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WIL WHEATON dot NET
WIL WHEATON dot NET

50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong

a quiet domino

Posted on 14 March, 2005 By Wil

Our cat Felix, who’s been slowly losing his kidney function for the last couple of years, has gotten really sick. He’s lost a lot of weight, and he tested at about 15% kidney function when we took him to the vet two weeks ago.
Man, first Sketch (who is doing very well, by the way, despite a scary episode last week) and now The Bear. This sucks.
For the last few days, Felix has spent most of his time on our patio in a little crouch. He looks so sad and uncomfortable, and even though we’re giving him fluids and as much love as we can, he’s just not getting better. I had the “I think I may have to put my kitty to sleep” talk with my vet last week about Sketch, and it looks like I’m going to have to have the same conversation with her about Felix this week.
It’s so sad, because other than his kidney problems, he’s really tough and healthy. Anne is just devastated about him. He is totally her little bear.
I feel completely helpless. As a husband, and as a pet owner, I’m doing everything I can . . . but it just feels like it’s not enough. It really, really sucks. 🙁
I’ve got convention stuff to write up, and some more CSI stuff, but that’s currently on hold while I take care of this.
If you can spare a thought for Felix, and especially for Anne, please do.

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  1. rach says:
    15 March, 2005 at 4:03 am

    hi wil, much mojo coming your way right now! for you, anne, the family, and of course for Felix! i really hope he pulls through this one!
    mojo mojo mojo mojo mojo mojo mojo mojo!
    take care wil
    rach

  2. drdrew says:
    15 March, 2005 at 4:14 am

    A whole lotta mojo coming your way Wil. Hang in there man.
    Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo Mojo

  3. D.P. says:
    15 March, 2005 at 6:06 am

    Wil, some more mojo for felix, sketch and you.
    Lets all hope that Wil doesn’t have to make the “go to sleep” decision any time soon.

  4. Scott T says:
    14 March, 2005 at 10:42 pm

    Wil, Anne and the family……….
    I completely understand where you’re at. I’ve been there and it’s excruciating. But I would never trade the amazing time I’ve had with my cats. They’re my life, love and purpose.
    Sending lots of positive and healing vibes your way!!!!!
    Good luck!
    Scott

  5. Scott T says:
    14 March, 2005 at 10:42 pm

    Wil, Anne and the family……….
    I completely understand where you’re at. I’ve been there and it’s excruciating. But I would never trade the amazing time I’ve had with my cats. They’re my life, love and purpose.
    Sending lots of positive and healing vibes your way!!!!!
    Good luck!
    Scott

  6. Scott T says:
    14 March, 2005 at 10:42 pm

    Wil, Anne and the family……….
    I completely understand where you’re at. I’ve been there and it’s excruciating. But I would never trade the amazing time I’ve had with my cats. They’re my life, love and purpose.
    Sending lots of positive and healing vibes your way!!!!!
    Good luck!
    Scott

  7. Mark Wade says:
    15 March, 2005 at 6:47 am

    Mucho mojo. We’ll soon have to deal with this with our 14 year old dog.
    It’s humanity’s fault for adopting animals that only live 10-15 years as house pets. If only our forefathers were thoughtful enough to popularize toritises and parrots instead of dogs and cats, we wouldn’t have these problems.

  8. Siggy says:
    15 March, 2005 at 7:05 am

    Hey Wil,
    Listen we all know it’s hard to put down a pet that you really care about. That pet has become a part of your family and we all know it’s hard to loose a family member that we care about. I put it to you like this Wil. You are a very intellegent guy and you know as well as the rest of us we can’t hold on to everything as much as we would like to. Now maybe and hopefully the bear will get better but, you have to ask yourself do you want to see the bear suffer which im sure you don’t or do want him to be in a better place wherever that maybe. You can only do so much to keep someone or something you love around as long as you can but, time will eventually catch up. We can only hope and pray that the bear gets better. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers and hopefully things will get better. Take care!

