R.I.P.

After only 10 short months of battling feline leukemia and a number of other secondary infections, Abe's tiny body finally gave out on him.
Last night I took him to the vet because his breathing had become labored and his belly seemed oddly swollen. The Dr. took a few x-rays and concluded that he had fluid in his chest cavity and abdomen. So, I had to leave him overnight for a minor surgical procedure to drain the fluid. He seemed to be doing better, eating and in relatively good spirits. I was told that I could pick him up today.
When I went in to get him, he seem distressed and let out several screeching cries. He was immediately rushed to the back, put on oxygen and had his chest tapped again. Unfortunately, what the Dr. found this time couldn't be fixed as easily. Little Abe had a blood clot in his chest that traveled into his lungs, and this was only the beginning of the battle.
Our best attempts to keep him well would no longer do any good. Aaron and I had to make the very difficult decision to put him down and finally end his suffering.
Abe was a huge part of our family and we miss him terribly. I wish there was more that we could have done for him. We will always hold him in our hearts.
We love you, Abe!