#and for the Canal vets

[flyingfortress1]

Reading Islands of the Damned Thoughts Part 4:

Now for Burgin's first baptism of fire- rainy, wet, miserable New Britain. A couple of notable bits and pieces:

Burgin's first kill is a Japanese soldier charging across a creek- he doesn't feel anything other than relief that it wasn't him who got it. Fair. He also does bayonet a Japanese soldier, and then shoots the man several times (he doesn't remember how many times)- Pacific theater in a nutshell. Burgin decides to start carrying an M1 garand, because the issued carbines are fine but he doesn't want anyone to get close and a M1 has a better range.

He and his friend Jim Burke have a makeshift water cooler- Burke goes to get some water, the cup gets shot by a sniper- backs away veerrry quickly- and they have a machine gunner friend swivel his gun into the trees shooting all the while (pulling an Ack-Ack there) Remember that bit of advice he got from the Canal vets about snipers tying themselves to trees? Yeah, that's what happened. Guy fell down, swinging on a rope- Burgin and co. just left him there. Might still be there honestly if the rope hasn't rotted away.

and the wetness ohhh booyyyy. it sucks, big time SUCKS. everything is molding, the ropes for their hammocks rot like nothing, leaving guys falling down while sleeping every so often. you can't see shit at night, but then the landcrabs come out sounding like people in the undergrowth (because you need something to just push up that paranoia why not). Their underwear just disintegrates, making many guys just go commando. Moldy underwear is also a factor- according to Burgin- for jungle rot (yet another reason not to wear it I guess). They have to paint themselves with that purple, iodine stuff because it helps combat the rot- so very colorful, but very very raggedy looking kids.

They do capture a couple Japanese prisoners one time, bring them all the way back, where the prisoners get new socks, dungarees, underwear etc. Burgin and co., who have had the same rotting, moldy socks, boots, etc on their bodies for months, are pissed (rightly so) and basically decided they were not taking prisoners from then on.

The jungle foliage is also EXTREMLEY thick- meaning that they can't use their mortars and so many times Burgin just gets used as a rifleman.

Many times they have to cross streams that are rain swollen, so what they do is they just follow the stream downstream to where it hits the ocean, and there's usually sand that's been deposited there that they can just use to cross. There was one occasion where there was a tree they used, holding onto its branches like a rope but one guy slipped, went underneath and got stuck in the branches and drowned sadly before they could get to him.

They never had enough food - when field cooks are brought in to make hot food, he describes how a size of a meal he thought was tiny, he realizes he can't even eat fully because his stomach has shrunk so much. He's 180 lb when he lands on the island - when he leaves, he's 140 or so. They also would steal/forage for food at the supply dump - much like the Marines would do in guadalacanal. However, they got told to stop, but continued anyway - just being more cautious. He also has a lieutenant - lieutenant legs is what he calls him - he chews out the men for stealing even though he has accepted and eaten in the food that they stole. Burgin is not a big fan of this lieutenant.

[greenconverses]

it would be cool if the universe could stop slapping me with unexpected expenses for the next few months

[secretceremonials]

my friend cancelled happy hour so she could take a crow she found to the vets. very very valid but she should’ve brought me with her

[wildlocks]

my kitty doesn't feel well, i can tell 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[temeraire]

that factoid thats like "50% of men believe they could intrinsically just land a plane with no training" but thats me with surgical stitches. i know i could stitch up someones gaping flesh wound with no training i believe it would just come to me in the moment. spiritually.

[alleycatrecue]

This Giving Tuesday, we ask you to consider donating to Alley Cat Rescue’s Life-saving Program, which is used to ensure we can get cats with urgent medical care.

This program will ensure that ACR can continue to help save cats that are who are severely ill or injured. Cats in such poor shape don't have time to wait for the funds to be raised.

In the past, we have used Alley Cat Rescue’s Life-saving Program funding to save numerous lives.

.....

MAIZIE - Late one Sunday, we were alerted to a very young mama cat who was stuck at a city shelter and had been in labor all day. She had given birth to four stillborn babies early in the morning and was still suffering. She needed to see a vet as soon as possible.

