This is how Tabby goes: in her stroller!
Sometimes she likes to look where she's going.
Other times she likes to use her own four paws to go, but always on harness & leash.
Are you a photohunter?
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Starla's SUNday!
I know you don't hear from me as much as from the others, but you will be hearing me meow more now! About three weeks ago, Mommy and Daddy made a major change happen in my life. As long as they've known me, I've been a scaredy-kitty of the others and of changes. I was worried when my purrents said something new was going to happen, but it turned out to be a very good thing!
The doctor tried to take a pee sample, but I wouldn't cooperate. He looked at the spots where I've been licking myself bald on my tummy and legs. He wanted to get a pee sample to once again rule out any stones or infection, but Daddy was firm with him that I wasn't physically sick and tests had already been done by our other vet. The doctor looked at my chart and agreed to give them some anti-anxiety medicine for me.
Ick! Medicine! I have to get rolled up in a blankie and sat on a lap like a human baby to take it, then Mommy pries open my mouth and makes me swallow the pill. Sometimes I play hide-and-seek with it in my teeth and cheek, but she finds it and gives it to me again. The first couple weeks, Daddy held me while Mommy gave the meds, but now I let Mommy do it all by herself. I even came over one time to let her know that it was time for her to give it to me!
They're hoping that, eventually, I'll be as good about taking my medicine as Uncle Skylar was with taking his. I don't know about that, because he was extremely good about his! He let them know it was time, sat down, and did everything he was supposed to except open his mouth!
My meds are really helping me, though! That's why today's a SUNday! Sunny attitude, sunny day outside! I love being this happy! I can play without worrying that someone's going to jump me for the toy. I can use the box or my pee pad without worrying who else has used the box recently. I ask for more attention from my purrents and from others who visit. I even talk to my toys as I carry them! A few days ago, Mommy heard me talking from down the hall, and knew I was holding something in my mouth because I was muffled. Sure enough, I came walking to her, talking all the way, with the fuzzy Christmas cape in my mouth and dangling it like a kitten! Freya and I have an understanding about the fuzzies now, the fleece things in the house that used to belong only to her. They are shared between us now. Rori and I share possesion of the catnip pillow. We trade off. I carry that around, too!
Looking forward to more happy days!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Birthday to Tabby!
It's my birthday already? I'm not eight years old, am I? That's how old Mommy way saying I would be today when we went visiting on Wednesday. My friends always ask how old I am, and Mommy said, "She'll be eight on Sunday." Two of my friends were worried about how old I might live to be, but were reassured that I just now am considered a senior cat. Don't worry, friends! I have a few more years of visiting left! I'm not ready to quit that yet. No way!
We got treats delivered two days ago in preparation for my birthday. Well, they actually are a product sample to review, but we'll get them today. *licks lips in anticipation* I love my treats, and am happy to share with the others, too. The delivery guy scared us, though. Since we live on a busy street, the Fed-Ex people are told to deliver to our back door. I was resting in a chair right by the door when, all of a sudden, the guy knocked loudly on it! We didn't know there would be a delivery, and Mommy thought they would try knocking on the front first or leave the package on the front porch like the other delivery services do. Nope! We all ran for it, and even Mommy jumped! We came right back to see what the package was, and I got to sit on the box first.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Therapy Cat Tales
Tabby writes:
I had a very good day today, in spite of the pouring rain. I was very glad for my rain jacket and my umbrella, which Mommy held over my stroller so that I didn't get very wet. Some of the drops came through, but not many.
I slept most of the way to H., except for when we boarded the MAX. I don't like the sound the MAX makes and the vibration when it comes. We had extra time, so we walked almost a mile instead of riding the second MAX. It was in-between cloudbursts, so we were pretty dry for the walk. The roses were beautiful and smelled good, but I didn't want to get close to them. I was still waking up.
