OCD- score a point for me!

Alex has a condition known as FORLs. It is where the body reabsorbs the teeth- and is very painful. We discovered this problem several years ago, and she had to have four teeth removed and the other teeth cleaned to try to delay it for the remaining teeth. At the time, they were uncertain as to what caused it and the only option was to remove the teeth.

When my cats reach 8 years old, I've made it a habit to take them in at the half-way mark between annual exams. Last year, Dr. Ledbury's office started a new protocol with complete blood work-up that you can have done at the annual exam. He told me that if the labwork came back normal and noone showed signs/symptoms of problems that I could feel comfortable about not bringing my "seniors" in for a six month check. I concurred and began that program this year with ALL the cats.

However, given that Alex has FORLs, my OCD required that I take her in for a six month tooth check anyway. She is the only one of my cats who will not allow me to inspect her teeth/gums routinely. Ironic, huh?

So, today I took her in for said tooth check, expecting to be in/out in a minute or so, but unfortunately she had three teeth showing early signs of FORLs. New research/protocol has shown that early detection (thank you, OCD), a steroid shot/round of antibiotics can actually halt if not REVERSE the FORLs, thus saving the teeth and preventing pain as well. We are hopeful that we caught it in time.

I am sorry that she has the flare-up, but thankful to God for my powerful sense of intuition with which he has gifted me, and thankful that I listened to it. Sometimes I doubt myself, because I worry that I am obsessive. But, Dr. Ledbury never makes fun of me and I think he is starting to be rather impressed by it. I'm usually dead spot on.

I'm grateful to have such a wonderful vet who works with me to take such good care of my animals. I certainly couldn't do this without him.

New fur (temporary) children

I met the newest (temporary) additions to the family Saturday, Ms. Dixie and Ms. Abby. They are very cute and very sweet and I am excited to be able to take care of them while their mommy goes out of the country for a few months.

I hope to have some interesting stories to share. Taking care of them will certainly be an educational experience for all of us. I can't wait to see what the cats do.

Buffy

Today is a sad day. My best friend's dog, Buffy, went to Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon. RIP Buffy, you were loved and you will be missed. Heaven has another furry angel.

Bosco

Today is Bosco's seventh birthday! Happy Birthday B-Man!

Supermomma

This morning I felt like Superwoman. Jacob came and got under the covers and slept beside me during the first round of storms. He's not been scared of them for quite some time, but this morning for some reason, he just seemed to need to be close to his momma.

I feel ten feet tall knowing that a little cat who survived Hurricane Katrina comes to me for protection/comfort/reassurance when he needs it. It melted my heart, that's for sure. Moments like that are what it's all about.

Fireworks

I just realized that this weekend none of my cats really seemed too upset by the fireworks. Jacob was the only one who appeared even slightly bothered. And actually, he ignored them after a few minutes.

THAT is true proof that he is a well adjusted happy little cat. THAT is proof that time and love can conquer just about anything.