The American James Herriot, now, with less sheep poo! ;-)

It's funny, your story reminds me of Pewter's latest vet visit. She's a scaredy cat. She's scared of strangers, scared of the car, scared of anything new, and has been terrified of previous vet visits (literally scared shitless). This time, I cradled her next to me and petted her on the table, and she started purring so loudly that the vet couldn't hear her heart. When the vet ran a flea comb over Pewter, she was the happiest kitty ever (she loves been combed with the flea comb at home). I have NO idea what was different.