[MSNPA]

Two weeks ago today I lost my 12 year old cat Ben to cancer. I am devastated and feel a little part of me has died. He showed no signs of illness until the weekend before he died. On Saturday he stopped eating and drinking and ceased all his normal routines. After three visits to our Vet, Mon through Wed, our Vet, after chest xrays, noticed a shadow on his lungs (his breathing was now becoming irregular). She suggested we take him to AVS in Maitland. Wed afternoon the specialists at Maitland informed us Ben's lungs were full of cancerous nodules and there was nothing they could do. On Weds night he could barely breathe and we had him euthanized Thurs. I cannot explain the grief and loss we feel, not to mention the guilt in wondering if we missed any prior symptoms. All of this follows us losing our 18 year old cat Ivan in April. We still have Sophie who since March has had two surgeries for patella luxation and cannot do all the things she should be doing as a puppie.

I share this because I know there are many animal lovers on TOTV. Having pets is wonderful, but losing them is so terrible especially when it is before their time. Thanks for listening.