Hello everyone! All that whining yesterday about having to go to the Vet? I just did that for the sympathy vote….yeah……sure…..I’m here this morning to tell you that not only am I having a nice bacon-feast this morning as usual BUT I survived the vet visit yesterday using my handy dandy sure-fire method.
What would that be? Well here’s what I call “Sammy’s Vet Survival Course” – take notes.
Why being adorable of course. I greeted the receptionist – a lady named Ginger who I’ve known my entire 14 years – and had a conversation with her – a little chit chat while she asked me how I’d been, and how I was feeling, etc. – she and I are pals you know. I had HER on my side from the beginning! Then she introduced me to the vet tech who was going to assist my doc. I gave her the wink – that works every time – and one gentle yet suitably pitiful meow. Mom almost laughed because she knew I was working my “Sammy Whammy Magic” on the tech. She was all oooey-gooey “oh he’s beautiful and SOOOO sweet and EVER so good!!!!”…….I got the feeling most cats that go in there are practically wild animals compared to sweet little me.
We had to wait a bit for the doc but I had a private room. She weighed me (I wasn’t very happy standing on that wiggly scale) then I lay down on the exam table where we had to wait for a while – she asked questions, etc. and Mom noticed that I was almost asleep by the end of the questioning session. Then the doc came in………..he remembered me of course – he’s a bit harder to charm – but I was aiming to have HIM in the palm of my paw too so I gave him the soft meow thing. He loved it……he talked back to me…….gave me a VERY thorough body check………when I say thorough I mean thorough. He and Mom chatted about how necessary ALL those shots I’ve had my whole life were – he felt I still needed the 3-year Rabies booster (not due yet though) and the Felv yearly shot. So I got those……..then they talked blood work – he felt seniors should have blood work every couple of years although he DID say my blood work two years ago didn’t show anything of concern! YAY! Still I got the sticky thing in my neck……….but I behaved SOOOO well.
Then he and Mom talked about my arthritis – over the counter stuff (he said) generally doesn’t have enough “medicine” in it to do any good but most of the over the counters wouldn’t HURT – and may even help if symptoms were mild. Anyway, he suggested we try Cosequin for a while to see if I appear to get any benefit from it. He said my range of motion on all my joints was VERY good so he was surprised Mom said I was having problems with discomfort (but she can tell these things when I go up and down stairs!)………so we’re gonna try this stuff.
Today the result of my blood work will be told to my Mom………..I’ll be sure and report that to all of you adoring fans…….meanwhile, my suggestion on surviving the vet consists of these things:
1. Flirt shamelessly with all office staff…….
2. Be cooperative when the doctor examines you – biting would not be a good idea!
3. Look as pitiful and adorable as possible through the entire procedure – start to finish.
They followed me out to the car telling me how wonderful I had been – man oh man – talk about eating out of your hand? They were!!! BIG TIME
That’s my story – tune in tomorrow for Silent Sunday (and maybe some blood results!).
HUGS, Sammy (with a couple of extra holes in him from the needles)
We’ve always known you as an out and out charmer – this is one of the times when it comes in deeply handy! Well done you Prince Charming 😀
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Oh it’s good to be the Prince! HAHAHAHA 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Oh it’s good to be the Prince! HAHAHAHA 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Gingerbread man 1 vet zero…see it works evertime turning the charm monster on..so glad you have had a good report..and mum will notice any changes in your movement…you cannot hide from mum! I know kittes LIKE to hide if they are hurting..but guess what mum is pretty smart hahahah 🙂 enjoy your bacon and glad the ouchies and proddies are over 🙂 hugs and loves Fozziemum xxx
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Thanks Fozziemum! We’ll get a call today on my bloods but I’m sure my bloods are purrrfect like the rest of me is (HAHA).
Hugs, Sammy
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I bet they are Sammy! 10/10 will be a great result! hugs and loves Fozziemum xx
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Well I ALMOST had a perfect report with my bloodwork……….close but no cigar!