S. walked around with us for our visit. The first person we saw on our floor was A., who just lights up whenever he sees me. He calls me "My Kitty", and you can tell it has capitals from the way he says it! "Hi, My Kitty," he says as he pets me and scritches my chin. I actually got to visit with him twice, because he was downstairs later when we went down there to find someone else.
A.M. has become one of my favorite people to visit. She always lets me sit on her lap, and doesn't care how I lie down or sit on her. I wanted to curl up on her bed, but Mommy wouldn't let me. I decided I would settle down against her leg, and she loved that. She kept laughing, saying, "This old lady loves you." Yep, I know, and I love her back! I purred for her, kneading away, with my head on her knee and my eyes closed while she stroked my jowls. Pure contentment!
I wanted to stay with A.M. for longer, but there were others to visit with. We went downstairs, where the social hour was just getting over. That's where A. was for my second visit with him. S., B., E., and another friend were down there as well. I got more pets and demonstrated some of my commands for them, because they hadn't seen me do any of those before.
After we were done at H., Mommy took me to a new place. It's called C. Someone at H. who used to live at C. told us that they might want me to visit over there, so we dropped by to see. We walked in to the lobby and were greeted with smiles and pets for me, with questions for Mommy about me. The people behind the desk were very nice, but I wasn't allowed to go behind the desk to make it easier for them to pet me. They called the nurses to find out who would like a visit from me and got one reply. When we got to the room, the lady and her daughter-in-law welcomed us in. I got up on the lady's bed while they both petted me. I said hi to them, then settled down against the lady's leg and side, snuggling in so that she'd know I was there. I listened to them tell about raising baby squirrels, rescuing a kitten who growled like a tiger, and other fun kitty stories. I love to hear about other kitty families! The lady would like me to visit her regularly, so we'll try to do that each time after we go to H.
I had a very good day today, in spite of the pouring rain. I was very glad for my rain jacket and my umbrella, which Mommy held over my stroller so that I didn't get very wet. Some of the drops came through, but not many.
I slept most of the way to H., except for when we boarded the MAX. I don't like the sound the MAX makes and the vibration when it comes. We had extra time, so we walked almost a mile instead of riding the second MAX. It was in-between cloudbursts, so we were pretty dry for the walk. The roses were beautiful and smelled good, but I didn't want to get close to them. I was still waking up.
S. walked around with us for our visit. The first person we saw on our floor was A., who just lights up whenever he sees me. He calls me "My Kitty", and you can tell it has capitals from the way he says it! "Hi, My Kitty," he says as he pets me and scritches my chin. I actually got to visit with him twice, because he was downstairs later when we went down there to find someone else.
A.M. has become one of my favorite people to visit. She always lets me sit on her lap, and doesn't care how I lie down or sit on her. I wanted to curl up on her bed, but Mommy wouldn't let me. I decided I would settle down against her leg, and she loved that. She kept laughing, saying, "This old lady loves you." Yep, I know, and I love her back! I purred for her, kneading away, with my head on her knee and my eyes closed while she stroked my jowls. Pure contentment!
I wanted to stay with A.M. for longer, but there were others to visit with. We went downstairs, where the social hour was just getting over. That's where A. was for my second visit with him. S., B., E., and another friend were down there as well. I got more pets and demonstrated some of my commands for them, because they hadn't seen me do any of those before.
After we were done at H., Mommy took me to a new place. It's called C. Someone at H. who used to live at C. told us that they might want me to visit over there, so we dropped by to see. We walked in to the lobby and were greeted with smiles and pets for me, with questions for Mommy about me. The people behind the desk were very nice, but I wasn't allowed to go behind the desk to make it easier for them to pet me. They called the nurses to find out who would like a visit from me and got one reply. When we got to the room, the lady and her daughter-in-law welcomed us in. I got up on the lady's bed while they both petted me. I said hi to them, then settled down against the lady's leg and side, snuggling in so that she'd know I was there. I listened to them tell about raising baby squirrels, rescuing a kitten who growled like a tiger, and other fun kitty stories. I love to hear about other kitty families! The lady would like me to visit her regularly, so we'll try to do that each time after we go to H.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
PhotoHunt: Grin and Happy Birthday!