Maizie was rushed to an emergency vet and it was determined that there was one large kitten still in the birth canal. Sadly, the kitten had no heartbeat, The vet performed an emergency c-section as Maze would not have survived otherwise. She was also severely anemic as she lost a lot of blood with the placentas for each birth. She was in intensive care and is now being monitored closely. Unfortunately, she's suffered permanent nerve damage to her back legs.

OLIVE was found by our Los Angeles team with her ears mutilated and a back leg broken in two places. She needed her leg amputated but after recovery, she was pain free and adopted.

SIMONE (aka Cally) came to us with three nursing kittens and a severe viral infection. Her fever shot up to 105 and we rushed her to an emergency clinic. Simone stayed at the clinic for a week, receiving IV antibiotics, fluids, anti-nausesa medication, and many tests.

ASH's jaw was badly broken in a domestic violence situation, leaving him in terrible pain and unable to eat. He required a feeding tube, hospitalization, and three surgeries.

TEDDY was only a few days old when he developed pneumonia. He spent several days at the vet, requiring round-the-clock monitoring and care. He also required a feeding tube because he was so congested that he could not eat and breathe at the same time, and he was placed in an incubator.

ROO was born with both back legs wrapped around his body and badly deformed. ACR got him physical therapy, massages, and laser treatment, which fixed his legs. Though he eventually lost his right paw, ACR was able to give him complete mobility.

BUBBLEGUM was born 1/4 the size of his littermates. He's had multiple issues including a heart murmur, digestive trouble, and delayed growth. we have taken him to the veterinarian and multiple veterinary specialists many times throughout his development to try to determine what is wrong. Almost an adult now, he shows signs of weakness and has an enlarged spleen and lymph nodes, inflamed gums and teeth, and ACR continues to work with vets and specialists on his healing

......

Some cats need emergency treatment for a week, recover, and then find their forever home. Others require continued or follow up care for much longer. We are gratified to be able to give happy endings to kittens and cats in dire need. Please help us continue to do this by donating to Alley Cat Rescue's life-saving program this #GivingTuesday.

[aidaita]

Oreo’s urgent Vet Bill

Hi everyone, this is the proper post I promised a few days ago and I apologize for the delay, the last 2-3 days was stressful but I’m emotionally stable to type everything down.

I’ve made an update post on my Ko-fi a few days ago if you haven’t seen it.

To start off, Oreo is my male cat son I’ve take care of for the past 9 years since that fateful day I encountered him 8 years ago. At the time, I was in a dark place mentally as I was heavily depressed from losing a dear friend and in an effort to cheer up, I went outside for a walk with a close friend to the canal two streets down from where I live, and that was where I saw a pair of eyes staring at me. A month old kitten I named Oreo and from that day, Oreo has brightened my world and I’ve taken him in as my precious fur baby ever since. My family unfortunately lost our other cat, Blueberry, last year to cancer for the medicine and treatments weren’t enough to ease her suffering from the cancer, so when Oreo’s second blockage on the evening of February 28, 2025 occurred, I was absolutely terrified.

That night, I skipped dinner, I stayed up half the night watching over Oreo and had a fitful sleep of a few hours, waking up in between the few hours to the noises Oreo was making from the blockage. And so on March 1, I went directly to an animal hospital I normally go to for his check ups, exams, previous surgery he had, but unfortunately they had to turn me away for being fully booked, so I was forced to go to another vet clinic that accepts emergency visits and that’s where I ended up in VCA Knowles Snapper Creek pet hospital and the very expensive vet bill.

The initial estimate is the one I originally posted on my other post which I’ll upload here for 48 hours observation.

I was also given an estimation for 24 hr observation but in both estimations, it was super expensive and I work at a $13 part time retail work shift and I could not afford it whatsoever. The last surgeries were paid for by my mom but this time she could not pay for this, and she has other health-related financial payments to recuperate financially and that was when I begun to get very stressed and panic. It was made worse and broke me into an emotional panic when my mother suggested that we may have to put him to sleep as we cannot keep paying $3k every time he gets a blockage.

