Noire's "National Lampoon" Vet Trip

Noire’s 2 years old now, and really feeling his Male Oats, and so we have decide to take him to be neutered. Since he’s never been to the Vet before, a Physical was required before they would consider making a Appointment to Neuter him this Friday...We met that obligation, this past Tuesday, took him for his Pre-Physical appointment Wednesday...The story that follows is the facts as remembered by Two People, while going through a traumatic experience. Kathy, and I have had Six cats now, over the past 16 years. All have been Males except One. So we thought we had a pretty good Bead on Male Cat Behavior. Especially since all were Un-Neutered, and became Neutered under our care...Almost Specialists...We could not have been more wrong!

          Noire’s always been, a very, loving, sweet Cat. He’s shown some heightened aggressive tendencies, but not much, and it’s mostly the wanting to “Spray” that is driving our need...For His need...to be Neutered at this time.

         He Hadn’t liked His Ride Home, when I decided to bring him here, a Year and a Half ago, so I borrowed a Cat Kennel from a Friend. He wasn’t happy about the Kennel, or the Ride, but still Fine in our Opinion, as we arrived, and walked into the Vets Office.

        Now the Vets Office has Five Cats that they have rescued, and live there permanently, and have free Roam Rights to the place, and they use it! But...Even His reaction to the couple encounters with these, wasn’t bad...Almost curious...I couldn’t help but think to myself, that the Kennel at that point might have even been somewhat comforting. And when we got in the Examining Room, I swear, I sensed a felling of relief from Him when he was finally released from His Cage, and could breath a little bit.

        The Vet began the exam...Noire got Weighed...11.3 Lbs...He had his Ears Checked...His Teeth, and Mouth Checked, His Eyes, and Nose...Notes were being Taken, and Questions asked, and answered...All with no more than some slight apprehensiveness on Noire's part. The Doc then proceeded to Rake a Flea, and Tick Comb across him to check for those, and on the third pass...Without any warning that neither The Vet...Kathy...Or I noticed...Noire went Mr. Hyde.

        As Quick as lightning He swatted at my Right hand, and a gusher went up, as he gave out a slight Low Growl, and presented some what of a Chest Out aggressive Stance. He quickly resumed Relative Calm, under Kathy’s Supervision, as both the Doctor, and I tended to the wound. It did Bleed pretty good for it’s size, but it was small, wound, as I'm sure it's intention was to be only a “Warning”, and so was under control, bandaged, and in the past within 3 or 4 minutes.

        This is where there Vet decided to make what would turn out to be the Smartest move of the Day, and call in some “Back-Up!” The Tech. came in Wearing Welding Gloves, and I couldn’t help but think that was also, a pretty good move, as She, and the Doctor tried to resume the examination.

        It was then that Noire went from Mr. Hyde, to Hannibal Lecter... And the Doc, and the Tech. went from “Playing it Safe Examination”, to “Emergency Containment”...And the Wife, and I went to Reflexive, Unconscious, Backing up...clear the Corner of the room, and it was only the Sudden Stop, when we had reached it’s walls, that had caused me to notice that we had done so! Come to think of it...If it had been in Conscious Thought...I’m sure that our Fight, or Flight Instinct would have Kicked in, and common sense, and the need we all have for the preservation of our own lives would have had the both of us reaching for the Door, and leaving the Room!

        Noire had reverted to one of His Savanna Dwelling Ancestors...He had turned into a Threatened, Cornered, Wild Animal, and was doing everything He could to fight to get away. They were trying to Pin Him to the table, but they were losing...and quickly lost, as Noire escaped... Stood...Turned...Let out a Blood Curdling Scream...and Jumped off the Table, and behind a Trash Can, for Relief.

        It was then that the Ol’Pro in the Doc recognized Opportunity, and Need, and ran past us, and out of the Room. And with the three of us remaining in that room...With that thing!...The Vet Tech. started reassuring Noire, and Us, that everything was going to be OK...all the while Backing up until she was just about just about crowding us in our Corner! Kath, and I were both Wide eyed Shocked, and Thankful that Noire had sought solace, and escape, instead of Attack or Revenge.

