I took three animals to our vet clinic in Helena today. Goldie was due for her next round of chemotherapy, and our internal medicine specialist in Missoula, Dave Bostwick, had been treating her cancer. But we had two cats who were also due for their annual vaccinations and health exams, and both were pending adoption, so we needed to get that done this week, too. And that was something our clinic in Helena needed to do instead of Dave.
We try to minimize the number of trips we make -- Missoula is 60 miles to the west of us and Helena is 70 miles to the east -- and to save money (gas) and time (never enough), our goal is to make no more than one trip per week to either town. Dave had earlier suggested that if we ever got in a jam and needed to go to Helena rather than Missoula, he would be happy to ask our internal medicine specialist in Helena, Dr. Britt Culver, to step in and administer Goldie's chemo. (We're incredibly lucky to have two internal medicine specialists, one in either direction!)
So yesterday Dave faxed over Goldie's treatment protocol to Britt, who graciously agreed to administer the chemo today. Britt is married to our primary care vet, Dr. Brenda Culver, who was just out at the ranch doing the annual exams and vaccinations on the dogs a couple of weeks ago.
In the photo above, vet tech Heather A. is holding Goldie while Britt injects the chemo drug. As usual, Goldie did just fine and continued to pester me as I drove around Helena running errands. It's amazing, but so far she has shown no ill effects from the chemotherapy.
Britt was also kind enough to go ahead and take care of the cats, too. In this next photo Britt is doing the physical exam on three-legged Honey Girl:
We have a potential adopter coming out to the ranch this weekend to meet Honey Girl, so if it happens, we'll have it on the blog next week.
And here is Britt with wobbly Claire:
Our employee Amy is adopting Claire, so she will soon be leaving the cat house for a home of her own with Amy!
Hello good people. I just wanted to remind all the Animal Lovers in California to vote yes on prop 2.
It will require that farms stop animal cruelty
Please check it out at
yesonprop2.com
also I get a little tear everytime I read the Animals stories.
Posted by: Steve Warner | October 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Amy--You told me you just LOVED Claire and now she'll be part of your family. Honey Girl is a fantastic kitty! Goldie--praying for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | October 10, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Hooray for these adoptions!!!! And three cheers for Goldie that she is doing so well on her chemo treatment.
Posted by: Linda | October 10, 2008 at 08:44 AM
What gorgeous cats! I would really miss hearing about Honey Girl's antics, but whom ever adopts these gals are very fortunate folks. Bless everyone who had a hand in their rescues.
Posted by: Jane T | October 09, 2008 at 07:52 PM
What a heart-warming blog! ...two potential cat adoptions and Goldie's progress! Sending all loads of hugs!
Posted by: Nina | October 09, 2008 at 06:43 PM
As a cat lady, I am SO happy that two (hopefully) are getting their own people. I hope all goes well!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | October 09, 2008 at 11:34 AM
What a wonderful blog...so happy that Goldie is doing well with the chemo...and someone is thinking of adopting Honey Girl?? Fantastic news! Amy, you are going to make a wonderful "mom" for Claire...my heart is all warm and fuzzy this morning!
Posted by: Debbie | October 09, 2008 at 05:46 AM
Three cheers for Amy and Claire and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Honey Girl!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | October 09, 2008 at 01:23 AM
Wow, that is fantastic that you do have two internal medical specialist that are able to help Goldie. That picture of her getting the chemo just takes my breath away. But, I am thrilled there have been no side effects & I hope she continues to pester the heck out of you as you do errands. You know that has to be the highlight of her day! Wonderful news about Honey Girl & Claire. I have always been so partial to both of them. Honey Girl for her beautiful markings & Claire because she looks so much like a baby girl I used to have named Sasha. Their faces are so much alike. I hope the potential adopter for Honey Girl works to everyone's delight. And, Claire's new family is going to be the forever home she deserves!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | October 08, 2008 at 11:50 PM