Carmine: Over the Rainbow Bridge

Deb from Glogirly took this lovely photo of Carmine in 2017.

 For those who are friends with us on Facebook, you know Carmine had a rough few years. 

Carmine was diagnosed with kidney disease back in 2018 (I think). Shortly after that, he was diagnosed with steroid-induced diabetes. He bounced in and out of remission - we kept trying to see if he'd tolerate the Prednisolone after a break from it as he had advanced arthritis and moderate to severe allergies the Prednisolone really helped with. Unfortunately, each time we tried it, it sent him back into diabetes. 

We eventually tried him on Budesonide as it doesn't tend to cause steroid-induced diabetes as often as Prednisolone does. Unfortunately, that put Carmine back into diabetes, and he never went into remission again after that.

I noticed 2-3 months ago that Carmine was loafing off his tummy. He did this exact thing when he developed chronic pancreatitis. I had initially dismissed a pancreatitis flare because he was already on anti-nausea medication, pain medication, and an appetite stimulant for other conditions. 

We ended up taking him to see an Internal Medicine vet, and she thought that Carmine did, indeed, had pancreatitis again. Our regular vet and I worked to try tof ind something to make him more comfortable, but he couldn't take steroids. Nor could he take other medications due to his kidney disease. We were racking our brains trying to figure out some way to make him more comfortable and reduce his inflammation.

Carmine had also developed a gallop heartbeat. We think this may be related to the development of high blood pressure (which is common with kidney disease). Our vet wanted to try Carmine on amlodipine for his blood pressure. She indicated it is more effective than the telmisartan he had been on previously. 

This is the last photo of me and Carmine on his last day.

Carmine was fine for the first few days on the medication, but then he began to act the same way he did when benazepril (another blood pressure med) had dropped his blood pressure too low a few years prior. Thinking he was having a bad reaction to amlodipine, the vet and I agreed to stop the medication. We were going to restart his telmisartan because we knew he could actually tolerate it - Carmine was very sensitive to most medications.

I stopped the amlodipine last week, but he didn't bounce back. 

Carmine stopped eating on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I began to syringe feed him. On Thursday morning, I woke up and knew it was time to let him go. Carmine's body was so tired; he fought such a hard battle for so long.

I called an in-home end-of-life agency who could get us a vet at midnight. I didn't want Carmine to suffer into the next day, so I took that appointment. 

I spent the whole day with Carmine, telling him how much I love him. Tylan seemed oblivious to the whole thing until halfway through the day when he settled in the bed by Carmine and hung out with him nearly the rest of the time.

The vet who came was incredibly kind and compassionate. There was no rushing on her part. She explained everything before she did it and made sure I was ready before each step. My neighbor, Fred, stopped by to say good-bye to Carmine. My friend, Steve, was there for the entire process. 

The vet listened to all our stories about Carmine, Lita, and Jewel. She shared some of her own experiences with us, too. She was so easy to talk to. She said I didn't call it too early or too late for Carmine, and I truly hope she was being honest about that. She seemed genuine. 

Carmine passed away at about 12:42am on Friday morning.

When it was all done, she wrapped Carmine in the shirt I wanted him to be cremated with. I chose the shirt I did because it's an orange-y color and it says "Mew are my sunshine." I always wore that shirt when I was having a crummy day because it reminded me of Carmine; he always made me smile. I ordered a second shirt just like it, so I can think of Carmine whenever I wear it now. I also wanted him to be cremated with a shirt of mine so he never has to be alone; he'll always have a part of his mama with him. 

She also wrapped Carmine in a blanket she brought with her. She put him in my arms, and I carried him downstairs to her car. He looked so very peaceful. He reminded me of his kitten self, so happy and carefree. 

I placed him in the car, on a nice soft blanket, and the vet surrounded him with little friends because I told her he doesn't like being alone. 

This is Carmine after he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He looks so peaceful.

I didn't want to leave him. I know he'll always be in my heart, but it's definitely not the same as being able to pet my tiny lion or having him sleep with me every day.

Ive cried so many tears. Carmine was my heart cat. 

Tylan does seem sad now. He isn't eating as much as usual, and he spends a lot of his day in Carmine's bed. 

I am beyond blessed to have had Carmine for nearly 18 years - his 18th Gotcha Day would have been June 5. In fact, I'm going to do a tribute post to who Carmine was for his Gotcha Day, so I hope you all will come back and read all about the most wonderful cat in the world. The grief is overwhelming, so I've had to break my posts down and just take them one at a time. 

A couple of special shout outs......

To Terry from Brian's Home who has been my rock through all of this. I do not know what I would have done without him these past months. He has been here every step of the way, being so kind and supportive. He stayed with me via text until Steve arrived the night Carmine died. I cannot ever thank Terry enough for his incredible friendship.

To Steve, who came to be with me, Carmine, and Tylan at the end, even though it was midnight. For his help getting me and Carmine to all of our vet appointments, of which there were many, especially towards the end.

I know Terry and Steve loved Carmine very much, and he knew it, too. He was blessed to have you both in his corner. 

Kat from Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat made this beautiful graphic for us.

Thank you, Kat, for this beautiful graphic!

 

Carmine will always be in my heart. He will always be loved, and he'll never be forgotten. 

We love you, Carmine!

Thank you to Ann of Zoolatry for this beautiful graphic of my Carmine.

Carmine

February 18, 2005 - May 26, 2023

Forever Loved