Written by: Mandi Browning
Mabel is my shadow. She has always been very attached to me…and I am pretty attached to her. Whenever I am home, she is at my side.
I have never been apart from her for more than a week. She is my yoga partner, my work partner and my buddy!
Mabel has good days and low days. I can tell when she isn’t feeling well because she sleeps all day (only about 5 hours more than her usual day long cat nap) and doesn’t eat or drink.
She will usually go for about 2 days without eating much more than fish flakes but will typically make up for it when she is feeling better. This is a new thing in the last few months since her kidney levels have increased.
I can also tell when she doesn’t feel well because her eyes are fully dilated for long periods of time. This she also seems to have a difficult time laying down some days…she has to do it in small increments and it makes me worry.
Today is an okay day. She hasn’t eaten much but has been on my lap the entire time I have been typing this!
If you have a pet in a similar situation to Mabel please visit our In-Home Pet Hospice Care page.
About the Author
Mandi Browning is the Grief Support Specialist at Caring Pathways. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in thanatology (death, dying and bereavement). Her heart is to help and guide you through this end of life journey of grief with your precious companion.