An innocent trip to the vet gone horribly awry.
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Path: > sccrnsc03!attbi_slave01!attbi_master52!attbi_feed3!attbi.com!204.127.161.1! wn1 >feed!worldnet.att.net!206.252.192.28!news.stealth.net!news.stealth.net!ngp eer.n >ews.aol.com!audrey-m2.news.aol.com!not-for-mail >Lines: 55 >Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav >Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com >Xref: attbi_master52 rec.pets.cats.health+behav:36541 >Status: N ><snip> >With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with >one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two >carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the >passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further >spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to >roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto >the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? >How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so >petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the >latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! >In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door >opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it >was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck >several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage >door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the >electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. >Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. >What a horrible horrible story. I’m so sorry that you had this happen and >equally sorry that Katherine reacted like this. >One of the things we learn along the way is a bit about cat behavior. Most pet >owners know the basics, but unless there is a problem that happens along the >way, the pet owner isn’t going to know about the extremes. >Many times, our beloeved calm pets become extremely agitated, nervous, >stressed, etc., when taken from the security of the house. This is further >enhanced when the animal is put in a cat carrier. The carrier could have >contained the smells left behind when the cat was at the vet last time ’round. >So, when your already stressed out cat was put into the cat carrier, she >smelled the doctor or sick cat smell from the vet and went out of her mind. >The best thing to have done was to cancel the appointment – unless it was an >emergency – and wait for another day. Either have the vet make a house call >(which eliminates half the stress) or administer a vet prescribed tranquilizer >to calm the cat before the visit. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to take an >hysterical cat to get a routine exam. I am scarred (emotionally) because my >mother took me to a dentist who was threatening and mean -when I was a kid. To >this day, I have a phobia about dentists. I’m a grown mature adult who can >reason things out. Cats don’t have that luxury…so, it’s up to the owner to >provide what’s best for the cat. How do you think a vet will handle a hissing, >hysterical cat? I (as a vet assistant) had the responsibility of holding the >cat imobile while the vet was doing the exam. This involved putting on a mitt, >scruffing the cat with one hand and pinning him down with the other. This is >not what’s best for the cat? It makes things easier for the doctor. It makes it >a horrible experience for the cat. >I know it’s too late for Katherine. Keep in mind that you loved her and wanted >only the best. You sound like a very caring person who has a lot to give other >cats. >dark to see.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted, but found this subject to be very sad. So sorry about Katherine 
(, and the entire situation. Very good adivice here. Our girls used to panic when they saw the cat carriers coming. Now, prior to getting their carriers I give them each a few of drops of "Nature’s Rescue Remedy." It’s an all-natural calming agent (For lack of a better term). The Rescue Remedy doesn’t harm them in anyway, non-narcotic, and it really works. Best regards, Barb
Response:
<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with >one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two >carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the >passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further >spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to >roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto >the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? >How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so >petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the >latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! >In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door >opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it >was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck >several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage >door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the >electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. >Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind.
What a horrible horrible story. I’m so sorry that you had this happen and equally sorry that Katherine reacted like this. One of the things we learn along the way is a bit about cat behavior. Most pet owners know the basics, but unless there is a problem that happens along the way, the pet owner isn’t going to know about the extremes. Many times, our beloeved calm pets become extremely agitated, nervous, stressed, etc., when taken from the security of the house. This is further enhanced when the animal is put in a cat carrier. The carrier could have contained the smells left behind when the cat was at the vet last time ’round. So, when your already stressed out cat was put into the cat carrier, she smelled the doctor or sick cat smell from the vet and went out of her mind. The best thing to have done was to cancel the appointment – unless it was an emergency – and wait for another day. Either have the vet make a house call (which eliminates half the stress) or administer a vet prescribed tranquilizer to calm the cat before the visit. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to take an hysterical cat to get a routine exam. I am scarred (emotionally) because my mother took me to a dentist who was threatening and mean -when I was a kid. To this day, I have a phobia about dentists. I’m a grown mature adult who can reason things out. Cats don’t have that luxury…so, it’s up to the owner to provide what’s best for the cat. How do you think a vet will handle a hissing, hysterical cat? I (as a vet assistant) had the responsibility of holding the cat imobile while the vet was doing the exam. This involved putting on a mitt, scruffing the cat with one hand and pinning him down with the other. This is not what’s best for the cat? It makes things easier for the doctor. It makes it a horrible experience for the cat. I know it’s too late for Katherine. Keep in mind that you loved her and wanted only the best. You sound like a very caring person who has a lot to give other cats. dark to see.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are. > The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their > website, Pussycam: > ***** > I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. > It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are > harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had > scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught > up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act > toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their > potential demise. > I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up > and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this > occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing > like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic > attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes > into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier > and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any > way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner > and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to > dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the > exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from > inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a > final act of defiance. > Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly > approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too > would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly > stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never > liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so > uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly > learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, > folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she > couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled > Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the > carrier closed. > With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with > one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two > carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the > passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further > spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to > roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto > the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? > How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so > petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the > latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! > In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door > opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it > was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck > several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage > door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the > electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. > Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. > I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine > dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the > neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched > as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I > watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum > of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an > abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. > I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive > again. > On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of > a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will > she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I > call someone for help? > I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She > had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, > Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here > she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the > elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I > ran. > Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, > calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? > Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a > neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows > underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, > shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she > paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. > "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t > seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it > seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, > Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish > forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a > few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. > Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, > she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could > set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving > to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind > her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost > slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back > toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, > unable to stand the outdoors any longer. > When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again. > Mike > http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
They are gorgeous. I’m sorry for that frightening experience. Maybe one at a time, or you might call around for a vet that makes house calls. I’m so glad it turned out OK. Karen
Response:
> It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are.
Hi, Nice slide show. I know the situation. I have three cats, used to have four. Mostly rescued from the street and a such…..traumatized. Vet visits were a nightmare for me and even more for the cats. Since going to the vet was quite a project, I decided to have the vet (if possible) come to my place. It’s just a little more expensive but worth every penny. When no special examinations are neccesary (X-rays etc.) this is ideal. When last november Luzel had to eutanised, for the first time, I had it done at home and frankly I wouldn’t have it done any other way if I can. Good luck to you and the cats.
Response:
Mike, So sorry you and the kitties experienced so much trauma. Perhaps you can work on getting the cats to feel comfortable in the carriers and going on car trips over the next year or so. That way, you are at least more likely to avoid a repeat of this dreadful experience. If you need suggestions for how to do this, I’ll be happy to provide them. Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are. > The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their > website, Pussycam: > ***** > I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. > It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are > harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had > scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught > up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act > toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their > potential demise. > I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up > and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this > occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing > like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic > attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes > into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier > and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any > way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner > and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to > dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the > exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from > inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a > final act of defiance. > Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly > approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too > would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly > stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never > liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so > uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly > learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, > folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she > couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled > Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the > carrier closed. > With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with > one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two > carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the > passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further > spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to > roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto > the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? > How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so > petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the > latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! > In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door > opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it > was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck > several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage > door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the > electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. > Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. > I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine > dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the > neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched > as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I > watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum > of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an > abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. > I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive > again. > On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of > a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will > she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I > call someone for help? > I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She > had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, > Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here > she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the > elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I > ran. > Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, > calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? > Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a > neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows > underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, > shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she > paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. > "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t > seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it > seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, > Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish > forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a > few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. > Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, > she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could > set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving > to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind > her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost > slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back > toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, > unable to stand the outdoors any longer. > When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again. > Mike > http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
Response:
>When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately >reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was >surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in >her owner. >I could care less if they ever see a vet again.
Wow, Mike! That’s some story. I’m glad that you were able to get Katherine back safe and sound. Lauren =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043 Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt – Abe Lincoln
Response:
> When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again.