  9. Eric in PA says:
    15 March, 2005 at 7:38 am

    Tons of love and mojo heading your way for sure. I recently lost my beloved pet hamster, and given my situation right now (which isn’t good as it is), it was just another blow to my psyche.
    Anne and Felix are in my thoughts, and I’m sure little Mary Jane, while a rodent, is up there somewhere, sending her love as well…

  10. crystald says:
    15 March, 2005 at 8:11 am

    I have four English Toy Spaniels and one of them is very sick with mitral valve insufficiency. He’s on three different heart medications, but over the last six months his condition has deteriorated. His muscle tone, in particular, is poor and as fluid builds up in his abdomen his appetite decreases and he loses weight. So, we’re at that same point. When is it time to let go? My thoughts are with you and Anne and Felix and I hope you find your way through this.
    -Crystal

  11. MiladyGreenEyes says:
    15 March, 2005 at 8:36 am

    Awwwwww, poor kitties! Sending lots of mojo your way. I know how it is to lose a pet that’s really another member of your family. It hurts. I send hugs, butterflies, sparklies, and sunshine…

  12. Greyseasunder says:
    15 March, 2005 at 8:47 am

    HI Wil,
    Caught you on CSI last week- very manic. Neat.
    Sorry to hear about Felix- its tough when pets get sick. Alot of people just kind of blow it off saying “hell, its just a cat”- nope, its not JUST a cat, its a member of the family.
    Just wanted to say thanks for the post, got me to thinking and inspired me to make a post regarding pets & the big sleep on my blog.
    -Dan in NH

  13. snoproblem says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:06 am

    I can empathize.
    Our cat died last November. Watching her slip away really hurt me. She was old, and I knew it was coming, but that doesn’t help, does it? I wish you and yours the best.
    On a brighter note… I enjoyed your appearance in CSI, Wil, and I hope to see more soon!

  14. masu says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:15 am

    Best wishes Anne, Felix. Trans-atlantic mojo coming your way…

  15. Sudden says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:24 am

    Hey Wil,
    My thoughts are with you and Anne. I completely know what you are going through b/c I went through the exact same thing a week ago today. I lost the matriarch of my family. My twenty year old cat Muffin. We also had to make that decision after talking to the vet about doing what was best for her. I know its of little comfort, but I found that the days leading up to it (we could see it coming) I spent as much time as I possibly could with her. Every moment I had with her I made sure I soaked into all of my senses so I could never say I wish I had done this or forgot to do that. It pained me so much see her in such a bad state but I knew I had to be with her. I only prayed that my being with her offered her some comfort at that time.
    If I can offer one word of advise, don’t feel badly if that decision has to be made. Know that Felix will not feel you love him any less b/c of a choice you make. I know it may sound crazy but after I had decided that it was best for her I felt better b/c I knew I was doing what was best for her. She was no longer going to have to suffer and I felt better knowing I could do that for her. I miss her terribly but I also know she is okay now where she is.
    My thought are truly with you and your family

  16. Cookie says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:30 am

    Oh, honey.
    I am so sorry.
    Eleven months ago, you told us about your Bear. He was in the kitty ICU, fighting to get better. He’s done so well, Wil, and he may rebound again. That long life is a testament to you and your good and gentle care. He’s lived a long happy life with you and your family. As cat parents, all we can do it our best, and, baby, you have done so well by your furbabies.
    You and your entire family are always with in my thoughts and are very much on the list of those that I am always wishing well. That is without end.
    Oh, and PK sending comforting and healing purrs and lots of loose furr.
    Hang in there, sweetie.

  17. Lorraine says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:31 am

    Wil and Anne,
    I am sorry that you are going through this. I have been where you are a few times. Felix will let you know what you need to do. He knows you love him and he loves and trusts you. You do what is in the best interest of the one you love. I am thinking of you both. And by the way, I only caught the tail end of CSI but I had someone tape it for me. You were great Wil. Especially your voice.

  18. Briski says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:35 am

    Aw, Wil. Much love and prayers to you and yours. I know what you’re going through, and how tough it is.

