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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:	Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:	FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:	MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO

Created:	Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:	Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	5089
Total number of notes:	60366

3675.0. "Kirby, R.I.P." by FSHQA2::RKAGNO (A Cat Makes a Purrfect Friend) Wed Jun 06 1990 17:37

    Well folks, it has been almost a week, and I think my head is now
    clear enough to write this, though I am still very traumatized.
    
    I lost my Kirby baby to heart failure last weekend.  For those of
    you who remember, Kirby was my replacement Ragdoll kitten for Shelby
    last year, who I also lost to the same disease.  I never would have
    predicted that a tragedy like this would strike twice, but it did.
    We went directly to Tufts, and they tried some very heroic and
    desparate measures to save his life, but on Sunday, he took a
    turn for the worst, and I had to make the painful decision to let
    him go peacefully.  He had suffered enough.
    
    This morning, I received a phone call from the wonderful Dr. who
    treated Kirby, and he reassured me that I had made the right
    decision.  No amount of surgery would have given him a second chance
    in this world.  The autopsy revealed several heart defects, and
    his lungs were sticking together with fibrous tissue.  It was only
    a matter of time before they closed up on him completely.  His chest
    cavity was also filled with fluid, and they had tapped off quite
    a bit prior to his passing.  The pathologists are still going over
    him, and documenting their findings.
    
    This time, there will be no replacement kitten, (neither cat could
    ever be replaced; they were both very different, and very speical),
    just a refund of the purchase price of Shelby, and a promise from the
    breeder to have her vet confer with Tufts, and do whatever it takes to
    prevent this from happening again.  Both situations are very similar,
    and a half sister to both Shelby and Kirby was also lost to heart disease
    just two weeks before Kirby's death.  I am very good friends with
    her owner, so needless to say, we have been life support systems
    for one another.
    
    Many thanks to those of you who heard of Kirby's demise, and sent
    mail.  I appreciate your support and prayers.  My original decision
    was not to enter a note in this conference, as the replies would
    be too painful, but this is the best place for a note like this.
    Ragdolls are a rare breed, and although there are a lot of healthy
    ones out there, this is an example of what can happen in a genepool
    where there are simply not enough cats to breed to, and outcrossing
    is difficult.  Please, let's not get off on a tangent about poor
    breeding practices; I stated this for educational purposes at best.
    The intent of this note is to share Kirby's passing, as I will miss
    him very much.
    
    Rest in peace Little Squirt.
    