All I can say is, wow. Laura — Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. -Groucho Marx
Response:
It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they really are. The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their website, Pussycam: ***** I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their potential demise. I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a final act of defiance. Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the carrier closed. With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive again. On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I call someone for help? I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I ran. Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, unable to stand the outdoors any longer. When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in her owner. I could care less if they ever see a vet again. Mike http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Path: > sccrnsc03!attbi_slave01!attbi_master52!attbi_feed3!attbi.com!204.127.161.1! wn1 >feed!worldnet.att.net!206.252.192.28!news.stealth.net!news.stealth.net!ngp eer.n >ews.aol.com!audrey-m2.news.aol.com!not-for-mail >Lines: 55 >Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav >Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com >Xref: attbi_master52 rec.pets.cats.health+behav:36541 >Status: N ><snip> >With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with >one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two >carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the >passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further >spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to >roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto >the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? >How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so >petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the >latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! >In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door >opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it >was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck >several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage >door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the >electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. >Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. >What a horrible horrible story. I’m so sorry that you had this happen and >equally sorry that Katherine reacted like this. >One of the things we learn along the way is a bit about cat behavior. Most pet >owners know the basics, but unless there is a problem that happens along the >way, the pet owner isn’t going to know about the extremes. >Many times, our beloeved calm pets become extremely agitated, nervous, >stressed, etc., when taken from the security of the house. This is further >enhanced when the animal is put in a cat carrier. The carrier could have >contained the smells left behind when the cat was at the vet last time ’round. >So, when your already stressed out cat was put into the cat carrier, she >smelled the doctor or sick cat smell from the vet and went out of her mind. >The best thing to have done was to cancel the appointment – unless it was an >emergency – and wait for another day. Either have the vet make a house call >(which eliminates half the stress) or administer a vet prescribed tranquilizer >to calm the cat before the visit. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to take an >hysterical cat to get a routine exam. I am scarred (emotionally) because my >mother took me to a dentist who was threatening and mean -when I was a kid. To >this day, I have a phobia about dentists. I’m a grown mature adult who can >reason things out. Cats don’t have that luxury…so, it’s up to the owner to >provide what’s best for the cat. How do you think a vet will handle a hissing, >hysterical cat? I (as a vet assistant) had the responsibility of holding the >cat imobile while the vet was doing the exam. This involved putting on a mitt, >scruffing the cat with one hand and pinning him down with the other. This is >not what’s best for the cat? It makes things easier for the doctor. It makes it >a horrible experience for the cat. >I know it’s too late for Katherine. Keep in mind that you loved her and wanted >only the best. You sound like a very caring person who has a lot to give other >cats. >dark to see.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted, but found this subject to be very sad. So sorry about Katherine (, and the entire situation. Very good adivice here. Our girls used to panic when they saw the cat carriers coming. Now, prior to getting their carriers I give them each a few of drops of "Nature’s Rescue Remedy." It’s an all-natural calming agent (For lack of a better term). The Rescue Remedy doesn’t harm them in anyway, non-narcotic, and it really works. Best regards, Barb
Response:
<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with >one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two >carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the >passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further >spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to >roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto >the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? >How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so >petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the >latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! >In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door >opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it >was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck >several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage >door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the >electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. >Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind.
What a horrible horrible story. I’m so sorry that you had this happen and equally sorry that Katherine reacted like this. One of the things we learn along the way is a bit about cat behavior. Most pet owners know the basics, but unless there is a problem that happens along the way, the pet owner isn’t going to know about the extremes. Many times, our beloeved calm pets become extremely agitated, nervous, stressed, etc., when taken from the security of the house. This is further enhanced when the animal is put in a cat carrier. The carrier could have contained the smells left behind when the cat was at the vet last time ’round. So, when your already stressed out cat was put into the cat carrier, she smelled the doctor or sick cat smell from the vet and went out of her mind. The best thing to have done was to cancel the appointment – unless it was an emergency – and wait for another day. Either have the vet make a house call (which eliminates half the stress) or administer a vet prescribed tranquilizer to calm the cat before the visit. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to take an hysterical cat to get a routine exam. I am scarred (emotionally) because my mother took me to a dentist who was threatening and mean -when I was a kid. To this day, I have a phobia about dentists. I’m a grown mature adult who can reason things out. Cats don’t have that luxury…so, it’s up to the owner to provide what’s best for the cat. How do you think a vet will handle a hissing, hysterical cat? I (as a vet assistant) had the responsibility of holding the cat imobile while the vet was doing the exam. This involved putting on a mitt, scruffing the cat with one hand and pinning him down with the other. This is not what’s best for the cat? It makes things easier for the doctor. It makes it a horrible experience for the cat. I know it’s too late for Katherine. Keep in mind that you loved her and wanted only the best. You sound like a very caring person who has a lot to give other cats. dark to see.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are. > The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their > website, Pussycam: > ***** > I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. > It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are > harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had > scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught > up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act > toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their > potential demise. > I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up > and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this > occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing > like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic > attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes > into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier > and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any > way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner > and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to > dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the > exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from > inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a > final act of defiance. > Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly > approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too > would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly > stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never > liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so > uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly > learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, > folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she > couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled > Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the > carrier closed. > With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with > one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two > carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the > passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further > spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to > roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto > the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? > How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so > petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the > latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! > In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door > opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it > was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck > several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage > door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the > electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. > Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. > I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine > dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the > neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched > as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I > watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum > of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an > abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. > I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive > again. > On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of > a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will > she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I > call someone for help? > I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She > had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, > Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here > she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the > elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I > ran. > Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, > calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? > Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a > neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows > underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, > shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she > paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. > "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t > seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it > seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, > Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish > forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a > few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. > Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, > she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could > set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving > to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind > her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost > slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back > toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, > unable to stand the outdoors any longer. > When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again. > Mike > http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
They are gorgeous. I’m sorry for that frightening experience. Maybe one at a time, or you might call around for a vet that makes house calls. I’m so glad it turned out OK. Karen
Response:
> It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are.
