Cattywumpus

It is with a huge lump in my throat as I write that Lucy has acute kidney failure. I knew it was bad - she has been crying and wailing on and off today, and her little legs just aren't working. There may be some other stuff going on, or something that triggered it, but she has had chronic renal failure signs for at least a year and a half. I got an emergency visit with Dr. Jeff, and the blood test confirmed it.
Poor thing. I have her with me in my studio room - I put a heating pad under a towel and she's lying on that. She has these little spasms every once in a while. The vet gave her a painkiller that will last 12 hours. John is taking tomorrow off from work. She's his kitty, and I can't go through this alone. I'm so sad, and tomorrow will be worse. This comes at a terrible time, just when we were going on a week's vacation [to see John's relatives] in California. Skootch will be alone, and he is just recovering from his latest health issues. Ever since I got him as a kitten, Lucy was his pal. Even though they were never best buddies, she is cat company. The last two days he has been very solicitous of her - cuddling next to her (a FIRST!), and sitting near her keeping a vigil. He knows something is wrong. 
Thank you all so much for your concern. It is comforting to know you are out there somewhere. I have sent condolences to some of you recently. All I can say is, losing a pet is a very painful thing.