05.12.05
Posted in life at 5:34 pm by
Some of you are going to think I’m insane, here. But, I don’t care. I’m a cat lover. That’s why when this morning I awoke to my wife’s scream that Thelma was having a siezure, my heart lept into my throat. Our little Thelma brings unspeakable joy to the lives of both Jen and I. Thus, this morning we were pretty nervous as we drove to the emergency vet.
Once we were through at the emergency vet (and Thelma was feeling a bit better) we drove across town to drop Thelma off at her usual vet. Thus far, pending her bloodwork checking out, Thelma probably is an epileptic. Believe it or not, that’s probably the best case scenario. It’s quite possible that she may only very rarely have siezures in the future. We’re hoping, and praying, for the best right now. Currently, Thelma seems well, though she’s not quite herself yet–she was sedated in order that she could safely have blood drawn.
Whenever I think of our cats, I can’t help but ponder the theology of the animal human relationship. When I think of pet ownership, the guiding metaphor I use to understand my place as a human that owns a cat is that of caretaker of creation. Humans, I believe, have been given the charge to make the life of their pets–should they choose to have them–as good as humanly possible.
Perhaps it’s that belief that takes the edge off of dropping a cool 270 bucks in veternary bills/lab fees today. Whatever it is, Jen and I have been called, I believe, to be the caretakers of two little cats. Call me melodramatic, or perhaps even a little crazy, but I love my cats.
Permalink
Trackback URL »
http://www.badchristian.com/2005/05/12/thelma_s_trip_to_the_vet/trackback/
Posted in life at 5:34 pm by
Some of you are going to think I’m insane, here. But, I don’t care. I’m a cat lover. That’s why when this morning I awoke to my wife’s scream that Thelma was having a siezure, my heart lept into my throat. Our little Thelma brings unspeakable joy to the lives of both Jen and I. Thus, this morning we were pretty nervous as we drove to the emergency vet.
Once we were through at the emergency vet (and Thelma was feeling a bit better) we drove across town to drop Thelma off at her usual vet. Thus far, pending her bloodwork checking out, Thelma probably is an epileptic. Believe it or not, that’s probably the best case scenario. It’s quite possible that she may only very rarely have siezures in the future. We’re hoping, and praying, for the best right now. Currently, Thelma seems well, though she’s not quite herself yet–she was sedated in order that she could safely have blood drawn.
Whenever I think of our cats, I can’t help but ponder the theology of the animal human relationship. When I think of pet ownership, the guiding metaphor I use to understand my place as a human that owns a cat is that of caretaker of creation. Humans, I believe, have been given the charge to make the life of their pets–should they choose to have them–as good as humanly possible.
Perhaps it’s that belief that takes the edge off of dropping a cool 270 bucks in veternary bills/lab fees today. Whatever it is, Jen and I have been called, I believe, to be the caretakers of two little cats. Call me melodramatic, or perhaps even a little crazy, but I love my cats.
Permalink
Trackback URL »
http://www.badchristian.com/2005/05/12/thelma_s_trip_to_the_vet/trackback/
zalm said,
May 12, 2005 at 6:44 pm
As the co-caretaker of two felines, I know what you mean. I got a sick feeling in my stomach just reading about it. I hope Thelma’s diagnosis is a good one so she can get back to her promising podcasting gig.
By the way, my verification doesn’t at all mean you’re not insane. It just means you’re not alone.
rsjm said,
May 12, 2005 at 7:37 pm
Americans spent $21.3 billion in 2002 on pets - about the amount that would “make poverty history”.
I do hope your cat is okay.
zalm said,
May 12, 2005 at 8:23 pm
For that matter, Americans also spend about $20 billion annually on ice cream.
Admittedly, it’s harder to spin a biblical mandate for sweet-frozen-confection-care, but we can throw out numbers like these all day long.
I agree that it’s crying shame just how far down on our priority list global poverty is. And we should give generously, write persuasively, and talk to our friends and family to try to change those priorities. But the truth is, Americans are collectively wealthy enough to do all of the above and then some.
Not that I’m a defensive pet owner or anything.
Audrey said,
May 13, 2005 at 1:29 am
Brandon,
Here’s hoping it’s epilepsy, and nothing more serious. If it is phenobarbitol will probably keep things under control.
When I was a girl we had a Schipperke who had epilepsy. He had seizures about once a year or so. Deathly frightening when they occurred, but he was a pretty normal dog otherwise.
Audrey
Brandon said,
May 13, 2005 at 8:28 am
Thanks, Audrey!
It’s always reassuring to hear stories about pets that had siezures (I’m finding siezures aren’t really all that uncommon) and were okay.
And thanks to you too, Zalm. Thelma’s not quite up to a podcast today (Friday) but hopefully we can get her back on the air before the weekend is through.
Jim said,
May 13, 2005 at 9:16 am
I have two cats despite the fact that I’m not a cat lover. I do find myself agreeing with you about the caretaker theology though. I have a dog who is in great health, but old (13, near 14). I know the day will come, probably soon when I will have to part with her. I’m steeling myself for that day, and praying that I will continue to be a good caretaker as the inevitable approaches.
Hope your beloveds are blessed and continue to be a blessing.
Jason said,
May 13, 2005 at 2:05 pm
Brandon-
Glad your four legged friend is okay, hope all is well for the quality of her life in the future…
I appreciate the interesting figures about pet care, I was wondering about them the other day. I was more interested in the extraneous figures for things like doggy coats and sunglasses, feather beds and so on; not the basics like good care and food. I wonder how the extravagances would extrapolate out of the figure?
grace and peace
Nicole said,
May 14, 2005 at 11:14 am
Awww, poor Thelma. I experienced a similar moment of panic a few days ago when one of my kitties went missing. He had jumped out a window with a loose screen. Yeah, our apartment is on the third floor. Luckily, he didn’t go far and was only a little wet and scared.
ol cranky said,
May 14, 2005 at 5:27 pm
Poor Thelma. Not gonna make fun of you, I damn near considered taking a demotion to consider a job at Aventis which offers pet insurance as part of its benefits package (no joke). Unfortunately, the pet insurance didn’t include a prescription plan (which would have made the demotion worthwhile) and the D-man was taking prozac at the time.
tyana said,
May 15, 2005 at 3:06 pm
i have three cats. i love them. and they are relatively healthy, except one keeps puking. and it’d be oh-so-considerate of her if she would spew on the tile floor, but no, it’s usually on the carpet or the bedspread.
yet the thought of ever getting rid of any of them scares the hell out of me. i couldn’t do it, even if it would mean not stepping in stuff anymore…