Hello Everyone,
 
Thought I would send in a quick update.  I am hanging in there.  School
just has a couple of more weeks and my biggest fear is Milton.  I am not
doing well at all, and the last 2-3 weeks have been bad.  I have been put
on notice in a couple of classes for absences.  I guess they will get over
it.
 
I am seriously considering attending/performing (?) at an open mic reading
for the creative writing/poetry series at school.  Any of you in Columbia
(some of my friends get this) want to come it is next Wednesday night, 7-10
p.m.  at Applause Coffee house on campus, in the Union.  I am working up my
nerve to read (hard for me, yes even this big mouth, to talk in front of
folks) a short short story I wrote a couple of years ago.  A murder called
"Thorny Roses." hehe.
 
The kiddos are all doing fine.  We did rabies, distemper and micro chips
today for all the ferrets, and gave shots for all the cats and the dog too.
My vet was extremely kind and came to my house to do it.  We worked for
over two hours to get all the guys checked on and up to date.  I liked to
died when I saw the chip needles (they look like body piercing needles) but
it went well.  The ferrets didn't react or mind as much I as I expected.
And now, several hours later it doesn't seem to bother them at all.  I was
the tech for the day.  We are going to make up a collective file and then
when I travel whoever can grab a file box and the sick baby and go to the
vet.  All the vet has to do is identify them with the scanner.  BTW, bill
thanks for the post some time ago on giving the chip shot from the front.
The vet had not tried this before and liked this way much better.  It was
easier to manage.
 
The vet suggested the box.  I am going to make up a 4x6 or bigger file box
with a card for each animal, last weight and vaccination date, and micro
chip number.  I am also going to put a short medical history for the major
things with each animal.  That way, ANYONE can have a quick up to date
thing for medical care.  This whole system will transfer easily when I
move.  I think it is a grand idea for anyone with even a handful of animals
in the house.  The vet also reminded that it would be good if there was an
accident with me and someone had to come in on an emergency basis to care
for everyone.  I am going to inform my ferrety friends here in town about
it all, especially those with the house keys.  Just a gentle reminder for
all to make back up plans for the ferts.  If you don't have the chips, you
might think about placing small photos of each animal on the cards for easy
i.d.
 
It was such a wonderful idea that I took my vet out to lunch for Italian,
near the mall.  Least I could do for the kindness of coming to my house.
Besides, I want to make sure this wasn't a first and last home visit.  ;-)
 
Thanks to all those who have sent mail and who are still sending me nice
messages/jokes.  It does help bring a smile right now when I am still so
extremely stressed out.  I can't tell you how much it has helped me cope
with the crap in my life lately.  Big hugs to all.
 
Margaret
[Posted in FML issue 2657]