:'(

I had a sad experience today. A coworker and I were together, just having seen one of our patients, driving down a street/highway when a young cat walked into the road ahead of us. She was walking very slowly and was in obvious distress. At first glance I thought she had a kitten partially expelled. But that didn't look quite right, either. Traffic stopped in both directions as she slowly, gingerly made her way across the street.

I couldn't stand it, so I jumped out of the car and followed the kitty off the road. She made it about eight feet off the highway and collapsed in the weeds and grass. I saw immediately what was wrong. The poor thing had been eviscerated. I don't know if she was attacked by another animal or was hit by a car. Her guts were handing out and had obviously been dragging on the ground. They were dry and caked with dirt. My heart broke for her.

I started petting her lightly on the back, and a man in a truck stopped and asked if he could help. I asked if he had any towels or such that I could wrap her in. He found several small rags and fashioned a multi-layer "stretcher" for her, then laid one across her tummy to protect it and me. He picked her up and laid her in my arms. While we were doing this, he asked if I knew where the vet is just a short distance away. I said I did, and got into the car again.

As my coworker drove toward the vet's office, the poor little kitty began  struggling to breathe and was groaning, moaning in between. We both knew she was dying. I was just hoping the vet could put her out of her misery quickly.

We pulled into the driveway, the gate was closed. It was near noon, so I assume they were out to lunch. Fortunately a man who works there came out to see what we needed, and just as he asked, the poor little girl died. He took her to "bury" it. I doubt they actually did, but this vet is one that just might. Whatever, he carried her as gently as I had, into the vet's building.

Lord have mercy, I haven't been able to get this out of my mind today. I hated the experience, but I'm glad she died feeling some gentle care. I couldn't have left her there in the bushes to die alone and in pain.What a waste. I wish people would take care of their pets.

Arghhh. Some days .........