My bluepoint baby, Evie
I’m about to get sappy on you. You might want to get your tissues handy.
This is my dear Siamese kitty Evie. She’s nine years old, and she’s been in the hospital since Weds. Three weeks ago she had a seizure for the first time, and she’s gone steadily down hill since, refusing to eat or drink. The whole time I was away last week, she stayed under the bed. She only weighed 7 pounds to begin with and now she feels like an anorexic looks. There is still no definitive answer, after 6 regular vet consults, 43 possible diagnoses, an MRI, and abdominal ultrasound. We’re currently awaiting blood work to come back from Texas A&M vet school. And I visited her in the hospital today–who would have thought they had visiting hours at the specialty vet clinic? And of course Evie, like many in this country, has no health insurance–so I’ll just let you imagine the bills.
The entire experience has brought the ‘who says?’ mantra into my head incessantly. (I’m not just writing this for sympathy, truly–I do have a slight point.) When I related this process to someone I know well, I heard a story in return about a dog who was ‘just a pound mutt’ who was diagnosed with cancer. The treatment estimate was $5300, and so the owners chose euthanasia. And, the storyteller related, the veterinarian was a bit outraged and critical of their decision. While that may not have been a helpful stance from the treating doctor, who can judge? Until we’re in those butt-numbing vet hospital waiting room chairs for six hours, we just don’t know. Who says that we can put a dollar amount on our pets?
Research about the benefits of our valued pet friends is continuing to amass. Pets help us cope with stress, increasing our resilience in the face of change. Pet ownership is tied to improved health, from blood pressure to psychological well-being. I know that my three furry friends seem always attuned to my mood and plop themselves nearby when I’m feeling down. ‘Just a pound mutt’ can be your most stalwart ally. Difficult choices abound, when faced with serious pet illness, and we each have to choose what’s right for us. Today, the most helpful information I can offer to my readers who have beloved pets is: buy pet health insurance, if you can afford it. It’s certainly a value, cost-wise, if you ever have to face a critical pet health challenge.
Please send out healing prayers and thoughts for my Evie.
We’re praying with you, and for you, Sister Ann. People who don’t have animals won’t get it, but many others will. Pets are often the only ones who offer unconditional love. Sad on one hand; that this is the reality. But affirming for anyone who believes humans don’t possess the sole ability to perceive and extend emotion.There is hope for our world because of relationships like yours with Evie. When humans respect and connect with animals around them, everyone is enriched. Love you.
I can so relate. I spent a good $1000 of my own dollars as a teenager trying to save my beloved cat. That was hard and long earned/saved money I made at my first job as a restaurant hostess. Still, he passed on but I have to tell you that those are $1000 that I’ve NEVER missed. (Not that I haven’t had times since when I could sure use that amount of money). You just never know what you’ll [be able to] do in a situation like that. 🙁 I’ll keep your precious Evie in my prayers. ::hugs!::
I had a beloved cat who cost me a load of money but he was worth it. All the stuff I had to do for him showed me I had the ability to really get out of my comfort zone for someone I loved so much. My dear Moby helped me get to know myself better. He has gone but he left me a treasure trove of memories.
It is always a tough call -we spent thousands on our beloved dog a few years back -but we know that if the decision had come after we had kids -it might have been different as money is much tighter now. You and Evie are in our prayers!
Hi! Just checking back to see how Evie is doing. Please give us an update.
thanks!
Thanks for asking, Lauren! Warms my heart. See today’s post.