Can you see me grinning? I'm so happy, I even have my little vampire fangs sticking out! You can see one of them if you look at my mouth above my right eye. I'm grinning because it's my birthday!!! I turned 8 years old today! Mommy says that makes me a senior cat. Wait a minute! I don't feel old. What are you saying, Mommy? Oh, you're saying I'm a gentleman cat now? Ok, I'll accept that. I just hope I can still zoom and play when I'm this old. Daddy says I can, though.
I don't think of myself as 8 years old. I still think of myself as a tiny kitten, like when my purrents adopted me. I'm so glad that the family who had my mama cat took care of me when I was born and gave me to the feed store so my purrents could adopt me. But that's a story for next month! I'm grateful to that family, even though they don't know where I ended up and my purrents don't know who they were. They gave me a good start in life and did what was right. Thank you, whoever you were!
Off for a catnap now to dream of playing chase, then I'll spend the day lounging around, enjoying the company of my family, and playing with Little Bit and Dare. They love to zoom, too! Oh, and I'm going to share part of my birthday with our Facebook friend Spaghetti-Bob, because he and his brother are celebrating their birthdays today. It should be fun!
Are you a photohunter?
Saturday, June 1, 2013
PhotoHunt: Quaggy
On another "quaggy" note, this is one of the very few years that Rose Festival Week has not been quaggy! The Starlight Parade is tonight, and we have sunny, warm weather! There's a saying in the Portland, OR, metro area around this time: (looking out the window at or standing in the rain) "It must be Rose Festival!" Not this year! Mommy's glad of it, because her children's dance group (Sons of Norway's Grieg Lodge Leikarringen) is participating in the Junior Rose Parade on Wednesday. It's supposed to be 83 degrees!
Are you a photohunter?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Exciting Announcements and Therapy Cat Tales from 5/22/13
Tabby writes:
First, the exciting announcements!!! *runs around chasing her tail* The Pet Blogger Mall (PBM) is having a Sneak Peek Sale Day today!!! It's a new online shopping venue featuring those of us who are pet bloggers and sell our creative products online. We have a store there; look for Trace Elements Art to purchase my children's book, t-shirts featuring us, playing cards, and other great products. Also check out the other stores for everything from blankies to greeting cards to paw-paintings from your other pet-blogging friends! If you sell products, you can sign up for a store on the PBM as well. All the details of the sale day and the PBM in general are on their most recent blog post.
We have had a very exciting week, which is why my blog post has been so delayed. Sorry about that! Mommy Erin and JJ moved into their new apartment a week and a half ago, so we had a fun time zooming around in the half-empty house, in and out of their rooms, and generally enjoying the increased space. We moped that first night, missing them, though. Heimdall thought they were in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom, but they weren't there. Smokey thought they might be out in the garage, but they weren't there, either. Mommy and Daddy said they were in their new home. Where is that? Can we visit them there sometime?
Then, last Sunday, Scamper and Smokey got put in carriers and taken to be with Mommy Erin and JJ. I was very sad to see them go, but reluctantly let Scamper use my favorite carrier to travel in. His new daddy, Mommy Erin's boyfriend, promised that he'd bring it back in good condition. I touched noses with both Scamper and Smokey through the mesh of their carriers to say goodbye, then pouted on the bed. It's very odd not having them here. Dare is still here, being fostered until we find her a new forever home, because they could only take two kitties. Mommy Erin is sad they couldn't take Dare along, too, but we promised we'd take good care of her and find her a wonderful home.
Ok, on to the Therapy Cat Tale!
Last Wednesday was very rainy! Mommy made sure to bring my umbrella to cover my stroller where the mesh is, but I growled at the rain anyway when it came in under the umbrella a few times. On the way to H., we listened to stories of cats who lived at a nursing home and a dog who visited there, courtesy of a former employee at said nursing home. It was all very interesting! However, I had to ride on the floor in my carrier because the bus driver wouldn't allow Mommy to set the carrier on the bus seat like she normally does. I had to look at everyone's shoes rather than their faces.
