It’s a valid question and if you aren’t here to see her on a daily basis, witness her struggles at the litter pan and watch her useless tongue sweep food off her plate, it is a question in need of an answer I suppose, maybe for closure or other deeper reasons.
But she was riddled with cancer and it was set back deep in her throat where it couldn’t be easily seen. She was alligator jaws when you went to open her mouth and so I never tried. I saw it afterward, when she was finally at peace.
xoxoxox for your loss.
I can’t look at the pics because they will break my heart. But please don’t feel guilty for signing the papers.
I truly belive that a “mom” (including a cat mom) has an absoute gut instinct for what her little one needs. And even when what the little one needs will break the heart of the “mom” ~ the mom will do it. You did your very best for little Shell ~ you wanted her to survive above all else ~ and I know if you made theat most painful decision that enough was enough ~ then it was. I trust and respect your judgement.
Those who are asking why, are finding it difficult to come to terms with Shell’s loss. I absolutely willed her to live myself ~ but not in constant pain and suffering ~ only if her quality of life was worth having. So dear sweet little Shell ~ RIP now.
Jan
To send a kittie to the brdge is the most wonderful unselfish thing a parent can ever do! It’s an honour that we’re not even allowed to do to our Human friends. So instead we let them suffer and hurt until their bodies are incapable of life.
To send a cat to the bridge feeling loved is an infinitely better choice when the alternative does not include quality of life.
You made the right decision.
I’m so sorry to hear about Shell. You did the right thing but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Oh No, I didn’t know!! I am heartbroken with you……our sweet girl. Our little Shell.
I don’t know what you believe, but I believe she is with the angels, healthy again.
God love you MA……your heart is as large as the universe.
I will always remember her.
This is so hard. I had to make the same decision last month, and many other times in my life. Each time I realize that I probably held on too long, and my pet suffered for it. Each time I swear that next time I will let them go before they become miserable. There is a difference between holding on to see if the next treatment will make it better, and holding on because you can’t make the right decision. Bless you for hoding Shell in your heart and making the right decision for HER.
There are no questions or rants from us – we know the depth of your love and the depth of her love for you, and that all important trust that she had in you to make the right decision for her. We love you and there are no words we can offer you to comfort you, but we know that Shell is happy and whole at the Rainbow Bridge, watching over you and waiting for you. PURRRRRRRRRSSSS and {{HUGS}}
We didn’t question your decision but we did look at the photo and can only feel sadness for what little Shell endured. We make decisions based on what we are aware of at the time. You did your best to make right decisions for Shell.
that poor baby….how anyone could neglect an animal to that point, makes me SICK. God bless YOU for the kindness and love you shared with her…she is LITERALLY loved and missed by hundreds — thanks to you.
Oh Mary, you let her go with dignity and compassion. I did look at the photo, as I am a vet tech (have been for 39 years) and her stomatitis was the most severe I have ever seen without it being cancer.
That she had the strength to live is amazing and the nursing care you and your vet gave her gave us all hope she could overcome…but as you said, her ravaged body had too many things to fight…
You signed those papers to free her from pain, and were able to kiss her goodbye…that is LOVE.
You should never bee asked why. You gave that poor sweet darling the ultimate gift and let her go when it was made clear that was the thing to do. Little Shell was able through your love and kindness to experience for a while what love and caring and food and nourishment was all about. You need never question yourself, you cared You loved and you let her go .. The ultimate unselfish love. rest easy sweet Shell you wil be so missed by so many. Carol and GJ xx
Mommy couldn’t look at the pictures…it was too hard for her but we know that you did what you could to make her life comfortable and made your decision for the same reason. No questions here, just purrs and snuggles to help you through the pain.
Taz, Runt, Charles and mommy, Anna, in IL
I echo what Carol and Ginger Jasper said. Sending you a HUGE hug.
I only partially followed Shell’s story because I just didn’t have the heart for it right now – it makes me so extremely angry when a person abuses or neglects an animal. What you did for Shell was amazing – all of it. Rescuing her and giving her every chance possible for a good life, showing her love and compassion, and ultimately making the courageous decision to release her from her pain. Anyone who questions why has obviously never truly loved an animal. Whether it be to make the decision to euthanize a pet or to take a human relative or friend off of life support, you have to think about their quality of life if you don’t make that gut-wrenching choice. Sometimes the selfish thing is to make them stay with you, in my opinion.
(tried to leave a comment before, but don’t know if it got in)
No, I would not ask why. You did the right thing for Shell. I am thankful for your vet and the relationship you have with the vet that allowed for such straight talk. An ICU nurse did something like that for us once in a hospital.
It reminds me to remain aware of the possible quality of life if the choice isn’t made and also to think about the stress caused by treatments themselves, especially if the patient isn’t able to understand what is going on.
The Tonkinese diva who rules me sends purrs. (And she is very GOOD at giving purring to her humans.)
RIP Shell
No true animal lover questions why,we the parent will question our selves why though. Do not live with regret for giving Shell her happiest moments and her peaceful one.
Mom Laure
My only regret was not letting her go sooner. She had to be in such agony.