Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WHAT A PAIN IN THE . . .

AW, A LITTLE SNIP HERE AND THERE DIDN'T STOP ME
When I took Tucker to his vet check appointment at the animal adoption center yesterday, he was given a vaccination booster and examined to make sure he was ready to be neutered. Veterinarians and animal agencies used to wait until an animal was around 6-8 months of age before spaying or neutering it. Unfortunately, humans who adopt them can't always be trusted to follow through and have the procedures done - so much for trying to control the animal over-population problem. The agencies now feel it's necessary to spay and neuter animals before they are available for adoption, which often means small kittens and puppies now have the procedures done to them. Today it was Tucker's turn. I was asked to leave him at the agency yesterday afternoon and he had surgery this morning.
As I drove away from the agency yesterday, I worried that Tucker might have felt abandoned. He was put into a holding cage with ample room for play and sleep but he could only see out of the front of it. That's the usual procedure, and it's temporary, but he was used to running and playing in the house and then sleeping in his own little cozy room, surrounded by soft toys. Even though I knew having him neutered was the right thing to do, he seemed so little and had no idea where he was or why he was there. Cesar, the Dog Whisperer, often says people make the mistake of assigning human feelings to animals. He insists animals live in the moment without wondering or worrying about what might happen the next minute. I suppose he's right, but that doesn't stop me from pondering it.
I brought Tucker home this afternoon. The vet said everything went well and that Tucker was a sweetie and a real charmer. He was quiet all the way home and I hoped he wasn't upset with me. Sorry Cesar, I could not help wondering what Tucker might be thinking or feeling. I let the kitten rest for a few hours and what a difference that made. All the anesthetic has now worn off and Tucker is running and playing all through the house as I type. Ooops, he's crawling, ouch, up my leg, ouch, right now. He seems to be just as active and happy as he was before his ordeal. I would think he might be a little sore in his nether region, but that will heal quickly. I'm glad to have the little guy back home. I missed him.

8 comments:

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

You are such a worry wart. It seems that Mr. Tucker is back in the game already! No trauma, no harbored resentment......
He just loves you!
★Linda★

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

I am happy to hear he is doing well...give him a love for me..and I love!!!!!! your new header photo..it is wonderful.;)

Cat Haven Craft House said...

Sounds like Tucker is no worse for the wear! Such a cutie. Glad he is up and about. I am always a little anxious too when my kitties go under anesthesia for the first time as you just never know how they will react. Your posts brigthen my day! Have a good one yourself.

Firecracker Kid said...

Oh goody, Tucker's neutered. He's all set now. He's lucky to have your help lil lady.

dee begg said...

Awww...sweet Tucker....it's amazing how quickly little ones heal! He has been blessed to find such a wonderful caretaker.

D

Keri said...

Glad to hear it! I tend to worry about them going under the knife too and am always completely relieved when they are back at home when it's over. ;) Every animal is different and you just "never know".

I think it's great that some states are willing and "allow" youngsters to be spayed and neutered when they are just a couple of months old. My kitties always seem to do better and heal faster the younger they are...they also don't seem to be in as much pain post-op. They are always, as am I, however, happy to finally be back home. :)

I hope little Tucker finds a good home quickly so that it may lessen your pain of having to say goodbye to him over a long period of time...I've been there too. Hugs.

Angi at drakestone primitives country cabin said...

HI Kady
How you doin' ???..so glad your bundle of fur is back on track yep right up your leg LOL and full of energy..♥

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

I do not agree with your Dog Whisperer--I firmly believe that dogs and cats do remember--cause why does a dog not be afraid of anything but a garden hose??? It is because a former owner of the dog beat him with one--and he will never forget it or how it felt!!!
now for our kitties==I do believe that they are alittle worried about what is happening to them--but as they have been loved and cared for--they just take it in stride and hope they get to go back home soon or to a home where they will continue to be loved and feed and cared for!!!
Oh and Tucker may sleep all day tomorrow or the next day--it's funny how they always seem to wait a day or two before the anesthetic gives them sleep--that was the way with Gracie and little sister's kitten Morris!!!
Hugs, Di and Gracie