It was the best of times and the worst of times, to borrow a line from Charles Dickens, for our dear Colleen this past month.
A recent ultrasound showed that Colleen’s kidneys were in worse shape than what her bloodwork indicated, which is never a good thing. The staff at Tabby’s Place also started Colleen on insulin and is taking regular blood glucose levels. Colleen, unfortunately, appears to be becoming diabetic. It seems, in a cruel twist of irony, fate has decreed at Tabby’s Place that there be so many cats with diabetes and not one fewer. As soon as the number of diabetic cats seemd to decrease by one (in this case, by Beatrice‘s going into remission), someone – Colleen, this time – rises up to fill the ranks. In Colleen’s case, it seems certain that her diabetes is caused by long-term use of steroids. Since Colleen absolutely needs her steroid medication, it’s a side effect we will simply have to treat.
And, if that isn’t enough for one poor girl to bear, Colleen is still having dermatitis issues on her face and continues to get laser and acupuncture treatments.
It is a real tribute to the staff that, with all the medical issues and treatments being levied at Colleen, she remains as happy and content as she is.
For example, I recently discovered her, all cozy as can be, squirreled away in a box fitted out to look like her own private house. With a comfy blanket to lay on, Colleen had the side walls of the box to give her all the privacy she needed, in the middle of the friendly noise and play of the other kitties in the Community Room.
The other day, when I visited, I discovered Colleen on the rug in front of the glass entrance doors to the Lobby. She was soaking up the last rays of sunshine before the sun moved over the top of Tabby’s Place.
No matter where she is, when I come over to visit, Colleen wants to be picked up, cuddled and petted, all the while seeming to love and appreciate every second of attention. She has the most lovely sounding purr, and when she settles into your lap, well, there is that feeling of contentment that radiates from her that makes everyone around feel very special.
I actually count myself very lucky to know her. I love volunteering at Tabby’s Place. I love interacting with the people here, but I also love “socializing” with the cats. That’s the official term. I have to admit that what happens with Colleen is more than just “socializing” – when those green eyes of hers make contact with mine and she shoots me one of her smiles, one of her “I’m glad to see you” looks, my heart melts, and I can’t wait to pick her up and hold her in my arms. She is what makes me continue to come back week after week.
Thank you, as always for your generous support. Colleen and I both wish you success with finding ways of keeping warm.