I am posting this to tell D. Sidhe how her lovely box of cranes was a dove of hope on what has to have been one of the worst days of my life. For the rest of you, here’s a recap of the horrible 24-hour period in question.
On Friday, I took TorgoKitten to the vet, who gave him a large dose of a sulfa medicine to kill the internal parasites that might or might not be causing his diarrhea – in any case, the antibiotic did cause the worst bout of diarrhea yet. T-Kit ran from room to room, leaving a trail of, um, filth, throughout the house. I gave him a bath (which is not fun, trust me), and then spot cleaned, used the enzyme cleaner to get out any remaining odor, then got out the Hoover Steam cleaner and cleaned the carpet in every room to make sure the rug was clean and fresh. This took about 3 hours.
And then he had another attack . . .
Anyway, after I got that cleaned up, I was beat, but the dogs were bouncing off the walls, and so I decided to take them for a walk before I crashed. So, we went for a walk in the freezing rain, and they were happy. I left them in the backyard to run around a bit more while I threw a load of laundry in the washer, so I could rest in good conscience. However, I had just got downstairs when I heard one of the dogs yelp loudly in pain. I ran in the backyard, and noticed with dread that the gate was open (apparently ice had kept the latch from closing securely even though it looked like it shut), and both dogs were missing. Just then, one of my neighbors pulled in my driveway and told me that he had just hit Flossie when she ran from my yard right in front of his car. I went the direction he told me she went, calling her name as I ran, but neither saw nor heard her. After about ten minutes I came back to get a flashlight and a coat, and just then the phone rang – it was somebody who had found Flossie! Apparently the lady heard scratching on her door, and when she opened it, there was a scared and wet Flossie! She found my phone number on Flossie’s tag.
The lady told me where she lived (it was the opposite direction from where I was looking), and I hurried there and picked her up. She was shaking, and had tire marks on her face and head, and some scrapes on her bottom, but otherwise looked unhurt. I took her home, wrapped her in a blanket, and then went out to look for Yodie. After covering about a mile on foot with no results, I went home to get my car. When I got inside, I realized that Flossie was in shock – her shivering was much worse, she was almost non-responsive to me, and just didn’t look good. I wanted to believe that none of this was real, because it didn’t seem right that everything could change in just a matter of seconds.
Anyway, I called my family for help. As soon as I told them what had happened, they were on their way to assist me.
My mother, my sister, my brother, and my brother’s dog looked for Yodie, while I held Flossie and waited for the vet to call me back. During that time I was worried that I was going to lose Flossie, because she was just so out of it. After about 30 minutes, I called another veterinary clinic – that vet was very helpful, asked me questions, and then told me that Flossie didn’t have a concussion, and was going to be okay. My own vet called me about ten minutes later, asked me even more questions, but gave the same diagnosis.
Flossie had come out of shock by then, and just had a headache and some bruises. That was like a miracle! But Yodie was still lost. My family had covered a lot of ground, but didn’t see hide nor hair of him. (My mother took a spotlight and looked in ditches and under cars for dog carcasses.)
Anyway, we all looked for him for another hour, but didn’t find him. We told each other that he was safe in somebody’s house, but Yodie is mistrustful of strangers, so I didn’t really believe it. I couldn’t stand the idea of him being out alone and scared on such a cold night, so I went out looking several more times during the night. I didn’t sleep in hopes that he would show up on the doorstep, and bark for admittance. (But he didn’t.)
Saturday morning, as soon as it was light, I went out looking some more. After I had been everywhere I could think of, I went home and starting making lost dog posters and flyers. I called Animal Control, all the vets’ offices, and the newspaper, which said that a Lost and Found ad wouldn’t appear until Tuesday’s paper. Anyway, I was sick from over-exertion, lack of sleep, and worry — and then the doorbell rang. It was the mail lady, with a package for me — a large box filled with dozens of colorful, beautiful origami swans. I cried. But my heart lifted, and I knew that somehow things were going to be okay.
