Dear Bacon Supporters,

It is always super wonderful to visit Bacon and find him alert and raring to go. The other day, I peeked in and noticed he was sitting quietly in his house, in a contemplative kind of mood. His food bowl was empty, so he must have been hungry when he woke up.

I let myself into the room, and before I had a chance to sit on the floor, he was up and out, traipsing over to sniff me.

“You know me,” I said softly, as he leaned in for a pet.

This is the Bacon I love. He’s relaxed and curious. He circles around me, but stops when he’s completely behind me, to sniff and sniff and bop his face against my back. Or does he just want to sniff my water bottle?

I imagine him thinking, “I just want to make sure this is really Kate.”

I laugh. I recently had my hair cut, so do I look different to him?

“I have a surprise for you.”

I’m holding his favorite snack: urinary treats that he’s allowed to have. Usually, I shake the bag and then put a small pile in front of him. This time, I put them in his empty bowl. Aha. Why didn’t I think of this before? As he scoops each one into his mouth, the bowl keeps them from going too far astray.

I refill his bowl a second time, and he scarfs those up, too. Then he’s out and about, wandering over to the fountain for a drink. He comes back around and circles me once, twice, three times, and then finally stops in front.

“You want a pet,” I tell him, and he doesn’t disagree. He loves to be petted under his chin, and he’ll move his head this way and that.

Time with Bacon is precious. I’m aware of each and every minute. I know that too much stimulation is not good for him. Not enough time spent is not good for me. This time, I stay longer than I usually do—a good fifteen minutes.

I’m convinced that cats don’t always understand every word you say, but they get the tone of your voice. “You’re such a sweetie,” I tell him over and over again.

I know he understands. And, keep in mind, he isn’t always this exuberant. Sometimes he’s under the desk, resting comfortably, lulled, perhaps, by the gentle hum of the machinery around him. A safe haven? I don’t mind scooting underneath and petting him. Today, though, he is raring to go.

In medical news, Bacon was sedated this month for a full physical exam, blood tests, a urinalysis, and a check of his anti-seizure medication levels, in addition to getting his annual vaccines. Everything was “in order, for Bacon.” Not my words, but I know what they mean!

I’m so eternally grateful that this sweet boy is doing okay… for Bacon.

Thanks, as always, for your continued support for our boy. I’ll see him again in a few days and give him a special pet from all of you.

Your correspondent,
Kate