We lost Sam last night

[Orchid Crazy]

I can't believe I am posting to this thread again; I am in some serious shock. We lost Sam last night at 11:05 p.m. He went to the vet yesterday;we had a 2:15 appointment. Other than being skinny, vet saw no issues with him. He had no worms, no parasites, no giardia, easr clean, eyes bright, blah, blah, blah. Came home and he seemed lethargic all afternoon. He had no interest in playing, he only wanted to sit in front of the fire. We assumed the vet visit was quite tramatic for him.

Later last night, I gave him a dose of strongid that I was given in case he had roundworms. He went into the bathroom, chowed like he hasn't since he came here, at least twice as much as usual. He went immediately into the carrier and went to sleep. I thought it was odd, but kept on checking on him and he seemed okay.

While watching the 2nd episode of Grey'a Anatomy, close to the end of it so close to 10pm, I heard him cry so I knw he had woken up. Normally he starts to complain immediately upon waking up and continues it till he finds a lap to be loved in. He cried, but then nothing, so I got upand went to check on him. I pulled him out of his carrier and he was cold and limp. We called our vet, got the ER number, I called the breeder but got no answer, left a message. We wrapped him up, I gave him some droppersful of water thinking he was dehydrated from his time in front of the fire, called the ER vet. Warmed up my truck since it was snowing last night. I arrived at the ER at 11 and Sam died while hey were working on him at 11:05. He was cold, had a HR of way less than 20 beats per min and the vet there said he was most likely pretty much gone by the time I pulled him out of his carrier.

They did xrays and an autopsy and found no signs of trauma to any bones or organs. I have no clue why our sweet baby died. I am just beside myself. I said goodbye to him after they were all done with him and it was wretched. I have no clue what we are going to say to our kids. I feel bad, but I think we may lie and tell them I had to bring him back to the breeder cuz he got sick last night. We just picked up Pooh's ashes yesterday, it was a tramatic day, more tears over her and I don't think they can handle this as a death. I feel horrid about lying to my kids; I've always told them I'd never lie to them. I hope we are making the right decision.

Please pray for us today. I've barely been able to sleep. Even the ER Vet was upset by his death; I think it was tramatic for him as well and frustrating because he couldn't find a reason why. He wanted to explain to me why he was fine at 2:15 and dead at 11:05 and couldn't.

Rest in peace my sweet little Sam. May you find Pooh to love on you and keep you warm, your little body was so cold!!! I miss your complaining this morning, it is too darn quiet in here. Love you sweetie!!!!

[Schatz's Mom]

Oh Sandy I don't know what to say. I am so so sorry. I know there are no words that will make it better so please know that I am here if you need a shoulder to cry on. God speed dear little Sam! :candle:

[Dackel-Mom]

Sandy - my heart goes out to you and your family........... :hug2:

Godspeed, little Sam. :candle:

Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you hear
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near

I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side

Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start

By: Carol Kufner

[Mark]

How heartbreaking . . .

There are no words to express our grief for you and your family. We feel your pain and just know that we, DBBers, are right here . . . with you and for you.

Sam is now healthy and happy at the Bridge . . . and in darn good company. You'll see him again.

So, remember him as he was during the many good times.

[Lambygyrl]

OMG Sandy I am crying while writing this I can't believe you lost you sweet little guy. :hug2: :hug2: for you - this isn't fair. He was so sweet with your Buddy. I hope that you are going to call the breeder again - something doesn't ring true with me here. If I was in your spot, I would probably not tell the kids the exact truth, at least not now. Sandy take it easy. :hug2:

:candle: for Sam, to light his was to the bridge. God speed little guy.

[SuziQ]

I'm so sorry for you and your family. I would probably not tell the kids the truth either at this point.

-Suzi

[LUVMYGUNNER]

OMG hope it isn't the little guy you just picked up. Here is a candle :candle: for him

[kassiegirl 2]

I had to read your post twice to make sure I was understanding what I was reading!!I don't know what to say say except I am so sorry!!!

