Clinic News 6/25/2010

In Memory and In Honor of Our Dear Petunia

            Those of you who have been coming to the clinic for the last 18 years knew her well, and many of you (including UPS drivers and deliverymen) have already noticed that she has left us. 
            Sadly, our clinic kitty, Petunia, passed away.  She was the most amazing, loving, bravest, affectionate cat I have ever known.  She ran our clinic with a firm but loving hand.  She loved nothing more than getting into our clients’ laps while they were waiting in the reception room.  It didn’t even matter that she sometimes pushed pets out of the owners’ laps to achieve this goal. 
            Petunia loved the spotlight.  She was the star of our television show, “The Pet Connection” always finding a way to get into most scenes (which was a joy to watch). 
            In her younger days Petunia loved nothing more than escaping outdoors to hunt which worried me sick.  Sometimes she would even jump into an open car or truck window, and even rode home once with Priscilla’s unsuspecting dad (who luckily brought her back). 
            Petunia always loved dogs.  In fact 18 years ago she walked into our lives and into our house through our dog door with our six dogs barking at her.  She did not even seem to notice the chaos she created.
            As much as she loved dogs she was never willing to share her home with other cats until a few years ago when she first allowed our two brothers, Hoss and Little Joe, and then our little girl, Taz, to move into the clinic.  It was a blessing for me to have Petunia teach the youngsters clinic etiquette.  They will now follow in her footsteps never taking her place, but working very hard to carry on her legacy, loving clients and keeping my staff on our toes. 
            Petunia was special and very beautiful inside and out.  She never liked needles even though she lived in a veterinary clinic.  However, two years ago when we discovered she had kidney trouble, she allowed my staff and me to give her fluid therapy every day while she sat in our laps.  She always knew that we were trying to help her. 
            My staff loved her as I did.  Priscilla cooked her special meals at the end when her appetite decreased.  Niki came into the clinic on Sundays to see that she got fluids.  Amanda and Sam gave her special treats and pets.
            I knew Petunia was very ill before our 30th anniversary in April.  I prayed that she could hang on and feel well enough to share that day with me, and she did.  She made herself a bed in the bags we bought to hand out and greeted our clients when they came in for our celebration.  I am so glad that she was with me that day.
            Petunia went peacefully in my lap outdoors at the clinic which she loved so much.
            I will carry her in my heart forever.  I am so glad that her picture is on our mural wall to greet all of you as you come inside All Paws Medical & Behavioral Center, as she always did.
Thank you all for loving our girl as we all did.  I know you all miss her too.