Welcome Home, Maggie!

We waited on pins and needles this morning for the call from Dundas West Animal Hospital, which would update us on Maggie's recovery and when we could expect her home. They called us promptly after opening with great news: the little fighter has bounced back spectacularly and would be ready for discharge today at 12:30 pm sharp (as with our "human" hospitals, even vets need the room)...


I took an early lunch so Lidia, the boys, and I would make it on time--midday traffic being horrendous at just about every turn. We even found a parking spot right out front! Talk about your medical miracles...




I spoke with Dr. Bainbridge about the lab report and ultrasound results, all of which cleared her--and us--of any fear of tumours or lingering problems. In fact, Dr. Bainbridge was surprised at the success of her recovery--usually, there's some residual damage to the organs, even if not necessarily life-threatening. The antibiotics she'd been given drove away her infection but certainly not her fighting spirit, or her appetite.

Treatments were to continue at home for another ten days: we're supposed to give Maggie a half pill of Orbax daily and 0.5 ml of metronidazole drops every 12 hours. Ever tried to administer medication to a pet? At least the Dundas West folks are trained professionals...


"She's like whole new cat", I was told when she was finally brought to the lobby. "I don't want a new one", I answered, "I just want Maggie back!





Thankfully, it was our familiar, if somewhat logey, tortie, straining against the mesh of the pet carrier, meowing , clearly eager to familiar surroundings and routine...




Sporting shaved forelegs and tummy from her ultrasound and IV, Maggie looked a little different than when she left but it was her lingering aroma of the vet's office that caused her Minnie the most anxiety. Her normally serene sister erupted into a series of defensive hisses once Maggie bounded from the carrier.

Maggie wasted no time in checking out her old haunts, making sure everything was exactly as it should be, and even hopped in her hammock to catch some sun. She then moved upstairs to steal Minnie's favorite spot at the bedroom window to inspect the backyard, likely in the hopes of spotting Merlin, whom she missed out front by mere seconds (he must've known she was back!).









Upset with her sister's less-than-enthusiastic reception, Maggie retired to my closet for a well-earned snooze...

We could all use one...