Diego aka Schmoo had been feeling off for a while. Since it was a slow deterioration it was hard to notice and easily seen as signs of old age as he was almost 16 years old. When it was obvious something was wrong we took him to the doctor. He had lung issues, but his heart was strong. They gave him a bunch of medicine for lung worm and lung infection. This included prednisone. Once he started on the prednisone he bounced back remarkably well. We were so pleased to have our grumpy Schmoo back. he went back for a check up after just over a week and and the doctor thought it most likely that he had cancer and the prednisone gave him some quality of life. We debated if we should keep him on it long term and determined a plan to get him on a lower dose for long term use, with a follow-up scheduled in three months time. However, not long after that he decided that it was his time. He spent that last two or three weeks sitting with us and being his lovely grumpy self. When he decided it was time he left us on his own terms, which is a very Schmoo thing to do. It has been a week now, so we know he is not coming back. We miss him.
My condolences for your loss. May memories help you through this difficult time.