After we got on the MAX, I got to ride on the seat out of my carrier. I wanted to snuggle with Mommy because I don't like the sound of the MAX, so I stuck by her side the whole time. She talked with three people who were quite impressed with me and my work while I rested.
We got to H. early, so we greeted a few people in the hallway then went into the ladies' restroom. I love the brown couch there and sit on it while Mommy fixes her hair each time we come to H. That's where a lot of my photo shoots are done, as well. As we were going in there, we heard someone in the hallway say, "When she comes early, she takes Tabby in there and takes updated pictures of her on that brown leather sofa." Yep, we do! I shared some of them with you on my last edition of Therapy Cat Tales, the ones with the blue bandana.
S. went around with us for the first part of visiting, then she had to go home and R. went around with us. Some of my regulars were sleeping, but I got to visit with quite a few of the ones who were awake plus some new friends. M. wanted me to come up in her lap, so I did. She had a cookie for me! I used to get cookies from another lady, but she died. I didn't know M. had the same cookies! Fig Newtons are so yummy, and Mommy checked with the vet about me eating them. I can have up to a quarter of one per visit. I didn't get even that much, just a corner of one this time, but I ate it all up then looked around for more, licking my lips. That got a laugh out of M.! She promised me that next time she would give me another cookie. Yum!
F. is a new friend. He was excited to meet me, because he had cats when he was younger. I got up on his lap, then wanted to get onto his bed. He wouldn't let me! I liked that he was petting me, but I really would've preferred being on his bed. That's how I am with new people sometimes. It usually takes me two or three visits to be comfortable on someone's lap. But then, watch out, because I won't want to move!
Our last visit was with another M., who was trying to put a puzzle together. She petted me while she worked on it, but R. and Mommy quickly realized that not all the pieces were there. They put that one away, then sorted through the remaining puzzles to find one of the right level that seemed to have all the pieces. All three of them worked on the new one, which had ducks and fish on it, while M. petted me with her free hand. I was very content to lie in my stroller and listen to them talk while getting petted.
First, the exciting announcements!!! *runs around chasing her tail* The Pet Blogger Mall (PBM) is having a Sneak Peek Sale Day today!!! It's a new online shopping venue featuring those of us who are pet bloggers and sell our creative products online. We have a store there; look for Trace Elements Art to purchase my children's book, t-shirts featuring us, playing cards, and other great products. Also check out the other stores for everything from blankies to greeting cards to paw-paintings from your other pet-blogging friends! If you sell products, you can sign up for a store on the PBM as well. All the details of the sale day and the PBM in general are on their most recent blog post.
We have had a very exciting week, which is why my blog post has been so delayed. Sorry about that! Mommy Erin and JJ moved into their new apartment a week and a half ago, so we had a fun time zooming around in the half-empty house, in and out of their rooms, and generally enjoying the increased space. We moped that first night, missing them, though. Heimdall thought they were in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom, but they weren't there. Smokey thought they might be out in the garage, but they weren't there, either. Mommy and Daddy said they were in their new home. Where is that? Can we visit them there sometime?
Then, last Sunday, Scamper and Smokey got put in carriers and taken to be with Mommy Erin and JJ. I was very sad to see them go, but reluctantly let Scamper use my favorite carrier to travel in. His new daddy, Mommy Erin's boyfriend, promised that he'd bring it back in good condition. I touched noses with both Scamper and Smokey through the mesh of their carriers to say goodbye, then pouted on the bed. It's very odd not having them here. Dare is still here, being fostered until we find her a new forever home, because they could only take two kitties. Mommy Erin is sad they couldn't take Dare along, too, but we promised we'd take good care of her and find her a wonderful home.
Ok, on to the Therapy Cat Tale!
