Show us your pets!

[Zen]

They look like alien creatures.
It's hard to believe they'll grow up to look like their beautiful momma.

[kermit]

If only you could bottle puppy breath!

[emily_in_nc]

I love the way the mama looks at them...so devoted. A beautiful thing!

[sundial]

Puppy photos.

Oh my goodness! Look at all those little piglet babies and mommie is making sure everyone is cleaned and fed. :)

[sundial]

Here he is just a week or so ago looking very cute...

The head tilt makes him even more adorable. :)

[badger]

oh my goodness! they look like little guinea pigs! I'm sure you're excited to have a blank slate to work with, TS!!

[Roadtrip]

Here is my (RIP) Teddy.. I miss him still. He's been gone about a year and a half now.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v369/155/76/1453956770/n1453956770_89800_2716.jpg

[Zen]

I know.
Don't make me cry.

[nancielle]

Here is my (RIP) Teddy.. I miss him still. He's been gone about a year and a half now.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v369/155/76/1453956770/n1453956770_89800_2716.jpg

Roadtrip, what a soulful face Teddy has in that picture. Sorry for your loss.


TsPoet, those puppies are sooo tiny...and very cute,.

[Groundhog]

Resisted the urge at "pet adoption saturday" - there were some really cute dogs and lots of kittens up for adoption at the feed store. Must resisit. Do not need another fur baby when I'm looking at driving 2700 miles in the next month. Must resist. :p

Advance welcome to Seattle! Hope you enjoy it here.

[badger]

I miss old Chevy, too. He's been gone almost 2 years in October now, yet I still remember the way his fur felt, how he smiled, and how he wiggled his bum. I miss him so much.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/nvwolf/100_0026.jpg

[TsPoet]

Badger and Road...
Both beautiful friends, wonderful photos.

[Catrin]

Badger and Road...
Both beautiful friends, wonderful photos.

What TsPoet said, thank you for sharing the photos with us.

TsPoet, the tiny puppy photos are amazing, thank you! Zen nailed it, they look more like teensy alien creatures than puppies :)

[invsblwmn]

Got rescued, again, by another three legged Shar Pei. His name is Beau and he has changed our home to ULTRA HAPPY! :) He is such a lovable guy. Always is smiling and Bailey loves him already too.

[Rebecca19804]

Lost my companion last week. She would have been 18 next month. Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic cystitis, summer allergies... but the biggest joy in my life for the last 6 years.

Such a huge void.

11788 11789 1178711790

[bmccasland]

(((((Rebecca)))))

She'll be welcome in that special TE place at the Rainbow Bridge - where there's warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and lizards to chase

[emily_in_nc]

Got rescued, again, by another three legged Shar Pei. His name is Beau and he has changed our home to ULTRA HAPPY! :) He is such a lovable guy. Always is smiling and Bailey loves him already too.

Your doggies are just precious. I think three-legged dogs are cool; they always look to be full of joy and not a bit worried about getting along with less than a full set. Thanks for being a great doggie mom! :p

[Zen]

I get so excited when I see this thread has a new post :)

[Trekhawk]

Here are some pics of my pretty girls.

[Trekhawk]

Oh I nearly forgot their trusty guardians.:D

[Norse]

So sorry about your recent loss Rebecca. She looks like she was a happy, well-loved tabby cat and I am sure that you gave her a wonderful life.

[TsPoet]

{{{{Rebecca}}}} What a beautiful, intent, and content kittie. She was well cared for and lived well.

[Rebecca19804]

Thanks everyone. She was a lovely kitty and I'm missing her so much.
But it's doing me good, seeing everybody else's fuzzy 'children'... so keep 'em coming! :)

[Tawnya]

Piper Kitty October 2008 R.I.P. We miss you!!!
11801

New Kitty has an obvious evil attitude
11802

[Zen]

11808Yum

[marni]

first picture - sadie the corgie who died last month of unexplained poisoning helping me train
Cappy, the geriatric cat (larger brown cat on left) and miss ike (rescued from a parking garage just after hurricane ike). I had to have Cappy put down two weeks ago.I thought the pain of the loss of two of them within a week of each other was getting better. But then I picked up Cappy's ashes. I guess I was wrong.

Tux, the black and white maine coone in my signature and Miss ike are doing their best to make me feel better.
I still miss Sadie and cappy deeply.

marni

[Rebecca19804]

((((((((((Marni))))))))))
I know. This is so hard. Glad you have your other fuzzy children to keep you company and maybe distract you with their own little ways.

I thought I was feeling better (longer periods not thinking about her, stronger lid on the impulse to cry). Then this last Thursday, I got the final vet bill in the mail - which is what I'd asked them to do, as I couldn't face going in to pick it up in person. It wasn't the figures that destroyed me all over again... it was seeing two full pages, line by line, of everything they did for her to try to get her kidneys 'kickstarted' to some sort of level where she could go home (with meds).

And then the last 2 lines: Euthanasia. Cremation. I lost it.
Was a sobbing quivering wreck again for 2 days.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon test riding road bikes and talking bike stuff with the cool ladies at my LBS. Three whole hours not thinking of Maddie, plus the 45-minute ride each way to and from the bike shop put me in a kind of zen zone. Feel a bit stronger today.

So sorry to be unloading a bit more grief here - especially sorry Marni if I've added to your pain. I live alone and do try not to burden people with my problems... and I knew, looking ahead to the inevitable, that losing Maddie "one day" would be very hard... but I've been completely taken by surprise by how devastated I am. :(

[beccaB]

Here are some pics of my pretty girls.
Your chickies remind me of a story. I had a student on my school bus that was very difficult. One day I pulled up to his farmhouse, and he was sitting on a big rock, and it looked like he was petting a smaller rock on top of the big one. As I got closer I could see that it was not a rock, but a chicken. When I commented on it the boy said "oh-that's my NICE chicken" I will never forget that. Brings a smile to my face!

[badger]

Morley doing his best to "fit"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/nvwolf/CIMG2290.jpg

And my pretty little 17 year old Scout who still looks like a kitten:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/nvwolf/CIMG2299.jpg

I must say, since visiting the spca last week, I've found more love for my kitties, they are both so special.

And Marni, I'm really sorry for your pain. It's really only been a few weeks since your friends crossed the rainbow bridge. I still cry about my dog who died 2 years ago in October.

[Zen]

I'm going to go hug my dogs now.

[nancielle]

My current pack:


Brat Cat 2.0 (Stealth Shadow) in his basket with a giant stuffed mouse

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/SDC10202-2.jpg

Engaging in his new favorite pastime

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/SDC10208-1.jpg

Chloe & the Original Brat Cat (accept no imitations!) :D

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/SDC10170-1.jpg

[badger]

glad to see Brat Cat 2.0 is feeling at home! He sure knew which sucker, ahem, person to pick!! :D

[nancielle]

glad to see Brat Cat 2.0 is feeling at home! He sure knew which sucker, ahem, person to pick!! :D

A colleague commented that I must have "SAP" written on my forehead in Kitty-speak. :rolleyes: :D

The other night BC 2.0 & Chloe decided they just had to catch a fly that had made it into the house. Never have I had so many items knocked over. The people downstairs must have thought that a herd of buffalo were running overhead. Sadly, their quarry eluded them and they finally gave up the hunt. :rolleyes:

[Zen]

That giant mouse is every cats dream!

[spokewench]

Well, I know there was a lot of talk recently about adopting black cats cause they don't photograph well, etc. Well, that is true, but you all wanted to see my new kitty, Jag and here he is.

I did not adopt him, he adopted me. He is a perfect sweety!

I tried to attach his picture which was a jpeg when it was in the email, but which for what reason was changed to an mht?? when i downloaded it onto my pictures in my computer. Shoot, I'm going to have to find out how to fis that

[spokewench]

He really is beginning to make himself right at home!

[TsPoet]

Puppies week 3 and 4. The week 4 photos are their first non-mamma provided meal.
http://picasaweb.google.com/TsPoet99/PuppiesWeek3#
an example - she still doesn't have a name. All of the other puppies from the litter have been named, but not mine. (Alexander (Alex), Cleopatra (Cleo), Hatshepsut (Callie), and Nefertari (??))
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/THXqZU32UDI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Jlk5tn3jlS8/IMG_0028_1.jpg

[badger]

yay for black kitty, and aww for brand new puppy!

and Rebecca, I'm so sorry for your loss. I only just read your post (this thread is way too big now!) I hope time is starting to curb your pain somewhat.


Update on Boo, for those who remember my mental anguish last week:

I went and visited him, and he's much more comfortable now. He's SOO playful, and he's such an athlete. Played with him for about 30 minutes with the Cat Dancer, and I sat down next to him. He let me pet him, and wait, he let me pick him up and put him on my lap! Now that's the cat I saw at the shelter - I'm really glad he didn't prove me wrong :)

Hopefully pics to come, forgot my camera today.

[nancielle]

So happy to hear Boo is settling in and allowing his true personality to come through.

Love the picture of the black cat. I have a soft spot for black dogs & cats. Most of the pets I had growing up were black.


That giant mouse is every cats dream!

He really likes to snuggle up against it when he sleeps. He likes to bat the tail around if it's hanging out of the basket. :D

Love seeing the pictures of everyone's pets. I think we have a great TE pack going here. :D

[Trekhawk]

Your chickies remind me of a story. I had a student on my school bus that was very difficult. One day I pulled up to his farmhouse, and he was sitting on a big rock, and it looked like he was petting a smaller rock on top of the big one. As I got closer I could see that it was not a rock, but a chicken. When I commented on it the boy said "oh-that's my NICE chicken" I will never forget that. Brings a smile to my face!

Thanks for sharing your chicken story it has made me smile too. I never thought I would actually get as much enjoyment out of the chickens as I do. I thought they would be good for eggs and free bug control and that would be it but they really have quite a bit of personality and their antics with my dogs makes me smile. :)

[Trekhawk]

Puppies week 3 and 4. The week 4 photos are their first non-mamma provided meal.
http://picasaweb.google.com/TsPoet99/PuppiesWeek3#
an example - she still doesn't have a name. All of the other puppies from the litter have been named, but not mine. (Alexander (Alex), Cleopatra (Cleo), Hatshepsut (Callie), and Nefertari (??))
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/THXqZU32UDI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Jlk5tn3jlS8/IMG_0028_1.jpg

Ok that is just too cute.:)

[Maxxxie]

What a cute puppy! Has she fallen asleep in her food?? :D

Max

[emily_in_nc]

Latest Paisley pic, entitled "Take my Kitty and die":

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/emilys7atgmaildotcom/paisley_from_vicki.jpg

[Zen]

I saw a BT like this last night. He had an ear to ear grin that was just too funny.

