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.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
PhotoHunt: Upper
If you would like to join the photo hunt, click here.
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
Friday, October 26, 2012
Remembering Skylar and Lydia
In 2005, the Richs had to move to Florida. They and their daughter, Kayla, were devastated that they couldn't take Skylar and Lydia along, because they were going to be moving in with Mrs. Rich's mother (who was allergic to cats). Mrs. Rich asked Mommy to adopt the kitties, because "Skylar has already adopted you!" It was true! Of course, Mommy said yes, so when she moved in with Daddy the tuxedos moved in as well. Daddy even helped catch them when the Richs left.
They adjusted to inside life well, but Lydia was upset that her family had left her with these strangers. She ran away once, during a brief time living at the home where Mommy was nannying, but she only went one apartment complex away and still had her tags. Mommy went and got her, putting her in a backpack to carry her back. When Lydia moved with her brother Skylar to Daddy's, she hid. She also got back at her new surroundings by pooping on the couch. That all changed when Daddy started to have knee problems. One day he woke up to Lydia lying on his side, staring him in the face. She "told" him, "I know you're hurting, and I'll be here to take care of you."
From then on, until the day she died, Daddy was her person. She was his constant guardian, best cat friend, devoted nurse, and companion. Skylar's person, of course, was Mommy, until Lydia died. Then he took over Daddy in her place.
They were the reigning king and queen of the household, deferring to each other and taking care of the rest of the kitties. They helped raise fosters and permanent family, including Rori, Tabby, Carbon, Little Bit, Starla, and Smokey. Lydia trained Rori to follow in her footsteps as alpha cat of the household, and Skylar picked Starla to be his companion kitty after Lydia died.
Skylar and Lydia will live forever in the hearts of all who knew them. Many thanks to the Rich family for letting us know these two wonderful spirits.
Lydia died in Oct. 2008 and Skylar in July 2010.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Therapy Cat Tales: Halloween Costumes!
Tabby writes:
Happy early Halloween! At least it was for all the people we visited today! Mommy and I both wore our candy corn witch costumes from last year to visit my friends at H., because it's our last visit before Halloween. I was very good and kept my costume (minus hat) on for most of the time, only walking out of it once. I love dressing up! My costume feels like a blanket, so I went to sleep on the bus and the MAX. I even slept through a pigeon walking under my stroller at the MAX stop at Pioneer Courthouse Square! Mommy tried to wake me up to see the pigeon, but I was fast asleep.
As we left home, Mommy had to be very careful pushing the stroller, because there were so many wooly caterpillars on the sidewalk. She counted 5 in half a block! I was more interested in the grasshoppers, and wanted to get out to catch them, but I had to stay in the stroller. We were just crossing the street when the bus came, but luckily it saw us and stopped for us.
Most of the people on the bus were happy to see us in our costumes, and two people told us that it totally made their day to see us, especially me. *purrs* That's why I do my job, and why I'm good at it! The people on the bus had a lot of questions about putting a costume on a cat, animal-assisted therapy, and (of course) me. Everyone was all smiles by the time we got to the transit center! A job well-done!
After that excitement, I went to sleep. Mommy forgot my witch hat on the first bus, but was able to get the bus driver to open the bus again so she could retrieve it. People in downtown Portland loved our matching costumes when we got off the next bus. Many smiles again, and some laughter all around.
I woke up again when we got on the MAX, because Mommy wanted me to get out of the carrier bag and just ride in the stroller. When I got out, a little girl in front of us squealed, "It's a KITTY!" She was wearing a Hello Kitty shirt, so obviously she wanted to pet me, and her parents let her. A lady in front of us on the other side wanted to pet me, and since she was sitting I got to sit in her lap.
As we walked in the doors at H., three people came over to see our costumes. Two of them I'd met before, but one I hadn't met. Then, some more people came down the hall and stopped to talk and admire me. Lots of petting and everyone telling others in the hallway to come see me! It was 10 minutes before we got in the door of the office to get the list of people to visit!