My heart sank, I was not ready to let Oreo go yet. I became so distraught.

What can I do to save Oreo?

I’ve been frantically looking online what to do, looking into pet insurance, frequently asking for payments plans, asking what they can do to reduce the prices, etc. all while I’m on a time limit as I had a work shift in the next 2-3 hours and with this emergency situation, I absolutely needed every hour I can get. It was the most horrible position to be in the middle of.

Oreo could not qualify for pet insurance because it does not cover for pre-existing conditions/treatments (this is his second blockage), the pet hospital (both the first I went to and the second) do not have payment plans, every new estimations they gave me in an effort to help me and Oreo came with high risks such as one that is the bare minimum (just unblocking Oreo) but there’s a big possibility he could be blocked later that day or the next day.

Secondly, Oreo has already been on a treatment plan with his strict diet of prescription Urinary Care food with Science Hill’s ever since his first blockage sometime last year (or 2? I’m not sure, I don’t have the papers from the first one as my mom took him to the vet that time). And the doctors told me that it seems despite the strict diet he has been in, he still got the blockage from built-up sediments. On top of that, in the last vet visit on January 25, 2025 with the first pet hospital, Oreo has IVDD, or at least the beginning of it that the doctors told at the time said “it’s not a big deal right now,” so it will be a problem to look out for as he’s still young.

My mother’s comment of possibly putting him to sleep loomed over my head over all this…

And that was when I decided I can’t do this alone, I’m not ready to let Oreo go yet, not like this, not so soon. So for the first time, I’ve come to you all on the internet for help.

Due to the time constraints, I have no choice but to open a credit line with CareCredit just for this bill for Oreo but the fact he could get blocked again, issues with IVDD possibly rearing its head more urgently so soon, and with this massive bill to pay with my $13 part time retail shift, I knew that if another emergency or urgent vet visit occurs, I will have no choice but to put him to sleep.

That is why I’ve come to you all for help with the emergency vet bill on March 1, 2025 and… my goodness, within 24 hours, we have reached a little more than 1/3 of the $4000 goal (41% reached as I post this) and I could not be anymore thankful and grateful for all of you kindness and generosity to save my baby in this difficult time.

Yesterday I got to visit Oreo, he’s unblocked and appears to be urinating fine, recovering seems to be going well although he does have UTI so there’s a bit of blood in his urine (doctors reassured me that the UTI and blockage are not linked) so he’s getting treatments for that as well.

Today, Oreo will be discharged later in the afternoon or evening so he’ll be coming home soon.

The bill is still stressful but with all of you kind words, encouragement, generosity, and advice, it doesn’t feel as heavy as before. It is still a lot left to pay off so if you can, please donate to my Ko-Fi here so I can focus solely on strictly ensuring Oreo stays with me much longer such as wet food, running water fountain, new litter box, etc.

All donations received will be used solely for the bill and any additional expenses that may come up in the last few hours as I type.

And to everyone who donated so far, thank you… Truly, thank you. The tears I’ve shed the past 2 days were of stress and huge relief.

I will keep posting updates as they happen.

[followthebluebell]

Since the idiot neighbors moved out and left behind 3 longhaired Scottish Folds and a very smush faced Persian - exactly what extra care do they need? We did the vet trip and got the Folds an injectable arthritis medicine (Sol-something?), Persian got dry eye drops, then all 4 get Dasquin. They also all got lion clips as they were tossed outside in the rain.

They have big under bed storage boxes for litter, then cat trees with lots of short steps up and down so it’s easier for them. We’re doing biweekly nail trims for them, they’re not huge fans but some chicken baby food has been accepted as a bribe.

Poor babies :( Thank you for looking after them.

So the Persian will probably require at least the occasional face cleaning. This is really easy. At its most basic, just dampen a soft washcloth with warm water and very gently moisten the eye canals and brush away the eye crud that accumulates there. Be careful not to scrape at it! You can accidentally remove fur if you try to pull the crud out before it softens. It's not a HUGE deal if you do this; it's mostly an aesthetic thing.

