The weekend before this last one Odie started throwing up and he was not eating as well as he normally did.  On Monday last week Ron took him to the vet.  After 800 dollars the vet said she felt he had no blockage and most likely he had an ulcer.  She gave us several medications and told us to get him some over the counter Pepcid.  We managed to give him his medications in a syringe. 

But on Thursday we took him back to the vet for a bolus of fluid because he still was not eating nor drinking.   We increased his new make him hungry ear rub.   All weekend we tried hard to entice him to eat or drink.  On Monday I had a doctor’s appointment.  When I got home I suggested that Ron call the vet.  He told me he got Odie to drink something and said he heard cats can make huge turn a round after not eating or drinking for days.  I felt what it really was a cry for more time.  As Odie seemed stable and not in pain I let things be, after all Ron watches a lot of animal vet shows and I hoped he was correct.   

For the first time since Odie got ill he did not leave his safe space which is Ron’s closet that day.  Ron tried hard to get him to drink or eat.   This morning (Tuesday 8-5-2025) I told Ron he needed to call the vet and he agreed, he had faced the fact of Odie’s situation and realized that Odie was passing and not able to get better. 

The vet told us to bring him in around 4 pm or 1600 for those on a 24 hour clock.  All day both Ron and I checked on him and Ron kept trying to get him to eat or drink.  The veterinarian hospital is only like five or 7 minutes away from us.   At about 3:50 pm Ron set the carrier on the counter and put a fresh blanket in it.  I picked Odie up from the closet and realized he had no strength to even support himself anymore.  Once I got him in the carrier he did not even try to turn around and we struggled to get his tail completely in the carrier.  I ended up having to reach around him to pull the blanket further in so we could secure the door.  

I needed Ron to carry the carrier to the vet’s office, but while I had been with every furry family member when they walked the rainbow bridge, Ron has not joined me during the procedure as his feelings are so strong and he has struggled with the death of each one.  I feel it is the last act of love I can do for them.  My last duty for them.  

The vet asked if we both wanted to stay and I said yes.  I was surprised Ron did also.  The vet assistant took Odie to have an IV inserted.  I asked Ron if he was sure he wanted to stay instead of going to the waiting room or the car.  He wanted to stay.  When they brought Odie back we petted him until the doctor came in to do the finial step.  As first the sedative and then the last medication was injected Ron sat near him and talked to him.  I stood next to him and gently rubbed his head and neck fur.  I said a few things verbally and a lot more mentally.  I could see Ron was doing the same.  I was proud of how he handle a very painful experience.  The one who was crying the most was the vet, she said that her cat was a ginger and she really liked Odie when he was visiting them.  

I have included a few pictures of Odie below.   Best wishes, Purrs, and Hugs for all who want them.  

Odie as a Kitten

Odie older.

Odie in his favorite spot to get my love and attention.   My desk.