[LaurieE]

I am so sorry!!

[Leslie]

OMG I can't believe this Sandy! Only you know whats best to tell you children....I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the breeder will do the responsible thing on their part. We are here for you if you need us!

[Sadie's slave]

:candle: I am so sorry. There is no way to understand why things happen this way. My heart is just breaking for you. We are all here for you and your family, please find some small comfort in that. I'm sure you will make the best decision on what to tell your kids, you will know in your heart what is right. Again, I am so sorry. :candle:

[zoeysmom]

Oh my goodness, what a shock!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It certainly isn't fair. So many losses so quickly.

RIP little Sam.

[Heidismom]

I am so sorry for you and your family! :0204:

[MomToMazzy&More]

:candle: for Sam. I am so sorry to hear about Sam. So sudden & not knowing why. I know your heart is broken. Only you know what is best to tell your children. Take care.:0204:

[stacicakes]

Sandy...OMG I am so sorry!!!! I can't even believe I'm reading this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so shocked I don't even know what to say. :hug2: for you....a :candle: for little Sam as he joins Pooh at the bridge.

[schroeders mom]

Oh Sandy, I am so so sorry! I don't know what to say, but thank God little Sam had you for his short time on earth. At least Sam knew he was loved and cared for. As for telling your kids you took him back to the breader cause he was sick - I don't blame you. Too much death for little ones to understand. I hated to lie to my kids too, but some times....to spair them more pain - I did :blush: . And when they are older and can understand, then you can explain everything to them.
Many :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for your heart and a :candle: for little Sam.

[Suzanne R]

Unbelievable! I am totally shocked! He was such a cute, adorable, beautiful little furbaby and now he's gone. I am SO incredibly sorry! I just don't know what else to say. I am SO sorry. :candle: :hug2: (That may be why Tigger was so stand-offish and Buddy was so snuggly with Sam?!)

[vferraro99]

I'm so, so sorry, Sandy. This is so hard to believe, what a story! I'm crying as I write this, and I truly do not know how I'd react should I be in your place. I hope you can find consolation in the fact that Sam is now happy at the Bridge, in very good company. :hug2: to you and a :candle: to light Sam's way.

[Julian&MistyMom]

Oh Sandy, my heart just aches for you and your family. I'm so very sorry. Thoughts and prayers for all of you. I'm completely in shock over this too. Can't believe it. This is just so unfair. Godspeed baby Sam.

[ND_Mom]

My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. :candle: to light Sam's way to the Rainbow Bridge.

[nmgirl98]

I had to read this twice - then go look for your other posts to make sure I was understanding this. I can't believe what has happened!!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

[keri1113]

I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to describe how sorry I feel for you and your family right now. :candle: :candle: :candle: For little Sam...and :hug2: :hug2: for you and your family.

[kpm_tex]

Sandy, how awful! I feel so bad for you and your family, especially the kids. I wish they Dr's could have found a reason just for the peace of mind.

[Jenn]

I had to read this twice - then go look for your other posts to make sure I was understanding this. I can't believe what has happened!!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

I had to do the same. I am so sorry for the loss of Sam. I don't blame you for not wanting to tell the kids. Poor babies and :hug2: to you in this most difficult time.

[Frzframe]

I am so sorry to read this. :sorry: :candle: Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.

[longtimecouple1]

Sandy,
I can't believe I'm reading this, we were just looking at his pictures this past week. I am so sorry :hug2: to you and your family and a :candle: to light his way to join Pooh. I would definitely get a hold of the breeder, this isn't right.
I'm not sure I agree with the decision to not tell the kids, I just feel it could be harder later when they do find out. Although I certainly understand why after Pooh. But you know your kids, so you have to make that decision for them.

