I never considered myself a pet person. I liked animals but in an abstract way. Growing up, my family had a cat, then a dog but they weren't mine, you know?
Then my husband and I brought home the tortoises. Now, I know. A lot of people don't "get it." Tortoises aren't like dogs or cats. They don't snuggle and cuddle and lick your face. They don't play catch or chase a ball of yarn. But Larry and Mrs. Larry have their own personalities and their own way of being a part of our family. And when one member of your household is sick, it affects everyone.
Both Larry and I were sick on Monday but poor Larry was throwing up sick - not a good thing for anyone but especially not for a tortoise. He was listless and droopy and just looked sad, much like we all do when we're not feeling well. My husband took Larry to the vet. We figured the doctor would check Larry out, give him some medicine, and he'd come home.
But Larry is still at the vet. They had to give him a sedative because he is a tough little guy who does not like to be poked and prodded. They drew blood and did x-rays and figured out Larry has an obstruction in his stomach - some cuttle bone lodged in there funny - and it needs to dissolve and be "passed." But until it does, the vet wants Larry to stay there a few more days so they can keep an eye on him and keep him hydrated.
I explained all this to Mrs. Larry. She looked at me like she understands but she seems a little lost, confused. Sad. She's been sleeping in a different spot. She doesn't plant herself in the warmest corner like she usually does. Instead, she perches on the water dish - just like Larry would do. She even left food in the dish as if she didn't want to eat it all. It's the first time Larry and Mrs. Larry have ever been truly apart. To see only one tortoise in the tank when there's normally two throws both my husband and me off. We all miss Larry's wrinkly little face and hope he comes home soon.
So, yeah, I guess I'm a pet person after all.
That's Larry resting on the Mrs.
Larry and Mrs. Larry are officially family members now! Hope he's back soon.
ReplyDeleteAlex - thanks. Hopefully, Larry will be back some time in the next few days. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteAw, poor Larry and his Mrs. I hope they're soon reunited, in the best of health. <3
ReplyDeleteSome Dark Romantic
Mna - I hope so, too. Mrs. L really seems to miss him. We all do.
ReplyDeleteAw, I hope Larry gets to come home soon, for both of their sakes!
ReplyDeleteEmily - hopefully this weekend he'll be home. Fingers crossed . . .
ReplyDeletethey may be an old married couple, but they're still your babies!
ReplyDeletehope mr is better soon!
Tara - it's funny because they look old and wise but they really are still babies. :)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy the stories you tell about Mr. & Mrs. Larry -- almost feel like I know them. Hope the Mr. starts feeling better ASAP!
ReplyDeleteMilo - thank you! Larry came home yesterday and our household is now back to normal - or as normal as it ever gets. :)
ReplyDeleteAww, I'm sorry Larry was sick, it's so hard when animals are ill. I just always feel so bad for them because you know they can't understand what's going on. So glad he came back home and all is well now! :)
ReplyDeleteJulie - it was so sad because we could tell Larry wasn't feeling good - he was vomiting and droopy - but couldn't tell us what was wrong. :(
ReplyDeleteBut he's home now and VERY happy. So is the Mrs. :)
OH MY GOSH. I almost freaked when I read about Larry--and then I had to quick read through the comments 'cause I knew I was late to this news and then whew! He's Home! All's well in the tortoise world again. Really. Whew.
ReplyDeleteCathy - yes, Larry's home and happy and the two torts are back together and settled in. :)
ReplyDelete