Hugs, Sammy
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Oh no Sammy!!!! why??? was it your arthritis? hugs and loves Fozziemum xxx
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Well my arthritis is getting worse so now I’m gonna take Cosequin for THAT – then the bloodwork showed my thyroid acting up so I have to take something for that too! Hence my SUNDAY Pout-Post!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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I saw that Sammy Cosequin will help ..and oily fresh fish like sardines and salmon…so hopefully you will have the meds in your system well before you head for winter again! hugs and loves Fozziemum xx
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I’m going to cooperate with Mom with the pill procedure………TWO pills will be tougher but I’m really going to try to make it easy……besides, I want to feel good!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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I wish there was some way out of that bloodwork, but there never is, especially after “a certain age.” I get them more frequently because there are some numbers my human needs to keep an eye on. Rats!
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Yep – it’s my LEAST fave part of a vet visit – well – alright – maybe the temperature thing is my least fave……!!
Hugs, Sammy
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I’m glad that went well. Hopefully you won’t have to go back until next year.
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I hope so too…..once a year is plenty of torture as far as I’m concerned!
Hugs, Sam
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Good job, S. Not biting is a good piece of advice in many situations. Mom’s old dog, Smoki took Cosequin and had GREAT results with it. I’m sure you will, too.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Oh that’s good to hear (Cosequin) as we have no experience with it. It wasn’t easy not biting though – humans taste rather yummy sometimes. HAHAHA
Hugs, Sam
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Sammy, you are ALWAYS such a gentlecat! So glad everything went well.
Love, Sundae
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Hi Sundae! Abandoned again? Stay close to that window seat or keep the Motor Parents’ bed warm…that’s my advice for this Caturday! It’s chilly and cloudy here….good nap day.
Love, Sam
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Oh Sammy! Your expertise has me in awe! I used to charm them but my experience with very young techs at my old place cured me of sweetness at the Stabby Place. xoxoxo
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I remember that experience you had – it was hideous and I’m glad that you never have to experience that again! It’s tough enough being there much less having someone who’s clueless TOUCHING us!
Hugs, Sammy
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It’s great when you are familiar with the receptionist, her name is Ginger and you are one :O) Sammy I hope for good blood results and I hope the Cosequin will help for that arthritis. I agree with you for the counter stuff, it has mostly not enough power … Have a great caturday!
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I hope you have a grand Caturday too my buddy! I’m so happy that yearly insult is over with…..everyone is telling me Cosequin has helped them so I’m UP for it….
Hugs, Sammy
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I know that it works really good for dogs, so I think it will work for kitties too…maybe you will start to bark?
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Easy I hope if I bark, I can bark louder than the barky beagles next door!!! HAHAHAHAHA
Hugs, Sammy
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We all do our best to charm everyone at the VET office. We’re hoping all your blood work is good and that you’re done with the VET for another year!!!
The Florida Furkids
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Charm goes a long way……..Mom says it works for humans too (sometimes!). 😉
Hugs, Sammy
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Hehehe… that’s some pawsome advice, dear Professor Sam! 😆 We’ll follow through with those rules next time the humans are dragging us to the vet! 😉
We’re glad everything went well, sweetie! Have a super nice weekend! 🙂
xx Roxy & Tigerlino ❤
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I say give my plan a try…..it worked for me – it MIGHT work for you guys too!!!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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Sammy bravo you handled that event with finesse and charm…and of course a well placed wink! I will be reporting on yesterday’s vet visit, on Monday. I too am awaiting a call from my vet this morning!
Hugs
Madi.
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I hope your bloodwork is better than mine…..although mine was PERFECT except for one thing…..thyroid…..not unusual at 14 he said. Anyway, that’s TWO pills I’ll be taking – GOOD LUCK MOM (hahahaha).
Hugs, Sammy
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Sammy you done good! AND it is great to hear that you might get something for your arthur-itis. We want you to feel your best! I just knew you were a flirty guy, you handsome boy!
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I’m an outrageous flirt….Mom thinks it works quite well at the vet. She says I’m “shameless” – well maybe I am! I’ll be taking the Arthur-it is stuff but doc called today to say I’ve got hyperthyroidism too…..DARN. Another pill.
Hugs, Sammy
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Sammy I was hoping all your blood would be behaving! Your Mom will have to give you that pill… how does that go down? It’s hell getting old!
