Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Tough Decisions

I don't usually like to post anything too horribly personal or emotional on here, but today I'm going to go a bit way off topic. The cat that my family got when I was 12 is getting pretty old, and he hasn't been doing very well lately. He's a big, furry guy and at one point weighed 25lbs, but now he's just a measly 8lbs. My mom took him to the vet again today, and they currently are holding him to run a couple tests. These tests alone cost $150, and the vet wants to do even more that will cost another $500. I love Sneaker to pieces, as does my mom, dad, and sister. However, I come from a very modest upbringing, and my family doesn't have that kind of money. I know my parents wouldn't hesitate to pay any amount help Sneaker if they had it, but they don't. Unfortunately, since I'm in grad school, I don't have it either, which is why this is really hard.


What would you do in this situation? Would you scrap together everything you had to gets the tests done and risk the vet not being able to help your pet anyway? Any thoughts (and prayers) you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I was closer to Sneaker than any other pet before, and it's really hard to see him so frail.


Sneaker and I in his glory days (2002).
Sorry for the depressing post. I promise the next one will be a bit more cheerful.

12 comments:

  1. Oh sweetie that is such a hard decision, I know how attached we can become to our pets and we want nothing but health and happiness for them each and every day!! Maybe after the first round of tests they will find out what the problem might be and poor baby won't have to go through any more tests. Sneaker will be in my prayers!!! (You too!) xoxoxo

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  2. I'm so sorry! Poor Sneaker! That's so hard to deal with. I agree with Trish. My cat actually had surgery a few years ago - I left a ribbon out and she ate it and needed to have it taken out of her stomach - and I was able to get something called a Care Credit Card. I was on a payment plan with no interest for 12 months. It sucked, but it turned out okay. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. :(

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  3. I think you should setup an online donation site (i.e. wepay.com). I'm sure your readers would be glad to pitch in!

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  4. Thanks for your thoughts and ideas, ladies. Although my parents would never allow me to accept donations, I will tell them about the Care Credit Card. We just found out that the first test came back negative (which is good and bad), so Sneaker will be spending the night at the clinic on an IV. My mom said he was very scared, so it makes me sad that he's there without anyone he knows, but hopefully he will start feeling better once he's hydrated. Unfortunately, the vet said he's very concerned for Sneaker, so we're afraid he thinks there isn't much hope. Once we see how he's doing in the morning, my parents will decide what to do next.

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  5. Awww. Is he a Ragdoll? He's adorable! I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers. My best friend just had to put her three-year old cat down because of infection and liver failure. :( As a side note a lot of vets will work out some sort of payment plan.

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  6. That is really hard! My family had to put down our dog when we found out she had bone cancer, but we waited until we knew her quality of life was really affected. And even then, it was still hard! Hugs and prayers!

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  7. Oh Tara! I am so sorry! I went through something like this with my first pet, a little dog and when she was ill I got all the money I had and even posted flyers in the break at work asking for help. Luckily the medical attention added lots of years to her life, she ended up living another 8 years after the operation.

    If there is anything I can do - please let me know! I dont know how I can help, but I would be happy to do something, I consider you one of my real life friends... so I am here if you need it :)

    I am going to try to think of some ways to get Sneaker's tests done.

    xoxo T

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  8. Oh my goodness honey ,i am so sorry. I totally understand how hard it is for you and your family,my cat is 16 years old and she is my baby.I even have her name tattooed on my arm.
    If you simply can't afford tests and if you have time maybe you can try to find some alternative medicines.I know you don't know what to treat but there are many herbal supplements that can just make them overall healthier.I would maybe look into essiac (also called four herb tea from herbalhealers.com) There is a lot of info online and i remember being overwhelmed when our dog was sick.Just remember that your kittie knows that you all love him and gave him an awesome life.Bright blessings to you and your four legged friend.
    Hugs!!

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  9. Tara, I am so sad for you and your family right now. My cat, Chloe, was 13 and in amazing shape and then all of a sudden, I took her to the vet for her check up and it turned out she had cancer (something they failed to see for a few years) and literally, my heart broke. She was a beautiful cat, calico and long haired and she was very intelligent. Losing her was the hardest thing for me. (it's been almost 2 years now...) Please give us an update and know that I am thinking of you right now

    xo

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  10. I am so sorry to hear that. Losing a pet is just like losing a member of the family. I know this will be a tough decision for you and your family, but know that all of your followers are sending you lots of love and support!

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  11. Thanks so much everyone. Your words mean so much to me, and I feel lucky that you all care enough to offer support and encouragement. xoxo

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  12. I'm so sorry about your cat Tara! My heart and prayers go out to you and your family!! My cat,Sherlock will be 9 this coming Jan and they so are like a member of the family. My cousin is a vet maybe you could tell me or email me what's going on and I can ask her if your vet will be able to help your cat. Hang in there..either way this is a tough decision.Please keep us posted!

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