Dragster: Part 2

by Laura Heineck

. . . The vet showed us how to express his bladder.

I attempted this procedure several times with not much luck.

I was afraid, as well as my husband, that I was going to hurt him. I was very persistant in learning how to do this procedure for the little guy.

After a few attempts, I finally got it. I was able to let this guy live a somewhat of a normal feline life.

Because he had no control of his back or rear hind quarters, we decided to name him Dragster. He was able to mingle with my other cats, although he was tough.

He liked being around me and when another cat came his way, he let them know he was in control of his owner. He was very fiesty yet became very lovable. This was my 4th child in that he went every where with me as I cared for him.

I am heavily involved in showing my Maine Coons and Household Pet Cats and that is how he became my traveling buddy. Through the many states that we have been through, my fellow show associates, from all over the place, have grown to know and look foward to seeing him.

My husband and I took him along on every trip. He has been to California on a road trip where we traveled for 2 1/2 weeks. From hotel room to car and to the show halls, he traveled very well. He also flew as a passenger to Wisconsin numerous times.

One wonders how to take care of a paralyzed cat let alone travel with him across country.

Dragster is now 9 years old and still very much a part of our lives, both traveling and emotionally. He has many human friends and has grown accustomed to hitting the road.

I would like to take this time to thank all of those individuauls out there for taking the time and love for any paralyzed pet. Please feel free to contact the editor to tell me, as well as all of those, who read this magizine!

Until next time, Thank you.

Give your pet extra love and attention.

Laura Heineck owns and operates a pet sitting business in Naples, Florida called Home Alone. She has been in operation for 11 years. While taking care of other people's pets, she and her husband show Maine Coon Cats and Household Pets. Dragster is a seasoned traveler, visiting such places as California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and both Carolina's.