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Just wanted to share... Our boy Socrates will be 12yo on Nov. 22nd. that puts him at 70yo in human years. I got him at 8 weeks old and he was just 8 months old when my wife and got together. He's been our boy since then but he's definitely more a Daddy's boy. I have to say, I've not known a bond like this to a fur baby in my life. He knew something was wrong before I was diagnosed with cancer and that boy was by my side the entire time, literally. I would travel to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and we'd stay at a cancer house that was close to the hospital so we were gone 5 days a week for 6 weeks (we had a cat sitter to help). From the time we got home on the weekends and after treatment, that boy was like glue and he would bring me toys to play and make me get up and move around. Really, its like he knew what I needed. When my wife took ill and was in the hospital for over three months in 2016, he slept on a blanket she used the entire time and when she finally came home, he was cuddled up with her in bed within minutes. Again, I've had pets in my life but this guy? Pixie Bobs are truly a special breed and he's lived up to their reputation and then some. He's definitely slowed down in the last couple of years for sure which is to be expected.
The last couple of weeks I've noticed some changes. He's eating less, sleeping a lot more and keeping to himself a lot. He normally sleeps next to me or my wife but he's been sleeping on our sofa where I sit and in various other places by himself the last couple of weeks. I've also noticed he's breathing a little faster as well. Not labored mind you, just faster. There are times he's his usual self, wanting pets and begging for treats but you can definitely tell he's not feeling well most of the time.
The last check up in June showed increased kidney function readings so I'm concerned. They weren't bad but something to keep an eye on. The vet suggested we bring him in in December to be checked and it appears we're doing that a lot sooner. He said to just keep an eye on him and if we notice changes, contact them. I have an appointment set in the next week so we'll see. Keep our boy in positive thoughts.
Attachment 5666
FMP
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I couldn't ignore the sad face FMP and as a pet owner I can imagine how you are feeling. You know I have cat too.
All I can say is you've shown Socrates such love and given him a wonderful home and he's still with you for now. Try to keep positive!
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Thank you Carnation. I'm not stressing so much as just sad. I knew after ten years, it could happen any time but still, emotionally, its challenging. Just the way he's been lately, it seems like he's telling me the end is near. The way he's been cuddling up to me and soaking in all the pets, scratches and rubs, and he's been showing his love with loud purrs, head butts and butt pats. He's funny... He'll jump up on the couch with me, get up next to me and give me a head butt, turn around and stick his butt in the air to get butt pats. And it's not a gentle pat either! He likes his butt pats and chin scratches hard. He'll push himself harder into your hand for the chin scratches. Like I said, I have a special bond with this creature unlike any bond I've had previously. I swear he knows exactly what I'm saying and I've come to know him and understand what he's telling me. He came into my life at a very challenging time and has been there for myself and my wife through thick and thin.
Hopefully, this is something that can be treated but my gut is telling me otherwise. The Pixie Bob group I belong to on FB shared similar issues with their Pixies and most have a lifespan of 12-14 years so yeah..... :( Its just hard :weep:
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Thinking all the good thoughts for you and your boy, FMP! If only our pets could outlive us...
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I know it's hard FMP. Socrates is part of your family. It's more than that because he's been your go to comfort and much more. I know those furry head bumps from my cat and sometimes the hit is quite hard. You get to know their wants and needs. They trust us. But try not to let him see your sadness. They can sense that. Carry on as normal as much as you can. And keep those positive thoughts.
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Positive thoughts for Socrates. What a wonderful boy. Sounds like you were very lucky to have found each other.
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Sending love and positive vibes to you and Socrates. The way cats give themselves to us is such a privilege.
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Sending much love to you and secretes. Our pets bring so much love into our lives, it's so hard when they aren't well/getting older.
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Hi FMP, sorry to hear about Socrates (I've pronounced this 'so crates' ever since Bill and Ted)
I'm in a similar boat with my 13-year-old pooch..
The old girl suddenly went deaf a few months ago and now she's drinking LOADS of water. She had an accident in the house last week (while we were in), and she actually left some food yesterday - which is unheard of with her. There's other stuff too; she's not herself at all.