    Love,
    Mom, Dad, Kelsey, Murdock, T.K. and Nikki

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
3675.1	I'm so sorry . . .	DEMON::INGALLS		`Wed Jun 06 1990 18:20`	4
	I read your note with tears in my eyes. I have wondered (although I try not to think about it) if I could go on without my Sparky. My condolences to you and your family.
3675.2		HAMBND::CHAVIS	Beat the system, unplug the computer	`Wed Jun 06 1990 18:30`	5
	Our condonlences also...we lost puffer last week to a similar problem but we were unaware of it. He showed no signs what so ever. He probally didnt suffer. Ira (Sphinx, Farroe, Tut, and Rex)
3675.3	So sorry to hear about Kirby!	NATASH::ANDERSON		`Wed Jun 06 1990 18:32`	10
	Please accept my deepest sympathy! It sounds as though you have had more than your fair share of tragegy. I always feel at a loss for words - in times like these - I wish that I could say or do something to make you feel better. I am so sorry! Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany AND Sam(my)
3675.4	"..warm hugs"	USCTR2::CWESTON		`Wed Jun 06 1990 19:44`	13
	....we are sorry. Scruffy and Dudley Road Mom send our "warm hugs". Comfort, is what we all look for and somehow, in small clumps, it comes. I have lost many pets, and I know as life gives, it takes, that I will loose more. For I will always need a pet in my life. Please take care, and do not give up. Just "give" yourself plenty of time. Carol
3675.5		AIMHI::MCCURDY		`Wed Jun 06 1990 20:14`	2
	We are also soooooo very sorry.. Kate, Pookie, Happy, precious
3675.6		CIRCUS::KOLLING	Karen/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.	`Wed Jun 06 1990 21:50`	4
	We are terribly sorry. Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
3675.7	us too	CSC32::K_KINNEY		`Wed Jun 06 1990 22:35`	4
	Us too. Wishing better times for you. kim and catnippy
3675.8	Me too	ESIS::FEASE	Andrea Midtmoen Fease	`Thu Jun 07 1990 12:43`	3
	My deepest condolences and sympathy. - Andrea
3675.9		WMOIS::H_TAYLOR	Cats can't compete with Cadillacs	`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:05`	10
	Oh Roberta! I remember last year when you lost your other precious little ragdoll. I am so sorry to hear about Kirby! You certainly know that you have my severes sympathies. If anyone knows the pain of sorrow, I do. Sincere sympathies, Holly, tabitha, silver, pita, seasea, michaela, and sweetie.
3675.10	Sending you hugs long distance	SAGE::SPINGLER		`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:05`	8
	What can we say? Except that our hearts go out to you. I hope time is kind and leaves you with only the best memories of Kirby. Feline Sooooo Sad, Sue & Panther & Spot
3675.11		FRAGLE::PELUSO	PAINTS; color your corral	`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:08`	2
	our condolences as well.....M&N
3675.12		JJLIET::JUDY	York beach boogyin with the band	`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:12`	10
	Roberta, I read your note with tears in my eyes. I remember hearing about Shelby last year and to have lose another so soon is indeed a tragedy. Our best wishes and sympathy to you JJ, Brandi, Sasha, Chloe and Duke
3675.13	How very sad...	ESCROW::COCHRANE	Rack and Rune	`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:14`	3
	Our deepest sympathies. Mary-Michael, Niniane,Charm,Dream,Boogie,Mips,Belle & Misha
3675.14		PROSE::GOGOLIN		`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:41`	4
	We are very sorry to hear about Kirby. Hope you are getting lots of comfort from your other kitties. Linda, Misty, Cubby, Toby, Tweetie, and Peanut
3675.15		XNOGOV::LISA	Can't wait for Sunday!	`Thu Jun 07 1990 13:51`	4
	So sorry to hear about Kirby. Lisa plus Pookie.
3675.16	y	ALLVAX::LUBY	DTN 287-3204	`Thu Jun 07 1990 16:17`	5
	How sad! Please accept my condolences too. Karen (T.K. and Bandit)
3675.17	Sigh	MSBCS::HEATHER		`Thu Jun 07 1990 16:36`	3
	Hugs from us too - So sorry to hear of your loss. Heather + Muff, Oscar, Pandora and Cocoa
3675.18	so sorry too	SQM::CINDI		`Thu Jun 07 1990 16:48`	10
	Roberta, We are also so sorry to hear about Kirby. You have lots of memories and love from him and always keep those in your heart. Time will heal and maybe you will get another "kitty" to give love and hugs to, Cindi - Magen & Cinnamon
3675.19	Sorry	HEFTY::DOWSEYK	Kirk Dowsey 243-2440	`Thu Jun 07 1990 17:25`	3