[Roadtrip]

Emily/Hawk... how adorable. That puppy just seems sooooo tuckered out.

Cant... lift... head.. out.. of.. my.. ZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZ

Thanks for sharing!!

[TsPoet]

What a cute puppy! Has she fallen asleep in her food?? :D

Max

the puppies were born Aug 1st. they still aren't walking quite upright. They have their moments, but for the most part they are shuffling around on their bellies with their legs out to their sides like that. It's a riot.
Once their eye's opened (less than a week ago), they finally started trying to stand. So, now they stand, wobble, take a step or two, then fall down.
I need to invite myself over to the breeder's today to see if they are walking better.
Friday night, they were using their standing ability to pounce on each other, suddenly a puppy would struggle to it's feet, wobble the few steps to another unsuspecting puppy shuffling on it's belly and... pounce!

[schnitzle]

I love the name Callie :)

Those puppy antics sound so cute! That's why I can't start watching puppy cams, it's 12 hours of puppies and no house work or bike riding :D Too cute!

emily_in_nc, Paisley is freakin' adorable!!

[lph]

We had the neighbours kitten over for entertainment this morning :D He's a riot. About 2 months old, beautiful silver and grey striped tabby, male and full of himself.

I saw him picking his way across the neighbours lawn, so I rattled my fingers on my kayak to get his attention. He hit the deck and froze. And started sneaking up on me, flat on his belly with big black eyes, "hiding" in 2 inches of grass... But then he lost interest and wandered into the bushes to sit and stare at me. A little later it was dash around like a maniac time.. UP our tiny apple tree, figure out he couldn't climb it because his paws wrap around it, slide down, dash off and UP the neighbours tree into the crown, rustle around a little, then DIVE out the top, then UP not the tree but the thin pole supporting our apple tree, get a meter up before falling off, zigzag around hysterically and dash into the hedgerow for a breather...:D Kittens are just amazing to watch.

[Zen]

I need to borrow a kitten to model for me with my new subject
11847

[GLC1968]

The newest additions to our family, Born Aug 31. This photo was taken about an hour after they were born. The black one is a girl who we will keep, the white one is a boy and his future is uncertain. Both remain unnamed (we suck at coming up with names!).

http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/GLC1968/goatbabies.jpg

[NoNo]

Ok, those are unfairly adorable. You need a cuteness warning.

[oxysback]

The newest additions to our family, Born Aug 31. This photo was taken about an hour after they were born. The black one is a girl who we will keep, the white one is a boy and his future is uncertain. Both remain unnamed (we suck at coming up with names!).

http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/GLC1968/goatbabies.jpg

The facial expression on the black kid just screams "mischief!" Although if you name her that it might be a self-fulfilling prophesy. LOL!

[Trek420]

The facial expression on the black kid just screams "mischief!" Although if you name her that it might be a self-fulfilling prophesy. LOL!

You could call her "Trouble" as in "Here comes ....." ;)

[Jolt]

The newest additions to our family, Born Aug 31. This photo was taken about an hour after they were born. The black one is a girl who we will keep, the white one is a boy and his future is uncertain. Both remain unnamed (we suck at coming up with names!).

http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/GLC1968/goatbabies.jpg

Those kids are cute! The black girl looks just like her mom--maybe you could call her "Ditto"? Trouble and Mischief are good too.

[TsPoet]

Those kids are cute! The black girl looks just like her mom--maybe you could call her "Ditto"? Trouble and Mischief are good too.

I love the kids, they are both adorable (as is mama). I also love Ditto!
So, um ditto what everyone else is saying.

[TsPoet]

I really am trying not to post too many puppy pictures, but I just can't help myself. They are just over a month old and are developing real personalities. the biggest boldest is Tari, mine! in many of these photos she is pouncing on one of her siblings (and chewing on them).
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TIF51ss1fUI/AAAAAAAAAwU/-kjmWTtjAkM/IMG_0084_2.jpg
Their mama, Ducati is a sweet dog, she puts up with a lot.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TIF519N9QDI/AAAAAAAAAwg/p-hhWxK1SvQ/IMG_0176.jpg

and the rest of the 30-33 day photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/TsPoet99/PuppiesOneMonthOld#slideshow/5511779936904260482

[Possegal]

I for one believe there is no such thing as too many puppy pictures. :)

[Over50Newbie]

Meet Pounce (black and white), Butterball (orange striped), and Chloe (grey striped) - our newest additions. Butterball and Chloe are brother and sister. The plan was to only take Pounce and Butterball, but in the end, we just couldn't separate Butterball and Chloe - they were just too cute and, as you can see, very attached to each other! That makes 4 cats in our house now :eek:!

Grace, our older cat, is adjusting well. :rolleyes: LOL!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l238/lgbmsi/Kitties/pounceyoung.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l238/lgbmsi/Kitties/butterballandchloe.jpg

Edited to show Grace - can't leave her out!! :):)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l238/lgbmsi/Kitties/Grace.jpg

[Catrin]

I just love all of these wonderful baby pictures - kids, puppies, and kittens! Thanks for sharing them!

[gfbikernyc]

we adopted him from a shelter five months ago. he is almost six years old and loves to sleep on my featherbed.

[Zen]

You got him from a shelter!?
What a find! Beauty!

[gfbikernyc]

Thanks. The shelter in Colorado did an amazing job - the previous owner wanted to put him down cuz he had luxating patella in both his back legs so the shelter took him over and did a couple of surgeries to fix the problems. He now can walk fine (short distance) but can't jump or do any stairs. He suffers from arthritis so occasionally we have to give him NSAID. But he is very sweet and we just love having him.

[TsPoet]

Thanks. The shelter in Colorado did an amazing job - the previous owner wanted to put his down cuz he had luxating patella in both his back legs so the shelter took him over and did a couple of surgeries to fix the problems. He now can walk fine (short distance) but can't jump or do any stairs. He suffers from arthritis so occasionally we have to give him NSAID. But he is very sweet and we just love having him.

Love Westies! My mom always had one when I was growing up - a Westie, an Old English Sheep dog and a rescue mutt - always that mix. The Westie was always the alpha boss. What's his name?

[gfbikernyc]

His name is Putput.

[nancielle]

I for one believe there is no such thing as too many puppy pictures. :)

Ditto! :D:D:D

[badger]

His name is Putput.

I believe that is one of the cutest names ever!!

***

those kids are so cute GLC, have you named them?

[jessmarimba]

omg putput...too cute!

Time to share my girls now :)

Here are Clementine and Pixar:
11873


Pixar was blind and ended up having cancer. She's the featureless one on the right.

This is Clementine now - the only photo where she doesn't just look like a blob.
11874

And this is Skunk, who I got to keep Clementine company after Pixar died.
11875

[apparelcandy]

Very nice pets. I would like to have one too. May be I will go for a dog. :-)

[Trekhawk]

we adopted him from a shelter five months ago. he is almost six years old and loves to sleep on my featherbed.

What a gorgeous boy!
I love Westies they always look so pleased with life.

[gfbikernyc]

What a gorgeous boy!
I love Westies they always look so pleased with life.

Thanks. Now I just can't wait to get home and hang with him. I sometimes cut short my bike ride so I can spend more time with him in the park!!! Oh no!

[TsPoet]

Time to share my girls now :)

Here are Clementine and Pixar:

Pixar was blind and ended up having cancer. She's the featureless one on the right.

And this is Skunk, who I got to keep Clementine company after Pixar died.


I love black cats. sorry about Pixar, but glad you had her.
Skunk looks lazy, LOL.

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, not my doggies, but check out the great dogs performing in this video by OkGo "White Knuckles" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHlJODYBLKs&feature=player_embedded

(these are the guys who did the great dancing on treadmills video a few years ago.)

!! Extra credit if you can spot the goat! Yes, there is a goat in this doggie video !!

[badger]

anyone see this yet? it's amazing what she does!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc9xq-TVyHI

[Catrin]

Oooh, not my doggies, but check out the great dogs performing in this video by OkGo "White Knuckles" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHlJODYBLKs&feature=player_embedded

(these are the guys who did the great dancing on treadmills video a few years ago.)

!! Extra credit if you can spot the goat! Yes, there is a goat in this doggie video !!

Coo! I get the extra credit too - I saw the goat :) I like their sense of humor!

[smilingcat]

This is mama cat. Her owner of 10 years or so had rescued her as a young "feral" cat. Mama was very pregnant at the time. Her dad for 10 years adopted out all but one of babies and kept both mama and one of her son Buddy.

About a year ago, her dad died in the kitchen and for about a week, Mama Cat, Buddy and a third cat named Pepper survived without fresh water and food. They were found when the police finally broke in to find out what had happened. The three ended up in a kill-shelter. Both Mama and Pepper were labeled feral.

The neighbor who I never met had posted a sign all over the neighborhood within a day of being picked up. On that day, my internet connection at the house wasn't working and I ended up at a neighborhood coffee house called JavaMan (great place if you are in Hermosa Beach Ca.) and there I found her story. They had Wi-Fi there. Anyway, I contacted the gal and helped her with getting all three cats out of the kill-shelter. It helps when I have connection through our cat rescue group.

A few month past by and I ended up fostering mama. She was scared at first. I made her a "nest" for her where she felt safe. And in January of this year when my job was terminated, I started to spend quality time with mama. Get her out of her shell, develop trust in me... She eventually would sit in my lap, bury her head in my arm, sleep on my pillow. And she talked to me. Very personable. Bit demanding with bit of an attitude. cute though.

But she didn't get along with my pride and eventually she went back to the gal who initially posted the fliers. That was two months ago. Then on Monday, I got a call from her. Wanted me to look over her. She had a growth under her teets.

We took her into my vet yesterday and confirmed that it was a tumor. In less than 60days it went from nothing to something about 2inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick to about 1/2 inch with very rough margin. The vet said she could feel it up and down her belly near from the fore leg all the way to the groin area. Oncologist tend to get bit of a cold feet just from a needle biopsy and would prefer a sizable chunk...

We decided that if it is benign, we would leave it alone because of its extent. Healing time would not give her the quality of life. If it is malignant, it still would not give her the quality either. Live another 3 month in pain from post surgery... So we decided to let nature take its course. If it was me, I would do the same. She has few more month of quality life for the time remaining and when the time comes, she will let us know...

She had a good life, a very lucky life. Saved from the street while pregnant, then be rescued out of a kill-shelter, her son Buddy and Pepper were adopted out. And she has a foster home now a permanent home with a gal who adores her.

