Re: Bailey Update
Hey Belinda, I'm sending out prayers today for Bailey. I hope he sails through the procedures and whatever is done helps him. It's so frustrating to watch our kitties not eat, so the feeding tube will hopefully solve that. I'm praying for strength for you also during this tough time. :) Wendy --- catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Belinday, Prayers continued for you and little Bailey. t Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All, Bailey is going to have a bone marrow asperate to find out what is causing his anemia on Tuesday, since he will have to be put under anesthesia for this I am going to have a feeding tube put in too. He is really starting to fight the syringe feedings. Please send prayers that he is strong enough to come through this, and that whatever is causing the anemia is something treatable. Thanks everyone ... -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: CLS: Ducky
Rachel, I am just now getting caught up on the posts. I am sorry to hear about your little Ducky. It sounds as if she went quietly which is a blessing in disguise. I hope that you are doing ok. :) Wendy --- Rachel [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Please add Ducky to the CLS. I found her last night when I arrived home from work. It seems that she passed away peacefully in her sleep while I was at work sometime yesterday. I almost mistook her for just sleeping in her bed. There was no indication of any problems. She had seemed to be doing just fine. I guess this is the crummy part of leukemia positive kittens, huh? Rachel Folk will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog C. Doran - Yahoo! Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Lucy
Lucy has not been diagnosed with ibd, but it is what I suspect (and hope, alternative being lymphoma, but the soft stool issue started almost 3 months ago, which isa long time ago for lymphoma). Anyway, she held down a little cooked turkey for an hour this morning so I gave her more, that was 1/2 hour ago and so far so good, knock on wood. She thinks I am insane for giving her such small amounts. After meowing at me by her bowl and giving up, she went over and tried to manually open the cat food cabinet! She lost about a pound in two days, which scares me, but at least she is hungry, knock on wood. Thanks. Michelle In a message dated 1/16/2006 10:05:56 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm sorry. I confused the two. Does Lucy have ibd that you know of or just the bladder problems? My ibd cat who threw up (the others had diarrhea) just did it every once in a while. I never could really attribute it to anything out of the ordinary. He had kidney disease and was on science diet for that. This was YEARS ago when that was all there was. It might happen once every month or go as long as 2 or 3 months that it would not happen. When it did happen I had to give him reglan, and that would stop it. Usually one dose would do it. And yes, once he started he would continue to vomit at least every 30 minutes without eating in between, so I knew it wasn't from his food. I don't know if the kidney disease played into that or not. He died of kidney failure when he was over 10 years old. At that time he had to take pepcid, reglan, and other things (fluids, etc...) to try to keep him from being sick. But when he was very young (3-5) we found out he had ibd and kidney disease and one kidney that was just very small/malformed. I almost lost him then, but once diagnosed he came back and lived another 8 years or so with just the bouts of vomiting here and there. tonya
Re: Sweet Angel Sam/Add to CLS
Del, My condolences to you on your loss...I hope you are doing ok right now. I hope that the memories of your baby's last 24 hours begin to fade quickly, because they are so hard to deal with. And I hope all the beautiful memories that Sam gave you while he was with you are what you see when you think of him. :) Wendy --- Del H. Daniels [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My sweet boy passed away early this morning while I talked to him and held his hand. His last 24+ hours was bad, I didn't expect him to last as long as he did. His first clot was mid-November with back end paralysis but he regained some limb function. He threw another saddle clot Sunday night but rallied, then Wednesday night threw another and it was downhill from there. He was not going to survive when he continued to throw these clots frequently while on the meds and his heart was inconsistent. Ten minutes before he died Lightning Bug, his sister, lay in front of his crate for five minutes his head was right next to hers, like they were sharing unspoken thoughts before he moved on. He and Effie used to look at each other in admiration through the screen door, now they are finally playing together. It's hard losing two in a week. Del __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Bailey Update
Bailey and I thank you Wendy :) -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wanted to see it.
Thank you Michelle! What a wonderful poem...you've certainly got a gift! I tried to tell myself that I wouldn't cry before reading it...but by the time I got to the end, my lap was full of kleenex! Thank you, again...you've expressed so well what I feel in my heart! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, January 15, 2006 1:12 pm Subject: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wanted to see it. Poem for Little Tidge We found each other wandering - I gave you shelter from the storm The misfortunes life had dealt you left you frightened and withdrawn Our lives combined, our love grew strong, and you knew that you were saved From past neglect and heartache when love was all you ever craved Now I’m left in turmoil, trying hard to comprehend The reasons why god took away my very special friend I know you had to leave me and that was meant to be And I hope that in the place you are, from pain you will stay free I look around each day for you in hope that you’ll appear It hurts so much to face the truth that you’re no longer here Your unexpected passing left me broken and destroyed When your cruel unfair departure left an overwhelming void Not a day goes by when I don’t pray to keep you safe from harm Then I pray your spirit finds me to help me calm my inner storm My late departed friend, I don’t think I’ll ever understand Why you, still young and innocent, were taken from this land I know that you would not desire me harbour such dismay So forgive my times of weakness but you are in my heart to stay My life must now continue much in the way it did before Though without you here beside me, for a while I will feel poor Despite these dismal feelings I can recall how rich I’ve been Because the day I found you wandering was when my heart began to beam Please know how much I love you, and I’m glad our paths did cross The short time that we shared will never be a loss And friend I ask please wait for me for one day I’ll return To comfort and protect thee - but for now our hearts must yearn Heaven and earth may hinder until my time is done But with togetherness our future, our souls are destined to be one Michelle Lomax (April 2005) It's amazing how creativity comes out with emotion but writing the poem whilst painful was also cathartic. I guess much of the poem applies to all of us at some point. Hope you enjoy it xx Michelle, Buddy, Minstrel Angel Bramble
Re: Tiggie passed away yesterday
Elizabeth, I am sorry to hear about Tiggie. I hope that you and your family are feeling peaceful about Tiggie's passing. It sounds like the timing was right, at least for Malcolm. That's so generous and selfless of you to allow Ashley to take Malcolm, especially the same day you lost Tiggie. Tiggie must have been smiling down on you for that. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Lucy
Thanks, Nina. I just got this email this morning. I did fast her overnight, and she was HUNGRY this morning. I fed her three small meals of cooked turkey in its broth, an hour apart, and so far so good, knock on wood (I went downstairs to check for vomit again in the middle of that sentence, to be sure I was not speaking too soon!). Thanks for all your support. If I had not learned about IBD from you, and had all your support, I think I would have freaked out much more initially about this and assumed it had to be lymphoma. I still worry it is, but her digestive problems have gone on for over 2 months at this point, and they say that is the average total prognosis for a cat with lymphoma who does not get chemo. So I am guessing, and hoping, that it is IBD. Michelle In a message dated 1/16/2006 10:52:32 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle,I just wrote you off-list about Lucy. I said alot of the same things Tonya did. As far as the broth... if you have some raw turkey, or chicken, toss it in a small sauce pan with some filtered water and boil it until you make a weak broth for her. That will be better than a canned broth with lots of salt and flavorings anyway, (more bland). It's just my opinion, but I think 10 hours of fasting is plenty of time to see if she can handle a teaspoon, or tablespoon of broth, or baby food. Going too long in between meals and eating on an empty stomach ALWAYS makes Gypsy vomit! When I would resort to Reglan with Gyps, I'd only have to give her one dose before I saw results with the next meal. She was so bad off at the time that you could actually see her stomach contracting.N
Buster
Sherry, How is Buster doing? :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
OT: Dreams
Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: OT: Dreams
Dear Wendy, Have you considered talking with an animal communicator? You WILL eventually talk with Cricket yourself, but for now, you are still too emotionally upset/still blaming yourself/feeling guilty/etc, and that can interfere with your own communication. (Sort of like when couples try SO hard to have a baby but they can't - and when they finally decide to adopt - and there by relax about the whole thing - they get pregnant.) Getting some inital closure with an animal communicator may just be the ticket for you. Kat (Mew Jersey) On Tue, 17 Jan 2006, wendy wrote: Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 08:26:08 -0800 (PST) From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Buster
Wendy,he is hanging in there,he ate some food last night and as soon as he sees me with the Temptations treats he follows me for them.Thanks for asking,keep him in your prayers. sherrywendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sherry,How is Buster doing?:)Wendy__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.
Re: OT: Dreams
I would say the crickets are a sure sign that he is letting you know he is OK. The other cats can sense him where as you can't and are trying to let you know he is with you still, what better way to let you know!! You certainly can't deny a cricket for Cricket:) -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wantedto see it.
Dear Michelle what a wonderful poem to your sweet little Tridge. It touches all of our hearts. Liz. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wantedto see it. Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 09:21:58 -0600 Thank you Michelle! What a wonderful poem...you've certainly got a gift! I tried to tell myself that I wouldn't cry before reading it...but by the time I got to the end, my lap was full of kleenex! Thank you, again...you've expressed so well what I feel in my heart! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, January 15, 2006 1:12 pm Subject: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wanted to see it. Poem for Little Tidge We found each other wandering - I gave you shelter from the storm The misfortunes life had dealt you left you frightened and withdrawn Our lives combined, our love grew strong, and you knew that you were saved From past neglect and heartache when love was all you ever craved Now Im left in turmoil, trying hard to comprehend The reasons why god took away my very special friend I know you had to leave me and that was meant to be And I hope that in the place you are, from pain you will stay free I look around each day for you in hope that youll appear It hurts so much to face the truth that youre no longer here Your unexpected passing left me broken and destroyed When your cruel unfair departure left an overwhelming void Not a day goes by when I dont pray to keep you safe from harm Then I pray your spirit finds me to help me calm my inner storm My late departed friend, I dont think Ill ever understand Why you, still young and innocent, were taken from this land I know that you would not desire me harbour such dismay So forgive my times of weakness but you are in my heart to stay My life must now continue much in the way it did before Though without you here beside me, for a while I will feel poor Despite these dismal feelings I can recall how rich Ive been Because the day I found you wandering was when my heart began to beam Please know how much I love you, and Im glad our paths did cross The short time that we shared will never be a loss And friend I ask please wait for me for one day Ill return To comfort and protect thee - but for now our hearts must yearn Heaven and earth may hinder until my time is done But with togetherness our future, our souls are destined to be one Michelle Lomax (April 2005) It's amazing how creativity comes out with emotion but writing the poem whilst painful was also cathartic. I guess much of the poem applies to all of us at some point. Hope you enjoy it xx Michelle, Buddy, Minstrel Angel Bramble
RE: Lucy
Michelle, I hope she continues to get better I am thinking that if she lost 2 lb in two days its probably because she lost water in her body from vomiting may be you can give her fluid to compensate the fluid she lost?? From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:58 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy Lucy has not been diagnosed with ibd, but it is what I suspect (and hope, alternative being lymphoma, but the soft stool issue started almost 3 months ago, which isa long time ago for lymphoma). Anyway, she held down a little cooked turkey for an hour this morning so I gave her more, that was 1/2 hour ago and so far so good, knock on wood. She thinks I am insane for giving her such small amounts. After meowing at me by her bowl and giving up, she went over and tried to manually open the cat food cabinet! She lost about a pound in two days, which scares me, but at least she is hungry, knock on wood. Thanks. Michelle In a message dated 1/16/2006 10:05:56 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm sorry. I confused the two. Does Lucy have ibd that you know of or just the bladder problems? My ibd cat who threw up (the others had diarrhea) just did it every once in a while. I never could really attribute it to anything out of the ordinary. He had kidney disease and was on science diet for that. This was YEARS ago when that was all there was. It might happen once every month or go as long as 2 or 3 months that it would not happen. When it did happen I had to give him reglan, and that would stop it. Usually one dose would do it. And yes, once he started he would continue to vomit at least every 30 minutes without eating in between, so I knew it wasn't from his food. I don't know if the kidney disease played into that or not. He died of kidney failure when he was over 10 years old. At that time he had to take pepcid, reglan, and other things (fluids, etc...) to try to keep him from being sick. But when he was very young (3-5) we found out he had ibd and kidney disease and one kidney that was just very small/malformed. I almost lost him then, but once diagnosed he came back and lived another 8 years or so with just the bouts of vomiting here and there. tonya
Re: OT: Dreams
Well, that's what I thought, especially since I have seen NO other Cricket's anywhere, which is odd for that time of year. The darn thing was right by my bed. I would have taken it as a sign, except the thing was missing a leg or so, so I thought surely this isn't a sign. If it was, it's a bit morbid. But Cricket was quirky; maybe that's his personality coming through. If I could just have a nice dream where I get to pet him and love on him, I would be satisfied. --- Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would say the crickets are a sure sign that he is letting you know he is OK. The other cats can sense him where as you can't and are trying to let you know he is with you still, what better way to let you know!! You certainly can't deny a cricket for Cricket:) -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: OT: Dreams
