I'm sorry to report that the power of purr has failed on this occasion
:-(

Pericles had continued to go downhill since his tests on Thursday, not
taking much in (although he managed to force down some cod & salmon as  his
last meals) or letting much out, hardly moving around and with an
increasingly swelling tummy so swollen that his ribs couldn't be felt even
up by his spine.

The lab. test results, which were available this morning (5th Feb)
clearly indicated FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and given its
obviously large scale I discussed and agreed with TED that euthanasia was
required.

At 11.30 this morning he passed peacefully to the Bridge with his head
cradled in my hands. He didn't seem to mind being fussed over just this
once. Meanwhile in the operating theatre a Rottweiler mum was giving birth
by Caesarian section to 11 (yes, eleven) puppies, all apparently healthy. So
the ebb & flow of life continues.

Peri will be buried in my little back garden (yard) under his favourite
Hebe bush, where he spent many happy and lazy hours drowsing & waiting for
the chance to ambush any neighbour cat daring enough to cross his territory.

Bandit & Snowball have sniffed Peri & said whatever goodbyes they can: I'm
not sure how much they understand about the concept of death. Rather they
will just come to realise that Peri is no longer here, I suspect.

I shall have to keep a careful watch on them from now on as their
chances of infection are increased. I know there's nothing to be done so
will concentrate on ensuring that they don't suffer.

I've put a farewell picture of Pericles here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/94722327kAslef/1

It's the last one on the page. Please feel free to make a Guestbook
entry.
He got to cyber-meet Sammy yesterday (her face can just barely be seen on
the screen beside his right ear, so thanks CN) and proceeded to protect his
recently-acquired beloved from the attentions of all comers.

I shan't be around much for awhile, I'm afraid, I'll need to come to
terms with things in solitude. So here are my thanks for all your
sterling companionship and good wishes & purrs over the last 14 month.

Continuing even-more-empathetic-than-before purrs to those in need.

Gordon, Bandit & Snowball. >

Oh, Gordon! My heart sank when I saw this post. My crew are sending major
purrs for Peri's trip to the Bridge, and for your broken heart.  FIP is such
a nasty diesase. :(

The path to the Bridge is certainly busy this week. :(

Patti

He was a gorgeous boy and he will surely be missed by all who knew him.
He is now at the RB, where the rpca gang will give him the warmest
welcome and show him around.

Oh my, purrs to you and your family.  And purrs to Pericles on a safe
journey

Kristi

Dear Gordon
Excuse the top post, but I don't want to choose anything to snip in your
post.
I am very, very sorry to hear the news.  Fluid in the abdomen is pretty well
always bad as far as my experience goes, I suspect you knew this too.
Peri may not have had a long life, as some cats go, but I'm sure it was a
happy one and you didn't flinch from making the right decision for him at
the end.
I shall light a candle this evening, for Peri, Morgan and Mikey.

I understand why you say you'll be missing for a while, but please remember
we are your friends, if anyone knows how you feel we all do, and we are here
if you need us.  Come back soon.

I felt I wanted to know more about FIP after this so I had a look on the
web.  I seem to remember broadband hasn't reached you yet, so here is a link
you might like to read at some point:
http://www.dr-addie.com/

Contains info about FIP, and also something about how to protect your
remaining cats.

lots of big hugs
[[[[[[[Gordon]]]]]]]

Tina

Oh God, Gordon, I'm not just crying, I'm sobbing!  I'm *SO* sorry to hear
this.  This was just so sudden and unexpected - I don't know if that makes
it harder or easier than losing a very old or very sick furbaby - probably
neither, it's always a heartache.

I really wish you would not go away - I know how badly you're hurting right
now, and men tend to want to be alone with their pain, but the people here
can help you with your grief - most of us have experienced it ourselves.  I
know it would be hard to read a funny or chatty or gossipy post when all you
can think of is your lost baby, but those things are the things that will
help you move on and learn how to remember Peri with joy rather than pain.
Please at least try lurking even if you don't feel up to posting.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and all four of my babies will
send heart-healing purrs.  Pericles will have every candle in my house lit
for him so he can walk the path to the bridge surrounded in light and love.

Hugs,

CatNipped

Gordon, I am devastated, though obviously nothing compared to how you
must feel. I'm so very sorry. Our condolences and deeåest soothing
purrs. I hope you will feel you can come back soon.

I'm very sorry to read that Pericles has taken that last journey.  At
least he had your presence to comfort him as he left, and he's in good
company on the journey.

Purrs for you for giving him a good home, and a life where he was loved
and well cared for.  Purrs as well for your heart to heal, for the other
fur persons to adjust to his absence, and that they remain healthy.

Chris, Tripper, Katie, and Hazard

Oh no.

Oh my, I don't know what to say.  Purrs, of course, for him and his
whole family.  

Damn.

Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

Gordon, I am so very sorry. I kno whow completely devastating such a
loss can be. By all means take as long as you need to get some balance
back. Thank you for giving Pericles such a loving home and ensuring that
he knew he was loved during his final moments. Many purrs coming for
you, Bandit, SNowball, and Pericles.