Hi, Nice slide show. I know the situation. I have three cats, used to have four. Mostly rescued from the street and a such…..traumatized. Vet visits were a nightmare for me and even more for the cats. Since going to the vet was quite a project, I decided to have the vet (if possible) come to my place. It’s just a little more expensive but worth every penny. When no special examinations are neccesary (X-rays etc.) this is ideal. When last november Luzel had to eutanised, for the first time, I had it done at home and frankly I wouldn’t have it done any other way if I can. Good luck to you and the cats.
Response:
Mike, So sorry you and the kitties experienced so much trauma. Perhaps you can work on getting the cats to feel comfortable in the carriers and going on car trips over the next year or so. That way, you are at least more likely to avoid a repeat of this dreadful experience. If you need suggestions for how to do this, I’ll be happy to provide them. Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are. > The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their > website, Pussycam: > ***** > I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. > It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are > harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had > scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught > up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act > toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their > potential demise. > I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up > and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this > occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing > like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic > attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes > into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier > and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any > way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner > and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to > dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the > exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from > inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a > final act of defiance. > Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly > approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too > would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly > stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never > liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so > uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly > learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, > folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she > couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled > Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the > carrier closed. > With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with > one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two > carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the > passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further > spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to > roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto > the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? > How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so > petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the > latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! > In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door > opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it > was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck > several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage > door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the > electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. > Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. > I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine > dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the > neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched > as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I > watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum > of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an > abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. > I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive > again. > On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of > a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will > she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I > call someone for help? > I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She > had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, > Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here > she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the > elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I > ran. > Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, > calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? > Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a > neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows > underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, > shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she > paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. > "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t > seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it > seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, > Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish > forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a > few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. > Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, > she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could > set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving > to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind > her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost > slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back > toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, > unable to stand the outdoors any longer. > When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again. > Mike > http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
Response:
>When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately >reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was >surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in >her owner. >I could care less if they ever see a vet again.
Wow, Mike! That’s some story. I’m glad that you were able to get Katherine back safe and sound. Lauren =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043 Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt – Abe Lincoln
Response:
> When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again.
