Yesterday was quite a scare for us. My little 12 year old calico, Cali started coughing up blood. I immediately called Dr. Kristine Horst at Mesa Veterinary Hospital in Golden, CO (http://www.yourmesavet.com/) and she took her in immediately.
Cali was not so happy to be at the vet (who is?) and would not let anyone touch her (I love my short-tempered calico!). As soon as Dr. Horst entered the room I burst into tears and hugged her. I must have looked like a red puffy-eyed mess!
Dr. Horst decided to sedate her so she could examine her. She asked me to leave her there for the day so they could run a series of tests to find out what was wrong. I reluctantly left and sat in my car and cried – I called my hubby and in between tears and sniffles tried to explain what Dr. Horst told me.
We waited and waited- ugh. Part of me wanted to get the phone call but part of me DIDN’T want to get it. What is going to happen to my kitty. She has been with me since college. My good friend Drew saved her from a shelter in Champaign, Illinois. She was found in a barn with her mom and bros + sisters. She was a runt and her mom was not caring for her. A older woman fostered her and hand feed her until she was old enough to go to the shelter. My friend Drew found out that he could not have cats in his apt?!?!? His girlfriend knew I was a animal lover and called me in tears asking me to take little “Peanut” (that was her original name!) or she would have to go back to the shelter! I knew about calicos and their short-tempers but how could I say No??!?!?!
“Peanut” was renamed to “Cali” and she has been by my side for the past 12 years. She has been through two children, one dog “Doc” my yellow lab, moving around during college, moving to Colorado, Illinios and back to Colorado. She also “tolerates” Bailey, our other rescue kitty who used to push little Cali around in their younger years. Cali represents all the changes in my life and all the love and memories the past 12 years….
Dr. Horst finally called me and the final verdict was Inflammatory Bowel Disease, possible Kidney Disease, and dental disease. She pulled 8 teeth! She only has 12 teeth now. Are Kitty Dentures available????
She was sedated most of the day yesterday and was really put through the “kitty” ringer. We picked her up late last night. She has a myriad of meds but she is a happy kitty – Happy to be home in her fav spot on our bed (on the hubby’s side). You can see a little blood on her nose from the surgery – my poor baby. She obviously has not lost her calico short-temper by the look she is giving me in this photo~
Cali still has blood on her nose from the surgery ;-(
Thank you everyone for your prayers and wishes for good health for my little Cali. Cali and I both thank you from the bottoms of our kitty + human hearts!
by Jaime
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