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Hi Miss Pix….I promise to try and take the medication……the doc told Mom it’s a capsule that she can pull apart and sprinkle on my food and that “most cats” have no problem with the taste. However we all know I am far from “MOST CATS” (hahahahaha). But I promise to try…..really I do!
Hugs, Sammy
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Great job Sammy. Hope the blood work is good too. Tubby he loves to go to the vet. Isn’t he silly? Garfield has the cuteness down to a tee. He does really small hisses. It’s kind of funny coming from him a you can’t hardly hear them. Enjoy your day.
Sue B
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Oh that’s wonderful that Tubby enjoys the vet – makes it a lot less stressful for you doesn’t it? I don’t mind the vet – it’s getting there I hate.
Hugs, Sammy
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I’m glad the visit is over for you Sammy. Hey, Zuke’s makes a Hip Action treat for cats that has the same active ingredient that cosequin has and Sister Precious likes them and they do help her arthritis aches and pains.
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Thanks for telling me about that Brian……if the Cosequin is a “fail” I’ll look for Zuke’s…..I’ll try anything – sometimes my hurts really hurt (!!!!!)……I also have to take methimazole – my bloodwork showed hyperthyroidism. Funny – my Mom has hypothyroidism….so we’re hypo and hyper – twins!
Hugs, Sammy
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Glad your visit to the vet’s went well! Our dog takes Cosequin as well. It does help! Ellie
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Thanks for telling me that………I’ve heard nothing but GOOD things from others whose pets are on Cosequin so I’m hoping Sam gets some help too!! Thanks………a lot!
Hugs, Pam
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I am glad your vet trip went well and I hope your bloodwork comes back good. I wish you could teach my kitties how to act at the vet, they either pee or poop or hiss and scratch.
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Well the vet trip was grand – I really had no problems while going, there, or coming home but today we got the bloodwork results and I’m hyperthyroid…..doc says he doesn’t want me to have the radioactive iodine treatment, says surgery is out because of my age and anesthesia so we’re gonna try a pill. That means TWO pills….Mom’s tried pill pockets on me before and I spit the things out (YUCK) so she’ll try the CRUSH AND HIDE technique (!!!!!).
Hugs, Sammy
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Oh what a little dreamboat you are 😀 The Sammy-Whammy with mommy Pammy is all to irresistible for mere mortals. Blossum is always co-operative but not Petals. Petals does her best to escape and fuss. Although neither claw or bite. Petals broke out of the Kennel in the car once and crawled all over me. If they think cell phones are distracting, try driving with a black cat under your feet and in your face. All the howling in the car is pure insanity….I very certain the trip to the vet is harder on me than the diva’s. I wish they were as chilled as you Sammy. xoxK Happy Bacon day!
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I was SOOOOO good yesterday….but that didn’t keep me from getting a “ding” on my lab result report card! I’m hyperthyroid so gotta take another pill and hope that it works – don’t want the radioactive treatment and can’t have surgery because can’t take anesthesia…..hoping for the best and I promised Mom I’d be good – taking TWO pills a day is gonna stress her out as much as me! HAHAHA Sounds like you had your hands full (literally) with Petals on that vet trip – – – with me, my Dad drives and I sit in the back seat in Mom’s arms. Hiding my head in her armpit. I say whatever works! HAHAHA
Hugs, Sammy
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oh o, that sounds like a bit of a worry. I hope with mom’s Tender Loving Care, you’ll be A-ok. I wonder if your new medicine comes in liquid? So much easier than a pill.
You get to be in the backseat with mom? How adorable is that. Your mom and dad love you so much. xoxox k
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Sadly no liquid form but that’s alright – I really am going to be brave about the whole thing (although you wouldn’t know that from my poor pitiful me post on Sunday!).
Hugs, Sammy
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Oh Sammy, you were perfect and the lessons you have taught us are priceless. Thank you my man.
(((Shoko and Kali)))
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So glad to be of service Shoko!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hugs, Sammy
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Bacon makes it all better! We think cosequin has helped Merlin so it’s worth a try. We’re also big on EFA fish oils for older kitties.
