Although today was Wednesday, it did not feel like any other Wednesday.  First of all, it was raining all day.  I don't usually mind the rain, and really enjoy splashing in puddles once it has ended.  Usually the rain comes with the loud sky noises that make Bea run and hide.  There were no loud crashing noises today, just rain and more rain. 
Mother spent the morning doing procedures and the afternoon seeing pet visitors and their people.  For a Wednesday everyone seemed just a little happier than normal.  Everyone was chatting about things like turkey and football, and the day seemed much more like a Friday than a Wednesday.  I'm not sure, but I get the sense on days like today that there might soon be extra yummy things falling on the floor.  I'll be sure to keep a look out.

My favorite visitor today was a very large cat named Sean.  Vocal Vonnie called it a "Norwegian Forest Cat" because her favorite game is to try to bark out answers to questions that no one has even asked.  Sean was a very large, very daunting presence.  He was twice my size, and had a serious stare and low growl that made me keep my normal greetings to myself.
Sean's mother brought him in last week worried about a lump she had found.  "I noticed it after he got vaccinated two weeks ago.  I didn't really think about it until I read his chart and realized that my previous veterinarian had given him an adjuvanted vaccine.  Now, I'm  really worried that he has a tumor!".  Mother looked Sean over and examined the lump on Sean's knee.  "It's probably just a temporary vaccine reaction." mother reassured "but we can remove it to be sure." Sean's mother wanted to be sure.

Mother's helpers were awed by handsome Sean and puzzled about how such a common, and apparently safe thing like giving a vaccine could cause a problem.  I listened with pointed ears when mother discussed the vaccines.  "In cats, as many as 3 in 10,000 can have abnormal reactions to vaccinations, or any injection really, that can ultimately lead to a cancerous growth.  Many researchers believe the adjuvants, or additives, in the vaccines may be responsible for this.  It's the reason we only give cats non-adjuvanted vaccines here", mother was explaining to her helpers. Sean's mother loved Sean; really, really, really loved him.  She had read up all about vaccines on the internet, and found out that some cats can get strange vaccine reactions that turn in to tumors.  Sean's mother could not bear the thought of Sean having a tumor.  So today, Sean came in to have his procedure to remove the lump.
Sean was the quietest, most reserved cat I have seen have any work done here.  He made no noise for his first pinch.  He sat quietly while the tube was put in his arm, and woke up just the same way.  I don't think he complained once all day.  After mother was done talking to his parents, Sean walked himself into his portable travel den for the ride home;  no spitting or howling like so many other cats like to do.  I overheard mother tell them that the lump seemed small and confined and that it may be nothing at all to worry about.  Sean's mother said, "Well, that will really be something to be thankful for!"
I can't help but think of everything I'm thankful for -- my mom and dad, my best friend Bea, my villa at the clinic and the opportunity to meet the nicest dogs, cats and people every day.  There's really so much when you think about it.  I think that people should set aside a whole day, to sit down with everyone we care about and celebrate all we have to be thankful for.  I'll definitely have to suggest it to mother!