CLEVELAND -- Renfield, my fuzzy-orange-ball-of-hate cat, hated the car and hated the veterinarian. When he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, I had to make an incredibly difficult decision.
The cat's quality of life diminished completely. He couldn't eat, he couldn't move, he wasn't living the life a cat should. So I called my vet and asked him to come over to put Ren down.
It was about 10 p.m. when the vet arrived. He first gave the cat a sedative and he fell asleep in my arms. Then he gave him the fatal injection that would put him to sleep forever.
As difficult as it was, I found great peace knowing that Ren was comfortable and in a setting he knew best. Afterward, we let the dogs sniff him so they understood Ren wouldn't be around anymore.
We had already made plans to take the cat to Western Farm Pet Cemetery for cremation. But there are several others in Northeast Ohio. Click HERE to find one near you.
When it's time to say goodbye, here's a link with some helpful information. Click HERE.
West Park Animal Hospital averages about five pet euthanasias a day, but only about once a month will they go to a client's home to put a pet down. However, it's becoming a more common practice as people learn it may be an option.
Talk to your vet about your options. Dr. Borys Pakush, DVM of West Park Animal Hospital, says every situation and person is different about how they decide they want the end to be.
The only thing to keep in mind at all times is the best interest of the animal.
WKYC-TV