        We three huddled in that corner for a minute and were silent except for me taking the Lords name in Vain, that slightly slipped out as I tried to keep it from my Lips. The Tech. then decided she would...or maybe...at least should, be trying I guess, to regain control of the situation,...grabbed a Towel as a Shield...and climbed out of what was now “Our Corner” and slowly towards him. She tried to scoop him, but quickly lost two of those battles, and I couldn’t help but to think She was Crazy, and that she should either escape while she could, or wait for the Doctor to be back, Whom at this point in my mind, was either Getting more Back up... Loading up some type of Tranquilizer Gun...Or maybe...Just propping open the Front Door...Creating a clear path... and on Her way back to open our Door, and telling us all to get out! And we would have Too!, And wouldn’t She have been surprised, because I would have been trying to get out, without taking that Cat!

        It was then that the Doc re-appeared with an addition tech in Welding Gloves. They managed to Corner Him, and catching Him in a big Beach Towel, got him back to the table. And once again, the O’l Pro in the Doc came shinning through, as though years of having to deal with many episodes of “Animals Gone Wild”, had taught Her to recognize the “Hannibal Lecter Stage, and she produced from Her pocket, to my surprise, a “Hannibal Lecter Mask”! She handed it to one of the Techs, and as she put it on Him, Noire let out some of the most disturbing sounds I have ever heard, and tried his best to get free. There were Three of them Leaning on Him at this Point, and although it was enough to maintain Control, it was just barley...as when he would Buck, I swear he lifted slightly off the Table, and the Three of them lifted slightly off the Ground!

        Exhausted as Noire was at this point, the Instincts kicked in for the final time, and the Final act of a Wild Animal that feels that they are Prey...Have been Cornered, Attacked, Fought, and losing...Became “Mad Dog Mean”and was still losing...and as a last effort to get away, as she was trying to finish Her exam, He peed right in Her Face, and all over. I don’t know who I felt more sorry for...Noire or Her. But Once again...The Doc had seen it all before I guess, and took it all in stride, and with a Quick wipe of Her sleeve across Her face, finished Her Exam.

        Noire moaned, and moved a little as she did, but I guess was pretty much played out, and had resigned Himself to whatever his fate was to be. We of Course had tried to help throughout this entire experience...First Physically, and then Morally, for mainly noire, but for the Vet, and the Tech’s too! Maybe it helped Noire a bit, I’d like to think anyway...But I’m not so sure about the Staff though! It was soon after that, it was all over, and I was wonder how they were going to get him back in the Carrier, but He couldn’t get back in that thing Fast enough, as I guess, it was both finally escape, and safety.

        We Apologized for all the trouble to the Techs as they began leaving the room, and then to the Doc as she was at the Sink taking a Minor Sponge Bath to get the remaining Noire Pee off Her. She told us he was in GREAT SHAPE, and had passed the Pre-Surgery Physical with FLYING Colors! And with a few more instructions...The examination was done.

        We walked back out into the Receptionist/Waiting Area, and as I looked around the Room at the two receptionists, and the two People who were seated in the Waiting Area...I couldn’t help but notice that all of their Eyes were as big as Saucers! And Both Customers seemed to lean as they strained to get a look at just what we had in that Carrier...What manner of Beast was at the Center of all that they had must of heard.

        And as a Final Insult...To this Poor Vet, whom in our Opinion had also just been through one heck of a traumatic experience, the receptionist who was engaged in conversation with us asked when we wanted to set up for the Neutering, and which of the Vets we wanted to perform the Operation. I saw the Docs Eyebrows Raise as she looked at the receptionist, and then turned and looked at me...I wonder what she would have did had I said we wanted one of the other Docs to perform the Operation...For someone else to get that Easy Money after all she had been through...But with no fear for Noire's Care, but with some reservation for Our own Personal Safety at this Point, I said without Question we would like this Doc right here to do it. So we set the Appointment...Paid our Bill for services rendered that Day, and out to the car we all went.

        Noire let out a few Meows on the ride Home, but nothing like He did on the ride to the Vets, and I truley believe most of it, was him engaging us in conversation about his story of what had just happened! I did wonder as I opened his Carrier back in the House on exactly what might happen, and so Kath had grabbed up Rocky, and both of them were safe behind closed doors as I opened the carrier...But after a few seconds, he slowly came out, and I talked to him, and began to pet Him to comfort him, and with a few more Meows, He walked a short distance, and laid down, safe in his own home, a little wide eyed, and I’m sure wondering what the heck just happened! He slept most of the rest of the day, was quite subdued, and only required a few trips to His food Dish...And some attention from Kath, and I. He returned pretty much, to his old self by the next morning.

