-Whole Lotta Crappin' Goin' On

Current mood: pleased

I took the little pip-squeak to the vet today.

While I was sitting in the exam room I was contemplating how much I could reallyl afford to spend on her. Of course, if you know us, you know family separations bring the Grim Reaper to our menagierie of pets. I was just praying I a) wouldn't have to sell one of the kids to pay for veterinary treatment or b) say goodbye to another pet. In the last 15 months we've lost Daisy the Bassett Hound, Fluffernutter and Marbles the hamsters (both Nolan's), and Max the parakeet (also Nolan's). *My prayer this morning at Northeast Veterinary, "Dear God, I know it isn't right for me to ask this, but please let this visit bring decent news our way. Please let this appointment not make my checkbook sad. Please let Penelope not be in any pain and please help me help my kids understand the outcome of this visit. Amen."

Then the doc came in and I wish I could pronounce her name, but I can't. But she was so nice. I brought her a poop sample in a sandwich baggie (oh relax, it was a zipper bag, double bagged) and told her our story. She asked for a fresh sample to come from Pen's hiney and took her away. Then she asked about her sorted history. With that out of the way and Penelope back in the room, visibly shaken from that friggin' Q-tip, she examined her.

The angels sang.

"She's perfectly healthy," she said. "All we need to wait for is the sample results and then you're free to go." She said it is stress and diet (we changed foods not long ago) induced colitis. I guess she is missing Travis more than I thought she would. I guess the boxes are starting to get to her. Maybe I should hide the tape roller-dispenser thingie.

Now I am seriously thinking about returning to the happy food my dogs love... Homemade.

Chicken and rice, mainly, with an occasional egg, liver or cottage cheese mixed in. I think I am going to buy a cookbook and just take care of them myself. They like it better that way too.

Prayers answered. Reasonable bill. Very healthy pet with reasonable stomach issue. No need for grief counseling.

I may rest well tonight.