Willow is slowing down.

[ShazzieB]

I haven't posted anything about Willow in over a month, and it feels like time for an update. Basically, she's sleeping more and eating less these days. She has less energy than she used to, and she's also lost a bit of weight, which makes sense with the appetite decrease. (Not a scary amount of weight at this point - she was a bit of a chonk to begin with - but it is noticeable.)

She still loves to get pets and snuggles, which we are happy to provide, and she enjoys getting frequent drinks of water from the bathroom sink, so we know she's not getting dehydrated. Mr. B and I both feel like she probably doesn't have a lot of time left. We talked about it the other day and agreed it might be time to say goodbye in a month or two. Maybe sooner, depending on how things progress. We'll see how it goes.

The thought of saying goodbye makes us feel sad, but as we watch her showing more and more signs of going down hill, we are grateful to know we will be able to call an end to things as soon as we can tell she's really not enjoying life any more. I really appreciate this group's support and will post again when there is news.

P.S. For anyone not familiar with what's been going on with our little lady, here are links to my last 2 posts about her:

Update on Willow - Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 1:45 am
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1161103946

Willow's trip to the vet (3rd attempt) - Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 10:13 pm
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1161103966

[Enter stage left]

1. So sorry.

[ShazzieB]

4. Thank you.

[Whyisthisstillclose]

2. Very sorry. Sounds like Willow is very loved

[ShazzieB]

3. Yes, she is very much loved, thanks!

[sheshe2]

5. I'm so sorry, Shazzie. 🥲

It's so very hard losing a beloved pet.

[ShazzieB]

12. Thanks.

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

6. The hardest part

We know going into it that we may end up saying good bye someday. The joy they give us during their too short lives is immeasurable. Enjoy each moment

[ShazzieB]

13. I know exactly what you mean about enjoying every moment.

We're doing out best. One thing I've noticed is that quirks of hers that used to annoy me a little are no longer annoying at all. Your perspective changes when you realize they won't be around much longer.

[byronius]

7. It's a hard thing to go through.

Cats are people just like dogs are people.

I always tried to focus on the time we spent together.

[Laurelin]

8. I'm so sorry

I've said goodbye to so many cats and dogs. I feel like it should get easier but it does not, ever, not even a little bit. You're doing your best for her and that's all you can do. All I can say is, despite the grief, they're worth it.

[JMCKUSICK]

9. I'm glad and I'm sad.

What a wonderful opportunity to say good bye somewhat on your terms. I hope it's a formal process for you guys in the sense that whether Willow has days weeks or months left, that you guys say those special things, cry those grateful tears, and enjoy that chill down your spine when she does that really cute thing and it flashes you back to earlier days and memories.

The most wonderful thing I learned from saying good bye to my friend Rory is that every minute spent saying good bye is creating the most special memories of them all.

Trust Me lol

Thank you for sharing your journey with us ShazzieB

[Dear_Prudence]

10. Willow is in good hands.

You are doing your best for her. It is good that you and Mr B can manage this together. I am so sorry that your family is going thru such a difficult time.

[brer cat]

11. I am so sorry, ShazzieB. I had a cat for over 20 years

so I do know what it is like to watch them go down and try to decide the best time to intervene. When they don't appear to be in pain it is much harder.

My best wishes to you and Willow.

[George McGovern]

14. When the time comes . . .

"In my family we call this last loving act,
'liberating the spirit'.

It sounds less cold than 'euthanized', less
harsh than 'put down', and more honest
than 'put to sleep’.

It’s always hard, even when it’s right.

One of our vets once said to me that we bring our
animals into our lives, knowing we will outlive them,
but we do so anyway because life is so much better
with them in it."

Written in the Pets Forum some time ago.

[ShazzieB]

15. "Liberating the spirit" - I like that!

Thanks, I will keepp this in mind. 😺

[niyad]

16. So very sorry, ShazzieB. You will know when the time is right. Know

that we aree all here for you and Mr.B, and your precious Willow.