A hard choice that had to be made

Today is going to be a very sad day here in Anthony's home. You know those cats I talk about sometimes? The Orange and the Fat One? Well, Anthony very possibly has a allergy to them. Given that Anthony has never had a cold, an allergy is really the old explanation to why his ears blocked up and why he has mucus running down the back of his throat often. So of course I have to choose my sons health over the love I have for my pets that I have had for 10 years.

Thats not quiet the "hard choice" though. The thing is The Orange cat, Austin, has been quiet sick from the time he was a baby. He was the runt of the litter. Larry and I adopted him from a vet in our area that was going to be putting him down. He was so small we had to feed him formula. But it was only the beginning of his issues. His urethra was deformed so after having him home for a few days he couldn't pee and so we had surgery done to repair this. He however still had urine issues. He produced such big crystals in his pee that he would block himself up over and over again. We were at the vet quiet often and spent lots of money. Finally we got him on a brand of prescription cat food that helped him a lot. But that being said, we knew he probably wouldn't live as long as most cats. In the past few years Austin has been getting "blocked up" more and more. He started leaking urine, he throws up quiet a bit, he's losing weight. He keeps getting bladder infections, his pee smells horrible! its just a very bad situation.

So when we found out that Anthony has an allergy it was obvious we had to get rid of our cats. But not even a shelter wants Austin. The lady I talked to basically said because of his age and his health I'm basically signing his death warrant by leaving him there and he will die alone (thanks for the extra guilt lady) None of my family or friends wants Austin. I can't blame them. They know of his leaking and barfing.... and who wants to deal with that? So I made that horrible phone call yesterday and I have an appointment today to take Austin in and have him put to sleep =-( I want to be there in the room with him and pet him and let him know that I tried to give him the best life possible. He was my first baby! He was the one in a weird way that prepared me for Anthony being so sick.

Some happier news is my old co-worker is going to take The Fat One, Bizkit, for me! She has another kitty and at least I know her and know she is a good person that will love my cat. Also I can stop by and visit Bizkit if I want to.

Its going to be weird not having my cats here at home. They have been a part of my family for 10 years. I know Anthony will miss them as well. He's always loved chasing them. But I know I am making the right decision for my family. i just wish it wasn't so painful!