There is a place and time for all of us. I'm sad to see her go so soon... And I'm happy for her that she was one of the lucky "feral" cat to have had a nice comfortable home.

I'm really glad I was part of her life.

[Zen]

I'm really glad I was part of her life.

So is she.

[badger]

mama cat sure has beat the odds and found love in so many places. She's a beauty!

[nancielle]

This is mama cat.[...]

I'm really glad I was part of her life.

Look at the smile on her face. She's glad you were part of her life, too.

[FunSize]

My roommate was very impulsive and brought home a puppy two days after moving in with me. There had been a casual conversation where he had asked if we'd be okay if he had a dog. we said yes thinking, "we like dogs. Dogs are accepted here." Not realizing he thought this meant he could get a puppy immediately. He soon found out how hard puppies are to take care of. The one person without the permanent job (me) got to raise it while he and my bf were at their full time jobs. Anyways, i was able to take a couple pictures of the puppy before my roommate unexpectedly took him back to the shelter after realizing that maybe when you have a full time job it is not a good time to have a puppy.

His name was Teddy and was probably a terrier-chihuahua mix. I am confident that he got adopted quickly after being taken back to the humane society. He was way too cute not to be.

[invsblwmn]

The other day I was sitting on the couch with my big girl, Bailey, Shar Pei laying next to me. I realized that the new Pei, Beau, was not in his usually spot on the chaise, or on the floor or on the bed, and I began to panic. Where did he go??? I got up and there he was, perched on top of the back of the couch, snoozing life away...Gotta love the fur babies...

[jessmarimba]

My mom was doing some work at my house while I was at the office one day, and she realized that she hadn't seen the "lazy" cat (Skunk, behind the bike above) in several hours despite searching my entire house. She knew the cat hadn't gotten out but was terrified that the cat had eaten some of the paint she was using and was sick or dead somewhere.

Well, Skunk is good at hiding. And sleeping. And if I'm not home, she has to be protected on at least 3 sides to take a nap (probably because she came from a cat colony and lived outside for several years...and also because when she sleeps, she's out cold). It turned out that she had gotten inside a box stored under my bed and didn't want to come out until she knew I was back. Poor Mom.

[Trekhawk]

The other day I was sitting on the couch with my big girl, Bailey, Shar Pei laying next to me. I realized that the new Pei, Beau, was not in his usually spot on the chaise, or on the floor or on the bed, and I began to panic. Where did he go??? I got up and there he was, perched on top of the back of the couch, snoozing life away...Gotta love the fur babies...

Oh that is too cute!:)

[Catrin]

This is Tigger, my last cat. He was an HIV kitty who I had taken from a friend as a favor. I had always been able to deal with my allergies for cats, but it had been some years since my last cat and apparently my allergies got worse. After two trips to the ER for asthma attacks, and no relief from the usual allergy remedies/drugs, I found him another home where he got another HIV+ playmate to live/play/fight with. They didn't even fight but started playing immediately, I think they were both lonely kitties and needed another cat around.

I miss him, and I miss having a cat around. No other kind of pet seems to compare with having a cat or two. As you can see, he was a bibliofeline and could not resist laying on whatever book I happened to be reading at the time :)

[NoNo]

Bibliofeline! I think I'm familiar with that breed.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs699.snc4/61891_1615569719324_1538774168_31570097_5271108_n.jpg

I'm always a fan of just how comfortable she gets, as if she's had such an exhausting day and really needs to unwind.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs008.snc4/33760_1624680587090_1538774168_31588318_3534319_n.jpg

[Catrin]

LOL - these pictures made me break out in laughter - thanks for posting them!

[TsPoet]

Cat's know how to live!

[TsPoet]

Here's what Tari looks like today, from x-ray to pig-like blob, to tall lanky puppy at 8 weeks.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TKfdVmzy_0I/AAAAAAAAAxU/fpKfxkVDVr0/_MG_1631.jpg

(and look at my avatar, tall lanky purebred IG looks like my stubby chubby mutt, LOL)

[badger]

she's a cutie!!

how are your other dogs adjusting to the new baby in the house?

[lph]

Tari is adorable! Love the ears and knobbly knees.

Lyra must have had a rough night, because she's spent all day finding new places to sleep. No, that's not quite right - she helped my dh sew a new bed cover. And she helped me fix my bike. She hasn't quite got the hang of this pillow thing, though.

[badger]

Lyra looks a lot like a cat we used to have :) She was quite the feisty little diva; you wouldn't dare touch her with your foot, only with your hand and just on her head and back.

[TsPoet]

she's a cutie!!

how are your other dogs adjusting to the new baby in the house?

It's an adventure. Tari isn't really at my house, the breeder still officially has her. Some IG breeders feel that they aren't ready to go home until 10 weeks, smaller dogs mature more slowly. But, I live about 5 miles away from the breeder, so I go over and take 2-4 puppies from her, then bring them back several hours later. This is working out well, my guys get used to the puppies, Tari gets used to my house, but has her siblings with her. I think this will help with mama separation when I do take her.
Murphy wants to be left alone! he tells the puppies to back off in no uncertain terms, but they don't understand him. He's been really good - snarling and nasty, but runs away. He has every right, I just have to make sure the puppies don't push him too far. Finn, I can't read Finn, she either wants to kill them or play with them, either way I'm not letter her have too much of an opportunity.

The latest round of photos - these are mostly "stacking" photos, the breeder is trying to see what they'd look like in the show ring, if they will stand right.
http://picasaweb.google.com/TsPoet99/Puppies8Weeks#

[badger]

I think my biological clock is ticking, but coming out in a different way. I've been wanting to adopt a cat of a dog so badly lately. I have 2 cats at home, but I still feel this overwhelming desire to adopt another needy cat. And I come across so many of them at the spca, it's getting to the point I go home every week wanting to bring this or that cat back.

Yesterday I was surprised to see one cat still around. She was there last week in very dire condition after being found viturally starved to death. She's also 13 (traced through tattoo, however owner has moved and not traceable) so I figured her odds were not good. Her liver was shot because of the starvation, but were awaiting another test to see just how bad. I left a note to call me if her liver was ok but were going to euthanize her; I'll take her.

I hadn't heard from them so I figured she was put down. So, I was surprised when she was there yesterday looking SO much better. She's still wobbly, but is walking now, and eating well. She could use fostering, but they'll be sending her to the shelter today.

I SOOO want to bring her home with me, but the logical side of me says I shouldn't. I'm just pining to adopt, I guess it's my body saying it wants to take care of something.

[bunny_ninja]

do it! I have two senior citizen boy kitties that I just adopted, both asymptomatic FIV+. If it doesn't work out with liver-kitty, do a petfinder search on 'senior', 'special needs'. It feels so good to care for a cat that needs love and has very little chance without you. I have love to give :)

I foster 2 bunnies. I have 3 of my own bunnies.

I am not having human babies. I am 33, and I *know* my biological clock has been screaming for a few years now.

[indysteel]

This is Tigger, my last cat. He was an HIV kitty who I had taken from a friend as a favor. I had always been able to deal with my allergies for cats, but it had been some years since my last cat and apparently my allergies got worse. After two trips to the ER for asthma attacks, and no relief from the usual allergy remedies/drugs, I found him another home where he got another HIV+ playmate to live/play/fight with. They didn't even fight but started playing immediately, I think they were both lonely kitties and needed another cat around.

I miss him, and I miss having a cat around. No other kind of pet seems to compare with having a cat or two. As you can see, he was a bibliofeline and could not resist laying on whatever book I happened to be reading at the time :)

Awwww. This had me choked up. Tigger is one handsome cat, and I'm so touched that you took him in and that he's now living with another HIV kitty. I'm so sorry about your allergies. That's tough. Can you be around them at all? You're welcome to come watch the Izzy and Henry Show anytime. It's quite entertaining. We can bribe Brian to tune up your bike while we play with the critters.

[Catrin]

Awwww. This had me choked up. Tigger is one handsome cat, and I'm so touched that you took him in and that he's now living with another HIV kitty. I'm so sorry about your allergies. That's tough. Can you be around them at all? You're welcome to come watch the Izzy and Henry Show anytime. It's quite entertaining. We can bribe Brian to tune up your bike while we play with the critters.

I can certainly be around them - and if I did not have carpet I could have kept Sir Tigger the Intrepid...the problem is apartments with hardwood floors are very hard to find and are typically in places that I either can't afford or do not wish to live :( Carpet cleaning/so forth just doesn't seem to take care of things - or at least not enough.

I would love to come and watch the Izzy and Harry Show, and if it would help to bribe Brian I can bring some home-made fudge with me. I can't eat it but that doesn't stop me from making it :)

[lph]

Anyone have a bulldog? This one's pretty cute :D (not mine, filched off the internet):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8H8opcF_NE

[TsPoet]

Anyone have a bulldog? This one's pretty cute :D (not mine, filched off the internet):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8H8opcF_NE

I have this itch right between my shoulderblades, have all day long. I've been sitting in my office wondering if I know any coworker well enough to get him/her to scratch my back. Now I understand all I need to do is find a hill and shimmy down it!
Love bulldogs.

[ScaldedCat]

My Border Collie, Jackscrofter Spellcaster (Dash),
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/Dogs/IMGP0098.jpg
Dash and my mixed breed, Rosie. Rosie doesn't photograph well so I've posted a video instead.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/Dogs/th_IMG_0032.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/Dogs/?action=view&current=IMG_0032.flv)

My African Grey, Rafiki,
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/IMGP0693.jpg
Senegal parrot, Kendi,
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/IMGP0642.jpg
Holden, the budgie,
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/Forumstuff/IMGP0059.jpg
Chopper, the budgie,
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/IMGP0229.jpg
Birman cat, Bobbin,
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/IMGP0152.jpg
Moggie, Weewo,
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/Willow07crop.jpg,
Moggie, Bellatrix (Bella is now 9 months old and I need to rehome her unfortunately as she doesn't get on with the other cats and she's not very happy.)
[http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m40/Seraphina426/IMGP0432-1.jpg

I don't have a photo handy of our 15 year old 6 feet long yelow rat snake, L.B.

[tulip]

Why are so many border collies are named Dash? I've always wondered that.

Here's my BC (not Dash).

[lph]

Because they Dash around a lot? I like border collies, but I have seen some sad understimulated ones, that live up to the nickname "borderline collie"... They sure seem to need a lot of activity.

I loooove the kitten picture! :D Even cute as a button you can see she's really a tiger inside, just a very very small one.

