Sunday, March 31, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Happy birthdays to Freya & Heimdall!
Today was my birthday and my brother Heimdall's birthday! It's kind of hard to believe that we're now three years old. Does that mean we have to act grown-up? I sure hope not! Even though I enjoy my role as a little mama to the semi-feral girls, I'm glad I don't have to be their real mama kitty! Miss Marble still expects me to be her mama, and that's nice, but I'd much rather play and wrestle with her.
But, wait, sis! You act like my mama, too, and have since we were little! I would miss if you didn't clean my ears and wash my face. My "grown-up" role is to make sure that Mommy is doing ok. Sometimes she needs a reminder to take her nap, so I tell her that it's time to sleep. I also wake her up when her alarm goes off, although she seems to think that snuggling isn't the best way to make her get up. What's wrong with that? Everyone needs a good snuggle in the morning!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
PhotoHunt: Flow
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Therapy Cat Tales
Tabby writes:
I've missed my friends at H. so much! I almost didn't get to go today, though. I was a bad girl this morning. I waited on the bed until Starla came out from under the bed (where she was sleeping) and jumped on top of her, starting a cat fight. Mommy clapped and we ran in opposite directions, so no one was hurt. I got kicked out of the bedroom, so I was a bit pouty to start out when we left the house.
That changed when I got on the bus, because a rainstorm hit just after we boarded! I fell asleep listening to the rain on the bus roof, nice and warm in my carrier, with my jacket over my back. At one point, while switching between MAX light rail trains, Mommy answered questions about how to train cats to ride in strollers. Then, I got sniffed by a nice dog whose person wanted to pet me. She pulled her dog back, but then Mommy said I was dog-friendly, so the dog got to sniff me. We also found someone who does trap-neuter-return work and listened to cat socialization stories. That's always fun!
We managed to miss another huge cloudburst by just two minutes! Mommy was almost running to get to H., because the sky darkened, the air smelled different, and the temperature dropped considerably. I sat up in my stroller, noticing the changes, and kept looking at Mommy. Hurry, please! I don't want to be in the rain! We got in the doors, then the hail started! The wind was blowing so much that the doors thought people were wanting to come in! The silly doors started opening and closing, but it was just the weather.
R. walked around with us today, which she hasn't done in a while. She said I'm a miracle cat, because I made a huge difference for three people today. I visited more people than that, but it was a major visit for those three.
A. was lying on his side taking a nap when we came in, but quickly woke up when he heard that I was there. He invited me up on the bed with him, then scooped me up close to his chest. "My kitty! It's so good to have my kitty here!" R. told him not to squish me, but I was happily purring in his arms and snuggling. R. said she wished she had brought her camera to take a picture, because we were so cute together.
M. is from another place nearby, named C., but at H. for a short time before she goes back to C. R. has known her for a long time, so she knew she would want to see me. Sure enough, M. told us that having me visit her made her whole day! I love hearing that! Her leg didn't feel good, so it was in a cast. I snuggled with her other leg and let her pet me. She's going to talk with some people at C. and see if we can come visit there once in a while. They have dog teams visit, but not cat teams yet, even though many residents have cats of their own at C.
E. was the best visit of the day! She usually doesn't respond to the dog teams visiting, except to watch them, so R. didn't know how she would do with me. Turns out, it was the highlight of her day, probably of her week! She tried to get out of bed when R. told her I was there! She almost sat up straight on her own. She usually has choppy speech, taking her time with articulating her thoughts and not saying cohesive sentences. However, when talking to me, she spoke in complete sentences and remembered most of the words she wanted! She told me that she had cats when she was younger, but not for a while. She also talked about my fur and about me snuggling on her blankets. She tried to talk with R. and Mommy, but she couldn't say what she wanted, so she gave up and talked to me again fluently. What an amazing experience! We stayed a longer time with her, because I was helping her so much.
I showed R. how I play tails with P. R. didn't know that P. could play tails, because P. has low vision, but she does just fine with that game. I started in right away after I greeted her, and she got my tail a few times before I turned around to let her pet my head and neck.
I was really worn out by all my work today, so I crashed in the stroller in the office while waiting for Mommy to get ready to leave H. I started snoring! I slept most of the way home, then woke up for our last transfer and the walk home. Mommy and I were both very glad to be inside, out of the cold wind!
I've missed my friends at H. so much! I almost didn't get to go today, though. I was a bad girl this morning. I waited on the bed until Starla came out from under the bed (where she was sleeping) and jumped on top of her, starting a cat fight. Mommy clapped and we ran in opposite directions, so no one was hurt. I got kicked out of the bedroom, so I was a bit pouty to start out when we left the house.
That changed when I got on the bus, because a rainstorm hit just after we boarded! I fell asleep listening to the rain on the bus roof, nice and warm in my carrier, with my jacket over my back. At one point, while switching between MAX light rail trains, Mommy answered questions about how to train cats to ride in strollers. Then, I got sniffed by a nice dog whose person wanted to pet me. She pulled her dog back, but then Mommy said I was dog-friendly, so the dog got to sniff me. We also found someone who does trap-neuter-return work and listened to cat socialization stories. That's always fun!
