We Have Been To Visit The Vet

A photo collage of the three kittens, Nellie, Little Edward and Bobby McGee, who were left at our farm on July 31.

They were desperately thin, very dirty, their coats matted and tatty.

We fed them, bathed them, told them they could live in our hay barn.

[They immediately took up residence on the porch, making frequent visits into the house.]

From the first moments it was evident that they love people.

Even as scrawny little catlets, they had gigantic purrs.

The thought of caring for more needy cats on a retirement income was daunting.

A local large animal veterinarian is associated with a program called

Lifebridge for Animals.

The vet's wife, who acts as his receptionist, informed us of this service.

One pays a very nominal fee and receives a voucher for spaying/neutering of a pet.

The 'boys' had their appointment on Tuesday.

They were meant to be delivered to the vet's surgery by 8:30 A.M.

I brought the cat carriers into the front hallway Monday evening, dusted them down and supplied each with a layer of newspaper and a soft old towel for bedding.

The three young cats spent the evening playing in and out of the carriers and it was no problem to coax them in and fasten the doors for transport the next morning.

The vet had several emergencies to deal with, thus the surgeries weren't performed until mid-afternoon.

We retrieved them at 4 P.M.--out for the count!

Back home, we placed the 3 cat carriers in front of the fireplace.

It was late in the evening before 3 bleary boys wobbled forth.

They tottered to the kibble dispenser, then had a sip of water, while I removed damp bedding and cleaned the carriers.

Having taken nourishment, it was back to sleep for our 'bully boys.'

By Wednesday morning--a bleak enough day here--the kittens seemed back to normal, if a bit subdued.

Here are Bobby McGee and Nellie at 7:30 A.M. on Thursday.

I was aware of a kitten or two purring on the bed in the depths of last night. Just before daylight, thumps and skiddings in the hallway, a small crash in the living room, signaled that the boys were raring to go!

While his brothers froliced under the tree, Little Edward turned up a catnip mouse and gave it a thorough thrashing.

On the front porch as early morning sun warms the concrete.

Nellie [on the steps] and Little Edward watch me through the glass of the storm door.

Nellie, behind the rosemary plants which are lined along the north edge of the porch.

Isn't 'he' a darling?