Today's Special: The Lucky Winners Were Bellatrix & Max

It was that time again. A yearly visit to the v-e-t. This time the lucky winners were Bellatrix and Max. Before I get started, let me just say that none of us like going to the v-e-t. No shock there right? Peeps always bring the carriers out a bit before it's time to go so that we can sniff them up and get comfortable with them. I'm actually quite happy to relax in a carrier if the mood strikes me. And Bellatrix is quite relaxed around the carriers. She actually loves them. Anytime they're brought out, she immediately crawls inside, curls up and takes a nap! It's great when Bella is actually one of the cats going to the v-e-t (like this time), but it's awful trying to get her out of the carrier when they need to insert someone else!

Cue flashback music...

Bellatrix came to live with us in December 2006. We were at the same shelter. I left in April 2006. In December Bella was still there. :( How shall I put this? Bella is...and I mean this in the nicest way possible...crazy. Insane. Bonkers. She has a few behavioral problems to say the least.  Because of this, she wasn't exactly first on most people's adoption list. She's a tortie and from what we've been told, torties are just...wild cats! Bellatrix is fiercely loyal & loving, but also...well...may I say coo-coo?  Because she has spent so much time in shelters she really came to be totally content in carriers & cages. It's a sad thing, but it's true. If Bellatrix is accidentally locked in a room, she won't ever make a sound. She'll simply accept her fate, curl up and wait for someone to open the door. Having said all that, one might think she's a calm little kitty. Haha! I believe that's her trick. Bellatrix is like a live electrical wire when she has one of her "episodes."  Unfortunately she ALWAYS has one of her episodes at the v-e-t!

Max, on the other hand, avoids the carriers at all costs. When it finally comes time to put him in one, he grows exactly 12 additional legs, each with claws sharpened to razor sharp points! Then these 16 legs all move in different directions coming in contact with as much skin as possible. Eventually the peeps get him in the carrier, but they both look like living road maps. Max doesn't mean to do it. He's a very sweet, gentle cat overall, but leaving his home is not something he wants any part of!

Cue flashback music...

Max came to live with us in January 2008 at the age of 6. He started out in a shelter when he was 2. Then my peep's mom adopted him. He's always been a very nervous kitty, but once he got settled into his new home he was very happy. My peep's mom loved him very, very much and he loved her. He was the only cat and he relished all the attention. But, anytime anyone visited my peep's mom, he would hide away, sometimes for a day or two after they left.  Obviously no one knows what happened to him before coming to live with my peep's mom, but it must not have been good b/c he was very scared of everything. Sadly, in January 2008 my peep's mom passed away totally unexpectedly.  To say the least, this was a terrible blow to Max. Not only had he lost his most loved person, but he lost his house and all his security. He went from being a single cat to one of seven. For awhile after he came to live here, peeps were really worried that he wasn't going to make it. They felt he had just given up. He was completely terrified, wouldn't eat and didn't socialize. One look from any one of us and he'd run the other way and hide for days. So, as a last resort, peeps took him to the v-e-t to see if there was anything that could be done. Come to find out, all the stress had given him a pretty serious heart murmur as well. Thankfully the v-e-t suggested Prozac to help him relax a little and it really has given him his life back. His heart murmur has actually repaired itself somewhat, he's happy, playful and social now. When people come over to visit, Max is one of the first ones to greet them and give them some leg rubs. I know my peep's mom would be so thrilled to see Max so happy.

So off they go to the vet. Bella is napping in her carrier and Max is simply two enormous eyes in the back corner of his. Once at the vet, Max goes first. Again the 16 legs make an appearance but this time they fight to keep him IN the carrier. Eventually though, out he comes and he snuggles up to peep and never says another word. He's the type of kitty that you just can't help loving to bits. A perfect patient. Not a moment's trouble. And very happy to make a quick retreat back into the carrier when his visit is over.

Next up was Bellatrix. To quote the v-e-t, "she's hell on wheels." The v-e-t learned a long time ago that it's best if my peep holds her. One technician isn't enough. Two technicians just means more blood to spill!  So out from the carrier she strolls and the drama begins. She off the table in a flash and prowling around the exam room. Peep grabs her and puts her back on the table. The v-e-t starts to move closer. First the growling starts. Then the hissing. Then the screaming. As the v-e-t starts to check her over there's flipping, twisting and hopping. Yes, hopping! If it's a really special day, Bella might spit a little. Then comes the biting of the digital thermometer. Then the slapping of the stethoscope. The v-e-t can't hear her heart beat because she's growling too loud. Then comes the time out. And finally, the vaccinations. It's all over in about 10 minutes, but it feels like hours! Haha! The funny (and sweet) thing is that there's not a mark on my peep. Not a scratch or a bite. If it had been the technician holding her, there would have been casualties...believe me!

So as you can see, in my house, going to the v-e-t is quite an adventure. Don't tell anyone, but Louie and Petunia are next! Heehee.

xoxo