We managed to miss another huge cloudburst by just two minutes! Mommy was almost running to get to H., because the sky darkened, the air smelled different, and the temperature dropped considerably. I sat up in my stroller, noticing the changes, and kept looking at Mommy. Hurry, please! I don't want to be in the rain! We got in the doors, then the hail started! The wind was blowing so much that the doors thought people were wanting to come in! The silly doors started opening and closing, but it was just the weather.
R. walked around with us today, which she hasn't done in a while. She said I'm a miracle cat, because I made a huge difference for three people today. I visited more people than that, but it was a major visit for those three.
A. was lying on his side taking a nap when we came in, but quickly woke up when he heard that I was there. He invited me up on the bed with him, then scooped me up close to his chest. "My kitty! It's so good to have my kitty here!" R. told him not to squish me, but I was happily purring in his arms and snuggling. R. said she wished she had brought her camera to take a picture, because we were so cute together.
M. is from another place nearby, named C., but at H. for a short time before she goes back to C. R. has known her for a long time, so she knew she would want to see me. Sure enough, M. told us that having me visit her made her whole day! I love hearing that! Her leg didn't feel good, so it was in a cast. I snuggled with her other leg and let her pet me. She's going to talk with some people at C. and see if we can come visit there once in a while. They have dog teams visit, but not cat teams yet, even though many residents have cats of their own at C.
E. was the best visit of the day! She usually doesn't respond to the dog teams visiting, except to watch them, so R. didn't know how she would do with me. Turns out, it was the highlight of her day, probably of her week! She tried to get out of bed when R. told her I was there! She almost sat up straight on her own. She usually has choppy speech, taking her time with articulating her thoughts and not saying cohesive sentences. However, when talking to me, she spoke in complete sentences and remembered most of the words she wanted! She told me that she had cats when she was younger, but not for a while. She also talked about my fur and about me snuggling on her blankets. She tried to talk with R. and Mommy, but she couldn't say what she wanted, so she gave up and talked to me again fluently. What an amazing experience! We stayed a longer time with her, because I was helping her so much.
I showed R. how I play tails with P. R. didn't know that P. could play tails, because P. has low vision, but she does just fine with that game. I started in right away after I greeted her, and she got my tail a few times before I turned around to let her pet my head and neck.
I was really worn out by all my work today, so I crashed in the stroller in the office while waiting for Mommy to get ready to leave H. I started snoring! I slept most of the way home, then woke up for our last transfer and the walk home. Mommy and I were both very glad to be inside, out of the cold wind!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Happy birthday to Starla!
Wow! Thank you, friends, for remembering my birthday! Mommy didn't write my blog post earlier, because she's in charge of JJ for today, and a 5-year-old playing superheroes takes precedence over writing a blog post, even if it's a birthday blog post.
That's fine, though, because I got my birthday present last night. I got to be out for a good part of the day yesterday, instead of being out only at night, but then I went into my room for the night. Turns out, Tabby had snuck in, too! She and Carbon were supposed to be out, because we used to fight all the time. All of a sudden, three hours later, Mommy and Erin heard Tabby talking from the bedroom! They let her out and checked on me, but I was doing fine. Tabby was being really kind to me!
They talked it over, and decided to let me out and about with everyone else to see how it went. I walked under the couch when I saw Tabby and stayed under there for a bit, but then I came back out when Mommy sat down in the chair to read. Carbon saw me, so I went back under the couch. Tabby, Carbon, and Little Bit all checked on me at various times, and I growled a little at them, but we all were pretty peaceful the rest of the evening.
When Daddy got home, he was pretty impressed with everyone! I came out to eat, drink, use the box, and socialize. I was still wary of Carbon, and somewhat of Tabby, but I got to see both of them acting normally instead of chasing me. That helped to realize that they were acting normal like I act. Everyone took naps, and I chose a spot behind the bookcase to take my nap.
All of a sudden, Carbon woke up and wanted to play, but no one else was awake. He smelled me out and surprised me out of my sleep. It turned into a rolling cat fight, but I won! I ran away and he didn't follow me! We ran over Daddy and woke him up, then I ran past Mommy in the hallway. She got Carbon out from under the couch and put him in the bedroom. I got to stay out with Tabby for a while longer!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Miss Marble's leg is better!
Miss Marble writes:
My leg is feeling much better now! Thank you all very much for your purrs and prayers! I stayed inside last night and the night before, and took it easy during the day outside. Tigress brought me fresh-caught mice to help me, so I didn't need to go hunting and could rest my leg. I'm putting weight on it normally this afternoon. I probably just strained it hunting or playing.
My leg is feeling much better now! Thank you all very much for your purrs and prayers! I stayed inside last night and the night before, and took it easy during the day outside. Tigress brought me fresh-caught mice to help me, so I didn't need to go hunting and could rest my leg. I'm putting weight on it normally this afternoon. I probably just strained it hunting or playing.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
PhotoHunt: Upper
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Miss Marble's leg hurts
Miss Marble writes:
My right hind leg hurts! I don't want to put weight on it, although I can. Tonight, I came around to the front door when the back door wouldn't open, to see if there was someone at the front door of the house. Mommy's dad's car was in the driveway, with Mommy and her dad inside. They saw that I was limping, so Mommy got out and tried to get me. I ran around the house, so she went inside and got me to come in through the back door. She checked me over for obvious tears, bites, or breaks, but she didn't find any. She and her dad brought the groceries in, because they had just come from the store, while I cried for outside. Then, Mommy checked me over again, because I was stretching up to the door handle while standing on both my hind legs, but I still was favoring my right leg.