We got the same reaction on the two floors we visit. The nurses and other people who work there were telling others to come see me in my cute costume, plus some of the people I visited had relatives visiting them at the same time. E. was almost asleep, but she woke up for her favorite kitty visitor. I hopped into bed to snuggle with her for a few minutes. R. loved seeing my costume and asked all kinds of questions about it. Mommy made me wear the hat for a couple minutes so she could see what it looked like on me, too. The hat falls upside-down, so then I wear it on my neck. It looks silly that way, so I don't usually wear it except to show it off. Another R., the one who lives on the 3rd floor, moved to the 2nd floor. Her son was visiting her, so I got to visit with both of them. Her son was telling us all about his mean cat. I'm glad no one in my house is as mean as that cat!
P. was dozing, but woke up when we came in. She loved my costume, and felt every inch of it so she could "see" it. She played tails with me again! I love that game. N. had a visitor: her niece. Both of them loved seeing me. They let me explore the room and petted me while they talked with Mommy. After a bit, I figured out a closet door was open, and all Mommy could see was my leash! As soon as she called me, I came out, and everyone had a good laugh. I'd just been looking for a cozy place to curl up and take a nap again. Visiting is tiring work!
When we got back to the transit center by our house, Mommy saw the bus driver for the bus she normally takes to work. They'd been talking about my book and about me the last time she rode that bus, so we just had to go over to say hi! The lady loved seeing me and told me repeatedly what a good kitty I am! *purrs* She is going to buy my book
for her grandchildren!
Happy early Halloween! At least it was for all the people we visited today! Mommy and I both wore our candy corn witch costumes from last year to visit my friends at H., because it's our last visit before Halloween. I was very good and kept my costume (minus hat) on for most of the time, only walking out of it once. I love dressing up! My costume feels like a blanket, so I went to sleep on the bus and the MAX. I even slept through a pigeon walking under my stroller at the MAX stop at Pioneer Courthouse Square! Mommy tried to wake me up to see the pigeon, but I was fast asleep.
As we left home, Mommy had to be very careful pushing the stroller, because there were so many wooly caterpillars on the sidewalk. She counted 5 in half a block! I was more interested in the grasshoppers, and wanted to get out to catch them, but I had to stay in the stroller. We were just crossing the street when the bus came, but luckily it saw us and stopped for us.
Most of the people on the bus were happy to see us in our costumes, and two people told us that it totally made their day to see us, especially me. *purrs* That's why I do my job, and why I'm good at it! The people on the bus had a lot of questions about putting a costume on a cat, animal-assisted therapy, and (of course) me. Everyone was all smiles by the time we got to the transit center! A job well-done!
After that excitement, I went to sleep. Mommy forgot my witch hat on the first bus, but was able to get the bus driver to open the bus again so she could retrieve it. People in downtown Portland loved our matching costumes when we got off the next bus. Many smiles again, and some laughter all around.
I woke up again when we got on the MAX, because Mommy wanted me to get out of the carrier bag and just ride in the stroller. When I got out, a little girl in front of us squealed, "It's a KITTY!" She was wearing a Hello Kitty shirt, so obviously she wanted to pet me, and her parents let her. A lady in front of us on the other side wanted to pet me, and since she was sitting I got to sit in her lap.
As we walked in the doors at H., three people came over to see our costumes. Two of them I'd met before, but one I hadn't met. Then, some more people came down the hall and stopped to talk and admire me. Lots of petting and everyone telling others in the hallway to come see me! It was 10 minutes before we got in the door of the office to get the list of people to visit!
