JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: No, dear readers, I'm sorry to say this isn't an announcement of a new book featuring Lillian Jackson Braun's beloved Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum (although Berkley, if you want to pick them back up, give me a call!)
No, those of you who have been following along with the saga of Walker, my Youngest's beloved cat, will immediately deduce who the cat who broke the bank is. After all, this pet has his own frequent flier number for KLM Airlines, and has spent more time in Europe than I have (in the past decade.)
As you may recall, Youngest left me with Walker after declaring her undying love (for him, not for me) and happily predicting how her children would someday grow up with Walker, since he was only one year old. Of course, a month later, the FC (you can assume the F stands for feline if you like that sort of thing) ran into the road, resulting in a lengthy hospital stay and two bouts of surgery.
Then, when I kept my oldest daughter's two dogs for six weeks after my grandson son 'Paulie' was born (and I can hear my dear Celia saying, in a starched British accent, "Julia, you've got to stop doing this to yourself!") Walker got so stressed out he completely stopped grooming himself, requiring a trip to PetSmart for a full-body shave and the purchase of two Feliway cat pheromone diffusers. If you have an anxious kitty, I can recommend this not-super-cheap-but-highly-effective product.
I didn't even write about that on the blog. It was just another week with Walker.
When last we left the saga, Hallie had pointed out the $15,000 cat was really more like $17,000... and this was BEFORE his vet and I discovered his failure to gain weight (he's only 6 pounds/2.7kg, and that's very thin!) was due to hyperthyroidism.
Since February, I've been giving this cat six pills a day. Six. Pills. Each. Day. I have Greenie Pill Pockets on auto-ship from Chewy. I also have Inaba Churus on auto-ship, in an attempt to load more calories on his bony, shaved @$$.
As often happens with cats, he's gradually gotten wise to the fact those delicious treats I keep pressing upon him have a hard, nasty-tasting nugget. (I should clarify he's only on two medications, but one has to be cut up into fourths, and the other one halved.)
Eight months in, he's only consistently getting the smaller halved pill; no matter how I hide the larger quartered one - Cheez Whiz, hot dog, wet cat food - it winds up on the floor. After, of course, Walker has chowed down on the good stuff. So I've decided to pull the trigger. I've made the appointment with Portland Veterinary Specialists to give him radioactive iodine treatment later this fall. It will permanently fix his problem - no more pills ever! - all for the low, low price of $2,700-$3,500.
Yes, this will round him up to around $20,000.
Coincidentally, I also have a thyroid condition, which I treat with one small pill each morning. This costs about $22 a year, although admittedly, I have insurance and Walker does not. Also, I don't let the pill drop from my mouth onto the floor every day.
Dear readers, I've already asked about the craziest/most expensive/most dramatic health treatment you've pursued for your pets. Instead, I'm going to ask you - if slightly crazed-looking senior citizen thrust $20,000 into your hands, what would you do with the money?
My goodness, I'm hoping Walker gets well [and stays well] very soon . . . .
ReplyDeleteIf a slightly crazed-looking senior citizen thrust $20,000 into my hands, I'd probably be making a donation to a worthwhile charity [assuming, of course, that I could keep myself from walking into the nearest bookstore 😊 . . . .]
Considering the usual profit margin for independent bookstores, you could probably justify spending the money there AS a donation to a worthwhile charity, Joan!
DeleteJulia, you are a kind parent beyond the dreams of kindness. I love animals and have done the multiple times a day medical care more times than I can count (my children grew up with livestock in the kitchen) but the money part would be a stopper. If someone pressed those dollars into my hands, I'd probably finish our house that the builder abandoned in 2018 when I unwisely paid ahead OR I'd make some provision for our profoundly autistic granddaughter who can never be alone and will need 24/7 care for the rest of her life. (Selden)
ReplyDeleteLest you think I am hardhearted, I will tell you that about ten years ago when my dear old barn goose Andy was kicked by a cow and had a broken femur and the vet refused to look at him, I found a diagram of a goose skeleton, shaved off the feathers on that thigh, splinted the bone with finger splints, trussed him to immobility with vet wrap, and then force fed him by stomach tube 3x day for three weeks, driving home from work at lunchtime. So I do know about over the top commitment. When I took off the bandages after a month, Andy was fine. Two years later he ran straight at a coyote to protect his babies and was gone. (Selden)
DeleteSelden, I am the de facto great grandmother to my nephew's autistic (and trans) child, and know that particular forecast all too well. Leon is not profoundly autistic, but can never live alone, and will always be dependent on someone in the family. Best wishes for your granddaughter and her parents.