My sincer sympathy on what your family is going through. Please let us know if you get any news on the cause. We are all here for you.
Eileen

[shannon20_01]

I'm so sad for you and my heart goes out to you and your family. :angel:

[FourOrchards]

Oh Sandi I am so sorry. I too had to go back and read this twice because I wasn't sure if I was just confused. With all that your family has already been going through I am in shock. Words cannot express how sorry I am. Sam is in good company now though. Many prayers for your family. :hug2:

[5weeniesmom]

I am so sorry Sandy, how heartbreaking!! I am sending big hugs to u and yout family! Here is a candle :candle: to light Sam's way! We are here, lean all u want!:hug2:

[Irminsul]

Oh Sandy, I am so sorry!! It must be horrible to not know what happened. You and your family are in my thoughts!:hug2: :hug2: :hug2:

[Tucker's Mom]

Sandy...OMG I am so sorry!!!! I can't even believe I'm reading this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so shocked I don't even know what to say. :hug2: for you....a :candle: for little Sam as he joins Pooh at the bridge.

I, too, cannot believe what I've just read. I am so very sorry.

[Izzyinatizzy]

I am so sorry for your loss Sandy. What a shock! Big :hug2: :hug2: to your and your family, and :candle: :candle: :candle: to light Sam's way.....


-Ali

[Great90wt]

So sorry to hear that Sandy. We'll be thinking of you and your family. :candle:

[Kari]

Wow...I can't believe his young little life had to end so soon. :( :hug2: to you and your family...I'll be thinking of you. I hope the breeder does the right thing too.

[rjones]

I'm so sorry, OMG I can't stop crying thats horrible. Have your spoke to the breeder? I don't know what I would do. I can't say how sorry I am for you and I know you feel bad about lieing to your kids but your also protecting them from feeling how you feel. I don't have kids so I don't know what I would do and can't say that I would lie or tell the truth. Just do what you feel is right. Again I'm so sorry.

[Lazydaisy]

I am so sorry for you and your family. Here is :candle: for sam.

[M&M Doxie's]

You are in my thoughts & prayers. I can only imagine what you are going through. It would devistate me to lose either Oscar or Sadie so quickly and unexpected.

[HawaiiDoxieLover]

My deepest condolences to your family.

[Joyce]

Oh Sandy words can not express how sad I am about this. My prayers go out to you and your family, I know how ever you handle this, it will be the best way for your family. :candle: for Sweet Baby Sam.

[teenieweenieran]

Oh my goodness. That is just terrible. He was just a little baby. I agree that with the loss that your children just suffered it would a lot better to fib to them about him being ill than telling the truth. They shouldn't go through all that again so soon.

Are you planning on a necropsy? Is the breeder helpful? How terrible.

:(

[JunMoll]

I am so very sorry to hear the sad news.:kfrown: It seems so unfair!! You and your family are in my prayers. :candle:

[Bobbiesmom]

Sandy...Tears welling up as I type this. I am so sorry that this had to happen again, so soon after Pooh! My condolences to you & your family...And Buddy, who lost his playmate!

Little Sam is at the bridge with Pooh, and he was well loved & cared for during his brief time here.

[Orchid Crazy]

Thank you for all your thoughts. We are still in shock. Neither Calvin or I can stop crying over it. I can't get the picture of him out of my mind.

I did speak to the breeder. She has offered us a complete refund as well as covering not only the cost of a post mortem abdominal fluid test done by my vet, but she's also covering the medical expenses from last night. She has been doing the right thing. She is havign her vet send me info so although I have her word on the cleanliness of her cats, I'll have it in writing from her vet. I questioned her about his weight. She did say that she did know that the kittens were scrawnier than some litters, it was a large litter of 6 and she had hung on to one who was tinier, but that she knew Sam was eating, peeing, pooping and seemed ready, but looking back with what happened she said she made a poor judgement and should have hung on to them a bit longer. But she did say the other kittens that went have thrived; I do feel that this was a shock to her as well and she is doing what she needs to do to make this as right as she could. She offered us another kitten from a different litter, but I told my huband that at this point, I just won't again with her, nothing personal, but if it is genetic, I don't want any relations either. Never to give up, I do plan on going after another Sam. I think he was a joyous addition to our household that should have been around for many, many, many years. Knowing him for only 4 days makes me long for a similar baby to try again, to hear again, to feel again, to love again, to feel alive again.