About 20 minutes later, a neighbor named Joe called and asked me if I owned a Pomeranian. It seems that he saw Yodie running on the busy street in front of his house (which is about 2 blocks from where I live), dodging cars and barely missing getting hit, Joe was concerned, and followed Yodie as he frantically for about a half a mile, rendering his tired enough to be picked up. Joe took him home, and not seeing a tag (apparently Yodie’s collar came off some time during his adventure), kept him for the night. The next day he called various people he knew owned dogs, and finally the people across the street from me said that the description sounded liked Yodie. I raced over to Joe’s, where Yodie covered my face in kisses, but didn’t seem to be otherwise effected by his experience.
Anyway, Flossie is fine now, and other a tendency to bark at everything (even more than he did before), Yodie is fine too. I am still feeling sore and fatigued, though, so I guess it affected me more than it did them.
I spoiled the dogs rotten, even though they are brats who would undoubtedly run away again if they got the chance, but I bot a padlock for the gate so they can never get the chance.
So, in conclusion, thanks, D. Sidhe — I really believe that those cranes brought me peace and good luck, and I will always remember your kindness.
Posted by s.z. on Wednesday, October 25th, 2006 at 5:20 am.
14 Responses to “A Gift Of 100 Cranes”
On Friday, I took TorgoKitten to the vet, who gave him a large dose of a sulfa medicine to kill the internal parasites that might or might not be causing his diarrhea – in any case, the antibiotic did cause the worst bout of diarrhea yet. T-Kit ran from room to room, leaving a trail of, um, filth, throughout the house. I gave him a bath (which is not fun, trust me), and then spot cleaned, used the enzyme cleaner to get out any remaining odor, then got out the Hoover Steam cleaner and cleaned the carpet in every room to make sure the rug was clean and fresh. This took about 3 hours.
And then he had another attack . . .
Anyway, after I got that cleaned up, I was beat, but the dogs were bouncing off the walls, and so I decided to take them for a walk before I crashed. So, we went for a walk in the freezing rain, and they were happy. I left them in the backyard to run around a bit more while I threw a load of laundry in the washer, so I could rest in good conscience. However, I had just got downstairs when I heard one of the dogs yelp loudly in pain. I ran in the backyard, and noticed with dread that the gate was open (apparently ice had kept the latch from closing securely even though it looked like it shut), and both dogs were missing. Just then, one of my neighbors pulled in my driveway and told me that he had just hit Flossie when she ran from my yard right in front of his car. I went the direction he told me she went, calling her name as I ran, but neither saw nor heard her. After about ten minutes I came back to get a flashlight and a coat, and just then the phone rang – it was somebody who had found Flossie! Apparently the lady heard scratching on her door, and when she opened it, there was a scared and wet Flossie! She found my phone number on Flossie’s tag.
The lady told me where she lived (it was the opposite direction from where I was looking), and I hurried there and picked her up. She was shaking, and had tire marks on her face and head, and some scrapes on her bottom, but otherwise looked unhurt. I took her home, wrapped her in a blanket, and then went out to look for Yodie. After covering about a mile on foot with no results, I went home to get my car. When I got inside, I realized that Flossie was in shock – her shivering was much worse, she was almost non-responsive to me, and just didn’t look good. I wanted to believe that none of this was real, because it didn’t seem right that everything could change in just a matter of seconds.
Anyway, I called my family for help. As soon as I told them what had happened, they were on their way to assist me.
My mother, my sister, my brother, and my brother’s dog looked for Yodie, while I held Flossie and waited for the vet to call me back. During that time I was worried that I was going to lose Flossie, because she was just so out of it. After about 30 minutes, I called another veterinary clinic – that vet was very helpful, asked me questions, and then told me that Flossie didn’t have a concussion, and was going to be okay. My own vet called me about ten minutes later, asked me even more questions, but gave the same diagnosis.
Flossie had come out of shock by then, and just had a headache and some bruises. That was like a miracle! But Yodie was still lost. My family had covered a lot of ground, but didn’t see hide nor hair of him. (My mother took a spotlight and looked in ditches and under cars for dog carcasses.)
