Ode to Lucky

Well, today was one of the hardest days of our lives. I had to take our cat, Lucky, to the vet to peacefully put him to sleep forever. It was very tough. Basically, we have been living with baby gates and keeping him away from the dog due to the fact the cat could be very aggressive, and sometimes would like to pee outside of the litter box. He has been known to pee on our bed, just wherever he felt like going if he was mad about something. The vet sat with me and we discussed his behavior, and she felt as well that it was in the best interest of everyone including the cat to put him to sleep. I struggled with the whole thing because I kept trying to find other solutions. We asked friends, family, neighbors and coworkers if they knew anyone who would be willing to take Lucky in. It seemed many directions we turned, people were just rude and tried to judge us. Nevermind the fact we had to keep doors to other rooms closed so he couldn't go back in there and pee too. We discussed Prozac but were told that the side effects could be really bad. Basically there was no where left to go but with this decision. The doctor and staff were great about it, and made me a lot more at peace. I had this feeling of guilt that I was being mean, but in reality it's ridiculous to let an animal control your household. We took care of this cat, who was in all senses a stray, for 10 years, and it has just been too long living like this. Some other life changes have forced us to go this route. He went peacefully and I was petting him as he breated his last. He had no idea what happened as he was already sleeping when they made the injection. I'm glad I stayed with him, and relieved it is over. It is weird though. The house seems so quiet, even though he never made any noise in the house. I'm very sad that he is gone, but happy that he no longer has to hobble on 3 legs, and that he is in a better place. Fare thee well, Mr. Kitty. You are loved and missed.