Oh god this breaks my heart.
Lovely Rose has been declining for a long time. She was 16 years old and failing.
She was the friend of my youth (well middle age). I got her in 2000, and she was a feisty almost one-year-old dilute tortoiseshell. We have been together all that time.
I loved her so much I made her my nic and avatar on numerous message boards. She was my girl.
She started declining about two years ago. Couldn't walk anymore (arthritis), couldn't jump up on the couch or the bed. She tried, but just couldn't do it. And then, since she was so bottom heavy (this has always broken my heart) she would sit up on her hind legs and balance perfectly, and beg for attention. Oh Rose.
Sorry, I'm just crying right now. I had to finally make the decision to put her down. She was senile, peeing and crapping where she lay, and really uncomfortable. She has ruined my carpets and furniture. Which I will replace now.
I opted for in-home euthanasia. Which is available here in MN. They are lovely people, and will come out to your house and do it, and spare your beloved pet a trip to the vet in the kitty carrier. Which Rose could not have stood. It's way more expensive about $100 more, but well worth it.
They sedate first, wait about 10 minutes, then do it. My sister (bless her) volunteered to come over and let the lady in. I had to work, so couldn't be there. I said my goodbyes this morning before work.
I gave Rose the run of the place this weekend. I figured, what's one more pee stain on these carpets? Which I will get cleaned now. She had a nice satisfying weekend sitting on her porch, and then slept next to my bed Sat and Sun.
The place seems so empty now. And the vet left behind a little paw print in clay for a keepsake. Which I have to believe was done AFTER. Before, Rose would have never allowed it haha.
I called up Dr. Sarah tonight and thanked her for making that so easy for me, my sister, and for Rose.
Give me some Rainbow Bridge love, please. I really need it. My eyes are swimming with tears.
Love, Rose (or her Mom)