I didn't like her checking my leg. I tried biting, tried batting her away, but neither very forcefully so I didn't hurt her. I didn't want her to hurt, but I did want her to stop bothering my leg. She stretched it out, then checked all the muscle groups and bones that she could touch. The back of the top part of my leg is what I reacted to the most.
She called Daddy, who told her to monitor me. He also said if I wanted to go out that much, to let me out. I was kept inside for a while, but then I was let back out because I was putting everyone else on edge with my screaming for outside. My sister and I were sitting on opposite sides of the back door, screaming to be with each other. Mommy hopes I will come inside in a little while when it's time to snuggle with her, like I've been doing almost every night since my last ordeal.
Daddy thinks it's probably a strain or a sprain, and everyone is hoping that it will feel better on its own. I don't want to go to that vet place again, even though they were nice to me there.
My right hind leg hurts! I don't want to put weight on it, although I can. Tonight, I came around to the front door when the back door wouldn't open, to see if there was someone at the front door of the house. Mommy's dad's car was in the driveway, with Mommy and her dad inside. They saw that I was limping, so Mommy got out and tried to get me. I ran around the house, so she went inside and got me to come in through the back door. She checked me over for obvious tears, bites, or breaks, but she didn't find any. She and her dad brought the groceries in, because they had just come from the store, while I cried for outside. Then, Mommy checked me over again, because I was stretching up to the door handle while standing on both my hind legs, but I still was favoring my right leg.
I didn't like her checking my leg. I tried biting, tried batting her away, but neither very forcefully so I didn't hurt her. I didn't want her to hurt, but I did want her to stop bothering my leg. She stretched it out, then checked all the muscle groups and bones that she could touch. The back of the top part of my leg is what I reacted to the most.
She called Daddy, who told her to monitor me. He also said if I wanted to go out that much, to let me out. I was kept inside for a while, but then I was let back out because I was putting everyone else on edge with my screaming for outside. My sister and I were sitting on opposite sides of the back door, screaming to be with each other. Mommy hopes I will come inside in a little while when it's time to snuggle with her, like I've been doing almost every night since my last ordeal.
Daddy thinks it's probably a strain or a sprain, and everyone is hoping that it will feel better on its own. I don't want to go to that vet place again, even though they were nice to me there.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Wordy Wednesday: News!
Tigress writes:
Some of you guessed that I was the one hiding under the chair (kudos to Sparkle!), on my first big adventure inside since my spay a few months ago! Well, was it ever an adventure! I'd met some of the inside cats before, just to sniff or touch noses, from either my spay-recovery trap or the open door. This was my first official meeting with Dare and Scamper, though.
Dare decided that I was interesting enough to follow around the house. Yes, you read that right! I explored the house! I first ate from the food plate, then had some water, with my sister's encouragement while others looked on and Mommy petted me. Then the heater went on and Mommy asked me if it was ok if she shut the door to keep the warm air in. She and Daddy have been\ doing that with me for a few weeks now, and I like the warmth on my fur. It really is much warmer with the door shut. When the heat went on, I was a little startled by the sound, but then it became interesting when I saw the blinds move over the vent. I went to explore it, and meowed happily when I felt the wind blowing my fur!
Somebody was on something called a chair, underneath something called a table. My sister hopped up on one of the chair things, but I was too chicken to join her. I walked under the table, then to the computer desk. I found a long, open place called a hallway, but didn't go down it. I was much more interested in the living room, which was really open. It reminded me of my deck, so I felt safer there. There were more chairs, although these were covered in something soft, and a big chair called a couch. I walked around until I heard Daddy snoring, then dove under the couch into the corner. Dare followed me but let me have some space, which I was glad about since she'd been following me nose-to-tail since I walked in. Mommy tried to get a good picture of me, but every time she got close, I moved to another place. If she aimed the camera at the couch, I moved underneath the chair. If she tried to crouch down to take a picture of the chair, I ran to the couch again. I was way too quick for her! She got a picture of Dare checking on me, though. (See two posts back.)
After all that exploring, and the nice warmth of the heater, I was getting very sleepy. I felt comfortable and safe under the blue chair, and I knew my sister was inside as well, so I took a nap. I thought I would only sleep for a little while, but I slept five hours! Mommy was so happy! She stayed up in case I wanted out, but she didn't think I would stay in that long! I was soooo tired.
As soon as I woke up, I started pacing and crying. I'd forgotten for a few minutes that I'd come inside, so I was very disoriented and felt trapped. I ran all over the place, tried to get out the door (which wasn't open right away), then tried to get out the stove! Yep, I thought the stove was the door! Mommy opened the door a little way, then came into the kitchen to get me. She thought she'd herd me toward the door, but I didn't want to move from the corner. She picked me up right under the armpits, gently but firmly, and "flew" me to the door, opening it further when we got to it. I went right out, then she put some food outside to let me know it was ok.