Hey Kat, I really haven't considered using an AC, partly because of financial reasons, partly because if I didn't know the person, I would be extremely skeptical about their truthfulness. The baby example was a great explanation of what you were trying to say about my own guilt getting in the way of communicating or being open to a sign. There's probably a lot of truth to that. :) Wendy --- Kat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Wendy, Have you considered talking with an animal communicator? You WILL eventually talk with Cricket yourself, but for now, you are still too emotionally upset/still blaming yourself/feeling guilty/etc, and that can interfere with your own communication. (Sort of like when couples try SO hard to have a baby but they can't - and when they finally decide to adopt - and there by relax about the whole thing - they get pregnant.) Getting some inital closure with an animal communicator may just be the ticket for you. Kat (Mew Jersey) On Tue, 17 Jan 2006, wendy wrote: Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 08:26:08 -0800 (PST) From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
RE: Lucy
Michelle, Prayers and hugs for both Lucy and you... :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Lucy
Hideyo and Michelle, I think the fluid idea is a good thought for Lucy, but I'm also thinking she's had enough stress the past couple of days. Unless she seems dehydrated, or she doesn't have a problem with receiving subq fluids, I'd leave her the heck alone. Keep feeding her tiny amounts of food, as long as you don't feel the need to fast her again, she'll put her weight back on. (It was 1 pound in 2 days, scary, but it could also have to do with fluctuations in the scale, or the times of day you weighed her). I wouldn't be as calm about this if I didn't go through the same sort of thing with Gypsy occasionally. I still panic when she relapses, (even with as little as one liquid stool, or one bout of vomiting), but I've found if I keep my head, (and I've also found that the homeopathic Phos helps), she works her way back out of it. I don't mean to sound condescending Michelle, but I'm really proud of you for keeping your cool through this, (relatively speaking :) Blessings to you both, Nina Hideyo Yamamoto wrote: Michelle, I hope she continues to get better I am thinking that if she lost 2 lb in two days its probably because she lost water in her body from vomiting may be you can give her fluid to compensate the fluid she lost?? From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:58 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy Lucy has not been diagnosed with ibd, but it is what I suspect (and hope, alternative being lymphoma, but the soft stool issue started almost 3 months ago, which isa long time ago for lymphoma). Anyway, she held down a little cooked turkey for an hour this morning so I gave her more, that was 1/2 hour ago and so far so good, knock on wood. She thinks I am insane for giving her such small amounts. After meowing at me by her bowl and giving up, she went over and tried to manually open the cat food cabinet! She lost about a pound in two days, which scares me, but at least she is hungry, knock on wood. Thanks. Michelle
Re: OT: Dreams
Hi Wendy I want to tell you what works for me... It may not work for you...That will have to be your call... Get another FeLV+ kitty !!! They say getting another pet to replace a lost one doesn't work and probably won't if you are planning on it but at least 3 times in my life I have really wondered if the new cat isn't my old one come back... Anyway all the FeLV+ cats that I have all seem to have something in common...They all are the greatest cats...Maybe they realize that I am saving their lives by giving them a home...If you enter into it knowing it mat be only for a short time and knowing that you gave them love at the end when often they have been lost and living a rough life... Most people don't realize how many are PTS without a word being said just because they test pos...It makes me cry to think how close the last cat who is such a wonderful guy, came to PTS...Pam at the shelter had tried for some time to save him and on his last day somebody told her to try this list and then that day I was reading way behind and late at night...But it was one of those times that it was meant to be You can leave your name at a local shelters or rescue groups or rescue lists on the internet...There are way too many to pick from... Tad wendy wrote: Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: OT: Dreams - using ACs
Hi Wendy, I have a couple of suggestions for when/if you speak with an AC. Not every AC can communicate with those that have crossed over. Make sure whoever you find is comfortable with that. Only give them the essentials. Don't feed them any information that they could expand on. It's actually better for them too. I can't imagine how they keep the voices of those they are communicating with separate from the their own inner thoughts as it is! I think that's why it's so difficult for people who do AC to connect with their own animals, or people psychics for that matter. First they would naturally be more emotional about their own loved ones, and second they know so much about them, it's hard to validate the information as coming from a different source. If while you're talking to them, nothing is coming through that convinces you they are actually communicating with Cricket, ask them to tell you something specific that only you and Cricket would know. They won't be insulted if you ask for specific validation, not if they're legit. Let me tell you a little story about what happened with a recent reading for my dog Vladimir... A couple of weeks ago, I was in another room when I heard my dog Vladimir scream out in pain. I went rushing to him and he was in obvious distress. Every time he turned his head, even slightly, he'd scream again. Nothing seemed to be broken, and he didn't scream when I touched him, but he was in trouble. I knew if I rushed him to the ER, they would poke, prod, manipulate his tender neck, take xrays and probably send me home with a huge bill telling me to watch him closely. There's nothing that anyone can do for soft tissue damage and I didn't want to put Vlad through a painful and stressful exam, if I could help it. I called the AC I use and happily she had time to do a reading. I didn't tell her anything except that Vladimir was in pain. No specifics about what happened, no specifics about what I thought might be going on. I did that on purpose. I knew that I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting her assessment of the situation if I wasn't sure she was actually connecting with him. As far as she was concerned the "pain" could have been a belly ache, or a leg, or whatever. I was delighted when she honed right in on his neck! She told me that she didn't see/feel any bone damage, maybe a small chip. She thought it was a stretched, or torn ligament, or muscle. She even told me how she thought the accident happened. By the end of the conversation, she was convinced that it would get better on its own. I started Vlad on a homeopathic called Traumed, (I had already given him 1/2 of an Ascriptin for pain), kept him quiet and away from the rest of the dogs for the next couple of days and except for squeals of pain when he turned his head the wrong way he seemed to be getting better. Within 10 days he was back to his normal, active self. I'm so grateful to have spared the two of us that trip to the vet! I have more stories of personal experience that have proved the benefits of AC. I am more than convinced that this is for real. The main thing is to find someone that you can trust to be accurate and to not give away information that will cause you to question the validation of the answers. Let us know your experience if you decide to try an AC, Nina wendy wrote: Hey Kat, I really haven't considered using an AC, partly because of financial reasons, partly because if I didn't know the person, I would be extremely skeptical about their truthfulness. The baby example was a great explanation of what you were trying to say about my own guilt getting in the way of communicating or being open to a sign. There's probably a lot of truth to that. :) Wendy --- Kat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Wendy, Have you considered talking with an animal communicator? You WILL eventually "talk" with Cricket yourself, but for now, you are still too emotionally upset/still blaming yourself/feeling guilty/etc, and that can interfere with your own communication. (Sort of like when couples try SO hard to have a baby but they can't - and when they finally decide to adopt - and there by relax about the whole thing - they get pregnant.) Getting some inital closure with an animal communicator may just be the ticket for you. Kat (Mew Jersey) On Tue, 17 Jan 2006, wendy wrote: Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 08:26:08 -0800 (PST) From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I
Re: OT: Dreams
Hey Tad, Thanks for the advice. Maybe in the future that will be an option. I know I am not ready right now to take in another kitty. We have three inside (my two original ones + one of my dad's) and 7 outside/garage. My husband would have a fit if I brought another one home right now. Plus, I am not sure it would be fair to new kitty if I don't have the financial means to care for their FeLV symptoms, you know? But Cricket was my only FeLV and he was so dear to me, so you are right about them being special kitties. I knew there was always something different about him even from when he was little. I will keep this in mind for the future. Kitties are always coming in and out of my life, it seems, whether I want them to or not. lol. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :) Wendy --- Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Wendy I want to tell you what works for me... It may not work for you...That will have to be your call... Get another FeLV+ kitty !!! They say getting another pet to replace a lost one doesn't work and probably won't if you are planning on it but at least 3 times in my life I have really wondered if the new cat isn't my old one come back... Anyway all the FeLV+ cats that I have all seem to have something in common...They all are the greatest cats...Maybe they realize that I am saving their lives by giving them a home...If you enter into it knowing it mat be only for a short time and knowing that you gave them love at the end when often they have been lost and living a rough life... Most people don't realize how many are PTS without a word being said just because they test pos...It makes me cry to think how close the last cat who is such a wonderful guy, came to PTS...Pam at the shelter had tried for some time to save him and on his last day somebody told her to try this list and then that day I was reading way behind and late at night...But it was one of those times that it was meant to be You can leave your name at a local shelters or rescue groups or rescue lists on the internet...There are way too many to pick from... Tad wendy wrote: Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Bailey Update
Me too Belinda, your stomach must be tied up in knots. When are his procedures being done? We're all thinking about you guys. Let us know as soon as you are able. Nina wendy wrote: Hey Belinda, I'm sending out prayers today for Bailey. I hope he sails through the procedures and whatever is done helps him. It's so frustrating to watch our kitties not eat, so the feeding tube will hopefully solve that. I'm praying for strength for you also during this tough time. :) Wendy
Re: OT: Dreams
Wendy,I agree that I think you need to relax a bit before you will be able to visit with Cricket. Often times, the animal may need to attend to something or someone else before being able to visit with you again. I had a very old poodle, KC, that I collected from the city streets, that had cancer -had her operated on once but it came back. The day I took her back to the vet for the results, I told her before I left the house that I promised to bring her home, (I don't believe she was ready to "go" yet). The vet saidcancer had come back, and I had allowed my mother and the vet to talk me into putting her down right then and there...even though she was having a good day. I broke my word to her, betrayed herand felt horribly guilty (even to this day). I was sure she was mad at me, felt as I did that I had betrayed her. When I tried to visit with her in my dreams...much like you, I was walking the streets (seemingly very real) of a city not the one I found her in , but a city all the samecleaner tho somehow, but I couldn't find her. Finally after months of walking that same street, I saw her...but her coat was dancing with a million small motes of colored light, and she was trotting parallel with mebut it was as if she didnt' see me, she was on a mission. And she faded away. About two years later, I saw her briefly in a dream sitting on an older lady's lap...happy. See, KC never belonged to me. I picked her up, nearly starved, off the street, and although she was a wonderful dog for the two years I had her...whenever she woke up, she looked so happy, until she looked around and saw us. I know she loved me, and she had moments of happiness, and was grateful, but there was someone out there that she had been seperated from that she loved first, someone she had wantedto find before she could bother herself with me. Your Cricket is a cat afterallhe will come to you in his own good time. :-) In the meantime, accept what his housemates are trying to tell you...he is ok, he still exists...and they will bring him back to you when the time is right. Next time you dream you are walking in those fields calling his name. Stop walking. Sit down. and Give a cat a chance to be a cattell him you are going to wait right there for him to come to you. And busy yourself in memories (good ones) of him...(He isn't your pet anymore, he's his own little self, as he always was..but more so now...besidesI bet he didn't always come when you called him in lifewhy expect him to in the next...he IS aCAT afterall! ;-) He'llcome to you when HE'S ready.Important: Try in your dream...not to "remember that he's dead". HE isn't dead...his body is. That thought seems to be blocking you from "seeing" him. "He's dead", so of course you won't find him, "he's dead" so of course he won't come. His body is dead...that's all...only his body. Everything that WAS Cricket still exists, its just different is all. (A last explanation could be simply this: Cricket had nothing left to fulfill...so he didn't hang around, you and his housemates gave him everything he needed to move on from the first. If that's the case ...be happy about that - for him- and let him go. The love always remains, but sometimes, the spirits have to move on ahead.)God Bless be at Peace. T On Tue, 17 Jan 2006, wendy wrote: Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 08:26:08 -0800 (PST) From: wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. "Crick, Crickeee," over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you
Re: OT: Dreams - using ACs
