At 4AM yesterday, Sunny showed us signs he was ready to go. He fought against severe IBD that progressed into lymphoma for 2 years and had been in and out of the hospital every month the last 2 months.

While the loss is excruciating we know he is pain free now.

It became clear that no matter the diet, dosage, or medication, his body could no longer keep fighting the severe inflammation and what has likely progressed into cancer. Sunny was supposed to have a feeding tube placed on Tuesday, but with his continued severe, treatment resistant symptoms, we realize there was no way he would have made it safely through that procedure. Sunny was down to just 2.8 pounds at 4AM, and that’s with him eating regularly on his own the last 2 days. Please keep in mind he was a little over 2 years old and had been battling IBD since birth. At his healthiest, he weighed 6.1 pounds. The rapid decline, severe weight loss, and treatment resistant symptoms strongly pointed to IBD that had progressed to lymphoma according to his specialist. We discussed a chemotherapy medication with his specialist, but due to his fragile weight, he was at a much higher risk of anemia and bone marrow suppression, and his little body simply could not afford that. The home cooked diet was just not enough.

The fecal transplant was not enough. The ICU supportive care was not enough. Nothing was enough.

Even though the decision to let him go was excruciating, it was the kindest and most loving thing we could do for him.

Because we loved him so deeply, it became clear that this was the best gift we could give him when there were no options left to ease his suffering. He deserved a life free from tummy cramps, rushing to the litter box, nausea, and discomfort. We truly believe that in kitty heaven, Sunny is whole again and pain free.

We will always love and miss him, and he will remain a special part of our rescue forever❤️‍🩹