Hello Everyone I have been gone since Dec. 16 and just now caught up. I want to thank everyone for the heartfelt sympathies. That really helps a lot. I can only hope that this year proves to be much happier. I still cry when I look at pictures of Loki and when I talk about him, I guess it will be a while before the emptiness and pain subsides. Having my other two babies has helped. Taz was neutered right after Christmas, I'll have to write about that ordeal later. I wanted to send my condolences to Paul and Shellie and to tell you how wonderful it was of your neighbor to do such a wonderful thing as make that precious package a gift. That made me feel great and I am sure that it made your Christmas much more special. About the question of whether Loki had cardiomyopathy or not, well I mentioned that to the veterinarian twice and she said that from the x-rays there was no evidence of that particular malady. All of the symptoms mentioned on the list were evident except the vomiting, he just didn't eat at all. The vet would not give him the diuretic for the removal of the fluid because she said that it would take what little protien he had away. That sounded strange, but I just don't know. He was emaciated beyond belief. Also his stool was digested blood mostly. That was what the vet said and the last two days he lived he was so cold feeling that you would have thought he was dead. I belive he bled to death internally. I don't know. All I know is that I hope I never have to suffer through such agony again and that he is happy wherever he is now. Thank you all again Bye for now Marie, Oshi, and Taz-man [Posted in FML issue 0692]