*Our Kitty Fred * Nov-04 / Sept-08 R.I.P

At the end of last week we noticed that our cat Fred was sick. At first we thought maybe he just had a cold or something, then he started to get worse. Well, on Wednesday night we were afraid that he would end up dying while we were asleep, and so the next morning we took him to the Animal Hospital for some tests. It turned out that his bladder was engorged from some kidney/bladder stones. The Vet tried to catheterize him with no success, but was able to drain his bladder. They wanted to keep him for three days with an IV going in, and a Cathe coming out to see if he would be able too recover or if his Kidneys were shot. Thursday when the kids got out of school we went seen him, and let the kids pet him, and then Ray and I went on Friday after the kids went to school, and then once again when the kids got home from school. Well, yesterday marked day number three, and after a call from the Vet, Ray decided it was time to head back in for a closer look. When he got there our poor Fred was so sick he couldn't hardly even lift his head, but did manage to move it into Ray's hand. Ray waited while the Vet did an ultra sound which showed more stones in the bladder. Fred was barley alive at this point, and Ray and the doc felt that the chance for survival was very low. So they decided the best thing to do would be to euthanize him. The Vet gave Ray a few minutes with Fred while he got the shot ready, and Ray said Fred even purred a bit, but could not open his eyes. I guess I am pretty thankful that there are Meds out there that help suffering animals to go so quickly. We are pretty sad at our house. Fred was such a good cat. He was one of a kind. We got Fred the day my great nephew Alex was born, and have loved him so much. He loved to sit on Rays books while he studied, and didn't mind at all if the kids laid on him. He loved to take baths, and would sit in the sink while we got ready for the day. He was such a part of our family, and we are going to miss him so much. Poor little Jake keeps asking if we can go to the Hospital to see Fred. We have told him several times that Fred went to live with Grandpa Westfall, but he just does not quite understand. Ellie however cried pretty hard when we told her he passed away. Ray and I both shed some tears as well. I told Ray this is it for us, I don't want anymore animals. It makes it to hard when you get attached to them and then have to watch them suffer like Fred did. The picture above is of Fred when he was a little kitty. I unfortunately do not have any of him as a big cat. I do on my cell phone, just not on my computer. He was a handsome cat. White with soft orange stripes on his tail and orange tips on his ears, and face. Big blue eyes, and white whiskers, with one black one on each side. Good Bye Fred, we are going to miss you very much, and will always love you. You were our kitty kitty, and a part of our family.