49

Not 48.

Today is my birthday. I am 49. I thought I was only 48. Really, was totally convinced I was 48.

My mom made me do the math.

I did however get a first-robin-of-the-spring siting, having had one every year since I can remember.

Apparently all 49 of them.

ten days out

Leonard is ten days out from his surgery. His haunch hair is growing back s l o w l y , and he has started laying in the windows and sleeping on the bed again.

It's nice to have him back .

tortoise, hares and new software

Started another pair of mittens ( big shock) I bought Jamieson and Smith Shetland DK from Camilla Valley Farms, to make Kate Davies Tortoise and Hare gauntlets. I will make them mittens, and bulkier with a nice laceweight liner.

I love kate's patterns, they look good no matter the colors you choose, and her critters are just so huggable.

Leonards Femoral Head osteotomy -day one

Leonard came home today . He walked in, ate some food, had a pee, and laid down in his usual spot. He is still a little shaky, and limps . He soon figured out that hopping into the litter box worked well.
He is a little sleepier than usual, but when I picked up his wire toy to hide it away, he swatted at it, and was ready for some play.
We had to have a talk about the wonder of his fentanyl patch so he stopped trying to chew it off. Rather he chew that than his stitches, about which he is totally disinterested.
I prefer animals to most people, and think if you adopt a pet, no matter the type, you make a promise to love them, protect them, know when to do everything and know when enough is enough.
I work with a woman who told me she would rather pay for music lessons for her children than pay a vet bill, so if her cats get sick, she has them put to sleep. I asked what lesson she was teaching her children if she thought animals were disposable. I wonder if she will be surprised when she is left in a nursing home when she becomes too expensive to care for at home.
I actually wanted to put HER to sleep, but I know I would get caught.

Kingston Road Animal Hospital, Dr.John Mitelman and his team provided me with confidence, information, and kindness as I decided to do the right thing and go for the surgery. Rather than feel pressured, I felt supported. They pretended not to be grossed out when I kissed Leonard's head and paws.
I hope I can apply that to MY practice with families.
Here is my Len, day two after surgery.

Leonard's femoral head ostetomy

Leonard fell off of a footstool while avoiding being brushed. He yowled and started dragging his right hind leg behind him. I tried to see what he had done and he growled. I KNEW something was wrong.

Leonard is a pansy.

I took him to the emergency vet, and it turned out he had fractured the femoral head.

He needed a femoral head osteotomy. After reading a little bit, I listened to the vet, and did what he recommended. I work in healthcare and am good at what I do . I have to trust that Vets are too.

He had his surgery today , and did well. He has a shaved hindquarter, a fentanyl patch, and was pretty gorked when I saw him after work.

When I adopted him I promised him I would take care of him. I had to put his surgery on credit. But would pay anything to spend ten more minutes with my cats who have died.

Life is a bargain.

I saw him tonight, kissed his head, kissed his paws and thanked him for doing his best.

He comes home tomorrow.

I will take photos, and hope that someone who is facing this gets as much comfort from Leonard's experience as I did from others.