Hey Nina, Thanks for the info. I am such a logical person that I am having a hard time accepting the validity of an AC (although I also had a hard time accepting my own faith in my younger years because of that logic). But when people have stories of their own, that gives more proof for me to be able to believe. I saw an AC here in Dallas when I did a search on the Internet for them. Maybe I will contact her in the next few weeks. :) Wendy --- Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Wendy, I have a couple of suggestions for when/if you speak with an AC. Not every AC can communicate with those that have crossed over. Make sure whoever you find is comfortable with that. Only give them the essentials. Don't feed them any information that they could expand on. It's actually better for them too. I can't imagine how they keep the voices of those they are communicating with separate from the their own inner thoughts as it is! I think that's why it's so difficult for people who do AC to connect with their own animals, or people psychics for that matter. First they would naturally be more emotional about their own loved ones, and second they know so much about them, it's hard to validate the information as coming from a different source. If while you're talking to them, nothing is coming through that convinces you they are actually communicating with Cricket, ask them to tell you something specific that only you and Cricket would know. They won't be insulted if you ask for specific validation, not if they're legit. Let me tell you a little story about what happened with a recent reading for my dog Vladimir... A couple of weeks ago, I was in another room when I heard my dog Vladimir scream out in pain. I went rushing to him and he was in obvious distress. Every time he turned his head, even slightly, he'd scream again. Nothing seemed to be broken, and he didn't scream when I touched him, but he was in trouble. I knew if I rushed him to the ER, they would poke, prod, manipulate his tender neck, take xrays and probably send me home with a huge bill telling me to watch him closely. There's nothing that anyone can do for soft tissue damage and I didn't want to put Vlad through a painful and stressful exam, if I could help it. I called the AC I use and happily she had time to do a reading. I didn't tell her anything except that Vladimir was in pain. No specifics about what happened, no specifics about what I thought might be going on. I did that on purpose. I knew that I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting her assessment of the situation if I wasn't sure she was actually connecting with him. As far as she was concerned the pain could have been a belly ache, or a leg, or whatever. I was delighted when she honed right in on his neck! She told me that she didn't see/feel any bone damage, maybe a small chip. She thought it was a stretched, or torn ligament, or muscle. She even told me how she thought the accident happened. By the end of the conversation, she was convinced that it would get better on its own. I started Vlad on a homeopathic called Traumed, (I had already given him 1/2 of an Ascriptin for pain), kept him quiet and away from the rest of the dogs for the next couple of days and except for squeals of pain when he turned his head the wrong way he seemed to be getting better. Within 10 days he was back to his normal, active self. I'm so grateful to have spared the two of us that trip to the vet! I have more stories of personal experience that have proved the benefits of AC. I am more than convinced that this is for real. The main thing is to find someone that you can trust to be accurate and to not give away information that will cause you to question the validation of the answers. Let us know your experience if you decide to try an AC, Nina wendy wrote: Hey Kat, I really haven't considered using an AC, partly because of financial reasons, partly because if I didn't know the person, I would be extremely skeptical about their truthfulness. The baby example was a great explanation of what you were trying to say about my own guilt getting in the way of communicating or being open to a sign. There's probably a lot of truth to that. :) Wendy --- Kat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Wendy, Have you considered talking with an animal communicator? You WILL eventually talk with Cricket yourself, but for now, you are still too emotionally upset/still blaming yourself/feeling guilty/etc, and that can interfere with your own communication. (Sort of like when couples try SO hard to have a baby but they can't - and when they finally decide to adopt - and there by relax about the whole thing - they get pregnant.) Getting some inital closure with an animal communicator may just be the
Re: OT: Dreams
Tamara, I am laughing through my tears right now reading your post. You are so right, Cricket never came to me when I called when he was outside because he knew that most times it was time to go inside. He always wanted to be outside all the time. I laughed when I read that. His own good time might be a while from now! The story about KC really moved me. And it's wonderful that you are so understanding about KC and her former owner, especially since it probably hurt you. You are very perceptive too; a lot of people would have missed the signs in that dream, including me. I know how you feel though. I do feel terribly guilty. I told him that it would be ok before he got the gas and it wasn't. Nevermind that he was very bad off and was going to be pts anyway that evening had I not decided to try to save him one last time. Nevermind that I did everything I possibly could have for him the whole time he was in my care. And nevermind that I loved him dearly. I didn't get to talk to him before he left, we were in such a hurry (on the vets schedule) after I got off work. I so regret not taking five extra minutes to just love on him and realize that this might be the last time we'd speak. I just never allowed myself to think that and I'm so sorry now I didn't. I didn't really get to say good-bye. Thank you for sharing with me Tamara. I feel better. Several people have given me a lot to think about, and maybe this guilt thing will eventually subside and allow me to communicate with Cricket again. God bless you too, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Lucy
She lost 1 lb, not 2. She does not feel dehydrated, and I am giving her a lot of broth now with her little turkey meals. Thanks, Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 12:58:12 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, I hope she continues to get better – I am thinking that if she lost 2 lb in two days – it’s probably because she lost water in her body from vomiting – may be you can give her fluid to compensate the fluid she lost??
Re: Tabbs my Siamese in Spain
Hi Brenda, how did your results go ??, I hope they were for the better, regarding tabs a little improvement , but my vet has not taken much notice of my hints at your suggestion even though I have taken a lot of print outs of information, but he prombly can not read English, so I may try a German vet who has been record. For second opinion. I think I have done some thing wrong when I signed up, as all the email from other from other feline people are coming though to me , is this correct or should they be coming though the web site. take care and good luck Sandra [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Dreams
First, quieten yourself. You are trying to force the issue. Cricket will visit when it is time. You want it so badly you are closing yourself up instead of being open. Second, when you have quietened yourself, sit and talk aloud to Cricket. Ask him to visit you in your dreams. He will. He has been trying but you are not letting him in. I am not fussing at you and I understand exactly what you are going thru. Please take this kindly. It is meant that way. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:26 AM Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
RE: Lucy
Michelle I thought my English is a bit off but now I am off understanding numbers 1 lb sounds much better than 2 lb --- I am sorry.. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:54 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy She lost 1 lb, not 2. She does not feel dehydrated, and I am giving her a lot of broth now with her little turkey meals. Thanks, Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 12:58:12 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, I hope she continues to get better I am thinking that if she lost 2 lb in two days its probably because she lost water in her body from vomiting may be you can give her fluid to compensate the fluid she lost??
Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Hello everyone, I'm so sad and I'm reaching out to you guys for comfort and ideas about what to do for my new charge, Starman. I know I've mentioned him to some of you already, (we were calling him Manix, because he has a nub of a tail). The first time I saw him was a couple of months ago, eating at the feral dishes in my front yard. He's a big 'ol intact Tom, (we weighed him at the vet's last Friday and he's 16.8 pounds!). I have a fenced in habitat along the back side of my house. I used to keep the door open and food in there for anyone that wanted it. One day, about a month ago, Star wandered in there and I simply shut the door. It was the easiest capture I've ever experienced with a feral cat. I could tell he had had some association with humans because he was so vocal, but he was definitely hostile toward me and my animals. He spent most of the first two weeks hiding under the house. I didn't feel comfortable bringing him in immediately for neutering because he had URI symptoms. I made an appointment with a very expensive vet that is incredible with handling feral cats. I had to wait for an appointment, and in the meantime, I did my best to show Star not all humans are to be feared. I took it slow and used all my love and knowledge to gain his trust. He's come such a long way! He now rubs against me and allows me to clean his eyes with cotton balls and saline solution, (his eyes are better, but they're still runny with clear rusty brown tears and the occasional yellow/green goo in the corners). His lungs still sound congested, but I haven't heard him cough, or sneeze in a few days. He's spry and active, he comes running to greet me when he hears me approaching the habitat now. The poor little angel wants so desperately to be with me all the time. He's discovered what it's like to be loved and he can't get enough attention. My bedroom window is contained within the habitat and there are climbing shelves that lead up to it. Star cries pitifully throughout the night and early morning hours, I don't think it's because he wants to escape, he never trys to bolt the gate when I open it. He just wants me to come out and keep him company. He's begun climbing the shelving and scratching at my bedroom window. The other night when I opened it to pet and comfort him, he tried to bull his way past me into the bedroom. This was with a couple of dogs and cats on the bed beneath the window at the time! It broke my heart, but I couldn't let him in. I still didn't know what was wrong with him and I can't jeopardize the rest of my cats. So far, he hasn't done as well with making friends with my other cats, (poor little man doesn't seem to ever have had a buddy, not human, not cat). He doesn't hiss, or strike at them through the fence, (my cats do plenty of hissing at him), but he's still charging the fence when he sees one of them looking in. Last Friday we were finally able to get in to see the East/West vet that's so good with ferals. Oh, I was so proud of Star! He was scared to death with the experience, poor baby peed in his carrier. But he went completely limp and while covered head to toe in a towel, allowed the vet to draw his blood! I'm telling you there were tears in my eyes at the level of trust he's gotten to! After we brought him home he was even more affectionate with me. Yesterday I got the results of his tests from the vet. He tested positive for FIV. I'm devastated. There go all my hopes of acclimating him to my household. I can't take the chance that he won't bite someone and spread his FIV and I can't release him for the same reason. I'm so sad. I don't know what to do for him. He's so lonely in the habitat, I can't keep him in there too much longer. Since he's still symptomatic, I'm not even sure I should schedule his surgery for neuter. I'm going to take pictures and get his info out in the hopes that there's someone out there willing to give him a chance at the forever home he truly deserves. I'm doing my best to remain optimistic about his future, but I'm so darn disappointed. My mother and sister have both told me that I should pts for his own good. I know there are plenty of people that believe the same thing, I'm just not one of them. I appreciate you taking the time to read Star's story. Any ideas, thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I get so tired facing battle after battle. Nothing's ever easy. But maybe I'm just feeling discouraged right now. Maybe things will seem brighter soon. Love to you guys, Nina
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Nina, you should definitely post on the 2 yahoo FIV lists. I found a home for Charlie, from the shelter, that way (though we had to drive him to VA from MA!) Michelle
Re: OT: Dreams
Or leave your name with local vets. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:21 PM Subject: Re: OT: Dreams Hi Wendy I want to tell you what works for me... It may not work for you...That will have to be your call... Get another FeLV+ kitty !!! They say getting another pet to replace a lost one doesn't work and probably won't if you are planning on it but at least 3 times in my life I have really wondered if the new cat isn't my old one come back... Anyway all the FeLV+ cats that I have all seem to have something in common...They all are the greatest cats...Maybe they realize that I am saving their lives by giving them a home...If you enter into it knowing it mat be only for a short time and knowing that you gave them love at the end when often they have been lost and living a rough life... Most people don't realize how many are PTS without a word being said just because they test pos...It makes me cry to think how close the last cat who is such a wonderful guy, came to PTS...Pam at the shelter had tried for some time to save him and on his last day somebody told her to try this list and then that day I was reading way behind and late at night...But it was one of those times that it was meant to be You can leave your name at a local shelters or rescue groups or rescue lists on the internet...There are way too many to pick from... Tad wendy wrote: Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Nina, where are you and starman located at? Karen see our available orphans at:http://members.petfinder.org/~TX418/index.htmlKaren 817-453-4888
Re: OT: Dreams
Wendy,As I'm reading your letter exposing all the guilt and regret that you feel...I can just picture your Cricket, with his paws stretched out in front of him in that regal way they have, a smug small smile on his face as if to say, "My human...she always overthinks everything!" Trust that he understands it ALL now. Afterall, he's smarter than we humanshe's a CAT. ;-)wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tamara,I am laughing through my tears right now reading yourpost. You are so right, Cricket never came to me whenI called when he was outside because he knew that mosttimes it was time to go inside. He always wanted tobe outside all the time. I laughed when I read that. His own good time might be a while from now! The story about KC really moved me. And it'swonderful that you are so understanding about KC andher former owner, especially since it probably hurtyou. You are very perceptive too; a lot of peoplewould have missed the signs in that dream, includingme. I know how you feel though. I do feel terriblyguilty. I told him that it would be ok before he gotthe gas and it wasn't. Nevermind that he was very badoff and was going to be pts anyway that evening had Inot decided to try to save him one last time. Nevermind that I did everything I possibly could havefor him the whole time he was in my care. Andnevermind that I loved him dearly. I didn't get to"talk" to him before he left, we were in such a hurry(on the vets schedule) after I got off work. I soregret not taking five extra minutes to just love onhim and realize that this might be the last time we'dspeak. I just never allowed myself to think that andI'm so sorry now I didn't. I didn't really get to saygood-bye.Thank you for sharing with me Tamara. I feel better. Several people have given me a lot to think about, andmaybe this guilt thing will eventually subside andallow me to communicate with Cricket again.God bless you too,:)Wendy__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Thanks Michelle. I'll look up the FIV lists. It's encouraging to hear that you found someone a home that way. I'd be willing to do whatever I had to to transport him to the right home. I thought I'd try the feral cat group you posted about before too. I want to get pictures of him before I start looking. He's really a handsome fellow. Long haired brown tabby with white on his chest and belly, and oh those jowls! When I first met him I thought his markings made him look like he was scowling. When he started to trust me, I realized that it wasn't his markings at all. He actually had been scowling at me! Now he's got the sweetest kitten _expression_ on his face when he looks at me. He just melts my heart. I did get your earlier email about segregating him in a portion of the house. We're not really set up well for that here. Since I'm always taking in fosters and/or doing TNR, I have to keep those spaces open for the ones that come passing through. I have been thinking about it though. It's really hard for me to imagine someone being happy with that sort of long term confinement. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina, you should definitely post on the 2 yahoo FIV lists. I found a home for Charlie, from the shelter, that way (though we had to drive him to VA from MA!) Michelle
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
I'm in Oxnard CA. It's north of Los Angeles and south of Santa Barbara. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina, where are you and starman located at? Karen see our available orphans at: http://members.petfinder.org/~TX418/index.html Karen 817-453-4888
RE: Lucy
