Cops, Doctors and Mitosis

DOCTORS - as most of you probably know, my older cousin Jon had a nasty encounter with gravity two weeks ago, and now has a fused spine as evidence of the ordeal.  Although this is not the preferred motivation for a family reunion, it is one method.  Several days in the hospital waiting room proved ample opportunities for our family to bond by rallying together in support of Jon.

MITOSIS - one of my summer activities is taking biology and chemistry at the community college. This experience proves challenging to self discipline and motivation skills.  I'm trying to see the relevance of knowing all about mitosis and DNA replication to my dreams of becoming a therapist.  I'm still waiting for an epiphany.  

COPS - much to my annoyance, my motorcycle was stolen last sunday.  As I walked out my front door to hop on and drive to church, I could feel that something was wrong, and I was right!  Luckily the culprit got tired of driving it around after a couple of hours and left it, get this, with my neighbor!  It was literally 200 yards away across the street.  The police called me and I brought it home.  Although I need to fix some wiring, there is no permanent damage that I can tell.  The good news is that this experience has sped up my search for a car, meaning that soon I won't need to drive a motorcycle and endanger my life and my progeny.  

of cats and the government

I had an interesting experience this week. I have my own ideas on the government's involvement in my life, and I would love to hear yours' as well.

A couple of weeks ago I got a notice on my door. It was from the Lane County Animal something or another, and they were citing my basically for abusing my cat. She had gotten out a couple of times, and one of the neighbors reported that she was "underfed, sick, and has fleas." It is true that I have been fighting the flea battle with her, she's on meds. But I was surprised to discover (by way of government involvement) that I was basically abusing her. The citation said that I had to take her to the vet or I would basically be taken to court for animal abuse and fined $1500.

Like a good little citizen I took Mina to the vet. She looked over my cat and concluded that she's very healthy for her age. Her weight is totally normal for her size, her heart and lungs are strong, and she's doing great for a 13 year old. I got her vaccinated and dewormed (just to be on the safe side) and my total bill was $150. I could have gotten her vaccinations at PetsMart for $30.

So here's the question. Does the government have the right to tell me that I'm abusing my cat and then force me to spend $120 to avoid a lawsuit? I'm glad that they're looking out for the cats and dogs in the world, and people definitely should take care of their pets, but still, I'm $120 out because one of my neighbors decided to be a jerk.

Well, at least my mind is at peace. I was a little freaked out to have the government inform me that I was abusing my cat.