Brendan

I did not pose her.

I haven't written for a while because we thought we were going to lose Brendan right before Christmas and I didn't want everyone to be sad. He is doing just great now and we are very happy with that as a big Christmas present. Mrs. B is happy too and she keeps an eye on him. They spend most of their time together now.

We had been in Portland after Brendan recovered from the bladder infection and he stopped eating. That was a Saturday. By Monday we were very worried and took him to the vets, both of us thinking This Could Be It. We were prepared for the vet to say we have to make The Awful Decision. I was in bad shape. Olof too.

At the vets Brendan got some fluids because he was dehydrated and he got more Clavamox, a B-12 vitamin shot, an anti-nausea shot and a antacid shot. Whew. And some bland food and instructions to get some down him with a dropper. He was obviously nauseated (lip licking). And he did not look like he felt well.

We made three more trips to the vet for shots and fluids and we learned to do it ourselves. Tuesday, he ate a little. Wednesday night we heard the sound of munchies in the night and it was B. Thursday we left for Christmas (with all three felines in tow).

He started eating normally again and we were thrilled. The vet said his tests came back and there was no infection and his kidney levels were normal. Not just better than last time, but normal. And he's seventeen.

The last few days he has been very enthusiastic about every meal and obviously feeling his oats. He wants to go out and check his territory every day (we go with him) and right now he is curled up with Mrs. B in front of the heater. He is enjoying his life and companions.

When I think of how it could have been, I know it was a very good Christmas indeed. And Ramona would agree.

Fluid therapy for cats is just amazing. Don't hesitate to try it if your cat is ill and your vet recommends it.