Friday, August 26, 2016

Buddy forever


This badge is a lovely gift from Ann at Zoolarty
Buddy peacefully crossed over the rainbow bridge on Monday afternoon.

On Sunday night when I returned home from dropping off Laura in Vancouver (a 3 hour drive), I was excited to see Buddy more perky. Sadly, it didn't last. I slept on the couch that night hoping to get some middle of the night Buddy cuddles, but that didn't happen. When I got up to check on him, he was looking pretty miserable again. I counted his breaths to see how he was doing and it seemed normal (high 30's). A few minutes before I had to leave for work, I thought I would count his breaths one more time and I counted 80 breaths a minute - I freaked. The cardiologist had said if the rate got up to 50 to get him to the vet right away. Thank God I checked him one more time.

I bundled him up and ran over to the vet (literally right across the alleyway from me) and they got him in immediately. When the vet tech took his temperature she thought for sure it was inaccurate and checked it a second time, but it was still 94 degrees. The vet did an exam and immediately put him in a heated oxygen chamber while we talked. She said we could do more extensive diagnostic work but based on his constellation of medical issues, whatever treatment we might do most likely would only extend his life a very short period. She went on to say that his very low temperature and low heart rate are signs that he's ready to cross the bridge. I knew it was time.

Buddy in oxygen chamber
As Buddy hung out in the oxygen chamber, he perked up. His body could now get the oxygen he needed, so his metabolism settled a bit. I asked if he could hang out in the oxygen chamber while I drove the six hours to bring Laura back down so she could be present and say goodbye too. The vet obviously couldn't promise anything but when she checked on him again, his vitals had improved a bit, he seemed more stable, so I took the gamble.

We made it back by the afternoon. His vitals were still stable, so the vet gave us the okay to bring him home for some goodbye time. Once he was off the oxygen, he went downhill very fast. It was time.

Buddy, June 2011
Thank you everyone who left comments and sent messages, I truly appreciate every one. Hopefully this weekend, I'll have the emotional energy to put together a memorial post celebrating Buddy through the years. He was a one of a kind gift.

22 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you got that extra time with him. Sending you love and hugs as you grieve.

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  2. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Buddy but glad you and Laura were both there to see him over the bridge. May his memory be a blessing for you.

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  3. Blessings and care from me and Katie.

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  4. Our hearts still ache for you. Purrs and peace to you and Laura.

    Kim and the boys

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  5. I hope your happy memories of Buddy can give you comfort at this heartbreaking time. You have my deepest sympathy.

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  6. Sweet Buddy. I am so glad you and Laura had some goodbye time. Big Hugs to you!!

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  7. we are so sorry for your loss.....and yet heartened by the fact that you gave him a second chance and he was so loved by you and Laura

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  8. I am so very very sorry for the loss of your beloved Buddy. I know that words are totally inadequate for the emptiness and loss within your heart. I can only tell you that time will help gentle chafe away at that and make it tolerable. But for now you take your time and be gentle with yourself. You gave Buddy the best years and all the love he wanted and needed, and that was enough to carry him to where he is now to wait for you. I hope I do not offend you with that, for I believe my girls are waiting for me where they are now. Prayers of comfort for you and Laura because I know her heart is heavy too.

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  9. Farewell, Buddy! You were obviously loved very, very much here on earth; may you now be surrounded by love in heaven.

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  10. Such a handsome boy. So glad you were both able to say good-bye to Buddy. Hugs.

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  11. We're so sorry your boy had to go. How comforted he must have been to be surrounded by love before his journey. Our purrs are with you.

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  12. You have our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Buddy. Pawhugs - the Whiskeratti.

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  13. We have sure been thinking of you and send you our love and hugs. The Buddy badge is beautiful.

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  14. We are so sorry sweet Buddy was needed at the Bridge, and so happy you were able to both be there for him before he left.

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  15. Godspeed your journey to heaven Buddy; we send our sincerest sympathies to your dad and family; we are truly sorry. You are and always will be a handsome kitty; you are and always will be loved, you will be missed ~~~~~~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥ boomer, daisy, tuna, dude and sauce

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  16. We're so sorry to hear about Buddy. Our thoughts are with you.

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  17. I am so sorry. I am glad you were both able to be with him.

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  18. So very sorry about your handsome boy. Its obvious that Buddy was well loved, and well taken care of....and you can't ask for more than that !! Love and gentle purrs to you all as you learn to live without your wee friend. May he RIP and breathe free at the Bridge. <3

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  19. this is particularly painful for me because my Angel Bobo had the same issues when he passed. My heart goes out to you and I don't have the appropriate words that adequately convey the depths of my sorrow ((((hugs)))) catchatwithcarenandcody

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  20. We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Buddy. Our thoughts are with you.

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  21. Thinking of you and the loss of your dear Buddy.

    Cats of Wildcat woods

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  22. so glad you were both able to be there and that the oxygen allowed you that time to gather to be together.. Losing a loved one is never easy, but having those last moments are precious.

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