Emergency Vets

At least the one in the Appleton area anyway are leeches that feast upon the emotions of distraught pet owners and the fact that animals don't always have problems or die between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday (holidays excluded). After Kyle died, Chad started calling places to see how much they would charge to take care of Kyle for us. Of course, Monday was Memorial Day and all places were closed except for the Emergency Vets. So Chad called them. First, they wanted $110 dollars for an "emergency check-up". Chad said, "But the cat is already dead." "You still have to pay it sir." Then, they wanted another $100 for a euthanasia and cremation fee. "euthanasia?" Chad said, "but I told you, the cat is already dead. We just want him cremated and have you spread the ashes wherever it is you do that." So... we would have had to pay for tests and fees that didn't apply to Kyle's situation - upwards of $210. Granted I know it's partly for the convenience. However, Chad was clever enough to supply a 12-hour solution until the normal vet opened in the morning. He went to Wal-Mart bought a styrofoam cooler and a bag of ice. I think you can figure the rest out from there.

By the way, the normal vet only charged $35 and commended Chad for doing what he did instead of using the Emergency Vet.

Kyle

April 12, 2001 - May 29, 2006

About 8:30pm on Monday, Kyle, our cat of 5 years and quite possibly the friendliest cat I have ever met, died unexpectedly and suddenly.

Chad and I had been upstairs putting Erik to bed when we heard a crash; it sounded like the cats had run into the baby gate while horsing around. I went to go investigate and quite possibly scold them when I saw Kyle lying motionless at the bottom of the stairs. By the time I got down the stairs to him, he was twitching and letting out his last gasps. By the time Chad had come down (after I screamed for him) Kyle was gone. We aren't sure what happened, but we think it was a massive heart attack or stroke since nothing was broken and he hadn't been displaying any signs of sickness.

We're dealing with it as best we can. Erik is too young to realize what happened. Wicket is mopey but he knows that Kyle is gone, he was right there when it happened. We'll undoubtedly be getting another cat sometime soon and from the Humane Society, especially after this story ran in the Post-Crescent today. Considering that we lost Kyle's littler mate, Hetfield, 2 years ago, we think that something may have been wrong with both litters. (They were from 2 different litters, but had the same father). Or it could just be terrible luck. Wicket better live to an old age, if anything for Erik's sake, because Wicket does not belong to us: he is Erik's cat.

That's it for now. In a couple days I may rant about the Emergency Vet. Leeches. (Ranting came early... see above)

Settled... For The Most Part

So we've moved. We have our own place again, yay! We're almost completely settled in... just have some pictures and posters to hang which will be worked on later today. This morning I started working on my garden. I got about half way done with it before I needed a break. That and I need more topsoil for the other half. I have cilantro, catnip, peppers, and watermelon planted. I have to plant the pumpkins yet and I may go buy some sunflowers too since I have more space than I originally thought I had.

Tomorrow is Erik's birthday party. I have to do shopping yet for decorations and food. Thankfully my parents and grandparents are helping out with the food... I just have to deal with the little snacky things like veggies and chips and whatnot. Once this party is over then I get to start planning for the one in Minnesota... why can't my kid just have one birthday party... ugh. Now back downstairs for more organizing and planning and list making.

The Move Has Begun

So tomorrow is the big move for us. Yay! A place of our own again! As of right now, I'm just thinking of the positives... trying not to dwell on how much tomorrow is going to suck.

Last weekend I went to MN to hang out with some friends and have some time pretending I'm not someone's mother. However, it's hard to have fun when you are spending most of your time in the bathroom. Yes, I was sick. And so was Chad. And Erik. Tricia, Katie and company took me to GZ for some fun, but alas, I was absolutely exhausted by the time we got there and I had to use all the energy I had to stay awake and talk occasionally. It was fun to have a break from Erik, but it would have been about 100 times better had I been healthy. Bah.

I also had to do about half the driving on the way home. Chad drove as long as he could considering how he was feeling. The drive was uneventful until just beyond Pulaski when 2 deer decided to run out in front of me. Thank god I have an excellent reaction time even while sick. (yay video games!) I think there was about 6 inches between one of the deer and the bumper of the Jeep by the time I stopped. So, the suicidal deer lived and the Jeep and it's occupants are all in one piece.

Now back to packing.