs and hugs.

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