She actually didn't want to go for her walk last week (with the walker) and that's a first. Normally, she's pulling me over trying to get out the door! The walker tells me that she's become very quiet and subdued when she's out - something that we put down to the deafness - but there's this other stuff, so I'm not convinced it is all down to the deafness..
You mentioned your pooch breathing faster, and I actually took a video of mine yesterday to show the vet because it seems fast. This is odd for my girl because she's normally so chilled when lying down that I've thought she's been dead several times!
So, it's chase her around for a wee sample time, (always a joy), and then it's back down to the vets to see what's going on..
I've had the experience of four other geriatric dogs, and in my heart, I know that the insane (but healthy) girl I rescued all those years ago is on another track, but I will do my very best for her.
It's never easy, this part. It's enough to put us off ever having dogs ever again, right? (Then a pair of velvety eyes look into ours and we're done for all over again).
So, if I may, I'd like to ask for some positive thoughts for my girl too?
Sending you and Socrates so much love FMP. :hugs:
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Sending you positive thoughts for your pooch nora. :hugs:
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My pooch did another walkies refusal this morning. She went eventually but the dog walker sent me a video of her keep stopping and she just looks like she doesn't want to be there. (6 weeks ago, she was bombing after cats and rabbits), so I phoned the vets and they're seeing her in half an hour. (Have stalked her around the yard to get a wee sample).
I'm hoping that this is dip a thingy in her pee, yes, this a water infection and here are some drugs, that'll be £200. (Slight exaggeration)
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I'm back but I've had to leave the pooch at the vets. They found a problem with her heart and the kidneys may be also affected, so they're going to sedate her and run some tests..
Leaving her there felt pretty shit tbh, but if it means they can help her....
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Definite positive thoughts for your doggie Nora. The things you're seeing, I'm seeing too. Our boy is drinking a bit more too (another kidney issue sign) and using his litter box but he's not really eating his kibble and not finishing his raw chicken (he's been getting that since I got him as its recommended by Pixie Bob breeders) His appointment is next week and I have to drop him off when the Vet opens. Socrates is a crazy cat at the Vet and they have to sedate him to examine him. Been that way since he was a baby. So we'll see. If he gets worse before then, we can take him to the emergency vet (about 20 minutes away). Meanwhile, I'm just keeping an eye on him.
FMP
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Big hugs FMP and Nora :hugs:
This is very close to me as you know at the moment. I sincerely hope your cat and dog have a lot more time with you both yet.
They are family and we love them as such. We watch them grow old, knowing what we must bear when the time comes. In truth I don’t know how we do bear it. But we do.
All good wishes coming from here xxxxx
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It's because we don't like our pets too suffer that we put aside our own emotional feelings. We do the right thing for them. Thinking of you both nora and FMP. :hugs:
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Thinking of you both, FMP and Nora. It's so hard when our pets are sick, and it's hard to leave them at the vet as well even when it's in their best interest. I've had to do it a handful of times and couldn't settle myself, it felt like there was something missing, which of course there was.
Positive thoughts, hopefully in both cases it is something easily dealt with or managed and you can get several more years together. :hugs:
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Oh heck Nora, a worrying time for you both.
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This is breaking my heart, but I had to say goodbye to my girl last night..
When I walked her to the vets yesterday, I had no idea that it would be for the last time. Even when I had to leave her there for the tests, I thought it would be a heart issue that they would be able to manage. However, later in the afternoon, the vet called to say that Pooch had been given an ultrasound scan and that's when she found cancer. The diagnosis was metastatic liver cancer. She was a very poorly pooch. Under these circumstances, there was only one choice to be made..
We went down later on to spend time with her, and we gave her loads of hugs and kisses, then I stayed with her as the vet put her to sleep. This is the second time I've been present during euthanasia and as hard as it is to go through, it means more to me that my girls had a familiar face/voice with them in their final moments.
I know the first few years of her life were crap. We rescued her and gave her the best life we possibly could. My heart is battered, I'm beyond sad, but this is the price we pay for loving them, right?
Hey girlie,
I know you're off somewhere chasing rabbits (and maybe you'll actually catch the buggers this time).
Thank you for the joy, the love, and those nostril-burning farts. (I won't miss those).
You've been with me through my worst times; a comforting presence with an ever-wagging tail and nudge of the hand as if to say, Hey, I'm here. You're not alone'. (Thank you)
Go fly through those fields. Chase to your heart's content. That's what you were born to do and there's nothing to slow you down anymore.
