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Medusa
01-29-2011, 06:41 AM
While waiting in line at the funeral home yesterday I was behind a man that looked so familiar to me and, apparently, I looked familiar to him, too, b/c he kept turning around and looking at me. Then someone walked up to him, shook his hand, and asked about his son and if he was going to pursue a career in veterinarian medicine. After the man left, I finally asked "Are you a vet, too?" and he told me that he had worked w/Dr. LeBeau, so I asked his name. When he told me, I don't know how I ever could have forgotten except that we're both 9 years older and he has a lot more gray hair and is wearing a beard.

When I rescued Creamsicle, Dr. LeBeau was on vacation, so I went to this vet. I had never heard of cerebellar hypoplasia and had no idea what was causing her to appear to be drunk and falling down all the time. He, too, either hadn't heard of it or he just didn't care b/c he said "I think this is from rabies and I would advise having her PTS". My head was spinning and I didn't want to give up on her but I sure didn't want her to suffer from the effects of rabies. I had to go to work so I left her there at the clinic and I later called from work to check on her. He brought up the subject of euthanasia again and b/c she was so tiny at only 5 weeks old, he said that the needle would have to be injected directly into her heart. My own heart was pounding at that point and I said "Would it be painful for her?" and he said "Yes, very painful". At that, my heart dropped and I said "Don't touch her. I'm coming in to get her". I made my excuses at work and drove to the clinic, called them from my car to make sure that Creamsicle wouldn't be touched. I was assured that she wouldn't be but I was so frantic that I said "If you hang up, I'll just keep calling back" so they stayed on the phone w/me.

Well, you know the rest of the story. Creamsicle is now 9 years old, has improved greatly and is the sweetheart of everyone who meets her. I later sent a letter to the clinic w/a photo of Cgirl enclosed and said "This is what hope looks like". Imagine...meeting up w/him after all these years and not recognizing the man who would have ended her life and robbed me of all these wonderful years w/my special little Creamsicle.

happylabs
01-29-2011, 07:28 AM
Oh my what a story! You just knew in your heart, didn't you? I never realized how much she resembles my sweet orange boy Buddy. I have always loved that name you gave her, Creamsicle. :love:

Freedom
01-29-2011, 07:39 AM
Imagine...meeting up w/him after all these years and not recognizing the man who

Clearly you blocked out that horrible encounter. GOOD FOR YOU! It sure has made your life much more enjoyable all these years; not dwelling on the bad stuff.

I never knew this story, again GOOD JOB sticking up for your instincts and a wee 5 week old "drunken" kitty. Oh Mary, you must be bursting with pride at how this all developed! What a happy ending tale!

Love the photos of your C'girl, too, mwah! to her.

pomtzu
01-29-2011, 07:40 AM
And this guy was a vet????? :rolleyes::confused: I hope he gained more knowledge as the years went by.

Creamsicle looks so much like my Sherbet (aka Sherbie) - 2 cute little servings of ice cream! ;) :D Love the pic of Cgirl and Coco together - so sweet!

kitten645
01-29-2011, 08:50 AM
I think I would have been tempted to kick him in the shins! (And I'm being kind...upper would have been more likely!) Such a great story of hope. Cgirl is a treasure. Her and Coco are an awwww pic for sure. Kisses to all your furbabies!

Medusa
01-29-2011, 08:56 AM
I did say this: "Makes you think, doesn't it? I wonder how many people will be willing and happy to stand in line for hours just to get a glimpse of me when I die? I wonder what impact I will have made in people's lives." We didn't speak from that point on. I think he then realized who I was and it was better left alone. I'd like to think that he grew from our shared experience w/Creamsicle but according to what I've heard about him through the years, that isn't the case. He lacks the compassion gene. He may be a skilled vet; I'm not qualified to say but w/o compassion, you're not the vet for me.

catmandu
01-29-2011, 09:22 AM
:love::love:
How lucky Creamsicle is that you took her away from that Vet.
She is such a Dear Cat, and we love seeing her gain.
My Cats are impressed that Creamsicle has a C Note to spend.
:rolleyes::rolleyes:
What a rich Cat in so many ways.:love::love:

Laura's Babies
01-29-2011, 06:44 PM
My stubborness wouldn't have allowed me to let him get away without asking him if he remembered that kitty he wanted to PTS and bragged to him I still had that cat, then educate him on CH and what it is..

BarbPond
01-29-2011, 07:52 PM
Medusa... What a wonderful looking kitty Creamsicle turned out to be!

I am with you on that Laura! I would have HAD to tell the cold blooded so & so where to go!

And Kitten645... I would have definelately had to aim higher!

krazyaboutkatz
01-29-2011, 07:53 PM
Wow! I'm glad that this story had a happy ending and that you brought Creamsicle home that day.:) I think that I would've at least told him that I still had her and informed him about her CH just like Laura said.

Medusa
01-29-2011, 08:23 PM
If I had been anywhere but in a funeral home, I probably would've let him have it but I didn't want to say or do anything to cause a scene there. I loved and respected Dr. LeBeau so much that I didn't want to show any type of disrespect towards him or his family. I could tell by the expression on his face that he knew who I was and he knows I now go to Dr. Lee b/c I mentioned it. I think then it clicked.

katladyd
01-29-2011, 09:23 PM
That man had a degree in veterinary medicine, but he was NOT a vet! Vets have a heart and fight hard for all of their patients!!!:mad:

kaycountrygal
01-29-2011, 09:36 PM
Loved your cat photos. Gosh, it's scarey to think what could have happened if you had followed that vet's advice (and I use the term "vet" loosely). Thank Goodness, you used your brain and went elsewhere. I agree with Laura. I would have had to say something about my cat now being 9 yrs old but I understand you didnt want to start something at a funeral home. Kay