Frankie Weiss and Her Magic

Once again, Frankie was not eating. She’d smell her food and walk away. This time, I knew what I had to do. Opening Frankie’s mouth gently, as I held her in my arms, the Gingivitis had returned, her gums were reddish. Minutes later, calling Marlton, I made arrangements to have Frankie checked out. Her vet Dr. Rothberg was off duty, having no choice, another doctor would look at her to confirm my layman’s examination. On the drive to Marlton, my mind was reviewing all the options Dr. Fiorito had given me after her original surgery to remove the infected seven teeth and treat her gums. It was not too good. We could try some oral medicine that might arrest the disease. The best option was not to delay the removal of all her teeth. I could not bear the thought of my beautiful Frankie being a toothless cat. Let alone dreading the thought she might not survive this drastic dental operation. I could not feel too happy with any of the options. My world at this moment was one of despair. The life of this beautiful and loving Calico was in my hands alone. What was I to decide? The cost, money-wise, meant absolutely nothing. Frankie, her presence in our home and to give her an opportunity to live her life as part of my life as a feline was not optional, she had to be given every possible chance.

The examination left one of the two choices; we decided to try the oral medicine first and see if it would help alleviate the Gingivitis. It was to be given twice daily. Wrapping Frankie in a large towel and with some difficulty I opened her mouth and delivered the prescribed dosage. It was not an easy job doing this twice daily; suddenly Frankie decided to cooperate and my struggle with giving the oral medicine lessened. So did the Gingivitis and Frankie was eating again.

Using the medicine, Frankie was her normal self for quite a while. But the Gingivitis was relentless, it returned with a vengeance. It would not let my Calico, my ray of sunshine eat,
it hurt too much. We had finally run out of options.

I had to bite the bullet as far as Frankie was concerned.