This is how I want to remember you.
Goodbye my little girl. X
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Awful news...Am so very sorry, Nora...xxxx
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Oh Nora so sorry to hear this, I miss my dog.:weep::hugs:
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FMP sending you best wishes for Socrates and you and your wife,give him a big hug from me.:bighug1:
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Nora, I'm sorry to read your sad news and have to admit that I had a tear or two reading.
What a beautiful piece you wrote at the end of your post.
I know you must be hurting and you will need time to grieve. Sending you my thoughts. :hugs:
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Thanks all. Your kind words mean a lot to me. X
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So very, very sorry to hear this Nora
Sending you strength xx
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I'm sorry Nora. It sounds like you gave her a very long and lovely life, but losing them is always painful. :weep:
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Oh Nora, I'm so very sorry to hear this it must be heartbreaking for you. Just hold onto the thought that you did right by her and she was much loved. :weep:
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So sorry Nora. I loved your poem, sending you lots of love, and some up to your beautiful pooch who is hopefully knee deep in rabbits now xx
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Thanks all.
FMP I'm so sorry for hijacking your thread about your pooch. I had no idea this would be the outcome with mine.
How is your boy doing?
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I was just going to ask the same nora.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
NoraB
How is your boy doing?
About the same :( I'm going to call the vet and see if they can get him in sooner. We're keeping a close eye on him and if we see him slipping we'll be off to the emergency vet.
FMP
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I can imagine how you are feeling FMP and the uncertainty. :hugs:
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So very worrying FMP :hugs:
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So the vet can't get him in any sooner so its next Thursday at the earliest. Thing is with Socrates, he turns into an absolute wildcat at the vet. Been that way since he was a baby. In fact, the notes from when he was neutered at 6 months was "He's a fiesty boy". So he has to be sedated to be examined which means dropping him off. Same deal if he gets worse... They said take him to the emergency vet which is around 25 minutes away. They're good. We took Tasha there a couple of weeks ago after a pittie attack while walking with my wife (a whole other story! Both my wife and Tasha are Ok).
He really hasn't been eating but he's still begging for treats so what I did tonight was hand feed him treats and mixed in his kibble and he did eat a little bit. He ate most of his raw chicken and I stopped at the store and bought a few packages of cat food to try. I bought a pouch of Fancy Feast chicken in gravy and he ate most of it so at least that's something. I have a few others to try as well. He seemed to have a better day overall as he made it a point to come to me, give me head butts and get scratches and pets while I was working and is cuddled up next to me purring while I type this, but you can tell he's off and losing weight.
So we'll see. We're keeping a close eye on him and will do what we can.
FMP
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The head butts mean a lot FMP.
Good he's eaten some wet food. My cat is the same when he's feeling off, eats the treats and biscuits but nothing else. You'd think the biscuits would be harder to digest.
That fact that your Socrates has taken some food is good sign and he couldn't be in better hands FMP. :hugs:
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If he's not on a special diet, I've found bits of chopped frankfurter are really good for getting poorly cats to eat. Maybe it's the smoky smell?
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Does he like fish? A little bit of lightly cooked fish often goes down well. Salmon usually goes down very well. Tinned tuna, in water not brine. I think you’d want to avoid any salt overload. I’ve known cats love cooked prawns and cheese. Do the vets have any soft ‘recovery’ food. You know the stuff they dish out to post op cats. That’s gentle on the stomach but tasty.
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Thanks for the food tips. Socrates has always been a picky eater. He's never been the type that scarfs down his food. He's been on a raw and kibble diet since I got him. I've tried beef and fish but he turns his nose up at it. He gets raw chicken tenders. We buy frozen tenders and he gets a half of one per day. He typically finishes that and then free feeds his kibble. Lately, he's only been eating about half his chicken and barely touching his kibble. He's still begging for treats though (Greenies chicken). He did like the chicken and sauce in the pouch and I have a few more to try.
I called the vet today to see if they can squeeze him in and they're going to get us in this afternoon. Dreading this but he's just not doing well :(
We'll see....
FMP
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Could it be a dental problem do you think? Glad you have got him an appointment and hope you get some answers.
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Good luck this afternoon Fishman.