When bad things happen to good animals...
We had a wonderful time in Mexico.
But, we came back to very bad circumstances.
I found Fluffy, the cat I have loved for 16 years - the sweetheart I had taken into my home when she was 10 weeks old – dead in my closet.
She had been lying there for 6 days when I found her. I know this…because I know this. I won’t go into details, except to say that she tried to fight the pet-sitter’s dog, and obviously lost.
The thing that haunts us most is that she died alone, and terrified. John and I would have done anything to prevent that, but we weren’t there when she needed us.
Our little "Braveheart" Cleo, also did not fare well while we were gone. She was “bullied” (the pet-sitter’s word) last Thursday – a week ago - by the larger dog owned by the pet-sitter. For whatever reason, Cleo was not taken to a vet - until we arrived home late Sunday afternoon and realized that she was in bad trouble.
The person who was staying at our house brought her dog to stay with her in the house while we were gone. It is a large dog when compared to a 4-pound Chihuahua, and to a frail, 16-year-old cat. I’m sure the dog was only “playing”, dogs being dogs and all.
Obviously, things did not go well.
However, we are fairly certain that - although we have lost our beloved cat, Fluffy - Cleo is going to live.
That’s what we must concentrate on at the moment. Her injuries are horrible – we have to give her a shot of “doggie” morphine to change her bandages every day - and will be doing so for at least a month. Thanks to the drugs, she sleeps most of the time, and rest is what she needs.
We do not blame the person who took care of our animals while we were gone.
We do not blame her dog.
We cannot help but question her judgment, but we realize that this is any pet-sitter’s nightmare - and so we are moving on.
But, we are still suffering.
You will, I hope, now understand why I have not been blogging since we got back on Sunday.
I know you all wish us well.
I will be back soon.
In the meantime, thank you for the support I know each and every one of you who read this post will be giving us.
Love,
Chatty and The Wiz
But, we came back to very bad circumstances.
I found Fluffy, the cat I have loved for 16 years - the sweetheart I had taken into my home when she was 10 weeks old – dead in my closet.
She had been lying there for 6 days when I found her. I know this…because I know this. I won’t go into details, except to say that she tried to fight the pet-sitter’s dog, and obviously lost.
The thing that haunts us most is that she died alone, and terrified. John and I would have done anything to prevent that, but we weren’t there when she needed us.
Our little "Braveheart" Cleo, also did not fare well while we were gone. She was “bullied” (the pet-sitter’s word) last Thursday – a week ago - by the larger dog owned by the pet-sitter. For whatever reason, Cleo was not taken to a vet - until we arrived home late Sunday afternoon and realized that she was in bad trouble.
The person who was staying at our house brought her dog to stay with her in the house while we were gone. It is a large dog when compared to a 4-pound Chihuahua, and to a frail, 16-year-old cat. I’m sure the dog was only “playing”, dogs being dogs and all.
Obviously, things did not go well.
However, we are fairly certain that - although we have lost our beloved cat, Fluffy - Cleo is going to live.
That’s what we must concentrate on at the moment. Her injuries are horrible – we have to give her a shot of “doggie” morphine to change her bandages every day - and will be doing so for at least a month. Thanks to the drugs, she sleeps most of the time, and rest is what she needs.
We do not blame the person who took care of our animals while we were gone.
We do not blame her dog.
We cannot help but question her judgment, but we realize that this is any pet-sitter’s nightmare - and so we are moving on.
But, we are still suffering.
You will, I hope, now understand why I have not been blogging since we got back on Sunday.
I know you all wish us well.
I will be back soon.
In the meantime, thank you for the support I know each and every one of you who read this post will be giving us.
Love,
Chatty and The Wiz
Oh, Chatty!! I am so, so very sorry.
Take the time you need to take care of each other, all of you. If possible (because I know you love her so very much), please give Cleo extra love from me today.
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I had a feeling something was up because I knew you would have shared about your travels.
Oh My? Sorry for your pets.
Unfortunately, I do hold the pet sitter slightly accountable. If it was a baby sitter? And, her child had bulled my children -- just playing like children do? You don't wanna' know my reaction.
But, that isn't important now. Sorry about your cat...at least she has 16 wonderful years loved by y'all.
And, I sure hope Cleo has a peaceful recovery. Hang in there,
-FW
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Oh Chatty and the Wiz, my heart goes out to you. What a horrible thing to come home too. Take good care of your baby. My thoughts are with you!
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Oh Chatty! My heart is breaking for the two of you right now! ((( Big HUGS )))
I am terribly sorry for your loss, I know that is of little comfort at this time, but know that I am sending well wishes your way.
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What a horrible thing to come home to. You are such a kind person not to blame the sitter.
Take really good care of the dog.
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Oh, Chatty & Wiz, I am so very sorry for your loss & for the suffering you're going through not only with Fluffy's death, but also with Cleo's injuries. Having lost so many pets precious to us over the last year to illness and age, it is something I can relate to all too well. Please know I'm thinking of you both and wishing for a speedy recovery for Cleo. Give her a hug and tell her that a Princess in Iowa is thinking of her!
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oh sweetie, so sad to read this, you are in my thoughts.
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OH NO! Hogs and kisses Chatty, I am terribly sorry.
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Oh Beth and John, I am so, so saddened to read about your beloved Fluffy. I sure hope that Cleo mends cleanly and quickly. And, I commend you on your very evolved response toward your pet sitter. My heart aches for you.
Love and Sympathies~
Cate
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I'm really sorry that you had to come back from a nice time to all that. You have my sincerest condolences. I do hope that Cleo bounces back soon.
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Me thinks you're WAY too nice! Since I'm not nearly so forgiving, can I beat the dog-sitter for you? Just a little? Pleeeease?
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Oh Chatty, I am a bit late visiting on this one, and I am just sick as I read it. My sincere condolences, this had to be so rough! I would have a hard time not being upset with the sitter, honestly, but you guys know the circumstances more than me... A strange animal being brought into the home of two that it doesn't know isn't a great judgment call i.m.o., but nonetheless, i'm so sorry for your loss.
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