If there are large clumps, you can use a little clean eyebrow comb to remove them.

You're already keeping an eye on their paws--- cats with arthritis can't keep their nails trimmed down, so it's important to make sure no one is getting an overgrown claw.

For coat maintenance:

Slicker brush -- this really only handles the top coat unless you're careful and use a line brushing technique AND have one with very long teeth. But since your cats are currently in a lion trim, it'll do the trick.

Greyhound comb -- it's a metal comb and my personal favorite tool for this coat type. It's important to comb all the way to the skin--- that's where the mats will form. So often I'll have my hands on a cat with a perfect top coat and find mats under it.

Pin brush -- this gets through the layers of fur really nicely.

I do NOT recommend a furminator. They're very easy to overuse and then you end up with a cat with large patches of scant fur.

Your persian will probably have an easier time maintaining their coat than the folds. I find longhaired folds in particular are really bad at grooming. Or maybe the ones in my care just have REALLY shit coats :/ It's this weird, coarse feel; almost oily and mixed with the cottony soft undercoat of a Persian. It mats up SUPER fast and of course their joints hurt.

[bunnieneedsacarrot]

As I pet, I should be inspected regularly to make sure my health is good. You always inspect me when I come in. Your partner leads me in on a leash.

You inspect me with such care. As your pet I always feel adored when you have me sit before you. You hold my leash, tell me to open, and look deep down my throat. Your fingers circle my lips before dipping into my mouth. You touch my teeth, my tongue and see how far back you can reach. We're working on my gagging.

When I do gag, you tut a bit appointed as you remove your fingers. I frown and look away timidly. Next you move to my nipples. You tug and pull ignoring my reaction. Soon I'm groaning raising my chest in your direction. I love the attention. You do as well chuckling.

You connect my jewelry to the collar. Then taking great care, you pull each individual nipple through the loop. It tightens and my eyes glaze over. My pussy twitches. I'm dropping. You're loving this. You tease me. "Such a naughty pet," you coo running your fingers through my hair. I purr in agreement.

You click your tongue. I turn around. Another click, and I'm lowering my head towards the ground. "Such a sweet pet," your partner murmers from the door way. You agree running your hands up from my ass towards my shoulders. I shiver in the cold air. Your hands are a sharp contrast to that coolness. They find themselves back to my ass.

A third click, and I'm raising my ass in the air, spreading my cheeks with my hands as best as I can. You rub your thumb over my anal rose bud admiring how it clenches at your touch. I mew meakly.

Your hands leave my body searching for a familiar box under the chair you sit. Your partner leaves and comes back handing you something I know is going to be uncomfortable. I wince preemptively. You both giggle.

"Aw pet, it's not so bad," as you pour cold lube over my asshole. It drips lazily down my labia dripping onto the hardwood floors from my clit. I whimper and squirm. This makes you both laugh harder. Then an anal plug is placed at my entrance. I yelp. There's a swift smack to my pussy lips that squelches from the lube.

"Now, now. Let me finish inspecting you pet." I mew weakly. More of that cold lube is added to the toy. I bite my lips as my anus tries to escape this cold torture. You continue to push it in urging me to relax. I do as command with a few deep breaths. You were going to be working on my anal training today, so my first toy is small. Just opening me up. You and your partner would test it throughout the day. When it comes out easily, that's when the next size goes in.

I purred as it finally fully entered. I wiggles my butt joyfully to which you respond by kneading my ass and legs. "Such an good kitten. You like having your tail on, don't you?" My ass wriggles more as I chirrp happily.

Finally you needed to inspect my vaginal canal. You start with my clit, warming it up with your fingers. I feel an itch building up as you knead into the folds of my vulva. I purr. You place the speculum at my entrance. It's cold. There's a squeak at the suddenness. And another noise as you begin to press it in.