Last Wednesday was very rainy! Mommy made sure to bring my umbrella to cover my stroller where the mesh is, but I growled at the rain anyway when it came in under the umbrella a few times. On the way to H., we listened to stories of cats who lived at a nursing home and a dog who visited there, courtesy of a former employee at said nursing home. It was all very interesting! However, I had to ride on the floor in my carrier because the bus driver wouldn't allow Mommy to set the carrier on the bus seat like she normally does. I had to look at everyone's shoes rather than their faces.
After we got on the MAX, I got to ride on the seat out of my carrier. I wanted to snuggle with Mommy because I don't like the sound of the MAX, so I stuck by her side the whole time. She talked with three people who were quite impressed with me and my work while I rested.
We got to H. early, so we greeted a few people in the hallway then went into the ladies' restroom. I love the brown couch there and sit on it while Mommy fixes her hair each time we come to H. That's where a lot of my photo shoots are done, as well. As we were going in there, we heard someone in the hallway say, "When she comes early, she takes Tabby in there and takes updated pictures of her on that brown leather sofa." Yep, we do! I shared some of them with you on my last edition of Therapy Cat Tales, the ones with the blue bandana.
S. went around with us for the first part of visiting, then she had to go home and R. went around with us. Some of my regulars were sleeping, but I got to visit with quite a few of the ones who were awake plus some new friends. M. wanted me to come up in her lap, so I did. She had a cookie for me! I used to get cookies from another lady, but she died. I didn't know M. had the same cookies! Fig Newtons are so yummy, and Mommy checked with the vet about me eating them. I can have up to a quarter of one per visit. I didn't get even that much, just a corner of one this time, but I ate it all up then looked around for more, licking my lips. That got a laugh out of M.! She promised me that next time she would give me another cookie. Yum!
F. is a new friend. He was excited to meet me, because he had cats when he was younger. I got up on his lap, then wanted to get onto his bed. He wouldn't let me! I liked that he was petting me, but I really would've preferred being on his bed. That's how I am with new people sometimes. It usually takes me two or three visits to be comfortable on someone's lap. But then, watch out, because I won't want to move!
Our last visit was with another M., who was trying to put a puzzle together. She petted me while she worked on it, but R. and Mommy quickly realized that not all the pieces were there. They put that one away, then sorted through the remaining puzzles to find one of the right level that seemed to have all the pieces. All three of them worked on the new one, which had ducks and fish on it, while M. petted me with her free hand. I was very content to lie in my stroller and listen to them talk while getting petted.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Happy Belated Birthdays to Tigress & Miss Marble!
Hi! I've been coming inside regularly to meow at the mommy and daddy and socialize with the inside kitties. Carbon and I have especially been bonding, although I don't always let him sniff me as much as he'd like. I always ask him to lick my head, though. I don't stay inside long, just long enough to reacquaint myself with everything and everyone, and then I go back out. Mommy's been shutting the door more when I come in, so now I know that it will open when I ask it to. I reach up to the handle to let her know I want it to open. I even let the little human boy pet me last week!
The humans say my sister, brother, and I are now two years old. Wow! That's as old as our mom was when she had us! We turned two on Mother's Day, the 12th, but the humans were on vacation then so they couldn't help us write our blog post. Mommy wished me a happy Mother's Day, even though my babies weren't born before I got spayed last year. She doesn't know if I know I was a mom, but that doesn't matter to her if I know it or not.
We're two years old? Wow, that's old! On our birthday, I came inside as usual at night. Mommy has had a cold, so she's been sleeping in a big chair in the living room. I am used to snuggling with her on the bed, so I didn't recognize that she was sleeping in the chair until Sunday. She called me over to her, but I wasn't sure if I was allowed to sit with her. I reached up and she told me to jump up to her. It took me a few minutes, but I did, then settled in a circle in her lap, purring happily and cleaning her hand as she petted me. I fell asleep in her lap and she fell asleep also. At one point, Carbon hopped up to snuggle with us! I was washing, so I decided to be nice and wash his tail for him. Boy, that was not what he wanted at all! I got slapped in the face, but he didn't have his claws out. He got told off by Mommy and wasn't allowed to snuggle with us anymore. I didn't know why Uncle Carbon didn't want me to wash him, but I wasn't too fazed by it because I got to stay on Mommy's lap and snuggle some more.
