Baloo is in Rainbow Bridge (Andy Lew’s)

Ref: http://animalcare.my/2012/04/28/baloo-bluey-under-critical-care-andy-lews/

It is with deep sadness that I inform all our readers and well-wishers that Baloo passed on at 10pm last night.

I just received the news from Andy Lew and I think I’m also in shock. It is, however, not totally unexpected since she was in a critical condition last night. I was already prepared for the worst, but I hoped for the best. This morning, I told Andy that should I fail to find a fosterer for Baloo upon discharge, I will foster her myself until Andy and Emily return from overseas.

Andy texted me just minutes ago:

We are at the vet now and learnt the worst news. Baloo didn’t make it. The vet said she passed on at about 10pm last night and she did not inform us as she knew we were at a dinner. The vet said Baloo was half unconscious but was short of breath and it was sudden. She (the vet) tried everything, including injection and heart pumping. We were shocked and speechless when we heard that. I am sorry.

We express our deepest condolences to Andy and Emily and thank them very much for having given Baloo a very loving and pampered life. We all know how much they love Baloo and how much they have done for Baloo and Baggy to ensure the best possible nutrition and wellbeing for them.

As we always console ourselves with our understanding about the impermanent nature and unpredictability of life, maybe Baloo’s tour as a kitten was meant to be a short one.

Andy and Emily did not delay treatment. The blood in the lungs had to be extracted last night and they found a very experienced vet to do this.

The cause remains mysterious and our concern now would be to monitor if Baggy displays the same symptoms. We have to look after the living. That is always our priority.

Baloo is now in a better place. Her suffering is over. We did everything possible for her, but it was time for her to leave. The Universe decides.

Andy took Baggy home last night. They did not let her remain alone in the office.

Andy says Baggy is fine and in good health, so we hope it is not a contagious disease.

With all due respect, I have suggested to Andy to ask the vet if a post mortem might be helpful, for the purpose of protecting and safeguarding Baggy, just in case it is due to a disease. I’ve also suggested that Baggy be put on Vetri DMG.

While we mourn Baloo’s loss, we must always be practical and safeguard the living. That should be our priority at all times.

Baloo, be free and happy now. We wish you well.
Updates at 3.30pm – Again with all due respect, I told Andy that Baggy might go into depression with the loss of her sister. This is especially so as there are no other cats in the office. Andy agreed and said even the vet expressed concern on that. That, in fact, was the first thing the vet said. I have seen how Indy went into depression after Kimba’s death, and  Vixey’s and Suki’s. They were all Indy’s  best friends. Indy even went into depression after I got Creamie and Crackers adopted. He had looked after them. So, companionship is actually very important for animals.

Andy needs to spend more time with Baggy now, but he is going away for a one month work tour. We’ll have to discuss this later on what is best for Baggy.

Bernice has offered her two rescued kittens as companions for Baggy.  We shall see what Andy decides. It is good to have something to distract Baggy so that depression does not set in.

Most websites suggest waiting for a certain period, though, and not to do it immediately. I guess there is no hard and fast rule on this. It all depends on the cat’s personality. Time is also a relative entity.

The other consideration is that Andy and Emily will be going away for one month.

Some references:

http://www.cat-world.com.au/grief-in-cats

http://www.whiskerwise.com/cats/do-cats-mourn/

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/euthanasia/bereavement.html

UPDATES at 4.25pm – I have sought advice from a vet. The description (blood in the lungs) does not seem to indicate any known contagious disease. Baggy is also eating and in good health now so that reduces the fear of a contagious disease. The vet advise monitoring Baggy closely and making sure she eats and does everything in a normal way. Removing Baggy from her familiar environment is not advisable, introducing new companions is also not advisable at this point in time. What Baggy needs now is lots of love and pampering. Mr Teh will be around in the office until the middle of the month and then, there will be a period of 11 days when the office staff will look after Baggy.  I’ve told Andy to give my contact to the office staff should there be any need for help.

UPDATES at 5.11pm – Thank you, everyone, for your condolences and kind wishes. I’m in shock and trying to make sense of the whole incident. But at the same time, what is more important is to find out the best way to take care of Baggy. My vet said blood in the lungs is “nasty” and he agreed the extraction of the fluids is a very, very tricky surgery, yet that is the correct thing to do. There is nothing else that could have been done but that. He also said that in such a condition, it usually happens very fast. He advised a post mortem as well. I’ll be in contact with Mr Teh to monitor Baggy’s condition and hope she will adjust to the loss of her sister. Thank you, everyone, for your kindness.