[TsPoet]

Scaldedcat,
Wow, you have a menagerie!
I've got 2.5 dogs, 6 budgies, and 1 Meyer's parrot.
guess I need several cats to keep up with you (not going for the snake, though, nothing I have to clean up after like that).

[bmccasland]

Scaldedcat,
Wow, you have a menagerie!
I've got 2.5 dogs, 6 budgies, and 1 Meyer's parrot.
guess I need several cats to keep up with you (not going for the snake, though, nothing I have to clean up after like that).

Um, TsPoet - how do you have half a dog? :rolleyes: Joint custody? Do you get the cute part? ;)

[ScaldedCat]

Scaldedcat,
Wow, you have a menagerie!
I've got 2.5 dogs, 6 budgies, and 1 Meyer's parrot.
guess I need several cats to keep up with you (not going for the snake, though, nothing I have to clean up after like that).

6 budgies! How do you stand the noise? :eek::D

[Pascale]

My newest pet that I just picked up yesterday - he's a four year Honduran Milk Snake (light colored variety).

[TsPoet]

Um, TsPoet - how do you have half a dog? :rolleyes: Joint custody? Do you get the cute part? ;)

I have a 9 week old puppy, she's with her breeder at IG nationals right now. When they get back, she'll finally come live with me and be my pet. But, we are co-owning. I want a fun agility dog, the breeder wants to show her - so by co-owning it'll be possible to have a champion in different fields (or she'll bomb out of all of it and just be a pet, LOL).


6 budgies! How do you stand the noise? :eek::D

I have a "bird room". It was supposed to be a bedroom, I had french doors built into the wall with the livingroom. When they get too loud, I close the doors. I also love that chatter, it's a happy noise. I also watch TV with closed captioning, I'm just so used to the noise and reading my TV it works fine. My SO hates it, so the doors get closed more.
They aren't so much pets, though. I've always had very tame pet budgies flying around, but these are all rescues from people who got them, let them sit in a cage ignored for a few years, then got tired of changing the paper. So, my dad built a beautiful flight cage (5x5x6ft tall), and they have each other, but they aren't tame. I keep trying to scale back, but everytime one goes to the bridge, seems like karma knows it and I get a phonecall from someone wanting to rehome one.

[TsPoet]

My newest pet that I just picked up yesterday - he's a four year Honduran Milk Snake (light colored variety).

He's beautiful. Is there a pattern to his coloration, or is it more random?

[NoNo]

A bit of a scare last night as Ruthie and I made our first trip to the emergency clinic. The devil cat just wasn't being very devilish. She was very lethargic and was going to her litter box a lot and occasionally meowing and scratching at things. I thought she wasn't happy with the litter box, but I had just cleaned it out and added new litter. She was constantly in the box so I started watching and she was trying to pee but only a few drops came out. I called the emergency number and they referred me to the clinic who then told me to bring her in. So at 9:15 in the pouring rain we headed to downtown New Haven. Just how I wanted to spend the night! Two hours later we finally saw the vet, whom Ruthie greeted with plenty of hissing. Without a sample they couldn't be sure, but it sounded like an infection and she needs antibiotics. I'm pretty sure I could wrap anything in one of those Greenies pocket things, because she was licking the floor looking for more. Still mopey this morning, but there was some waste in her box, so that's good. I feel bad, she's never been sick before so it's tough to see her like this. Hopefully she'll be back to normal soon!

Here's a picture of her waiting in her crate.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs398.ash2/67619_1645605350196_1538774168_31627816_1267512_n.jpg

[stephanie1129]

My mountain biking and trail running partner.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1112/156/82/509732714/n509732714_1703145_2321.jpg

[TsPoet]

A bit of a scare last night as Ruthie and I made our first trip to the emergency clinic. The devil cat just wasn't being very devilish.

Oh, I hope she's doing better!

[NoNo]

Oh, I hope she's doing better!

Thank you! I have a question. The vet said to feed her wet food as a means of getting more fluid into her. If I'm reading the can correctly, I'm supposed to feed her the full 12oz can in one day. That seems like a lot to me. And how long should I leave it out for her? I can't imagine having that sitting around for very long could be good. This whole thing is a learning experience, especially trying to give her those pain meds!:eek:

[Catrin]

Thank you! I have a question. The vet said to feed her wet food as a means of getting more fluid into her. If I'm reading the can correctly, I'm supposed to feed her the full 12oz can in one day. That seems like a lot to me. And how long should I leave it out for her? I can't imagine having that sitting around for very long could be good. This whole thing is a learning experience, especially trying to give her those pain meds!:eek:

Could you scoop portions out at different times of the day? Giving meds to cats isn't any fun at all...at least I have never had much luck with it.

[bunny_ninja]

a full 12 ounce can!?! my big boys are on diets (10lbs, 16.8lbs), and I don't really feed them dry food -- unless I want to sleep at night. I give them each half a can morning and night. So -- each gets a total of 5.5oz a day. You can also offer tuna juice to get her through the uti (assuming that was the problem).

[bunny_ninja]

OH and one more thing. Greenie Pill Pockets are the most genius things ever!!!
http://www.greenies.com/en_US/Products/felinepillpockets.aspx

trust me. pure genius.

[Pascale]

I totally agree on the Pill Pockets. I have a 21-year-old, hyperthyroid cat who's needed medication twice daily for 3 years. Her life is MUCH easier because she gets her Pill Pocket "treats" twice a day .... she even reminds me when I am late or forget! I've used with dogs too, with great success!

[NoNo]

a full 12 ounce can!?! my big boys are on diets (10lbs, 16.8lbs), and I don't really feed them dry food -- unless I want to sleep at night. I give them each half a can morning and night. So -- each gets a total of 5.5oz a day. You can also offer tuna juice to get her through the uti (assuming that was the problem).

It said half a can per day for every 6-8lbs. She's 15lbs, so that's how I was coming up with a can per day, which just seems wildly excessive. She ate it, but has been sleeping the past few hours. She normally grazes on her dry food for several hours, but I don't think I'd want to leave wet food out that long. I don't want her to be hungry, either. Maybe I'll put out some dry food overnight to be on the safe side. Yes, they're thinking UTI, but she said no tuna for now as the protein is too hard to break down. She recommended chicken baby food mixed with some water, or the wet food.

Yes, the Pill Pockets are what she's using! I think she likes those more than the regular Greenies. Tonight she ate the Greenie part and I saw the pill pop out of her mouth. She licked it back up, not wanting to miss part of her "treat":p

[badger]

geez, my poor 15 pounder only gets half a 5.5oz can of food a day (1/4 twice a day). He's always hungry, but that's how he got to be 21 lbs in the first place.

My fatty got a UTI when I tried clay clumping litter - I guess the dust somehow plugged him up. He was about his fattest then so he couldn't groom himself all that well.

I actually mix up his wet food with a tablespoon or so of water and mush it up like a puree; he gets more fluids that way.

Hope she's starting to feel better!

[Catrin]

My mountain biking and trail running partner.



This is a great picture of your buddy! Is that a bike lock cable that you are using as a leash there?

Never realized that you could take a dog with you when mountain biking. Cool!


NoNo, glad to hear it went so smoothly! That is certainly a much easier way to get her to take her meds from the way we used to have to do it - which was stressful for both cat and human...

[jessmarimba]

I've also added water to canned food for a sick cat. She loved it.

Mine don't get much wet food because one of them is quite...messy...afterwards (she apparently has a sensitive stomach) and I usually split a small can between two 13-pound cats! That does seem like a lot for yours, but I would just portion it out.

I would careful of the tuna juice suggestion - it can cause a blockage so cats are unable to pee (at least, that's what the vet told us when we had a similar problem with my old cat). Maybe some kinds of tuna are preserved safer than others?

And I love love love all of the border collies and birds on here! I want a large bird and a dog that runs :)

[bunny_ninja]

So, I've posted my bunnies before, and my dear cat Pumpkin, who passed away :-(
And I've mentioned the 2 big boys that are 10yo and FIV+ that I just adopted :)

Here is the bigger one, Finlay:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs405.snc4/46810_1458002724330_1061241702_31167038_1992374_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs380.snc4/44352_1457999524250_1061241702_31167032_6376509_n.jpg

And the smaller of the two :) -- Kobe. Kobe can jump from the floor to the top of the refrigerator!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs436.snc4/47970_1465142662824_1061241702_31183559_3697680_n.jpg
(complete with my bike in the shot!)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs203.ash2/46607_1457995604152_1061241702_31167024_6722284_n.jpg

[badger]

they're gorgeous!!

my parents a had a few FIV kitties in their time. Their last one was bonded with an FIV- kitty, and he never passed it onto her.

[TsPoet]

Here is the bigger one, Finlay:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs405.snc4/46810_1458002724330_1061241702_31167038_1992374_n.jpg


OMG! Finlay looks just like Clown Cat, the cat we had when I was a kid.
(When my parents said they were going to go to the pound and adopt a pet, my 6 year old brother insisted he wanted a clown. Since the pound didn't have clowns, my parents got a cat and named him clown cat).

[bunny_ninja]

OMG! Finlay looks just like Clown Cat, the cat we had when I was a kid.
(When my parents said they were going to go to the pound and adopt a pet, my 6 year old brother insisted he wanted a clown. Since the pound didn't have clowns, my parents got a cat and named him clown cat).

I think that is just about one of the cutest things I have ever heard :D

[NoNo]

Love the second picture of Finley!

I hate to ask more questions, but this is my first pet and the first time she's been sick. Is loose stool a normal side effect from the meds? Can I give her something to prevent it? She's much more active tonight, so I feel like she's improving, but I noticed that today and am wondering if I need to be concerned about it.

She was feeling well enough to count the money from the market today:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs366.snc4/44953_1648413980410_1538774168_31633339_5180740_n.jpg

[bunny_ninja]

Love the second picture of Finley!

I hate to ask more questions, but this is my first pet and the first time she's been sick. Is loose stool a normal side effect from the meds? Can I give her something to prevent it? She's much more active tonight, so I feel like she's improving, but I noticed that today and am wondering if I need to be concerned about it.

It could be hard on her tummy - like antibiotics are hard on ours? pumpkin used to have to take "PetGuard Natural Digestive Enzyme Blend for Cats" on her dry food. (she had a sensitive tummy). It had enzymes and some probiotics in it. maybe your local pet shop has a probiotic for cats? the stuff I gave to my kitty was hard to get.
My bunnies always get dosed with AG bene-bac when I have them on antibiotics. (available even at petco)

Here is an former foster bunny at an 'bunny education day' at a bank!