Nina and Michelle you are probably right --- she should be able to put the weight back on her own you know me I try to do too much of unnecessary things sometimes,,, I have to cool it sometimes From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:09 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy Hideyo and Michelle, I think the fluid idea is a good thought for Lucy, but I'm also thinking she's had enough stress the past couple of days. Unless she seems dehydrated, or she doesn't have a problem with receiving subq fluids, I'd leave her the heck alone. Keep feeding her tiny amounts of food, as long as you don't feel the need to fast her again, she'll put her weight back on. (It was 1 pound in 2 days, scary, but it could also have to do with fluctuations in the scale, or the times of day you weighed her). I wouldn't be as calm about this if I didn't go through the same sort of thing with Gypsy occasionally. I still panic when she relapses, (even with as little as one liquid stool, or one bout of vomiting), but I've found if I keep my head, (and I've also found that the homeopathic Phos helps), she works her way back out of it. I don't mean to sound condescending Michelle, but I'm really proud of you for keeping your cool through this, (relatively speaking :) Blessings to you both, Nina Hideyo Yamamoto wrote: Michelle, I hope she continues to get better I am thinking that if she lost 2 lb in two days its probably because she lost water in her body from vomiting may be you can give her fluid to compensate the fluid she lost?? From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:58 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy Lucy has not been diagnosed with ibd, but it is what I suspect (and hope, alternative being lymphoma, but the soft stool issue started almost 3 months ago, which isa long time ago for lymphoma). Anyway, she held down a little cooked turkey for an hour this morning so I gave her more, that was 1/2 hour ago and so far so good, knock on wood. She thinks I am insane for giving her such small amounts. After meowing at me by her bowl and giving up, she went over and tried to manually open the cat food cabinet! She lost about a pound in two days, which scares me, but at least she is hungry, knock on wood. Thanks. Michelle
Re: Lucy
I do that too. My sheep's acupuncture vet told me yesterday that sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing, but sometimes it is the right thing and that I have problems doing that. Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 4:33:05 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Nina and Michelle – you are probably right --- she should be able to put the weight back on her own – you know me – I try to do too much of unnecessary things sometimes,,, I have to cool it sometimes…
Re: Bailey Update
Hi All, Bailey's number is down to 15% now (he's been on the epogen for 5 shots and last blood work was 6 day's ago so I'm really worried), so I did go ahead with the aspirate, it will take 3 to 5 days for an answer. In the meantime now I can give him the pet tinic, prednisolone, doxy, clindimycine, and pain medication he needs through his tube without him being so stressed about it. He is really PO'd and hissing. I will give him a 2 to 3 hours to settle down before I feed him a very small watered down meal and later tonight I will give him his meds in another small watered down meal. I hope he is as OK with the tube feedings as Buddie was. I'll let you know ... Sure am hoping and praying that whatever it is is something we can treat beat!! -- -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Nina, I definitely hear defeat in your voice, so before you make any decisions about Starman, you might want to give yourself some time to recoup. Your outlook on this whole situation will affect the decisions you make, so time is going to be your ally in this situation. You have a perfectly functional habitat (is it really small; is that why you can't keep him there?) and it sounds as if you are the object of Starman's affections, which are both positive points. Even though you might not be able to give into his demands to be let into the house, take comfort in knowing that he will adjust over time to the situation. If he learns he cannot come in, he will eventually accept it and adjust. I smiled and laughed as I read about Starman. It's so rewarding to gain a cat's trust! Especially a feral one! Remember that FeLV is not an automatic death sentence, and neither is FIV. Just give him some time. You don't have to make a decision today, and as he really needs to be neutered (which might calm him enough to where you could introduce a friend eventually (another FIV) if you are really worried about him being lonely). Keep your chin up and just sit tight. Keep us posted on Starman's progress. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
I know. I hate that Quincy is confined that way in my house. But I do not know what else to do. I do not want to mix my positives and him, but even if I did he can not be around other cats. The reason I have him is that my friend rescued him but he bit a hole through one of her cat's tail the first time he saw her. He screams like someone is trying to kill him if he even sees a cat out a window. Given this behavior, it would be dangerous to all involved to mix him with my positives. In my house in MA, we had a good set-up because we had a finished garage that the positives lived in, separate from the house. It had furniture, flooring, electricity, heat, a loft, skylights, and a cat door to a yard with cat fence-in. Here we do not have anything like that, so they are all in the house with us. Which in many ways I like better because I always get to be with my positives instead of having to go to them, but I see Quincy less and he is less happy. Have not come up with a better solution though, except maybe the door at the top of the stairs idea... Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 4:09:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I did get your earlier email about segregating him in a portion of the house. We're not really set up well for that here. Since I'm always taking in fosters and/or doing TNR, I have to keep those spaces open for the ones that come passing through. I have been thinking about it though. It's really hard for me to imagine someone being happy with that sort of long term confinement.
Re: Bailey Update
I am hoping too. Bailey has been such an inspiration to all of us. I have found dexamethasone to be helpful with anemia where it is caused by lymphoma-- in combo with chemo.Kerry had luck with it with Bandy too, incombo with all that other stuff. Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 4:52:47 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi All, Bailey's number is down to 15% now (he's been on the epogen for 5 shots and last blood work was 6 day's ago so I'm really worried), so I did go ahead with the aspirate, it will take 3 to 5 days for an answer. In the meantime now I can give him the pet tinic, prednisolone, doxy, clindimycine, and pain medication he needs through his tube without him being so stressed about it.He is really PO'd and hissing. I will give him a 2 to 3 hours to settle down before I feed him a very small watered down meal and later tonight I will give him his meds in another small watered down meal. I hope he is as OK with the tube feedings as Buddie was. I'll let you know ...Sure am hoping and praying that whatever it is is something we can treat beat!!
Re: Bailey Update
Belinda, I am glad that Bailey came through the procedures and is angry! That's probably a good thing. He's still got some spirit! Please keep us posted on him! :) Wendy --- Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All, Bailey's number is down to 15% now (he's been on the epogen for 5 shots and last blood work was 6 day's ago so I'm really worried), so I did go ahead with the aspirate, it will take 3 to 5 days for an answer. In the meantime now I can give him the pet tinic, prednisolone, doxy, clindimycine, and pain medication he needs through his tube without him being so stressed about it. He is really PO'd and hissing. I will give him a 2 to 3 hours to settle down before I feed him a very small watered down meal and later tonight I will give him his meds in another small watered down meal. I hope he is as OK with the tube feedings as Buddie was. I'll let you know ... Sure am hoping and praying that whatever it is is something we can treat beat!! -- -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Dreams
Thank you Marylyn for the sage advice. I did not take offense at all; rather, I'm happy that you took time to help. I have been sounding whiny about this whole thing, so quieting myself might be for the best for both of us. Thank you for your kindness Marylyn. :) Wendy --- Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: First, quieten yourself. You are trying to force the issue. Cricket will visit when it is time. You want it so badly you are closing yourself up instead of being open. Second, when you have quietened yourself, sit and talk aloud to Cricket. Ask him to visit you in your dreams. He will. He has been trying but you are not letting him in. I am not fussing at you and I understand exactly what you are going thru. Please take this kindly. It is meant that way. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:26 AM Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Poem
Glad you liked the poem and sorry for making you cry but I guess when something comes deep from the heart then it is inevitable that others experiencing the same will cry - I still do. It's nice to be able to share it here because general public would think it was over the top for losing a cat but as we all feel here they are so so precious to us and it is soul destroying when they do cross to the bridge. Michelle, Minstrel, Buddy Angel Bramble
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Nina, Get some Collidal Silver to put in his water to help him get over his URI. I usually use 20 ppm strength, and just add a dropperful to the water dish each time I change the water. Once he is not sounding so congested, have him neutered. Being that he is an older Tom, it may take 6 weeks for all the hormones to get out of his body, but this should help - the others are probably reacting to his entact-ness. Can you keep your bedroom (temporarily) closed off for a week so that when you open the window to let Star in (after surgery and the 6 week waiting period), he can move around the room and get used to being inside? Then when he wants out, you can let the others in to start getting used to him being inside too. (Sort of like swapping bedding around to get everyone used to each others smells first.) Then, get some feliway spray (comfort zone plug-ins) and some cooking vanilla. Dab the cooking vanilla on EVERYONE (dogs included) both on the back of their necks and at the base of their tails - this will help everyone smell the same. The vanilla is non-toxic and can be re-applied whenever you feel like you need it again. All the while (starting now), talk to everyone and tell them what you are doing, why you are doing it, and ask them for their help and co-operation in this matter. And listen for anything that comes up - they will need to be reassured and know that they are not being left out of the process. Then, GO FOR IT!! You can do it! They will help. (And so will we, but you already knew that.) Kat (Mew Jersey)
Re: Dreams
You are not whiny. You are in pain. The same pain we have all suffered. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 4:01 PM Subject: Re: Dreams Thank you Marylyn for the sage advice. I did not take offense at all; rather, I'm happy that you took time to help. I have been sounding whiny about this whole thing, so quieting myself might be for the best for both of us. Thank you for your kindness Marylyn. :) Wendy --- Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: First, quieten yourself. You are trying to force the issue. Cricket will visit when it is time. You want it so badly you are closing yourself up instead of being open. Second, when you have quietened yourself, sit and talk aloud to Cricket. Ask him to visit you in your dreams. He will. He has been trying but you are not letting him in. I am not fussing at you and I understand exactly what you are going thru. Please take this kindly. It is meant that way. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:26 AM Subject: OT: Dreams Hi guys, I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts on dreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with the posts here, so joining the OT list is not an option for me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look for signs from him letting me know he's ok. The best I have gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other two kitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed, which was weird because I haven't seen any other crickets anywhere, inside or out this year. A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking around everywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find him anywhere and kept finding myself in all these different places. Rolling hillsides, snow-covered forests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was so real. And all I did was call for Cricket the whole time, like I used to when he would sneak out of the backyard when I wasn't paying attention so he could explore the neighborhood. Crick, Crickeee, over and over and over. I started panicking in my dream, and of course when I woke up, I got upset because I knew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream was that he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guilt over Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heard something that lets me know he's ok and that he isn't mad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dream meant, and also, what's a good way for me to get closure as I think about it a lot? Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have, :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Bailey Update
Belinda, just as a pep talk-- Simon's HCT went down to 13 from lymphoma and then back up to 32 with steroids and chemo. He died two months later from anemia, but that final anemia came on suddenly and the oncologist said it was an auto-immune response to the cancer (or maybe the chemo). But it is possible for HCT's to come up from even lower than 15. Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 4:57:05 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I am hoping too. Bailey has been such an inspiration to all of us. I have found dexamethasone to be helpful with anemia where it is caused by lymphoma-- in combo with chemo.Kerry had luck with it with Bandy too, incombo with all that other stuff. Michelle
Re: OT: Dreams
Wendy I feel the same as you do.I am still waiting for a sign that she forgives me and knows that I love her so much.It is very hard for me still and it has been 2 months since she left me and I still have really bad days where I cry my heart out.I keep asking her if she sent Rafferty to me,he is such a sweetie,he helps me on my low days.I know we will heal toa point where we canthink of them and not cry.I have had a few weird experiences since she passed,my boyfriend and I both have. I was eating popcorn and watching ER one night and it felt like she jumped on the couch next to me.I just smiled and said hi Maizee.I wasn't even thinking about her at that moment.Maybe if we don't look too hard for a sign,they will let us know then. Sherrywendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi guys,I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts ondreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT,but I have a hard enough time keeping up with theposts here, so joining the OT list is not an optionfor me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look forsigns from him letting me know he's ok. The best Ihave gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other twokitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed,which was weird because I haven't seen any othercrickets anywhere, inside or out this year.A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking aroundeverywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find himanywhere and kept finding myself in all thesedifferent places. Rolling hillsides, snow-coveredforests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was soreal. And all I did was call for Cricket the wholetime, like I used to when he would sneak out of thebackyard when I wasn't paying attention so he couldexplore the neighborhood. "Crick, Crickeee," overand over and over. I started panicking in my dream,and of course when I woke up, I got upset because Iknew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream wasthat he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guiltover Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heardsomething that lets me know he's ok and that he isn'tmad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dreammeant, and also, what's a good way for me to getclosure as I think about it a lot?Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have,:)Wendy__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Photos Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and well bind it!
