I wanted to punctuate the news about Negra with some other daily clips. We were certainly hoping that Negra would bounce back quickly. We first noticed Negra’s weakened legs (even more weak than they normally are) following a brief conflict in her group.
Since arriving, she’s had bowed knees and walked on the outside of her feet. You know she’s not one to exert herself very much. I’ve often marveled, over the years, at how those little legs of hers keep her upright.
She’s clearly having more trouble these last few days, though she doesn’t seem to be in pain, and she’s choosing to climb and move from space to space. We don’t want her to be in a position with the group where she feels she needs to run or jump, which happens fairly frequently with Burrito’s energy and Jamie’s bossiness (interestingly, Jamie very rarely challenges Negra, but when Jamie is mad at someone else, Negra often gets pulled into the drama). Dr. Erin is on the case, of course. She’s adjusting meds, reviewing footage, watching Negra move, and consulting with all of us and others.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried, but I’ve been worried about Negra since the day I met her over eighteen years ago when she was still living in that windowless basement. She seemed frail and old then at 35!
On the positive side, Negra has been in a good mood. She’s handing out back-of-the-hand kisses to staff and volunteer caregivers like she was in a kissing booth.
And she is enjoying the opportunity to eat at Negra-pace, away from the group, which is very, very slowly, with food tucked in her nest for later.
