As you know, when you're retired and on a fixed income and a family member gets sick unexpectedly, you don't know what will happen next. For those of you who know Melinda and Dog, a nearly 30lb Maine Coon Cat that travels the country in a van, know that Dog is too young to have become so ill. He had to be sedated for x-rays before confirming the diagnosis. Then Dog had to have a 3-hour surgery to remove all but 4 of his teeth, and the vet told Melinda that the remaining teeth would have to come out within the year!

Recovery hasn't gone well. Dog couldn’t eat and barely drink.

Dog developed quite a high fever and lost all the hair on the front of his neck and chest. He lost TWO pounds in 2 weeks. Pain meds kept him from suffering. At the 2-week mark, he was supposed to be fully healed. The vet took his setback very seriously and immediately gave fluids and antibiotics and gave Melinda all the “stuff” she needs to take care of him. He’s her baby! She will not be leaving him alone. She is waiting for the vet to weigh in on liver and kidney damage.

I am hoping we can help Melinda get Dog on the good side of health. Those of us who know them, know this guy is part of our pack.