My Story

[LisaT]

Well, we are still plugging along.....BUT....
First off, Id like to thank you all for your replies & advice...Traci, you certainly 'know your stuff'!

Anyway, Ive been doing whatever I can to take care of Cody & make him feel happy , comfortable, and loved...We spend time, several times a day, just cuddling, and I pet him & talk to him...He seems to enjoy it...
We've been to the vet, and I think that theres nothing else they can do at this point....short of a kidney transplant, if that were even possible...
What is happening the last day or so is really a very bad sign---Cody doesnt want to eat the kd canned food that he has previously been enjoying heartily..I realize that not eating is possibly the last step he will take toward 'the end' and I want him to eat....but he wont....What Im wondering is, should I try to feed him anything?? Should I see if he will eat some chicken, or turkey? Will it kill him on the spot??? Is eating anything better than eating nothing??? This is such a nightmare...Thank you all again for your kindness..

[Traci]

When were you at the vet last? This week?? If not, get him in NOW. If you're not confident in your vet, see a new vet immediately. When was the last bloodwork done? Have they been rechecked? If not, get this done TODAY, you need to know where the kidney enzymes are, and to prevent acidosis or imbalances. Are you giving sub-q fluids at home? Is he on pepcid or anything else? Your vet needs to be addressing any symptoms that may be lingering or worsening, don't settle for "nothing can be done", there are various methods to treat the symptoms, and many of them can alleviate the symptoms and provide comfort as well as quality of life. Again, new bloodwork is essential to detect any imbalances that could be corrected.

Yes, anything is better than nothing (but please don't give turkey, this is too rich and can cause diarrhea), however, if he's vomiting, nauseous or dehydrated, your vet needs to be addressing this agressively, and immediately.

[mamabear]

I agree with everything that traci says.

I also dont agree with turkey. Most dogs I know INcluding one of my own are allergic to turkey. THe turkey does not sit well in their tummies.

I think the kd is better to feed but if not eating it you might have to doctor it up. COOKED plain chicken ONLY , nothing on it, no salt,pepper nothing, just boil it and if you have a food processor please use it to pulverize it. The reason for the pulverizing is because you are trying to help digest the food. If you just give pieces in chunks its harder and slower to digest. If not eating to begin with the tummy will get sicker with whole peices. So do Cody a favor and break it down for him first. Take some of the juice from the boiling and put that in too(this adds extra fluid in his body as well) take this food that is mooshy(should be the consistancy of mash potatoes) try adding a little bit ONLY to a LITTLE bit of his KD. I say a little of each because if he doesnt eat it then it isnt that much wasted to go in the trash. If he eats it then give him a little more. You do not want him to sit down and chow down on food wehn he has not eaten as he will get a belly ache.

Feeding him by hand is ok, the alphas in the wild do this to their young and it shows being an alpha. Cody will except this if you give him a chance. Just sit with him on the floor and tell him to him, allow him to eat and if he does not then take it in your hand and give him a little bit. If this does not work then try it with just the chicken, you may give a little bit tuna juice(just for the stinky effect) so he can see its yummy.

His tummy might not be excepting of foods and I would have to say take to vet asap. If he is sent home after vet seems him then give him this recipe. Dont give up yet.
You are going a great job. You care so much! We will be here, let us know what happens at vet.

[LisaT]

Im afraid that we have reached the end of the line.....Codys 'numbers' were, as the vet said, 'severely elevated'......He ate maybe a teaspoon of the kd mixed with chicken...drank very little...

I had another vet appt for this morning, and sat outside last night trying to figure out what to do....Several things went through my mind---my mom using the phrase 'you dont want him to slowly starve to death'...the fact that he was never using the litterbox--just wetting wherever he was lying (including on me the other afternoon, but hey, I didnt even get up right away...I didnt really care if I was wet..) Also, the fact that his eyes looked like saucers, and at times had a sort of desparate look. Then I came inside to discover him in my little bathroom (downstairs, attached to my bedroom here where he has stayed for 3 weeks) and he had apparently tried to jump up on the top of the shower stall again...and didnt make it....I dont think he was injured, but it still upset me, and made me feel that he was acting desparately...

I cried and cried last night, but knew it had come to the point where I was being selfish, not wanting to part with him....My husband and I took him this morning....I clipped a little of his 'bunny fur' off his tummy....We went in the room and talked to the vet, as I held Cote with his face against mine, as always....When I set him in his bed, I suddenly became so upset and I realized I couldnt watch this happen....My husband stayed with him as I sobbed in the reception area....Thomas said it was very peaceful...
My heart is not at peace right now....in the sense that it is empty & broken....But I know it will heal....

Cody was an incredible cat. SO smart, SO loving, SO different....I have never had an animal call me "Mom" before, but Cody did. I love him still, and of course always will......God bless you, Cote, and I hope you are at peace. Im quite sure he knew how much Mom loved him...

[Marty]

Lisa, I am so sorry...you know in your heart it was the right thing to do for Cody. He knew you loved and cared for him. It is so very hard, and I do understand how you are feeling. Go in peace Cody, and love to your Mom and Dad.

[Traci]

Lisa, my heart just breaks for you, and I know about all the crying for days on end, all the what-ifs, that feeling is the worst in the world.

Know in your heart that you did everything you could possibly do for Cody, and he knew that. It's obvious you loved each other very much, that love and bond can never be broken, ever. He had a wonderful long life with you, and I'm certain if he could, he would tell you "mom, it's ok".

Safe and gentle journey, sweet Cody..... ((((((((HUGS)))))))

[LisaT]

The wonderful thing about finding this site is feeling that you all understand.......Thank you for everything you have all done these past few weeks.........Someday, I would like to get a site up with Cody pictures...............

Cody answering the phone--- (friends would tell me, "I called, but Cody answered...nobody spoke"!) Yes, he did knock the phone off the hook...

Cody in the tiny shoebox/ Christmas wreath/ little round basket/ laundry basket holding his 'little brother' Scotty...Cody wrapped in Christmas paper, Cody sleeping in hilarious positions...Cody in my slippers--my favorite!!!! He was truly a piece of work.........

I have a wealth of wonderful pictures..........God bless that amazing, one of a kind cat.......I have cried an ocean of tears today & Im not finished yet.....


And thank you all...again....

[mamabear]

Lisa, I am so sorry about Cody.

Prayers that you heal and have good memories of your kitty!

[Tambrey]

{{{Lisa}}}...my heart aches for you....I am sitting here crying along with you...it is so hard to let them go....but you have to give your heart peace andknow that you did the right thing...

{{{safe journey Cody}}}

[LisaLisa]

Lisa,

I am so sory to hear about your Cody. I followed your story and I feel your pain and sadness. I had to make that same diffucult decision about my precious Smokey in December. The hurt does subside in time....Cody will always be a part of you and I believe he always will feel your love...