Your partner comments that it's time to take me to the "V-e-t." They spell it out so I won't freak. You begin to squeeze allowing the speculum to open me wide. "I very much agree." You both begin talking about the dirty things the vet likes to do to me. How I pleasure them so well. They talk about making sure I'm tied down and that all of the instruments used on me should be cooled. All the whole my pussy is currently being opened wider and wider for my masters to see inside.

Finally you stop. The pressure is almost painful. I bear through because I know the consequences of not. In your fingers go. You feel around for cuts or bruising. It's a quick inspection before the warmth of your fingers leave me. Then in goes more of the freezing cold lube. I whine feeling my breathing hitch from the suddenness.

More squirts in before the speculum is removed. You shove in something else. It's also been chilled. You and your partner giggle before petting my ass.

You snap, and I awkwardly sit up to face you. I'm doing my best to hold the terribly cold liquid inside.

"Such a pretty pet," you run your hand along my face. My juices trail along the route of your hand.

You stand with a "Well, now that they've been inspected, let us carry on with our day." Your partner nods patting me on the head and giving my nipples a quick tug. Both of you return to your regular routines, and I find a place to curl up to wait for yall's return.

[askcaffeinehazard]

🙂

"How are you, mun?"

Uhhh I'm alive? Haha

Typical life of the chronically ill - lots of appointments and medical testing. Lots of feeling awful but some days I feel okay. I don't really enjoy talking about it a whole lot so as to not sound like I'm constantly whining.

Lani had the vet yesterday for exploratory surgery to check down inside her ears and hopefully find what's been bothering them for 5 years and why they are not responding to typical treatments. The vet found 8 lumps inside her ear canal (same as the visible lump in her right ear that I asked about years ago but was told it shouldn't be a problem and given ear drops over and over again that did nothing)

This vet was a bit frustrated we were dismissed for so long, removed the largest lump and cauterized the smaller ones. Lani is now home, sulking and healing with a cone on so fingers crossed she'll FINALLY be on the mend now.

Vet is pretty confident they're sebaceous adenoids but sent it off for testing just to make sure it's nothing cancerous. I'm so glad this vet is doing all she can to help.

Apart from that, I've been doing a lot of crafts to keep myself and my brain busy or going out with my support worker as well as commissions or personal art in between all of that. If I'm not creating something, I'm probably dead haha.

If I'm not around, the boys are probably spending time with their people.

How are all of you? I really should check in on Tumblr more often like I used to back in the good ol' days.

[cutepethut]

🐾 Why Not Q-Tips? Cats have an L-shaped ear canal that traps dirt. Using Q-tips can push debris further inside, leading to discomfort, infections, or even damage.

🐾 Why Choose Pet Ear Cleaner Drops?

1️⃣ Easy application: Precision delivery of cleaning drops without stress.

🐾 Step-by-Step Guide:

1️⃣ Gently hold your cat’s head to keep them calm (offer treats for extra comfort!). 2️⃣ Insert the tip into the outer ear canal. 3️⃣ Squeeze to release the drops—just a few are enough. 4️⃣ Allow your cat to shake their head to remove excess liquid naturally. 5️⃣ Use a pet-safe wipe to clean any debris from the outer ear.

🐾 Pro Tips for Ear Cleaning Success:

1️⃣ Clean your cat’s ears once a week or as recommended by your vet. 2️⃣ Always inspect their ears for redness, foul odor, or discharge—these could be signs of infection. 3️⃣Reward your cat after cleaning to make it a positive experience! 🎉

FOLLOW FOR MORE!!!!

[intriga-hounds]

how is ponzu's tooth, if it's alright to ask? i hope both you and she are feeling better <3

she doesn’t appear to be in any pain. she saw her regular vet and has a consultation for a root canal on the 14th.

[onestormeynight]

Canales

CW: Light sims spice, link to full spice

Sam retired from his vet clinic. Before selling it he had offered to transfer ownership over to Mateo who declined politely. He didn't mind helping out in the clinic, but it had always been his dad's dream, not his.

"What do you think you'll do, then?" Sam asked.

