I'd like to ask for purrs for Sam if I may.  Tuesday night it appeared
he might have some diarrhea. Wednesday morning it didn't look worse but
there was still the possibility and he didn't eat.  He came to me slowly
and softly meowed.  I worried about him all day yesterday because it
seemed he was asking me to help him and I went to work instead.  Last
night it was apparent there was a problem.  I actually thought he might
be dying.  He appeared very weak, moved slowly but rather than diarrhea
it seemed he was unable to defecate.  He would crouch and heave and
almost fall over in his efforts but with the exception of a small amount
of feces that was hanging on he couldn't finish the job.  He stayed with
me for a little while being petted and we had a talk about the fact that
DH and I were leaving for a week long vacation and that someone would be
around to feed him, but I expected him to be there when I got home.
Then he looked at me and slowly walked away and into the dark.  I went
inside and told DH that I was really worried about him and DH told me to
take him to the vet and have him checked.  Now understand, we're
supposed to fly out tonight at 8 pm. The timing is all wrong! But what
can you do?

This morning I got up early anticipating having to find Sam in the rain
and wind.  Fortunately it wasn't raining and Sam came running across the
yard when I called him.  Running? This is the same cat that could barely
drag himself across the yard last night?  He looked better, he'd cleaned
himself up and he ate a little, his voice was stronger so I was relieved
and thought I'd just take him in for vacs and an examination.  I went to
the backyard to feed the birds before the storm moved in and Sam
followed me.  In the 5 minutes it took for me to feed the birds, Sam
crouched 4 times in 4 different locations with no results.  So something
is not right.

DH and I decided that Sam would stay at the vet while we are on
vacation.  Although we have someone coming to feed Hobbes, Selena and
Lacey we're concerned that with Sam outside he might miss his meals and
believe me, after this bout of illness he's too thin to miss a meal.
So, Sam will be spending the week at Spa TED. Today he gets his vacs,
examination, blood tests, and depestified (worms, mites, fleas).  We'll
rest easily knowing that Sam is getting any necessary medication and is
being fed, is warm and dry.  And next week, while we're away, Sam loses
his dangly parts.  By the time we return he'll have recovered
completely, be pest free, hopefully disease free and ready to move into
the house.

But today, my main concern is whatever has caused him to be so ill
yesterday.  My greatest concern if F-Leuk.  If he could get some purrs
to get well and if you think of it next Tuesday some Ouchie snip snip
purrs I would really appreciate it.

Thanks everyone!
Julie and Sam