Yesterday morning, Juno (bless his courageous heart) passed away. He died in my arms and it was our choice to let him go. After it was over, even my vet said it was time because he went so quickly. He started projectile vomiting two days ago, his diarrhea increased and his breathing became even more labored then before. There was a discussion of long-term use of prednisone and increasing the zithromax to every other day but in the end, we gave him the respect and dignity a cat such as he was deserves and let him go before the real suffering started. I told him on Friday that soon he would be able to breathe again and until that time, he had avoided the catio we built for him, preferring to stay on the top level in his carrier. But after I told him how much we would miss him but it was the right thing to do for him, he went outside in that catio and stayed there- even overnight.
I told my vet I wasn’t giving up because it was difficult, I was giving in because it was time. He showed all of us in the end that it was indeed time for him to do. That bubby was so tired of fighting to breathe.
We left his cage door open last night so his spirit would soar free- the catio door was opened as well. This morning, there were four kitties cuddled in the catio and we found comfort in that sight.
I’m sorry Juno, had we gotten to you sooner there might have been a chance to unrepair the damage done to you. You are a noble soul and we all shall miss you so very much.
Awwww MA so sorry to hear this. This truly broke my heart! You did all that you could for this precious fur baby! He is running free now and can breathe!!!!! Yay! God is truly good.
I am so sorry to hear of Juno’s passing, but I am so glad he didn’t suffer more than he had already. Bless you both.
Oh no! I read your header and a big smile came to my face thinking Juno had turned the corner, then read the post. I am so sorry. Blessings to you and sweet Juno.
Dear Juno, It was very nice to meet you, if only for a short time. RIP
RIP Juno. I have a kitty that have bad UI infections when I got him. He has permanent damage too. I’m just grateful that I was able to save he when I did. He sneezes and sniffles all the time. He doesn’t know how to blow his nose so you hope you aren’t near him when he sneezes because snot flies. But I love him. He’s happy. He loves to play, purr, cuddle etc. He’s always happy when I come home and shows it unlike most cats. Even plays fetch. He’s my GUS! I will think of Juno tonight when Gus and I are playing.
so sorry – sometimes the best we can do is know when it is time to let them go
We’re kinda with Christine. When we saw the headline, we were hoping someone had found something that helped Juno. So sorry that it was not to be.
Run free at The Bridge, sweet Juno.
sobbing to hear this, not for Juno, his spirit is free from suffering and he is able to run and play with the others that have gone before him. But sobs are for you MA and for those of us praying for him to be better and be here with us, He left knowing there is love and kindness, R.I.P little Juno.
I think anyone who knows what you do for cats will know that you didn’t let Juno go because it was difficult to keep him. If he had had a chance of improvement, you would have done all you could. But fighting just to breathe isn’t a good life for a cat; a life of such discomfort is a miserable life for an animal. You did all you could.
Godspeed, Juno.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and commments. I needed to read them especially after yesterday when I learned that someone in the rescue community is spreading rumors that I am nothing more than a cat hoarder. 🙁 The person spreading this has never been to our sanctuary, seen our home or any of our cats for that matter. Funny, I thought we were all supposed to be on the same team?
I have never before offered a comment. I have been reading your blog faithfully every morning when I check my e-mail, for I, too, have 5 little kittens and cats that I have rescued over the years. You cannot know how much your words of wisdom and pointers have helped me to care for them. Your boundless love for and commitment to these poor, lost, freindless creatures almost leaps from the screen. Please don’t let some negative comment from a thoughtless person pull you down or slow your stride. There must be lots and lots of people just like me out there, who find help and inspiration in your mission, and the way you carry it out. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do.
I second every thing Rocky says! I first met Mary Anne when she graciously accepted from me a very ill, mistreated and abandoned black cat she named Zavan. We could not properly care for him and attempt to resuscitate him to full good health due to the six cats we already share a home with.
Her work and efforts routinely include herculean tasks others would not even consider, let alone undertake. Every day we are so grateful for, and stand in awe of, the many fine, caring and noble works Mary Anne shoulders at any given time.
Even in those cases like Juno, Zavan and so many others whose circumstances and infirmities could not be overcome, Mary Anne gave them the love and caring during their last weeks, days and hours that they had not known during their lives to that point. They left for the Bridge knowing they had been so well loved.
It is not possible to say thank you adequately for all Mary Anne does for so many!
Andrea Dorn told me today about your blog and felt I needed to pop over. I so sorry for the loss of dear Juno and compounding the sadness is the thoughtless judgment of others. As something who has done lots of rescue and behavior work (including pet loss research) I know a little how you’re feeling. Sending soft purrs of comfort and condolences.