Our Pets

Our pets bring us such pleasure when they are not underfoot on the kitchen rug while we try to prepare meals or when they are sitting at the door waiting to go out so they can turn around and beg to come in.  They bring us comfort when we're down and share our joys when we're on a high.  Part of our relocation to NC included finding a vet we were comfortable with for Maxine.  Due to her severe anxiety she now experiences when being placed in her carrier and then into the truck, we chose the closest vet for the shortest ride.  Cliff and I became so uncomfortable with this vet's demeanor and Max's increased anxiety during the ride that we decided not to subject Maxine to this experience anymore.  I found a mobile vet with 38 years of experience who would make house calls!  She moved from a large busy veterinary clinic in SC to Murphy for a calmer lifestyle, yet wanted to continue doing what she loves with a different approach and a more rewarding feeling.  So she decided to make house calls for large and small animals and has been doing this for 19 years here. She listened to our concerns and talked about all the options.  Max has lost weight and exhibited other symptoms that have caused concern.  When the vet visited us all she could do is exam her and update her shots....................through a pillowcase.  Maxine's anxiety level became so extreme that even when put in a pillowcase, she didn't calm down.  So by observing and gathering information, Dr. Stone feels she may show signs of hyperthyroidism.  She also has a rusty discharge some days from her eyes, no runny nose, no sneezing.  Don't know if it's allergy.  We can't do a blood panel because of her extreme anxiety.  Max wouldn't survive surgery so even if we knew what was going on, we will not put her through surgery.  She's still a happy fruity cat, very playful, and is not in any pain.  So we're trying an antibiotic for 10 days to see if the eyes clear up and I put a natural calming solution in her food three times a day to reduce anxiety.  In the afternoon I pour a full glass of red wine to reduce my anxiety.  Maxine is about 16 years old which is at least 80 years in human aging.  I've been reading about hyperthyroidism in cats so I can help Max age more comfortably.  This has been on our minds for weeks now and we've been at a loss on how to handle this.  It's consumed my thoughts so I haven't really been able to blog.  Since retiring and spending more time at home and in the garden, Maxine is our shadow.