Your Tegwen knew she was well loved.

Over a career, veterinarians must deal with so many more patient losses than human doctors do, because of the shorter life spans of their patients. I don’t know that I could do that.

There's a sign that explains why the lamp is lit, and asks people to please speak softly, out of respect.

It's there all the time. Just seeing it on the counter top makes my eyes well up even when it's not lit.

There are lots of reasons, but I'm sure the shorter life spans of animals are a factor.

...that they would only live a few years?

I spent 45 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner. So many times, when people learned about my career field, they would say, "Oh, I could never work in pediatrics," thinking only of the serious and sad areas of pediatrics - oncology, hematology, genetics, devastating developmental delays. I was fortunate to work in out-patient peds, which is largely a happy specialty, especially when the kids are very young - breast feeding questions, sleep questions, potty training, diaper rashes, temper tantrums, ear infections, etc.

I could not have worked in heme/onc or hospice.

we couldn't spend anymore money. She's 12 and has had a good life til this year, but she's paper thin now. I'm sure she'll be gone soon.

A piece of our hearts leave with them.

Take care.

Huggggggs to you and the kittehs.

Rain starts soon and is forecast to last through tomorrow. We could get up to 3" and we are under a flood watch. I put together a few extra shelters for them, just in case. Also made sure the storm drain grates are clear.

There are a few 'mystery kittens' that just kind of showed up. Sometimes I can approach and even, on rare occasion, pick them up. They are the ones I'm worried about.