DeleteAlso, the term "silly goose" exists for a reason, right?
I have a profoundly autistic cousin. At 29, Jackson is a big man and can't live alone. So hard.
DeleteI also had a cousin, a bit less than a year older than me, who needed care into her late 50's. Luckily, her unmarried (lesbian) sister looked after her, including becoming a house mom at a resident home where Betty lived to the end of her life. Mary Ann is surely in heaven.
DeleteI'm loving all these stories about kindness. And Andy, like all the other caretakers mentioned here, gave his all to those in his charge.
DeleteMy granddaughter will be nine but she will never be "big" in this family of women who are 5'10" because one feature of profound autism (level 3 autism combined with intellectual disability) is early puberty. She hit puberty at 7, and thus endocrinologists expect her to top out at perhaps 5' tall. That is far less of an issue than non verbal with severe intellectual deficits leading to no toilet training, no use of utensils. For some reason her 1:1 at school thought it important to teach her how to turn a doorknob. Thus she is always at risk. She does not sleep and thus my son does not either. He very definitely could not hold down a job. It's so hard that it's difficult to comprehend unless you are with them. (Selden)
DeleteThat is a whole other level of anxiety, Selden. My physical therapist has told me of her neighbors with that same situation. They can't afford badly needed respite . You must worry so about them.
DeleteKaren, thank you. Yes, I do worry. In fact, I worry so much that I don't sleep a lot either. I have had some very long conversations with God. I also briefly check in by Facetime every morning with my son, just to hear about his night. The situation is so isolating. (Selden)
DeleteJulia, $20,000 is a lot of money. I probably would redirect it to someone who needs it more than we do. I would surely be appreciative. I guess the cat isn't.
ReplyDeleteWell, he IS very affectionate, Judy...
DeleteAs for the money, yes, it is a lot! And if, on that first night I took him into the animal hospital with a fractured leg, someone had laid out all the future expenses, I would have said, "Let's give him a little shot and I'll tell my daughter she can get another cat some day." But it's like your kids getting into sports or music - you THINK you know what you're committing to, but you're gravely underestimating the time and cash you're going to wind up spending...
I very definitely know how that goes. In fact it has happened to me. One thing, and then other, and suddenly you're underwater. If you think cats are expensive to care for, think of cows! and their even more delicate cousins, horses! I had to learn a lot of rudimentary vet skills, simply because after bleeding money when I still had the kids' college expenses to cover, I could not afford to have the vet come out, for $250 (at the time) before they stepped out of the truck. But I still pay $750 when I take our standard poodle with an infected sebaceous cyst to the vet so he can get an antibiotic. (Selden)
DeletePoor Walker, and poor Julia! A few years ago I did have that kind of money and more thrust at me by a hospital in a personal injury settlement (thanks to Hank's Jonathan for making things right after a doctor admitted he'd done the WRONG SURGERY on this author's hand). I gave a big chunk to each of my kids and to Hugh, and I bought a new driveway and a new deck for our old house, both much needed.
ReplyDeleteOMG, Edith -- the wrong surgery on your hand!!! There's a story there, I am sure...So sorry that happened to you.
DeleteAnd during the pandemic before vaccines were available, no less! I had to heal and then have the correct surgery. It was awful.
DeleteHoly crow, Edith. Glad you were able to be financially compensated, but no amount of money can fix medical malpractice. I know this firsthand. It mostly makes you feel better that the doctor has been publicly chastised--his malpractice insurance actually paid you, not him.
DeleteYes. And Hank was so helpful when I asked her about a reputable personal injury lawyer. I hadn't realized Jonathan did that as well as defense law! She also said to grab all my records off the portal right away just in case they vanished. Leslie Budewitz also gave me some important advice.