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
My feline family sadly has been reduced from 6 to 4, due too OUR RED BOY rocky developing FELV back in the summer. He was our first stray to turn up on our door step, AND WAS WITH US FOR 4 YEARS, Chang was the last to be welcomed to our Villa, where upon he was only with us for 18 months, which was very sad, as he was so pleased to have found a home, and we where very upset to have him put to sleep due to kidney failure, and cat aids. on top of having taken 6 months to win him round to believing that we where his friends, it was very hard to not be in a position to treat him due to the fact that one trick of catching him with a visit to the vets and I would never get near him again for a month of Sundays. We had him neuter, and he would not let me get near him for over 4 months , Even though I did win him round again in the end. Now I also have our tabbs who tested FELV , he was someone's pet at some time and is having all the help that I can give him, even though I wonder if my Spanish vet is as on the ball as he would have be believe,But his heart is in the right place and I think he is very good, I could cry for you with regard to your stray boy, it is so sad than now he knows love that he wants you all the time, my Chang was like that, I wish you all the luck in the world in finding him a good home , or where you can find a way round keeping him happy with the time that you can give him, I do know that people have cats that are felv positive, and keep them in a separate cat house out side away from there house cats, but you are always unhappy that they can not be with you, unless you could get him a friend who felv as well ,that he may get on with once he is neutered. good luck take care Sandra [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: OT: Dreams
Again, by looking so hard you are closing yourself off. Please. As hard as it is, trust them to come to you when it is time. They love you for all you have done for them. They love you most for loving them, sometimes loving them enough to help them leave this world. When you feel that they are there with you, they are. Trust yourself and trust them. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Sherry DeHaan To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 4:58 PM Subject: Re: OT: Dreams Wendy I feel the same as you do.I am still waiting for a sign that she forgives me and knows that I love her so much.It is very hard for me still and it has been 2 months since she left me and I still have really bad days where I cry my heart out.I keep asking her if she sent Rafferty to me,he is such a sweetie,he helps me on my low days.I know we will heal toa point where we canthink of them and not cry.I have had a few weird experiences since she passed,my boyfriend and I both have. I was eating popcorn and watching ER one night and it felt like she jumped on the couch next to me.I just smiled and said hi Maizee.I wasn't even thinking about her at that moment.Maybe if we don't look too hard for a sign,they will let us know then. Sherrywendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi guys,I wanted to ask everyone's opinions/thoughts ondreaming about kitties you have lost. I know it's OT,but I have a hard enough time keeping up with theposts here, so joining the OT list is not an optionfor me time-wise. Since Cricket has passed, I have continued to look forsigns from him letting me know he's ok. The best Ihave gotten is a dismembered cricket that my other twokitties left by my bed a day or so after he passed,which was weird because I haven't seen any othercrickets anywhere, inside or out this year.A couple of nights ago, I dreamed I was walking aroundeverywhere calling for Cricket. I couldn't find himanywhere and kept finding myself in all thesedifferent places. Rolling hillsides, snow-coveredforests, places I didn't recognize. The dream was soreal. And all I did was call for Cricket the wholetime, like I used to when he would sneak out of thebackyard when I wasn't paying attention so he couldexplore the neighborhood. "Crick, Crickeee," overand over and over. I started panicking in my dream,and of course when I woke up, I got upset because Iknew the reason I couldn't find him in my dream wasthat he was dead. It really disturbed me. Apparently, I still need closure. I still have guiltover Cricket's passing, even though I know the facts. I am disappointed that I haven't seen or heardsomething that lets me know he's ok and that he isn'tmad at me. Do you guys have any idea what that dreammeant, and also, what's a good way for me to getclosure as I think about it a lot?Thanks for any advice or thoughts you have,:)Wendy__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Photos Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and well bind it!
Re: Tabbs my Siamese in Spain
Hi Sandra, There are 2 ways to reply to an email on this list 1) reply only to the sender 2) reply to the list (using the Reply-To address) Most of us just send to the list, so that is why you are receiving everything - you did not sign up wrong. Kat (Mew Jersey) On Tue, 17 Jan 2006, catsculptress wrote: Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 21:19:39 +0100 From: catsculptress [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Tabbs my Siamese in Spain Hi Brenda, how did your results go ??, I hope they were for the better, regarding tabs a little improvement , but my vet has not taken much notice of my hints at your suggestion even though I have taken a lot of print outs of information, but he prombly can not read English, so I may try a German vet who has been record. For second opinion. I think I have done some thing wrong when I signed up, as all the email from other from other feline people are coming though to me , is this correct or should they be coming though the web site. take care and good luck Sandra [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Starman and Cricket
Starman Positive thoughts going out to Starman - I will say a prayer. Waiting for Cricket to visit I agree when you are waiting and trying to see (in this case Cricket) you close yourself off because the spirit cannot access your soul as it is too occupied (well that's my theory). When Tidge passed I tried desperately to talk to her and see her but it never happened. When Bramble was sick and I was in a dilema of if it was the right time to put to sleep I prayed for a sign to help me make the right choice. That night Tidge appeared in my dream with a voice sayingdon't give up. Along with the chat I had with Bramble I believe Tidge appeared and wasguiding me - I got 2 months with Bramble after that. When Bramble passed as you may recall - again I looked for him and never saw him and then the one time that my mind was completely empty because I had just half woken up and was sat in the bathroom I saw him appear. My mind was empty and open at this point in time and I believe that spiritsmore commonlyappear when you are in this state. Talk to him and tell him you'd love to see him and to come home when he wants as you would like to know he's ok. Once you have done that then try your best not to search for him too much. Still say prayers andtalk to yourangels but let your mind be free. I don't think he'll appear whilst you are desperately searching - he may be afraid it would be too upsetting for you, also he may sense the anxiety and desperation and as we know our kitties would do anything to avoid anxiety and desperation. Hope he appears soon but you probably need to give him space to appear naturally. Michelle, Buddy, Minstrel, Angel Bramble
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Kat, Thanks for the suggestions regarding Starman. I do have some CS somewhere in the house, I'll have to look for it. I got it a while ago and chickened out in trying it. I'm already adding RR and BioPlasma to his water, should I put all three in there, or just the CS? When I met Star I judged him to be about 4 or 5 years old. The vet thought he might be more like 2. I was a bit skeptical, and she said, it's been a very hard 2 years for him. The kittenish look on his face now, sure does make him seem younger! What a great idea about the vanilla! Thanks for the tip. I bet that would help for return home trips from the vet. You know, when the best of friends hiss at each other because they smell like the vet's office. I can't keep the bedroom closed off, it's the personal territory of Timmy, the last of the kittens from my felv litter. I did just have a talk with Tim and asked him if he'd be so kind as to vacate the bedroom for a few minutes so Starman could come in for a little while. He jumped off the bed and, even though he didn't seem esp happy about it, he complied. I opened the window and Star came in the bedroom for the very first time. He checked the joint out, sniff, sniff, sniffing everything. There are some powerful doggy/kitty smells in there! He wandered over to our GSD, Zevon's bed and threw himself down, rubbing and rolling in ecstasy. You'd have thought someone had sprinkled catnip all over the bed! So cute! He hopped on the bed when I asked him to and spent about 5 minutes watching himself and me cuddle in the mirror. Such a fella! After about 10 minutes I asked if he were ready to go back outside and he hopped back out. As far as talking to my guys... I do it all the time. They get pretty fed up with me always bringing in someone in need, but they love me, so they indulge me. I have started telling Star that he needs to change his attitude toward my cats. He had a pretty good conversation with my littlest guy Pistol Pete through the fencing of the habitat. I also asked him if it would be okay to let one of my smaller dogs into the habitat with him. He seemed okay with the idea, so I let Zelda (JR Terrier x), in to investigate. Star watched with very little interest from one of the higher shelves. All this has me feeling a little more optimistic. I'm still going to look for a more appropriate forever home for him. Try as I might, my numbers keep on climbing! I'm so glad to have you guys to turn to when I get discouraged, Nina Kat wrote: Nina, Get some Collidal Silver to put in his water to help him get over his URI. I usually use 20 ppm strength, and just add a dropperful to the water dish each time I change the water. Once he is not sounding so congested, have him neutered. Being that he is an older Tom, it may take 6 weeks for all the hormones to get out of his body, but this should help - the others are probably reacting to his entact-ness. Can you keep your bedroom (temporarily) closed off for a week so that when you open the window to let Star in (after surgery and the 6 week waiting period), he can move around the room and get used to being inside? Then when he wants out, you can let the others in to start getting used to him being inside too. (Sort of like swapping bedding around to get everyone used to each others smells first.) Then, get some feliway spray (comfort zone plug-ins) and some cooking vanilla. Dab the cooking vanilla on EVERYONE (dogs included) both on the back of their necks and at the base of their tails - this will help everyone smell the same. The vanilla is non-toxic and can be re-applied whenever you feel like you need it again. All the while (starting now), talk to everyone and tell them what you are doing, why you are doing it, and ask them for their help and co-operation in this matter. And listen for anything that comes up - they will need to be reassured and know that they are not being left out of the process. Then, GO FOR IT!! You can do it! They will help. (And so will we, but you already knew that.) Kat (Mew Jersey)
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Thanks Sandra for sharing the stories about your fur friends and the encouraging words for me and Star. I'm already feeling a bit better about the whole thing. Star is not felv pos, he's FIV, you know the cat HIV. You sound like our kind of people. It's always nice to meet others that share the love, concern and the necessary patience to befriend the forgotten angels in the world. Blessings and prayers for you and for Tabbs good health, Nina sandra wrote: My feline family sadly has been reduced from 6 to 4, due too OUR RED BOY rocky developing FELV back in the summer. He was our first stray to turn up on our door step, AND WAS WITH US FOR 4 YEARS, Chang was the last to be welcomed to our Villa, where upon he was only with us for 18 months, which was very sad, as he was so pleased to have found a home, and we where very upset to have him put to sleep due to kidney failure, and cat aids. on top of having taken 6 months to win him round to believing that we where his friends, it was very hard to not be in a position to treat him due to the fact that one trick of catching him with a visit to the vets and I would never get near him again for a month of Sundays. We had him neuter, and he would not let me get near him for over 4 months , Even though I did win him round again in the end. Now I also have our tabbs who tested FELV , he was someone's pet at some time and is having all the help that I can give him, even though I wonder if my Spanish vet is as on the ball as he would have be believe,But his heart is in the right place and I think he is very good, I could cry for you with regard to your stray boy, it is so sad than now he knows love that he wants you all the time, my Chang was like that, I wish you all the luck in the world in finding him a good home , or where you can find a way round keeping him happy with the time that you can give him, I do know that people have cats that are felv positive, and keep them in a separate cat house out side away from there house cats, but you are always unhappy that they can not be with you, unless you could get him a friend who felv as well ,that he may get on with once he is neutered. good luck take care Sandra [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Add Rescue Remedy to your medicine kit for upset critters (and people). If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 5:39 PM Subject: Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long) Kat, Thanks for the suggestions regarding Starman. I do have some CS somewhere in the house, I'll have to look for it. I got it a while ago and chickened out in trying it. I'm already adding RR and BioPlasma to his water, should I put all three in there, or just the CS? When I met Star I judged him to be about 4 or 5 years old. The vet thought he might be more like 2. I was a bit skeptical, and she said, it's been a very hard 2 years for him. The kittenish look on his face now, sure does make him seem younger! What a great idea about the vanilla! Thanks for the tip. I bet that would help for return home trips from the vet. You know, when the best of friends hiss at each other because they smell like the vet's office. I can't keep the bedroom closed off, it's the personal territory of Timmy, the last of the kittens from my felv litter. I did just have a talk with Tim and asked him if he'd be so kind as to vacate the bedroom for a few minutes so Starman could come in for a little while. He jumped off the bed and, even though he didn't seem esp happy about it, he complied. I opened the window and Star came in the bedroom for the very first time. He checked the joint out, sniff, sniff, sniffing everything. There are some powerful doggy/kitty smells in there! He wandered over to our GSD, Zevon's bed and threw himself down, rubbing and rolling in ecstasy. You'd have thought someone had sprinkled catnip all over the bed! So cute! He hopped on the bed when I asked him to and spent about 5 minutes watching himself and me cuddle in the mirror. Such a fella! After about 10 minutes I asked if he were ready to go back outside and he hopped back out. As far as talking to my guys... I do it all the time. They get pretty fed up with me always bringing in someone in need, but they love me, so they indulge me. I have started telling Star that he needs to change his attitude toward my cats. He had a pretty good conversation with my littlest guy Pistol Pete through the fencing of the habitat. I also asked him if it would be okay to let one of my smaller dogs into the habitat with him. He seemed okay with the idea, so I let Zelda (JR Terrier x), in to investigate. Star watched with very little interest from one of the higher shelves. All this has me feeling a little more optimistic. I'm still going to look for a more appropriate forever home for him. Try as I might, my numbers keep on climbing! I'm so glad to have you guys to turn to when I get discouraged, Nina Kat wrote: Nina, Get some Collidal Silver to put in his water to help him get over his URI. I usually use 20 ppm strength, and just add a dropperful to the water dish each time I change the water. Once he is not sounding so congested, have him neutered. Being that he is an older Tom, it may take 6 weeks for all the hormones to get out of his body, but this should help - the others are probably reacting to his entact-ness. Can you keep your bedroom (temporarily) closed off for a week so that when you open the window to let Star in (after surgery and the 6 week waiting period), he can move around the room and get used to being inside? Then when he wants out, you can let the others in to start getting used to him being inside too. (Sort of like swapping bedding around to get everyone used to each others smells first.) Then, get some feliway spray (comfort zone plug-ins) and some cooking vanilla. Dab the cooking vanilla on EVERYONE (dogs included) both on the back of their necks and at the base of their tails - this will help everyone smell the same. The vanilla is non-toxic and can be re-applied whenever you feel like you need it again. All the while (starting now), talk to everyone and tell them what you are doing, why you are doing it, and ask them for their help and co-operation in this matter. And listen for anything that comes up - they will need to be reassured and know that they are not being left out of the process. Then, GO FOR IT!! You can do it! They will help. (And so will we, but you already knew that.) Kat (Mew Jersey)
Re: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wantedto see it.
