If you live by yourself and have animals

[moonvine]

I beg you to have a plan in place in case something happens to you.
One of my dear friends passed away in mid December (we think) and was not found until January. 3 of her cats had passed. We got the remaining 3. One went into multi system organ failure and had to be put to sleep.
I have the other 2 with me now. It is an absolute miracle from God that they somehow managed to survive.
Lexi is 10 years old. She used to be obese at 15-16 lb. Now she is 10.5. She's got severe dental disease and is in the hospital because I could not get her to eat anything except broths. She avoided anything that required chewing. This vet hospital charges an absolute fortune for dentals so we are thinking of trying to find a cheaper place.
Jack is 15. He was 5.1 pounds when we took him to the vet. His sodium was too high and he was hospitalized to bring it down. They also shaved the terrible mats off his body. Ever since his sodium was brought into normal range he's been doing great.
Thank God the rescue my friend used to volunteer for is paying for everything. If I need something I just call her and she's got it on the porch within an hour.
Anyway, the moral to all this - if you live alone, please have some sort of check in with a friend system so in case God forbid something should happen to you, your pets would be taken care of.
I'm also getting one of these, which wouldn't do my cats any good if I were to pass away at home but if I was out, it would let people know that there were animals at my home.

https://www.amazon.com/DuraPaws-Emergency-Plastic-Contact-Writable/dp/B07DLLXJ5Z/ref=asc_df_B07DLLXJ5Z?mcid=e16c110d0c1e3f378dd0e24b740a487d&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693504625373&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18197578840304792289&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022843&hvtargid=pla-803209134155&th=1

 

[Jeanie19]

That is so sad. My SILS both live alone and are much older than my husband. But every morning they must text that they are okay.

 

[macy]

first, i am incredibly sorry for your loss. that is terribly heartbreaking. i hope the other two cats recover fully.

despite being young and having family near me who i'm in regular contact with, this definitely makes me think since i live alone with my two cats.

 

[CoyoteChris]

I beg you to have a plan in place in case something happens to you.
One of my dear friends passed away in mid December (we think) and was not found until January. 3 of her cats had passed. We got the remaining 3. One went into multi system organ failure and had to be put to sleep.
I have the other 2 with me now. It is an absolute miracle from God that they somehow managed to survive.
Lexi is 10 years old. She used to be obese at 15-16 lb. Now she is 10.5. She's got severe dental disease and is in the hospital because I could not get her to eat anything except broths. She avoided anything that required chewing. This vet hospital charges an absolute fortune for dentals so we are thinking of trying to find a cheaper place.
Jack is 15. He was 5.1 pounds when we took him to the vet. His sodium was too high and he was hospitalized to bring it down. They also shaved the terrible mats off his body. Ever since his sodium was brought into normal range he's been doing great.
Thank God the rescue my friend used to volunteer for is paying for everything. If I need something I just call her and she's got it on the porch within an hour.
Anyway, the moral to all this - if you live alone, please have some sort of check in with a friend system so in case God forbid something should happen to you, your pets would be taken care of.
I'm also getting one of these, which wouldn't do my cats any good if I were to pass away at home but if I was out, it would let people know that there were animals at my home.

https://www.amazon.com/DuraPaws-Emergency-Plastic-Contact-Writable/dp/B07DLLXJ5Z/ref=asc_df_B07DLLXJ5Z?mcid=e16c110d0c1e3f378dd0e24b740a487d&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693504625373&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18197578840304792289&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022843&hvtargid=pla-803209134155&th=1

I try hard to get my partner to address this issue but she is very stubborn and has a "nothing is ever going to happen to me" attitude. At the very least, she can put hang tags on her dog crates so that when she is traveling, the fire dept/police have instructions. I carry all sorts of stuff in my wallet with instructions when I travel.

 

[Diana Delafield]

I try hard to get my partner to address this issue but she is very stubborn and has a "nothing is ever going to happen to me" attitude. At the very least, she can put hang tags on her dog crates so that when she is traveling, the fire dept/police have instructions. I carry all sorts of stuff in my wallet with instructions when I travel.