I fell asleep again with Mommy petting me, but had a very bad dream or was sleeping extra-hard, or something, because I did a bad thing. I scratched Mommy's hand when she tried to pet me after resting! I reacted instinctively and reached out with claws to bat it away, leaving a scratch. I immediately mewed like a baby kitten to tell her I was sorry, and she forgave me right away. She knew it was just an instinctive reaction and not something I would have done if I'd been all the way awake. I hopped down after that and went to Mama Freya for some reassurance (aka grooming). I'm lucky to have an inside-mama-cat, even though she's not my real mama-cat!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
PhotoHunt: Lazy (and Tabby's Doggie Dash Report)
Do I look lazy in this picture? If so, I deserved my rest! Mommy and I had just gotten done walking the 2.5-mile Doggie Dash! Well, Mommy walked it and I rode in the stroller, so I guess I was lazy for that part, but it was hot out today and I got a lot of attention because I was the only kitty there.
Because of river traffic holding the bridge up just before we got there, we arrived later than expected and were unable to meet Auntie Diana, who helped make the balloon arches. She works at the Oregon Humane Society. Isn't it great that all these people (and more) turned out to help the animals at OHS?
Are you a PhotoHunter?
Saturday, May 4, 2013
PhotoHunt: Under
I love hiding under the covers when the bed is being made! I become a bed monster, then my brother pounces on me. :) Mommy calls this picture my glamour shot.
Are you a photohunter?
P.S. Have you checked out Tabby's fundraising contest yet? It's in our previous post, and supports the Oregon Humane Society.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Doggie Dash 2013: Tabby's Fundraising Challenge
There are two ways to win:
1. Donate on our personal fundraising page below and leave a comment here afterward saying you donated (with the name used on the donation) so we can match it up.
OR
2. Donate as above and leave a comment, then get your friends to do the same and comment, noting who sent them in their comment.
So, if Carbon donates x amount and that amount is the highest donated, he would get the prize. If Starla donates y amount and gets five friends to donate z each and they all comment on this page that Starla sent them, she would get the prize even though she personally donated less than Carbon. If one of Starla's friends donates, gets others to donate, and those others credit the friend in their comments, the friend would win the prize if the amount adds up to the highest amount.
Here is the link to our fundraising page:
Doggie Dash 2013: Tabby and Karen Thompson - Doggie Dash 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
PhotoHunt: ZOOM!!!
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Thursday, April 18, 2013
Therapy Cat Tales from 4/17/13
I celebrated Earth Day early on my visit yesterday! The bandana I'm wearing says "Canines for Clean Water" as a reminder that everyone needs to pick up after their pets when they are out. Please always bring a roll of poop bags with you so that you're ready to clean up after your pet, regardless of species. Thank you! If you are a resident of Clark County, Washington, your pet can join the campaign here.
A little girl on the bus called me a "meow-pup"! She was about 14 months old, and can say a few words. She thought I was a puppy, so her mommy and my mommy were correcting her. Then she saw I was a kitty and said "kitty" while petting me. After she was done petting me, she said "pup-pup" again and got corrected again. Her mommy said, "What does a kitty say?" "Meow!" The little girl then looked at me and said, quite clearly, "meow-pup".
Mommy and I did a photo shoot at H., just an informal one, using the ladies' lounge as a backdrop. We think the pictures turned out really well, and the staff want Mommy to send some to their publicity director to use in newsletters. I was mugging for the camera, as you can see! I always pose for the camera when I see one.
After the pictures, we went into the office to see R. She wanted to see the pictures, so Mommy took out her camera and I immediately posed again. R. laughed and looked at the shots. I got bored, so I asked R. to pet me. She really got a kick out of that, and had me ask her a few more times, petting me a lot each time I did so. I love showing off!
