A Left Turn at Albuquerque....

...and I know it's just delaying the inevitable, but...

My friend J and I took Sochi to the vet today. The vet---a good country doctor, much as J said---examined him thoroughly and said the only real problem that he could see with Sochi (aside from old age) was that his kidneys were smaller, which is not uncommon with older cats. So we talked about options, treatment expenses, and Sochi's quality of life.

And bottom-line it, I just couldn't put him down. Not today, though I know it's coming; I don't fool myself there. What the vet suggested was a course of fluids, a change in his diet, a cortisone shot for his arthritis, and bloodwork--all of which are not expensive. But if the treatment gives us six months where Sochi is feeling at least somewhat better, I'll consider it worth the little bit extra. He's never going to be completely well, and I know that. At this point, I'll settle for the cat not being in pain and eating.

Conversely, though---if the bloodwork turns out something truly, imminently fatal (like cancer)...then I'll make the decision once again. At least I will know we tried everything reasonable to make Sochi's quality of life a little better in the time he has left.

So, we have time. I don't know how much more, but you can either curse the river or accept what it brings. In the meantime, we have today.