Well, it is really sad for me to write this, but my little Russ is just not doing well, and I think he might not be with us much longer. For the past two days he has been having difficulty breathing, but it is lasting longer than normal. Yesterday he ate a bit of food, but today he is refusing everything. He wants to eat, but because of his breathing he just can't.
It breaks my heart because I have to fly out of town for the next four days due to a really important job interview, so my husband will be at home with him. Russell does not seem to be in any pain, just uncomfortable, but he has been cuddling with Stanley as much as possible and enjoying being petted. We have decided to try to let him stay here at home, where he is happy and calm, as opposed to taking him in to the vet. I told my husband to keep a close eye on him for signs of pain, because at that point he should make the decision to have him put to sleep. But, both of us would prefer to have him go peacefully at home, because we know that is what he would prefer, too.
Does anyone have advice on what to do to make him comfortable? We have been keeping him warm with lots of blankets, and trying to give him food/water as much as possible, though he's starting to refuse it now.
Please keep us all in your thoughts. I will have to say goodbye to him today, knowing that he might not be here when I get back.

It breaks my heart because I have to fly out of town for the next four days due to a really important job interview, so my husband will be at home with him. Russell does not seem to be in any pain, just uncomfortable, but he has been cuddling with Stanley as much as possible and enjoying being petted. We have decided to try to let him stay here at home, where he is happy and calm, as opposed to taking him in to the vet. I told my husband to keep a close eye on him for signs of pain, because at that point he should make the decision to have him put to sleep. But, both of us would prefer to have him go peacefully at home, because we know that is what he would prefer, too.
Does anyone have advice on what to do to make him comfortable? We have been keeping him warm with lots of blankets, and trying to give him food/water as much as possible, though he's starting to refuse it now.
Please keep us all in your thoughts. I will have to say goodbye to him today, knowing that he might not be here when I get back.