Just a few minutes ago, I came in again for some food and to explore the dining room a little. She shut the door, but let me out right away when I asked her to. Maybe it's a Wednesday morning thing?
Fluffy Tuxie writes:
Hi! I'm a reticent guy, but the outside girls have kept me company for a few months out here in the yard. I've been around since just before Tigress got spayed, but hadn't come close until this last week. I decided it's much nicer when the people know I'm here, because then they come with scoops of food for me. Can you see me at the door waiting for my scoop while Scamper eats?
I'm longhaired, with white boots, shirtfront, stomach, and nose (except for a black splotch on my nose). I'm about as big as Carbon, but younger. The people think I'm about three or four years old, but I'm not telling. I could be as young as two.
I'm getting to the point now where I only run a short distance away when the people open the door. I run to the edge of the deck, sometimes diving but most of the time staying up, then turn and look at them. Once they close the door, then I approach the food and eat. However, the lady didn't close the door all the way one time last week because she was talking to me, and I approached to eat. She put her hand within sniffing distance and held it there while I ate. Then, I came closer at the same time as she reached down, and her fingers brushed my fur! I pulled away, looked at her, looked at her hand, then went back to eating. It felt kind of nice to be touched! She touched me again, very gently, and I leaned in so she was petting the edges of my long fur. I let her do that for about two minutes, then I had enough and walked away. She shut the door so I could eat in peace then.
Some of you guessed that I was the one hiding under the chair (kudos to Sparkle!), on my first big adventure inside since my spay a few months ago! Well, was it ever an adventure! I'd met some of the inside cats before, just to sniff or touch noses, from either my spay-recovery trap or the open door. This was my first official meeting with Dare and Scamper, though.
Dare decided that I was interesting enough to follow around the house. Yes, you read that right! I explored the house! I first ate from the food plate, then had some water, with my sister's encouragement while others looked on and Mommy petted me. Then the heater went on and Mommy asked me if it was ok if she shut the door to keep the warm air in. She and Daddy have been\ doing that with me for a few weeks now, and I like the warmth on my fur. It really is much warmer with the door shut. When the heat went on, I was a little startled by the sound, but then it became interesting when I saw the blinds move over the vent. I went to explore it, and meowed happily when I felt the wind blowing my fur!
Somebody was on something called a chair, underneath something called a table. My sister hopped up on one of the chair things, but I was too chicken to join her. I walked under the table, then to the computer desk. I found a long, open place called a hallway, but didn't go down it. I was much more interested in the living room, which was really open. It reminded me of my deck, so I felt safer there. There were more chairs, although these were covered in something soft, and a big chair called a couch. I walked around until I heard Daddy snoring, then dove under the couch into the corner. Dare followed me but let me have some space, which I was glad about since she'd been following me nose-to-tail since I walked in. Mommy tried to get a good picture of me, but every time she got close, I moved to another place. If she aimed the camera at the couch, I moved underneath the chair. If she tried to crouch down to take a picture of the chair, I ran to the couch again. I was way too quick for her! She got a picture of Dare checking on me, though. (See two posts back.)
After all that exploring, and the nice warmth of the heater, I was getting very sleepy. I felt comfortable and safe under the blue chair, and I knew my sister was inside as well, so I took a nap. I thought I would only sleep for a little while, but I slept five hours! Mommy was so happy! She stayed up in case I wanted out, but she didn't think I would stay in that long! I was soooo tired.
As soon as I woke up, I started pacing and crying. I'd forgotten for a few minutes that I'd come inside, so I was very disoriented and felt trapped. I ran all over the place, tried to get out the door (which wasn't open right away), then tried to get out the stove! Yep, I thought the stove was the door! Mommy opened the door a little way, then came into the kitchen to get me. She thought she'd herd me toward the door, but I didn't want to move from the corner. She picked me up right under the armpits, gently but firmly, and "flew" me to the door, opening it further when we got to it. I went right out, then she put some food outside to let me know it was ok.
Just a few minutes ago, I came in again for some food and to explore the dining room a little. She shut the door, but let me out right away when I asked her to. Maybe it's a Wednesday morning thing?
Hi! I'm a reticent guy, but the outside girls have kept me company for a few months out here in the yard. I've been around since just before Tigress got spayed, but hadn't come close until this last week. I decided it's much nicer when the people know I'm here, because then they come with scoops of food for me. Can you see me at the door waiting for my scoop while Scamper eats?
I'm longhaired, with white boots, shirtfront, stomach, and nose (except for a black splotch on my nose). I'm about as big as Carbon, but younger. The people think I'm about three or four years old, but I'm not telling. I could be as young as two.
I'm getting to the point now where I only run a short distance away when the people open the door. I run to the edge of the deck, sometimes diving but most of the time staying up, then turn and look at them. Once they close the door, then I approach the food and eat. However, the lady didn't close the door all the way one time last week because she was talking to me, and I approached to eat. She put her hand within sniffing distance and held it there while I ate. Then, I came closer at the same time as she reached down, and her fingers brushed my fur! I pulled away, looked at her, looked at her hand, then went back to eating. It felt kind of nice to be touched! She touched me again, very gently, and I leaned in so she was petting the edges of my long fur. I let her do that for about two minutes, then I had enough and walked away. She shut the door so I could eat in peace then.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Therapy Cat Tales from 1/16/13
Tabby writes:
Happy New Year! My purrents say it's been the new year for a few weeks now, but this is my first note since it became 2013. We're back to visiting! I got to cheer up people on the bus on the way to H. on Wednesday, as usual, and heard a lot of cat stories. I took a nap on the MAX light-rail train, except for once when someone wanted to pet me.