        We take him tomorrow for the Neutering, and am thankful that our part is only going to be getting Him in the Carrier, and Quickly locking the Door, and then...just dropping Him off! I think that the Vets Office, will be a little more prepared with the Knowledge, that they now have in hand, and the Drugs that they can now be using to Knock Him out anyway! And for us...our final part in this...all we have to do is pick up a Drugged out, Testosterone-less Cat...and bring Him home... All with the hope, that this was all worth everyone's efforts, and that all concerned...will all live Happily ever after!

Well that was just Awesome! Good Morning all! Are you still full? LOL! 2 things I love about this all...1- I get to Feast on Turkey Left-Overs for the next few days...and 2- I get a break from meal planning for the next few days! By day 3 or 4, Kath will be getting tired of it but I just can keep going till it's gone! And even then, she'll let me off the hook with a grilled Cheese Sandwich or something. We're supposed to get 2,or 3 Inches of Snow tomorrow, and it'll really kick off the start of the Holiday season for us! 8~)

Good Morning all! Wow! Thanksgiving Morning! Only in a Country as Great as America, could you come up with the Idea for All that is Thanksgiving! I stand proud, and Thankful with you, my Family & Friends, as we celebrate all that we have, as well as all that we are! Let us all Enjoy this Day of Thanks! 8~)

Today is T-1..."Pie Day!" So I'll be making all the Deserts, and doing all of the Prepping that can be done for tomorrows Feast! I even Prepped a Grandma Polly's Breakfast Souffle last night, so all I have to do for breakfast this morning is pop it in the Oven...And 45 min. later...Deliciousness! The Sun is supposed to be shinning, and the temps are to be into the 50s again I'm thinking some Ravioli's for tonight's Diner, and enjoying Survivor with full anticipation that they will finally get rid of that "Pain" that is Abi! Enjoy your day everyone! 8~)

Good morning All! And for me...It finds all the Beauty, that is Central NY State at Thanksgiving. The most pressing thing that I have to deal with today...is my obsessive Food Infatuation, and Anticipation, of the Thanksgiving Feast! So...No list of what's on the menu today, as I seem to be unable to equate any thought of food other than Turkey! So I plan on fully enjoying delving into some of my other passions, and the Sun @ 53 Degree temps that the Weather Man promised ! Hope you all enjoy your day as well & that the Sun shines on you!....T-2! 8~)

Who's Right'(s)

This is a letter I wrote to a friend, who is in a battle to be able to continue the tradition of having a Nativity Scene in front of the Municipal Building in my Old home town. They are under threat of Lawsuit from a group of Agnostic Atheists.



Living in a "Free" land, has advantages, and dis-advantages. Freedom is not free. It comes with costs. And one of it's costs, is having to see, hear, or read something you don't like. It is part of being a free American. And in a land where freedom reigns, it is going to happen to any, and all of us from time to time.

Being offended by something does not, and should not, censor freedom of expression. If you can Legally say, "I Celebrate that I am a Christian", or, "I Celebrate that I am a Atheist", in front of the Municipal Building, than why can you not Celebrate Christianity, or Atheism in front as well. Governments most certainly should not be involved in Religion. And that's means they do neither stifle, nor do they promote, any "Certain" Religion, or, none as the case may be.

As long as they are not preventing a group from Celebrating they're chosen Faith & Practices, then they are not liable. But when they prohibit ANY group from ANY of these rights, then they are fully liable, and in direct violation of the Constitution of the United States

A number of years ago, I had a few members of my family quarreling, and I wrote this to both of them. It has been years since I've read it...And I am bothered by the fact that I still don't practice the advice as much as I should, or, as much as I would like to. But I believe in it's message, and thought it might be a good time to share it. It's called.......

10%

People Are Only Human


Did you know that the average Human Being only uses 10% of their brain for actual intelligent thought? That small percentage has to cover all your thinking, reasoning, logic, and all your decision making. Everything you do, everything you say, and everything you think. Only 10%

Is it any wonder then that people think, say, and do, so many wrong, or bad things? So many stupid things? Is it any wonder that the human race is still here at all, that we have not killed ourselves off by now? That you, or I, have not really reached out, and with our 10% minds, frustrated to the point of disbelief, choked to death the idiot standing in front of us. Frankly, I’m amazed. So...Why not? I guess, in general, we have to come to some conclusions.

