Vet Visit

Our appleheaded Siamese cat, Sassy, had a problem and it needed to be addressed yesterday.  She, um, hadn't been "going."  And by that I mean #2.  This same problem happened about a year ago, and she'd never had a hint of a problem before that. 

So we had been dosing her with a cat product sold by the vet's office that looks as though molasses might be involved.  We did that for a few days, but still nothing.  So off we went to have Sassy taken care of -- and it was no spa visit.  She had to have an enema and then we waited for it to take effect. 

Thankfully, it worked and she is happily home now, exhausted and hiding under the bed in our room.  She won't even acknowledge my presence at this point, since I was obviously the cause of her losing her dignity.  Maybe she'll start coming around today and get back to being the sweet girl that she really is.  She's what you might call "sensitive." 

While we waited, one of the vet's assistants came by with a lovely little gray cat, about five or six years old she said.  Someone wanted it to be put down but the vet decided to keep her around.  She likes to be held, but apparently gives mixed signals about what she likes and doesn't like.  She has no tail, most likely the result of some sort of fight with another animal.  When the assistant happened by Sassy's cage, Sassy started "chirping," she said.  A rather remarkable thing for a cat with an enema -- but I think she mistook this little gray cat for one we have at home who looks almost identical.  That would be Gracey, our foundling who showed up during trick or treat two years ago this coming fall.  Kind of a trick it seemed at the time, but she is truly a treat for us.  She is funny, feisty, playful, and gentle. 

While we were there, a father and daughter came out of one of the rooms, and the girl was obviously very upset.  She was crying on her dad's shoulder.  Apparently, their cat wasn't doing well at all, and the dad said that they had to hold it together because "mom" will be very upset.  I really felt for her and for the mom who had no idea what was going on.  I know all too well that horrible feeling when every fear that's been coursing through your mind suddenly comes true.  When all of a sudden, life is off kilter and the rut and routine that you had only the day before would be ever so welcome!  When you go home with an empty cage and like on auto pilot watch for the cat to come around for the next few days.

Sometimes I ask myself why my husband and I have animals.  Because there is some responsibility and there is also sadness.  We've had to say goodbye to Puddin'Head, Velvet, Shimmer, Girlie, Tigger and Ugly thus far.  But what they gave us and how much more loving we became because of them weighs out.  They all had good lives here and were well spoiled.  The book, "Heaven is For Real," is the story of a four-year-old boy who experienced near death.  His description of heaven includes mention of the animals in heaven.  For those people who have felt the sting of losing a beloved pet, that kind of reassurance is good.  For how does any one of us know what is in store for us?  While my first thought extends to loved ones who have gone on before, heaven would be even better with pets.

I also think of St. Francis and his love of animals.  We can learn so much from all of God's creatures.

So for now Sassy is okay and we can return to the rut and routine and it is welcome. 

A little postscript here -- the park is indeed flooded and they aren't sure yet what they are going to do with all of the rides for Canal Days.  I feel for everyone who has been hurt by this.  Canal Days is life in a small town personified.