It has certainly been a sad end to the week, seven days that have not been the greatest of my life, but an ending that unfortunately had to happen. When we adopted Picante and Marigold, there were no guarantees that their new life with us would work; I think both Darrell and I were fully aware, that this may not end well, and yes, we were proved right. Today, hope turned to a realisation, that both of these beautiful oriental cats would have a better life elsewhere.

From day one, Picante and Marigold never got on with Pippa; it was more than just a few snarls and growls - there was a distinct dislike between all of them and even though we did our best to make their coexistence work, it just didn't. Oriental cats are notoriously difficult and feisty, where Pippa was far quieter, nervous and submissive. If I look at it now, it was clear she was being bullied by the new additions, and she spent most of the time hiding under the bed.

This week we had to take Pippa to the vets, after we discovered a swelling on her tail; after an examination it appeared that the lump was the beginning of an abscess, and she was prescribed a course of antibiotics and painkillers at a cost of $200.00. Initially the medication was given in pill form, but these were just two large for her to swallow, even when broken in half, after all, Pippa is only a small cat and the vets should have seen this. Mid-week, we returned the pills and were given liquid antibiotics instead, at a further cost of $70.00, for what 'Vet West' called a dispensing fee. Darrell was particularly angry about this extra charge and told them, in no uncertain terms, he would not be returning. The lack of care at the vets, and their dismissive attitude, was palpable, and we won't be returning there in future.

It appears Pippa was being attacked while using the litter tray and was left in a bit of a state. The consultant told us, Marigold just had to go, since she was the culprit; after liaising with the breeder Sue, we returned her on Saturday evening, believing Picante would remain with us, and we would try and socialise her and Pippa over the next few weeks. However, nothing ever turns out the way you plan. That same evening, Sue called and asked if we would consider returning Picante, since Marigold was extremely distressed and anxious. Darrell duly agreed, and we said farewell to Picante this morning.

I am in two minds about letting Picante go, especially with her disability. She had the chance of a good life with us, and I'm not sure any other potential adopter will take these two together, as a bonded pair, in the same way we did. There aren't many people who will take on a disabled cat. The hope is, they will find a forever home as a bonded pair, but I'm not sure if that will happen anytime soon; I feel deep down, Picante should have remained with us, in a homely, warm environment, and cared for lovingly. However, it just wasn't to be and Darrell and I are devastated.

We have both decided not to get another cat and just concentrate all our efforts on Pippa, who needs a lot of care. In time that may change, and we may introduce a kitten, rather than a cat, but certainly not two cats at once. This has been a sharp learning curve for us, and we just hope we can get a semblance of normality back once again!