Anyway, we all looked for him for another hour, but didn’t find him. We told each other that he was safe in somebody’s house, but Yodie is mistrustful of strangers, so I didn’t really believe it. I couldn’t stand the idea of him being out alone and scared on such a cold night, so I went out looking several more times during the night. I didn’t sleep in hopes that he would show up on the doorstep, and bark for admittance. (But he didn’t.)
Saturday morning, as soon as it was light, I went out looking some more. After I had been everywhere I could think of, I went home and starting making lost dog posters and flyers. I called Animal Control, all the vets’ offices, and the newspaper, which said that a Lost and Found ad wouldn’t appear until Tuesday’s paper. Anyway, I was sick from over-exertion, lack of sleep, and worry — and then the doorbell rang. It was the mail lady, with a package for me — a large box filled with dozens of colorful, beautiful origami swans. I cried. But my heart lifted, and I knew that somehow things were going to be okay.
About 20 minutes later, a neighbor named Joe called and asked me if I owned a Pomeranian. It seems that he saw Yodie running on the busy street in front of his house (which is about 2 blocks from where I live), dodging cars and barely missing getting hit, Joe was concerned, and followed Yodie as he frantically for about a half a mile, rendering his tired enough to be picked up. Joe took him home, and not seeing a tag (apparently Yodie’s collar came off some time during his adventure), kept him for the night. The next day he called various people he knew owned dogs, and finally the people across the street from me said that the description sounded liked Yodie. I raced over to Joe’s, where Yodie covered my face in kisses, but didn’t seem to be otherwise effected by his experience.
Anyway, Flossie is fine now, and other a tendency to bark at everything (even more than he did before), Yodie is fine too. I am still feeling sore and fatigued, though, so I guess it affected me more than it did them.
I spoiled the dogs rotten, even though they are brats who would undoubtedly run away again if they got the chance, but I bot a padlock for the gate so they can never get the chance.
So, in conclusion, thanks, D. Sidhe — I really believe that those cranes brought me peace and good luck, and I will always remember your kindness.
Posted by s.z. on Wednesday, October 25th, 2006 at 5:20 am.
14 Responses to “A Gift Of 100 Cranes”
I am so glad you got your doggies back
I’m glad the dogs came home safe and mostly sound. Yay!
Wow. Allow me to say that you have patience and energy I can only dream about having one day, especially when it comes to pets. Then again, I’m a cat owner. They come and go as they please and if they refuse to come in during the evening, then I guess they will just have to tough it out under Mr. Korabachi’s car. Never fails. The next morning they’re always meowing and scratching at the door, as if to say “stupid human! Where were you all night? We’ve been waiting to come in for at least 3 hours! We’re freezing!” Won’t keep them from pulling the same stunt the next evening, though.
Thank the FSM that all your beasties are OK!!!
I predict that you will marry Joe. I certainly hope you get a good night’s sleep tonight, s.z.! Love to you all!
Man, and I thought I had pet problems… I’m so glad the dogs are back home and okay. My best friend’s cats and dog have all gotten loose at one time or another and disappeared for days. It’s a sickening feeling, not being able to find the ones you love.
I’m glad you got the cranes, too, and that they helped make your day a bit better. I actually have no idea how many I sent you, I just scooped them into the box.
I really only count them as I dump them out of the box I fold them into at my desk, into the big storage boxes. It’s all very imprecise, and I’m widely regarded as a weirdo by the serious origami people, and obsessed by everyone else. Except the cats, who are delighted with all the toys.
I’m glad you got the cranes, too, and that they helped make your day a bit better. I actually have no idea how many I sent you, I just scooped them into the box.
I really only count them as I dump them out of the box I fold them into at my desk, into the big storage boxes. It’s all very imprecise, and I’m widely regarded as a weirdo by the serious origami people, and obsessed by everyone else. Except the cats, who are delighted with all the toys. Thank heaven both dogs are okay, and home safe. Please keep us updated on the kitten situation when you’ve rested up from this last adventure. (Of course pictures to coo over wouldn’t be sneered at either!)