We got the same reaction on the two floors we visit. The nurses and other people who work there were telling others to come see me in my cute costume, plus some of the people I visited had relatives visiting them at the same time. E. was almost asleep, but she woke up for her favorite kitty visitor. I hopped into bed to snuggle with her for a few minutes. R. loved seeing my costume and asked all kinds of questions about it. Mommy made me wear the hat for a couple minutes so she could see what it looked like on me, too. The hat falls upside-down, so then I wear it on my neck. It looks silly that way, so I don't usually wear it except to show it off. Another R., the one who lives on the 3rd floor, moved to the 2nd floor. Her son was visiting her, so I got to visit with both of them. Her son was telling us all about his mean cat. I'm glad no one in my house is as mean as that cat!
P. was dozing, but woke up when we came in. She loved my costume, and felt every inch of it so she could "see" it. She played tails with me again! I love that game. N. had a visitor: her niece. Both of them loved seeing me. They let me explore the room and petted me while they talked with Mommy. After a bit, I figured out a closet door was open, and all Mommy could see was my leash! As soon as she called me, I came out, and everyone had a good laugh. I'd just been looking for a cozy place to curl up and take a nap again. Visiting is tiring work!
When we got back to the transit center by our house, Mommy saw the bus driver for the bus she normally takes to work. They'd been talking about my book and about me the last time she rode that bus, so we just had to go over to say hi! The lady loved seeing me and told me repeatedly what a good kitty I am! *purrs* She is going to buy my book
for her grandchildren!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Happy National Feral Cat Day!
Tigress writes:
I'm learning to eat from the inside food bowl, although I prefer to eat food on the plate rather than from the bowl. That way, I don't have to worry about one of the inside kitties guarding the food. I love getting pets from the mommy and the daddy, and I've touched noses with almost all the inside kitties now. I'm not sure why, but it's warm and dry inside that house. There's no rain in there, even when it's raining outside!
I caught sight of another kitty inside, but the humans said it was just my reflection in the door. I went over to Rori to say hi, and the mommy closed the door! I got scared, but I didn't freak out, just twirled around a bit. She opened the door again and I just stared at it. I was glad when she said that the door would open when I want it to, and they would not trap me inside for long if I want back outside.
This inside-the-house thing is very strange, but so is being petted! Why do I purr so loudly when I'm petted, and why do scritches feel good? I even let the other female human pet me, the one who comes on some weekends. The little human who comes with her sat down on the floor and put his hand out, so I sniffed it and rubbed against it. I didn't let the little human pet me yet, though.
Happy National Feral Cat Day to all ferals, semi-ferals, and former ferals! Keep up the trap-neuter-return work and advocate for all kitties!
Love,
Tigress, Miss Marble, Rori, and Missy Kitty (our feral, semi-feral, and former ferals)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Hello again and exciting news!
Freya writes:
Hi! Sorry we haven't written for a long time, but we've been busy! Tigress has learned to eat from the inside bowl sometimes and is letting Erin pet her when Erin and JJ come to visit. Last time, she even sniffed JJ's fingers!
It's been sunny and warm lately, but yesterday morning we woke up and the world was cold and wet. No fun! Well, I thought it was no fun, but I found out differently. Last night, the invasion of the frogs started again! Mommy calls them the plague of froggies. When she came home last night, seven froggies were stuck to the front door and one was on top of the door frame! They had to be brushed onto the sidewalk and the ground before she could come in the door. We didn't get any inside, but then I saw some on the back door.
That's what they look like when they splat on the door! They stick! They can actually hop up the door. I told the others, and they all came to look. I tried catching them, but they were on the outside of the door. Darn it!
We also have a visitor, but I'll let her tell about that. She's fun to play with!
Smokey writes:
Hello! I'm Smokey, and I'm Little Bit's sister, from the same litter. I'm also Starla's cousin. If you were a friend of the PDX pride when we were on Catster, or a few years ago on here, you may remember me. My mommy is Erin, and my human brother is JJ. I usually live with them, but I've been staying with the PDX pride, Mommy Karen, and Daddy Scott for a few weeks while things settle down at my house. Dare, the youngest kitty in my family, was acting up because her person left. That made me nervous, so I started guarding the litter box and the food. I also chased Dare and terrorized her. Mommy thought it was best to remove me from my home for a while to see how Dare did. Well, that little cat was the problem, not me! So I'm going to be going back to my real home in a week or so, and Dare will come to this house. We'll see then if she starts using the litter box properly again!
