Snoopy, 1991-2007

Often with a 16-year-old cat, it's just a matter of time. For Snoopy, his time came today.

The circumstances had an odd timing. Almost two weeks ago, I bought a new cat food for Snoopy. His appetite had been downright voracious, and so I thought I'd find him a cat food formulted for his special diet (he had an early history of urinary blockage). He ate some of the new food for the first few days, but he did get sick (and vomited) and never really liked the new food. It turns out that some of the cans I brought home would be part of the Menu Foods pet food recall.

We quickly reverted back to Snoopy's regular brand of cat food. But he never really seemed to get his old appetite back. On Wednesday night he was pretty sick and definitely not sick. I thought for sure he was suffering from kidney failure.

After a visit to the veterinarian and some blood tests, it was determined that there was no urinary blockage, no kidney failure, and no diabetes. However, the vet had felt around Snoopy's belly and thought it didn't feel right, and that perhaps one of the kidneys was quite small. Also, the white blood cell count was too high - indicative of cancer. Even with antibiotics, however, Snoopy's prognosis was not good. The vet said even though Snoopy couldn't really tell us, he probably felt like crap.

With our vet's full support and understanding, and given Snoopy's advanced age, S and I made the very difficult decision not to treat him, and to end the suffering which was only going to get worse anyway. And the cat food? Probably just a coincidence.

We already miss Snoopy very much.

Can't We Just Have a Little Spring Weather?

You just never know about March weather. I checked the high reading on our indoor/outdoor thermometer yesterday - yep, we hit 100° exactly. Meanwhile, at our upcoming vacation destination in the Washington DC area, it is snowing. Can't we just have a little spring weather?

Catch Me If You Can!

Meet the New Granddog

Our daughter J bought a new addition to her family (although her fiancee wasn't altogether thrilled at first).

Her name is Zoe - a Boggle (Boston Terrier/Beagle mix).

Right now she's just a puppy and about the same height but a bit stockier than Princess.
The two dogs get along great.

Call to Discipleship

I have a friend at church whom I don't always see eye-to-eye with. And I'm sure I annoy her at least as often (if not more) than she annoys me. Yet while I don't always agree with her (and I choose to agree to disagree), we have some really profound spiritual moments together.

She has had some real struggles with her health for the last several years, not the least being the breast cancer which started her whole struggle in the first place. I saw her today as she was walking by, and since I hadn't seen her for a couple of weeks (when I'm sure I annoyed her last), I motioned for her to come give me a hug.

Turns out she really needed that hug, the kind that says, "I'm so grateful for this safe, comfortable place because I'm not okay." She just found out that her cancer is back. As we held each other much longer than your typical casual hug, her tears flowed and she shared how she dreaded the stuggle. She said she was tired of fighting. "I know you are, honey," was the only response I had. It was the only response appropriate for that moment. I think it spoke volumes.

So today was obviously one of our profound spiritual moments together. So pray for my friend.

Okay, Would You Believe October?

So our daughter's wedding is probably not next March. She thinks she can swing it (and has the groom about 90% convinced) for October 20.

Makes no difference to me. The sooner they get married, the sooner I'll have a new son-in-law and granddaughter.

Life in the Fast Lane

It's that sort of busy time of year, and it's been sort of busy around here, but a lot's been accomplished.

I borrowed my dad's pole saw (chainsaw-on-a-stick) and trimmed up our mulberry tree real good. February is the best time to do that so you catch them before they bud and bloom. Besides, we had bulk trash pick up. I'm eyeing other trees in the yard now for the next bulk pick up. Fun. I like chainsaws-on-a-stick. Heck, I just like chainsaws.

I had my wife get our healthcare reimbursement figured out, which in turn helped get our medical expenses figured out for taxes. Then I did our taxes (nice and early) and we already have our Federal and state refunds.

Then last week I got to write up my annual performance appraisal for work. Fun (NOT!).

All this in light of our upcoming vacation plans. My wife has an aunt who lives in Maryland - right smack dab between Washington and Baltimore. Can you say "sightseeing?" I've never been to Washington, but I've always wanted to go there. And we'll see a bit of Baltimore also. It's kind of ironic - I've been to five national capitals in my travels, but never our own. Being the history buff that I am, I am really looking forward to this trip.