May 11, 2009

Our Leo: December 31, 1994 - May 11, 2009


Leo had a cancerous mass in his chest that was impinging on his breathing. There wasn't any quality of life left for the little guy, and there wouldn't be in the future. Major surgery was out of the question (the mass was deep and large in size), and there was no guarantee about being cancer-free post surgery. Allen and I spoke all weekend about the various scenarios of what we would/could do for Leo. Scan results led us to the conclusion that he would no longer have a good quality of life, let along a high quality of life. And for both Allen and I, that ranked #1 as our priority for Leo.

We made the decision to put him to sleep. I thanked him for the fourteen wonderful years he made me so very happy, and of course we told him how much we love him, and will always love him. Saying goodbye is extremely difficult when you love a person and/or a pet.

Leo is no longer uncomfortable. He is no longer gasping to breathe.
Rest peacefully Leo. We love you.

21 comments:

  1. My heart goes out to you on losing beautiful Leo. Please know that you made his life happy and
    were with him to the end. I hope I will have the courage to make the right decision for my two 14 year old cats who are my family when the time comes. You are in my prayers.

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  2. I am so so sorry for your loss. I'm shedding tears for you right now. xoL

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  3. ......I'm soooo sorry for you! ...Can't think of anything more to write or say,.....I'm so sorry and my heart goes out to you.
    LOVE & a big HUG, from Carmela.

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  4. Good morning, You will go around a bit looking for Leo for a couple of days, then your pain will ease for you did the right thing. His soul is with you forever. Crying is allright now...be well
    Ariadone: Godeliva

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  5. I am so very sorry to read the update...your love for Leo will keep him with you forever and I hope that comforting thoughts of the happy days that you shared with Leo will carry you through the tears... You are in my thoughts... Nan

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss. Leo was a lucky cat to be part of a family who not only loved him dearly, but had the courage to make the heart breaking decision to spare him pain. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear this about your Leo. Sweet boy- he gave you many wonderful years and he was lucky to have you. Hold tight the memories.

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  8. We thank all of you for your caring thoughts and prayers.

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  9. I'm so sorry, Kathy. I know what this is like. We've lost three sweet, sweet kitties in the past three years.
    You did the right thing. As hard as it was to do, it was time and you met your responsibility with courage and caring.

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  10. m so, so sorry for your loss. As you know, I can relate to the painful decision you had to make. You know that you did the right thing and I can tell that even in your grief, you are at peace with the fact that Leo is no longer suffering. All that he knows now is the comfort of your love and the serene release that your unselfish act has given him.

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  11. Oh my gosh Kathy, I clicked on your post and my heart skipped a beat. Leo was a very big part of your family and will be missed terribly. I am deeply sorry on the passing of Leo. As I type through the tears I can't think of any magic words to fill the void and pain in your husband and your heart. It doesn't ease the pain but please know I'm sending you BIG hugs via cyber and will say a special prayer tonight. XOXOXO....

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  12. Kathy... I'm so sorry. I know how difficult letting him go was; I've been there myself. You were a good "mom" to him.

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  13. Hi Kathy, checking in to see how you are doing today my friend. Many hugs.... xoxo

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  14. I am so sorry to hear of your loss!

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  15. Just checking on you and Allen tonight. I hope you're ok.

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  16. Our thoughts are with you, Kathy. Leo looks as if he had a wonderful life and I'm sure he was comforted by the love he felt from you all. You must miss him terribly.

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  17. oh what is the matter with me? i'm sitting at my computer bawling...

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  18. so sorry to hear... i think you did the right thing!

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  19. :-(

    I got a little weepy when I read this. I know how hard this must be...we've only had Maggie (dog)for two years and I can't imagine our little world without her (she's an old lady...so...)

    Big hugs from the shore house, including Maggie who may not always know what to make of cats but still respects them in her own "special" way. :-)

    Laura
    xoxox

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  20. Oh Kathy, I'm so so sorry for your loss. I can so relate and I'm thinking of you and Leo.

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Thanks for visiting.
~ Kathleen ~