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Monday, September 7, 2020

sad day...



For those of you that don't know, Ghost is our 15 year old Russian Blue (well, not a pedigreed Russian Blue - but from her appearance definitely has some in her).  She was dropped on our back porch as a kitten about 5 weeks old. Her mother and sibling left her and more than likely knew there was something 'not right' about her. 

The Vets told us that they thought she had diabetes insipidus as well as genetic kidney problems, and possibly some neurological issues. They didn't give her a good prognosis. Told us that they would be surprised if she made it to her first birthday. 

Well, we kept her on KD (Rx Kidney diet) and over the years she has had some 'issues' that had to be taken care of, but in general she survived much better than anyone expected. She has always drank an enormous amount of water and passed huge quantities of urine. She also has a strange anatomy... in that she is very wide across the shoulders and walks with a bit of a bowlegged front. 

We've never been sure if she sees well as she has developed this habit of coming to us when we wag our hands at her. And she has never tried to climb or swat at things like other cats do. She does hear - as loud noises (like thunder) frighten her... and she's never been a lap cat but loves brushing and petting. All in all, she has been a sweet (albeit a bit odd) member of our family for 15 years.

But this weekend she seems to be failing. We will bring her to the Vet ASAP and see what is going on. But more than likely she is in kidney failure (with her age and underlying genetic conditions). We are bracing ourselves for this diagnosis as we have seen the signs too often lately. After losing both Tux and Julie last December and January, the end signs are not hard to read. I guess we should be happy that we had her this long... and we are. 

But still... 


Hugs (virtual),

Rian






30 comments:

  1. Oh dear. Sorry to hear this - older pets break our hearts don't they? We lost one of ours to kidney failure a few months ago. Take care. -Jenn

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    1. It's a difficult day. Shouldn't be so hard. We've done this before... and knew it was coming. Still hard.

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  2. Oh this is sad news indeed. My thoughts and prayers are with her and with you too. ❤️🙏

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    1. Thanks, Kim. We will get through this day... and see how it goes.

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  3. Oh I am so sorry to hear this. My little girl was 23 when I had to make the heartbreaking decision. It hurts so badly because they are family.

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    1. Most of our cats made it to between 19 and 23. Losing them at 15 seems too soon...

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  4. So hard, this makes me sad for you but happy for Ghost having the best possible life.

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    1. Thanks, Olga. Since she is the last of a long line of cats, it feels strange. I now understand better why people say that they won't get another after losing a cat or dog. It's not that you feel that they can't be replaced, but more that you don't want to go through this sadness at the end again.

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  5. Oh no, Rian, not Ghost! I have mourned with you during the loss of the others, and now this. My heart goes out to you and hope that she can be made comfortable as she transitions. Sending you my sincerest wishes for this to happen. So sorry....

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    1. DJan, we are giving her a little pet CBD to see if it will give her a little comfort. But the decision will have to be made soon as to what is best.

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  6. I am so sorry to hear this. That she has made it for 15 years with her problems speaks volumes about the great care she has gotten. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

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    1. Thanks, Patti. She has done extremely well considering...

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  7. But she's your last kitty. I'm so sorry.

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    1. Yes, the last one and who would have thought... with all her problems.

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  8. Oh Rian, I'm so sorry to hear the Ghost is not well. I hope that the vet visit goes better than expected, but if it does not know you are all in my thoughts.

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  9. awww so sorry to hear you might lose another, that is so sad & all too close together! you give so much love i hope you find it in your hearts to cherish other lost souls in the future.
    hugs & well wishes for you
    thanx for sharing

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    1. I always thought we would never be without an inside cat... but now, I'm not sure. We have so many outside ferals we take care of - not sure if I want to go through the loss of another inside one.

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  10. Ghost has beaten the odds so many times and I hope she does this time also. What a beauty she is and how wonderful that you cared for this orphan for the past 15 years. My heart goes out to you on this difficult day.

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    1. Ghost has beaten the odds... and surprised the Vets. Never thought that she would be the one remaining - but she did it. And we won't let her suffer. If it's her time, we will deal with it.

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  11. I'm sorry Rian. That first picture of baby Ghost drinking milk is so touching. She could not have been dropped off at a better place. You have given her such a good life, for 15 years. I'll sure be thinking about you. I remember that feeling when I realized that Bickett was really sick. It sure hurts to lose them and you have been through it too much lately.

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    1. It does hurt, Henny, even though not unexpected. But there is a time when you know that this time it's for real.

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  12. You have given her a good life and that must make you feel better even though it is sad her time has come. she is happy as she winds down.

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    1. Thanks, Tabor. I think she knew. It just took a few days for us to realize it.

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  13. But still, she's part of the family. Thanks for visiting Coffee Light and please stop by at Buttercupland. https://buttercupcountsherblessings.blogspot.com/2020/09/national-teddy-bear-day-2020.html

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    1. She was a part of our family... and I guess, still is in a way.

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  14. my heart goes out to you...it's so heartbreaking!

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    1. Thanks, Anni. It's strange (or maybe not so strange) how you keep looking for them when they're no longer there.

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss. We love them for all of the time they are with us and never think that one day they will leave us, long before we are ready, if ever we are. I am still missing all of my pets, cats and dogs. To judge by your photos you still have a few furry friends to see you through.

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    1. No, Friko, she was the last of a long line. First time in our married life that we don't have a cat... or several. It seems so strange. But I can't do another... at least not for a long while.

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