I have a relative who is 80, lives alone on a small farm, and has to drive on a highway to run even small errands (she's been in two accidents in the last few years, both caused by other drivers). She owns two dogs, a cat, two goats, a small flock of chickens, and an aquarium full of rare fish. She has osteoporosis (which caused her mother's death at 79 in a fall) and high blood pressure (which caused her brother's death at 60 of a stroke). She also is convinced nothing I describe will ever happen to her and assumes she'll live into her vigorous 90s like one aunt whom she superficially resembles. I worry about her pets a lot, but she lives in a different province and won't tell me her neighbours' names in case they "interfere with her privacy".

I live alone, so I have a daily check-in arrangement with family members. Where I live, the emergency services people advise everyone to post a list of information on their refrigerator door -- names and phone numbers of family, neighbours with keys, own doctor, pets' veterinarian, etc. My cat is extremely shy and hides when anyone even knocks on the apartment door, and won't come out until the "intruder" is gone. Since he's diabetic and gets insulin injections twice a day, it's essential he be found if something even temporary happens to me at home or away. I've posted his picture on the fridge, with a description of his timid but polite and non-aggressive personality and a map of the apartment with all his most likely hiding places marked. I carry a copy of this information with me whenever I leave home, and gave copies to two neighbours in my building. So I'm being over-the-top? My cat is worth any teasing I get.

 

[elbkup]

Some good advice here which I will take to heart and implement. I have 2 cats and 2 dogs at home; my third dog Po passed last October, a blessing due to ill health. Hannah will be 15 in March and is blind; adopted her at age 11 and her coal-black fur is now fully frosted white. She is comfortable and content with plentiful outdoor time but she still sleeps a lot. The younger pup is small energetic and a great companion; my nephew will take him. The cats are worrisome; Data is 13 and has developing issues. Miss Ninja is 9 and healthy so far. These are my last adoptions .. since I am in my late ‘70’s I hope it all balances out.
My sister is 2 years younger than me and very much like Diana Delafield’s relative; she runs small farm with goats, chickens, 2 horses, has about 8 dogs (at last count) 4 are Newfoundlands and we have lost count of the cats. Her husband is wheelchair bound battling the effects of Agent Orange and in and out of hospitals/rehab.. he will not go to a nursing home (and she wants him at home). I help out occasionally.. my doctor restricts my involvement tho because I am a “fall risk” but my sister can only take outside “help” in small doses being fiercely independent. She has had multiple small surgeries due to accidents at home but insists on continuing as is. I have asked about the animals if she is no longer able to carry on. Her response is to euthanize them all. Planning this stage of life is challenging no question.

 

[macy]

I have asked about the animals if she is no longer able to carry on. Her response is to euthanize them all. Planning this stage of life is challenging no question.

this is insane, and very sad to read. i hope those mentioned in this thread have a change of heart, even just for their pets' sake if not their own, but i can imagine just the thought of losing your independence is very scary. maybe someday i'll be there and fully understand.

 

[elbkup]

this is insane, and very sad to read. i hope those mentioned in this thread have a change of heart, even just for their pets' sake if not their own, but i can imagine just the thought of losing your independence is very scary. maybe someday i'll be there and fully understand.

My sister’s answer upset me to be sure. In fairness, she has a lot on her plate but wants very little help or advice. My sister’s answer to my question was possibly a knee- jerk reaction to a question she did not want to think about. This is her way as I have known for years and tried (gently) to get her to see reality and prepare for what lies ahead.
We live 2 miles from each other; we knew we would travel the aging road together. I prepare, she does not .. never has.
As for aging, there is acceptance and even comfort in the rituals; I am in excellent health thank the Lord and still able to find joy and peace doing the things I love. Long ago someone said to me “tomorrow is promised to no one”. Those of us at a certain age tend to think more about it, that’s all.

