Charlene had an appointment at the vet on Friday -- she was due for her annual checkup and vaccines. Though she always gets a little scared when she visits the vet, she did well, stayed calm during the examination, and waited patiently for it all to be over.
Generally, she's doing pretty good, but our girl is showing more signs that she is aging. Doc noticed some arthritis in Bean's hips during her last visit and now she can feel it forming in her knees and elbows, too. She doesn't think it's making Charlene uncomfortable at this point, but it's something we're keeping our eyes on. We're continuing with Adequan injections which help lubricate her joints and rebuild cartilage. She does need to lose some weight (no surprise there) and we're trying hard to keep focused on that.
On our way home from the vet, we stopped by the pet store to pick up some food. As I chatted with the gals working there, they asked about Wylla and Charlene and I told them that Bean was waiting in the car and said I could bring her in if they would like to say hello.
I went out and grabbed the carrier, brought her inside, put her on the counter, opened the door and took her out. She sat calmly on the counter, looked around the store, and received some love from the gals. There were several shop cats wandering about and though Bean did notice them, she didn't seem to mind their presence at all.
Shop gal Deja asked if she could pick Bean up and give her some love, and it seemed like Bean might agree to that, so I said "sure!"
Both human and feline enjoyed the squeeze --- you could see Charlene was relaxed and comfortable in Deja's arms!
Unfortunately, my phone was out in the car and I didn't want to leave the shop to go get it, so I wasn't able to document this sweet moment.
I never would have guessed Charlene would do so well out and about in the world like that! Wylla, yes, she's had so much experience "stepping out, but besides trips to the vet, this was Charlene's first outing.
I don't know quite why, but the whole thing almost me made me teary. Charlene just really made me proud, I guess, which is silly, I know.
It was a big day for Bean and she was happy to get home. Her reward for being such a good kitten was another outing -- this time, just on the back deck for a little sunshine.
It is always amazing when our feline family can surprise us! Good job, Beanie! The vet and then a surprise Love Fest! The Maine Coons (Reilly is 12, Sprite is 9ish) say to stay out of the kitten kibble, please!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful day for Deja too! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI took my new boys to my parents' this weekend so they could get acquainted with my mom's cat. I'll be babysitting in a few weeks so we want them to get the scents, etc.
ReplyDeleteI was worried my boys would freak out, but they were great! And they were even really calm with Mom's cat in the few minutes they got to see each other face-to-face.
I am finding that as my cats get older, they get mellower in some ways. It's as if they finally realize that nothing bad has happened to them yet so it's unlikely that anything will as long as their human is nearby.
ReplyDeleteYay for Bean! She's such an amazing girl.
ReplyDeleteOh Laurie, not silly at all to be so proud of your girl! It was such a marvelous day for both of you, I feel a bit teary myself.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Bean you have.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested to hear about Bean's arthritis treatment. I am dealing with 2 senior cats with arthritis in their spines. I am hoping to ease their aches & pains. Not too many treatments out there for cats for pain relief.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your, and Lauri's, thoughts on COQ10? It is believed to ease inflammatory arthritis in joints. I have young cats, but I would give that a try if my cat had joint problems.
DeleteDeodand -- I think it helps Bean. Her strut isn't as stiff since we started her on Adequan. I'm not sure if it helps with pain, but it does loosen the joints and rebuild lost cartilage. Our vet started us on a couple of injections week at first, then once a week, then down to once every three weeks.
DeleteEva - I've never tried that so I have no opinion on it.
Yay for Bean...love her!
ReplyDeleteGood job, Charlene!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! Hugs all around.
ReplyDeleteI have some understanding about what you're going through. My Lena needs IV drips twice a week for her kidneys and she came down with a cold that made her reluctant to eat. I think she's getting better but I can't tell if it's the illness or the kidney problems bugging her. All we can do is our best.
ReplyDeleteYay, Bean! We're all proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThey do mellow eventually. Well done, Charlene! I was a little teary, myself, while reading about your day.
ReplyDeletePeggy and Chloë
Great to hear she did well at the vet's, and fabulous to hear how well her appearance at the pet store went. Maybe there will be some 'Stepping Out with Bean' posts in the future.
ReplyDeleteI read this story when it was first posted and it made me tear up as well. It's so hard to put into words the love we have for these magnificent creatures, but it's the little things that really touch your heart ... you captured it perfectly Laurie. Sometimes it can be very overwhelming to think about our kittles getting older. I lost my darling Mini after 18 years and it affected me so profoundly that now I hold Minnie and Beau, who are just 3-year-old baby cats, and cry because I love them so much and cherish every second we have.
ReplyDeleteBeanie is a very special cat, and she is just so pretty and wise :)
Of course you are proud....You're her Mama!
ReplyDelete