Eve dug out this toy that belonged to our old cat. It’s just a really long string of polar fleece attached to a stick. He was crazy about this thing. Eve washed it so Tulip could give it a try. She loves it too! She can hear it tapping on the floor and pounce right on it. She has great fun sitting up on her hind feet and swatting at it. She keeps grabbing the string and trying to walk away with it. I’ll have to get a short video of this in the next few days. It’s pretty cute. It also keeps her from pacing in front of the door for a while.

Tulip’s first visit to the vet went surprisingly well. I came home early from work. I was hoping that it wouldn’t take me all day to round her up, and to my relief and delight, she was downstairs sitting at the front door. With her in an easy spot, I rushed to get the carrier. I proceeded downstairs as calm as I could be so as to not give away my intentions. She was surprised to be in her carrier, but decided not to fight it and just settled in.

I clumsily placed her in the car, securing the seat belt around the carrier. Not one time during this whole experience did I hear a peep from her. Call it indifference or contentment. She wasn’t worried or anxious or fearful. What night and day between her car riding reaction and our old cat’s!

I got to the vet’s a little early. The longer I was in that waiting area, the more people and pets piled in. Tulip was calm as can be. I had the top of the carrier open so I could pet her. She just laid there, moving her head now and then to pay attention to particular noises. She didn’t seem to care about the dog that was barking in the adjacent room behind the closed door.

When it was finally Tulip’s turn, the vet assistant asked me to place her on the scale, which was in the waiting area. I warned her that with all of the people, pets, and noises all around, it is unpredictable what a blind cat will do. She agreed to allow me to weight Tulip while in the carrier.

After that, Tulip and I were led to the room where the barking dog had been previously. I set Tulip on the examination table. Thank goodness there was a small blanket between her and the cold metal table. A little comfort in a strange place goes a long way.

I learned that the vet assistant also has a blind cat. It’s amazing how we are learning of others that have pets with similar situations. It must be that law attraction being applied. Her cat’s name is Cosmo. Cute!

After asking me a few questions about Tulip’s history, of which I kept referring back to the folder Janet put together for us, she left us. It was just me and Tulip in that room until Dr. Cote came in. Tulip was being so sweet and patient through it all. She never sat up but just kept her paws tucked under her while I petted her constantly.

Dr. Cote was so welcoming. She has got to be the nicest, caring, non-sales oriented vet ever! I didn’t feel rushed or limited for her attention. She made sure I had all my concerns and questions addressed. She’s so personable.

Tulip’s health is excellent. She received her distemper shot (FVRCP) and a teeth cleaning with some yummy seafood flavor toothpaste. The doc recommended we clean Tulip’s side and back teeth with it at least once a week. So, she’ll be on a Sunday-brush-teeth-time schedule starting this weekend. And with that, Tulip’s scheduled to come in in 12 months.

I hope Dr. Cote finds her way to this blog and if she would permit us to place her business info here. Now I see why Janet highly, Highly, HIGHLY recommended her to us!

Eve swept off the deck today and blocked off the railing with blankets so Tulip could explore out there safely. She’s been pacing in front of the sliding door for days now. She obviously realizes that something is out there.

I’ve been paper writing all day, so I put a blanket down on the deck and sat out here with my computer working. She finally decided to come out and investigate. She’s found her way up onto every chair and the air conditioner. I love watching her explore.

There’s a tree that hangs over our deck, so she’s been “watching” the hummingbirds up there. I think she’s having a pretty good day. I also think we’re all going to get some rest tonight after all the fresh air.