"Christina Websell" wrote in message
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"CatNipped" wrote in message
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"Christina Websell" wrote in message
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FWIW, I don't think Helen was referring to MaryL at all. I certainly
didn't think her posts were "crass" It did upset me a bit to be called
"anti-American" though. Is that how you all perceive me?

Tweed

Tweed, there are times when you are very blunt (not a bad thing), and
I've taken umbrage at something you've said about America. While I don't
think of you as "anti-American" at all, I do sometimes think you have a
somewhat distorted view of us (and to give due credit, I think a lot of
*Americans* are to fault for that). The times I've taken umbrage, I've
tried to get you to see that, America being as large and varied as it is,
it is often a mistake to generalize about us (e.g. saying that all
Americans are barbaric because *some* Americans have their cats
declawed). That being said, I would not have as a friend anyone who is
"anti-American" - and I count you as a dear friend even though we may
have "words" now and again.

Ah I knew you would say that, Lori! I don't remember saying that *all*
Americans were barbaric, though, only that as a first world country etc
etc..
No doubt we will disagree again but I count you are a dear friend too.

Going back to the "crass" remark, I was thinking it was about the person
who tried to gainsay your vet's advice and proceeded to outline what you
should do with your cat (as if you and your vet were too feeble-minded to
do the right thing for her). It amazes me when someone thinks they can
diagnose a cat they've never seen, from another country, and going only
by what a worried cat-mom says on UseNet. Um, sure, they know more than
that person's vet who has taken care of that cat for years but who must
be incompetent since their diagnosis or advice differs.

BUT, I will say this about most, if not all Americans. We are a "can do"
society who pretty much boot-strapped ourselves to where we are today.
Part of that national ethos is that we always try to find a solution,
even to those problems that don't have one. Very often that comes across
to other countries' people as being nosy, pushy and know-it-all when, in
reality, all it is is an attempt to help set things right - advice given
in all sincerity and earnestness even when it's not necessarily welcomed.

I know that. I do appreciate and welcome advice, but often what is
possible in America isn't here. When I try and explain it doesn't seem to
be an option, then I mean it really isn't here in Britain.
I am not going to drive KFC all over England to find a vet that will agree
to give her more fluids. For what purpose? To keep her going along for
6 weeks until she needs them again? If my vet says don't do it, don't
spend another $500 like you just did for her fluids, I guess I have to
accept it.

She is being kept very comfortable with fantastic food, nice beds, any
meds she needs, but no radical intervention. I have chosen that for her.
If I ever get as old as she is in human years and with her health
difficulties I hope someone is there to make the same decision for me.
She's as bright as a button at the moment.

Tweed

I have ABSOLUTELY not doubts that you will do what is best for KFC. As much
as we all here love her and would like to see her with us for years to come,
there really is nobody else on earth who loves her as much as you do and
only you have the right to make decisions about her treatment. You have
done and will do everything possible to make her life (and its passing) the
best possible - anybody who says differently will have me to contend with.

We're still purring for everything to come out well for the both of you.

Hugs,

CatNipped