  19. entwife002 says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:51 am

    Piling on more mojo from Des Moines and my cats Alex and Maggie join me. My heart aches for you and Anne and the boys. I will hope for the best for Felix and all of you.

  20. 1cutebird says:
    15 March, 2005 at 10:01 am

    Hey Wil,
    My heart goes out to you and your wife. I’ve had to deal with this in my life. I had a pet with cancer and no matter what I just won’t let pets suffer from incurable diseases. Good luck with it all. All the best.
    XOXOXO

  21. darkeowyn says:
    15 March, 2005 at 10:05 am

    Hey guys,
    I’m really sorry about Felix. I went through the same thing with my Siamese. She died during my first week away at college. It sucked a lot because I couldn’t even be there when she died. I also went through the “It looks like we have to put them to sleep,” thing with my dogs. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. It sucks to lose a pet, but on the bright side, you always have all the memories to hang on to. Take care guys:)

  22. justintime181 says:
    15 March, 2005 at 11:22 am

    hey Wil, Anne, Nolan and Ryan;
    Death is a part of life. That may be a really crappy thing to say but its true. Two years ago I had to put my cat down whom I had owned for twenty years. yeah it was devastating but I got through it and you guys will to.
    “Did you know that the bible says in the midst of life we are in death?” – Quidacello’s shop owner
    Stand By Me
    1986
    (sorry about the reference but the film geek in me is never very far away)

  23. arifa says:
    15 March, 2005 at 11:46 am

    i am so there with you… LITERALLY. i have been giving my bunny fluids for a few days now. i suck at doing it, too. poor widdle guy. anyway, i will add felix to my prayers about my little guy. we’re doing the best we can. i keep trying to focus on all the love of the past five and a half years instead of the sadness of the past few days. hopefully, they’ll both pull through. good luck to you.

  24. grshpr76 says:
    15 March, 2005 at 12:07 pm

    It’s always hard to lose a pet. I cried my head off over friend’s dogs. I have yet to had to have the “what should i do?” talk with a vet.
    i am definitely keeping a positive place in my heart and thoughts for everyone there… so are all my furries and scaley varmits.

  25. bookwormgrrl says:
    15 March, 2005 at 12:08 pm

    I am so sorry to hear that… it’s always tough to loose a pet… they are less like the animal and become more like another child or tiny furred person. Please send on my best wishes…

  26. jennifer reven says:
    15 March, 2005 at 12:52 pm

    so sad to hear…your gonna make me cry…hopefully things get better

  27. jennifer reven says:
    15 March, 2005 at 12:53 pm

    so sad to hear…your gonna make me cry…hopefully things get better

  28. Jeannette311 says:
    15 March, 2005 at 1:00 pm

    I am thinking of you, your family, and your pets as well.
    I hope Felix gets better.
    *hugs*

  29. Spyderkl says:
    15 March, 2005 at 1:02 pm

    Damn, that’s awful. I’m a cat person, even though we hadn’t had one here (until recently) in quite a while. They really do become your babies. All our hearts ( and all the good mojo we can muster) go out to all of you, especially Felix.

  30. dallasslayer says:
    15 March, 2005 at 1:08 pm

    Wil,
    This is my first post. I have been reading your blog for a while now. I love your work. I saw CSI, you were wonderful. Had me a little fricked out on how reallistic you acted and looked.
    I know you love your “kids” (pets) with all your heart. I know that things are hard write now. I hope that they get better for them soom. I’m not a cat person per say. I have 3 loveable and wild kids my self ( 2 labs and a spaniel) They are my life. I’m have to deal with my Spaniel siezures because there is no way to stop them only manage them. So I know a little of what your going trough. I wanted to send you my thoughts and prayers…….

  31. Sue R says:
    15 March, 2005 at 1:12 pm

    Wil,
    I am so sorry to hear about Felix! I so understand what you are going through. Felix, Anne, and you are in my thoughts and prayers!

  32. caraewell says:
    15 March, 2005 at 3:43 pm

    Whoa, the Wheaton house is like Kitty Hell! Poor kitties.

