The Cost of Peace of Mind

Visit with the best vet in Halifax: $57.00
Anti-inflamatory and pain medication: $54.00
Anti-yeast med for incidental ear infection: $24.00
Script for thyroid meds for cat since I'm there anyway: $5.00

Full vet bill tonight: $154.00

Making sure my Furry Soul Mate is fine, PRICELESS.

Have you seen The G.olden C.ompass? Each human-like character in that movie has an external soul that takes the form of an animal creature who accompanies his Person everywhere. The characters can converse with their animal-souls, banter with thier conscience, problem solve and receive comfort from them. Rookie is my Furry Soul. If I could take him everywhere I go, I would.

For the past six weeks or so, Rook has struggled to jump up on our bed. Several times, and lately more often than not, he'd jump up only to limp around holding is hind leg up, whine and cry and have trouble settling. He seemed fine every other time - moved normally around the house, and spent time romping in the yard with Sam. Since losing Sam two weeks ago, Rook has been very clingy to me, and me to him, and his leg has been worse. Faced with the mortality of one beloved pet, I began to worry about what was going on with Rook. He's a pure Lab, and they are notorious for hip issues and arthritis. I wondered how mean it would be to have to face decisions with his deteriorating health so soon after having to make The Decision for Sam. The worry forced me to spend the money and look into his injury... I figured if it was something significant, we'd better get on it as soon as possible.

And so we come to the end of my long, happy story - Rookie is FINE. The vet checked his knee and hip and both seem strong and healthy. From my description of Rook's behaviour, the vet thinks he has a soft tissue injury and gave me some medication to help it heal faster. I can't express how relieved I am that he's okay. I was practically giddy driving home and every happy Country song made me cry.

N