I agree. It's a beautiful poem. Sure to bring out the tissues!tElizabeth Paz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Michelle what a wonderful poem to your sweet little Tridge. It touches all of our hearts.Liz.From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wantedto see it.Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 09:21:58 -0600Thank you Michelle! What a wonderful poem...you've certainly got agift! I tried to tell myself that I wouldn't cry before readingit...but by the time I got to the end, my lap was full of kleenex!Thank you, again...you've expressed so well what I feel in my heart!Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will beunique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; Youbecome responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine deSaint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will knoweach other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief DanGeorge- Original Message -From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Sunday, January 15, 2006 1:12 pmSubject: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those whowanted to see it. Poem for Little Tidge We found each other wandering - I gave you shelter from the storm The misfortunes life had dealt you left you frightened and withdrawn Our lives combined, our love grew strong, and you knew that you were saved From past neglect and heartache when love was all you ever craved Now Im left in turmoil, trying hard to comprehend The reasons why god took away my very special friend I know you had to leave me and that was meant to be And I hope that in the place you are, from pain you will stay free I look around each day for you in hope that youll appear It hurts so much to face the truth that youre no longer here Your unexpected passing left me broken and destroyed When your cruel unfair departure left an overwhelming void Not a day goes by when I dont pray to keep you safe from harm Then I pray your spirit finds me to help me calm my inner storm My late departed friend, I dont think Ill ever understand Why you, still young and innocent, were taken from this land I know that you would not desire me harbour such dismay So forgive my times of weakness but you are in my heart to stay My life must now continue much in the way it did before Though without you here beside me, for a while I will feel poor Despite these dismal feelings I can recall how rich Ive been Because the day I found you wandering was when my heart began to beam Please know how much I love you, and Im glad our paths did cross The short time that we shared will never be a loss And friend I ask please wait for me for one day Ill return To comfort and protect thee - but for now our hearts must yearn Heaven and earth may hinder until my time is done But with togetherness our future, our souls are destined to be oneMichelle Lomax (April 2005) It's amazing how creativity comes out with emotion but writing the poem whilst painful was also cathartic. I guess much of the poem applies to all of us at some point. Hope you enjoy it xx Michelle, Buddy, Minstrel Angel Bramble
RE: Lucy
Michelle, you were right,,, we are very much alike J From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 2:38 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy I do that too. My sheep's acupuncture vet told me yesterday that sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing, but sometimes it is the right thing and that I have problems doing that. Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 4:33:05 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Nina and Michelle you are probably right --- she should be able to put the weight back on her own you know me I try to do too much of unnecessary things sometimes,,, I have to cool it sometimes
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Nina,As soon as you said 'big intact male' I KNEW he was going to be fiv positive. Since you asked for opinions I'm going to give you mine. I hope you don't take offense.We had a stray cat living around our lake house that we visit on weekends only. He looked horrible. His ears were all bloody and bent down. He was grungy. He would walk around and cry when we were there, but would never let us catch him. His eyes were crusty and he drooled constantly. He was in really, really bad shape. The first weekend I saw him I found out he had been hanging around and people were trying to run him off. You can imagine how well that went over with me.So I spent all weekend trying to catch him, but didn't have a carrier, trap, anything with me. At that time I was not into rescue. I had 3 cats at home. (My first 3 I'd ever had.) He was HUGE, and I was afraid of him. Well I couldn't catch him and everyone was saying someone should shoot him and put him out of his misery. I told my grandfather if he did such a thing I would NEVER speak to him again, and he believed me. We had a huge argument about how I had too many cats. (3- lol)I had to work during the week, but the next week I went back with a carrier, tuna, and sardines. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a 'cat trap'! After hours and hours I tricked him into the carrier sometime Friday night. He went beserk, foaming at the mouth, his ears all bloody, sneezing, etc The next morning I found a local vet and took the cat in squawling to have him put to sleep.Well, the vet said the cat was fine and there was no reason to put him to sleep! He had scratched his ears raw due to earmites. He had buckshot in his ears that the doctor removed. grrr! He had an upper resp. infection and some bad teeth.I didn't know what to do. I couldn't take this sick cat that I was scared to death of home! The vet said "Why don't you just take him home and let him be an outdoor cat? So I thought that was a better choice than pts so I said yes. He kept him until the next weekend for me and neutered him etcDuring that week I put up a fence for a few thousand dollars so dogs wouldn't bother my 'new outdoor cat'. I brought him home the next week. The vet said he was fine, but I was still afraid of him. I decided to keep him in a cage until his antibiotics were finished. His ears were so gross I didn't even want to touch him. Everyone who saw him had a fit asking why I brought this horrible looking bloody cat home.After a few more days I decided to just let him out on my screened porch because I was afraid if I put him outside right away he would run away. This cat would come up to me and try to head butt me with his bloody head. He would follow me around like a dog. He weighed nearly 20 pounds, looked like a mongrel, and I was STILL afraid of him. I kept waiting for him to cry to go outside or bolt toward the door when I opened it, but that never happened. Over the days of course I petted him some, but was still afraid.Finally I let him in the house with everyone else. The first night he snuggled right up with me on the bed. He was the biggest loverboy I've ever known. Soon his ears healed, but they were always scarred. He looked like a scottish fold with lots of scars. I had named him Brutus because he was such a big Brute. Anyone who's been on the list for years like me has heard me talk about my Brutus. He was THE most loving cat I've ever had. EVERYONE fell in love with him. Every time I had company they wanted to take him home. He was almost like a person. When I would talk about who would take my cats if something happened to me everyone always said they'd take Brutus! He was s cool.He is the one that I wrote about that would eat so much he would throw up most of the time. I guess he had been starved for so long. I had to feed him small amounts at a time or NEVER let the dishes go empty or he would overeat and get sick.It's too late to make such a long story short, but after about 7 years I noticed he was losing weight. By that time I had TONS of cats (20 or more at a time) that I was fostering and was neck deep in humane society work. I blamed myself that I didn't notice his weight loss sooner. He had fatty liver disease. When I first took him in to find out what was going on with him they ran a snap test and did other blood work. Guess what? Brutus tested fiv positive! When I had found him they didn't even have fiv tests it was so long ago. Anyway, we did a feeding tube, etc... but I lost my sweet Brutus. But it was totally unrelated to the fiv. Looking back, he always did have problems with ear infections. We always thought it was because of the scarring inside his ears, but the vet said the fiv could have had a part in that. He had to have some teeth removed. Again the vet said the fiv might have been a part in that. But except for the fatty liver (and we don't know what put him off his food. We think a
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Michelle,I have often wondered about Charlie and couldn't remember what had happened. You had been through so much I was afraid to ask. Wasn't he the coolest? FIV cats (males anyway) are. Our felv cats are special of course, but I've never met an fiv cat that wasn't just a laid back lover. Maybe it's because they were intact males and got lots of 'activity'. lol. I don't know. But they are certainly loving. I'm glad Charlie got a good home! t[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina, you should definitely post on the 2 yahoo FIV lists. I found a home for Charlie, from the shelter, that way (though we had to drive him to VA from MA!) Michelle
Re: Lucy
For what it's worth I agree. I would gradually increase the food and decrease the broth. Very gradually, but you don't want her to fill up so much on broth that she's not hungry for food either. Sounds like you done good! Lucky Lucy to have such a good mom! tNina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hideyo and Michelle,I think the fluid idea is a good thought for Lucy, but I'm also thinking she's had enough stress the past couple of days. Unless she seems dehydrated, or she doesn't have a problem with receiving subq fluids, I'd leave her the heck alone. Keep feeding her tiny amounts of food, as long as you don't feel the need to fast her again, she'll put her weight back on. (It was 1 pound in 2 days, scary, but it could also have to do with fluctuations in the scale, or the times of day you weighed her). I wouldn't be as calm about this if I didn't go through the same sort of thing with Gypsy occasionally. I still panic when she relapses, (even with as little as one liquid stool, or one bout of vomiting), but I've found if I keep my head, (and I've also found that the homeopathic Phos helps), she works her way back out of it. I don't mean to sound condescending Michelle, but I'm really proud of you for keeping your cool through this, (relatively speaking :) Blessings to you both,NinaHideyo Yamamoto wrote:Michelle, I hope she continues to get better I am thinking that if she lost 2 lb in two days its probably because she lost water in her body from vomiting may be you can give her fluid to compensate the fluid she lost??From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:58 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: LucyLucy has not been diagnosed with ibd, but it is what I suspect (and hope, alternative being lymphoma, but the soft stool issue started almost 3 months ago, which isa long time ago for lymphoma).Anyway, she held down a little cooked turkey for an hour this morning so I gave her more, that was 1/2 hour ago and so far so good, knock on wood. She thinks I am insane for giving her such small amounts. After meowing at me by her bowl and giving up, she went over and tried to manually open the cat food cabinet!She lost about a pound in two days, which scares me, but at least she is hungry, knock on wood.Thanks.Michelle
Re: Lucy
Thanks, Tonya. That's exactly what I've done today, and so far so good. She finally seems full and did not want the last bowl of turkey and broth I offered her. She gained some of the weight back already. knock on wood. Michelle In a message dated 1/17/2006 6:42:27 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It's late, and you've probably got plenty of advice by now. If you haven't though, my advice would be to continue feeding her small amounts every hour. Increase the amount little by little and see if she keeps it down that way. If she's trying to open the food herself she's got a good appetite. That is the most important thing!!! t
Re: Bailey Update
Belinda,I hope the vet finds something definitive to help your sweet Bailey too. I hope he adjusts to the feeding tube and stops that hissing. It's so hard when you hate to stress them out, but you have to take care of themtBelinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All,Bailey's number is down to 15% now (he's been on the epogen for 5 shots and last blood work was 6 day's ago so I'm really worried), so I did go ahead with the aspirate, it will take 3 to 5 days for an answer. In the meantime now I can give him the pet tinic, prednisolone, doxy, clindimycine, and pain medication he needs through his tube without him being so stressed about it.He is really PO'd and hissing. I will give him a 2 to 3 hours to settle down before I feed him a very small watered down meal and later tonight I will give him his meds in another small watered down meal. I hope he is as OK with the tube feedings as Buddie was. I'll let you know ...Sure am hoping and praying that whatever it is is something we can treat beat!!-- -- BelindaHappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kitties ...http://www.bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candle Light Servicehttp://www.bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design)http://HostDesign4U.com---BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Kat knows more about cs than I do, but I recall when I was on the holisticat list there were varying opinions about it. Some even said it was dangerous. I don't remember enough about it to say much besides I remember choosing not to use it even though I know a lot of people do.Also, if you can put some coq10 or lysine in his wet food or water i think it would help. Vitamin C might help too if you're dealing with a URI. If you've got a 'good' vet that helps you out in these kinds of situations I would go ahead and take him in. That way they can go ahead and treat the uri and neuter as soon as they feel he's ready. The sooner the better on the neuter, because as Kat said, the other animals are going to react to his tomcat smell..tonyaKat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina,Get some Collidal Silver to put in his water to help him get over his URI.I usually use 20 ppm strength, and just add a dropperful to the water disheach time I change the water. Once he is not sounding so congested, havehim neutered. Being that he is an older Tom, it may take 6 weeks for allthe hormones to get out of his body, but this should help - the others areprobably reacting to his "entact-ness".Can you keep your bedroom (temporarily) closed off for a week so that whenyou open the window to let Star in (after surgery and the 6 week waitingperiod), he can move around the room and get used to being inside? Thenwhen he wants out, you can let the others in to start getting used to himbeing inside too. (Sort of like swapping bedding around to get everyoneused to each others smells first.)Then, get some feliway spray (comfort zone plug-ins) and some cookingvanilla. Dab the cooking vanilla on EVERYONE (dogs included) both on theback of their necks and at the base of their tails - this will helpeveryone smell the same. The vanilla is non-toxic and can be re-appliedwhenever you feel like you need it again.All the while (starting now), talk to everyone and tell them what you aredoing, why you are doing it, and ask them for their help and co-operationin this matter. And listen for anything that comes up - they will need tobe reassured and know that they are not being "left out" of the process.Then, GO FOR IT!! You can do it! They will help. (And so will we, butyou already knew that.)Kat (Mew Jersey)