[Catrin]

She was feeling well enough to count the money from the market today:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs366.snc4/44953_1648413980410_1538774168_31633339_5180740_n.jpg

It looks like she might be better at finances than I am :cool:

[jessmarimba]

NoNo, could be the meds or it could be the food. One of mine can't eat anything but the food she came with (wet OR dry) without being a little...icky...in the litter box.

[badger]

if she's on antibiotics, I don't see how they're any different than us. There are plenty of probiotic supplements for pets these days, I would give that a try. Oh, and don't try yogurt, I once gave my older one yogurt, and it came out the same consistency...

[NoNo]

I once gave my older one yogurt, and it came out the same consistency...

Good to know!:eek: I'll have to take a trip to the pet store tomorrow and see if I can find some probiotics.

[DMC]

This is my girl, Nico! :)

[Tri Girl]

We lost my Max (black lab) one month ago. Saturday we adopted a chocolate lab from the pound. She's amazing in every way. Now if we could just get the golden to not want to bite her face off...
Here's Kona (because that's where the IM World Championship is).

[bunny_ninja]

Nico is such a pretty girl!

[bmccasland]

Herald the Cat had to have three infected teeth pulled today at his new Vet. He's my 16 year old Tuxedo feline boyfriend. Currently resting, and on pain meds and more antibiotics.

[marni]

Herald the Cat had to have three infected teeth pulled today at his new Vet. He's my 16 year old Tuxedo feline boyfriend. Currently resting, and on pain meds and more antibiotics.

Oww!!! poor baby. I have a tuxedo male Maine Coon who is my "hunka, hunka, hunka burning, very furry, projectile shedding, lap hugging, shoulder draping, love" and he sends his sympathy as well.

best wishes to him and to nurse mommy.

[TsPoet]

I finally brought Tari home tonight. I also brought one of her siblings. Callie is going to her forever home Friday, and I figured the two of them would keep each other company while also helping each other get used to being away from mamma.
For weeks now, Finn has wanted to play with the puppies, but we haven't let her, I was afraid someone might get hurt. But, the puppies are being easy on her, and she hasn't been harmed at all. LOL.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TL5n9kK3tlI/AAAAAAAAAyk/7hM7WYjBhrc/_MG_1803.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TL5n9gJX3sI/AAAAAAAAAyo/crU4cpAG7NM/_MG_1800.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TL5oPU8PJhI/AAAAAAAAAy0/gQx-SJInqr8/s720/_MG_1791_1.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_V5xeUX9jQEw/TL5oPbsu7JI/AAAAAAAAAy4/pNzbHPuj_hY/_MG_1785.jpg

[badger]

yay for Tari & Finn!

Nico's got such a cute smile (as does her friend behind her!)

Now, I have a hunka chunka burning love tuxedo boyfriend, too. He's my problem child but love him to itty bitty bits.

Here's da Moles (Morley, but we affectionately call him Moles)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/nvwolf/DSCF2508.jpg

[Catrin]

Awwwww, sweet pictures everyone!

[DMC]

Nico's got such a cute smile (as does her friend behind her!)


Her friend is named Sherman, and he is indeed her long suffering boyfriend. They met at the dog run, and it is agreed that in human terms, she's the supermodel trophy girlfriend and he's the schlubby businessman who puts up with her nonsense to be seen with a hot young thing. She rolls him on a daily basis. Even when she's pinning him down by the scruff of his neck, he has that smile on his face. Its hilarious.

Yay, everyone's animals!

[marni]

My tuxie the "hunk of projectile shedding love" is the one sticking his tongue out in my avatar picture. He was actually stuck to his own fur,it's that long.

[Brandi]

I so needed an animal fix! Coming to this thread really made me smile! I am only 14 days away from my furry buddies again. I have had 2 days home in 2 months. Sigh......miss my Bo's furry belly!

[TsPoet]

Now, I have a hunka chunka burning love tuxedo boyfriend, too. He's my problem child but love him to itty bitty bits.


Oh, what trouble is he concocting? He's a beauty, just want to stroke that fur.


I so needed an animal fix! Coming to this thread really made me smile! I am only 14 days away from my furry buddies again. I have had 2 days home in 2 months. Sigh......miss my Bo's furry belly!

I can hear him purring.

[badger]

Oh, what trouble is he concocting? He's a beauty, just want to stroke that fur.


Let's see...

I'm not sure if this is a result of him being hit by a car and having some form of brain injury, but he's super dominant/aggressive (met him after the accident so not sure how he was before). He's the possessive type, so when the dog was around, the dog was his. He bullied that 90lb dog like a poor schoolyard kid. I often said to Morley that if I ever came home to find him dead, I wouldn't blame Chevy at all. He was on human-grade OCD medication for about 4 years to "calm" him down because his bullying of the dog and cat was so bad.

He torments the other cat mercilessly. He's caught her once and peeled the skin back from her leg; she needed surgery to fix it up.

He used to be 21lbs and didn't groom well and his fur would get matted (he's now slimmer). But he HATES being brushed, so I'd have to take him to the spca and put a muzzle on him. Someone else would hold him down wearing heavy duty leather gloves - the sounds that came out of him made me feel like I was torturing him.

BUT, he's got a personality and a half. He runs up to people like he's a dog. He'll flop down and show his belly, and he's very tolerant and gentle when a small child is petting him.

He used to come out for a walk with me and the dog. He'd wait for us by the alley door and "lead" us back home.

He's quite clever. In the morning when he's hungry, he'd go to the dog and sniff his ear. The dog hated this, which made him get up to get away from him. The dog would then come to me and wake me up, which meant I would be getting up and feeding everyone.

When Chevy died, Morley was out of sorts for a long time; I guess in his bullying way he was quite attached to him.

Morley now possess me and sleeps on top of me, all 16lbs of his cranky butt glory. And I love him to pieces :)

[NoNo]

I'm happy to report that a second trip to the vet and some new medications have Ruthie back to normal :) I'm making a note so that should this happen in the future I know which one worked for her and which was just an expensive waste of my money:rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

I got a new dog yesterday! Belle was in her foster home for a year and a half. She's had a bit of a rough time of it, mostly because she doesn't play nice with children and small animals, like ducklings and squirrels. But so far so good with Sammy! And she sat on my lap yesterday, something she had never done with her foster mother.

She's four, so I'm hopeful she will have the energy to play with Sammy. There have been a few noisy incidents, bordering on fighting, but this morning in the bedroom before I got up they were playing. That was nice.

12166

[bmccasland]

Divingbiker - she's beeeutiful! I hope Belle continues to settle down in her "forever home". :D

I can just imagine her ears flapping while she's chasing after a stick. Something about spaniels and fall days....

[NickiSue]

Roux is a 16 years old Coton and is still a puppy at times and other times, she can only walk a block. She is the puppy love of my life.

Winnie just joined our family from a senior rescue shelter. She is about 8 and is a wirehaired dachshund mix and is pure joy. Every morning, she goes in the tv room and chases the reflection of her new dog tag. At night, she lives to jump under the covers. Not much is known about Winnie, she was found tied to the fence of the rescue shelter in July. She is well trained and has been loved, that is apparent.

It is wonderful to meet your four legged family!

[Trekhawk]

Oh so many cute doggies to look at this morning.:)
Thanks for sharing.

[bmccasland]

Here's Calypso in her evening activity - watching the hundreds of crows coming in to roost on the roof of the hotel and adjacent office building. We're on the top floor of a 4 story building so the crows sweep right by to the tree tops out our window and off the roofs. Watching the crows come in every evening, I can see where Hitchcock got his inspiration for The Birds.

[colorisnt]

Here is "my" dog. He's our family dog. Lives with my parents and had an accident recently where he screwed up his back. He's okay now and recovering, but Dover is a bit of a nut. He's a rescue that was used in a puppy mill for breeding. He came to us from Alabama where he was being fostered. He's adorable, basically.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/missrightwing/De419.jpg?t=1288544357

keep showing the cute pictures! I don't need a dog, but boy do I want one!

[badger]

I don't need a dog, but boy do I want one!

I know what you mean!

I've heard Cesar Milan say "you don't always get the dog you want, but you get a dog that you need".

[lunacycles]

NickiSue,
Thanks for adopting an older animal!! I used to work at a senior animal sanctuary, and dogs over 5 or 6 are in general really hard to place, yet the vast majority of them have a lot a lot a lot of life to live and love to give.

[tulip]

Divingbiker, Belle is beautiful! Thanks for adopting, everyone!

[ikkin]

Rudy...my handsome, sweet boy. 1 year old French Brittany. I LOVE this dog.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mzb3ccEyNnQ/TBhuSRQJ6kI/AAAAAAAABjc/m4vsHDM-xjw/s512/IMG_0272.jpg

Rudy and his "sister" Maya, our four (??) year old Alabama shelter dog.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mzb3ccEyNnQ/S_l1iUTupHI/AAAAAAAABiM/lwpqtqAPtUE/s640/IMG_0454.JPG

YAY DOGS!!

[bmccasland]

Hi, I'm Herald and I spent the day with a special vet who took very good care of me, even if he did rub nasty jelly on my belly. For some reason Mom is sad, all I heard was ".... eat anything he wants ..... medicine for the upset tummy." I love cuddling on Mom's shawl, and will cuddle with her this evening to try to tell her that things will be alright. I'm almost 17, and Branwen, Erin, and Nala were younger than me when they crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Maybe I'll even find Butters over there. We've missed him too. I'll be strong for Mom, so she can be strong too.

[emily_in_nc]

{{{{{{{{ Beth }}}}}}}}

So very sad...know you'll treasure however many moments you have left with Herald.

[jessmarimba]

Awww :(

When Pixar was sick the only thing she would eat was turkey from the deli sandwiches at Wawa. So that's what I ate, day after day, and picked little pieces off for her.

Herald loves you and he's lucky to have had you for a mom. I'm going to give my kitties an extra hug tonight for him.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I actually mix up his wet food with a tablespoon or so of water and mush it up like a puree; he gets more fluids that way.



I do the same thing always with my two kitties. 3 tablespoons of canned food mashed up with a tablespoon of water. Always a good move to keep their fluids up.

Speaking of which, my Pearl is going through some difficult kidney issues right now (she almost died of it when she was 5, and now she's 10). We are back to giving subcutaneous water shots to her every day to try to flush out the toxins. :(

I so hope Ruthie gets better quickly! She's so special. :o

[nancielle]

Rudy and his "sister" Maya, our four (??) year old Alabama shelter dog.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mzb3ccEyNnQ/S_l1iUTupHI/AAAAAAAABiM/lwpqtqAPtUE/s640/IMG_0454.JPG

YAY DOGS!!

