Quarantine: Day One

I have some preliminary information back from the vet on the kitten. She was thirsty and ravenous, and has been tearing through all the food she’s been offered. I had requested they do an FIV/FeLV test on her, and she’s turned out to be negative for both diseases. A preliminary coag panel was also done to check to see if she shows any signs of rat poison toxicity yet, and the results came back normal; the poison can take some days to show up, so we aren’t out of the woods there yet. They didn’t find any ear mites when they checked her, but she acts as if her ears itch, so they are treating for them anyhow. I’ll get a further update later this morning, but things are looking good. I have my camera in the car, and I have permission from the vets to stop off on my way home to take a few “publicity shots” of her tonight. Her origins remain a mystery. She’s in good health, and it’s hard to figure out how a kitten made it this far into the perimeter of our property to become caught in one of our rat traps.

My birthday had a good end to a good day. I wasn’t really tired when The Socialist got home (must have been all the sleep I got Tuesday and Wednesday when I was home sick in bed) so the poor man was almost immediately regaled with the kitten adventure from yesterday. His immediate concern was for my ability to pay the balance of the bill. I told him that I’m holding out some hope that if I introduce the rest of the bill gradually to my company I might get some reimbursement, but that even if they don’t (which I expect will be the case) I will get enough to cover this from my profit sharing. To be fair, The Socialist knows cash has been tight for me, and he’s mostly concerned with my welfare. I know for a fact that, were he faced with this same situation he’d be forking out for the kitten himself. I did swear to stop complaining about my computer and to stop talking about all the stuff I’d do to dress up the Prius when I got some money. He advised me (in a nice way) not to make promises I can’t keep, but this will be an easy one to keep. The next time my computer acts up, all I have to do is ask myself if fixing it is worth killing a kitten. That will nip any complaints I might have right in the bud.

He then took me out for dinner at a local diner, and we spent the last hours of my birthday talking about our respective days and cracking jokes. We got home just after midnight. I belatedly realized that I never had my chocolate cake for my birthday. In the face of the day’s events though, that no longer seemed particularly important.

I’ve spent a bit of time worrying about what the kitten should be named. I’ve been betwixt and between as to what to do about it. This will not be my kitten. And whoever opens their heart and home to this animal should have the privilege of finding her true name. At the same time, nobody should have to go through life with the name “Stray” on her medical charts. It’s just plain wrong. I was reading through a few diaries last night when I stumbled on the perfect temporary name for the kitten. I think for the time being her web name will be Dekyi. It’s a good reminder to myself about what yesterday was supposed to be all about.

I’ve received some wonderful offers of financial support from people, from literally all around the globe. I can’t tell you how good that felt. It’s nice to know that people have been that moved by Dekyi’s plight. And while I really need help right now, it isn’t of the financial variety. What I need is to have a home lined up for Dek by ten day’s time. I have made arrangements to hand her over to the local shelter that I do volunteer work for if she doesn’t have a home by then, but this is kitten season, and Dek will be competing for the affection of prospective Servants with dozens of other kittens. I feel committed to this one kitten now, and I need to know that I’ve found a safe place for her after this is all over. So, for all of you who have offered assistance, thanks. I’ll accept it. But the assistance I need is in finding this kitten a home.

We are the Web. We might live in England or Austrailia or California, but we know people who live everywhere. If you can, ask around. I know chances are you won’t find anyone. It doesn’t matter. If enough people ask around, then eventually the person who was destined to find Dek will hear about her, and she’ll find her home. I just need enough voices to ask. I can’t think of any better assistance than that.