Putting the beloved cat to sleep

Might have to put the cat to sleep. My WWD lives for that cat. I fear it will trigger a sharp decline in her condition.
Would it be better for her to be present or absent when he is put to sleep?

Comments

  • annie51
    annie51 Member Posts: 835
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    I am so sorry you have to face this now. If she is too far advanced to process what is happening then I agree with @blacksparky that I would not have her present. Maybe you could up with some type of fiblet to explain his absence - he had to go into the cat hospital, etc.

    Sending hugs for this heart wrenching time for you.

  • harshedbuzz
    harshedbuzz Member Posts: 7,004
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    @rplourde50

    I'm so sorry you're faced with all of this.

    Given your DW's stage of dementia, I don't think this will bring any comfort or closure. You might consider introducing a robotic cat. When my friend's mom was in the moderate stages, the family cats avoided her because of some erratic behavior when sundowning. Friend introduced a Joy for All cat she borrowed from the local library. They're not much to look at but they're quite compelling. Dad's MCF had a couple and TBH, my mom (no dementia) was captivated by the thing.

    HB

  • Karen711
    Karen711 Member Posts: 310
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    sounds like a great idea! I’ve given my wife a little plush furry stuffed doggie- she takes him everywhere and sleeps with him.

  • Biggles
    Biggles Member Posts: 906
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    Karen711 that is a very sad story. It’s strange how the tide can turn. You were so caring and worried for your DW and yet in the end you were the one to carry the grief of losing your beloved pet and no one to share your sadness with, a double loss. I’m so sorry and I so understand.

  • Karen711
    Karen711 Member Posts: 310
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    Thanks Biggles! On top of being an amazing care partner to your DH, I know you’re a devoted doggie parent💕

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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