I know. Nearly a month ago I said I had another post running around in my head. I still do. But this isn’t it. Like I said. Distractions.
Having my brother here for 11 days. It was good having another human in the house to talk to.
More distractions. Some time shortly after my brother left I noticed that Zen was struggling to get up on the bed, the couch, and his favorite chair at times. 😢
So I made an appointment with our vet to come to us to do X-rays. Meanwhile I increased Zen’s dose of Zoey’s (Chinese) herbal meds. So by the time Dr. Simpson and his tech arrived the following week, Zen was starting to feel better. He was still struggling but not as much.
And even more distractions. During the week in between the phone call and the appointment, one of our pet sitters found our beloved TCVM vet via Facebook. Or maybe it was Substack. Whatever. At first I was skeptical because Dr. B. had dropped social media like a hot potato when she left clinical practice to spend more time with her kiddos. (Can’t say as I blame her, either, considering some of the attitudes I heard about later on.) But I made some phone calls to folks who would know and got the answer I was hoping for. That really was her whom Jen had found and told me about. So, I reached out and got a response. 💕
More distractions: reading Dr. B.’s articles on Substack. Back when she was giving Ducky acupuncture treatments, she had gotten me interested in TCVM – fascinated, really – but with Bogie’s tragic death and then losing Ducky while trying to manage Sam and his demons, I couldn’t keep up. Anyway, fast forward to last week….
Dr. Simpson did an all-over hands-on exam once Zen finally realized that the guy who stole his manhood was here to help him and relaxed a little. A little insight here: Dr. Simpson is like the Energizer bunny on steroids and that high-frequency energy just wears my poor, low-key boy out. 🥹 That’s why I was so thrilled when Dr. B. started working with Dr. Simpson. And heartbroken when she left. Presumptive diagnosis: a muscle strain or soft tissue injury in the left pelvic region. Treatment: 15 days of Carprofen to reduce the inflammation. It’s Working! Zen isn’t struggling any more.
Meanwhile, I had a ZOOM call with Dr. B. on Friday to discuss TCVM options for Zen. And on Tuesday I received her report with recommendations. Too many to list here and now, but I’m working on them. One is to get a little bit of weight off the boy. Thankfully – I guess – it’s been hot and humid all week so the Z Kiddos haven’t missed the food and treats I cut back on. (Zoey still needs to lose a few pounds, too.)
So, once I have all these distractions worked into our normal day-to-day life, I’ll try to get back to the post I’ve been meaning to write for the past month. But for now I’m just going to say have a great weekend!
Here’s a pic of Zen dealing with Zoey’s sass….
in my heart 4ever 
It’s hard when a favorite vet moves or retires or simply decides to do other things. I pray all is well soon with Zen.
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It really is hard; but I try to put myself in their shoes before judging. In Dr. B’s case, it was a matter of choosing family (two very young children, hubby, and pets) over work. I’m just so glad that she decided to do the veterinary consulting as an alternative. She is one of those people who can calm you down by simply walking into the room. Zen absolutely adored her and Zoey loves everybody. As to Zen, I see improvement every day. Thank you for the prayers. 🙏🏻
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Oh Zen…you’re a master of diplomacy!
Glad he’s feeling better and you’ve hooked up again with your former vet. Making sure our fur babies are well taken care of and not rushed makes a big difference for them and us. Stay well, keep smiling and eat that elephant one bite at a time. And by all means, give the Z-kids a nice ear rub from me.
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Thanks! Finding Dr. B again was like being a little kid waking up to a room full of Christmas presents! I am still in 7th Heaven. I wish I could convince her to come to the house to give these two an acupuncture treatment, or even just a clinical canine massage. Maybe someday. Right now she has two little ones at home, so I’ll just try to be patient. 😉
Give Wilson some belly and ear rubs for me! You stay well, too!
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Nice to see you and I’m sure glad to hear that the Vet thing worked out and Zen is feeling better!
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Thanks! I read your posts every day but sometimes – make that most times – I don’t have time to leave a comment. But rest assured, I enjoy all the kitties from afar.
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Thanks! I am too! I’ve really missed Dr. B! She just made Zen feel so much better at the vet’s when she was there. He adored her. Finding a vet with such a calming aura is nearly impossible these days.
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The photo is too funny! Glad your pup is feeling better.
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Hope little Gracie and all the kitties are doing well!
I just love that photo of Zen sitting on Zoey’s head! Even on my darkest days it makes me laugh.
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Lots going on there! Hopefully Zen will heal up quickly. Benji had a sore neck last weekend, likely due to overzealous through the fence games with our Neighbor’s dog, his ‘girlfriend’, LOL! He is fine now.
I myself used TCM along with some other alternative herbals way back in 2006/7 when I was diagnosed with stage 3b cancer. I still use some of it on a very low maintenance dose.
Take care!
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Good to “see” you again!! Glad Benji healed up! A little rambunctious, huh? 😂 Zen is feeling less sore each day it seems, so hopefully he won’t need any more Carprofen when he’s done with this bottle and the herbals will be enough long-term! As for me, myself, and I, it seems as long as I stay on my own “maintenance” drugs, and eat a decent diet (most of the time), I’m fine. I’m overdue for my semiannual blood work by a couple of weeks, but it will have to wait until I can schedule a pet sitter for a morning “visit”.
You take care too!
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