Astrid Adventures to the Vet

I had a fun post with a poem started, but then I got a bit too distracted and worried to top all of that off. So, today's post is different than expected.

Though I think and hope everything is fine, if you have some spare purrs, woofs, and prayers, pup Astrid could perhaps use a few. She's at the vet today because she very recently started obsessively licking her front left paw. Something on the underside of it, between all of her giant paw pads, is bothering her so much that her existence has suddenly become focused solely on licking that foot. Whether due to her stubborn licking or to whatever is going on, that poor foot is turning bright pink and is even slightly swollen. She has a history of allergies, as well as of attacking things like bees, so we're hoping it's something as simple as allergy-related. That said, she also had cancer on her back right foot a few years ago, and we always worry that anything related to her feet is another tumor. We cannot see anything—neither an injury nor growth—that would explain her sudden and incessant licking, so hopefully there's a simple answer. Our vet is looking her over this morning and will do radiographs or other tests if needed, but perhaps they'll find just a simple answer.

I'm sorry this post isn't our usual fun Thursday one, but I think most of you understand how an injured or sick furbaby can really hinder your ability to focus on much else. I'm thinking there really could be a simple explanation for Astrid's current foot issues, but my mind just can't help but remember her losing a toe to cancer a few years back. We'll let you all know what the vet says, and hopefully it's something simple and easy to fix.

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All of the above said, how about now we share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. If my life could have a rewind or pause button, I would choose _________.

2. I think a reality show about _________ would be interesting.

3. If my life had a soundtrack, it would include _________.

4. My personal style could best be described as _________.

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

And now here's another flashback doodle from our forest home series from two years ago. In honor pup Astrid and her love for going outside, today we're sharing this doodled home's back yard.

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Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip is about your furbaby's care in the event that you are traveling this summer. We've given multiple tips on this, some in the recent past, but given the time of year, we'll talk about it again. Let's begin with if your furbaby is staying behind while you travel, in which case it is important to plan well in advance for their care. If your furbaby would do best being boarded, then be sure to schedule this well ahead of time, to ensure that they can stay at a veterinary or other boarding facility that you trust.

Another option is of course having your furbaby stay home and having a trusted pet-sitter come in to care for them, or for your cat or dog to stay with someone you trust. No matter what route you take for your furbaby's care while you are away from them, be sure that whoever is looking after them has all of the resources and information they might need. Make sure that your furbaby's food is stocked up, as well as their medications, litter, and anything else of importance. Ensure that their caregiver knows the details of their care, including what, when, and how much they are fed, as well as any medication administration instructions they might need. Don't forget other resources a pet-sitter might need, such as any pertinent details of your furbaby's medical history, as well as the contact information for their veterinarian.

Then there are the times that our furbabies travel with us on vacation, and it is also important to plan accordingly in this case as well. To begin, make sure that you pack all that your cat or dog might need. This would include food, treats, water, medications, leash, carrier, and anything that is significant for their daily care. It is of course also important to plan in advance for pet-friendly lodging at your travel destination. Are you staying at a hotel? If so, is that hotel pet-friendly? Or, are you staying with family or friends? If so, do they have a pet-friendly home? Are there other animals at this home, and if so, will it be safe for the animals to interact? Be sure that any such details are ironed out well in advance.

With all of the above planned out, there is then the actual act of traveling with your furbaby. If you are traveling by plane with a pup or kitty, this will of course require you to learn of the airline's requirements, and that you do so with plenty of time to spare. A veterinary visit and a certificate of health may be required by some airlines. Regardless of whether a certificate of health is required, it is important to discuss with a veterinarian whether your furbaby is safe for travel by plane, especially if they are sick, geriatric, or if they do not travel well. If it is by car that you are traveling, ensure that your cat or dog has a cage or seatbelt for safe restraint during travels. Make sure that your furbaby has a chance to eat, drink, and bathroom during long trips. At the same time, make sure that they are safe from escape anytime you stop and open any car doors.

Summer is a time for travels for some people, and perhaps even their furbabies. Whether you leave your furbaby home or take them with you, always plan well in advance. Always keep in mind your furbaby's health and happiness, and discuss any concerns with a veterinarian.