Juan Foust LaRue - RIP

Juan passed into the next life on May 1, 2007. He was 14.

The kidney failure went into full gear, and we could tell that he just wasn't comfortable anymore.

On a lighter note, Juan did have a chance to get out one last time. As we went off to a party planning meeting in our neighborhood, Juan squeexed out an open window and had a wild adventure. We can only imagine the fun he had as he ran around the yard and got into the swampy muck. When we returned we heard him announce himself, and he came running up to us as we went into the house. With no light on I went to grab him and learned that he went mucking about, as he was covered in black stinky muck from the swampy area behind the house. He got a nice bath, and made sure to cuddle close that night to try to keep warm as he dried. Juan proceeded to snuggle with his mama all night in bed (something that he hadn't done in weeks, as the kidney failure mad him feel antisocial). This was very special for the both of us!

He was so brave at the end. A lot braver than his blubbering papa.


Juan with his mama and brother Bazel practicing morning relaxation and yoga

Introduction

Hello, I am Juan Foust-LaRue.

I am a Snowshoe cat who is 15 years old. I am currently residing in Southeast Florida, but I have lived all over the place. I was born in San Francisco. I learned my street smarts there, but I ended up in the pound, where my mama Dorothy found me. She took me home with her and cared for me and showed me that a life on the streets isn't as cool as it looks on TV.

My mama, met my papa Jeph in San Francisco, and have been together ever since. It seems like they enjoy moving a lot, because I have lived in California, Michigan and Florida. I have driven across the country at least 3 times, and to Florida from Michigan as well.

I have been losing some weight lately, and that had mama and papa worried. They took me to a nice vet Dr. R, who took some blood and tested it. Dr. R found that I had some high kidney numbers. This alarmed the vet. She recommended that I be admitted for some further tests and to have some fluids pumped into me. This helped, but it showed that I have kidney failure, and not kidney disease. I heard that Kidney failure is also called CRF or Chronic Renal Failure. This is the reason why my kidney numbers are higher than the doctor would like to see. It is also why I have been losing weight, and not feeling so well.

Well the stay in the hospital went OK, but I didn't like it there at all. All of the people caring for me were very nice, and I think a few of them had a crush on me. I just wanted to go back home and be with my mama and papa, as well as my brothers Sid and Bazel. My papa came and picked me up, and brought me home. Before we left the vet technicians showed papa how to give me a subQ shot in my back. This gives me fluids that I need. It doesn't hurt much, but I would rather be playing with my toys.

I am going to give regular updates to my story here, so please keep checking back.

--Juan