March 13, 2009
April 2, 2009"Rocket Man" is the new nickname that my friend Rick, an accomplished landscape and abstract painter, gave my Maine Coon cat Rachmaninoff. But there was a crash landing. Friday, March 13, 2009 proved to be an unlucky day for Rock. When I left that morning, he was fine, but on returning that evening, I was horrified to find him lame and staggering and later incontinent, none of which had ever happened before.
I really thought the end had come.
But after two days in ICU mode, including “crafting” temporary diapers from disposable Pampers, he recovered some use of his legs and full use of his bladder! Amazingly, but true to his nature, he insisted on dragging himself outside both days, with me following closely behind while he sat in the sun and listened to birdsong. The most potent prescription for “the Man of the Forest” is and always has been NATURE. He definitely takes after his mom.
Rock had developed very high blood pressure, which can cause lameness, and often develops as chronic renal failure (CRF) progresses. He’s been on BP meds since then and I’m happy to report that his pressure has come down and he has recovered 90% of the strength in his legs with more improvement to come, I hope. Our wonderful vet says he has "a very strong life force and lots of fire in his eyes." Yep, that's Rock all right.
This week marks the anniversary of his namesake's birth, Sergei Rachmaninoff, born April 1, 1873 (click on the link to sample some of his music). Yesterday, Rock greeted Mr. Groundhog (they’re old friends) making his first appearance of the season, then ran to his favorite tree (an Elm) and scratched with vigor.
I really thought the end had come.
But after two days in ICU mode, including “crafting” temporary diapers from disposable Pampers, he recovered some use of his legs and full use of his bladder! Amazingly, but true to his nature, he insisted on dragging himself outside both days, with me following closely behind while he sat in the sun and listened to birdsong. The most potent prescription for “the Man of the Forest” is and always has been NATURE. He definitely takes after his mom.
Rock had developed very high blood pressure, which can cause lameness, and often develops as chronic renal failure (CRF) progresses. He’s been on BP meds since then and I’m happy to report that his pressure has come down and he has recovered 90% of the strength in his legs with more improvement to come, I hope. Our wonderful vet says he has "a very strong life force and lots of fire in his eyes." Yep, that's Rock all right.
This week marks the anniversary of his namesake's birth, Sergei Rachmaninoff, born April 1, 1873 (click on the link to sample some of his music). Yesterday, Rock greeted Mr. Groundhog (they’re old friends) making his first appearance of the season, then ran to his favorite tree (an Elm) and scratched with vigor.
The Rocket Man is ready for take-off once again.
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