I've brought Simon home from the vet so we can spend as much time together as possible. Its 1 am Sunday morning and I just finished feeding simon 5 cc of A&D mixed with duck soup and a dollop of nutrical. Then I carefully washed off the stool running down his back legs, dryed them with a air dryer, then smeared a tiny bit of cream on his reddened bottom. I gave him a light rub down and grooming, followed by a warming gel pack to his chest. Then I gave him his lasix and digitalis, and placed him in a chest sling next to my heart. He sleeps, with his freckled nose just under my chin. Simon's gums are purple and the skin under his fur is blue. He can no longer move his back end, and can only sway when lifting his head. He sleeps almost all the time. I am confident he is comfortable at present, but a syringe of sleeping potion is stored in the fridge should it be required. At hand are cotton swabs and a container of corn syrup mixed with honey. There is an eye dropper and a small bottle of pedylite. A small oxygen bottle sits on the floor, with the end of the tubing inserted through the bottom of a plastic medicine cup. A small jar of chicken broth is open and waiting. Simon sleeps. I start at each sound he makes. All I can do now is grant Simon Shorttail dignity and compassion. He deserves it; he has been a good, good friend. Simon has never been a quitter; he always found a way to get what he wanted. I fear old friends are calling and he is listening too intently to care what I have to say. Bob C and 19 MO Simon watchers (and Simon fighting for tomorrow) [Posted in FML issue 2375]