“People are only human”. Generally, this statement’s intent is to point out that we all make mistakes, or errors. We are “Only Human” if we lose our temper, or if we have certain undesirable tendencies. If you forget to do something, or if you didn’t do the right thing, you say, “Hey, I’m only human”. Or catching someone in error, you might say ”Hey forget it. Your only human”. Or maybe....you might say something else!

But it is true. People are “Only human.” From time to time all of us are in error. You, Me, every one of us, are sometimes in error. And not all of us are equal in this bad judgment. Some people are definitely more in error, more often, than others are. But it is that same fact, of being human, that gives us the intelligence and capacity to decide what errors are unforgivable, and what errors will receive understanding, or acceptance, compassion or forgiveness. Remember to grade on a curve, and that everyone does not have the same capacities for intelligence, judgment, or compassion. That not everyone is as good as, or maybe could ever be, as good as you.

Some argue that these are genetic traits, evolution at it’s best. Others of faith believe they are from God. Whatever you hold stock in, they’re there, and you need to use them.





Standing on Righteous Ground


Whether you call someone on an issue or if your just reacting to a situation. Whether you think you’re in the right, or know you’re in the right, if your being adamant about something, well my friend, you’re standing on “Righteous ground.”
You, me, all of us make a stand on righteous ground from time to time. Whether it’s a small issue or a large one, you have a point of view you’d be willing to argue. You’re in the right, and they are in the wrong.

This is all well and fine, and even necessary. Some times they are in the wrong. But most times there must be a compromise for the good of all. If we are to get along, we must have rules, we must have order. But there are some considerations a reasonable, and intelligent person must remember. When you are standing on righteous ground you could be (1) totally right, (2) partly right, and (3) totally wrong. When standing adamantly, 2 of these 3 facts are not good!

Think about it. How many times have you been in a situation where you were totally in the right? Or how about the times you have said, “ Well, that’s true, but I’m still right over here!” Or “ I guess we were both in the right”. Or “ We were both in the wrong” How many times have you been in a situation where you were at the yelling or fist slamming stage only to later reason out that you were being a total jerk? You were the Idiot standing in front of us!

You are not alone. All of us have been the jerk at one time or another, and will be again! You are only human. And the Earth is not heaven. Problems are going to pop up. They’re going to be a jerk sometimes. You’re going to be a jerk sometimes.
The point here is Righteous ground is a wonderful place to be standing, if you’re in the right 100%. But it is a fool’s paradise for the partially right, and dangerous ground for the completely wrong. When you find yourself standing there, always check and make sure your 100% correct. If not, beat it fast over to compromise land! And remember to be careful where you stand






Sheep, Shepherds, and Wolves


One of the things you learn quickly in life is that people are different. It is a wonderful thing, and it’s what makes us the social creatures that we are. But it also causes problems.

When you interact with someone else, you judge him or her. And they judge you! It's just a Human thing. We try to figure out how to consider this person in human being terms. Are they nice? Are they mean? Are they weak, or strong? Are they smart or stupid? Are they someone we like or not. You judge people all the time. You are judged all the time!

This is a prime example of standing on righteous ground. So what can be done to try to eliminate errors? What can we do to judge people correctly, and make sure that we ourselves are judged correctly? Grouping solves some of these problems. Some people are like Sheep.

These are the people, you run into, who you might term as innocent or sweet. They are not leaders, but followers. They might seem resistant of change, or unsure of themselves. You might even think they are not all that smart. They’re not usually aggressive, or think that they have to “ Have it all.” They’re satisfied with less. They basically want a calm, nice life, and will do almost anything to avoid confrontation. Sometimes they do stupid things. They’re like Sheep.

Some people are like Shepherds. They are termed as kind or thoughtful. Whether they appear to be or whether they think they are, they are leaders. Maybe not as much as a President or a CEO, or even a shop manager, but in everyday life, they are leaders. They roll with the punches and can handle most situations as they come. They are people whom you would respect if you were a sheep, or a shepherd. Not usually aggressive they also desire a calm, nice life, but they will take on confrontation whether it is directed against them or some one else. They’re like Shepherds.

