Yesterday started out bad. When I woke up, Noel, one of the female foster gliders was curled up in a corner of the glider enclodure looking decidedly unwell. I decided she HAD to go to the vet. But first, I had a couple of things to do at the shop as well. I also had to pick Akiko up to take her to Hasnul as she had suddenly deteriorated.
*Akiko is our FIV+ cat. She was one of the first cats to come to us and she was heavily pregnant. Throughout her pregnancy, she was sickly and fragile. When she delivered 5 little fishballs 
, we were delighted. They grew each day and amazed us with their zest for life. Perhaps they knew how little time they would have…
Just a few days short of a month, they began to die. They would sicken and perish in the space of a mere 12 hours. At first we thought we were doing something wrong. When the second one died, we went to Hasnul. He was puzzled. By the time he fourth one died, he had diagnosed Akiko with FIV and said our last kitten would likely join her siblings at rainbow bridge. BUT LAIKA LIVED! And Akiko too.
At two fifteen, I called Hand N Paws to ask for Dr Jenny. I was told she was busy but to come on to the clinic. Her colleague refused to text me their address which I had hoped to locate with my borowed GARMIN. I was told to call again when I had arrived at Hasnuls. Frustrated, I packed the boys, Akiko and Noel into the car with me and made a beeline for Hasnul’s. It began to rain heavily and I had to crawl along the highway all the while wondering if Akiko and Noel could afford the delay.
I was absolutely soaked to the bone dropping Akiko off. Salwa said they would take care of Akiko and there was no point in my staying as she would need a drip and blood tests. I left with a heavy heart and a sense of foreboding. I wish I had listened to my instincts and stroked her one last time.
I got into the car, and called Hand N Paws but they were busy. The next twenty minutes was spent desperately trying to get in touch with them and driving towards Tropicana which they had assured me was near the clinic. When I eventually got in touch, they were unable to direct me to thier clinic “Because most people who come to us already know the way!”.
I called Hun in desperation and she told me Dr Jenny had already left! I was stupefied. Impossible! By this time, I was five minutes away, having been given a road that the GARMIN could pick up. NOTE: Aman Suria does NOT exist in GARMIN’s Damansara.
When I finally found the clinic at four, Dr Ly, whom I had spoken to was nowhere to be seen. Dr Mervyn, eventually spoke to me, confirming that Dr Jenny had indeed gone to the doctor. After about ten minutes, he said no one could treat Noel and that I should come back at six! Knowing full well that I had come from Ampang, with two children and a sick exotic in tow.
I cannot believe that he did not even ask what was wrong with Noel.
I cannot believe that they could not have compassion for a woman with two small children and two sick animals who had driven in a storm to seek help.
Isabel is a vet. Where she practices, vets should be able to offer at least basic treatment to ANY SPECIES of animal.
What kind of vets do we have here in Malaysia?
*Noel is holding up thanks to first aid advice from Hun. If you need help with your glider and cannot get to a vet (or are perceived as not worthy of treatment by said vet’s colleagues) give her a call. Her website is www.suggiesathome.com
And Akiko passed away today.
