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Domino, my outdoor feral ( seen above) is a master magician. He appears when there is food and disappears when there is any chance of being trapped and taken to a vet. He's a smart kitty, but his days of owning his family ahem, jewels are soon over. If you can't get a cat to go to a vet, can you get a vet to go to cat? Yes, if you have a clinic on wheels. For many years we enjoyed house calls, but our vet retired and for three years we've had to make do with a clinic with a crowded waiting room full of dogs. Merlin hated it and Coco refused to go. I hoped and prayed that someone would open a mobile clinic and finally someone has. I was thrilled to come across Dr. Richard Goldstein's website this week, Mobile Vet Squad and he rolled up our driveway on Thursday. It was exciting as the circus coming to town.
The gleaming, brand new state-of-the art clinic is gorgeous on the outside but even better on the inside.
I'm used to being the one behind the camera, but Dr. G. had a pal Wendy along for the ride to take photos and troubleshoot. She snapped these pics of moi.

Being able to see an animal in their own environment is helpful for diagnosis and far less stressful. To my surprise, Domino remained under the bushes during the entire visit and didn't run away. With Dr. G. now on board, the plan is to catch him, get him anesthetized, do what needs to be done with zero waiting time. But first, it was time to tour the clinic . Greeting us was the delightful assistant Sarah. For a compact space every square inch was utilized for maximum benefit.

I thought it best that Coco, the nervous Nellie, go first. What a pleasure not having to catch her ( why do cats always hide when the carrier comes out?), stuff her in a carrier, drive to a vet with non-stop howling, wait with barking dogs and schlep back with more off-key opera singing. Coco hit a few high notes, but she was in four calm and capable hands.

Merlin, being friskier, needed no coaxing to check out the clinic. He patiently waited as they drew blood. Both cats are doing well for almost 16, but it came as no surprise that they both have cataracts. The dear doc called yesterday with results. Merlin's blood work came back normal but it was suggested he have another check-up in six months. Normal protocol for geriatric cats. Coco, unfortunately has elevated kidney enzymes, so Dr. G. is coming back Monday for a urine sample. Fingers crossed.

I felt the caring and competent team more than exceeded my expectations. It's look like we have a new vet for life. If your lucky enough to live in Westchester County, Dr. Goldstein could be your vet too.

Both cats enjoyed a long nap afterward. Merlin, communed with nature.



Domino get ready, you're next...