The Gosmas: A Tribute to My Sweet Annabelle

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

A Tribute to My Sweet Annabelle

I took Annabelle in to the vet for her annual checkup and vaccines. She was almost 12 years old and had in the past couple years started to show signs of kidney failure. I always expected to hear that things had gotten worse and we'd have to start fluids or something. When Dr G was feeling her tummy she says "Oh that shouldn't be there" I asked what and she said she felt a big mass. After checking her out she took her back for an xray. I knew this wasn't good. After the xray while they were waiting to review it I had Annabelle back with me. She started panting excessively. I called them back in and they said she was going into shock. They took her to the back and about 20 min later had her stabilized. She showed me the xray and my sweet baby girl had a giant tumor the size of my hand in her abdomen. I was devastated.

The boys had had camp that morning and as the day unfolded I knew I wouldn't be able to pick them up. Jimmy picked them up and took them home and said Annabelle was very sick and I was with her.

Dr G recommended I take her to the animal hospital where they have plenty of staff to tend to her all day. After taking her there and finding out she was bleeding out from her tumor they said they wanted to put her through multiple blood transfusions and then surgery to remove tumor with lots of hospital time I knew it wasn't the right decision. That's not the kind of life I wanted for her especially at the end. I took her back to my vet where I felt very comfortable. I had been going to them they were almost my kitty loving family. This was one of the saddest days of my life. I was not ready for this and I was all alone there. I was a mess, crying all day long. I snuggled her for probably close to 45 minutes and then Dr G came in and sat with me while I held her and she administered the medicine. I held her for another 20 minutes or so and all the techs and workers there came in to love on Annabelle too. I was heartbroken. By this time it was after 4 pm. And her original appointment was at 9. Talk about a long emotional day!

To my sweet Annabelle, I love you so much and miss you everyday. I didn't want to see you in any more pain. I was fortunate enough to have you for the past 11+ years. You were always so snuggly and I loved your tiny squeak. You snored so loud I could hear you from downstairs! We all miss you and love you!