A Note in His File

Another family member has a doctor appointment today other than me - it's Freckles the cat.

Freckles is a large, dominant male. He has a bit of a reputation.

Day in, day out, around the house Freckles is lovable, playful and kind to those he knows, Barb, Alyssa and I. He's not too fond of new things. He absolutely hates to travel anywhere. He just likes to stay in the house where he knows every corner. And he's not too fond of new faces, new people that he doesn't know. (And it takes many visits and some commitment to earn Freckle's approval.)

It happens to be time for Freckles to receive his regular shots. Trips to the vet typically have been wild. Once Freckles is in the car he starts to whimper, cry, foam at the mouth, soil his cage. Then he'll hiss and scratch at the vet. Trying his best to prevent anything that we have planned for him. Then the home car trip is more of the same. We feel so bad for him. It seems to take so much out of him.

Last time at the vet we worked hard to calm Freckles on the floor, petting him and reassuring him. When the vet entered the room we warned him of Freckles often aggressive nature toward strangers.

The vet said, "Oh I know. I noticed the note in his file."

Note in his file? Freckles has a note in his file? Oh man, our cat has a note in his file!

That visit we successfully calmed Freckles between Barb and I, while the vet conducted some "stealth" practices to complete the exam and medications.

This time, with everything going on, the vet has agreed to make a home visit to Freckles. It's still going to be traumatic for the fuzzy guy. But at least he'll skip the trauma of the ride in the car.

I feel for him. I really do. But it's still a nice switch to know that I'm not the one with a doctor's appointment for a change. (smile)