Dan

Please oh please do not stay away long. We would like to add our support.
THis is just a terrible thing to face, I know. I am so very sorry and send
you all the cyberhugs I can. Do not feel you are burdening anyone if you are
sad or need to vent, because we all have been through similar issues but I
understand if  you need some private time too. My biggest heartfelt thought
to you and yours.

((((((((hugs)))))))))
Karen

I am so sorry to hear that Pericles has gone to the Bridge.
Rusty, who looks a lot like Pericles, is sending major purrs to you
and your family.

Winnie

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, Gordon. You did all you could for him
and it was obvious that he had a happy and much-loved life with you.  Many
purrs to comfort you and to accompany Pericles on his trip to the RB.  Hugs,
Christine

Gordon, sincere condolences. He was a beautiful cat, and he was very
loved.

I'm so sorry. :o( Consoling purrs and purr-ayers are on the way.

My Harmony is a recent arrival to the RB, herself. I'll send up a thought
to her, Misty, and Melody, asking them to show Pericles around to all the
best nap spots and places to play.

Just remember that you did all that any human could do to help him
recover. Sometimes it's just not in our or the vets' power to bring about
a cure. And at the end, you gave him the one medicine no one else could:
your presence. And your unselfishness, in allowing his suffering to
peacefully end in the only way that we humans had left at our disposal.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you feel up to posting again soon.
Bandit and Snowball will want their internet access restored eventually.
;o)

Donna, Captain, and Stanley

Comforting purrs on the way.
Ann

Purrs for your grief.
Suz
Macmoosette
=^..^=   =^..^=   =^..^=   =^..^=  =^..^=  =^..^=

    "People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life."
    --Faith Resnick

(=':'=)
(")_(")

Dear Gordon, Bandit & Snowball,

I am so sorry for your loss. Pericles was certainly a very special kitty. My
thoughts are with you during this sad time of grief.

Purrs,

I am so sorry that you have lost Pericles.
Comforting purrs sent from
Elisabet and Hugo Katt

Exocat skrev i meddelandet
<1107608583.31750.0@nnrp-t71-03.news.uk.clara.net>...

I am so sorry to hear this Gordon. Our purrs and prayers are with you
and Pericles and your other furry loved ones.

{{HUGS}}

Helen M

So sorry to hear this sad news.  Purrs for Peri's journey and purrs for
your sad sad heart.  Jennie, Xena and Callisto

(((((((((Gordon, Bandit & Snowball))))))))))

Joy

So sorry to hear of Pericles journey to the Bridge, he
had a loving home while he was here, and I'm sure he'll find
loving friends at the Bridge but that doesn't really ease your
heartache does it, so sympathetic Purrs are on the way for you
       Jean.P.

So very sorry to hear this, Gordon.  I'll light a candle to help Pericles'
journey to the Bridge and my crew are offering purrs of comfort for you.
Sam

Every candle in the house is lit...I've told Shadow to show Pericles
around...

We'll be keeping you in our prayers....

--Kim, Eric, Lucy, Tiger and Casper

{{{Gordon}}}
Purrs for Pericles'gentle journey to the Rainbow Bridge and for the many
happy memories to ease your broken heart.

Gordon wrote:

---------------------<snip>----------------------

---------------------<snip>----------------------

I checked out the pictures, what a handsome man he was.  You have my
deepest condolences.  May Pericles find a peaceful path to walk.

Regards and Purrs,
O J Gritmon

My condolences, I know how much it hurts.

Jeanette

Oh no, this is just so overwhelmingly sad.  I'm so sorry, Gordon.
Hugs and purrs,
--
Britta
Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr. I have an alarm clock that's
covered in fur!
Check out pictures of Vino at:
http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album

So very sorry to hear that.
Lots of hugs and purrs,

<snip>

<snip>

I'm in tears after reading this, life is so unfair to take one so young.
Comforting purrs for Gordon, Bandit & Snowball and a candle lit for
Pericles. :-(
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy & Bagheera)
A house is not a home, without a cat.

So very sorry to hear this, Gordon. Many purrs heading down to Cornwall
for Pericles and you, Bandit and Snowball.

Deb.

I am so sorry for you all.  Pericles was a beautiful boy and had the
best home any cat could wish for.  Sympathetic purrs and thoughts for
you all.

Pam, Rob, and the Fayetteville Five + Calvin, Sonya, and Speedy the d-thing

{{{{{{Gordon}}}}}}}}

I am so sorry and sad to hear this.  My heart goes out to you.

Purrs for you in your grief, and that Bandit and Snowball will be just
fine.

Blessings,

Ginger-lyn

I'm so sorry, Gordon.  Losing our beloved companions is so hard. Many
sympathetic purrs. I'm glad you could be with Pericles at the end, but
it is a sad, sad day when we have to send them onward.

Melissa

I am very, very sorry to read this.  We will light a candle for your
big boy, and send our very best heartache-easing purrs to you and
Bandit and Snowball.

------
Krista

Oh Gordon,
I am so sorry! Please accept our purrs for a safe passage to the
rainbow bridge.

So very sorry to hear this. Sending major purrs upir way, and lighting
a candle for his journey

You probably won't see this, as I didn't see this post until just now, but
please accept my condolences.