I wore my new NurtureCALM 24/7 Feline Calming Pheromone Collar
, which is helping Carbon, Starla, and me
get along at home. Carbon and I were ganging up on Starla sometimes,
but now that has changed. Starla even wants to snuggle with me, and
I've given her head a grooming or two! We're still in separate rooms
most of the time, but we can be on the bed at the same time for a few
minutes now. S. thought my calming collar was cute. It's purple, too,
which looks good with my fur.
All I wanted to do at H. was snuggle and sleep. Mommy was a little embarrassed about that, because usually I want to interact more with my friends. It was so cold outside, plus it had snowed on Monday, so it felt like the perfect day to snooze! I curled up on beds right next to my friends' legs to show them I was there, and they petted me while I snuggled. One lady had a nice, plush robe on, and was sitting in a recliner. That was the perfect place for a nap! I squeezed between her and the arm of the chair, turned around, and snuggled in with a purr. She petted me and I closed my eyes for a snooze while she talked with S. and Mommy.
We didn't stay as long as we usually do, because of how tired I was, but we visited with 10 people! That's not including the people we saw in the hallway and elevator, even. It's no wonder I was tired!
On the way back, we had a nice bus driver who remembered me even though it had been about 2 months since we'd ridden his bus. When we got on the bus, he said, "Oh, there's the nice kitty!" I was happy he remembered me. When we got to our stop, it was the last one on the line and time for him to go home. He got to pet me!
Erin was leaving the house as we were walking home, so I got to say hi to her. Then it was time to eat, use the box, and sleep some more. I played later on, but I needed my rest!
Happy New Year! My purrents say it's been the new year for a few weeks now, but this is my first note since it became 2013. We're back to visiting! I got to cheer up people on the bus on the way to H. on Wednesday, as usual, and heard a lot of cat stories. I took a nap on the MAX light-rail train, except for once when someone wanted to pet me.
I wore my new NurtureCALM 24/7 Feline Calming Pheromone Collar
, which is helping Carbon, Starla, and me
get along at home. Carbon and I were ganging up on Starla sometimes,
but now that has changed. Starla even wants to snuggle with me, and
I've given her head a grooming or two! We're still in separate rooms
most of the time, but we can be on the bed at the same time for a few
minutes now. S. thought my calming collar was cute. It's purple, too,
which looks good with my fur.All I wanted to do at H. was snuggle and sleep. Mommy was a little embarrassed about that, because usually I want to interact more with my friends. It was so cold outside, plus it had snowed on Monday, so it felt like the perfect day to snooze! I curled up on beds right next to my friends' legs to show them I was there, and they petted me while I snuggled. One lady had a nice, plush robe on, and was sitting in a recliner. That was the perfect place for a nap! I squeezed between her and the arm of the chair, turned around, and snuggled in with a purr. She petted me and I closed my eyes for a snooze while she talked with S. and Mommy.
We didn't stay as long as we usually do, because of how tired I was, but we visited with 10 people! That's not including the people we saw in the hallway and elevator, even. It's no wonder I was tired!
On the way back, we had a nice bus driver who remembered me even though it had been about 2 months since we'd ridden his bus. When we got on the bus, he said, "Oh, there's the nice kitty!" I was happy he remembered me. When we got to our stop, it was the last one on the line and time for him to go home. He got to pet me!
Erin was leaving the house as we were walking home, so I got to say hi to her. Then it was time to eat, use the box, and sleep some more. I played later on, but I needed my rest!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Miss Marble's all healed!
Miss Marble writes:
It has been a long two weeks! That's how long my purrents say I've been stuck inside. I went to the doctor yesterday for my post-surgery checkup. I did not want to go into that box again! I fought tooth and claw for my freedom, but Mommy scruffed me and shoved me into the carrier. I talked and cried the whole ride there, then told the receptionist all about it while she asked me questions and listened sympathetically to my complaints.
The vet was nice, and I headbutted her stethoscope when she checked my breathing and heartbeat. Then she turned me around so she could check if my stitches had dissolved on their own. I didn't want her to check back there! I remembered the last time I was in that room and what they did, at least until I was too groggy to remember. I didn't want that to happen again! Mommy and Daddy both reassured me that we were all going home in an hour and then I could be free again. I only half-believed them, but they were right! The vet said my stitches had dissolved on their own, once she and Mommy wrangled me enough to check. I scrambled right back into that box as soon as I was let loose again, believe me! Daddy put it right back up on the table, and in I went! Oh, and they said I weigh 10.5 pounds now.
The vet said I was healthy enough to go back outside with my sister, so once we got back home Daddy opened the door and opened the carrier. While the other kitties sniffed the carrier, I scooted out the door to my waiting sister. Tigress was so happy to see me! She sniffed me all over, gave me a few kisses, then tailed me as I went off to make sure my outside world hadn't changed much while I was away from it. I explored under the deck, around the yard, along my favorite hunting trails, everywhere. It was all the same, with the exception of being snowy and cold! Snow got on my back, but I just shrugged it off. I still have my warm, extra fur, so I'm well-insulated against the wet and cold.