I miss my family, but I knew some of the kitties here already. Of course, I know my biological family, but Rori, Tabby, and Carbon were also part of my first family because I came to live with the PDX pride when Cousin Starla did. She, Little Bit, and I would come and go in the house in Portland when we were all kittens. I didn't know the newer cats here in this house, but I settled in pretty easily and now play chase with everyone up and down the hallway! My favorite place to sleep is on the top of the recliner, above Daddy Scott's head.
Tabby writes:
Exciting news! Exciting news! My book is now available on Amazon.com and also for the Kindle! It is now priced at $9.99 for the paperback
and $2.99 for the Kindle
version. That's a 50% savings over the Blurb edition, plus now it has the electronic edition. Wow! I've already sold one for the Kindle!
I've been visiting again since September, but we've had so much going on with everything here (and Mommy started teaching her classes again) that I haven't had time to write. One of my friends at H. actually went to the next floor up to find us, because we'd missed her on her floor. She found a nurse, who found us, so we went to visit the lady! I have a couple new friends, too. Our next visit is on Wednesday, and both Mommy and I will dress up in our Halloween costumes for it!
Hi! Sorry we haven't written for a long time, but we've been busy! Tigress has learned to eat from the inside bowl sometimes and is letting Erin pet her when Erin and JJ come to visit. Last time, she even sniffed JJ's fingers!
It's been sunny and warm lately, but yesterday morning we woke up and the world was cold and wet. No fun! Well, I thought it was no fun, but I found out differently. Last night, the invasion of the frogs started again! Mommy calls them the plague of froggies. When she came home last night, seven froggies were stuck to the front door and one was on top of the door frame! They had to be brushed onto the sidewalk and the ground before she could come in the door. We didn't get any inside, but then I saw some on the back door.
Hello! I'm Smokey, and I'm Little Bit's sister, from the same litter. I'm also Starla's cousin. If you were a friend of the PDX pride when we were on Catster, or a few years ago on here, you may remember me. My mommy is Erin, and my human brother is JJ. I usually live with them, but I've been staying with the PDX pride, Mommy Karen, and Daddy Scott for a few weeks while things settle down at my house. Dare, the youngest kitty in my family, was acting up because her person left. That made me nervous, so I started guarding the litter box and the food. I also chased Dare and terrorized her. Mommy thought it was best to remove me from my home for a while to see how Dare did. Well, that little cat was the problem, not me! So I'm going to be going back to my real home in a week or so, and Dare will come to this house. We'll see then if she starts using the litter box properly again!
I miss my family, but I knew some of the kitties here already. Of course, I know my biological family, but Rori, Tabby, and Carbon were also part of my first family because I came to live with the PDX pride when Cousin Starla did. She, Little Bit, and I would come and go in the house in Portland when we were all kittens. I didn't know the newer cats here in this house, but I settled in pretty easily and now play chase with everyone up and down the hallway! My favorite place to sleep is on the top of the recliner, above Daddy Scott's head.
Tabby writes:
Exciting news! Exciting news! My book is now available on Amazon.com and also for the Kindle! It is now priced at $9.99 for the paperback
and $2.99 for the Kindle
version. That's a 50% savings over the Blurb edition, plus now it has the electronic edition. Wow! I've already sold one for the Kindle!I've been visiting again since September, but we've had so much going on with everything here (and Mommy started teaching her classes again) that I haven't had time to write. One of my friends at H. actually went to the next floor up to find us, because we'd missed her on her floor. She found a nurse, who found us, so we went to visit the lady! I have a couple new friends, too. Our next visit is on Wednesday, and both Mommy and I will dress up in our Halloween costumes for it!
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