good advice from Squeaky
Recently Squeaky discovered that he is a born writer so he's decided to man this desk until something more amusing comes along. Until that time, this is where he hangs out. He's here to pass along sage advice. Please feel free to email him to ask a question or to make a comment.
what is fixed?
1.14.2011
Dear Squeaky,
Jethro is my name. I was adopted and have a very nice home......But my mother says I must be Fixed. What is fixed? Will it hurt? Please reply ASAP. I will be waiting.
Your
Friend,
Jethro
Dear Jethro,
Not to worry! You're not being "fixed" cause you're broke. The more correct term is "neutered", but that's not very accurate either since you'll still be a him and not an it. Your Mom knows that we felines have very strong instincts and that sometimes they get us lost or in trouble. Let me explain. Male cats reach maturity when they are around 6 to 8 months old. If you don't have that little operation, you will want to spray around the house to mark your territory and you'll want to wander off looking for a girlfriend all the time. Statistics show that neutered cats live longer and healthier! Maybe it's just because we're less likely to get into fights but that sounds good to me! The operation is pretty simple. The vet will help you go to sleep and before you know it, it's all done. I don't remember that it hurt - I just remember feeling a little "loopy" when I woke up. But Mom gave me a soft blanket and a quiet, dark room to relax in. Aren't you glad you found a forever home with someone who cares so much for you?
Affectionately,
Squeaks
Anxious in Aransas
12.17.2011
Dear Squeaky,
I feel so bad when I have to take my dear Sylvester to the vet. He shakes and cries so much, I don't know what to do. How can I make the experience better for him?
Affectionately,
Anxious in Aransas
Dear Anxious,
I had to go to the vet -again- the other day. I've been bothered by a pesky cough for a couple months now. I sang the theme song for Psycho all the way there. Mom thought I was afraid. I wasn't afraid. (Well, maybe a little. OK, a lot - I was scared out of my fur!) Mom did her best to calm me down and I really appreciated that. For example, she spoke softly in a low voice. When she looked at me, she didn't have wide open eyes. It probably looks funny to other humans, but for some strange reason, I feel better if you look at me with eyes that are partially closed. She pet me gently and held me securely. My vet is really a nice person; it's just in my nature to be a little uncomfortable about unfamiliar places where I'm not in control. Don't let Sylvester's anxiety affect you. He will sense your fear and feel even worse. He may not ever tell you so, but he appreciates your taking such good care of him.
Affectionately,
Squeaky