Rudy looks especially proud of himself here :D. It also looks like he had been having fun in some water? Maya is very pretty. I love black dogs.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm happy to report that a second trip to the vet and some new medications have Ruthie back to normal :)

Wonderful news, I'm so glad to hear it! :)
Keep sneaking that tablespoon of water mixed into her canned food- i have found this keeps the kidneys healthier in all my cats.

Pearl is hanging in there...licking up small amounts of soupy pate textured gourmet canned food, and drinking a little now and then. As long as she can eat we are optimistic. We are giving her the maximum recommended dose of water injection every day- trying to keep the toxins flushed out so she will become less nauseous and heal sores in mucus areas (which leads to further non-eating of course). The more water she gets, the better her chances...though an overdose is to be avoided too as it stresses the heart. Ever since she almost died of kidney poisoning 5 yrs ago (that Chinese pet food scandal), we've had to periodically battle her kidney problems off and on. Much of the time she does well with no treatments at all, but then she gets into a minor crisis mode and we have to start the water shot therapy. We've been lucky to be able to turn each crisis around for the past 5 years, she's 10 now. Hopefully she'll get better again this time. :o

Here's Pearl sleeping on the top of a scratching post, looking dreamy soft as only pearl can do....
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/TNg63C5d2QI/AAAAAAAADE8/cGN4vVwAbvc/s640/pearl-sleeping-1.jpg

[bikegurl]

My family has 2 black standard poodles. They are brother and sister, and we really only own the girl *Nora*. The boy *Horatio* was bought by our neighbors, but he was too much for them to handle at the time (a poodle puppy, and a baby and a move..just too much :() so they gave him to us until they want him back. I don't think that will happen anytime soon, if at all :D
They love water (especially Horatio) you can see him swimming away in the first pic, with his sis getting all frustrated and confused with the concept of water. (they do hate baths, though)
You can see them running through the buckwheat growing on the empty lots behind our house. That is a good way to release some of their excess energy. That is my handsome boy, freshly shorn, in front of the book shelf.. I don't have a close-up picture of his sis right now.....but she is quite cute - very dainty.

[nancielle]

This is the little cat I took in in August. He's going by the name "Ghost" now because he just sort of appears wherever I am (also known as Stealth Kitty, Braticus or Brat Cat 2.0)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/BratCat20-1.jpg

(You didn't really want this to be upright, did you?)

Here are Hunter (aka Widget or Brat Cat 1.0) & Chloe in their usual bed-hogging positions.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/Buddies-1.jpg

(Wait, you mean you wanted to sleep here too?)

[marni]

as you may remember, just after we moved to our new house our little corgie Sadie got poisoned. Yesterday we went to the corgie rescue and picked up a new member of our family. Her name is Rowena and she is almost two years old and fully grown although she is very small and weighs in at less than 14 pounds. She is still a bit stressed by the move, meeting and getting used to a new dog (my FIL's Llapso Apso) and two cats, one of whom outweighs her, but is starting to settle in a bit.

[Zen]

Rowena

Ernest T. Bass was in love with Roweena

somebody knows what I'm talking about

[sundial]

I got a new dog yesterday!

Beautiful! And at the perfect age too. ;) Rescues always have the most interesting baggage. If only they could talk...

Marni, congratulations on your new furkid and thanks for adopting a rescue as well.

[tulip]

Rowena

Ernest T. Bass was in love with Roweena

somebody knows what I'm talking about

Wasn't that Ramona? Or Romeena? I wish I could type the whistle.

[marni]

all four of animals are rescue animals, wouldn't have it any other way.

[Zen]

Wasn't that Ramona? Or Romeena? I wish I could type the whistle.

Her real name was Ramona but Ernest T. called her Rowena and maybe even Romena.

[sundial]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/DSC00540.jpg

Colin was gently led to the Bridge yesterday and was released from his pain. I held him as he drifted off and found solace in the slowing rhythm of his heart, knowing that he would finally be free from a body that betrayed him. Under a beautiful magenta sky I laid him to rest near the wild honeysuckle, a special place where we would gather together in the summer evening to watch the hummingbird moths. As the sun set a cardinal stood watch over him as twilight fell upon them. He had been battling cancer since his Gotcha Day on April 3 and despite his failing health I felt ever so blessed to have shared the few months that we had together. He had lost most of his hearing and always had a head tilt, as if listening to a whisper. His tail always wagged and he was completely content with whatever the day brought him. Not a day went by that I didn't kiss his nose and in reply he would sneeze. Despite all of his worsening health problems, he became more endearing to me. As the days progressed and his health worsened, Niki and Kali would offer a gentle kiss to encourage him and to perhaps relieve some of his pain. He fought hard to remain with us as long as he could but his time had drawn to a close and with a final, soft sigh he journeyed to a special place where he will be waiting for me, never to be separated in death again.

[bmccasland]

Sundial - so sorry for your loss. I hope Colin gets along with kitties, as I think Herald won't be too far behind.

That's sweet about your other animals giving him kisses. One of my kitties would groom my dog in her last days, and would come by to check on her. Then searched the house over when Nala didn't come home.

It's a hard decision to make, that last trip to the vet. :(

Big hugs to you and your family.

[lunacycles]

Sundial, that is the most touching tribute to a lost, beloved pet on this thread i have ever read. Isn't it amazing how they don't complain, they don't argue, even as their health changes so drastically and they are in pain? They seem to simply adapt and accept their life, regardless of the circumstances.
You obviously had a great, great dog and you served him very well...to the very end. My deepest condolences.
(btw, he was beautiful!)

[emily_in_nc]

Sundial - my sympathies. Colin was a beautiful boy and lucky to have you. Your tribute to him touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

[marni]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It is never easy but you gave him back the greatest gift of love and care giving. A beautiful tribute for a beautiful dog.

[sundial]

Thank you all for your heartfelt words of encouragement. I am deeply touched and for that I thank you. The early morning hours are the most difficult as I am acclimated to getting up with him when he would get sick. Every now and then his scent drifts through the room and it comforts me. He may have taken a piece of my heart with him but on the other side he is piecing it back together. It's for that reason I believe that parents and pet owners are the most courageous people I know. We are willing to allow our hearts to be broken to experience tender moments in return. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I wouldn't hesitate. He brought so much joy to our lives and mourning his loss is a small sacrifice I'm willing to make in return for his unconditional love.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sundial, i am so sorry for your loss. Colin was such a beautiful dog, and it obvious that you and he loved each other very much. He was so lucky to have you right up to the last moment of loving care and companionship.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

As I posted on Nov 8th, my 10 yr old Maine coon kitty Pearl has been failing from her longtime bout with kidney disease (thanks to that poison Chinese pet food gluten a few years back).
Through all her last 5 yrs of ups and downs in terms of kidney issues, she's mostly been pretty happy and strong and able to bounce back from each little crisis with our renewed water treatments and special care, but this time it seems a losing battle.

I'm afraid this time she just keeps losing weight and not being able to eat more than a couple licks of food anymore. We've been giving her daily water injections for almost a month now, and various natural supplements and medications, but her kidneys are just not bouncing back this time. We've tried everything. She's slowly getting weaker each day, and I'm afraid it's just a matter of time before she gives out.

She doesn't seem in much pain, and when I hold her and brush her she purrs like mad, she loves to just lie purring in her big cushy box of blankets. She still is able to move about and she pees when I carry her to her box, and she still laps up the diluted water from cans of tuna, which she loves. But she's getting thinner and weaker every day.
If she was in lots of pain I would take her to the vet to end it quickly. But she seems pretty peaceful and happy here at home, and perhaps, like our last two kitties Ellie and Lydia, she will be able to fade out peacefully at home here with us. I don't know yet. As long as she's relatively peaceful and purring, I'll just keep making her as comfortable as I can. It's hard for me right now.

Our Pearl, the 'Gossamer Kitty', the little shining light, two years ago:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5230182687_1a0c39a39e_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5230780336_7c70ee527e.jpg

Pearl asleep on the scratching post last year:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/Ss4vihmaQbI/AAAAAAAAChc/P50r65D6mAY/s1600/pearl-sleeping-2.jpg

[PamNY]

Lisa, she is such a beautiful cat. Peace to both of you.

[Catrin]

She is so sweet, her personality just shines through the photos. Peace, indeed, to both of you. Your post and the pictures brought tears to my eyes.

[Rebecca19804]

((((Lisa)))) and special cuddle for Pearl. What a gorgeous BRAVE girl.
I am sitting here with the tears just streaming down my face. Lost my Maddie 4 months ago. Sometimes still feels like yesterday.

[bmccasland]

(((((Lisa and Pearl)))))
I can sympathize, Herald has good days and bad days. Today was a good day, he was a hungry little monster this morning. The bad days make me wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

Big hugs to everyone who's dealing with end-of-life for your fur-babies. It sucks. :(

[lph]

Lisa, Pearl is such a beauty! She looks like she has led a very happy and contented life.

[nancielle]

Sundial, So sorry about the loss of your beloved Colin. Despite his health concerns it sounds like he was a much loved (and loving) member of your family. You gave him something a lot of sick shelter dogs never get...a loving home. He chose his family well.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

(((((Lisa and Pearl)))))
I can sympathize, Herald has good days and bad days. Today was a good day, he was a hungry little monster this morning. The bad days make me wonder if I'm doing the right thing.
Big hugs to everyone who's dealing with end-of-life for your fur-babies. It sucks. :(

Wise words.
Yes, embracing beloved pets into our lives entails both the happy and the sad parts of life. As with most worthwhile things in life, we cannot have one without the other.

Pearl keeps fluctuating up and down- she really surprised me today by actually eating two tablespoons of food- more than she's eaten in several days. Every day her behavior changes unpredictably as well, and her habits of where she decides to spend each day- sometimes mighty strange (today's spot of choice was curled right on top of the toaster and also the microwave :eek: ) One day she wants to find every low hidden place dark she can, now she is seeking high exposed vantage points where she has never gone to before. We are trying to accommodate her as much as we can. There are little nesting spots made of heaped towels everywhere now, to encourage and offer her more comfy and reasonable resting spots.

As you noted- on the 'bad days' it makes you wonder and you get up in the morning half hoping they will have passed on peacefully during the night. But then they look up at you lovingly and purr and it makes another day's nursing care worthwhile again.
The good part in all this is knowing you have provided love and protection to these little innocent creatures and have given them as much happiness as you possibly could. This is the comfort we can hold onto. :o

[PamNY]

Sundial, I am sorry to read about Colin. So handsome. You write very eloquently about our relationship with our animals. Sometimes I have wondered why we do this to ourselves -- and then I'm eager to do it again. Because, as Colin was, they are so, so worth it.

