Good-Bye to Our Foster Boy Max

Sadly, we've had yet another loss of one of our seniors at our house. This time, it's our foster boy Max that came to us in March of this year. 

This sweet boy, passed away on his own, here at home - And I couldn't help but think of this quote by Gustav Klimt that brought me peace in Max's passing: 

"I hope death is like being carried to your bedroom when you were a child and fell asleep on the couch during a family party. I hope you can hear the laughter from the next room."  

Max hadn't been feeling well the past few weeks. I'd taken him to the vet because of swelling that developed under his eye. There were treatment options given that would have provided a diagnosis of what was causing the swelling - an MRI to rule out a tumor, dental x-rays to see if it was an abscessed tooth, or we could simply give antibiotics to see if it would reduce any infection and inflammation. Because the other two options meant general anesthesia, given Max's age, we opted to try the antibiotic. It did help, but some of the swelling was still there. Max's appetite also started to decrease, as did his activity level. 

His spark was fading, and despite my best efforts to try and keep him going, I knew the path we were on.  I tried to stay optimistic. Max had a 15th birthday coming in a few weeks, and I was hoping that he'd rally and be with us to celebrate this milestone. But it was not meant to be. 

I was at work on Tuesday, and so of course I wish I'd been able to be with him to say my good-byes to Max. However, I'm grateful that he was home, that Carl was with him, and it was quiet and peaceful - Max was surrounded by what he had come to know -- There were no bright lights and noise of a vets office and people around that he didn't know - Max felt the warmth of his bed, and what was familiar and nearby as he went on ahead to the place where I hope I'll see him again, one day. Until then, I will miss this sweet, gentle, quiet senior boy, that I wish you all could have gotten the chance to meet - Maybe someday you will.  As always, I am beyond grateful and thankful for your friendship and support and cheering us on in the good times, and the not so good times too.