The Time To Treat Has Come

If you've been reading along you know that it's been a veterinarily heavy couple of weeks over here. Last night I walked over to pick up the complete records for all the pets and say a subtle but clear goodbye to the receptionist at my old vet, who is the only person from that building I'll miss. He was, as usual, perfectly polite and nice about the whole thing. I left feeling, of all things, lucky. I'm really lucky. I have enough money to pay for the care my pets have needed thus far (who cares if I may have to do some creative financial footwork to get my bifocals). I was able to find a new vet who makes me feel comfortable. I have a plan of action now that actually paints a picture of Elvis as more healthy than I've thought he would ever be. Traditionally after these annual visits I feel ramped up, inspired to redouble my efforts to give this cat one more decent year before his inevitable tumble into the grave. There are usually tears. This year is so different. He will likely gain some weight back. He will likely be calmer and less confrontational. He will likely feel better all around and that is all I've ever truly wanted for him.

Some folks have not been so lucky this week.

So today I wanted to do a Treats for Everyone post for them. I don't have pictures of the pets I'm going to tell you about so I'll substitute some others. I'm sure you'll understand.

Last night my friend, L, in New Mexico made the impossible choice and let go of her dog, Deoge. He put in 13 years of service to her family but his body was breaking down and he wasn't enjoying life any more. They made a decision for him, not for themselves, and it sucked donkey balls. (She hasn't said that in so many words yet but I feel comfortable anticipating her reaction.) She has a few other furry tyrants to console her but the whole machine of their home is changed now. Godspeed Deoge, thanks for everything.

Blogger Rita Arens lost a beloved long time cat a few months ago. Shortly after that she went to a shelter with her daughter to adopt another cat and came home with two. Yesterday, after an agonizing couple of weeks with astronomical levels of veterinary intervention, her family came to the conclusion that they were not going to be able to save one of these new additions, Sir Charles Buttonsworth. She is, predictably, devastated. There's too soon and then there's holy shit too fucking soon! This scenario is definitely the latter. Safe travels, Buttonsworth, thank you for using the time you had so wisely.

If you're new here you may not know of our tradition. When a pet dies we can't soften that blow. Instead we have a specific way of paying things forward. We give our remaining pets a lot of treats just for being there. "Good napping." "Nice begging." "Thank you for breathing your stinking fish breath up my nose." Tonight we distribute treats. For everyone. Please join us.