I've also spoken to my vet who saw Sam last night. She was off today, but was called by the office when they came in this morning and the fax from the ER was there. She does not understand it either. She said it is not uncommon at all to see scrawny siamese kittens; that quite often it takes them up to 2 years to fill out. She said he ran no temp yesterday and although she did notice him being unweight, he was eating, peeing and pooping so she didn't see anything wrong with telling me to continue on and just weigh him every day or so to make sure he gained at his own pace. She was shocked as well. She called me from home and had me call her at home. While FIP is a possibility, no one seems ot think the fluid test will prove anything. All seem to think that unfortunately it was a case of 'kitten that failed to thrive'.

As far as the kids, they do know I've been on and off the phone with both the breeder and my vet all day. I've described how he was last night and that he was a very, very sick kitten. I spoke to the breeder yet again and I told them he is failing. I know it's a stretch and I feel rotten about it, the end result will be that they will hear tomorrow that he is no longer with us. We padded it for them a bit to ease the shock and also this means that the kitten in their mind will go in the breeders care not in ours. It was a major shock for them this morning and they took it hard that he was not in the house this morning. I hate to do things this way, but it is making things easier in the long run for them. They know all about his condition except the ER visit, the end result and that it happened in our care. There have been many tears shed today and I am still cying over not hearing his little voice. He was a sweet, precious little baby.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

I don't know if this helps at all but maybe do some research into Siamese cats. I don't have cats and my best friend is a cat lover-has been most of her live-she is 62. When she got the Persian cats she got them from a small breeder and as they got older, they had a lot of health issues and she did a lot of research and part of it is, sometimes the breed is over bred and they just have a lot of problems. I would do a search and read up as much as you can about them. If I was a cat owner the Siamese is what I would get-also great for people that have allergies. Also I think there might be a siamese/cat forum some of them might now a lot of the breed.

[missmolly]

I'm so sorry to hear about Sam's death . You and your family gave him a good life even with it being cut short . Try to remeber all the good times you had with Sam .

[zoeysmom]

Makes me teary reading that:(

Sam looked like he was such a good fit with your family. It sounds like you've reached a good compromise as far as telling the kids most of the truth, but shielding it a bit for them.

It sounds wierd, but I hope that one of the tests comes back positive - so that at least you have an answer.

What a difficult day you've had.

[3doxies]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am lighting a :candle: for Sam. Hugs to you and your family at this difficult time.

[beausmom1]

Oh, Sandy, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this thread when I arrived home from work a few minutes ago. I could feel your pain and your family's pain through talking to you about Pooh, and the same with the joy when Sam arrived after a search for the perfect addition to your household. I had to read your first post over and over to make sure I was reading right, I just can't believe this is happening. I am so, so sorry for your loss, I wish you knew a more definitive answer as to the cause for your own peace of mind. I am praying that your kids can be strong through this and allow themselves to love another kitten without fear of loss. On a happier note, I know you gave Sam the best time he could have had while he was here, and you've helped me so much with Hollie also. You've given so much, and now you will be able to give more love to another cat. I really am truely sorry this happened to you, I wish there was more I could do. :hug2:

[annmariek]

I am so very sorry...he was such a pretty kitten. I had Siamese growing up and they are wonderful cats...almost doglike!!!! I know y'all were wonderful to Sam and that he is playing at the Bridge waiting for you.

[fdcutee]

I'm so sorry Sandy.... I feel just awful for you and your family. I hope you get a reason as having no answer just seems so unfair.

How much did Sam weigh? I was worried about Chase after I first got him as he was teeny tiny... just barely one pound and only six weeks old.

