My Mom is a great lover of animals. She has one beautiful fat and sassy indoor cat and two feral cats that live under her shed and on her back porch. The ferals are a mother and son that are neutered/spayed, current with their shots, well fed and accepting of my Mom’s (and ONLY my Mom’s) affection.At 85, my Mom now focuses a huge portion of her attention on the maintenance of these cats. She is well versed in the brands and flavors of food these two feral cats prefer and is well familiar with which stores carry these brands and flavors at the best price. These cats have set their asses in the proverbial tub o’ butter. She’s running a four-star, feral cat bed and breakfast.
Several days ago however, things got a little difficult. A new cat showed up on the scene looking for…the hospice. The proprietor of the B&B had herself one hell of a customer service issue.
The new cat was in very bad shape. It was sick or injured or maybe both. Its face was partially eroded away in such a manner that made it resemble the sphinx, over in Egypt that is.
The poor animal was friendly enough that I think it must have been someone’s pet. It was obviously dying. The Sphinx continued to deteriorate until finally when I got over there yesterday afternoon, I found Mom in tears fanning flies away from it. She didn’t know what else she could do to make it more comfortable. It was a hot, humid afternoon and Mom had been at it for several hours. She began really crying, and explained that she didn’t have the strength to take the cat to be euthanized.
By the time I got he box and towel and BF collected, the regularly scheduled afternoon thunderstorm was well underway. BF put on rubber gloves and scooped up the sick cat. He put it in a cardboard cat carrier and we whisked it off into my car. The stench of death and gangrenous cat filled the car. The windows went down. I drove down the length of the town’s main thoroughfare pelted by huge raindrops, thunder and lightning crashing on each side.
And so, the Sphinx was put down. BF did the hard part, God bless him! I just drove. The wonderful emergency veterinary clinic didn’t charge us.
After putting the cat down, BF showered and then we got pizza, pierogies and potato pancakes and spent several hours with Mom, eating and chatting and getting things back to baseline.
It occurs to me that being “heroic” consist of simply doing what’s got to be done when others are to panicked and/or overwhelmed to do it. Keeping your head, remaining dispassionate and taking action when others around you are flipping out is a very good thing...although not always possible.
5 comments:
Yes, you're right, and it's not easy to do. Personally, I can't deal with animals when they're that sick (fear, mostly, of getting bitten or catching something). You did very well by your mom and the poor cat.
It's great that, at her age, she can still tend to her strays. Having someone/something to care for is very important.
Hi Trish,
Today, while mowing the lawn, I accidentally disrupted a nest of baby rabbits. I had to pick one up and used my big work gloves. I think they’re all going to be ok.
I’m very grateful BF handled the sick cat last night.
You’re right about having someone or something to care about.
Hey, how are you doing with your health issues? I remember you took some time off in the spring and went doctor shopping.
Barbora
Thanks for asking (you may regret it). Not a lot of luck doctor shopping. Found a guy who likes to use vitamins and other supplements (great) but he didn't seem to have the attention span or office staff necessary to make things work. Which is weird, because everybody else who goes to him says it's wonderful how much time he spends with them. Maybe I gave out too many hypo vibes too quick. Whatever, I haven't taken any of the supplements he sold me for various reasons, mostly having to do with the fact that he didn't want to see me again for 6 months. If you start somebody on a bunch of new stuff, shouldn't you see them back in a month or two to make sure they are okay? Naturally, I researched the stuff online, and none of it is without risk.
I've been reading debaser's gallbladder history and think that may be the key. Last Monday however, after 4 days of lower-right-side pain, I decided I could not wait another minute to be sure it wasn't appendicitis and went to the ER, DH in tow. It was not a good experience. They ordered a CT with contrast, brought me some lovely barium to drink, and then put in an IV which 1) hurt, and 2) failed to deliver the appropriate amount of contrast when the CT was done. So all that waiting in pain for no good reason. I might has well have waited to see my family doctor; but of course I was worried about getting lost in the 4th of July holiday. That's what obsessing will get for you. Will let you know how it all comes out. Meanwhile, I'm having my husband canonized.
First of all let it be known that I am coming back as one of your mom's strays or the fat one in the house it really doesn't matter. The fact that she puts so much thought in what they eat and their needs is amazing. No wonder the Sphinx showed up...he knew where to get some love and he was able to leave this world knowing that someone actually gave a crap. Good work :) The apple doesn't fall far the tree. Good Momma Good Daughter.
I do need to know how you got the gangerous death smell out of the car. I don't recall a commercial for such a product. "Hey buy this now for $19.95 you won't be disappointed, it's powerful enough to remove the gangerous dead cat smell out of any room or vehicle."
Barbora:
You definitely deserve a pat on the back. Oh that poor cat.
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