Tigress went in to get some pets and visit with the inside kitties while she ate, but I wasn't going to go back in yet. I got pets from Daddy, but I want to be outside for a while. I know I'll trust them again, but I need to be outside for a few days again.
Thank you so much for all your purrs, prayers, and well-wishes! They mean a lot! Kitty kisses to everyone!
It has been a long two weeks! That's how long my purrents say I've been stuck inside. I went to the doctor yesterday for my post-surgery checkup. I did not want to go into that box again! I fought tooth and claw for my freedom, but Mommy scruffed me and shoved me into the carrier. I talked and cried the whole ride there, then told the receptionist all about it while she asked me questions and listened sympathetically to my complaints.
The vet was nice, and I headbutted her stethoscope when she checked my breathing and heartbeat. Then she turned me around so she could check if my stitches had dissolved on their own. I didn't want her to check back there! I remembered the last time I was in that room and what they did, at least until I was too groggy to remember. I didn't want that to happen again! Mommy and Daddy both reassured me that we were all going home in an hour and then I could be free again. I only half-believed them, but they were right! The vet said my stitches had dissolved on their own, once she and Mommy wrangled me enough to check. I scrambled right back into that box as soon as I was let loose again, believe me! Daddy put it right back up on the table, and in I went! Oh, and they said I weigh 10.5 pounds now.
The vet said I was healthy enough to go back outside with my sister, so once we got back home Daddy opened the door and opened the carrier. While the other kitties sniffed the carrier, I scooted out the door to my waiting sister. Tigress was so happy to see me! She sniffed me all over, gave me a few kisses, then tailed me as I went off to make sure my outside world hadn't changed much while I was away from it. I explored under the deck, around the yard, along my favorite hunting trails, everywhere. It was all the same, with the exception of being snowy and cold! Snow got on my back, but I just shrugged it off. I still have my warm, extra fur, so I'm well-insulated against the wet and cold.
Tigress went in to get some pets and visit with the inside kitties while she ate, but I wasn't going to go back in yet. I got pets from Daddy, but I want to be outside for a while. I know I'll trust them again, but I need to be outside for a few days again.
Thank you so much for all your purrs, prayers, and well-wishes! They mean a lot! Kitty kisses to everyone!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
I'm free!
Miss Marble writes:
I'm free of the carrier! Last night, when I was out on one of my supervised jailbreaks, I ran into the bathroom and peed in the box. A few minutes later, I ran in again and pooped in the box! Actual poop, although it was soft! My humans were so impressed that I felt that much better, and they let me stay out of the carrier all night. I'm very happy right now, although I really want to be outside with my sister. We touched noses through a crack in the door last night, and again this morning, then I made sure that she got fed when Mommy woke up. I wanted to snuggle with Mommy last night, but she said I couldn't be up on the bed yet until my poop was drier. Everyone gave me lots of pets last night and this morning, even the little boy, but none of them would let me out even though I was reaching up to the door handle.
I'm free of the carrier! Last night, when I was out on one of my supervised jailbreaks, I ran into the bathroom and peed in the box. A few minutes later, I ran in again and pooped in the box! Actual poop, although it was soft! My humans were so impressed that I felt that much better, and they let me stay out of the carrier all night. I'm very happy right now, although I really want to be outside with my sister. We touched noses through a crack in the door last night, and again this morning, then I made sure that she got fed when Mommy woke up. I wanted to snuggle with Mommy last night, but she said I couldn't be up on the bed yet until my poop was drier. Everyone gave me lots of pets last night and this morning, even the little boy, but none of them would let me out even though I was reaching up to the door handle.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Miss Marble has exercise jailbreaks!
Miss Marble writes:
Yesterday I got to have three supervised jailbreaks for exercise! After the first one, my legs were very wobbly and I had to take a long nap in the carrier. The second one went much better, and on the third one I was walking almost normally! I still have that mucous coming out of my rear end, though, so Mommy follows me with a wipe or a soft, dry washcloth so I don't leak everywhere. I even got to sniff my sister and talk with her through a crack in the door on my last jailbreak! She and I were so glad to be able to smell each other, but we wanted to greet each other properly. Our purrents said that we can't yet, though.
I took my medicines well again, plus I was very well-behaved for my pee pad changes. I'm eating my dry food and drinking my water. My pee looks and smells normal, but I hate that I have a pee pad instead of a litter box or dirt. I yell, then someone changes my pee pad and cleans me up as much as possible. They can't do too much to my rear end, because of my stitches, but they can clean around those.
Mama Freya bopped me on the head on one of my jailbreaks, but she was nice to me on the next one. I don't know why she bopped me on the head, but my purrents think it's because I smell of pee and medicine. I'd just taken my medicines. I'm glad she licked my head the next time! Maybe she didn't realize who I was?
