my cat Candice died today

[Vegas]

Some of you may have seen the post I made on Facebook, but I lost my cat Candice today. She was 15 1/2, diabetic, and has been very ill lately with kidney, pancreas, and bad arthritis problems and the vet last week told me she would probably not live much longer.

During breakfast today, she started acting really bad and I called in sick at work and took her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed as struggling to breathe and in critical condition. They took her vitals and gave me the grim prognosis of either trying to prolong her life "for weeks" but not months but she would be struggling and using a feeding tube during her short time left or humane euthanasia. I took a long time today to make the painful choice but this is the second vet in 9 days who has given me similar news that there was no reasonable chance of actual recovery and she was now (unlike last week) clearly suffering so I made perhaps the most difficult choice of my entire life today.

After I made the decision, they brought Candice to me in a blanket and I got to spend a last few minutes alone with her before they returned and put her to sleep while she was in my arms.

Candice got her name because after I saved her when she was 1 back in 2008 she immediately started batting my dice for the game around so I named her Candice (can dice.)

Thank you to those here who sent me texts and/or Facebook messages, I have seen many of them but have not responded yet as I am still just having trouble trying to function. I knew she did not have much time left but her death today was still a shock, I was not ready for it. I lost my friend Alan to cancer just 3 weeks ago (his funeral and memorial dinner are on Monday) and today I lost my cat Candice.

here is my most recent photo of Candice, as you can see she is standing next to some of my COTG cards

[tystates]

Very sorry to hear Vegas. That's a good long life Candice had. My cat George was 18 when she died. It's always tough to lose them.

[TTX]

Very sorry to hear, Zeke. I know a lot has been going on for you so best wishes and all my sympathy.

[pikemojo]

Sorry for your loss, Zeke. Losing a beloved pet is so hard, even when you know it's coming.

[on_the_edge]

She was such a cutie. The one down side to pets is their life span is so short. All we can do it try and enjoy their company as much as we can while they are on this Earth. She waits for you on the other side. Just remember to bring her some treats when it's your time thru the gates. Hang in there buddy.

[neilybob]

Sorry to hear this brother. I grew up around animals on a farm so i know how your feeling now.Sending prayers sir.

[gamtime247]

Sorry to hear, Vegas. Always tough as pets become such a part of our lives and families. I hope during these tough times that you can find moments to enjoy looking back on the over 14 year ride that you both were able to provide one another and find happiness.

[cruefan68]

Very sorry to hear that Vegas. Thanks for sharing your story and posting the picture, she was very cute. Wishing you the best as you deal with your loss.

[Crimson Cross]

Sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing the photo and I wish you the best in these days after such a loss...