Browser (1995-2012)
Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)
Posts: 23,514
With a very heavy heart I must report that my cat, Browser, passed away yesterday. I know he had many friends and fans here in the forum, so I thought you'd want to know.
His kidneys were failing and, for the past three-and-a-half months, their functioning was being supported by prescription cat food and daily fluid injections, which I administered at home. This was a regimen that provided a good quality of life, and Browser was happy and, by outward appearances, healthy. But as his kidneys continued their irreversible decline, even the fluid therapy was not enough.
Two days ago he quit eating, drinking, and passing fluids, and his blood test results and other symptoms were positive for renal failure. After a rough night and another visit with the vet yesterday morning, I decided it was time to spare him further suffering. The vet came to the house later to administer the drug combo, while I held him, and he went peacefully without any pain. It's a decision that I'd been dreading having to make since learning that his kidneys were failing; but when the time came, I was completely comfortable with it, and the vet said I made the right choice. I'm just thankful that he was feeling great -- both playful and affectionate -- up until two days ago, so the duration of his discomfort was very limited.
Browser came into my life in March of 1996 as a ten-month-old stray, rescued by a friend of my business partner. "Could you take care of this kitty for me tonight?" she asked, sweetly. "Sure," I replied. "How about for two nights?" I could see the handwriting on the wall and definitely did not want a cat. But I assented and, after several days, I was hooked and did not want to let him go. My business partner and I had just gotten internet service at the time and were learning the ropes of Netscape Navigator. When he asked me what I was going to name the cat, somehow "Browser" seemed appropriate, and the name stuck.
What a great buddy and companion Browser turned out to be! I feel very lucky to have shared nearly 17 years of my life with him. I loved that little guy and miss him terribly.
-Phil
His kidneys were failing and, for the past three-and-a-half months, their functioning was being supported by prescription cat food and daily fluid injections, which I administered at home. This was a regimen that provided a good quality of life, and Browser was happy and, by outward appearances, healthy. But as his kidneys continued their irreversible decline, even the fluid therapy was not enough.
Two days ago he quit eating, drinking, and passing fluids, and his blood test results and other symptoms were positive for renal failure. After a rough night and another visit with the vet yesterday morning, I decided it was time to spare him further suffering. The vet came to the house later to administer the drug combo, while I held him, and he went peacefully without any pain. It's a decision that I'd been dreading having to make since learning that his kidneys were failing; but when the time came, I was completely comfortable with it, and the vet said I made the right choice. I'm just thankful that he was feeling great -- both playful and affectionate -- up until two days ago, so the duration of his discomfort was very limited.
Browser came into my life in March of 1996 as a ten-month-old stray, rescued by a friend of my business partner. "Could you take care of this kitty for me tonight?" she asked, sweetly. "Sure," I replied. "How about for two nights?" I could see the handwriting on the wall and definitely did not want a cat. But I assented and, after several days, I was hooked and did not want to let him go. My business partner and I had just gotten internet service at the time and were learning the ropes of Netscape Navigator. When he asked me what I was going to name the cat, somehow "Browser" seemed appropriate, and the name stuck.
What a great buddy and companion Browser turned out to be! I feel very lucky to have shared nearly 17 years of my life with him. I loved that little guy and miss him terribly.
-Phil
Comments
Very sorry to here about Browser.
It sounds like he had a great life.
R.I.P. Browser....
Bean
sorry to hear about the little guy. But I'm glad to hear he lived a good long life. If he could carry out any arithmetic at all, I'm sure he often counted his lucky stars you took him in.
Peace, little kitty, rest in peace.
RIP Browser..
So sorry to hear about Browser departing. He will be missed by all of us here. You can really get attached to a pet for sixteen years.
It's unfortunate that we had three cat companions leave use this year, (that we know about).
We are going to miss his shimpz jokes.
Jim
Bummer..
Your loss touches me deeply as I sit here and type with my little tuxedo guy sitting on my desk watching over me. Some people probably think I grow way too attached to animal friends but the human animal bond is something almost mystic to me and the losses are tragic.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Farewell, Browser, you will be missed and never forgotten!!
I beleive this goes for most of us that have pets. I spent close to $3 K attempting to keep my 6 year old hound dog going but it just was not to be.
I went through a similar experience with my previous Yorkie, Max. I was injecting fluids twice a day but he had some other health issues.
I had to put him down at 19 years old but probably should have done it earlier - his quality of life was not good towards the end.
I did not plan on getting another pet but after 7 weeks I couldn't stand it. Another Yorkie was what I needed.
- Ron
R.I.P. Browser
My condolences, I know it's hard, you did what was best for Browser.
His presence in the forum will be missed.
Chris Wardell
RIP Browser, you will be missed.
-MattG
My sincere condolences on the loss of your furry companion.
I always enjoyed seing pics of what Browser was up to.
You were lucky to have found each other.
R.I.P. Browser.
I'm so sorry to hear this. I can relate as I lost my long-time dog to the same condition (went through the prescribed food routine too) and it now seems one of my current dogs will leave us in the same fashion. On the positive side, it's wonderful to hear how you made such a difference in Browser's life, and he in yours; a long life for a cat too. One of my cats lived 17 years before falling ill to cancer and though I still miss him, I'm happy knowing how much time he spent with us and how much we both impacted each other's lives.
As others pointed out, these two were an ideal pair.
The Gracey family is very sorry for your loss, Phil.
I'm also very sorry to hear about your loss.
.
For Browser:
.
Dave
Who knows, perhaps Browser's spirit may still bless this forum from time to time. We shall just have to wait and see.
Condolences for your loss. Browz, your witty kitty-isms will most certainly be missed.
Jessica