I think I had a sign from Stan this morning. He never needs to go to the vet and is so wonderfully uncomplicated to have around (unlike my dogs who are forever at the vets). This morning he was waiting for me when I went out with the dogs. He came bellowing across the neighbours garden and I could see that his paw was covered in something. Inspection made it look like tar. Stupid cat! So I walked the dogs, came home and took him up to the vet to have him cleaned up. He was sensible enough to stick around and let me sort it out for him too. Anyway I had a long chat with my vet about rehoming him and how I was feeling so guilty about him having to live out during the summer. My vet asked me if he comes in when the weather is mild when the other dogs are not here (ie for most of the rest of the year). I said that he does tend to live out pretty much all the time for a good 8 months of the year but it was the fact that he doesnt have a choice in coming in if he wants too. My vet said that given that plenty of cats live out 24/7 and the fact that he is in terrific shape, very strong and healthy that he thinks I should stop feeling guilty about it. The more I thought about it the more it made sense, so in a funny way i'm glad that Stan trod in tar this morning (probably wont be as glad when I get the vet bill later!), my vet has made a lot of sense so it means Stan is here to stay. I cant tell you the relief I feel, I came home and cried! Many thanks for the suggestions posted earlier in the week, I'm going to spend the next few days trying to do some more desensitising with the youngest dog who stays here who is the one that he really doesnt like (as she is big and bouncey but basically harmless) and see if we can improve that so at least she stops chasing him in the garden if she sees him.
Thanks again