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Hi Miss Layla! I thought I recalled Merlin took Cosequin – we’re gonna give it a whirl. Today my doc called to tell Mom all my bloodwork was GREAT except (there’s always an “except”!) my thyroid was 4.7 compared to two years ago at 2.8 and he wants me to take methimazole. Just one a day…recheck blood after 3 weeks…see if it helps…I’m not thrilled about it but he said Mom can use the “sprinkle capsule” on my wet foods and I may not even NOTICE! Looks like I’ve joined the ranks of the pill-taking-seniors!!!
Hugs and Kisses, Sammy
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Hi Sammy mine was good except for one itty bitty thingie too more on Monday…but it is adjustable with diet. My vet said for a 12.5 year old that it was not bad.
I can jump from the table corner to the tippy top of my tree and back down the same way although sometimes I go down head first to the 2nd floor then into the hole and out the bottom hole. MOL MOL
hugs madi your bfff
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You’ve got it all figured out, good job, Sammy! Ours fight us and make us work hard to get them in their carrier (you’re lucky to do leash and harness instead), but then when we get them to the V-E-T, they are all sweet and easy! What’s up with that? 🙂
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I wish I could charm the vet like you Sammy. I turn into a tightly coiled quivering ball.
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We’re so glad you checked out okay, Sammy…we knew you would. 😉 As for the methimazole for your thyroid, another option if you won’t eat it on your foods, you can get it compounded into a transdermal gel that your mom can rub in your ear.
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OH WOW….the vet didn’t tell Mom that but that might be an option for me – I’m such a picky-pants about my food but if Mom snuck it into something in my ear THAT would be way cool! I’ll make sure she talks to my doc about that! Thanks for telling me……………!!!!!!
Hugs, sammy
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Hi Sammy,
Remember me? (Glares at Mommy) Me never gets to writes much these days. Cosequin is what my hairy slobbery sister Bob takes! It works great for her Me does not even try to charm the vet. Me tries my hardest to bes the worstest cat they ever sees! But yous knows, my Calgary vet loves mes anyway,
Kisses my dear furrend!
Neliie
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Oh Nellie it was so good to see some photos of you today on your bloggy……even knowing that your favorite snack is fish eyes doesn’t make me not adore you!! HAHAHA If fish eyes taste good then I say GO FOR IT!!!!!
Love and Kisses, Sammy
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So Sammy, you sure have this vet visiting stuff all figured out. All that flirting seems to work wonders with the ladies. The next time one of us has to go see Dr. Neel, we’re going to try your method. Have a great weekend. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
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I have them wrapped around my extra-toed paw at the vet’s office! They’re oooey-goooooey nice to me and make a big deal over me but that doesn’t exactly help when they stick that thermometer in (eeek) or jab me with a needle (double eeek). It does, however, get me some extra cuddles!
Hugs, Sammy
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Awwww Sammy you’re the Kitty!they all love me too as the vets….hehehe,xx Speedy
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Awww, Sammy, you are a real gentlecat! No hiss, no piss, only peace and love! Charmant!
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Well I’m going to try very hard to behave myself not only at the vet but when Mom is stuffing those pills down my throat that I now have to take FOREVER……….darn……….I almost escaped getting old………Mom says now we both have similar medical problems (isn’t that funny??!!!).
Hugs, Sammy
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well done on charming your way through it sammy xxx
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Well I’m glad I finally got here to get your tips about surviving the V-E-T!! I think I manage the charming the socks off bit sort of ok as the nurses think I’m kinda cute! But I think they also like it if you sing the song of your people very loudly too. Yep! That always goes down well 🙂
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Hi Austin! I always sing the song of my people just as I’m entering the office – before they can even SEE me in fact – and Ginger (the receptionist) always yells back “HELLO SAMMY!!!” so I suppose she recognizes my “song” !!! HAHAHAHA
Hugs, Sammy
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Purrfessir Sammy yer t2otoreeall iz grrreat! me doez nun of doze fingz! me yowlz n smackypawz n hisses n peez on da teble n sumtimez poopz too. Me wrigglez n fightz wif Dr Dave or Miss Terry ALLWAYZ! When me iz reeturend to me carrier me waitz fer Dr Dave to put da lid back on n me ALLWAYZ smackypawz him one more time! He sayz me lubz to hate him, MOL 😉
Me shuud take lessonz frum ya…..soundz like alot of yer Vet’z payshuntz are alot like me 😉
Phankz fer sharin yer noll-edge wif all of us…
Lub Nylablue n Mum too (who wishez me waz more like ya!!!)