  33. Sirelroka says:
    15 March, 2005 at 4:02 pm

    As someone who works in an animal shelter, knowing that you are willing to face these end of life decisions just shows what a responsible pet owner you are. It is a selfless act to give that last gift when it becomes necessary. I would encourage you to please make sure you ask any questions about the process and feel comfortable with your decision. I know you are perfectly capable of searching the internet but here are a couple sites you might find helpful.
    http://www.pet-loss.net/
    many of resources to understand pet loss and grief
    http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
    Some may see this as silly or corny but many find comfort in it.

  34. warcrygirl says:
    15 March, 2005 at 4:22 pm

    Oh Wil, I’m so sorry to hear about Felix. I went through a similar experience with my cat Boo Boo Kitty so I know exactly what you are going through. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts.

  35. Beverly Grey says:
    15 March, 2005 at 4:50 pm

    Wil, Anne and family…Just wanted to send my best wishes that Felix gets better really soon. I too know how difficult it can be to watch your pets go through pain. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
    PS: I wanted to mention also that my dog is named Riley too. Your dog must be cool like mine. Riley sends his best wishes to Felix too.

  36. Tina D says:
    15 March, 2005 at 4:55 pm

    Wil, Anne, and Felix,
    I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I know how hard it is to have a sick pet. We lost a puppy to parvo a couple of years ago.
    Lots of love and mojo to you all!
    Tina D

  37. Kenobismom says:
    15 March, 2005 at 6:35 pm

    Im so sorry to hear about Felix. My dogs are my babies! My heart goes out to you. We are thinking of you and yours. Best wishes and all my built up positive karma.
    Love,
    Tara, Kenobi and Anakin

  38. Azure says:
    15 March, 2005 at 6:53 pm

    Ziggy, Juice, Gumby, Chowzer and I send our love.

  39. spincycle says:
    15 March, 2005 at 7:07 pm

    (long comment. sorry.)
    My family has always had cats. When I was born in 1969, there were 21 cats in the house. As an adult, I’ve always had cats and felt a special affinity for them.
    When I was house-and-catsitting for my dad in Santa Barbara back in 1989, his favorite cat was as sick as yours appears to be, and it was clear that keeping her alive (which was probably only barely possible anyway) wasn’t going to be any sort of favor to her. My dad was in Canada at the time, and I had to take her down to the vet. That day, I held her in a towel, my face buried in her belly, tears in my eyes. We had a long talk (with our eyes), she and I. I explained things to her, and asked her to forgive me. We remembered wonderful things from our life together. She smiled, purred, licked my chin. When she closed her eyes for the last time, she was still in my arms, and still purring.
    I don’t really believe in an afterlife. But if there is one, I pray that I see Woodrow again, the most perfect cat (except my current cat!) who ever lived. And I can’t explain what it meant to have a vet who “got it”, and let me be there at the end as the needle did its work.
    We, people I mean, have a contract with our pets. We both get companionship, love, affection, perhaps even insight and wisdom from each other. We feed them, keep them warm and healthy; they remind us of things that matter. But when they’re old and infirm, too many of us just discard them. That doesn’t mean that it’s not appropriate to let them go when keeping them going only leads to pain…it means that when it’s time for that to happen, we owe it to them to be there with them. To be their best friend when it really matters, instead of just when its convenient.

