Applesauce encounters a decleater

The time had come to have Applesauce’s staples removed. Did you know that a staple remover is also called a staple decleater? Of course, I’m not sure if they use this term in veterinary offices, but none the less, I thought it was interesting. *smile*

She did not like the experience of having her staples removed…of course I think she was also in pain from the whole broken-leg-and-having-surgery experience. The doctor thought so to, Applesauce was sent home with pain killers.

Before she had her staples removed, I had explained to the doctor the Applesauce was walking “wrong” on her leg. She wasn’t putting much pressure down, which was to be expected. However, she was kind of dragging her leg (instead of just pulling it up in order to not use it,) and when she did put some pressure down, it would end up being on the top of her toes instead of the pads.

Imagine being on all fours and having your weight resting on the back side of your hands instead of your palms…sounds painful, right? I figured it had to be hurting Applesauce too…and the pain in her leg had to be bad to make putting pressure on the wrong side of her paw ok. That’s pain.


The doctor agreed that she was most likely in lots of pain…and possibly had some inflammation, hence the pain killers (turns out they are also an anti-inflammatory as well.) Of course, I get a bonus out of these pain killers…the medicine bottles will be great for letterboxing! *big grin* And I can get 1 refill…but at $45 a pop, I won’t be getting it just to have another bottle!

Angels on earth

I am amazed that I can find

ones who are so wonderful, generous and kind

Giving of themselves in so many ways

to make sure a beloved pet has many more days

These people are surely angels on earth

they were given wings from God at birth

And in their heart, love freely flows

bringing others up from deepest lows

Hope and happiness they have brought to my life

easing my worry, my fear, and my strife

I am honored to call these angels my friends

for it was my breaking heart they've helped to mend.
~snapdragon

My cousin, and fellow letterboxer, keepin up with the Jones, set up a virtual event, Save Snap’s Kitties, on Atlas Quest to take donations…they are going to have a raffle to raise money. The raffle donations have begun to roll in, along with some monetary donations.

Bone Yard Recorder also has a blog and has made a post to showcase the quilt her mum and her mum's sisters made as a donation to raise money. BYR is one of the most kind and generous persons I know, and my BFF *smile*

mstrwndl is another letterboxer who has mentioned the cause on his blog...check out the post titled: Hey Middle Tennessee Letterboxers

I am so touched by the generous giving of the letterboxing community, and I will never be able to thank them enough.

THANK YOU to everyone who has been a part of this effort!!! you are all angels on earth!

Applesauce has surgery

Well, one night I went outside to clean a "present" of the porch (a mole, if you must know,) and heard Applesauce's quiet mewing. I called for her and she did not come, she only lay there. My heart started to race. It was like the moment I found Onyx all over again. I went to pick her up, and sure enough, her hind leg just dangled. I started crying immediately. I knew it was broken. I also knew I would never be able to get the money needed for another surgery.

I took her inside with me, held her in my arms, and just cried for what seemed like hours. My mind raced thinking of what I could do to save her from being put down, and my best hope was to take her to the vet's and see if anyone there would want to keep her and take care of her injury. I was extremely sad to think that she would have to go to another home, but the alternative was worse.

I got online to express my feelings to my letterboxing friends, I just wanted some good thoughts sent my way, a few prayers that all would turn out well. In addition to the thoughts of warmth and caring I received, my friends also began to conspire to help me with the surgery costs. They were going to make sure I did not have to give up my kitty, and Coffee Mug, Pioneer Spirit, Rosmarinus, and keepin up with the Jones all made sure I knew that before I took my kitty in. They are such sweet people. The whole letterboxing community is so wonderful.

The next morning when I took Onyx in to get his staples removed, I took Applesauce with me, knowing I had the support of my friends to help. It was confirmed that her leg was broken, the fracture was right in the middle of her femur. She would need surgery. I knew I would not have the money by the time I had to pick her up in two days, and so the doctor set up a payment plan and I left Applesauce in their care.

A couple days later I was able to pick Applesauce up. The vet assistant brought her to me, and the first thing she did was lick my hand. She is such a sweet kitty. I brought her home and made her a comfortable, quiet place and let her rest.