[marni]

your main is a gorgeous girl. My heart goes out to you as I dealt with the same issue with our 20 year old cat this summer including the silent wish each morning that he would not be alive so I wouldn't have to watch him suffer another day, but then the purr and the greeting chirrup- I knew it was time when he quite eating and drinking entirely for a couple of days and spent his nights wandering and crying out to find the other kitties. I held him on my lap all night for two days before I could really face and accept that it was time. I am so sorry for your pain, but know that she is aware how much she is loved, and that it is the one kindness that we grant our animals that we cannot seem to grant ourselvs.

[sundial]

Lisa, your beautiful Pearl is a comforter, even in her struggle with her illness. She is strong in spirit and will remain with you for as long as she can. You are a very compassionate, caring mom who will know when to release her when the time comes. She will let you know. As the day draws to an end, may you both continue to share in the little victories and the small pleasures of life.

[sundial]

I can sympathize, Herald has good days and bad days.

Oh Beth, I'm so sorry that you are having to struggle with this too. Please know that you are near in my thoughts as you walk this path. (((((Beth))))))

[Possegal]

I haven't had a pet for nearly 2 yrs. In 2006 I had to put down the first cat that was mine and mine alone, rather than a family pet. She was my best little buddy, with me through my getting my PhD, then moved back north with me and was by my side for so many of life's ups and downs. At one point, she and I had to take in my Mum's cat, when Mum died. She never liked him, but never stopped loving me. He's the cat in my avatar and I had to put him down in Jan of 2009. At first I couldn't bear to get another one, then I had so much house renovation going on that it seemed bad timing. Then I think I got scared that I wouldn't be as lucky as I had been with my other two cats.

But today, I brought home with me two cats that I met at an adoption event last Sunday. They are fostermates, though not littermates. Boy and girl, with no names yet. Have to come up with something. The woman fostering them even said - please promise me you'll change their names from the ones the shelter gave them. :) She doesn't photograph as adorable as she is in person. Her fur is orange and gray, but when you take the photo, the orange doesn't seem to show up. ETA - I added another photo that shows her colors a bit better.

[Catrin]

Possegal, those are beautiful cats and congratulations on the new additions to your home!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Possegal, how good of you to take in those two lucky happy kitties who so desperately needed a loving home!
They look like the perfect pair. How sweet! They will bring you so much joy.

[bmccasland]

Possegal - they're so cute! Congradulations on your new fur family. :)

[sundial]

But today, I brought home with me two cats that I met at an adoption event last Sunday. They are fostermates, though not littermates. The woman fostering them even said - please promise me you'll change their names from the ones the shelter gave them. :)

Possegal, how wonderful for you! What a wonderful opportunity that came at the right time. :) And not one but TWO special kitties nonetheless. :) :) Their new names will come to you as their personalities emerge. I believe that rescues like having a new name to go with their new lifestyle.

[sundial]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/DSC00607.jpg

[bmccasland]

"Pul-eezzee, let us off the leash.. we must run down that trail! Unhook the leash, we'll be right back...."



Great photo Sundial!

[Trekhawk]

Great snap Sundial!
I would like to go walking down that trail, it looks beautiful.:)

[Rebecca19804]

It's been 4 months since Maddie died. If someone had asked me if I was ready for another cat, I'd have said No.

But then two weeks ago, a friend approached me quite gently and carefully to tell me about two black beauties needing a home. They are brother and sister, 4-1/2 years old, neutered and microchipped. Their owner developed allergies to them after having her baby... and then she moved to Israel and rented out her apartment with a clause in the rental agreement requiring the tenant to look after the cats. Then he moved away. The cats were left behind in the empty apartment. THREE MONTHS AGO! :eek: :mad:

Fortunately, the people in the Pilates Studio upstairs stepped in and have been looking after them. My friend is a client there, which is how she learned of their plight.

I met them last weekend and of course just fell in love. :) They came home today (with a detour first to my veterinarian who gave them a clean bill of health and updated their vaccinations).

They are soooo gorgeous with such lovely personalities! They're already making themselves totally at home. :)

I am enjoying their company so much and looking forward to being their family for the next 10-15 years. :)

In their old home:
12344

Bailey today:
12345

Sara today:
12346

P.S. I've re-named them. They were called Mis and Tique. :eek: :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Rebecca how wonderful that you adopted those two beautiful kitties who needed a home so much. I hope you have many happy loving years together!

[nancielle]

The cats were left behind in the empty apartment. THREE MONTHS AGO! :eek: :mad:



It never ceases to amaze me how callous people can be toward animals. My two cats were put out on the street to fend for themselves. Sheesh.

I have such a soft spot for black cats & dogs. Your two are very pretty. May you all have many happy, healthy years ahead. :)

[Catrin]

Rebecca - such a nice thing you did for those two kitties! I just do not understand how people can abandon pets the way they do :mad:

[Rebecca19804]

I just do not understand how people can abandon pets the way they do :mad:

Yes, WE all very clearly see it as abandonment (as do the Pilates people in the studio upstairs and their clients including my friend).

But it sounds like essentially the owner and her tenant each just assumed the other one would look after the cats. The tenant moved out, thinking "they're not mine, the owner will take care of things" and she was in Israel assuming her cats were being looked after (when really she should have properly re-homed them when she moved away). All my dealings have been with the Pilates people. This morning though I got an e-mail from the lady in Israel, thanking me profusely for taking them. But - I noticed - she made no hint of an apology for putting them in such a precarious situation to begin with. She also sounds like she just does not understand cats.

They are so much better off with me now! ;) :)

[makbike]

Meet Dickens! This little guy (approximately 4 months old) came to me last week. I thought I saw a cat jump into the engine of one of my cars. When I got ready to leave a few hours later I banged on my hood and nothing came out so I decided to pop the hood to just make sure. There he sat on top of the engine- shivering. I scooped him up and though he was freezing he light up with the biggest purr. The weathermen were forecasting storm and wind chills below zero in the next few days so I could not leave him outside. I put him in my guest room with food, water and a litter box. Off to the clinic he went that afternoon for a quick FELV/FIV test (both negative). I put out flies the next day and have a "found" ad running but no one has claimed him. Given I found him around the holidays I decided he needed a holiday name - he looked like a Dickens so there you go. He has settled right in with the other nine felines and three dogs. He is not afraid of anything and is a real love bug, full of energy and his motor never stops. I think he is happy!

[bmccasland]

Dickens is CUTE! And am glad Mis and Tique have found new loving forever homes. We all luvs happy endings. :D

[TsPoet]

Dickens is the cutest cat I have ever seen! I hope he either has, or will, find a good home!
Thinking of keeping him? What's 1 more?

[marni]

can't seem to find or remember if I posted this picture of our new family member, a two year old corgie name Rowena. She is getting used to us, but seems full of spunks and endearing qualities. My FIL's dog is in love, the cats, although not ecstatic, are at least resingne to it all. She is convinced that she is a lap dog, much to the annoyance of Tux the main coon cat.

[Rebecca19804]

Meet Dickens! .... He has settled right in with the other nine felines and three dogs. He is not afraid of anything and is a real love bug, full of energy and his motor never stops. I think he is happy!

What an adorable kitty! He sure landed on his feet when he chose your car, huh? :)

[TsPoet]

can't seem to find or remember if I posted this picture of our new family member, a two year old corgie name Rowena. She is getting used to us, but seems full of spunks and endearing qualities. My FIL's dog is in love, the cats, although not ecstatic, are at least resingne to it all. She is convinced that she is a lap dog, much to the annoyance of Tux the main coon cat.

There is plenty of room on any given lap for the two of them. Corgis are great dogs.

[makbike]

No one claimed Dickens so he is now officially a member of the "Thundering Herd" He will visit the clinic next week for his first round of shots and a general deworming. He is a real cutie and he came into my life at just the right moment.

[Catrin]

No one claimed Dickens so he is now officially a member of the "Thundering Herd" He will visit the clinic next week for his first round of shots and a general deworming. He is a real cutie and he came into my life at just the right moment.

Dickens is adorable, congratulations!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Our beautiful loving kitty Pearl was put to sleep this evening.
She tried so valiantly for two months to recover from her latest bout with kidney failure, but sadly she developed cancer as well and it was all too much for her, there was no longer any chance for recovery. We had to spare her the final phase of suffering she would be likely to have in the days ahead as the cancer grew.
She was purring and I cuddled and kissed her as she went to sleep peacefully.
That purr was her way of letting me know she was ok and she loved us. She was comforting me.

What a beautiful and wonderful shining light she was for 10 years. Such bright sparkle and affection, - a fiery sprite covered with gossamer swan's down, that was Pearl.

We shall miss her terribly. Thank goodness we have the in-your-face little kitty Suki to keep us on our toes and distracted right now.
I put up a little album of some of my favorite photos of Pearl here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Strumelia/Pearl#

[PamNY]

Lisa, I am sorry. The photos are beautiful -- there is nothing as lush and wonderful as that gray fur. I know she had a wonderful life, and you have many wonderful memories, but it's always hard to let them go.

I'm glad she comforted you when the time came. Cats are so wise.

[TsPoet]

(((((Lisa)))))

[bmccasland]

Lisa,
So sorry about Pearl. It's hard to watch them suffer, knowing that they don't feel good. Herald had intestinal cancer. We don't want to loose them, but we don't want them to suffer either.

Have to remember the good days, and that loved and trusted us to take care of them to the end.

[indysteel]

((((Lisa)))). I'm so sorry about Pearl. What a pretty and loving cat she was. Hugs to you and your family. I hope you find comfort in your memories of Pearl. Pets bring such blessings to our lives, notwithstanding the pain of losing them.

[Catrin]

(((Lisa))) So sorry to hear about Pearl and your loss. She brought so much love and fun to your home, and I am quite sure you did to her life as well.

[emily_in_nc]

Lisa, so sorry to hear this news. You were a wonderful mom to Pearl, and she knew it. Glad she was able to go peacefully. It's the best we can hope for the furkids we love so much.

[lunacycles]

I'm so sad to hear this, Lisa. Ouch. Love to you.

[7rider]

Sorry to hear about Pearl, Lisa. She had a grand life.

[marni]

Lisa I am so sorry for your loss. Now matter how necessary, it is never easy, but you did the right thing for her.