  40. AngieZ says:
    15 March, 2005 at 7:49 pm

    My cat is dying of kidney disease right now, too. Roosky (first Tiger, then Tigeroo, then Roo, then Roosky) is 16, older than my kids, and I saw him being born. Now, I guess I will see him passing away. He is the last of his litter, the first died of feline urological disease at age 5. I guess I’ve been lucky to have had him in my life for so long, but it still hurts. Basically, all I’m doing now is trying to make his last days the best I can. On the vets approval, I’m feeding him real chicken (boiled skinless thighs, cut up small), since he’s now off all types of cat food, and once a day a little bit of milk to lap up. His 2 faves. I also cuddle with him whenever he’s in the mood, especially in bed. I moved his litter box upstairs to the living room, which sounds gross but saves him using the stairs or going on the floor. The vet gave him sub-cutaneous fluids and I tried to give him an antibiotic pill every day, but it was too much like torture. Since it was prolonging the inevitable and adding to his suffering, I gave up. I didn’t want his last days fraught with stress. The vet said it would be best if Roosky were able to pass away in the comfort of his home, if possible, so we are now playing the waiting game. If he appears to be in too much pain/discomfort, then I’ll bring him in. But, he has actually perked up and appears to be really enjoying his chicken dinners and snuggles. He seems content, which is all I can hope for. I’ll send Felix, Sketch, Riley and Ferris all mojo for you. Maybe send a bit back for my Roosk, if you have a chance. Thanks.

  41. Craig Steffen says:
    15 March, 2005 at 8:46 pm

    Sorry that Felix isn’t feeling well. I hope his remaining days are many, and if they aren’t, I hope they are filled with as much happiness as possible.
    Lots of kitty mojo from Craig, Becky, Jasper, Pangur, and Ripley.

  42. Jessie says:
    15 March, 2005 at 8:53 pm

    oh no, this is terrible! i cant believe first it was sketch and now felix! how awful to have two kitties break down on you at the same time! i’m so sorry.
    on a non-connected note, have you noticed the increase in comments lately? somebody’s popular…

  43. LadyKairuka says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:19 pm

    I lost one of my cats in about January 2000. Old age, we found Harriet under my mom’s bed. Then the next year at about the same time, we lost my Great-Grandmother. In June that same year, my second cat Spooky showed serious signs of heart disease pretty much out of nowhere. He had to be put to sleep about a month after the first symptoms, and he was so miserable that my Mom didn’t even have time to pick me up at school to take me with her to the vet. At least you’ll have a chance to be there when it happens. I think it’s important when you have to let your pet go anyway to be there.

  44. Bhyl Hughes says:
    15 March, 2005 at 9:40 pm

    So sorry to hear about your cat. Go to a specialist if things don’t improve. I had a cat that was dying and took them to a specialist (before this, I didn’t even know there were vet specialist) who saw something our regular vet hadn’t caught, and was able to help Monster live a while longer. I’ll send healing thoughts.

  45. StrobeAlific says:
    15 March, 2005 at 11:40 pm

    Feel your pain, Wil. We took our cat Treble in for exploritory surgery today. They found cancer and it was too late to do anything except put her to sleep. Pets dying sucks.

  46. gobbi says:
    16 March, 2005 at 12:49 am

    Having lost more than 4 cats in my lifetime through various reasons, I sympathise and spare more than a million thoughts for Felix, Sketch, yourself and your wife. *hugs* all around.

  47. gobbi says:
    16 March, 2005 at 12:50 am

    Having lost more than 4 cats in my lifetime through various reasons, I sympathise and spare more than a million thoughts for Felix, Sketch, yourself and your wife. *hugs* all around.

  48. morgan says:
    16 March, 2005 at 4:48 am

    Charlie and I are sending major mojo your way. Wil my partner had to put his precious MainCoon/Tuxedo to sleep for the same thing. It was heart wrenching for him, because Gizmo was his and his only. So he knows what your wife is going through with “The Bear.” We’re sending all the mojo that way.
    Morgan
    P.S: Thanks to the person who had the CSI episode on here. I was able to take some pretty good screencaps off of Media Player using my PSP 9. Now I can make some icons with you as CRAZY WALTER.

  49. TimCalif says:
    16 March, 2005 at 7:49 am

    Anne & Family (especially the little Bear),
    We are all sending lots of love and kitty mojo your way!
    Tim, Diane, Ping, Copper, Mr. Bojangles & Domino (from Nor Cal)

  50. Nick Notarangelo says:
    16 March, 2005 at 9:13 am

    Wil as a pet owner I send you my best but it maybe his time and you may need to consider that what maybe the bet for him and you is to release him from his pain.

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