All I can say is, wow. Laura — Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. -Groucho Marx
Response:
It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they really are. The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their website, Pussycam: ***** I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their potential demise. I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a final act of defiance. Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the carrier closed. With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive again. On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I call someone for help? I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I ran. Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, unable to stand the outdoors any longer. When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in her owner. I could care less if they ever see a vet again. Mike http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Path: > sccrnsc03!attbi_slave01!attbi_master52!attbi_feed3!attbi.com!204.127.161.1! wn1 >feed!worldnet.att.net!206.252.192.28!news.stealth.net!news.stealth.net!ngp eer.n >ews.aol.com!audrey-m2.news.aol.com!not-for-mail >Lines: 55 >Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav >Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com >Xref: attbi_master52 rec.pets.cats.health+behav:36541 >Status: N ><snip> >With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with >one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two >carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the >passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further >spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to >roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto >the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? >How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so >petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the >latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! >In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door >opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it >was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck >several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage >door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the >electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. >Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. >What a horrible horrible story. I’m so sorry that you had this happen and >equally sorry that Katherine reacted like this. >One of the things we learn along the way is a bit about cat behavior. Most pet >owners know the basics, but unless there is a problem that happens along the >way, the pet owner isn’t going to know about the extremes. >Many times, our beloeved calm pets become extremely agitated, nervous, >stressed, etc., when taken from the security of the house. This is further >enhanced when the animal is put in a cat carrier. The carrier could have >contained the smells left behind when the cat was at the vet last time ’round. >So, when your already stressed out cat was put into the cat carrier, she >smelled the doctor or sick cat smell from the vet and went out of her mind. >The best thing to have done was to cancel the appointment – unless it was an >emergency – and wait for another day. Either have the vet make a house call >(which eliminates half the stress) or administer a vet prescribed tranquilizer >to calm the cat before the visit. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to take an >hysterical cat to get a routine exam. I am scarred (emotionally) because my >mother took me to a dentist who was threatening and mean -when I was a kid. To >this day, I have a phobia about dentists. I’m a grown mature adult who can >reason things out. Cats don’t have that luxury…so, it’s up to the owner to >provide what’s best for the cat. How do you think a vet will handle a hissing, >hysterical cat? I (as a vet assistant) had the responsibility of holding the >cat imobile while the vet was doing the exam. This involved putting on a mitt, >scruffing the cat with one hand and pinning him down with the other. This is >not what’s best for the cat? It makes things easier for the doctor. It makes it >a horrible experience for the cat. >I know it’s too late for Katherine. Keep in mind that you loved her and wanted >only the best. You sound like a very caring person who has a lot to give other >cats. >dark to see.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted, but found this subject to be very sad. So sorry about Katherine (, and the entire situation. Very good adivice here. Our girls used to panic when they saw the cat carriers coming. Now, prior to getting their carriers I give them each a few of drops of "Nature’s Rescue Remedy." It’s an all-natural calming agent (For lack of a better term). The Rescue Remedy doesn’t harm them in anyway, non-narcotic, and it really works. Best regards, Barb
Response:
<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with >one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two >carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the >passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further >spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to >roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto >the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? >How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so >petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the >latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! >In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door >opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it >was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck >several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage >door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the >electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. >Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind.
What a horrible horrible story. I’m so sorry that you had this happen and equally sorry that Katherine reacted like this. One of the things we learn along the way is a bit about cat behavior. Most pet owners know the basics, but unless there is a problem that happens along the way, the pet owner isn’t going to know about the extremes. Many times, our beloeved calm pets become extremely agitated, nervous, stressed, etc., when taken from the security of the house. This is further enhanced when the animal is put in a cat carrier. The carrier could have contained the smells left behind when the cat was at the vet last time ’round. So, when your already stressed out cat was put into the cat carrier, she smelled the doctor or sick cat smell from the vet and went out of her mind. The best thing to have done was to cancel the appointment – unless it was an emergency – and wait for another day. Either have the vet make a house call (which eliminates half the stress) or administer a vet prescribed tranquilizer to calm the cat before the visit. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to take an hysterical cat to get a routine exam. I am scarred (emotionally) because my mother took me to a dentist who was threatening and mean -when I was a kid. To this day, I have a phobia about dentists. I’m a grown mature adult who can reason things out. Cats don’t have that luxury…so, it’s up to the owner to provide what’s best for the cat. How do you think a vet will handle a hissing, hysterical cat? I (as a vet assistant) had the responsibility of holding the cat imobile while the vet was doing the exam. This involved putting on a mitt, scruffing the cat with one hand and pinning him down with the other. This is not what’s best for the cat? It makes things easier for the doctor. It makes it a horrible experience for the cat. I know it’s too late for Katherine. Keep in mind that you loved her and wanted only the best. You sound like a very caring person who has a lot to give other cats. dark to see.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are. > The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their > website, Pussycam: > ***** > I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. > It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are > harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had > scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught > up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act > toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their > potential demise. > I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up > and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this > occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing > like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic > attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes > into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier > and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any > way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner > and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to > dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the > exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from > inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a > final act of defiance. > Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly > approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too > would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly > stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never > liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so > uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly > learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, > folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she > couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled > Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the > carrier closed. > With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with > one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two > carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the > passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further > spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to > roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto > the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? > How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so > petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the > latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! > In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door > opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it > was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck > several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage > door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the > electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. > Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. > I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine > dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the > neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched > as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I > watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum > of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an > abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. > I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive > again. > On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of > a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will > she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I > call someone for help? > I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She > had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, > Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here > she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the > elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I > ran. > Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, > calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? > Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a > neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows > underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, > shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she > paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. > "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t > seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it > seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, > Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish > forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a > few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. > Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, > she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could > set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving > to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind > her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost > slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back > toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, > unable to stand the outdoors any longer. > When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again. > Mike > http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
They are gorgeous. I’m sorry for that frightening experience. Maybe one at a time, or you might call around for a vet that makes house calls. I’m so glad it turned out OK. Karen
Response:
> It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are.
