three potato, four…
If you know the rhyme it will give you some idea of Raspy’s tactic to get out of Mr Exotic Vet’s grasp!
Yes, there has been yet another visit from Mr EV. This time, his usual Lovely Assistant was not available, so he brought Lovely Assistant Numero Two (LAN2).
My main concerns this time were that:
- Atilla’s fatty lump appeared to have spawned another lump further down in her “undercarriage” area, &
- Raspy now weighs the same as her sister (she has always been less).
In preparation for the visit, I locked the Toyboys in the Ferplast when they had both gone in to nibble at the iodine block, even though there is a block in the Manor. This left the puddings alone in the Manor. I noticed that Raspy immediately went to Atilla’s perch to sit near her. She was bashing Atilla’s mirror but I suspect that was her way of being affectionate without losing face (see video below).
I gave them some dill soaked in camomile tea in the hope it would help to keep them calm. They were happy chomping away together. They were happy until Mr EV & LAN2 arrived….
Normally, if I put my hand in the cage, both girls are happy to jump on, if only to bite me, chew my sleeve or cadge a lift to another perch. With Mr EV there, they did not even entertain the idea of sitting on my finger. I even showed them their favourite toy, the camera, to tempt them but no, they were not going to be fooled. Unfortunately, that meant Mr EV went in with his cloth…..
Raspy came out first & was flying all around the room. We left her, to focus on Atilla, who also bombed out the Manor. She landed on the floor & LAN2 quickly bundled her up.
Atilla was vocal about the indignity of being held. Mr EV had a listen to her heart & breathing & gave her a prod & a poke.
His verdict on the lump situation is that the bottom lump is actually part of the initial chest lump that has slipped down as it is not attached to anything. He reckoned she was in better overall condition than last time. Her heart was strong & her breathing fine.
Though I am still concerned about her lump, I am well aware that he could have said a whole lot worse so I feel some relief.
Raspy was next. She managed to fly behind the curtain where Mr EV gathered her up in his cloth. Raspy was about 10 times more vocal than Atilla. I think Mr EV & LAN2 were a bit surprised at the ferocity of her protest. Raspy proceeded to squirm & that is when Mr EV started the one potato, two potato actions with his hands, as he tried to keep hold of her! She had her toenails trimmed but kept holding onto the clipper with the foot that was free. Mr EV gave her a prod & poke also.
He said he could not feel any lumps. Like Atilla, her heartbeat & breathing were good.
So, job done & Mr EV & LAN2 departed, leaving the puddings to recover in the Manor. When I saw they were both preening, I thought about letting the Toyboys back out.
I do not exaggerate when I say that within less than a minute of being let out, Cagney had his leg over Atilla! He loves that girl! Bezukhov was covering Raspy with kisses also. They had only been apart for 2 hours at most.
When they had got their “greetings” over with, I got out the rest of the camomile-tea-soaked dill & gave them a misting. All had a romp in the dill, apart from Raspy who watched, but she did give Bezukhov’s head a good preen afterwards (see video below).
Raspy & Atilla alone in the Manor:
Raspy preening Bezukhov (Atilla was “helping” me film, hence camera shake):
Puddings & Toyboys 