 

[Diana Delafield]

My sister’s answer upset me to be sure. In fairness, she has a lot on her plate but wants very little help or advice. My sister’s answer to my question was possibly a knee- jerk reaction to a question she did not want to think about. This is her way as I have known for years and tried (gently) to get her to see reality and prepare for what lies ahead.
We live 2 miles from each other; we knew we would travel the aging road together. I prepare, she does not .. never has.
As for aging, there is acceptance and even comfort in the rituals; I am in excellent health thank the Lord and still able to find joy and peace doing the things I love. Long ago someone said to me “tomorrow is promised to no one”. Those of us at a certain age tend to think more about it, that’s all.

Having once had a 30-year-old pairs partner die in a car crash ten minutes after he dropped me off at home, after a particularly great practice session, I didn't even wait for middle age to start preparing. My funeral plans are all arranged and paid for, including choosing an urn and stating what's to go on its plaque, and reserving a space for it in a memorial garden. My will was made when I was in my late twenties. My vet knows what to do with my cat (and it is NOT to euthanize him, a solution I find horrifying). When it became possible to register one's wishes for medical tests and treatments (or not), and hospice et al, I did. And where I live, no one is allowed to countermand my registered wishes if I'm not able to speak up. Now that I'm widowed and my family are scattered in other countries, if my partner drops me on my head one day at the rink, nobody has to scurry around trying to decide what to do. It's all in writing and I make sure everyone knows where there are copies easy to find.

 

[elbkup]

Having once had a 30-year-old pairs partner die in a car crash ten minutes after he dropped me off at home, after a particularly great practice session, I didn't even wait for middle age to start preparing. My funeral plans are all arranged and paid for, including choosing an urn and stating what's to go on its plaque, and reserving a space for it in a memorial garden. My will was made when I was in my late twenties. My vet knows what to do with my cat (and it is NOT to euthanize him, a solution I find horrifying). When it became possible to register one's wishes for medical tests and treatments (or not), and hospice et al, I did. And where I live, no one is allowed to countermand my registered wishes if I'm not able to speak up. Now that I'm widowed and my family are scattered in other countries, if my partner drops me on my head one day at the rink, nobody has to scurry around trying to decide what to do. It's all in writing and I make sure everyone knows where there are copies easy to find.

Have similar arrangements; the cats will go to my Boston friends (one a former work colleague) who know and adore my cats. A neighboring farmer has one dog (a yellow Lab called Legend trained to sniff bombs etc but failed due to his fear of loud noises, thunder etc.) They know Hannah, my older dog, and have agreed to take her if she survives me. I feel sorry for my sister’s son; he will have a difficult time since both his parents have no plans in place

 

[moonvine]

this is insane, and very sad to read. i hope those mentioned in this thread have a change of heart, even just for their pets' sake if not their own, but i can imagine just the thought of losing your independence is very scary. maybe someday i'll be there and fully understand.

I’m killing my self with these cats. Lexi has not eaten anything. She has a feeding tube implanted. I have to feed her through it every 6 hours which is making me cranky. She also gets meds through the tube. And an appetite stimulant in her ear daily. Jack was eating well and completely stopped for some reason. He gets pills and fluids daily and appetite stimulant in the ear daily. If we have to put a feeding tube in him I will not be happy and I am sure he will not either.

But I will not euthanize them unless there were no hope.

 

[moonvine]

Having once had a 30-year-old pairs partner die in a car crash ten minutes after he dropped me off at home, after a particularly great practice session, I didn't even wait for middle age to start preparing. My funeral plans are all arranged and paid for, including choosing an urn and stating what's to go on its plaque, and reserving a space for it in a memorial garden. My will was made when I was in my late twenties. My vet knows what to do with my cat (and it is NOT to euthanize him, a solution I find horrifying). When it became possible to register one's wishes for medical tests and treatments (or not), and hospice et al, I did. And where I live, no one is allowed to countermand my registered wishes if I'm not able to speak up. Now that I'm widowed and my family are scattered in other countries, if my partner drops me on my head one day at the rink, nobody has to scurry around trying to decide what to do. It's all in writing and I make sure everyone knows where there are copies easy to find.