DeleteI'm glad it was made right for you, Edith, and hurray for Jonathan and Leslie!
DeleteHoly mackerel, Edith! I had no idea!! Glad you are recovered from the trauma both physical and mental. It makes you wonder about how stupid medical mistakes can still happen when the doctor has to check so many things before surgery.
DeleteThere are special syringes for administrating oral medicine to pets. The dogs were always cooperative. Good-luck with the little cat!
DeleteOh my goodness, Julia. Pilling the cat. Horrors! And so many times a day!! My solution for my own cat's pill-taking is to crush the two pills she needs daily (one for hypothyroidism, one for high blood pressure -- the taking of a cat's blood pressure could be written about...). I use a pestle for crushing and a not-cheap tuna or chicken broth topping PLUS some churros to entice the eating by Holly, the cat. This is by far the best way I have found to get medication down a cat's throat, having tried and failed at all other methods over the years. (I first checked w/ the vet about crushing the meds; I got the ok.)
ReplyDeleteAs for 20,000 dollars landing in my lap: What does it say about me that I cannot think what I would do with it? Maybe, like Judy above, I would make a whopping donation to a cause that can more easily think how to spend it wisely.
I'm going to ask about crushing the meds, Amanda - his procedure isn't until November, and he needs to at least NOT get worse before then.
DeleteJulia, we have crushed meds, mixed with a little water, and shot down the cat's throat with a syringe (no needle.) Only problem with that is catching the cat...
DeleteThere are special syringes for administering oral medicine to pets. The dogs were always cooperative. Good-luck trying it with your kitty.
DeleteYeah, that's what I'm thinking, Judy. I've done it with dogs before. On the other hand, Walker is an unusually compliant and mellow kitty...
Deleteoh my Julia. Hugs for taking care of Walker. If someone gave me $20K, I would donate to Cancer Research.
ReplyDeleteA noble cause and one I support, Dru Ann!
DeleteJulia, that is above and beyond. I am so allergic to cats that I harbor some really hard to get over resentment from their constant and sneaky attempts to kill me every time I am near one. Honestly--how the hell do they know? But I think my daughter would probably do the same for her beloved Siamese Ella.
ReplyDeleteEverything is relative. For some, $20,000 is chump change, frittered away on whims like water, like our friend's funeral, when his son gave the local observatory $50,000 just so they could be the only people ever to have fireworks there. But it could be life-changing for others. Like Selden, I would probably help my nephew with his autistic adult child, possibly into an annuity or another way of making the money go much further. I really worry about how they will manage in the future. We have neighbors who, tragically, have twin autistic daughters--can you imagine? One is high-functioning, with a good job that she loves, but the other is institutionalized at this point. The family is very wealthy, fortunately, but so many others are heartbreakingly not so, and could never manage what will be a very long haul of care for these young women.
Oh, goodness, Karen, yes, the finances of long term care for anyone are staggering. And still, the amazing people who work for adult care facilities make pennies. I don't understand how that is.
DeleteOn Tuesday, we made the four-hour trek each way from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor to acquire GUMBO, our fifth black standard poodle. He gets carsick, he pees, he poops, he'd rather vacum crumbs on the kitchen floor than eat his nutritious kibble, soaked in water and microwaved. In less than 48 hours, we're down to our last roll of paper towels.
ReplyDeleteLouie is adjusting to the rodent who invaded his kitchen and peed all over his dog bed.
I would donate $20,000 to my grandsons' college funds.
Oh, Margaret! One thing I haven't done for a pet yet is raise them from infancy - the youngest I adopted was Neko at about 9 months. I always said I housebroke three humans, I'm not going to do it for anyone else. But I have thought about getting a Shih Tzu puppy some time in the future (when I have far fewer than four pets!) so we'll see...
DeleteOh my! I hope this doesn't make you all hate me, but I must sadly admit I cannot imagine any scenario in which I would invest $20,000 in keeping a pet alive. I do love animals, but in our family we have always drawn the line somewhere well below that amount. But Julia, I really admire all the love and effort you have poured into this kitty!