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Tonya I agree with you about FIV+ cats being just the biggest sweetest critters.The sanctuary I volunteer at has about 50 fiv+.I have one I am fostering and I am bringing another beautiful guy home this Thursday.They are just the sweetest. sherrycatatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Nina,As soon as you said 'big intact male' I KNEW he was going to be fiv positive. Since you asked for opinions I'm going to give you mine. I hope you don't take offense.We had a stray cat living around our lake house that we visit on weekends only. He looked horrible. His ears were all bloody and bent down. He was grungy. He would walk around and cry when we were there, but would never let us catch him. His eyes were crusty and he drooled constantly. He was in really, really bad shape. The first weekend I saw him I found out he had been hanging around and people were trying to run him off. You can imagine how well that went over with me.So I spent all weekend trying to catch him, but didn't have a carrier, trap, anything with me. At that time I was not into rescue. I had 3 cats at home. (My first 3 I'd ever had.) He was HUGE, and I was afraid of him. Well I couldn't catch him and everyone was saying someone should shoot him and put him out of his misery. I told my grandfather if he did such a thing I would NEVER speak to him again, and he believed me. We had a huge argument about how I had too many cats. (3- lol)I had to work during the week, but the next week I went back with a carrier, tuna, and sardines. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a 'cat trap'! After hours and hours I tricked him into the carrier sometime Friday night. He went beserk, foaming at the mouth, his ears all bloody, sneezing, etc The next morning I found a local vet and took the cat in squawling to have him put to sleep.Well, the vet said the cat was fine and there was no reason to put him to sleep! He had scratched his ears raw due to earmites. He had buckshot in his ears that the doctor removed. grrr! He had an upper resp. infection and some bad teeth.I didn't know what to do. I couldn't take this sick cat that I was scared to death of home! The vet said "Why don't you just take him home and let him be an outdoor cat? So I thought that was a better choice than pts so I said yes. He kept him until the next weekend for me and neutered him etcDuring that week I put up a fence for a few thousand dollars so dogs wouldn't bother my 'new outdoor cat'. I brought him home the next week. The vet said he was fine, but I was still afraid of him. I decided to keep him in a cage until his antibiotics were finished. His ears were so gross I didn't even want to touch him. Everyone who saw him had a fit asking why I brought this horrible looking bloody cat home.After a few more days I decided to just let him out on my screened porch because I was afraid if I put him outside right away he would run away. This cat would come up to me and try to head butt me with his bloody head. He would follow me around like a dog. He weighed nearly 20 pounds, looked like a mongrel, and I was STILL afraid of him. I kept waiting for him to cry to go outside or bolt toward the door when I opened it, but that never happened. Over the days of course I petted him some, but was still afraid.Finally I let him in the house with everyone else. The first night he snuggled right up with me on the bed. He was the biggest loverboy I've ever known. Soon his ears healed, but they were always scarred. He looked like a scottish fold with lots of scars. I had named him Brutus because he was such a big Brute. Anyone who's been on the list for years like me has heard me talk about my Brutus. He was THE most loving cat I've ever had. EVERYONE fell in love with him. Every time I had company they wanted to take him home. He was almost like a person. When I would talk about who would take my cats if something happened to me everyone always said they'd take Brutus! He was s cool.He is the one that I wrote about that would eat so much he would throw up most of the time. I guess he had been starved for so long. I had to feed him small amounts at a time or NEVER let the dishes go empty or he would overeat and get sick.It's too late to make such a long story short, but after about 7 years I noticed he was losing weight. By that time I had TONS of cats (20 or more at a time) that I was fostering and was neck deep in humane society work. I blamed myself that I didn't notice his weight loss sooner. He had fatty liver disease. When I first took him in to find out what was going on with him they ran a snap test and did other blood work. Guess what? Brutus tested fiv positive! When I had found him they didn't even have fiv tests it was so long ago. Anyway, we did a feeding tube, etc... but I lost my sweet Brutus. But it was totally unrelated to the fiv. Looking back, he always did have problems with ear infections. We always thought
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Hey gang, Thanks for all the encouragement about Starman. I have heard everything you're saying about FIV kitties before. I'm just so paranoid about subjecting any of my guys to the remotest possibility of danger. You guys know how darn protective I am. I would be hesitant to introduce any cat that didn't listen to me and was showing hostile tendencies toward my brood. They were here first and my mad house is stressful enough as it is! Of course I intend to have Starman neutered, no one leaves my house intact if I can help it! We'll see if he settles down enough for me to trust him around my other sweethearts. About 10 minutes ago I was petting Star on the shelf outside my bedroom window, (within the habitat). I guess I got to familiar, I'm not sure what set him off, but he bit me a good one. Broke the skin and it's leaving a bruise. I hissed at him to show my displeasure and then scratched my head wondering what I did to bring that on. Maybe I just got him over-excited and had let my guard down enough to not be observant enough to notice. Little dickens, correction, big dickens! This doesn't change my attitude about him in the slightest, I'm just reminded to not take his taming for granted yet. Please send calming thoughts to my big galoot. With a throbbing arm, Nina P.S. to Tonya, No, I didn't post about Star on the AC list. I answered someone else's post about a feral she was trying to help. I wanted her to know that not everyone agrees that ferals should be left to fend for themselves because 'it's God's way'. The last I heard from that lady, she had the kitten in her bathroom and was doing her best to become friends with him. Nina catatonya wrote: And Nina, Is this the guy you posted about on AC? I was given the same website about not 'interfering' with ferals because they have their own purpose. It's interesting. But if Starman is throwing himself at your window and crying for you I think it's because he is meant to be with YOU. I know we ALL have to turn away cats every day. I get the emails every day of who found what. What cats are being euthanized that day in metro shelters, etc. I'm no AC. But when one 'finds me' I feel that he/she found me for a reason and they are staying. Please at least give him a try if you possibly can. Brutus had huge jowls too. The vet called them 'shields'. He said Brutus had the biggest ones he'd ever seen and he couldn't believe he would fit in the cat carrier because of his size. lol. When he meowed it sounded like a growl more than a meow. The jowls go down after they get neutered by the way. Anyway, again, I don't know your situation. And I'm ashamed to say when I first brought Brutus home I wouldn't hardly pet him because I was afraid of him and his head was so gross. But looking back now, I can't even imagine not having had him in my life. I would gladly give anything to have him back even though we're overcrowded here. And I truly don't think you'd need to do any long term confinement. I'd put him in a separate room until everyone's used to that. Then I'd cage him where everyone else is just in case someone tries to fight. But I don't think he will after a little time. Big males like that have LOTS of testosterone and it takes a while to get it out of their system. Once it's gone I don't think you'll have any problems. If you DO keep him, watch out for the urine. Just ask Brenda! lol. The first time Brutus used a litterbox, and he did use it correctly.. it smelled up the entire house! And he was out on the screened porch. I had to change the box every time he went until the smell got better. The same thing happened when I fostered Lovey for Brenda. But these big, bad, bubba cats? It's STRONG! Get him to drink as much as possible and flush, flush, flush it out of his system! No pressure here. lol.
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
And Nina,Is this the guy you posted about on AC? I was given the same website about not 'interfering' with ferals because they have their own purpose. It's interesting. But if Starman is throwing himself at your window and crying for you I think it's because he is meant to be with YOU.I know we ALL have to turn away cats every day. I get the emails every day of who found what. What cats are being euthanized that day in metro shelters, etc. I'm no AC. But when one 'finds me' I feel that he/she found me for a reason and they are staying.Please at least give him a try if you possibly can. Brutus had huge jowls too. The vet called them 'shields'. He said Brutus had the biggest ones he'd ever seen and he couldn't believe he would fit in the cat carrier because of his size. lol. When he meowed it sounded like a growl more than a meow. The jowls go down after they get neutered by the way.Anyway, again, I don't know your situation. And I'm ashamed to say when I first brought Brutus home I wouldn't hardly pet him because I was afraid of him and his head was so gross. But looking back now, I can't even imagine not having had him in my life. I would gladly give anything to have him back even though we're overcrowded here.And I truly don't think you'd need to do any long term confinement. I'd put him in a separate room until everyone's used to that. Then I'd cage him where everyone else is just in case someone tries to fight. But I don't think he will after a little time.Big males like that have LOTS of testosterone and it takes a while to get it out of their system. Once it's gone I don't think you'll have any problems.If you DO keep him, watch out for the urine. Just ask Brenda! lol. The first time Brutus used a litterbox, and he did use it correctly.. it smelled up the entire house! And he was out on the screened porch. I had to change the box every time he went until the smell got better. The same thing happened when I fostered Lovey for Brenda. But these big, bad, bubba cats? It's STRONG! Get him to drink as much as possible and flush, flush, flush it out of his system!No pressure here. lol.tonyaNina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Michelle. I'll look up the FIV lists. It's encouraging to hear that you found someone a home that way. I'd be willing to do whatever I had to to transport him to the right home. I thought I'd try the feral cat group you posted about before too. I want to get pictures of him before I start looking. He's really a handsome fellow. Long haired brown tabby with white on his chest and belly, and oh those jowls! When I first met him I thought his markings made him look like he was scowling. When he started to trust me, I realized that it wasn't his markings at all. He actually had been scowling at me! Now he's got the sweetest kitten _expression_ on his face when he looks at me. He just melts my heart.I did get your earlier email about segregating him in a portion of the house. We're not really set up well for that here. Since I'm always taking in fosters and/or doing TNR, I have to keep those spaces open for the ones that come passing through. I have been thinking about it though. It's really hard for me to imagine someone being happy with that sort of long term confinement. Nina[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina, you should definitely post on the 2 yahoo FIV lists. I found a home for Charlie, from the shelter, that way (though we had to drive him to VA from MA!)Michelle
Re: Bailey Update
Belinda, I'm so happy to hear Bailey made it through his anesthesia. I was so worried about him. I know he's not out of danger by any means, but at least now he has a chance to keep some weight on while you figure out more ways to help him. I don't blame him one little bit for being upset! Prayers that he does well with his tube feeding and you get the answers you need. Nina Belinda Sauro wrote: Hi All, Bailey's number is down to 15% now (he's been on the epogen for 5 shots and last blood work was 6 day's ago so I'm really worried), so I did go ahead with the aspirate, it will take 3 to 5 days for an answer. In the meantime now I can give him the pet tinic, prednisolone, doxy, clindimycine, and pain medication he needs through his tube without him being so stressed about it. He is really PO'd and hissing. I will give him a 2 to 3 hours to settle down before I feed him a very small watered down meal and later tonight I will give him his meds in another small watered down meal. I hope he is as OK with the tube feedings as Buddie was. I'll let you know ... Sure am hoping and praying that whatever it is is something we can treat beat!!
