Mitch the Cat

So things are slowly getting back to normal. We had an excellent ground work session with Amanda and Lucy on Sunday like I said, but of course Monday I definitely woke up on the WRONG side of the bed. I was okay in the morning but for some reason everything was just rubbing me the wrong way. I worked a split shift so started the morning one way and ended up in one of those, "Don't even try to look at me" kind of moods. I've realized when I'm having a bad day, you get one of two things. 1) Hug me... Please just hug me... I might cry... But do it anyway. Then there's 2) Homicidal. Luckily the people that really matter to me have realized this such as K and my friend Heather. Worked it out at the gym... Much needed.

Brantley and his new hat!

Tuesday B and I had another ground work session in the snow/sleet. It was nice for it to just be us, even though I do love company and using him as an example. Especially when he proves me wrong and makes me work harder. I still have yet to get back on him. Hopefully tomorrow it'll be me, a saddle, and a rope halter. Start from scratch again? I think so! Anyway. Wednesday had a half day at work (proceeding an awkward nightmare about maggots Tuesday night) and spent the rest of the afternoon fighting with the electric fence. Started to get in that mood again, feeling like I couldn't do anything right, until I realized that the old mom and pop hardware store around the corner was open and figured out how to do it myself. Winning? I think so.

Got a little Christmas shopping done. Dad ended up with a waffle maker... That makes ZOO ANIMALS! Yes I said it, a zoo animal waffle maker? I couldn't wait to give it to him. I'm a horrible gift giver because I can't wait... Plus he'll be in Alabama for Christmas so I guess it wasn't a bad idea to do things early for him.

For Mom... Pictures. I don't have a lot of money, obviously. And usually I can't get anything really good so I thought hey, she has no pictures of me and the boy hanging up around the house, just LB.

I have a feeling she doesn't read this so HERE!

Check out the picture all the way to the right! Kate took that. She's AMAZING!

In other news, we all know I have a puppy... Chevy... Cutest little white lab EVER! But I don't know if anyone knows that I have a cat who I've had longer than both Chevy and B. His name is Mitch AKA: "Bitch" "Mitchell" "Cat"... I picked him up while working at Allie's from the little kitten adoption cage we used to keep by the counter. I went 5 years and 100+ kittens without wanting to take one home until I saw this little tiger kitten who was half the size of his ORANGE brother and sister. He's been Mitch ever since, and the only animal I have never had to worry about. He's been an outdoor/indoor cat for about 5-6 years now and he just does his own thing and he's happy that way. Deals with Chevy, loves my Dad, picks on me while I'm sleeping.

Anyway, today's adventure started while I was brushing my teeth. Cat hi-tailed it into the litter box and squatted for about 30 seconds. Usual Mitch, blowin' it up while I'm getting ready to leave. Except there was nothing in the box. I looked closer as he scooted out and saw a little spot of blood. Between the bathtub and the litterbox for the next 5 minutes, he left 4-5 small drops of urine/blood. Straining to go and getting pissed (no pun intended) he attacked the shower curtain. I went to the barn, fed the horses, came home, threw him in the carrier, and took him to work. I always think the worst, my young, male, verge of overweight cat is blocked. FML!

After being examined and kept through the day, we came to the conclusion that no, he was not blocked, but he has feline lower urinary tract disease. Basically that means that he may not be blocked, but there's a 99% chance that if I hadn't brought him in, he would be. Plus, not only does he have the makes of a blockage but also a RAGING UTI which is very rare in cats. Long story short, he has to be on a prescription diet and a load of medications, plus I have to keep a close eye on him.

Close enough?

Glad he's getting wet food now!

Not sure if anyone is familiar with blocked cats but it could be an ongoing issue and cost THOUSANDS of dollars... I know I'm a vet tech and yes I get a discount but let's be honest. I don't have that kind of money. So Dad and I had the conversation that I dreaded. I promised myself that I would never get caught in a situation like LB again without a plan of attack. How far am I going to go? I know I sound like a horrible pet owner and there are people willing to spend that kind of money, but in reality? I can't do it. I'll keep him healthy and blockage free as long as possible but I always have to think the worst and hope for the best!

Happy to be back with his puppy.

Cleaning up after a nice meal.

Of course as I walked in my front door with the cat, the food, and the bag of meds... I broke down.

It sucks... It really does. And I know there are worse things in the world but my animals make me, me.

And Mitch? He's my star child who I never have to worry about... Guess it's the quiet ones...

H had a not so good day either so we hit the gym and worked it out. I started running again and I know the treadmill isn't the best thing for you, but it makes me feel better and gets me going. If I could run outside I would but there are no street likes and black ice? Not my friend.