[Owlie]

((Lisa))

[Possegal]

What a gorgeous kitty. She had a lovely life with you. I'm so sorry.

[Possegal]

I thought I had adopted two little kitties, but apparently one is actually a squirrel monkey in a kitty suit. :) This was in the middle of the night, while I was trying to fall asleep, and yes, it is a four poster/canopy bed. He's name is Finbar, but should be "Get down from there" or "this house is not your jungle gym". He is definitely entertaining, but it's been a while since I've had a kitten in this house. I'd forgotten how crazy it can be!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Possegal, those are great pix!
I remember when Pearl was about 6 months old, and I'd come home to find her up on top of my cuckoo clock, next to the ceiling. No way to get up there except to fly. We called her our flying squirrel, because she was silvery grey. And you've apparently got a squirrel monkey. :)

[Catrin]

Posse - great pictures, thanks for sharing them :) I am imagining what it must be like to try and get some sleep with your feline acrobat :D

[nancielle]

Lisa,

So sorry to learn of your loss of Pearl. You did so much for her to keep her as healthy as possible. I'm sure she's scampering happily across Rainbow Bridge to play with Herald and Patches.

These posts are always so sad. I feel for all who've lost a furry member of their family.

Possegal,

Love the pics of Finbar (and his alternate names!)

[marni]

we used to have a devon rex (huge ears, whippy long rat like tail) who used to climb up on our canopy holder after we were asleep. When he got tired of not being noticed, he would give one warning chirp squeak and then launch himself onto the middle of the bed usually managing to hit one or both of us. When we got rid of the bed, he took to launching himself from the top of a wardrobe about 6 feet away.

[PinkBike]

christmas cats--they look so innocent, but . . . I really didnt know what to do about their first christmas tree, so i wrapped chicken wire around the tree--they climbed the chicken wire to get INTO the tree. love 'em

[Catrin]

So sweet :)

Here is a video that shows how kittens can also be decorations (http://www.rathergood.com/christmas_kittens)! The sound track is more than a little repetitive, but the video is sweet :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa,
So sorry to learn of your loss of Pearl. You did so much for her to keep her as healthy as possible. I'm sure she's scampering happily across Rainbow Bridge to play with Herald and Patches.
These posts are always so sad. I feel for all who've lost a furry member of their family.


Thank you. It seems like quite a few of us have lost beloved fur family members recently.

After this weekend and all the holiday hubbub is over, I'm going to make a visit to our two local shelters to see if there is a particular special kitty that seems meant for us. We don't want Suki to be an 'only child kitty' for too long. And I know Pearl would want us to, it just seems like a positive thing to do any way you look at it. We like having two kitties in the house.

I always feel so guilty though, going to the shelters... all the little pairs of hopeful eyes looking at me- it's so heartwrenching and so hard to walk away from so many of them, knowing you are only going to choose one. i try to erase my guilt by 'sponsoring' a couple of other kitties to help them get adopted too, but I always still remember the little hopeful eyes... Wish there were loving homes for all of them. :(

[bmccasland]

I always feel so guilty though, going to the shelters... all the little pairs of hopeful eyes looking at me- it's so heartwrenching and so hard to walk away from so many of them, knowing you are only going to choose one. i try to erase my guilt by 'sponsoring' a couple of other kitties to help them get adopted too, but I always still remember the little hopeful eyes... Wish there were loving homes for all of them. :(

I know the feeling - I went to a shelter twice a week for 3 months looking for my lost kitty. And since I was looking for a lost cat, I had access to ALL the kitties, not just the ones that were cleared for adoption. I finally had to stop going, was so sad.

Good luck finding new fur friends!

[spindizzy]

I love/hate this thread!! I smile and laugh at the antics/trouble our furry friends get into. Then I cry with the losses...My thoughts are with you Lisa, Beth and Sundial.

[bambu101]

So sorry to hear of Pearl's passing. She was absolutely beautiful.

It is great that you are adopting a shelter kitty, and giving them a wonderful new home!

[skhill]

12414

Finally getting around to learning how to post pictures....

Anyway, here's Moses, Mica, and Joe, demonstrating the right thing to do on a cold, wintry morning-- just go back to bed!

[nancielle]

I always feel so guilty though, going to the shelters... all the little pairs of hopeful eyes looking at me- it's so heartwrenching and so hard to walk away from so many of them, knowing you are only going to choose one. i try to erase my guilt by 'sponsoring' a couple of other kitties to help them get adopted too, but I always still remember the little hopeful eyes... Wish there were loving homes for all of them. :(

I know the feeling as well. Even seeing the commercials on television for the Humane Society of the US & the ASPCA with those pleading eyes get to me. My landlord has been more than generous in allowing me to first adopt Chloe then to take in the two abandoned cats. I know I'm at my limit for pet ownership but when I see those eyes I can't help but think "I'll bring you home." I, too, wish there were homes for all of them.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've been going to look at shelter kitties for the past two days.
Lots of lovely sweet ones, definitely hard to choose but I'm getting to know many of them and am narrowing it down.
On Thursday I think my husband will be coming with me and adding his input so we can perhaps make the final decision. He likes me to do the preliminary scoping out. I've met about 80 kitties all wanting homes! :(

My shelter visits seemed less sad than when i went through this last time (1 1/2 yrs ago), because I've seen 3 cats actually get adopted just while I was 'chillin' with the cats over the past two days- it really does your heart good to see kitties become lucky Chosen Ones for new homes. I'm also making donations to both places so that all the kitties (and doggies too) get a little help from my visits one way or another.

One kitty in particular seemed promising for me today. And I hadn't even noticed her yesterday-:eek: She passed what my husband and i call the 'Upside Down Baby test'- picked her up, put her on her back in my arms like a baby, and rubbed her tummy. No problem! Just a huge purr and paws stretched out pumping the air happily in response... lol! She's also a classic tabby, which my husband is always partial to. With him, it's personality but extra brownie points for brown tabbies. For me it's pretty much all about the purr-cuddle factor. :p

But going back to the other place one more time on Thursday just to give all the kitties their fair consideration.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Happy to report my husband and i brought our new kitty home from the animal shelter today to become one of the family. :)
We have not named her yet, but she is making herself right at home and our other kitty Suki is being amazingly tolerant and polite.
New Kitty is 8 months old and VERY affectionate (which is what we were after).
She's a real 'biscuit maker'- meaning she kneads her paws ecstatically with a loud purr whenever she is even the least bit pleased. She reminds me of a little ocelot or puma with her golden sandy spotted tabby look.
It's so nice to be part of the happy adoption process at the shelter- smiles all around, knowing a new desperate kitty will now have a spot available at the shelter because we took one home with us. Pearl would have liked that.

Our new fur baby (in the last photo you can see her pumping her paws with happiness in her new home):

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/TSZfu_66b8I/AAAAAAAADJk/4eBz9pkgB1M/s720/Jan6-2010-newkit-6.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/TSZfmFCY3SI/AAAAAAAADJU/7vhxuwcq-4Q/s512/Jan6-2010-newkit-2.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/TSZfmZXRNpI/AAAAAAAADJY/ZJy5hHwKNdE/s512/Jan6-2010-newkit-3.jpg

[GLC1968]

Aw, Lisa - she looks like such a sweetie! Congratulations!

You failed to tell us "new kitty's" name though. ;)

[7rider]

Awwww. Lucky kitty! Yay! :)

[Kerry1976]

Now that is a very happy kitty! Congrats!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You failed to tell us "new kitty's" name though. ;)

I'll let you know when we decide on it- no name yet! :)

[Owlie]

She's adorable!

[TsPoet]

In South America, the ocelot is called a Tigrillo.
I'm just sayin'

[moonfroggy]

she is beautiful bleeker!

my cat i had for almost 20 years died not long ago
i don't post enough here to have posted
i have pondered getting another. i am pregnant though and seems like wrong time to bring a new pet into home when i know after baby is born i will not be able to give a new pet as much attention. and our living cat is very happy as a single cat for now. i am very glad you rescued your kitty and she is so pretty and seems so happy. :)

[nancielle]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/TSZfmZXRNpI/AAAAAAAADJY/ZJy5hHwKNdE/s512/Jan6-2010-newkit-3.jpg


Kitty think: "Oh, yeah, I own this spot!" :D

Congrats on the new addition to the family. She looks very content to be in her new home.

[Becky]

Lisa, she's beautiful and the spitting image of my Auric! Can't wait to hear what her name is!

[spokewench]

Lisa What a beautiful new kitty. She will give you lots of love!

[badger]

aww, she's lovely! when they slit their eyes like that, it means they like you, so obviously she's happy with her choice of adopting you two!!

[nancielle]

Ghost hiding in the paper recycling box.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/001-1.jpg

[indysteel]

Congratulations on your new fur baby, Lisa. She's gorgeous. Let us know when you decide on a name. I hope you find much happiness with one another.

We adopted a shelter kitten after Sophie died this summer. She's been a huge blessing to all of us, including our other adult cat. I was a cat person before getting her, but now I'm becoming completely obsessed. They're just so amazing. I love dogs, too, but there's something about cats that I find utterly fascinating.

[indysteel]

I love that picture, Nancielle. He's the feral cat you rescued this summer, right? I take it that he's fully adapted to his new home. He's beautiful.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ghost hiding in the paper recycling box.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/001-1.jpg

O my gosh.....too cute!! :D

[nancielle]

I love that picture, Nancielle. He's the feral cat you rescued this summer, right? I take it that he's fully adapted to his new home. He's beautiful.

Yes, he's that cat. :) He and the resident cat (Hunter, aka Widget, aka Brat Cat 1.0) still don't really like each other but for the most part the spats have died down. I keep them separated at night and when I go to work. Later on, when I settle in to watch the news he will start "chirping" then settle in on my lap (after kneading the heck out of my legs first.)

Ghost does enjoy taunting Chloe (the dog in my sig) by running up to her sideways, swatting her nose then running away. Then they chase each other through the apartment. Fortunately my downstairs neighbors are very tolerant because these two sound like a herd of buffalo when they get going.

[marni]

my three rescue cats used to torture the rescue golden by getting up on the room divider, just above where she liked to lie with her head just in the kitchen, and knock things down on her. "Who us, we're just testing gravity." It got to the point where they were hauling their toys up there intentionally. Poor Tina would just sigh heavily and look put upon. Except when they were torturing and she was being tortured they pretty much ignored each other. Tina could have moved at any time so I guess she figured it was a way of being part of the family.

Animals add such a dimension to our lives. Bless them one and all.

Bleeker- aka is beautiful as is the gray ghost in the recycle box, and every other pet on here.