Some people are like Wolves. They are usually termed as self centered or, egotistical. They will use the sheep, or the shepherd to get what they want. A whole world is out there, and they want it all! They usually confuse kindness, and tolerance, with weakness and fear. There is what they think, and then there’s all the other stupid ideas or ideals. Compassion and sympathy are replaced with intolerance and anger. They cannot tolerate the sheep and they’re UN-aggressive, and seemingly, unintelligent ways. But wolves dislike shepherds even more because of their choice to be shepherds when they could be wolves. They can not understand the lack of desire, or need to be on top. They’re like wolves.






Don’t Be Ugly


This is a term taught to me by my wife, who learned it from her mother. If you are angry, or mad. If you are yelling, or screaming. If you are being jealous, or envious. If you are being indifferent to needs, or self-centered, or selfish. You are being ugly. And, I’m sure that you can think of many other examples.

Being ugly is another prime example of standing on righteous ground. The fact is, that you are so “correct” in your view, that you get ugly about it.Only in books or movies does being ugly work. There is that shock value, but seldom does it reap the benefits of immediate understanding. It rather, always gathers distance, and gaps between people. It creates a breeding ground for more ugliness, either on your part, or others. When you lose control of yourself, and your emotions, it does cause a reaction. And that reaction usually is for others to lose control of themselves, and basically, gives them an excuse to do so!

You’ve heard all the old sayings “ Keep your words soft for you may have to eat them” or, “ You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” How about “The wise man keeps his ears open and his mouth shut”. These sayings have been around for a long time. Why? Because they’re good advice! They’re true!

Living in the real world, there are times when you may not have any other choice. We will not be ignorant to the possibility that in certain, rare, situations you may have to be ugly. But these are far and few between and in actuality may never be encountered in a lifetime of living. Remember that sheep will never respond positively to ugliness. It will only create distance and fear. You may actually defeat the purpose of your actions, with your actions.

Remember too, that even though the shepherd will not be so put off by your ugliness, that it also will not be appreciated. It will not be respected. And only so much will be tolerated. The end must justify the means.
The wolf will show one of two reactions. If directed at them they will most certainly fight. If directed at someone else, the range could go from approval to humor. They like to see victims. If some one approves of an ugly outburst, you need to be on guard, for who would show respect for such behavior but the wolf.
Ugly is a trait of the wolf. Ugly is unintelligent. Ugly is ”Lack of control”. Try hard not to be ugly.







Compromise and Police Yourself


Since people are so different, rarely is there one correct solution to a problem or situation. Rarely is everyone 100% happy with a decision, for the sake of all concerned, and as a tool to make sure you are not being ugly, you must learn to compromise. Nature does it, countries and governments do it, and you must do it. And remember one thing, “ A good deal is a good deal for both parties!” Look out for yourself, but be fair.

This is not only important for the sake of harmony between people, but is important for the sake of your own self-being. You should feel good about yourself when you are part of a compromise. It should not be felt as a loss, but as a gain. One of the greatest gifts you have is the gift of giving. And the greatest gift you can give is yourself.

Sometime ago, I realized that there were things about me that I did not like. And not that I had gained weight, or that my hair was falling out, but on the inside. There were traits, habits, and characteristics that I wish that I did not have. Things, that I considered ugly, when I saw them in other people, were manifested in me.
You must police yourself. You must make sure to examine if you are what you want to be. If you are what you should be. It is bad enough, and hard to take if someone else does this for you, but worse, no one else can do the job as good as you can. Old gardeners say “Dirt is what you get on your pants, and soil is what nature gives you to grow a harvest in”. Well, no one knows, as well, what you consider to be dirt and what you consider to be soil. No one knows what crops you are trying to sow. No one knows you, as good as you, yourself.

Remember to police yourself often and try to make sure that you are compassionate and understanding. Remember that people are different. And that, that is a good thing. You are not the best, and everyone can not be as good as you are. Pick out the positives in life, and if some mud comes your way, don’t put up a fence, make a sty, and wallow in it!

Remember to be cautious when standing on righteous ground. And remember not to set up a tent there. Remember that some people are not very nice human beings. But that most are, and just make mistakes like we all do.

Remember not to be ugly, a truly descriptive term if there ever was one.

Remember to police yourself, and others, in all these things, without being ugly.

And remember...The best way to lead...is by example.