oh my faithful friend
you took the greater risk
not knowing the end

It is frustrating.
My 17-year old cat is in the early stages of kidney failure. The positive I take out of it is a greater appreciation of our time together and knowing what will ultimately do the little guy in.
On the other hand, I will have the grim decision to make on when he crosses the line between living and existing, and when I can no longer bear to see his discomfort, much as he may try to deal with it.

The burden of responsibility.

Been there - and it is sooooo hard. My prayers are with you both.

Thanks Heather, though the news so far isn't great.

I am so sorry.

And when we realize that our pets depend on us, it further cements that bond between us. My aging cat has his day-to-day moods and we've been together long enough that I can tell when he doesn't want to be bothered - which is more now than before.
I think they know somehow that we're here for them.

But it's still frustrating when you can't seem to do anything to buoy their spirits or energy.