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
definite GLOW for your big galoot!
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
I always thought those big FIV cats are just the sweetest - just never heard anyone come out and say that! Lucky person who gets found by one of those cats - my big, scary looking guy was the best cat I've ever lived with. My husband went from calling him a monster - this was fear I think for the other cats, and his bloody mouth - to crying like a baby when the cat passed. My vet at that time had 4 FIV's and 4 negs for years living together and she tested them every year, since she could do that on her own, and nothing ever changed. Congratulations and give him a big head butt for me - I really miss that! Janine --- catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina, As soon as you said 'big intact male' I KNEW he was going to be fiv positive. Since you asked for opinions I'm going to give you mine. I hope you don't take offense. We had a stray cat living around our lake house that we visit on weekends only. He looked horrible. His ears were all bloody and bent down. He was grungy. He would walk around and cry when we were there, but would never let us catch him. His eyes were crusty and he drooled constantly. He was in really, really bad shape. The first weekend I saw him I found out he had been hanging around and people were trying to run him off. You can imagine how well that went over with me. So I spent all weekend trying to catch him, but didn't have a carrier, trap, anything with me. At that time I was not into rescue. I had 3 cats at home. (My first 3 I'd ever had.) He was HUGE, and I was afraid of him. Well I couldn't catch him and everyone was saying someone should shoot him and put him out of his misery. I told my grandfather if he did such a thing I would NEVER speak to him again, and he believed me. We had a huge argument about how I had too many cats. (3- lol) I had to work during the week, but the next week I went back with a carrier, tuna, and sardines. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a 'cat trap'! After hours and hours I tricked him into the carrier sometime Friday night. He went beserk, foaming at the mouth, his ears all bloody, sneezing, etc The next morning I found a local vet and took the cat in squawling to have him put to sleep. Well, the vet said the cat was fine and there was no reason to put him to sleep! He had scratched his ears raw due to earmites. He had buckshot in his ears that the doctor removed. grrr! He had an upper resp. infection and some bad teeth. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't take this sick cat that I was scared to death of home! The vet said Why don't you just take him home and let him be an outdoor cat? So I thought that was a better choice than pts so I said yes. He kept him until the next weekend for me and neutered him etc During that week I put up a fence for a few thousand dollars so dogs wouldn't bother my 'new outdoor cat'. I brought him home the next week. The vet said he was fine, but I was still afraid of him. I decided to keep him in a cage until his antibiotics were finished. His ears were so gross I didn't even want to touch him. Everyone who saw him had a fit asking why I brought this horrible looking bloody cat home. After a few more days I decided to just let him out on my screened porch because I was afraid if I put him outside right away he would run away. This cat would come up to me and try to head butt me with his bloody head. He would follow me around like a dog. He weighed nearly 20 pounds, looked like a mongrel, and I was STILL afraid of him. I kept waiting for him to cry to go outside or bolt toward the door when I opened it, but that never happened. Over the days of course I petted him some, but was still afraid. Finally I let him in the house with everyone else. The first night he snuggled right up with me on the bed. He was the biggest loverboy I've ever known. Soon his ears healed, but they were always scarred. He looked like a scottish fold with lots of scars. I had named him Brutus because he was such a big Brute. Anyone who's been on the list for years like me has heard me talk about my Brutus. He was THE most loving cat I've ever had. EVERYONE fell in love with him. Every time I had company they wanted to take him home. He was almost like a person. When I would talk about who would take my cats if something happened to me everyone always said they'd take Brutus! He was s cool. He is the one that I wrote about that would eat so much he would throw up most of the time. I guess he had been starved for so long. I had to feed him small amounts at a time or NEVER let the dishes go empty or he would overeat and get sick. It's too late to make such a long story short, but after about 7 years I noticed he was losing weight. By that time I had TONS of cats (20 or more at a time) that
Re: Bad news about Starman - OT (long)
Hey Nina,The last feral I brought in. Calico, female, Mama Kitty, not positive anything Anyway, if I pet her too much, and sometimes when I pick her up she will bite me. She loves to snuggle and have me pet her, BUT sometimes she just kind of freaks out. I have to remember she's not totally a lapcat yet.tI hope you know to run that hand under warm water until it stops bleeding. Yes. That's usually a long time if it's a deep puncture. But do it. If it's already dry, I would soak it well. Soak it at least 30 minutes or so till your fingers get wrinkled from too much soaking. Then soak it in peroxide for a good 10 minutes and then dry it and put some neosporin on it.Don't laugh. It worked for me. And I had a BAD bite. My hand swelled up twice its normal size almost immediately after the bite. If you run it under water until it stops bleeding you flush out the bacteria. I didn't know that at the time or could have saved myself a lot of pain. Just put a bowl of water by your computer and S-o-a-k!
Re: Bailey Update
Michelle, Thank you I am still hoping and praying for a good outcome. Bailey is resting a bit uncomfortably, I just gave him some pain meds and about 15 cc's of food with his pet tinic in it, he kept it down. I am going to give him the rest of his meds and more food at 8 or 8:30, I have to give the doxy 2 hours after any iron (pet tinic). The vet just called to check on him and said I could forgo the fluids tonight since he has been through so much, we'll start those up again tomorrow. I found a great website to look up drug interactions, I read somewhere when I was researching that doxy shouldn't be given with or close to iron supplements and hubby uses this site to check all the meds he takes. It is here if anyone wants to check it out, I've bookmarked it for future reference. Well better go check my happy (not so much now) cat (Bailey's nick name). http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/ -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: OT: Dreams
In a message dated 1/17/06 1:43:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Kitties arealways coming in and out of my life, it seems, whetherI want them to or not. lol. WEndy~ I KNOW the feeling! LOL! My Ethan's been gone almost four years now. And, along comes Timothy! ( A healthy look-alike, in TOO many ways, it's spooky! LOL!) Just sharing with you... Patti
Re: OT: Dreams
In a message dated 1/18/06 12:15:04 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My Ethan's been gone almost four years now. Forgive me, it's almost three Seems like forever though. Patti
Re: OT: Dreams
In a message dated 1/17/06 4:00:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: but at least 3 times in my life I have really wondered if the new cat isn't my old one come back... Tad~ Funny you should say that. I've talked to Nina about one of the kittens (Timothy) from the feral mom, Charity, that was dumped here this summer. Charity, being feral, has been spayed, vx'd, tested and released. :( Thomas, the grey kitten was adopted a couple of months ago. :) Timothy is STILL with me. I have found him to be the most charming, loveable boy. When I take him to adoption events, he acts disinterested, bored, if you will. I even had a man comment at one event that the reason he acts that way is because he's found his mom - ME!! I must admit, he has completely endeared himself to me. I found myself calling him, "My little man", which was my special name for my Felv boy, Ethan, who I lost a few years ago. Timothy is a "spitting" image of Ethan, solid black, compact body, heavenly amber eyes that GLOW!! His mannerisms are the same as Ethan also. I commented to Nina that at times I swore Timothy was the reincarnation of Ethan. And, Nina didn't scoff, or laugh. In fact, she did say that it was quite possible that it very well may be, especially if Ethan and I had any unfinished business. And, of course, we do. Ethan became sick suddenly, over a weekend. He had NEVER been symptomatic, or sick a day in his short life (18 months). However, when we got to vet Monday, and x-ray revealed a large mass in his chest, basically blocking flow to his heart, I knew I had to let him go. No warning, no time for good-byes. I know my decision was the ONLY one that I had...any other choice would have just prolonged his suffering on earth. So, I let him go. Timothy HAS found his home, and it IS with me. Maybe he IS Ethan, come back to me in a "healthy" body this time, so we can experience all the joys that I did not have the good fortune to share with my Ethan. As time passes, the "hurt" of losing our babies lessens some, but we NEVER forget their presence in our lives. And, now I like to believe, that when you least expect it, they WILL make their presence known, in one way or another. Patti
Wendy touching base here
Hi everyone... It's been a while since I've had time to read through FeLVtalk posts and actually sit down and chat with all of you since I introduced myself and Brooklyn to you all a few months ago, but things have calmed down a bit and I wanted to touch base and say hello and that I haven't forgotton about all the wonderful pieces of advice, encouragement and support you gave me when Brooklyn first came into my life. Before I go ahead with what's been going on here, I wanted to say Wendy I am so sorry to hear about Cricket and the difficult time you have had with his passing. I can understand how you feel. Have you ever visited the rainbow bridge website? There are a lot of poems and also forums and literature for people who are mourning the loss of their animal friends. Maybe that will help you a little bit. I am not sure why you think Cricket would be angry at you as I did not read the beginning of the story, but if you loved him even half as much as comes through in your email, I am SURE that a lifetime of things you did for him and the love you gave him was more than enough to overcome anything you could have done to cause him to be angry with you. Animals are very forgiving. They have a capacity to forgive more than any human being I have ever known. My gosh, when I was medicating Brooklyn he HATED me so much, but would forgive me so shortly after and still loves me even after that whole traumatic period and he trusts me too. I wish you all the best in your journey towards healing and obtaining closure with Cricket and his passing. I'm here if you need someone to talk to as I'm sure everyone else is too. Brooklyn has become known around our home as Wowie. I just started calling him this because when he meows he actually sounds like he is saying WOW and it kind of stuck. Brooklyn is still his formal name, but round here we call him Wowie. lol. He responds very well to it. As some of you may know, he is my first experience with a cat ever. I never knew a thing about cats or their personality, but heard so many people say they didn't like cats. I'd heard they were stand offish and unpredictable, but hey there are people who are like that too, so I guess it's all about personality. Well, as for Wowie, I can say, he has NO problem expressing his affection, playfulness and love towards me and my dogs. He is the mushiest cat I can imagine. He is so full of purrs, just when he is near me, I don't even have to touch him. Apparently, he does believe that my life revolves around him (ok maybe it does but he doesnt have to KNOW that...lol) because when I get up, he thinks I get up for the purpose of feeding him, when I get home from work he thinks I'm coming home because he needs food. The second I come into view, he runs to the kitchen counter and waits and meows for me to feed him. As if to say I'm here waiting...as soon as you're ready.lol. He hasn't shown any signs of illness or anything that would lead me to believe he had any illness or condition at all. He has been robust and healthy and boy oh boy is he playful and cute. I've heard people say that cats are unresponsive..uh uh not this one! He comes 90% of the time when I call him...better than the dogs! AND he answers me to let me know he's on his way. Wowie!!! and I make kissing noises...then I hear his bell jingling and just as he enters the room i hear Wowww and he hops on the bed next to me, walks over nuzzles me, marks me, rolls on me, kneads me, walks all over me and even licks me. What does that mean when a cat licks you? Purring is nonstop when he does this. He's a big purrer. lol. and he purrs loud! Anyhow I'm sorry for my rambling and my banter about all this, I'm still a new cat person and am learning about him every day. I read some books on cat behavior to try and learn but he surprises me every day with something new. I love him so much. His appetite is TREMENDOUS. I am absolutely in love with this cat 100%. Remember when I wasn't sure whether he would stay or not? How could I even question it! lol. Anyhow, thats the update on Brooklyn/Wowie. I hope I didn't put you all to sleep with my novel. Hope all is very well with everyone. Oh and Michelle...thanks for dropping me a line! Hugs Rebecca Brooklyn Wowie
