What? ANOTHER visit?

OK, 3 short weeks ago, we took Stel to the vet for her round of vac's. We all know how that ended.... not well, but the end of the day we were all fine. Well, I had scheduled another visit for yesterday, and promptly FORGOT... maybe it was because the reminder call went to my HUSBAND and not me... Well, whatever. He told me about it, but I still forgot. Appt was at 5:15, and I remembered promptly at 6! Called, rescheduled for this morning, which I did make it to. So, I get in, the girl starts asking me if I wanted to start her on an anti-flea/heartworm med...um, NO... she's an indoor cat, she'll be fine... really, it's more a matter of money. I just don't have it. So, maybe another time. So... we get weighed, then into the examroom. More waiting... like any doctor office on the earth. Get there on time so you can wait...

Doc comes in (the other doc that works parttime-we met him when Lukety was in the hospital with his renal failure-nice guy), she's back in the box because she's wiggly and anxious. I open it up and he sees her and immediately swoons over how cute she is, then pets her and says how silky her fur is... instant smitten. All goes well, he pokes around her gently, listens to the heart and lungs, just not near as invasive as last time, then drips the pink stuff in her nose and gives her the shot at her shoulders. A cheap visit this time $36 only, but he says, OK, we'll see you in another 3 weeks for her next round... ummm, WHAT? I was told this would be the last for a while? Well, hell... either I was misinformed 3 weeks ago, or today, and it miffs me. I love her and I want her to be healthy, but damn... why the hell can't this be done LESS often...

I love having my kitties around and can't imagine not having them here with me, I love the connection, the instant love, the unconditionality of it all. But don't ever think that a "free kitten" is actually going to be FREE. Just could not be further from the truth. Animals are wonderful to have around, studies have shown that they have a very calming effect on their humans, lower blood pressure, and whatnot. And enjoyable to play with and watch the silly things they do. They love you just for being present in their lives (that is, if you don't hurt them!), and give their love without any reason needed. They just love. And in return, we *should* repay them with love, pets, food, water and a healthy and SAFE home. I mean, would you give away your love if you were being smacked, kicked, or worse? No. But we can SAY something about it... they cannot. So, we must speak FOR them, make sure they are healthy, safe, fed, clean poo box, etc.

And we must do everything we can to KEEP them healthy, including vet visits. I just hate the feeling that I get when I go, thinking that this is the last time for a year, then being told it's not. That she needs to come back in 3 more weeks. I just feel like I'm being lied to and strung along financially....

ARGH. At least there's no Barfy Sue or Lady Poos Alot.