Yesterday I got to have three supervised jailbreaks for exercise! After the first one, my legs were very wobbly and I had to take a long nap in the carrier. The second one went much better, and on the third one I was walking almost normally! I still have that mucous coming out of my rear end, though, so Mommy follows me with a wipe or a soft, dry washcloth so I don't leak everywhere. I even got to sniff my sister and talk with her through a crack in the door on my last jailbreak! She and I were so glad to be able to smell each other, but we wanted to greet each other properly. Our purrents said that we can't yet, though.
I took my medicines well again, plus I was very well-behaved for my pee pad changes. I'm eating my dry food and drinking my water. My pee looks and smells normal, but I hate that I have a pee pad instead of a litter box or dirt. I yell, then someone changes my pee pad and cleans me up as much as possible. They can't do too much to my rear end, because of my stitches, but they can clean around those.
Mama Freya bopped me on the head on one of my jailbreaks, but she was nice to me on the next one. I don't know why she bopped me on the head, but my purrents think it's because I smell of pee and medicine. I'd just taken my medicines. I'm glad she licked my head the next time! Maybe she didn't realize who I was?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Miss Marble's taking the transition well.
My purrents say I'm taking the transition well, whatever that means. I want out of the carrier to walk around the house, and am very vocal about my wishes, but I'm not clawing this box up trying to get out. I did for the first hour, but not since then.
When Mommy went to pick me up at the hospital last night, the tech said I was a very good patient. I purred at the people when they walked near my cage, at the hospital food, and was generally a good girl for them. The tech wondered why I like being petted while I eat, though, so Mommy explained that it was a technique they used to socialize me and are using to socialize my sister. That made total sense to the tech!
I got sent home with three medicines, and took them all this morning from Mommy while Daddy watched. I was drinking water and peeing normally last night before the humans went to sleep. When they woke up to check on me and give my meds, I'd peed again, had more water to drink, and had eaten most of my saucer of dry food! Yay!
I took my medicines like a champion, even the one that made me foam at the mouth. It has an icky taste, but then I got one after it that had a good taste so I didn't complain. I get meds three times a day (two of them, one is twice a day) for a week, then go back to be looked at again. I'm having watery discharge instead of poop, but the tech said that will be normal for the first couple days. It should slowly go back to regular as my system adjusts again.
Thank you all for the continued purrs!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
New Year's Wishes
First of all, happy new year! We hope this year brings blessings to everyone. Happy birthday yesterday to our Missy, and double happiness because Monday was her Gotcha Day anniversary!
No word yet on Watson, but we hope he either comes back on his own or has found a good new home. We keep checking the found ads, hoping he will show up there, but no luck so far.
Now, on with the breaking news:
Miss Marble writes:
I had a very scary New Year's Day! It was snowing on New Year's Eve, so Tigress and I had a lot of fun hopping around, playing hide-and-seek, and all the fun games that we can play in the snow. However, I forgot how cold it can be when it gets dark and there is ice on the ground! At the humans' bedtime on New Year's Day (around 11:30 pm), when they went to make sure we had food, only Tigress came up to the back deck. She has been getting better and better about wanting attention from the humans, but Mommy realized her behavior was exceptional this time. Tigress wouldn't let Mommy close the door, standing up against the door frame and placing her paw inside the door frame, not moving when Mommy started closing the door. Mommy knelt down and Tigress touched noses with her!
My sister may have saved my life by doing that.
As Mommy and Tigress were interacting, I was slowly making my way up to the deck. After they touched noses, I cried out as I jumped up on the deck, because I hurt. Mommy heard me and talked to me, encouraging me to come to her. I did, and walked inside because I knew she could help me. Tigress immediately calmed down and started eating. She knew I would be taken care of, now that I'd made it inside.
Mommy started petting me, then saw my behind. It looked like a bloody mass of exposed muscle! That's actually what it was, too. She called for Daddy, and Mommy Erin came out to see what was going on as well. They all got me into a carrier and rushed me off to the emergency vet. Freya wanted to come, too, but they said she couldn't. She wanted to lick me to take care of me, but they kept her away.
I had a prolapsed rectum, which basically meant part of my intestines were pushed out my anus. No wonder it looked and felt the way it did! There are many reasons why this would happen, so they're not sure why it did in my case. I could've strained too much trying to pass something I ate, or sat on the ice and frozen, then pulled, or other things could have happened. The main thing is, I was able to have emergency surgery on it last night, they pushed things back in where they are supposed to be, and I'm doing well in recovery at the vet now. I will be back home this evening, with three medicines (one for my G.I. tract, a painkiller, and an antibiotic). Thanks to CareCredit, my family was able to get me all the necessary care and support right away. Mommy and Daddy are very grateful that is available and they qualified for it.
All the inside kitties and my sister were concerned that I didn't come home right away, but our purrents let them know what was going on and that I will be back this evening. The inside kitties spent the night purring on or near the humans, and Tigress has been wanting many extra pets (and getting them) plus has been staying close on the deck.
No word yet on Watson, but we hope he either comes back on his own or has found a good new home. We keep checking the found ads, hoping he will show up there, but no luck so far.
