Charlie the Lonesome Sweetheart - Page 3

Gemini Cricket · 11-26-2005, 04:13 PM

I hate to say this, but I think putting Charlie down is the right thing to do. I think that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to post, but I do think that. Now I know, I'm not the biggest cat lover (I'm allergic) but I was thinking that if this were Frodo and there was a huge danger of him passing it on to equally loved doggies, I would reluctantly do it. I would be crushed for a long time, but I'd do it. I would hate to endanger other animals and leave that terrible choice up to those families.
Of course, if there is another way to deal with this situation then I say go for it. But I can't think of one...
My heart goes out to you both. And to Charlie, of course.

Snowflake · 11-26-2005, 04:56 PM

Oh man, I was so hoping this was not going to be the end of the story for Charlie. I can't offer any advice to you both, but whatever you decide, you have my support. I'm here, looking at my two sweet kitties and so thankful they are healthy and happy.

I know you will do what is best for you and Charlie, who looks to be a real affectionate fella. If, ultimately, the decision is to be the sad ending for him, you can take heart in knowing that you have provided him with love and care and made his time with you to be likely the happiest he has known. Whomever his former owners are, shame on them and may the karma they deserve come back to strike them.

I'm so sad now, going to go and snuggle with my little ones and think of you and sweet Charlie.

Donna

tracilicious · 11-27-2005, 10:29 AM

Arrrrgh! I'm so sorry you guys are going through this tough kitty time.

Chris, you've mentioned that you feel like Charlie has a message for you. Maybe it isn't so much that he has a message from you, but that he sensed something within you that he needs. It seems that what he needs could be one of two things. Perhaps he sensed that you are selfless enough to allow him to gracefully leave the world even though you love him so much. Or maybe it's that he knew he would find a safe haven with you guys until his time here is through. What a grueling task it must be to try and decipher that message.

If you go the backyard route, can you ensure that he won't come in contact with your other kitties? Do you feel like he would be happy out there? Are you prepared to face the tough end that feline HIV brings? If the answer to those is yes, then maybe that's a good route to go.

Our thoughts are with you guys, and Charlie. Give him a smooch for me.

wendybeth · 11-27-2005, 11:45 AM

I wonder if there is a rescue facility for kitties like Charlie- one that takes care of kitties with FIV? It's just a rotten choice to have to make. I honestly don't know what I would do in your place. I suppose ultimately I would do as the vet suggested, but I would feel completely ****ty about it. Then I would go and adopt another kitty, in honor of Charlie.

Snowflake · 11-27-2005, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendybeth

I wonder if there is a rescue facility for kitties like Charlie- one that takes care of kitties with FIV? It's just a rotten choice to have to make. I honestly don't know what I would do in your place. I suppose ultimately I would do as the vet suggested, but I would feel completely ****ty about it. Then I would go and adopt another kitty, in honor of Charlie.

I don't know the answer, but I did find a source for cat rescue in California. The listing is a PDF and you can find it here, courtesy of a Dog Rescue site.

I'm clinging to hope, but I do think I can say, based on what you've told us, Charlie is doubly blessed to have both of you caring for him. Clearly his kitty-dar was working 100%.

Donna

wendybeth · 11-27-2005, 12:50 PM

Hey, I just found this place online: FIV Cats.

Check it out- some very good and positive info here.

tracilicious · 11-27-2005, 01:31 PM

That's a great site Wendy! Very, very encouraging.

Cadaverous Pallor · 11-27-2005, 02:12 PM

So sorry, guys.

Not Afraid · 11-27-2005, 05:49 PM

Well, Charlie got a "dog house" today and his food and bed have been moved into the back yard. I think we're going to be spending time back there to get him used to things expecially since it's going to take a while until we get the higher gates up.

The more time passes and the more options I see, the less likely I am to go for the euthinasia option, although he needs to cooperate. He's been outside for quite a while now - even longer then he moved in with us, so it's not like he hasn't had contact with other cats at all. He's also not a fighter at all so I am pretty sure no blood was exchanged at this point. So, we're going to do our best to create an oasis for him in the backyard.

He's already pooed in the newly planted irises so he's making himself at home. Damn, he's adorable.

wendybeth · 11-27-2005, 08:45 PM

After reading more on the subject, I have come to the conclusion that Charlie has been trying to tell you all along that he knows he is home. FIV does not have to be a death sentence, any more than a diagnosis of diabetes or other type of chronic illness. It actually sounds more manageable than many other conditions, and he is obviously happy being your garden boy. If weather gets too wild and he has to be brought in for a time, you could just isolate him so there would be no danger of fighting with the other kitties. Knowing what I've learned here, I would not hesitate to keep an otherwise healthy kitty in the same type of set-up that NA describes. Whatever you decide, I know it will be the best decision for the boy, and it will be one made out of love.