ReplyDeleteIf someone randomly handed me $20,000 I would almost certainly pass it along to my son. His job in Japan pays him well enough to live (modestly) on, but he often laments that he is in his 30's and not really getting ahead, as in saving any money, and worries some about the future.
I am just back from my trip to Central Europe and I did miss the blog a time or two during that stretch. I hesitate to ask, but has anything been decided about whether/when the blog will return to daily posts?
(Ssh, don't tell anyone, Susan, but I'm with you on spending that kind of money on a pet, no matter how cherished. I save it for the humans in my life and elsewhere.)
DeleteIt's easier to spend $20K when it comes in different events over years. I'm sure I spent that much on my first golden retriever who had an eating disorder. (ate everything) If they had told me she needed one 20K procedure, I might have said no.
DeleteI share your question, Susan. I too was wondering if the blog will return from summer vacay.
I too am wondering about the blog returning full time. I do understand that the JRW are all so busy with so many additional things. I would be fine with three times a week instead of two like we have now.
DeleteSusan, as much as I love my dog I wouldn't spend $20k on him. No worries.
DeleteI have also thought about a return to regular programming with the blog, and I have wondered whether this schedule is not FAR more manageable for our writers. It seems to me that there are many more social media demands than there were when the blog was started. Writing for the blog on top of meeting those demands and *ahem* producing books for our reading pleasure may now be too much. If so, I'm a bit sad but also protective of their creative energy. (Selden)
DeleteThe thing is, as Julia has said, you often don't know that the treatment is going to end up costing an arm and a leg. And once you've spent some money, it's hard to back out of the treatment. In our case, however, I do not regret all the money we spent treating our Jasmine's mysterious neck wound last year. It eventually healed completely and she is fine and we're very happy to have had another year (and hopefully more) with her.
DeleteI certainly understand that the daily blog is a big demand for our dear Reds. I did like Anonymous's suggestion of maybe one more day per week, if daily is too much of a grind? It always seemed to me that readership was lower on the weekend anyway -- maybe we could settle into Monday/Wednesday/Friday?
DeleteDear Reds, we love that you want more of us! We haven't had time to even discuss, but will keep you posted. Unlikely that we'd return to a blog a day--I don't think we even realized how hard on us all that was! Thanks for asking. xox
DeleteHi Susan, here's hoping the Reds will at least respond so we will know.
DeleteHi Lucy, we must have been posting at the same time - thanks for your response to keep us updated. I agree, a post maybe three times a week would work for me.
DeleteI wouldn't spend that much in one go, either, Susan! But as Gillian says, first it's one thing, and then another (and I am including the cost of buying Youngest another airline ticket when she had to bring him back from the Netherlands - her new landlord said NO to a cat - and her previous ticket was on a carrier that didn't allow pets in the cabin.)
DeleteIf I recall correctly, we decided to maintain this lighter schedule going forward and continue to revisit the issue every few months.
What a story! I feel bad for both of you!
ReplyDelete$20K? Some would go to much needed home repair, and some to our Immigrant Support Fund at church--and maybe a bit towards a possible trip to the UK next year. My twin and I want to celebrate turning 70 by seeing Leeds United play at Elland Road. Marching on Together!
Gillian, what a fabulous trip idea! My best friend from high school and I are celebrating our 50th Friendaversary this year, and we're looking for something memorable. It wouldn't be sports, but we're both deeply invested in theater and music, so maybe a special performance...
DeletePoor Julia. Poor kitty! If only we could declare such expensive pets as dependents, which is exactly what they are.
ReplyDeleteNo real idea what I'd do with a random wad of $20,000. My long steep driveway is a real SOB in the winter so my fantasy is a heated driveway. Oh, that would be fabulous.
Oh, Judi, a heated driveway is definitely on my list of "when I have more money than I know what to do with" improvements!
DeleteAnd if I could deduct the cat's medical treatment from my taxes, I'd be rolling in refunds!
