"CatNipped" wrote in message
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"Christina Websell" wrote in message
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FWIW, I don't think Helen was referring to MaryL at all. I certainly
didn't think her posts were "crass" It did upset me a bit to be called
"anti-American" though. Is that how you all perceive me?

Tweed

Tweed, there are times when you are very blunt (not a bad thing), and I've
taken umbrage at something you've said about America. While I don't think
of you as "anti-American" at all, I do sometimes think you have a somewhat
distorted view of us (and to give due credit, I think a lot of *Americans*
are to fault for that). The times I've taken umbrage, I've tried to get
you to see that, America being as large and varied as it is, it is often a
mistake to generalize about us (e.g. saying that all Americans are
barbaric because *some* Americans have their cats declawed). That being
said, I would not have as a friend anyone who is "anti-American" - and I
count you as a dear friend even though we may have "words" now and again.

Ah I knew you would say that, Lori! I don't remember saying that *all*
Americans were barbaric, though, only that as a first world country etc
etc..
No doubt we will disagree again but I count you are a dear friend too.

Going back to the "crass" remark, I was thinking it was about the person
who tried to gainsay your vet's advice and proceeded to outline what you
should do with your cat (as if you and your vet were too feeble-minded to
do the right thing for her). It amazes me when someone thinks they can
diagnose a cat they've never seen, from another country, and going only by
what a worried cat-mom says on UseNet. Um, sure, they know more than that
person's vet who has taken care of that cat for years but who must be
incompetent since their diagnosis or advice differs.

BUT, I will say this about most, if not all Americans. We are a "can do"
society who pretty much boot-strapped ourselves to where we are today.
Part of that national ethos is that we always try to find a solution, even
to those problems that don't have one. Very often that comes across to
other countries' people as being nosy, pushy and know-it-all when, in
reality, all it is is an attempt to help set things right - advice given
in all sincerity and earnestness even when it's not necessarily welcomed.

I know that. I do appreciate and welcome advice, but often what is possible
in America isn't here. When I try and explain it doesn't seem to be an
option, then I mean it really isn't here in Britain.
I am not going to drive KFC all over England to find a vet that will agree
to give her more fluids. For what purpose? To keep her going along for 6
weeks until she needs them again? If my vet says don't do it, don't spend
another $500 like you just did for her fluids, I guess I have to accept it.

She is being kept very comfortable with fantastic food, nice beds, any meds
she needs, but no radical intervention. I have chosen that for her. If I
ever get as old as she is in human years and with her health difficulties I
hope someone is there to make the same decision for me.
She's as bright as a button at the moment.

Tweed