Sweet baby Walter

Dear Friends & Family,

So normally when people meet me one of the first things they learn about is that I have 2 cats.  Frank and Walter.  My children.  They have been with me through all the hard times, especially Walter.  We united in a small town in Alabama when I was just 12 years old and he was my best friend.  Well today I had to be with him during a hard time.  He was very sick and in a lot of pain, so we had to say goodbye.  It was not exactly how I planned on spending my day off.  Walter was not happy and was sitting under the bed crying.  He looked frail and his eyes were glossy.  When I tried to give him treats he turned away, he wouldn't eat, he wouldn't drink, if you knew him at all you'd know that fresh water was his favorite thing.  So off to the vet we went and while the technician was checking him we learned that he had lost 4 pounds since his last visit in April.  Not good. X-rays and blood work showed that he had an enlarged kidney, grainy mass in his bladder, swollen intestines, and advanced arthritis in his back and hips.  All in all, the only other option we had was to do invasive surgery, that wouldn't even fix his problems.  He was in a lot of pain and it tore me apart.  We decided to let him go...ease him of his pain.  It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I know he's not hurting anymore and that offers some relief.  So here's to Walter.  The best little friend a girl could have.  I'll miss you Wally Poo.

Love,

Shannon