Peppy is a low-maintenance pet. Nothing has ever been wrong with her–except for the time I accidentally slammed the front door shut—on her tail (documented by this picture). The kids and I never quite got over that—but fortunately Peppy did.
When Socks died a few days ago, I thought about someday losing Peppy– although she’s not old yet and in perfect health. Within 72 hours of writing that post, something was suddenly wrong with her. So I gotta wonder—-what’s wrong with Peppy and what’s up with these signs from the universe?
Last night she acted really weird and seemed to be in pain. A mother knows these things. So I made V take her to the 24-hour veterinary emergency room.
I’m not good in medical emergencies unless they’re mine. When someone I love is in pain, I function but I get really nauseous and dizzy. When Daniel broke his ankle, I got so faint I had to be laid out on the gurney instead of him. Last night I couldn’t even bring myself to go with V; I stayed home and waited for his updates every few minutes.
No medical professional has ever managed to examine Peppy and lived to tell about it. As usual they had to anesthetize her to test her, and they kept her overnight for observation. Which brings up the cost of pet health care. We’ve been incredibly lucky. But I’m surprised Obama didn’t include this in his speech since it must constitute a huge chunk of the national economy.
After a night that cost more than our mortgage payment, they couldn’t find anything wrong and they sent Peppy home. We still don’t know what she had—or has–but she’s not herself. She spent the day asleep, ignoring my mothering. I’m hoping she’s just traumatized from the whole experience.
A few minutes ago,she finally took her usual spot on my lap, and I felt a little surge of hope just now when I reached to pet her and she swatted my hand away. I’ll know she’s back to her old self when she draws blood.
I have a clue as to what might have upset her system — she ate your blog post for February 25. According to my calendar, the 25th was not a Sunday, so its MIA status appears to be feline related.
You’re right that missing a blog yesterday was feline-related. And actually, that was another sign from the universe that I need to listen to— on some days, I just don’t feel bloggy.
And, as Yoda cautioned, “Once start you down the Dark Path, forever will it rule your destiny.” From the other side of the universe (or, at least the continent), read this sign: “KEEP BLOGGING ANYWAY — YOU’VE CREATED A BUNCH OF ADDICTS!”
Peppy is much better, thank you—and even though a lot of people emailed me suggestions for potential breeds, we’re still a long way from adopting a dog. I”m waiting to see how it works out for the Obamas.
Yet another suggestion for a canine child: As far as we are concerned, there is only once choice: A female Standard Poodle. They are proven to be the most highly evolved in terms of language function. They understand the spoken language better than any other breed and are easily trained even at a very young age. They do not have fur so they do not shed and are non-allergenic. My wife and I have had two in our marriage and quite simply, they are people. They are highly affectionate, playful and regal. Actually, so much like a person it is scary.
Yet another county heard from on the canine front. Good Luck!