As a couple who has lived together for almost five years, we have a pretty clear picture of what the day-to-day will continue to look like after our wedding in December. But, every once in a while, I get a glimpse of what the not so day-to-day stuff will be like with Sam. In these moments, I feel like I know how we will handle the big stuff together when it comes at us in the future.
For me, these moments of clairvoyance usually involve a sick cat.
Upon our arrival, our new kitty friend was whisked away by the veterinary staff, and I had a chance to catch my own breath. The first thing the vet said after she had spent some time with him in the back was, “He’s had a hard life.” His teeth were broken (likely as a result of some type of trauma), his neck was covered in scabs and the deepest of his wounds was severely infected. Once his breathing was stabilized (Poor guy just hyperventilated from stress like me!), his infected wound needed to be addressed. Because of his poor condition, anesthesia was a risk, but still the only real option to get the wound cleaned out, remove the dead tissue and insert a drain.
So, Pretty Boy was taken back for surgery, and we retired to the waiting room to watch HGTV and wait for some news. Waiting is hard, in kitty emergency rooms and in life. But we watch first time home buyers decide between three properties within their budget, and comment on which ones we like best, and time goes by.
It it moments like these when I can’ t help but realize that I hit the jackpot with Sam. She cares every bit as much as I do whether this cat that we have never met before today makes it through the night.
We’ve been in this waiting room before, and we will be in it again. We have left laughing with relief and a doped up kitty in a cone, and we have left with an empty carrier and tears in our eyes. These nights are sort of a really intense, condensed version of good times and bad, sickness and health, and of course for richer or for poorer (expensive sick kitties!)- the moments when I know that she is the person I want to do everything in life with. And whatever comes, we will figure it out together.
Oh, and guess what?! Pretty Boy made it through surgery and is now resting comfortably with us, getting soft food, painkillers and antibiotics. His drain has been removed, and once his Frankenstein stitches come out, he has dental surgery for his broken teeth, and his fur grows back, he will be a much prettier Pretty Boy!
Pictures of our feline family by Sam.
Awesome. And beautiful kitty family.
Aw, thanks Monica! I couldn’t resist throwing in some pics of our guys. :)
this was totally our night last night… :( both dogs got into the chocolate covered raisins. ARGH! we had to rush them both to the emergency vet… not cheap in the least. we were feeling like we had to choose between our dogs and our wedding. we are waiting for the call today that they are ok. scary stuff. you two are very kind to take in so many kitties.
Thanks Heather! I hope your dogs are okay! We are lucky that we have a wonderful vet that sees us so often that we get a great discount. I’ve actually seen some raisin eating dogs at the animal ER during my long waits. They always look so pitiful after the vomit inducing medications! I’m thinking good thoughts for your two, and I’m sure the experience brought you and your partner closer together. :)
Very touching, absolutely love the pics of your kitties. It is such a gift to share life with one who shares your passion!