Our oldest Maine Coon cat has been diagnosed as having heart worms. (who knew cats could get them?) There is no treatment for cats. We are trying to cope and baby him as much as possible. He was a stray that showed up at our front door when he was a few months old and he is 11 now.
Fur babies are special and add so much to our lives and teach children many lessons (as well as adults.)
I type this as our 18 month old dog is fussin and talking back when told to go lay on the bed. LOL
From your post, I could just see your dog walking down the road.