Now, on with the breaking news:
Miss Marble writes:
I had a very scary New Year's Day! It was snowing on New Year's Eve, so Tigress and I had a lot of fun hopping around, playing hide-and-seek, and all the fun games that we can play in the snow. However, I forgot how cold it can be when it gets dark and there is ice on the ground! At the humans' bedtime on New Year's Day (around 11:30 pm), when they went to make sure we had food, only Tigress came up to the back deck. She has been getting better and better about wanting attention from the humans, but Mommy realized her behavior was exceptional this time. Tigress wouldn't let Mommy close the door, standing up against the door frame and placing her paw inside the door frame, not moving when Mommy started closing the door. Mommy knelt down and Tigress touched noses with her!
My sister may have saved my life by doing that.
As Mommy and Tigress were interacting, I was slowly making my way up to the deck. After they touched noses, I cried out as I jumped up on the deck, because I hurt. Mommy heard me and talked to me, encouraging me to come to her. I did, and walked inside because I knew she could help me. Tigress immediately calmed down and started eating. She knew I would be taken care of, now that I'd made it inside.
Mommy started petting me, then saw my behind. It looked like a bloody mass of exposed muscle! That's actually what it was, too. She called for Daddy, and Mommy Erin came out to see what was going on as well. They all got me into a carrier and rushed me off to the emergency vet. Freya wanted to come, too, but they said she couldn't. She wanted to lick me to take care of me, but they kept her away.
I had a prolapsed rectum, which basically meant part of my intestines were pushed out my anus. No wonder it looked and felt the way it did! There are many reasons why this would happen, so they're not sure why it did in my case. I could've strained too much trying to pass something I ate, or sat on the ice and frozen, then pulled, or other things could have happened. The main thing is, I was able to have emergency surgery on it last night, they pushed things back in where they are supposed to be, and I'm doing well in recovery at the vet now. I will be back home this evening, with three medicines (one for my G.I. tract, a painkiller, and an antibiotic). Thanks to CareCredit, my family was able to get me all the necessary care and support right away. Mommy and Daddy are very grateful that is available and they qualified for it.
All the inside kitties and my sister were concerned that I didn't come home right away, but our purrents let them know what was going on and that I will be back this evening. The inside kitties spent the night purring on or near the humans, and Tigress has been wanting many extra pets (and getting them) plus has been staying close on the deck.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from all of us at the PDX pride! We hope you are having a lovely Christmas and holiday season with your families. We've got a (fake) tree in the living room, and we haven't even bothered any of the ornaments, except bumping them occasionally with our noses or looking at them. Missy likes sleeping on the packages and found one in a bag that looks like her! We have a Christmas village that lights up, which is on a side table. Little Bit and Scamper each have jumped up on the table once, but got down when Mommy told them to. So, do you think we got presents? Yep! Lots and lots of boxes, ribbon, and paper to play with! We also got food treats!
Tabby had a great Christmas visit last Wednesday to H., where she dressed up in her red felt cape like a Victorian lady. Everyone loved that, and loved that the stroller had Christmas lights wrapped around the handle.
Watson has been missing since Dec. 7th. We hope he comes back! Everyone in the neighborhood has been alerted, posters are up, and Craigslist ads are also up. Mommy and Mommy Erin have been checking shelters and the humane society for him, but no luck yet.
Tabby had a great Christmas visit last Wednesday to H., where she dressed up in her red felt cape like a Victorian lady. Everyone loved that, and loved that the stroller had Christmas lights wrapped around the handle.
Watson has been missing since Dec. 7th. We hope he comes back! Everyone in the neighborhood has been alerted, posters are up, and Craigslist ads are also up. Mommy and Mommy Erin have been checking shelters and the humane society for him, but no luck yet.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving and new housemates!
Hi! I'm Scamper! You may remember seeing me on this blog before, because Karen and Scott took Mommy and my boy to get me. I was also the kitty who had the photo shoot in Salem. I'm all grown up now!
Hello, I'm Watson. I'm an inside-outside kitty. Mommy saw me at a pet store and saw that I was slated to be put to sleep. She couldn't stand the idea of that, so she adopted me. Since she probably will not be able to have more than two cats at a new apartment when she gets a new apartment, I will be Scott's parents' kitty in a couple weeks. I'll get to live on a farm!
Dare writes:
Hello? I'm a shy, scaredy kitty just over a year old. Mommy found me under a bush in the parking lot of her apartment building and got me out, bringing me inside to live with her. I bonded with her ex-boyfriend, but then he abandoned me. I've been at this new house for about three weeks, and am just now letting Mommy Karen and Daddy Scott pet me. I'm even letting Mommy Karen pick me up! I still love Mommy (Erin) more, though! I may need to go to a new home, because I think only Scamper and Smokey are going with Mommy and JJ when they find a new home. But that won't be for a while yet, because we all need to get settled here first. Mommy needed to move for her job, which is why we all moved here. I'm very thankful for everyone here and for this place to live.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Therapy Cat Tales: Bazaar Time!
I got to see some of my friends at the bazaar on Saturday, because it was at H. I also met two former evaluators for the Delta Society! One even has been part of a cat team and been on TV! They were very happy to see another cat team. We were next to a booth benefiting an equine-assisted therapy and horse retirement farm, so I got to meet the lady who runs that! The other lady who helped her volunteers with the Oregon Zoo and does hands-on exhibits with birds. Wow! Mommy and I sold 3 of my books and one person made a card. It was a great day, but long!
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