Pray for the healing of our pet

We were away for a few days last week, and our neighbor and her daughters took care of our finches for us.

On the last day of our trip, our neighbor texted me to say she thought there might be something wrong with the leg of one of the finches, Ron. We couldn’t do anything from afar, but when we got home, I controlled it. He seemed to be in favor of it, but I couldn’t figure out why.

It seemed to bother him more the next day, so I called our vet and got the first appointment he had. I loaded the cage with Ron and Bart in the car and drove to the vet. I thought something was stuck in the band he had on his leg since he was a baby, before we met him. It seemed like it would be an easy fix.

But that was not the case. The vet told us that one of Ron’s toes got caught in the leg band. The vet should amputate his foot that day.

I felt bad. I said goodbye to Ron and Bart and headed to the car to call my husband and text a few friends and family to pray.

This little bird’s surgery seemed risky and I was afraid he wouldn’t make it. I hadn’t thought it could be something so serious, so I hadn’t suggested that the boys wish Ron good luck that morning. What if he doesn’t come home? If he did, what would be the fit for him?

Ron did fine and I picked him up that night. We went through a traumatic event trying to catch him in the cage to give him his medicine before I finally realized it was impossible. We should let go and pray for him to heal.

So far, three days after the operation, Ron seems to be doing well. He’s still in the cage with Bart (who happens to be his son, though neither of them seem to remember they’re anything but friends).

Watching Ron and Bart interact helped me better understand Ron’s progress. For the first two days, Bart gave Ron plenty of room and didn’t make a lot of noise. Now Bart sings more and even pushes Ron to play. I hope Bart can sense that Ron is better. This may be wishful thinking on my part, but it works for me.

Meanwhile, Ron eats well and flies around the cage. He has a few adjustments to make as he comes to terms with life without a foot, but I have a feeling he’s going to adjust just fine, just like the vet said.

Every morning when I check the cages, I’m relieved to see that Ron is still with us, ready for his breakfast, looking forward to the day. He seems a little less energetic but generally satisfied. I hope he will be okay and that he is not in pain.

We did what we could do for him, and we ask God to do the rest.

Every night I bless the birds with holy water, and our statue of Saint Francis of Assisi hovers nearby.

Saint Francis, please pray for Ron and all creatures who need God’s special healing care today. Amen.

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