s e v e n i s a j o u r n e y

Jake is back home again. He ended up spending last night back at the vet. I took him in Wednesday to have the opiate-bandage removed. Seems he got the bandage soaked at some point- maybe he accidenatlly put his foot in the water bowl while stumbing around in his crate. The foot had swollen, but was trapped in the tight bandage. It was really painful, and when we got it off, the paw was really swollen, plus the bandage had rubbed his foot raw in one place. Now I nned to keep a close eye on his foot, to make sure there is no necrosis. Eve (the vet) put some Manuka honey on the wound, which should help it heal. Jake goes back Saturday for a quick checkup of that paw, then Monday the stitches come out.

Yesterday I also got a call from a very friendly and helpful police officer (our community constable). It seems they are taking the shooting seriously, and he will do some door-knocking in the region a bit later in the week. It is very nice to know that our complaint was not just tossed into the “circular file.”

We have also had four replies (of 12) from the letter drop. Three called to express their shock and horror, and give their condolences. One called to say he didn’t shoot out cat, but he does shoot any cat he sees on his place, even if it is wearing a collar.

I let the police officer know about this cat-shooter. It is NOT legal to shoot cats in that way in NZ. There are limits on what you are allowed to shoot. I  think the officer is going to have a chat with this gentleman, and that will be a good thing. We are also planning on letting the other people who own cats in our vicinity about this person’s “shoot first” policy, so that they too can express their opinions.