Dearest Lori, and, of course, you too, not feeling so well, handsome Tom Tom,
Two vets trained me to give fluids to Giz. Her long-time ER vet (non ER emergency) went between the shoulders on full flow with one vet tech in the room and two hovering outside the entrance if assistance was needed. Said to me and all in attendance, we need to move fast with Giz. So fast, that apparently, when Giz was done, she separated herself from the needle, jumped off that chrome table (why do they have to be cold chrome?), scared the crap out everyone because she was loose, even though all she wanted was to get back in her carrier (which she'd never gone to willingly...) and, unfortunately, the door was closed. I gently pushed her back a tad and opened the door. This happened when we were told, once a week fluids might be a good thing... She was late 16 at the time...
A few months later, at age 17, her regular vet showed me his version with two vet techs in attendance, one in elbow length falconer gloves. He chose to do half on one flank and half on the other. Giz chose, if you can call it choosing, one flank was it. The other flank made us all think about umbrellas... Again, she scared the crap out of everyone but me. I knew where she was heading, so I opened the door. This happened when we were told three times a week would be a good thing... I told her vet, I'm only going to have one chance with this cat, so switching sides is not an option. He agreed. Said go between the shoulders...
So, when it came time to do the deed myself, and after practicing on a towel wrapped to the size of Giz and making it growl and move back and forth like Giz, and timing how long it takes on full flow (2 minutes depending on dose and size of needle the size of small states) -- with Giz watching mesmerized the entire time by my side -- I finally did the deed, you know, maybe like two days later. And we did our best on and off for maybe a month or two. I learned to cover electrical equipment...
The thing I learned dancing with Giz was that whatever she was willing to do, I'd learn how to do it. But, quite frankly, I think she preferred me practicing giving fluids to the towel and watching rather than receiving... I knew, in my heart, that probably meant less time in the long run. But, I knew in my heart, it meant more comfortable time for Giz in the short run. I always told her whatever would be, would be based on her decision. I always respected Gizzie's mind and her heart...
I learned such incredible grace and fortitude from this most ornery cat when she understood tests and shots made her feel better. Giz defined treats and sugar cat math: tests + TREATS + shots = feeling better! And, she did!
She just couldn't come up with math for the fluids. I respected her for that, too.
One sunny Tuesday morning in May, woke up to Giz staring at me. That was certainly not unusual as we had done that for 18 years! But, that morning it was. She was staring at me with such great love and warmth. I was like, finally, I've done something right! But, at that moment, my heart knew our days, hours, or minutes were numbered... And, they were. Two nights later, she danced her last steps in my arms at home exactly where she chose on her own terms...
Dearest Lori, I'm not saying this is where you and handsome Tom are. Actually, I'm going to speak for Giz who would suggest you go beyond the envelope. Giz would suggest pastrami. Okay, and peach yogurt. And cheese, preferably extra sharp cheddar. Maybe provolone or mozzarella, if Tom's in an Italian mood. Muenster or Monterrey Jack could work. Cheese can be a hand-held thing so you might have to climb up that hill, but wear a harness...
Giz appreciated service and spirit!
Keeping you both close in our hearts, thoughts, and hungry healing prayers.
Much love and countless hopeful healing hugs for you both,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, who taught me everything about my fridge and pantry and what she might like to eat that meal...
