Skip to content

182 Comments

  1. Wilma Galanos
    February 9, 2016 @ 3:47 pm

    Praying for all of you. This is a difficult bitter-sweet time I know. Know you will do what is best for Elvis as you have been doing all along. Never met you but I love you all.

    Reply

  2. Mary
    February 9, 2016 @ 3:48 pm

    So sorry to hear this, but you’ve given Elvis the chance to have extra good quality time, and that says a lot about him and about you. I don’t know if you remember, but I’m the one whose dog was also diagnosed with lymphoma January of 2015, and we also chose chemo. Willow had almost 10 really good months, and then she came out of remission. The 2nd type of chemo was harder on her, although she continued to fight. 12 days ago we had to make that decision that we never wanted to make, and of course we’ve questioned ourselves about whether the timing was right. All I can say is that you’ll know what’s best for Elvis. For me, my brain knew, but my heart was in denial. Still is. I’ll miss her each and every day. Treasure your time with Elvis. He looks like such a good kitty, and you’ve made such a selfless decision to allow his this time. God bless you all.

    Reply

  3. Jessica F
    February 9, 2016 @ 3:49 pm

    The duct tape bwahahahahah and sniff sniff, oh man wheres the smiley for a sobbing yet laughing emotion?!
    Our dog will be 9 this July and I’m in denial over it. He doesn’t seem old most days but there are moments that make me do a double take and I see age beginning to get the best of him.
    You may not feel like you’re describing your emotions well, but I’ve never truly felt that while I was reading someone else’s voice was narrating in my head – yeah creepy I know…
    Best wishes to Elvis and family.

    Reply

  4. Cassie
    February 9, 2016 @ 4:15 pm

    My cat died last June, and for a while I thought I’d never breathe again without feeling like there was a giant rock on my chest. He was my best friend and soulmate, and even though I have human best friends and soulmates, nobody understands me like he did. He was very old and sick, and I worried about knowing when the right time would be, but in the end, it was very clear. Looking back, I know that he lived exactly the right number of good days, and then one very bad day. He made it very clear when it was time, and the last thing he felt was a massive wave of relief, and love. I was so scared of that moment, but when the moment came, it was kind of beautiful.

    You will know when it’s time, and you won’t have to regret anything. When that day comes, Elvis will let you know and your heart will know you did the right thing. I’m so sorry you have to go through this; it’s SO hard. I miss him every day, but the rock is gone. We have a kitten now, and he helps with the grief. (Honestly, the kitten is such a goofball, it’s impossible to be sad around him.) The point is that you, Paul, and Elvis will know the exact right number of good days. Then you will have to breathe with a rock for a while, and then you’ll be ok. Tell Elvis to find my cat, Decker, on the other side. He’s a big fluffy gray cat with bright green eyes. He’s awesome & a great friend. He’ll take great care of her. He got me through cancer, so he knows. Plus, you and I are a lot alike, so…. He KNOWS.

    Reply

  5. Di
    February 9, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

    As you can see Victoria it is a common tale of woe, Our furkids just dont live as long as we do and it hurts to let them go. Our little dog of 16 years went last year, and in the end he was asking me to let go. He was ready and we just had to be. And it will be hard, no one can sugar coat it. But Elvis will always be with you even after she’s gone. You will feel her around a glimpse out the corner of your eye, a dream, a vivid memory, she will be with you and love you always. Love and light to you Paul and Elvis you are all in my thoughts

    Reply

  6. Randie
    February 9, 2016 @ 4:26 pm

    Two years ago, I lost my siamese of 23 years… he was undergoing thyroid treatment the last few years, and the medication brought on additional problems with his urinary tract and water regulation. It was heart breaking to watch his slow decline, but when I came home and found him lying in the bathtub, I knew it was his time. My only regret, is that I took him to the vet for his last visit… if I had seen this inspiring movie by Laurie Anderson, I may instead have snuggled up with him in a blanket and held him until his last breath. May this bring you some love and light… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PLWVXICQyM

    Reply

  7. Diana
    February 9, 2016 @ 5:01 pm

    Oh Elizabeth and so many of the commenters! I am crying as I type this. All of us who have “been there” know exactly the emotions you are going through. The cliff is a wonderful and terrifying place all at the same time. My husband and I lived there with our sweet, beloved dog for months. I kept hoping we would not be called upon to make the dreaded decision, but we were, and when we knew we had reached an absolute impasse, we made it and you and Paul will too if that time comes. The time may come when you know that your Elvis has had enough, and needs your kindness to help her when she needs your strength the most.
    I wish you and Paul and Elvis peace and comfort during this struggle.

    Reply

  8. Suzanne Forbes
    February 9, 2016 @ 5:10 pm

    Best wishes from a stranger in Berlin, Victoria. Elvis is a beautiful princess and I hope you know that your readers are all sending kisses to her sweet face.

    Reply

  9. Lindsey
    February 9, 2016 @ 5:28 pm

    We all love you and your family so much. I’m so sorry for your pain. I hope she has more good days than bad. But I am sure she counts herself the luckiest cat to have lived simply because you are her mom and she has gotten to spend so much time with you.