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I bet Dr. Dave TOTALLY understands why you’re Miss Crankypants when you’re there to visit him – you simply can’t like all that poking, prodding and medication stuff he does to you EVERY SINGLE WEEK! It’s gotta be tough on all of you……but you are EVER so brave and you’re an inspiration to all kitties who have to take pills or get treatment. I hope I can be brave like you.
Hugs, Sammy
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wow you really do know how to work the V word don’t you!!
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Oh yeah…..I’m an expert with the V !
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Please let us know when the Sammy Whammy Magic class opens again. We need some of that! Oh, and the class about how to train the vet, too. We will be there.,
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Professor Sammy will announce upcoming seminars when they’re open to the public! Promise!
Hugs, Sammy
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Yow Sammy me n Mum hopez ya NEBER NEBER haz to go thru what me goez thru!!!
Diz weeklee bizitz iz not fer da faint of heart me can tell ya!!!
Haz ya started da meddycashun yet??It iz okayz crushed in food; no taste at all…
Ya will be okayz me furend!!!
Much lub Nylablue =^,,^=
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Hi Nylablue – my Mom is picking up my medication tomorrow. They have the thyroid stuff ready but their Cosequin is due this afternoon so Mom’s going tomorrow morning to get BOTH instead of today and tomorrow. Thanks for teling me it doesn’t taste though because Mom thinks she can sneak it into me – she might be right! HAHAHAHA
Hugs, Sammy
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Yah da thyroid meddycashun iz a teeny white pill n crushed into wet food iz tasteless n odorless…
Me not nose ’bout da Cosequin so ya will haz to ask ’round to find out ’bout it.
Guud idea fer Mum to pick up both at one time!
Me will be at da Vet’z tomorrow too….. 😉
Lub ❤ Nylablue ❤
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I’m liking the sound of the thyroid stuff…..although my doc said it’s a capsule that pulls apart and can be sprinkled on my food BUT whatever – if it doesn’t taste then I’m sure I won’t even NOTICE it!!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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HHMM maybee ya haz capsulez dere n we haz tabletz here?? As long as it haz no taste doez nott mattur rite Sammy????
**paw kissez**
❤ Nylablue ❤
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Yep – no matter what form it’s in if it’s tasteless I’m all over it! HAHAHA
Hugs, Sammy
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Yah me heerz ya on DAT Sammy!!!
Lub yer fancey Summer header 😉
Lub Nylablue x0x0x0
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Sammy Whammy Magic–they never knew what hit them! LOL Did you have to sign the form so Mom could get the information? Glad your check-up went well.
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Well the checkup did go well but the blood work – – – – not so much! Hyperthyroidism will mean PILLS and pills mean Mom has to be sneaky and grind it up in my food – and that means I have to trust that that stuff that tastes icky will be good for me. YUCK.
Hugs, Sam
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Good luck Sammy. Glad yous got sumfin’ fur yous arfuritis. Dat Cosequin’s posed tu be good. It be tu spensiv fur us an da Barley Cat works s well and be so much cheaper so wees hav no complaints. Glad yous did well at da VETs office.
Luv ya’
Dezi
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Dezi there’s a chewable that has the same ingredients in it that cosequin does – it tastes like chicken liver – Pet Naturals makes it and it’s only $4.97!! Not bad huh?
Hugs, Sammy
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Yep wees twied ’em Sammy. But they made sis Lexi fwo up and didn’t work and meez wuldn’t touch ’em wiff a 10 foot pole. MOL Wees twied almost evewfin’ on da mawket cept da Cosequin (cuz of da purrice and mommy purrfured natural ifin pawssible) and da Barley Cat worked bestest of all and wus well accepted by us boff. And has so many uddew benefits that wees kuldn’t not use it. 🙂
Luv ya’
Dezi
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