I’m so sorry that happened to you.

 

[macy]

I’m killing my self with these cats. Lexi has not eaten anything. She has a feeding tube implanted. I have to feed her through it every 6 hours which is making me cranky. She also gets meds through the tube. And an appetite stimulant in her ear daily. Jack was eating well and completely stopped for some reason. He gets pills and fluids daily and appetite stimulant in the ear daily. If we have to put a feeding tube in him I will not be happy and I am sure he will not either.

But I will not euthanize them unless there were no hope.

regardless of the outcome, thank you for helping these innocent babies. maybe try changing up Jack's food to get him to eat, but if it continues definitely take him in. something else might be going on (i hope not).

 

[CoyoteChris]

My sister’s answer upset me to be sure. In fairness, she has a lot on her plate but wants very little help or advice. My sister’s answer to my question was possibly a knee- jerk reaction to a question she did not want to think about. This is her way as I have known for years and tried (gently) to get her to see reality and prepare for what lies ahead.
We live 2 miles from each other; we knew we would travel the aging road together. I prepare, she does not .. never has.
As for aging, there is acceptance and even comfort in the rituals; I am in excellent health thank the Lord and still able to find joy and peace doing the things I love. Long ago someone said to me “tomorrow is promised to no one”. Those of us at a certain age tend to think more about it, that’s all.

You have a good attitude. My partner shares some things with your sister. Many people just dont want to deal with what's coming or even think about it and be prepared for it...if nothing else, for helping those left behind, cat, K9 or relative. Personally, I dont do well with old age. I have influenza A like my partner has, I am waiting the month for my eyes to heal from new lens implants and dealing with reading glasses before I can get new progressive lenses, and I have some possible life altering medical tests coming up that arent fun and very stressful. I do my best to get through this aweful winter by making plans to do some fun things and I think how well I have had it in the last 40 years of my life, including 20 years of retirement. I think of all the poor kids in wheel chairs and of those saints of recovery workers and divers on the Potomac who have one of the most hideous jobs out there..

 

[elbkup]

You have a good attitude. My partner shares some things with your sister. Many people just dont want to deal with what's coming or even think about it and be prepared for it...if nothing else, for helping those left behind, cat, K9 or relative. Personally, I dont do well with old age. I have influenza A like my partner has, I am waiting the month for my eyes to heal from new lens implants and dealing with reading glasses before I can get new progressive lenses, and I have some possible life altering medical tests coming up that arent fun and very stressful. I do my best to get through this aweful winter by making plans to do some fun things and I think how well I have had it in the last 40 years of my life, including 20 years of retirement. I think of all the poor kids in wheel chairs and of those saints of recovery workers and divers on the Potomac who have one of the most hideous jobs out there..

Yup it’s not fun… but…
When all the toil trouble aches and pains are done for the day
I switch on my favorite music TV skating, make myself a steaming mug of hot chocolate or tea with a dog cat beside me and it is heaven. Much the same for you I imagine; we live for those joyful moments. We can only support and assist our loved ones when we can; I’m OK with that. Take things easy, heal well and PLAN!!

 

[CoyoteChris]

Yup it’s not fun… but…
When all the toil trouble aches and pains are done for the day
I switch on my favorite music TV skating, make myself a steaming mug of hot chocolate or tea with a dog cat beside me and it is heaven. Much the same for you I imagine; we live for those joyful moments. We can only support and assist our loved ones when we can; I’m OK with that. Take things easy, heal well and PLAN!!

By the way, dont wanna start any rumors but the investigation over Gene Hackman and his wife's death has taken an even sadder turn, if that is possible. They had been dead for "quite awhile" and their German Shepherd was found dead in its crate, that was presumably locked. It is hard to imagine that a 65 year old lady and 91 year old man that are married could have left their front door ajar for say days or weeks and no one would have asked for a police check till a grounds keeper noticed it. Didnt they have friends or family?????

