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Hard as it sometimes is to leave a warm bed, being out and about early is always a good thing, in my view.
The freshness of the air and the enthusiasm with which birds greet a new day make it a delight.
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Setting off for Clifton park at 0745, we came upon two deer grazing in a nearby meadow. They looked up briefly but decided we meant them no harm
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It’s not possible to be sure, but those may have been the couple that visited late yesterday.
Coming into the room suddenly, I was surprised to see the stag watching Little Man who was ogling it from the doorway.
By the time I got the camera activated, the stag was trotting off, but it didn’t go far.
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Not long after it was grazing behind the house where it was chased off by an irritated doe.
The stag trotted down the field and came upon Peanut the fox who eyed him warily while having her dinner.
The stag lowered its head and advanced on the fox who dodged into the woods, but the doe war still on the warpath.
The stag gave up his interaction with Peanut and fled down the hill with the doe hot on his heels.
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But that was at the end of a somewhat stressful day.
It had started well enough with a record, complaint-free drive to my appointment.
Extraordinary!
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It was a brilliant morning.
In the distance, mist hovered over the Hudson.
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Even flat land can be attractive.
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At the doctor’s office, I took a minute to photograph red leaves while Grant attempted to make a phone call.
And discovered that his phone was dead.
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Using my phone, we made an appointment for Sophia.
She has been coughing and Grant thinks there is a lump in her throat.
We couldn’t claim it was an emergency and accepted an appointment for the following day.
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We arrived home some time later to find Tinkerbelle in a very sad-looking state.
Grant had said she seemed not herself that morning, but the cat we now found looked shut down.
Now we had an emergency.
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As luck would have it, the vet had just received a cancellation so in due course, we set off.
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The examination rooms are always warm and I had been feeling a bit queasy, so I remained in the car taking pictures trying not to worry for the next hour.
Ever since we took Patches for a visit that ended in her being put to sleep, I am more than usually anxious at such times.
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Tinkerbelle is an elderly cat and this year it has begun to show, with significant weight loss.
Tinks is a spiky little cat which makes examining her a challenge, particularly when she is unwell.
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So the diagnosis is provisional. Tinks appears to have strained her back.
The vet’s examining fingers caused a shriek of pain after which Tinks called an end to further exploration.
So there is always the possibility of kidney issues among other things. We have medication for her and can only wait and watch.
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Tinks adores Grant. She brings him gifts, singing a little song to go with it. Though she has not done so since the advent of Little Man.
There are always repercussions.
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Meanwhile, Sophia…
She has similar symptoms to Patches, her half-sister, although not nearly as bad.
If, like Patches, she has a mass in her throat, we think it is not yet time to let her go.
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In recent months, Sophia seems to have found a happy place where she is no longer constantly fearful.
She loves to be petted and even plays with a favourite toy.
Furthermore, she likes to go out and sit on the porch.
We won’t let her suffer, but it would seem wrong to end her life now.
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From experience I know that it is not always the pet you expect to lose that goes.
Tiny Thimphu was dearly beloved by all who knew him.
When he wished to be picked up, he poked you.
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Tim had issues because of his flat face and he was a delicate creature from the start.
His vet admitted she hadn’t been sure he would survive kitten-hood.
It took him forever to top one pound.
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Corrective surgery was not possible, so Thimphu snuffled and snorted, but he seemed healthy enough once he’d grown up.
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Thimphu loved visiting the bunnies.
Maybe it was one of them I was most worried about at the end of May 2011.
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Thimphu seemed just fine, curled up with Lily that night.
Less than 24 hours later, he was gone.
He was just eight years old.
So I never take anything for granted, never for a minute forget to appreciate my companions.
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The day that had started so fine ended somewhat less so, but not completely overcast.
One can only hope for the best.
Life is certainly filled with ups and downs for us all. Sometimes it’s hard to stay optimistic and strong. Thinking of you.
Thinking of you both, and hoping that you have much more time, with your little ones. ❤️
It is so difficult, when you know they are not feeling well.
Catherine
Hoping for the best possible outcomes for everyone!
Oh, I hope Tinkerbelle and Sophia feel better soon – it’s not fun when your pets are sick … I always told Berto that I also feel sick when our dogs were “under the weather”. As you say, one can only hope for the best — and yes, appreciate every moment while they’re still with you ❤️.