11-26-2005, 04:13 PM	#1
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	I hate to say this, but I think putting Charlie down is the right thing to do. I think that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to post, but I do think that. Now I know, I'm not the biggest cat lover (I'm allergic) but I was thinking that if this were Frodo and there was a huge danger of him passing it on to equally loved doggies, I would reluctantly do it. I would be crushed for a long time, but I'd do it. I would hate to endanger other animals and leave that terrible choice up to those families. Of course, if there is another way to deal with this situation then I say go for it. But I can't think of one... My heart goes out to you both. And to Charlie, of course.
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11-26-2005, 04:56 PM	#2
Snowflake lost in the fog Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Francisco Posts: 7,831	Oh man, I was so hoping this was not going to be the end of the story for Charlie. I can't offer any advice to you both, but whatever you decide, you have my support. I'm here, looking at my two sweet kitties and so thankful they are healthy and happy. I know you will do what is best for you and Charlie, who looks to be a real affectionate fella. If, ultimately, the decision is to be the sad ending for him, you can take heart in knowing that you have provided him with love and care and made his time with you to be likely the happiest he has known. Whomever his former owners are, shame on them and may the karma they deserve come back to strike them. I'm so sad now, going to go and snuggle with my little ones and think of you and sweet Charlie. Donna __________________ Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde
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11-27-2005, 10:29 AM	#3
tracilicious avatar transition Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: in-between Posts: 2,487	Arrrrgh! I'm so sorry you guys are going through this tough kitty time. Chris, you've mentioned that you feel like Charlie has a message for you. Maybe it isn't so much that he has a message from you, but that he sensed something within you that he needs. It seems that what he needs could be one of two things. Perhaps he sensed that you are selfless enough to allow him to gracefully leave the world even though you love him so much. Or maybe it's that he knew he would find a safe haven with you guys until his time here is through. What a grueling task it must be to try and decipher that message. If you go the backyard route, can you ensure that he won't come in contact with your other kitties? Do you feel like he would be happy out there? Are you prepared to face the tough end that feline HIV brings? If the answer to those is yes, then maybe that's a good route to go. Our thoughts are with you guys, and Charlie. Give him a smooch for me. __________________ And now Harry, let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure! - Albus Dumbledore
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11-27-2005, 11:45 AM	#4
wendybeth Nevermind Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,847	I wonder if there is a rescue facility for kitties like Charlie- one that takes care of kitties with FIV? It's just a rotten choice to have to make. I honestly don't know what I would do in your place. I suppose ultimately I would do as the vet suggested, but I would feel completely ****ty about it. Then I would go and adopt another kitty, in honor of Charlie. __________________
	Submit to Quotes

11-27-2005, 12:50 PM	#6
wendybeth Nevermind Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,847	Hey, I just found this place online: FIV Cats. Check it out- some very good and positive info here. __________________
	Submit to Quotes

11-27-2005, 01:31 PM	#7
tracilicious avatar transition Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: in-between Posts: 2,487	That's a great site Wendy! Very, very encouraging. __________________ And now Harry, let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure! - Albus Dumbledore
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11-27-2005, 02:12 PM	#8
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	So sorry, guys. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
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11-27-2005, 05:49 PM	#9
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	Well, Charlie got a "dog house" today and his food and bed have been moved into the back yard. I think we're going to be spending time back there to get him used to things expecially since it's going to take a while until we get the higher gates up. The more time passes and the more options I see, the less likely I am to go for the euthinasia option, although he needs to cooperate. He's been outside for quite a while now - even longer then he moved in with us, so it's not like he hasn't had contact with other cats at all. He's also not a fighter at all so I am pretty sure no blood was exchanged at this point. So, we're going to do our best to create an oasis for him in the backyard. He's already pooed in the newly planted irises so he's making himself at home. Damn, he's adorable.
	Submit to Quotes

11-27-2005, 08:45 PM	#10
wendybeth Nevermind Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,847	After reading more on the subject, I have come to the conclusion that Charlie has been trying to tell you all along that he knows he is home. FIV does not have to be a death sentence, any more than a diagnosis of diabetes or other type of chronic illness. It actually sounds more manageable than many other conditions, and he is obviously happy being your garden boy. If weather gets too wild and he has to be brought in for a time, you could just isolate him so there would be no danger of fighting with the other kitties. Knowing what I've learned here, I would not hesitate to keep an otherwise healthy kitty in the same type of set-up that NA describes. Whatever you decide, I know it will be the best decision for the boy, and it will be one made out of love. __________________
	Submit to Quotes