The Executioner

The Executioner...that's what I feel like and I hate it!  I have two reasons for feeling this way...Sandy and Buster.  


First, Sandy.  Two days ago, my neighbor, Jack and his daughter, Joey, were looking for their cat, Sandy because she was going to be put down yesterday (Friday) due to cancer.  Sandy is 16 years old and apparently has cancer in her mouth which created a hole in the roof of her mouth making it very difficult for her to eat.  It was obvious she was getting weaker.  


They searched into the evening hours on Thursday but no Sandy.  Yesterday morning when I came downstairs, there was Sandy sitting by the koi pond relaxing, a recent favorite past time of hers.  I called Jack to let him know where Sandy was and Joey came over and got her.  I felt like I was the Executioner for telling them where she was.  


I talked to Jack this morning and Sandy met her fate yesterday.  Very sad.  She had a good life with Jack and Joey ever since they rescued her years ago as a stray when some college students left her on her own!


Now, our own cat, Buster.  Buster has been with us since Sara was a 5th grader--18 1/2 years old!  Buster is deaf (has been for almost 2 years) and has lost a lot of weight.  His arthritis is really bad yet he still seems to walk around okay; he has difficulty when he goes to sit.  He has been throwing up much more frequently these days and I noticed recently a growth on the top of his head over one eye.  Upon coming downstairs this morning, I was shocked at how quickly it grew since yesterday!  And, there is no fur on the growth.  I would bet this is his cancer.


I tried getting him into the vet today to confirm our fears but they are closed right now.  I left a message to get him in on Monday to see Dr. Arun. 


I left a Skype note for Holly and Sara to let them know that I think Buster's days are numbered.  I have a feeling on Monday he'll be going to kitty heaven, too.  I'll try calling them later.


Even though I know this is probably the humane thing to do at this point in Buster's old life, it just stinks when a decision like this has to be made!  We'll see what the vet says on Monday.  He has definitely been a good cat all these years and I will miss him if it's his time to go!