S. went with us on our rounds for a few people, then V. took over because S. had to leave for the day. V. told us that my friend who had talked coherently to me but not to the humans last visit had died. We were very sad to hear that, because we were looking forward to visiting more with her. E. was very talkative today, though, and another V. told me that I was the best company she'd had all week! D. meowed at me again. I always think it's so funny when people do that! I just watch them and smile.
My best visit today was with a surprise friend. When I went into M.'s room, Mommy noticed the name on the door. She started smiling, let me have as much leash as I wanted, and walked in behind me. "Hello, stranger," she said. M. looked up, surprised, after greeting me, and said Mommy's name. She is someone Mommy knows from her former church! They've known each other since 2002, but hadn't seen each other for a few years since we'd moved to Vancouver and Mommy had changed churches. They caught up with each other while I snuggled on M.'s bed behind her (but still where I could get petted occasionally). Then, M.'s husband and son came to visit her, followed closely by M.'s pastor! It was a good first day at H. for M.
Daddy was running errands in Portland, so he came and picked us up in the car. I hadn't ridden in the car since the deer hit us a while ago, because it was getting repaired. I was very nervous about getting into the car, because I remembered the deer, but Daddy reassured me that there were no deer around to run into us again. I snuggled on Mommy's lap while Daddy drove. I think it's very interesting that the cars take turns getting on the freeway. Did you know they do that? The lights give the cars turns and they wait in line. I just figured that out today! I sat up very tall and turned my head to indicate which car was going to go next. Mommy and Daddy laughed and told me I was correct!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
NW Pet & Companion Fair 2013
Tabby writes:
It was so cold today when we left the house! I didn't know where we were going, and why Mommy Erin and JJ were coming with us, but I was sure it wasn't to visit my friends at H. It was the wrong day and the wrong time! Mommy Erin held me for part of the time, because I was shivering. I had my jacket on, plus a fleece blanket, but it was still cold. Mommy didn't think it would be that cold this morning, and she wished she had had another blanket for me to wrap up in.
I was fine once we got the the Expo Center, though, because it was warm inside. There were a lot of doggies waiting in line to check in, so I got sniffed and licked. That was ok with me, though. Mommy signed a waiver that said if I clawed anyone she would take full responsibility, although that would never happen. I'm too well-behaved to do that! I said hi to the lady at the check-in table, who was wearing a cat shirt. Then we went over to another table where JJ got to throw a small sample bag of dog food at a bowl. Why didn't they have an eating contest instead of a throwing contest? I guess they couldn't, for humans. Anyway, he won a pin. Then, we got to see the fluffy black girl-cat who looks like Carbon! She rides around on her humans' shoulders and goes to the Doggie Dash every year as well. It was my first time meeting her, although Mommy's been introduced to her before. Mommy Erin held me up to touch noses with her while she was on her daddy's shoulders. We touched noses, sniffed, then I got hissed at! I didn't take offense at her doing that, though, just gave her a puzzled look and got back into my stroller. Mommy, Mommy Erin, and the cat's daddy all laughed and said the black cat was just jealous.
Besides the black cat, there
were two other cats visiting the expo with their families. They were
both young kittens, so that's great for their socialization and
experience to visit places so young! One was just over a year old and
had a jacket harness like I used to use. He was riding on his mommy's
shoulder, looking behind her wide-eyed at everything. The other kitten
was only a couple months old, if that, and was an orange tabby. She
didn't know what to make of people, let alone all the doggies, sounds,
and activity, so she clung to her mommy and was very interested in
everything. Her nose was going a mile a minute!
We saw a lady who recognized me from seeing me on the MAX. That was fun to be remembered on sight! Also, a lady at the Dove Lewis booth remembered me from when I modeled at Boutiques Unleashed, and had just been telling someone about me! Another lady at another booth is going to buy the Kindle version of my book to read to her new baby.
