Clients get the normal animals

I know that everyone is on pins and needles waiting to hear about Buddy (aka "Nevermind." I like it!). Let me preface this update by stating one fact about people who work in the veterinary field: We do not get the normal pets. This rule also applies to anyone who has an especially caring heart. As my friend Martha always says, "The Agency" knows where to send animals in need.

I came in this morning to discover that "Nevermind" had managed to squeeze his urinary catheter out, which had to be immediately replaced right in the middle of our early Saturday morning rush. He also, very creatively, managed to pull at his IV catheter with his opposite leg (picking times to work at this when absolutely NO ONE was looking!) until it came out completely. This cat is absolutely smarter than me, as he did this three times before I realized that he was telling me that he preferred subcutaneous fluids. Clearly, I need to take a refresher course in CatSignals 101. :) So, he and I had a talk about WHY we were doing the things that we were doing, and (since he is very smart) he agreed to keep the urinary catheter in place (you know, just to please me), as it was very important to his continuing health!

What a stinker! I swear that he became difficult as soon as I took him on. It is NOT easy for an animal to get a catheter out, especially when they are fully outfitted in an E-Collar. But, he managed, as he is my cat now- at least until I find him a suitable home. The pros to being "my" cat? He has been purring all along! He is tough and strong and amazingly co-operative, while still being opinionated (and very clear in his fluid delivery preferences). I love him a little bit more everyday!

So, as I have done for countless sick animals, I spent most of the afternoon and early evening with Mr. Nevermind, because we were closed and he needed some extra special attention. Unfortunately, as I have stated before, I do not do well in emergency situations when it comes to my own animals. Even though my friend Katie! was quick to point out that this should be considered a character strength, not a flaw, it is still frustrating to worry 10 times worse about EVERY little thing! And I am already a worrywort about every last thing when it come to any patient, much less my very own pet! Usually, I consider this a strength- more worrying about the patient = more attention to detail = better overall care and safety for the patient. But on my own animal? The attention to detail goes into warp drive! "Did you see him squinting a minute ago??? HE MUST HAVE BEEN UNDER OXYGENATED DURING ANESTHESIA AND IS NOW BLIND!!!!" (The fact that his O2 stat never dropped below 98%? Minor, minor detail!) OK, that was a dramatization (I am not THAT bad), but you get my point. As one of the doctor's laughed this morning, "And he has been you pet for how long?" I know, I know.

Well, time to stare mindlessly at the TV for a little bit.

And resist the urge to go running down to the clinic at midnight to check on him.