"I don't know. I could be a trust fund baby. Find a sugar daddy."

"Indulge your old man and wait until I'm in the ground before pursuing that one. Why don't you do more with your photography?"

"That's really competitive, Dad. I'm not that good."

"Bullshit, you're your mother's son. You have the charisma to get yourself into conversation with whomever you'd need to and the talent to then back it up."

"Damn. Thanks, Dad."

When the day started to get to hot in Oasis Springs, the Canales boys met up with Catarina in Henford-on-Bagley where the weather was significantly more pleasant.

"What are you going to do with all your time, then?" Catarina asked Sam. "You basically lived at the clinic."

"I'm gonna spend time with Sam and you. He's still down about those two. I feel like I need to keep him distracted."

"He's a grown man, Sam. He's going to have to learn how to move on by himself."

"I know. Enough about that. Come here."

Mateo had certainly found his own way to distract himself from the pain. Sam was right about one thing; Mateo certainly had his mother's charisma.

If you are 18+ you may view the distraction, and realization, here.

((prev)) ((next))

[alex51324]

Sophie Update + mini Park Report!

I wasn't sure if we'd have a park report this week, with the whole Situation, but today Sophie woke up and thought she felt well enough for a park visit. She got a little scared about getting in the car, since her last two car rides ended at the vet, but after thinking about it, she decided to be brave!

We walked the first section of the trail, where it's flat and level, down to the first photo spot:

The purple trees have moved into their darker purple phase, and the canal is starting to grow lots of plant life, which happens during the summer. It looks kind of icky, but there are plenty of frogs, fish, and turtles in there, so I guess they like it!

After this is the big hill and then some slightly more challenging terrain on the other side, so we just turned around and went back how we came, skipping the other two photo spots. But here's the hill and the tunnel, as they look if you turn around at the first photo spot:

Up there are the Canada geese.

Here is Sophie walking a bit--you can see she's doing even better than yesterday! Also if you unmute you can hear Sounds of the Park. There were a lot of birds today. I don't think this clip includes the woodpecker, but we heard and saw him!

Some more unusual views of the park:

Here's the picnic tables by the parking lot.

And the parking lot--over on the other side there is a picnic pavilion and a big meadow. We walk in the meadow sometimes, for a change, but it isn't as interesting as the path along the canal.

Here we are looking up along the canal from the benches by the parking lot. The tree on the left is where the woodpecker was, but I did not get my phone out in time to take a picture of him.

One more Sophie:

[sotc]

I'm heading back to the vet tomorrow. Earlier than the appointment that was scheduled for a followup (on the 24th). He's on day six out of ten for his ear medications for a "mild bacterial infection" and I'm not seeing as much improvement as I would like. Maybe I'm administering his ear medication wrong or not enough (I wish they had shown me a better demonstration on how to do it beforehand... they didn't before because they had already applied it and just told me to do a line from the inner ear and drag it up ? so that's what I've been doing) so I'm just worried. Maybe I'm not going deep enough into the ear canal or something. There was a day he was straight up not eating his treats (and he's typically very treat motivated). He's very lethargic, very quiet and withdrawn, I can tell his pulse is racing, his eyes are still goopy and nose is congested. Honestly, I think he might've been dealing with a fever with how hot his ears were I had to dab a cool damp cloth around his face in the hopes it helped. He seemed receptive but idk ): I FEEL LIKE SUCH AN INADEQUATE MOTHER. I'M FAILING HIM. Anyways, I just need the vet to take a look and make sure. And if I'm not administering his medicine right then at least they can show me how to. Pics below of the day he got his medicine / ear cleaned vs day five at home. His ear seems less red and he's not twitching his ears as much in discomfort but the ear still doesn't look... well... great? :| Sigh.

[dog-groomer-diaries]

What do the insides of your dogs ears look like? If they're this color but normal temperature without redness, it could be allergies. If they gave all this going on plus redness and hot to the touch, they're probably infected. If they smell funky, it's probably yeast. Get them to the vet before it becomes such a problem that they need their ear canals sewn shut!