Our oldest cat apparently had a stroke overnight, which The Wife just discovered. Our vet can't make space for her, so she's having to go to the emergency service at the veterinary school which is always mayhem. I didn't get to say goodbye to her or touch her and I am sobbing.
I rescued her--Maxine--14 yrs ago. She was badly injured. We were never able to find a forever placement for her(we ran a small cat shelter for years till my paralysis) as she was given to biting. (She was sent back twice.) So she was ours, biting and all. Very beautiful. Sad.
The Wife called from the veterinary ER. Maxine indeed had a massive stroke, so they are euthanizing her after The Wife spends some time saying goodbye. They gave her a shot of cat morphine so she is not suffering and The Wife is in a chair in the euthanasia room holding her.
I have been there before with emergency euthanasia situations. The room has soft lighting and nice chairs and feels removed. Most importantly it will be a peaceful transition for Maxine. We owe that to our animal companions. I got to talk to her on phone and wish her godspeed.
The Wife just called. Maxine has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She said it was peaceful. She was holding Maxine and the doctor and everyone at UPenn Vet were wonderful and it couldn't have been easier. I am relieved Maxine is not suffering.
Thank you all for your kindnesses. 🕊
Thank you all for your kindnesses. 🕊
The Wife is home. Here is Maxine at the hospital just before she passed on. She was a Maine Coon cat, so she had huge feet, tufted ears and a massive feather-duster tail. She was gorgeous. She was 14 and a half, so she had a good run. #RIP 
They took a paw print of her. It has to be baked. She had some big feet, our Maxine.