Is your vet concerned about your other cat possibly getting sick? I hate to add any extra worry.

I hope telling the kids tomorrow goes as well as it can.

Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. If you need to talk......

[doxie4u]

I am so sorry for you and your family. I just believe that I was just looking at those cute kitty and doxie pictures. I am so sorry.

[CoppersOtherMom]

I am so, so, so sorry about Sam. I'm still playing catch up on posts and I just came across this. I'm stunned. Again, I'm sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

[roxysmom]

So sorry to hear about Sam. I know it's probably of little comfort now, but at least you know you picked a good breeder who is willing to pay the vet fees. I understand you not wanting to get another kitty right now. Some day, you will find another one who melts you heart like Sam did. :hugs1: :hugs1: to you and your family.

[dutchman]

Hi Sandy,

I waited till tonight to reply because I thought I might find some thing to say to try and comfort but I'm still at a loss so pleas accept a big cyber :hug2: and a shoulder to lean or cry on.

[doxyangel]

OMG like many other I had to read it again. Sandy I am so sorry for your loss what a shock. My prayers are with you and your family. Lighting a :candle:for Sam. Big :0204::fuzzyhug:for you and your family.

[Heidi's Pam]

Sandy, what a sad and tragic shock this must be :hugs: I can't imagine the pain and questions that you have right now. My deepest sympathies to you and your family as you come to terms with this too sudden and too sad loss of Sam. :candle15:

[gunther's mom]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Though I'm sure your children will be very sad, they will also remember how carefully you thought of them. You know-the kids will remember your warmth and caring-the details may be less important to them.

[fredownsme]

Tears are flowing as I write this. Words cannot describe the loss you are feeling. Please accept my condolences. Sam was such a sweetie pie and gave you, your family, and pupper much joy. So sorry.....

[doxiemommy3]

ohh I am so sorry for the loss of your Sam. I have heard many breeders having problems with their cats for the past 2 years. My friend who into breeding Siamese,Persian and Himalayian....she has lost more litters in the past 2 years than in her 17 years of breeding. She and the vet have no clue as to what is going on. And is still replacing kittens from ones who did not make it. She had a friend who had the same problem this year as well, her cats all came down with some virus which caused death in the same way as Sam, the virus was like Phemonia. She has now shut down her Cattery until next year with exception of the 4 cats who are now pregant, she has lost many show cats who are older as well.

I really hope all gets figured out on what happened to Sam, but I would not get another until that is determined. Good Luck and I am so sorry for your loss :(

[Melisande]

I am just totally shocked reading this...

Sandy I am so sorry for your loss. Poor little Sam! This is just heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.

[Camilla]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. :hug2: . I'm so shocked needless to say. Wishing you peace in knowing he is with Pooh at the bridge!

[Lily]

I'm so sorry to hear about Sam. Two losses so close together are devastating; my heart breaks for you.

[cweldon]

I have been off the computer for several days, and am so sad to read this. My heartfelt condolences go to you and your family.

[Stanley's Mum]

I am so very sorry for your loss, i just can't believe this. My thoughts are with you and your family :hug2:

[Shadygrady]

I am so sorry to hear about your baby Sam, been there haved had that pain and I know it is terrible, the good Lord only knows why he took Sam from you but Sam is happy and having fun in Doxie heaven. God Bless and may your heart mend quickly, I know there wil be tough days.

[MicheleS]

I'm so sorry. A :candle: for sweet Sam.

[Deafma]

Im truly sorry for your loss! Im trying not to cry here. I've never been so sensitive until I got married. Death itself saddens me. I can really feel your pain and again, Im sorry. You are in our thoughts.

[Deafma]

Im sorry I can't stop crying...

[Dolly&Maddie]

Oh NO!! How terrible! Believe me, I feel for you and your family. I'm a member of this "Memorial Club" now and yes, I can say I know the feelings you're going through. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sam will always be loved.

Sandi