We talked with a few people about therapy cat work, but mainly I snuggled in my stroller while Mommy went around to the booths collecting information and seeing what there was to see. Mommy Erin and JJ got to hold birds, but I couldn't go in that part so Mommy didn't get to do that. We all went to see the wild animals and saw a bobcat in a kitty tree! That's right: it was in housecat furniture! One man kept looking from me to the bobcat and back like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Mommy Erin and JJ got to hold a Patagonian Mara, also known as a cavy, and a miniature pig. They even got their pictures taken with them!
It was so cold today when we left the house! I didn't know where we were going, and why Mommy Erin and JJ were coming with us, but I was sure it wasn't to visit my friends at H. It was the wrong day and the wrong time! Mommy Erin held me for part of the time, because I was shivering. I had my jacket on, plus a fleece blanket, but it was still cold. Mommy didn't think it would be that cold this morning, and she wished she had had another blanket for me to wrap up in.
 |
| Mommy Erin keeping me warm. |
I was fine once we got the the Expo Center, though, because it was warm inside. There were a lot of doggies waiting in line to check in, so I got sniffed and licked. That was ok with me, though. Mommy signed a waiver that said if I clawed anyone she would take full responsibility, although that would never happen. I'm too well-behaved to do that! I said hi to the lady at the check-in table, who was wearing a cat shirt. Then we went over to another table where JJ got to throw a small sample bag of dog food at a bowl. Why didn't they have an eating contest instead of a throwing contest? I guess they couldn't, for humans. Anyway, he won a pin. Then, we got to see the fluffy black girl-cat who looks like Carbon! She rides around on her humans' shoulders and goes to the Doggie Dash every year as well. It was my first time meeting her, although Mommy's been introduced to her before. Mommy Erin held me up to touch noses with her while she was on her daddy's shoulders. We touched noses, sniffed, then I got hissed at! I didn't take offense at her doing that, though, just gave her a puzzled look and got back into my stroller. Mommy, Mommy Erin, and the cat's daddy all laughed and said the black cat was just jealous.
 |
| Hissy black girl-cat |
We saw a lady who recognized me from seeing me on the MAX. That was fun to be remembered on sight! Also, a lady at the Dove Lewis booth remembered me from when I modeled at Boutiques Unleashed, and had just been telling someone about me! Another lady at another booth is going to buy the Kindle version of my book to read to her new baby.
We talked with a few people about therapy cat work, but mainly I snuggled in my stroller while Mommy went around to the booths collecting information and seeing what there was to see. Mommy Erin and JJ got to hold birds, but I couldn't go in that part so Mommy didn't get to do that. We all went to see the wild animals and saw a bobcat in a kitty tree! That's right: it was in housecat furniture! One man kept looking from me to the bobcat and back like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
 |
| Bobcat (lynx) in a domestic cat tree |
Mommy Erin and JJ got to hold a Patagonian Mara, also known as a cavy, and a miniature pig. They even got their pictures taken with them!
PhotoHunt: Scrumptious
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Saturday, April 6, 2013
PhotoHunt: Quirky
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Monday, April 1, 2013
Celebrating more birthdays!
Remembering their sister, Baby Chiba, who went to the Bridge as a kitten. These girls had a tough first year, being neglected by their original family. Smokey was abandoned along with her cousin-cat Starla, whom we adopted. Little Bit got pregnant when she had just turned 1, and had four little boy-kits. We fostered them all and found homes for three of them. One ended up dying of genetic complications.
Even though we love these girls, please remember it's important to spay and neuter your pets! It's also important to spay and neuter feral cats. Little Bit's dad was a pet cat, Smokey's dad was probably a feral, and their mom was feral-born.
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| From left to right on the porch: Starla, Little Bit, Smokey. From left to right in the back: Outdoor Fluffy Buddy, Boo-Boo Kitty. |
1.jpg) |
| Smokey as a kitten |
1.jpg) |
| Little Bit as a kitten |
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| Baby Chiba and Starla as kittens |
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!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
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