Tough decisions

There comes a time in every pet owners life that they have to make a tough decision.  Today is that day for me.   My cat, Frankie, that I have had with me for 16+ years has gotten to the age and health status that I am going to have to put her down.  I know logically and in my heart it is what's best for her.  She's always been a fat cat who had lots of spunk.  Well her weight has dropped way below where it should be, let alone below her normal fattness.  And 6+ years ago she went into renal failure and yet somehow survived but the side effects of having barely any kidney function are catching up to her.
Frankie is a cat whom I found at the humane society when she was a tiny yet ferocious kitten.  She spent the majority of her life scratching and batting at everyone.  She's always ruled over the greyhounds I've had, even though either one of them out weighed her by, well, a lot.  Even to this day my current greyhound, Marco, just let's her have his huge bed.  (She has a heated one but prefers his)  Most of my nieces and nephews have learned about respecting animals because of my cat, she'd just scratch them if they picked her up.  Yet 3 & 1/2 years ago I brought home my baby daughter and Frankie has been extremely tolerant of her.  Ella's at the age now that she enjoys carrying Frankie around, or making her lay in her lap so she can pet her...believe me we have talked over and over about giving kitty space, Ella just loves to be close with Frankie.  She even tries to sit in Frankie's heated bed with her.  That cat, who used to be so mean, just deals with it.  Yes she has a pretty pissed off look on her face but she just deals. 
And let's talk about my husband, who told me when we met how he was allergic to cats and really didn't like them.  Of course he instantly became Frankie's favorite person, and within no time my husband feel head over heals for my mean, fat, cat.  She used to follow him around the house.  Actually one of the really odd but nice things about my cat, she's a nighttime sleeper.  Yes she sleeps at night and is up during the day.  It's been that ways since forever.  She used to come downstairs and remind me it was time for bed. 
Now my cat even has a bit of a fan club.  Due to her age and kidney issues when we go out of town someone has to come by, feed her, and give her her meds.  A few of my friends, and even some of their kids, really love my cat.  Likewise she has been very pleasant and loving to them as well.  (In fact she's nicer to them about taking her meds than she is with me.)

(That's my dog in the background, and my Frankie, tolerating my daughter Ella.  Frankie was a fat cat!)
So today is not one of my best days.  I have to let my beloved Frankie go.  I know it's what's best for her but man does this hurt.  Every time I have to go through this I think maybe I shouldn't get another pet.  Yet my daughter now has a fish and a turtle and is already talking to us about getting another cat.  Her fish I'm not so attached to but that turtle is really freaking cute!  And yes, I'll place bets we're going to get another cat soon.  But today...well I'm really sad.
Be well, Be happy- Tara S. Dickherber, M.Ed, CPC

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