 

[elbkup]

By the way, dont wanna start any rumors but the investigation over Gene Hackman and his wife's death has taken an even sadder turn, if that is possible. They had been dead for "quite awhile" and their German Shepherd was found dead in its crate, that was presumably locked. It is hard to imagine that a 65 year old lady and 91 year old man that are married could have left their front door ajar for say days or weeks and no one would have asked for a police check till a grounds keeper noticed it. Didnt they have friends or family?????

It is past 2 am here; just woke up (I am a biphasic sleeper), got up to feed the cat then saw your note so decided to answer.

Such a tragedy. Apparently there were two (?) other dogs on the property outside that were all right. The house and grounds looks to be huge; first report indicated carbon monoxide but the open door is strange plus the dog in a crate, especially a large guard type dog, is stranger still. Odd they did not have a daily check-in arrangement at the very least. However, public may never know what actually happened unless the full story/findings are released in the end. May they rest peacefully.. my heart breaks for the dog ..
As for people living alone passing away undiscovered for a while, I guess it happens more than we think. My Dad, who lived alone in Florida and passed away in his home, was not discovered for two weeks despite having spoken to my sister recently and having fairly close neighbors. My sister and I travelled to Florida from NH and CT, police were called, neighbors questioned. Dad kept to himself, came and went often so no one was suspicious. It was a heavy-hearted eye-opening experience for us both.

 

[CoyoteChris]

It is past 2 am here; just woke up (I am a biphasic sleeper), got up to feed the cat then saw your note so decided to answer.

Such a tragedy. Apparently there were two (?) other dogs on the property outside that were all right. The house and grounds looks to be huge; first report indicated carbon monoxide but the open front door is strange plus the dog in a crate, especially a large guard type dog, is stranger still. Odd they did not have a daily check-in arrangement at the very least. However, public may never know what actually happened unless the full story/findings are released in the end. May they rest peacefully.. my heart breaks for the dog ..
As for people living alone passing away undiscovered for a while, I guess it happens more than we think. My Dad, who lived alone in Florida and passed away in his home, was not discovered for two weeks despite having fairly close neighbors. My sister and I travelled to Florida from NH and CT, police were called, neighbors questioned. Dad kept to himself, came and went often so no one was suspicious. It was a heavy-hearted eye-opening experience for us both.

The two saved dogs were probably going in and out of the house through the open back door and drinking out of the toilets. The one in the kennel/crate never had a chance . If the back door had a lever type door knob, they could have accidently openned up the door themselves by jumping on it. The couple were very reclusive at this point of their lives, which is sad that the local people they lived "near" didnt notice anything strange. Since this is an upscale gated community, I think it would be appropriate for those that request it to have a telephone wellness check every three days or they could just call a number and hang up .

 

[elbkup]

Yes .. I heard about a pet door on the news this morning; the dog that died was locked in a cupboard in the bathroom where Mrs. H was found with pills scattered around her according to the news. All very suspicious. Reclusiveness tends to go hand-in-hand with a sense of invulnerability I fear..
It’s a darn shame

 

[Diana Delafield]

The two saved dogs were probably going in and out of the house through the open back door and drinking out of the toilets. The one in the kennel/crate never had a chance . If the back door had a lever type door knob, they could have accidently openned up the door themselves by jumping on it. The couple were very reclusive at this point of their lives, which is sad that the local people they lived "near" didnt notice anything strange. Since this is an upscale gated community, I think it would be appropriate for those that request it to have a telephone wellness check every three days or they could just call a number and hang up .

Or wear a pendant with a fall-detection feature that works even if you're unconscious. I know quite a few seniors who wear those and a couple have been rescued after falls when the operator doesn't get a reply when responding to a signal, and phones either a designated neighbour or an ambulance.