Hi, Nice slide show. I know the situation. I have three cats, used to have four. Mostly rescued from the street and a such…..traumatized. Vet visits were a nightmare for me and even more for the cats. Since going to the vet was quite a project, I decided to have the vet (if possible) come to my place. It’s just a little more expensive but worth every penny. When no special examinations are neccesary (X-rays etc.) this is ideal. When last november Luzel had to eutanised, for the first time, I had it done at home and frankly I wouldn’t have it done any other way if I can. Good luck to you and the cats.
Response:
Mike, So sorry you and the kitties experienced so much trauma. Perhaps you can work on getting the cats to feel comfortable in the carriers and going on car trips over the next year or so. That way, you are at least more likely to avoid a repeat of this dreadful experience. If you need suggestions for how to do this, I’ll be happy to provide them. Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after > five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my > cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it > will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their > pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they > really are. > The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their > website, Pussycam: > ***** > I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. > It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are > harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had > scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught > up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act > toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their > potential demise. > I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up > and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this > occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing > like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic > attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes > into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier > and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any > way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner > and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to > dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the > exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from > inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a > final act of defiance. > Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly > approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too > would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly > stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never > liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so > uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly > learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, > folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she > couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled > Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the > carrier closed. > With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with > one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two > carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the > passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further > spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to > roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto > the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? > How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so > petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the > latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! > In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door > opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it > was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck > several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage > door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the > electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. > Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. > I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine > dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the > neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched > as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I > watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum > of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an > abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. > I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive > again. > On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of > a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will > she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I > call someone for help? > I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She > had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, > Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here > she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the > elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I > ran. > Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, > calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? > Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a > neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows > underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, > shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she > paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. > "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t > seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it > seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, > Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish > forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a > few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. > Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, > she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could > set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving > to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind > her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost > slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back > toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, > unable to stand the outdoors any longer. > When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again. > Mike > http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
Response:
>When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately >reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was >surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in >her owner. >I could care less if they ever see a vet again.
Wow, Mike! That’s some story. I’m glad that you were able to get Katherine back safe and sound. Lauren =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043 Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt – Abe Lincoln
Response:
