Just had to say goodbye to Chessie this morning.

A week ago this past Monday, I took him to MedVet here in Columbus to have his heart checked. His doctor prescribed an increase in his furosemide. Later that afternoon, they called and were a little concerned about his bloodwork, asking that he have it checked again in one to two weeks by either them or his regular vet.

This morning, he was acting completely normal. I gave him his morning medicines, got around, and then we went to the vet's office. We got there, and again, he was acting completely normal, albeit very nervous as usual. About a minute before the vet came in the room to see him, he started to breath rapidly and went to leave his carrier, dragging his back legs. I knew something was wrong and was about to call for somebody to come in when the vet came in and instantly could tell that something was wrong. He checked Chessie's back legs but could get no pulse. They told me to take him straight to MedVet as they might be able to do something if they caught it soon enough. At about that point, he lost control of his bowels.

I don't even remember much of the drive to MedVet. On the way there, Chessie began panting and letting his tongue hang out. My vet's office had called ahead, and the cardiology staff at MedVet took him back to the ER. After a few minutes, they took me into a room. The doctors there as well as his regular doctor who they called at home all agreed that there was nothing that could be done. Even if he did pull through this, he would have trouble with his back legs. I told them that I didn't want him to suffer. They walked me back to where he was in an oxygen tank and on a couple IVs. I spent some time with him, and then I stepped outside while he was put to sleep.

They put him in a nice little casket for me to take him with me since I told them I wanted to take him up to my parents' house to bury him in the backyard where we always buried our dogs when they passed on.

Right now, I'm an emotional wreck. Casey, my other cat, is upset, crying, and looking all over for Chessie, even though I let him see him when I brought him in.

I just keep telling myself that he's in a better place. His heart issue was found when he was about five months old, and he was just over three and a half years today when he went. I did all I could for him, and he had always been happy and comfortable. At least now he's at peace and no longer has to worry about all the trips to the vet and MedVet to get checked out.

Kevin
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Chessie and Casey Jones relaxing together.

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