Today didn't go quite according to plan. Rebecca, our vet, and Katie the nurse arrived at 11:00am - the priority to take a further blood sample from Riley, who at the time was suitable sedated with Gabapentin. Despite several attempts the vet was unable to draw blood. The jugular appears to have receded, as the neck swelling has considerably ( Read more... )

I managed to take some 'me time' today and travelled over to Birling Gap, now owned and operated by the National Trust.That was me - and five coach loads of tourists, which I wasn't expecting so late in the season! I was only away for three hours during which time my lovely neighbour, Amelia, came and administered to Riley ( Read more... )

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It's Riley's 11th birthday today. An arbitrary date - the date that my wife and I first saw him in 2014 - homeless. One month later we brought him to his forever home. The vet thought he was 2 possibly 3. So, now he's 11 possibly 12. My wife died 20 months ago - Riley and I are now each others sole companion. The vet returns today to monitor ( Read more... )

Relentless; days meld into one another. The anxiety never diminishes. Seventeen days since it all began. The diagnosis came three days before... Riley, I just want to make you better, but I am frightened ( Read more... )

Royal Mail - worse than useless. Hawthorn Vets sent Riley's first batch of Thyronorm on Thursday by 1st Class Signed for delivery. Did not arrive yesterday, has not arrived today. I saw the postman outside. No, he didn't have a package for me and he got the sharp end of my tongue. I know it's not his fault. It's the organisation he works for ( Read more... )

I said that I would provide an update about Riley. Below is a message I posted in my local Cat Group on FB, which has received a considerable level of response ( Read more... )

It's very humid again although rain is forecast within the hour. This could present a problem for Ben, well that's the name I've given to the stray cat who spends hours in my garden beneath a close-woven wicker chair that night just keep him dry. I am working with others on the logistics of having him neutered. He is not my cat really but no-one ( Read more... )

I seem to have lost my mojo on several fronts. Here on LJ for example, no inspiration. Not much happening. There is of course the little stray(?) cat that visits my garden every day now and, given my love for cats, I'm looking out for him. I do feed him now because he is always ravenous and I really need to decide what to do for the future welfare ( Read more... )

That's it then for several more weeks. Brother Dave davesmusictank has left the building to make his way back to Faversham. I have enjoyed his company for five days on this occasion. Plenty of good food and whisky, loads of music that stimulated a lot of debate - and a lot of laughs ( Read more... )