Sunday, October 05, 2014

Be at peace, Lionel


Well, he was only part of our family for 13 short days, but today we had to let Lionel go.



I took him to the emergency vet last Wednesday when he started stumbling around and refusing to eat. Our vet had been working on a diagnosis since then, and giving him appetite stimulants. They were treating him for various possibilities including toxoplasmosis, or even a stroke. They did rule out FIP, but are still waiting for the toxo blood test results.

 Today sweet  Lionel took a rapid turn for the worse and developed a syndrome wherein his legs were all stiff and straight (but not totally aralysed; you could bend them and he could sense pain in them.) By the time we got to the clinic, he was in bad shape and the vet was concerned he would soon asphyxiate as the paralysis increased. He was already in an oxygen tent, and they were unable to deliver medication adequately to him, and of course he was not eating. There was really nothing left to do but let Lionel go.

So Gordon and I told him that we loved him, and that his former guardians did too, and Dr. Ashley put him peacefully to sleep.


It's extra-tough because he was just a young cat, only four years old, and so handsome and sweet. Already I knew he was a sensitive soul. He had a tough start to life as a feral (or semi-feral.) He was neutered as part of a local feral program, which is why his ear was notched.

He was very bonded to his friend Missy, who is no doubt missing him greatly.


I went and gave her a cuddle when we got back from the vet, and told her what had happened. I did ask the vet if Missy was at risk from anything, particularly if it was toxoplasmosis, but she said no.

I am hoping Missy will form a friendship with our other new barn cat, Redford, who seems to need a feline friend and is a very sweet and accepting little guy.

Godspeed, Lionel. You were very loved in your all-too-brief life and you'll be sorely missed.

23 comments:

  1. I'm sorry, Natalie. Wasn't he a sweet boy. Such a shame that his life was cut short just when it was about to be wonderful. I'm really sad to hear this. Please let us know what the diagnosis was for this poor fella. Rest in peace, Lionel. Sending a hug, Deb

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  2. So sorry for the loss of sweet little Lionel!
    It's so sad that he had such a short life, but I'm glad he was with you in his last days, so he was well taken care of!
    Rest in Peace sweet Lionel!
    Hopefully Missy and Redford will become good friends.

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  3. Lionel had a truly sweet face and I'm sure it matched his neighbor. In the brief time he was with you I'm sure he found comfort. So sorry, Natalie.

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  4. Anonymous7:23 pm

    This just breaks my heart. I loved his face and his obviously sweet nature. You and Gordon went to superhuman lengths for him. It is so hard to make that final decision. Thank you for all you did for Lionel.

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  5. My heart goes out to you, my friend. As much as we hate to let them go, we hate even more to see them suffering. So sorry, Natalie...and Gordon, XOXO

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  6. I'm so sorry Natalie. Losing such a sweet little guy … so hard. Sending warm thoughts your way.

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  7. Poor critter. You guys did your best and am so happy you were with him at the end. Very sweet boy and so sad this had to happen.

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  8. This is so sad. I hope they can figure out what was wrong. Run free, sweetie! Hugs to you two and Missy.

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  9. I'm so sorry Lionel had to be put down. Rest in peace, little guy.

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  10. Oh Natalie and Gordon,I'm so deeply sorry. Lionel was loved...the greatest gift,and you didn't let him suffer...another gift you gave him.
    Thinking of you,
    Jane xxx

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  11. Oh that is sad, I am so sorry. He was such a handsome little guy. I hope Missy won't fret too much.

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  12. I'm very sorry for you both and sweet little Missy. Lionel had a sweet and loving temperament. Its very sad he had to leave Missy and his new family at such a young age. It's hard to lose a pet no matter how long they have been with you. I am keeping you and Missy in my thoughts. Take care.

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  13. Poor old boy. RIP Lionel.

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  14. We are so sorry, Nat and Gordon.What a shame. RIP Lionel.

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  15. Me and my mom-person really sad to hear about Lionel :(

    XOXO

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  16. So sorry to hear about Lionel, he seemed quite the character and loved by Missy. Thank you for giving him a warm loving home for the past two weeks.

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  17. THank you for all the kind words. It makes me especially sad that Lionel had such a short kitty life. He deserved many more years. It was so hard to see him suffering yesterday, but I hope he felt our love on the way out.

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  18. I am so sorry. Lionel was beautiful. I am very thankful for people like you. Thank you.

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  19. So sad to hear of this loss. I can the beauty of Lionel's soul, I am sure he is looking down on us all :-)

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  20. It's a beautiful thing to end the suffering of a creature in pain. No matter how mournful the loss, it is still a beautiful thing.

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  21. Aww, I am so sorry about Lionel. He was a beautiful kitty, and he and Missy looked so happy together in your pictures. I DO hope Missy will be comforted by Redford. When will they meet?

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  22. This breaks my heart. I had fallen in love with Lionel from the first photo I saw. So glad he had you to love and care for him.

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!