Oh dear! Cats can be so challenging to medicate. Years ago, I had a cat who knew when meds were coming and hid under the middle of the bed where I could not reach her. I finally begged the vet to give her something that came by injection and I would bring her every day (a chore in itself!) to get the shot. I understand the desperation that loving these wild beasts can bring about.
ReplyDeleteAs for $20,00 I would cherish it. I could pay all my outstanding debts, get my car repaired, visit the dentist (shudder!) and get much needed new glasses. Any left over after that spending spree I'd save for the next unexpected event requiring an outlay of cash. Or maybe splurge on a nice lunch somewhere. -- Victoria
Victoria, my other cat - emphasis on MY cat - is, at 16, having some kidney issues, so she goes in once a week (for now, we'll see how her number are next month) for a supportive fluid injection, ie, saline to help keep her system flushing water. I know people do this themselves, but I want her home to be her safe space, not somewhere she might get grabbed and poked.
Delete$20,000 American = 27,606 Canadian. Nice chunk of change. Practically speaking, since living with a person who will not let me get carpets in the living room for 25 years leaving us with a stand-off, so we are still living with painted chip board floors – maybe nice tiles as the base and carpets to go over them… or maybe a bigger flower budget… or maybe a tour of the Netherlands in the spring… or maybe just something to dream with. People have said that the River Boat cruises are really lovely – maybe. On the other hand, we were lucky to inherit a chunk of change this year and so far, it is just sitting in the mattress account in the bank much to the annoyance of my brother who is an accountant – invest, invest, invest is his mantra. Maybe the 27,606 could just go in there.
ReplyDeletePossible worse animal event – like Selden we often had animals in the kitchen, in the kids’ beds, in our memories. This one was a male cat. Known as Ugly as he was. Throw-away who came to us very old having probably been hit by a car, matted fur, broken teeth, maggots in his feet and belly from where he had been dragged under the vehicle, really bad breath and really, really giant balls! We fixed him up, neutered him, didn’t really love him, but he was warm, fed, in a house… After a little over a year, he developed male cat cystitis – needed pills forever. I knew this, the vet knew this, but it was a new vet, and the beginning of the gouge you for everything you need at the vet practice. I said could you just sell me the pills. There was no budging – nope, I needed a visit, lab work… etc to finally get the pills. I said no I would let the cat die, first. She said I could not. I did. No regrets – his last days were fulfilled. Not to have you think that we are just hard-hearted, should it be one of the very much loved cats, it would be different.
#2 – our cats will kill for dog cesar pate. All pills go in that. Also used because it is snuffed back to put on weight. They like the group with the duck pate.
Margo, the dog food pate is something I haven't tried - I'll give it a shot.
DeleteMy 16 year old cat is starting to have kidney issues. I'm treating it with weekly injections of saline, a water bubbler (they really do lure cats into drinking more!) and kidney-friendly kibble. Fortunately, my vet and I are on the same page - we're looking for a happy life for Neko, not necessa ily a long one.
I had cats growing up but never had problems like that. Poor Walker and even poorer Julia.
ReplyDeleteIf I were handed $20,000 I would probably give it all to World Central Kitchen who are doing good work that is sadly very much needed.
Atlanta
What a wonderful charity, Anon!
DeleteJulia...haha! Excuse me while I recover from the guffaw that just came out of me when I read your line "Also I don't let the pill drop onto the floor every day." (Unless, of course, you stick to the 7-second rule of how long it is safe to let a pill that drops on the floor stay there before picking it up.) As pet lovers come to realize very quickly having these beautiful creatures in our lives are always an investment...even with pet insurance. And bless you, Julia, you willingly invest in the care of Walker as his adopted grandmom. I've had pets for most of my life and now I am old as dirt so cha-ching! I try not to think of how much money has rolled out the door with each pussy cat's issues. But would I do it again? With all their antics and funny business and the cost of swallowing tinsel on Christmas Eve among other "unpredictable predicaments"....You betcha! So many stressful moments over the years have been eased by just having these bundles of furry comfort in my arms and I love it all except when I have to "let go" of them. That part takes chunks out of me. :( All I can say, Julia, despite the frustration I "hear" in your words I also surmise that as a caring and compassionate being you would still give up that $20,000 again and again.) On a very positive note, our very sweet gentleman of a cat who lived to be 23 went through the radioactive iodine treatment for his thyroid and it completely cured him of that medical condition. Walker will probably take his sweet time forgiving you for leaving him at the facility who will treat him along with a two-week "separation" at home (not sure if that is still the routine) but before you know it that skinny boney a$$ of his will show signs of gaining weight and getting into other cha-ching monkey business. Good luck...You made the right (expensive) decision!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Evelyn, I know I have. Don't tell Youngest, who has orders to find an apartment in The Hague that accepts kitties, but he really has curled his fuzzy little self around my heart.
