Stayin Alive
There will come a day, probably pretty soon, when Mandu will have to go to the vet to be put to sleep.
This day, however, was not it.
No sooner did we get there than she started bumping around in her carrier. I took her out and she sat in my lap and “looked” around with what seemed like alertness.
I say “looked” figuratively because it appears that she most likely has suffered some retinal damage due to her kidney condition. But she was responsive to us and her surroundings and appeared to be having a pretty good time. Our dear vet said that she did not look like she was at the end of her days, but that she was on short time, which we know.
I asked him about her periods of lethargy and sleepiness and wondered if perhaps her days and nights were mixed up due to her vision problems and he said that was likely. Which might explain how chipper she was acting in his office. Maybe she thought it was morning. Maybe she just rallied one last time. At any rate, she will be around for a few weeks more, I think, and I will try to draw her as often as I can, given this borrowed time.
Our vet said that the signs to look for are 1)no interest in food or drink 2) no socialization or interaction with us 3) lack of grooming 4) hiding.
So far she still eats and drinks, although in very small amounts, she tolerates socialization with us as much as she ever did. (She’s a cat, after all.) Grooming? She’ll wash her face a bit after eating but she hasn’t done much more than that for quite some time, and she isn’t hiding or acting reclusive at all.
So .. although the prognosis is known as much as it is with any extremely elderly being, he says she is not suffering and we’ll know when the time comes.
For now, she’s a little fighter, and seems to have no intention of going gently into that good night.
Good for her Karen! Lovely line drawing. Wish I could reach out and stroke her fur. Do keep us posted, please.
Dear Karen,My sympathy on your situation.I can only say I went through something similar last year and I can assure you that when the vet says”put to sleep” if he is like mine, he means a very gentle process.We premedicated our Chow who was afraid of going to the vet with a pill he gave us and then he gave her an injection while I held her to totally relax her and a second final one when I was ready. I only offer these rather specific ideas to reassure you.I did not take a previous favorite dog because I was afraid of the scene and I wish I had known what a gentle moment it can be. Sympathetically,Tricia
Karen, it tugs on my heart every time I hear about Mandu’s condition. I’m glad she’ll be with you for a bit longer, at least.
What I love most about your images of Mandu is the obvious love and tenderness in their rendering ….
oh, I’m so glad you have her for a while longer. The drawings of her are beautiful.
Oh, Karen. How precious that last bit of time really is - we did the same thing with Pugs, and the vet said the same thing - and encouraged us strongly to hold those last days closely - that they would be
precious memories. Indeed, that was true. What an amazing spirit these old girls have - when I would have given up long ago, they press on. Beautiful and tenderly rendered sketch of Mandu - your love
for her shows through every stroke.
What a beautiful sketch of her! More memories. How is your dog handling this?
Your sketches of Mandu are really touching. I’m glad you get to have a bit more time with her. I guess she knows her time is not yet, and wants to stay a bit longer. Who can blame her, with such loving care and attention?
Dropping by, Thursday morning, to learn the latest news. I love the lines in this, your soft fur outline, and her face is exquisite. She is surely lapping up these moments of attention and love, and while it is just so sad to be faced with her future, it gives you time to enjoy her nearness and to create more Mandu Memories.
Annie
Like everyone else, I’m checking in to see how Mandu is doing and keeping fingers and toes crossed for you both. I’m so glad to hear she isn’t suffering or as bad as you feared. These are very special days - thanks for sharing with us
You are so good at drawing animals; your cat looks beautiful. I’m so sorry about her condition but I’m sure she’s still around because all the love and care you and your hubby give her. Enjoy your time with her (and take some photos as well as your beautiful drawings).
Thank you, everyone.
Teri - Ripley is very interested in all of this as Mandu has been relocated to a “rest home” on the floor in the kitchen. Ripley sits in the hallway and watches her. When they are both outside with us, Ripley sniffs her delicately and is quite careful and protective around her. They get along fine; they are not pals but they respect and tolerate each other’s space. Mandu shows no fear of Ripley and hasn’t for a long time -even though she towers over her and outweighs her by 10-12 times. Because we lavish affection on both of them, I don’t think that either feels jealous of the other.
Today as I gave her her subcutaneous fluid injection, she behaved pretty much like the old Mandu, so I think this will be a situation of good days and bad days and we’ll enjoy the good ones and make her comfortable through the others.
This has to be so hard on you. I know how difficult that trip to the vet’s was and then you got a miraculous reprieve. I contiune to think of all of you every day.
Really amazing drawing, Karen.
Every day is a gift! I am glad she is hanging in there!
Cat Mandu is a miracle, Karen. Your primrose painting is wonderful. Did you see the thing Natalie aka Blaugustine is doing about self portrait marathon? As an art person, you are probably innundted with this kind of stuff.
wonderfully expressive. and your love for her shows.