	Sorry to hear about your loss of Kirby. Kirk
3675.20	So very sorry	GENRAL::BALDRIDGE	Spring has Sprung	`Thu Jun 07 1990 20:57`	5
	We too, offer our condolences. A loss of any kind is difficult, but seems harder when it's a young one. Chuck, Jane, Peaches, Cassandra & Purrkins
3675.21		CSCOA5::MCFARLAND_D	bo knows windows 3.0...?	`Thu Jun 07 1990 22:58`	7
	roberta... may we offer our condolences, as well...? diane, stanley & stella
3675.22	So Sorry!	MEMIT::MISSELHORN		`Fri Jun 08 1990 14:59`	8
	Roberta, Words just can't express how sorry I am about Kirby! Our love and prayers to you, Dana and "the kids". Barbara & Melody, Missy & Brittany
3675.23	Sympathy	USEM::MCQUEENEY	Conduct unbecoming	`Fri Jun 08 1990 17:16`	4
	Our condolensces on the loss of Kirby. How tragic. Bob, Smoke, Sneakers, Nova & the Combat Kittens
3675.24	So sorry	CLUSTA::TAMIR	ACMS design while-u-wait	`Fri Jun 08 1990 23:45`	6
	Oh, Roberta, how sad...I wish I could make the pain go away. Kirby was lucky to have a Mom and Dad as good as you guys. So sorry, Mary, Honey, Chauncey, Julie, Robin, and baby Biff
3675.25		ICS::GERRY	Home is where the Cat is	`Mon Jun 11 1990 12:46`	6
	Roberta, I am so sorry. Let me know if there is anything I can do. cin and the Cattyshack kids.
3675.26		CRUISE::NDC	Putiput Scottish Folds - DTN: 297-2313	`Tue Jun 12 1990 19:25`	5
	Roberta - I am also so very sorry about Kirby. His name has, of course, been added to the Silver Lining Memorial list and he will be remembered when we make our donation next month. Nancy DC & the House o' purrs
3675.27	deepest sympathy	CSSE::LEVIN		`Wed Jun 13 1990 18:24`	10
	Roberta, So sorry to hear about Kirby. It was really tragic to hear, I was in tears throughout your message. Please let me know if there's anything I can do...... Hugs and purrs, Diane, Alison, Scottie, Candy and the kids.....
3675.28	So sorry	POCUS::FCOLLINS		`Thu Jun 14 1990 16:24`	4
	Roberta, we mourn with you. So sorry. Flo and Oliver
3675.29	CONDOLENCES	AIMHI::OFFEN		`Wed Jun 20 1990 18:21`	5
	I'm so sorry to read this. Kirby was such a dear one. I'm glad he went peacefully. My heart goes out to you. Sandi and the Storm Troopers
3675.30	sympathy	SCARGO::FAULKNER	getting a clue	`Tue Jul 03 1990 16:14`	26
	i'm sorry to hear about kirby, too. i was at the vet's last night and found ragdoll cats on the chart .. how beautiful they are .. and by the description of thier temperment they are such sweet cats ... easy to love and heartbreaking to lose ... but, you both got to enjoy each other for awhile .. thinking about this is making me cry because we lost 5 kittens from wanda's first (and last) litter. we were hand feeding them cause her milk dried up, and one of them, little lovebug, was stronger than the others and lived a week longer (we really thought she was gonna make it) ... we got so attached to her that we were going to keep her.. then, overnight she developed pneumonia, although i kept her on a heating pad and blankets for warmth ... it's so hard seeing a sick kitty... we both bawled our heads off when she died, and a couple of tears are running down my cheeks now, in sympathy with you, and cause i still miss my lovebug. but, even though it's heartbreaking to lose a kitty, they are such wonderful freinds that i think you should get another kitty .. maybe not a ragdoll from the same breeder (they look pretty rare though) .. although i can understand you're not wanting to go through that pain again. wishing you the best, janice, rocky and wanda
3675.31	Thank you	FSHQA2::RKAGNO		`Tue Jul 03 1990 16:44`	21
	Thank you Janice. Thank you all for your condolensces. It has been difficult to go through this twice, but easier to accept it the second time around. I know there is nothing that I did wrong, or could have done to prevent Kirby's death. His breeder has refunded my money, but more important, is looking into this with the help of her vet and a geneticist. It hasn't been easy for her... and we have shared some very powerful emotions including hurt, fear, denial, even anger. It is a hard situation for both breeder and kitten buyer to work thru, and that's putting it mildly! Once I can recover financially from Kirby's loss I can be more realistic about bringing in another cat. I talk about it a lot, but know that waiting is the right thing to do. Thanks for your concerns. Having this forum is a terrific way of coping. --Roberta