DeleteIt also helps to think that by taking care of what will otherwise be a life-long condition, I'll also be helping my make my daughter's life easier and less expensive once she's installed Walker in the Netherlands.
Julia, what an adventure with Walker! We had a wonderful half pit bull - half beagle (acted like a beagle - howled at sirens, sniffed the air and tracked smells while out walking). She had a (can't remember the name now) thyroid type problem that required almost constant Vet attention. She lived a long life but we must have spent tens of thousands like you've mentioned. Worth every penny!
ReplyDeleteAs far as spending money - it is easy after many years to total up the costs, but at the time you hope each vet trip will eventually mean our loved pet will be "cured" or need less care over time so it's easy to keep shelling out in bits and pieces not realizing it's such an ongoing expense.
I've come to realize having pets is like having children, Anon - you think you know what you're getting into, when in reality, you have NO idea!
DeleteOuch! Here's hoping this solves Walker's problems.
ReplyDeleteI would love to say I'd help my daughter pay her student loans (The Boy doesn't have any, since we were able to pay cash for trade school). But right now The Hubby and I are eyeing a cruise on either the lower Mississippi or the Tennessee rivers and I suspect that's where the cash would go.
Go for it, Liz!!!
Delete$20,000?
ReplyDeleteEasy peasy
I’d add $1000, divide by three and make each of my kids happier by dinner time
Ann, when I got the main amount of my inheritance from my parents, I peeled off a tidy sum and transferred it into my kid's accounts. I still can't think of anything I could do with that money that would please me better.
DeleteWe have spent money we didn’t have to get veterinary care for our cat and dogs because that’s what you do. Or at least that’s what you try and hope you’re able to do. As for the gifted $20,000 (I refuse to say it’s coming from a senior citizen because I know you’re younger than I am, Julia, and I don’t accept that label for myself), I would love to say I would donate it to a worthy charity, but the reality is we could use the money for home repairs. Good luck with Walker. (Any guess as to when he will be repatriated back to his mother?) — Pat S
ReplyDeletePat - Walker is lucky his medical issues started AFTER I received my inheritance, and thus had already made several necessary home repairs!
DeleteYoungest's current lease is up next August, and she has strict instructions to find a place that accepts cats. Whether that's her boyfriend's apartment or not, we shall see.
I thought when you use the radioactive iodine to eliminate the overactive aspect of the thyroid it is no longer functioning at all and then you have to replace the hormone with medication.
ReplyDeleteApparently, the normal, non-overactive cells don't take up the iodine very much and therefore, your cat goes back to a standard baseline, with no more medication needed. Now, I think that may be different when HUMANS get the treatment, so...
DeleteJulia, I loved the Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun. What ever happened to the author?
ReplyDeleteNot sure I understand your question. I am so sorry to read about your pets' medical troubles. You are taking very good care of them.
Diana, she died at the ripe old age of 97, after having published her last book at age 95! May we all go out doing what we love, as LJB did. BTW, I checked - her books are still in print and still being read my new fans!
DeleteOops! That's BY new fans, not my new fans!
DeleteIt's a shame the FC can't share your thyroid pills. It's tempting, isn't it? Frank spent a lot on our ancient Jack dog in his final couple of years. Vet visits, treatments, pills, etc. It doesn't fix old age but it did help him until his final few months. Money well spent in my opinion. Family is family.
ReplyDeleteIf $20000 magically appeared I'd give it to our son to pay off his truck, sell it, and get a used on that does not use diesel!
