We Love our Pets

Yesterday I took our petite nine pound cat, Spunky, to the vet for lab work. If his tests come back normal, we will end his 12 week twice-daily oral medication that successfully treated his life threatening disease. A formerly feral cat, he trusts Ken and me only. He keeps a low profile on the car ride and in the waiting room, making himself small and silent in his carrier.

Shortly after we arrive, a woman joins us with her incredibly adorable Pomeranian dog. White with a few light brown splotches, he pants nonstop. His fur is clean and combed so he resembles a giant puff ball with bright brown eyes, a button nose, and a perennially happy expression. I secretly believe Pomeranians are living plush toys. His mom tells me his family drives to the coast every weekend, but he pants all the way because he is so nervous. 

Soon a young German shepherd arrives. Excited to see another dog, he strains at the leash and vibrates from head to toe. In a show of bravado, the puff ball barks at him twice. His mom tells me she adopted the shepherd during COVID, so he was not completely socialized. Consequently, he is beside himself with joy when he sees another member of his canine tribe.

At the animal hospital, the clients and staff are generally friendly and kind. The vet tech chats with me about how Spunky is doing, and whisks him away for a blood draw. She also applies topical flea medication on the back of his neck where his fastidious cleaning paws cannot reach. She tells me he was not too happy about being taken out of the carrier and poked with a needle. Now he is calm and quiet and ready to come home. I put him in the car and he again remains silent and small. Upon release, he is relieved to go about his day.

While a visit to the vet may be routine, happy or sad, I appreciate the warm human and animal interactions it provides, even if my cat does not particularly enjoy it. 

Postscript: Today I learned the results of Spunky’s extensive lab tests. All findings are normal and no more medication is needed. I feel overwhelming gratitude, not only for his health, but for the healing journey of unconditional love that he brought to me. Every day that he is with us remains a tender, precious miracle. 

~ Ruth Rezos