Buddy the Cat–Part 2: Lessons Learned

In my last blog post, I wrote about how we lost Joey, our cat of 16 years. And how I had my eye on a new cat, Buddy. The writeup said he was ready to “save a new human with his unconditional love.”

I did end up learning lessons from Buddy the cat. Not about love, but about the Heart, grief, and the power of the Halo.

It all started when the foster mom for Buddy called on Monday to offer to bring the cat to my house. I thought, “Why not?” But I didn’t really pray about it or check in with my Heart.

Well, the foster mom for Buddy called on Monday to offer to bring the cat to my house. I thought, “Why not?” But I didn’t really pray about it or check in with my Heart.

On Tuesday foster mom Rita brought Buddy by. He was very shy, but we finally coaxed him out of his hiding place. He rubbed up against our legs and allowed us to pet him.

Nice cat, I was thinking. Then, my husband touched him in the wrong way, apparently, because Buddy bit Gene. Hard. On the finger. It bled for quite a while.

Gene washed his finger well, put some First Aid ointment on, and didn’t think much more about it. It didn’t really hurt, he said.

Hours later, I told my friend about the incident. She said, “Cat bites are very dangerous. Gene needs medical attention.” She sent some Internet links that confirmed her point. Apparently a cat bite injects a lot of bacteria into the bloodstream that’s pretty pathogenic. (Who knew?)

We took off the bandage and looked at the wound. Indeed, it had begun to get red and swollen. I suggested using the Halo light on the wound. Then we called the doctor.

Since it was after hours, a triage nurse got back to us. “We need to treat cat bites within 4 hours, or serious infection can set in. And it can happen very quickly. See if you can get to Urgent Care. They close in 10 minutes.”

We literally stopped eating and jumped into the car. Didn’t make it to Urgent Care in time. Called the triage nurse back on the way home to report the situation. “How does the wound look?” she asked.

We pulled the car over and looked at Gene’s wound. To our amazement, it was no longer red or swollen! Had to have been the Halo. The nurse said she’d have a prescription for an antibiotic called in to the pharmacy, and made an appointment for Gene to see the doctor next day. He also had to get a tetanus shot.

(Side note: We were astonished to discover that tetanus and other shots such as pneumonia are not administered in either the doctor’s office or a hospital lab—only at a pharmacy now.  At least that’s true in our area. Who knew?)

Gene continued to use the Halo (both shining the light on the wound and also drinking the treated water, which we always do anyway), and is taking the antibiotics. The wound is fine, as you can see from the picture.

As far as Buddy goes, he tried to bite me twice as well. I don’t think he is a bad cat, just traumatized or perhaps sore from getting his chip, or hurting from some unknown condition. (I did two Healing Codes for him while he was here.) He could have worked out, I think.

However, I realized that I hadn’t given myself enough time to grieve over Joey. Buddy wasn’t Joey; I still wanted Joey. I wasn’t ready for another cat, and Buddy went back to Rita. I think my Heart will tell me when I am ready.

So another lesson learned: Grieving can’t be hurried. Not even with The Healing Codes. And just because I’ve always had at least one cat, doesn’t mean this is right for me now. I must stay current with my Heart and life circumstances. Right now I don’t need any complications. This new cat disrupted two days of our lives (not to mention the unexpected medical bills). I get the message.

Another thought came to mind, a reminder from an earlier lesson I wrote about. “Just because things aren’t the same, doesn’t mean they still can’t be good.” Not having a cat feels strange and uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean this catless time can’t be good in its own way. I am quite sure that when I’m ready for another cat, one will somehow come into my life.

And this time I’ll tune in to my Heart and know it’s right.

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