> When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately > reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was > surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in > her owner. > I could care less if they ever see a vet again.
All I can say is, wow. Laura — Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. -Groucho Marx
Response:
It’s been at least a couple years since I’ve posted here. I thought after five years of being a cat owner, I could easily predict the behavior of my cats. I was wrong. As a result, I have a story to share, hoping that it will serve those like me who grew too comfortable with the behavior of their pets over the years, believing that they are more "domesticated" than they really are. The following is from the "Kat and Calypso" diaries located on their website, Pussycam: ***** I thought I’d lost Katherine forever. It amazes me how a series of innocent mistakes, which by themselves are harmless, can lead up to such tragedy when combined. Yesterday I had scheduled an appointment for Kat and Calypso to see the vet and get caught up on their vaccinations. Little did I know that this very responsible act toward the continued health of my cats would ironically lead to their potential demise. I had problems getting Kat into the pet carrier. Usually I can lift her up and place her into the cage hind feet first with little incident. On this occasion, however, she felt the need to get defensive, shrieking and hissing like only a frightened, panicked cat can, contorting her body in a frantic attempt to free herself from my grasp. I winced as she tore two deep gashes into my wrist and leg, but was determined to get her into the pet carrier and arrive at the vet with time to spare. I was not hurting Katherine in any way, but I realized this 11-pound cat was besting her 6′2", 235-pound owner and I knew I had to take control of the situation quickly. After managing to dismantle the pet carrier, I removed the top of it, placed Katherine on the exposed bottom half, and re-fastened the lid on top of her. She hissed from inside the carrier, shaking it back and forth with her body weight in a final act of defiance. Already soaked in sweat, I next grabbed Calypso’s pet carrier and slowly approached her. She was curious at first, but then, realizing that she too would be caged, began to shriek, claw and bite so suddenly that I was truly stunned. Why were my cats reacting so violently? Sure, my cats have never liked being placed in a pet carrier, but their current behavior was so uncharacteristically over-the-top that it left me dumbfounded. Quickly learning from the mistakes I had made with Katherine, I found a sheet, folded it over several times, and used that to wrap Calypso so that she couldn’t claw at me or hurt herself. Still shrieking, I placed the bundled Calypso into the second carrier, retrieved the sheet and fastened the carrier closed. With two hissing, growling cats now subdued, I proceeded out the door with one carrier in each hand. When we arrived at my truck, I placed the two carriers on the truck bed cover while I retrieved my keys and unlocked the passenger door. I then activated the garage door opener, which further spooked the two cats. To my sheer horror, I saw Katherine use her weight to roll her pet carrier end over end until it fell off the truck, crashing onto the cement floor. My mind was reeling at this point –was Katherine hurt? How did she manage to roll herself off the truck? Why are my cats so petrified? It was then that I realized that Katherine’s fall had caused the latch to her cage to jar loose –she was escaping! In horror, I realized I had only milliseconds to run to the garage door opener on the far wall and close the door before Katherine escaped. But it was too late. Already she was out, racing frantically around the truck several times in a blind, mad dash. When I finally did activate the garage door, it refused to close because Katherine’s presence had activated the electronic sensors that detect obstructions in the doorway. Katherine was now free, loose on the world and panicked out of her mind. I felt truly helpless. I stood there for several moments, watching Katherine dart around the back of my apartment building, then over into the neighboring building, unpredictably changing course several times. I watched as she leapt up a 4.5 foot retaining wall and into the lawn beyond; I watched as she rammed her head into a fence she had not seen, the momentum of her body lifting her hind end up in the air as the front came to an abrupt halt. She then raced off to the right, disappearing into the bushes. I thought that was going to be the last time I ever saw Katherine alive again. On the verge of panic myself, a full five seconds transpired as I thought of a course of action. Is it too late to give chase? Will I ever find her? Will she run out into the busy street behind me and get hit by a car? Should I call someone for help? I quickly realized that if Katherine had any chance, it was up to me. She had never before been outside untethered. For all five years of her life, Katherine had been an indoor cat, unaware of the harsh world outside. Here she was, running about aimlessly in a foreign world, exposed to the all the elements and dangers that the outdoors could afford. She was alone. And so I ran. Climbing the retaining wall, I ran into the direction I last saw her, calling out her name repeatedly, desperately. Was she already too far away? Could she still hear me? I came to an old Chevy S-10 rusting away in a neighbor’s yard. Dropping to the ground, I peered into the shadows underneath. There she was. Katherine sat still, her body heaving rapidly, shivering in total fear. A dried leaf hung from one of her whiskers, but she paid it no mind. She remained there, looking around, waiting for nothing. "It’s okay, Katherine. Everything is okay," I said to her softly. She didn’t seem to hear, even as I repeated it over and over again. Eventually it seemed as though I were reassuring myself. I knew that at any moment, Katherine could start running again, could escape into the brush and vanish forever. This was my one chance to save her. We lay there together for a few minutes and I continued to speak to her, hoping she’d respond. Finally, a glint of recognition returned to Katherine’s eyes. Very slowly, she began to inch her way closer to me. I knew that any sudden move could set her off again, so I waited for the right moment to grab her, resolving to never let go. When my chance came, I took hold of the fleshy area behind her neck, slowly moving her toward me. She didn’t resist, laying almost slack in my arms. I was overwhelmed with waves of relief. As we walked back toward the garage entrance, Katherine hid her head pitifully under my arm, unable to stand the outdoors any longer. When I released Kat and Calypso back into the apartment, I immediately reached for the phone and cancelled their appointment. Katherine was surprisingly unharmed, but it took several hours for her to regain trust in her owner. I could care less if they ever see a vet again. Mike http://w3.one.net/~lonewolf/main/pcam/
Response:
Related Posts