    Reply

  10. Ellie
    February 9, 2016 @ 6:44 pm

    Elvis hit the jackpot with you as his mom. Just keep loving him; that’s all you can do.

    Reply

  11. Teija Nelson
    February 9, 2016 @ 6:44 pm

    I so understand. We got our Lucky Girl when our youngest son was 4, and our oldest son was 6. They really had no memory of life before Lucky. My husband and I had cats before, but she was different.She was another child to us. Rather she was the family baby. I guess I thought she would live forever. It took me a year and a half after she died to think about having another kitty. Now, we have 2 male cats that we enjoy. They can never replace Lucky, but we have fun watching them play and snuggle. I will be thinking of you and Paul, and Elvis.

    Reply

  12. Marianne in Mo.
    February 9, 2016 @ 7:12 pm

    I know how sad it is to not be in control of the babies we love so much. At the age of 62, I have had my share of this pain and it never gets easier. We are currently without a pet after losing our last one in June of 2014. We were so heart broken, we just couldn’t do it again. But we are now thinking we need a pet in our hearts again, so we will begin searching soon.

    Just know that you are giving Elvis all you can, and know that she is very thankful to be a part of your life forever.

    Reply

  13. jeannette
    February 9, 2016 @ 7:41 pm

    Light and love to you, Elvis and Paul during this time of transition. And a virtual hug and a box of kleenex too, from a complete stranger who is thankful that you open up your life and loves. Salvage (aka SweetPea, my kittycat) and I are with you in spirit. Peace to you and yours.

    Reply

  14. Linda
    February 9, 2016 @ 8:35 pm

    I’m so very sorry for what you and Elvis are going through. Sitting here with one of my crazy kitties on my lap while I’m typing this, I’m sending you prayers and wishes for many more good days before you say, “See you later” (that’s what my 12-year-old said to our pig instead of goodbye–and it’s really true). Hugs…

    Reply

  15. Robert M
    February 9, 2016 @ 9:20 pm

    Dear Victoria,

    I’m not sure if you’ll see this comment amongst the multitudes that are already posted. I simply wanted to express my sympathy and empathy for your situation with Elvis. I had a beloved cat once myself. His name was Mickey and he was one of the rare ones too. I had him from the time that he was just a kitten, all small and fluffy. The day he came inside the house he’d cheated death when one of our dogs had tried to swallow him. Thank fully fate intervened in the form of my father whacking the dog on the back of the head until she spat him out. I cared-for and grew to love that kitten as only an 11-year-old child could. When I turned 22 Mickey started showing symptoms of feline Diabetes and I had to put on my big-boy pants to care for him again. I started giving him twice daily insulin shots per my vet’s orders. It was rough on both of us, he detested being stuck and I despised doing the sticking. He improved, got back to being his old self…for a while. Eventually I discovered that Mickey had some sort of cancer. At the end it was causing his lungs to fill with fluid and I had to take him to the vet on two separate occasions to have his lungs drained. That was when I knew that I could keep him alive, but the quality of that life wasn’t what it should be. I couldn’t be selfish, I had to let him go. It’s been 5 years almost since I had to put him to sleep, and I still miss him everyday, but I know in my heart that I made the right decision for him. Along the way I had some amazing memories with Mickey. Those memories and the pictures I took when I knew that time was growing short are what help me to smile when I think of him. I know that you love Elvis for the truly singular and special soul that she is. Cherish the gift of every day with her, and know that when the time comes you will have made the right decision. Much love and many prayers to you, Victoria.

    ~Robert

    Reply

  16. Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza
    February 9, 2016 @ 9:38 pm

    I’m so sorry, Victoria. We were on the edge of the same kind of cliff with Bear (the Dog Who Didn’t Eat Pizza first) and I know what that feels like. I cried every dang day. Hang in there. I can’t say anything that will make it better. Just hug Elvis as much as you can. Sending you virtual hugs from me, Hank Dog (the Golden Retriever), and my Elvis Parsley (the black lab). xoxo

    Reply

  17. Debrashoppeno5
    February 9, 2016 @ 10:25 pm

    It’s so hard to go through. Enjoy every moment you have with your precious Elvis.

    Reply

  18. D'Arcy H
    February 9, 2016 @ 10:44 pm

    There are no words. Just love. I jumped off that cliff with my Rosencrantz three years ago, Feb. 11. As painful as it is, I will jump many more times. All sweet Elvis needs is your love, and she has that. Love to you, Paul, and Elvis.

    Reply

  19. Devon
    February 9, 2016 @ 11:01 pm

    Have been thinking about how Elvis was doing, knowing what she was dealing with and what you all are going through; it is so heartbreaking, i have been in your shoes with a beloved pet and feel your sadness and pain. They are family and you care for them as you would for any other loved one, and you can feel so helpless at times……..actually all the time when an animal has a terminal illness. I am so very sorry, Victoria……….I am praying for you and Elvis and hope that God gives you strength and keeps her comfortable as long as possible.

    Reply

  20. Virginia
    February 10, 2016 @ 12:18 am

    Thank you for this update. I’m glad you’re getting more time with her. I know how much that means.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.