F interrupts this broadcast...

 ... to break the news that Tigger is really really really not well.  We have witnessed his slow decline for a while (we are all aging) but weight loss has accelerated and in the last few days his poor wee face suddenly puffed up with some sort of allergic reaction.  It might even be funny if he was not clearly distressed by it.

He is still eating (lots actually), still reading over my shoulder as I work (ensconced on the ironing board), still using his litter box, still cleaning himself, but he walks like there is pain.  He was prodded a lot yesterday.

Mr B took him to the vet yesterday: there are steroids and antihistamines for his face and a booking for a scan next week.  The vet detected a possible (small) mass in his stomach a month or so ago but as he had just eaten it was recorded but with a suggestion it might be food.  It seems the mass is more obvious and cancer is suspected.   We will know more after the scan.

We love him dearly and I promised him no pain so we will take this a day at a time.  Posts have been a bit sparse lately and he had been saving up so much he wanted to tell you for when his secretary would attend to it, so you will see a few of those over the coming days.  There are so many photos he wants to share, and in amongst his opinions and sideways views on the activities of those around him, I (the F) will keep you updated on Mr T himself.

There are a few tears. Even when you know that barring accidents and unexpected short life events of your own, that you will outlive your pets, there never seems to be enough time to love them as much as they deserve.