Wild life

Yesterday I discovered in our orchard a dead porcupine.  It looked as if there had been a fight as some distance from the body were many quills, I collected the best ones.  The large body had been partially eaten and was very smelly, I did wash the quills.

This morning I went again to check and it had completely disappeared,  not a scrap of fur or a single bone remained. I wonder what creature could have carried away such a heavy carcass given the difficulty of negotiating fences and steps on our land.  I know wolves have been heard above us which is a worry particularly if they have young.

Last week we took Grigio to the vet as she wasn’t eating and seemed generally miserable.  They gave her a thorough check under anaesthetic, removed some damaged teeth and cleaned the rest, tested her for HIV and leukemia, both negative, and sent blood for analysis.  She is on anti biotics as she has some mouth ulcers and a vitamin supplement, she has made great progress. 

At the time we had friends from the uk staying with us, one if whom is a retired medical professional, and a cat lover. She was so helpful advising us what questions to ask, helping administer the medication and taking away some of the stress.  I am not sure it was the relaxing week they expected but we were grateful they were here.

Unfortunately Grigio was called back to the vet earlier this week when her blood test showed a high white cell count caused either because she is fighting an infection or by a lymphoma.  She is much improved after the anti biotics, she seems well and happy so we hope for the best but this afternoon we have to take her back for an ultrasound, keep your fingers crossed for her.