DeleteSome newer trucks are hybrids meaning they are gas run but when at a stop light or for some doing long distance driving it doesn't use the gas. I have a Camry hybrid and I get 40-50 miles per gallon. I've heard that some trucks (very expensive I'm sure) are electric. My hub has a car that is electric but if he's runs out of electricity it converts to gas. It's nice not to pay money for gas.
DeleteMy husband has a RAV4 hybrid and it gets great mileage like your Camry.
DeleteOh, my gosh, Pat, the cost of diesel! One of my brothers was a truck driver, and recently retired and sold his equipment - just in the nick of time, I think.
DeletePass it on to the next slightly crazed senior citizen who crosses my path…assuming this generosity is a pass along among seniors! Thanks for the expensive cat saga and the smile, Julia. Just finished rereading All Mortal Flesh… another thanks for your wonderful writing. Wow! Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elisabeth!
DeleteAw, I wish FC a full recovery! We were offered that option with Elvis, but at the time the treatment was not only new, it required a six-month stay in a New Hampshire pet hospital! Needless to say, we were grateful that Elvis never protested his pills.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Kait, yes, that would change the logistics quite a bit. Walker will be in hospital for about a week while his radioactive levels go down. Of course, I will have to set up a separate litter box for him and dispose of his radioactive poop daily for several weeks afterwards, but in the grand scheme of Walker care, that's nothing! :-D
DeleteIs this money tax free ? I don't want any surprise taxes at the end of the year so that would be my first question. After that I would take some of the money and, like Victoria, pay my bills. I don't want my bills hanging over other people's head, It's bad enough that they hang over my head. Any leftover money? I could give to a trustworthy company that is replanting burned out forests so we could have cleaner air, soils don't slide down hills and waterways are full of healthy water, not ash runoff. A lofty ambition but I hate looking at fire scars. I know nature will, eventually replant the forests, but there are times I just wanna plant faster.
ReplyDeleteDeana, what a wonderful idea! I've loved hearing the different nonprofits people would like to give money to.
DeleteI hope my comments come through today. They didn't last Thursday, and then I forgot to comment Monday. I'm trying to get back on track. Julia, you are so funny (and generous). Walker is quite the handsome cat, and you are quite the wonderful cat grandparent. I don't know how far I'd go with animal care, but it would probably be as much as the thyroid treatment you have scheduled anyway. With our Brittany Spaniel Lulu, I know we over-spent on x-rays and vet visits, hoping she would get better, but I have no regrets. We finally had to admit that her quality of life was miserable and made the hard decision. We now have a new senior rescue Brittan named Buddy Holly (I love that name), and I'm spending time researching just what I want to feed him. He is nine. I had found the food I liked with Lulu and can't remember the name of it, but I'll get there. For now, we are keeping him on the dog food he had been eating at his foster parent's. We've had him almost two weeks, and I will say, he is a good boy.
ReplyDeleteSo, if someone gave me $20,000. That's funny because we just allocated that amount to be split among granddaughter's college fund, daughter's appendicitis surgery, for a project of Philip's, and my desired renovation work on the back screen-in porch. So, it would be fantastic if someone were to cover those allocations for me. I think an additional $20,000 would be lovely to include some type of memorial for Kevin (although I'm already working on that) and money set aside to take a fall trip each year for the next few years at least, somewhere within driving distance and where we could take the dog, too.
I shall wish for you to meet up with a crazed senior citizen with the funds, then, Kathy!
DeleteI'm lucky that I've never had to have a particular commercial diet for any of my dogs. It's either been homemade (chicken thighs, rice, canned pumpkin, etc) or cheap-o kibble. Of course, making your own dog food (for after surgery, or illness) is a LOT easier when your pup is 12 pounds and needs a total of 1/2 cup per day!
This is reminding me of my daughter‘s gerbil (Teddy) Who was diagnosed with testicular cancer and needed surgery. Needless to say we Ponied up some insane amount of money, and Teddy recovered only to die a few months later later… Life expectancy for a gerbil isn’t that long Hallie
ReplyDelete