I read this blog for the snark, mostly, and this was like finding a big chocolate chip of heartwarming goodness in the middle of a ginger snap cookie.
have you considered getting one of these (NSFW)for the Torgo Kittie? of course, it may have the opposite effect.
good to hear everyone made it home relatively safe and sound
good to hear everyone made it home relatively safe and sound
100 cranes, huh?
Maybe we could take up a collection and get 1,000 for the country?
Maybe we could take up a collection and get 1,000 for the country?
Gosh, D.Sidhe, not only are you acidly hilarious on a regular basis, you are also a nice person. How great that your cranes got there on the perfect day. S.Z., once again I join the chorus praising your stunning resemblance to St. Francis, and I mean that sincerely, as someone who has just one pet–an elderly, chronically ill kitty who requires a lot of care. I can imagine the level of joy both you and Yodie felt upon seeing each other. Sometimes I feel like that just coming home and night and seeing she’s still OK. I’m so glad naughty Flossie is going to be all right, and why don’t they make diapers for cats?
Oh thank goddess your pooches are OK, sz! I hope the kitty is feeling better soon, make sure you keep him hydrated. I have had to syringe water into Ganesh Bengal Cat on occasion, but fortunately he doesn’t mind that or the two meds he gets syringefuls of twice a day either. Now if it were my adopted stray calico who had the chronic illness, I would have to wear chain mail to medicate her.
Oh my lord. Too much excitement in one day! I’m glad everything turned out OK. You and D. Sidhe enrich the world with everything you do, and we’re all fortunate to know you and your 4 legged charges!
I am SOOOOOO glad that your puppies came home safe and sound, S.Z., and yes, they DO make diapers for kitties — and puppies — at PetSmart, at least, I know that they do. I wasn’t exactly looking for them, but I was browsing down one of the spoil-your-dog aisles the other day, and found allllllll kinds of “personal hygiene” products for four-legged persons who might have intestinal issues.
NOW, as to that D.Sidhe and her miraculous cranes… A box showed up at my house, too, not too long after I got home from the hospital, and it has brought me such joy and wonder… the most amazing creations that I have seen in many a day, and in so many colors and designs and sizes and every single one is so precisely-crafted, it seems like some sort of precision miracle.
I did send D.Sidhe a probably high-as-a-kite thank-you note, but haven’t heard back from her yet, so I’m hoping that I wasn’t too much of an asshole in my feeble attempts to express wonder and gratitude for such a unique and touching gift.
Those cranes are miraculous, and they DO have wonderful healing powers, and I’ve been sharing them with everyone I know and dispersing them far and wide amongst these hillbillies who generally seem to be holding me hostage.
So while I worry about your kitty and your upholstery and your carpet and your health, S.Z., I know that you will soon heal and that all will be well, because those crane gifts of D.’s are indeed chock-full of wonderfulness and goodwill.
And those spoiled-rotten puppies ought to have Lo-Jack installed, y’know it? Like you don’t have ENOUGH to worry about… *sheesh*
Love you & D. both very very much.
NOW, as to that D.Sidhe and her miraculous cranes… A box showed up at my house, too, not too long after I got home from the hospital, and it has brought me such joy and wonder… the most amazing creations that I have seen in many a day, and in so many colors and designs and sizes and every single one is so precisely-crafted, it seems like some sort of precision miracle.
I did send D.Sidhe a probably high-as-a-kite thank-you note, but haven’t heard back from her yet, so I’m hoping that I wasn’t too much of an asshole in my feeble attempts to express wonder and gratitude for such a unique and touching gift.
Those cranes are miraculous, and they DO have wonderful healing powers, and I’ve been sharing them with everyone I know and dispersing them far and wide amongst these hillbillies who generally seem to be holding me hostage.
So while I worry about your kitty and your upholstery and your carpet and your health, S.Z., I know that you will soon heal and that all will be well, because those crane gifts of D.’s are indeed chock-full of wonderfulness and goodwill.
And those spoiled-rotten puppies ought to have Lo-Jack installed, y’know it? Like you don’t have ENOUGH to worry about… *sheesh*
Love you & D. both very very much.
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