from:"Susan"

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.   I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all. 2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks.

RE: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thanks, Joan.  He has done so well for so long that I was thinking about having him re-tested thinking that he might have thrown off the virus.  Guess he didn't."Doljan, Joan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Susan,
 
I am so sorry about Butternut (what a sweet name).  I am  glad that he had a bit of time with you, before he succumbed to this horrible disease.
 
Joan


-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 12:28 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Please add Butternut to the CLS
Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks.

Re: CLS - for Patti

Patti, I am so sorry about Ellen.  I am so glad that she had you in the end.Belinda Sauro <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Patti,I'm so sorry to hear about sweet little Ellen, how absolutely horrible that these sweet little babies all perished because of the unthinking, uncaring actions of a would be rescuer. I'm praying for her 50 cats at home and for any more kitties that have the unfortune of ending up in a transport she is involved with.It may be a good idea to post the facts about the transport to any lists you belong to so anyone thinking of using her as one of their resources in the future can be aware of the horrible outcome of this run. Just state the facts clearly and unbaisedly as you know them so you can't be accused of slandering her. Anyone considering her services in the future should know that they may want to think twice about it.My deepest sympathies for all the heartache you have recently gone through, it certainly is a test of
 your strength, but please think about throwing in the towel. I'd hate to see the lady who so callously disregarded the lives of the animals in her care be the reason someone as wonderful and caring as you can no longer help those sweet innocents.She isn't worth all those lives that would not in the future be saved by you :)-- BelindaHappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kitties ...http://www.bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candle Light Servicehttp://www.bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting & web design)http://HostDesign4U.com---BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)http://bmk.bemikitties.com

RE: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thank you."Doljan, Joan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Puff, my little FELV+ gal, was fine for 2 years and then went down hill very rapidly as well.  I, too , kept thinking that maybe she was just a carrier.  I am so sorry.


-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 12:37 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE: Please add Butternut to the CLS
Thanks, Joan.  He has done so well for so long that I was thinking about having him re-tested thinking that he might have thrown off the virus.  Guess he didn't."Doljan, Joan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 


Susan,
 
I am so sorry about Butternut (what a sweet name).  I am  glad that he had a bit of time with you, before he succumbed to this horrible disease.
 
Joan


-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 12:28 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Please add Butternut to the CLS
Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks.

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thanks, Julie - I wonder if they are laughing at us for the names we come up with!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
I am so sorry for your loss; my heart breaks for you.  How wonderful that Butternut was lucky enough to join your family and spend his too-short life surrounded by love.  I hope your memories will comfort you and I know how terribly hard it is, but I also hope you can celebrate his life and not simply mourn his passing.  I'm sure he's found Tater Tot and they're having a grand time and speculating about why we're so fond of food-related names.
 
Take care of yourself.
 
Love, Julie
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks."I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thank you, Nina - what comforting words.  I hope your Gracie's health will improve and then remain good permanently.  Right now I have 8 feleuk babies - babies, to me, being from Cheyenne who is 6 months old and Daisy who is 8 months old to Valley who is around 5!  Daisy is one of my "library cats" who comes to work (a school) with me.  All the kids love her and they know about feline leukemia and know that she may have a shortened life, but for now she is 100% healthy and quite a little Princess when she is here getting everyone's attention!Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Oh Susan, I'm so sorry about Butternut. What a story. Such a special boy! What a miracle that he found his way to you! I wish I could be there to hold your hand and try and comfort you. His time was too short, but filled with love and belonging. What a wonderful gift to have given each other. Such a terrible loss.My felv babies were born with it too. I know the fear of living with the knowledge that any day could be the day they take a downturn they won't recover from. At 3 1/2 years old, and "wonderfully healthy and happy" all that time, you must have been hoping that somehow he had escaped the fate of so many others. I know MC says we should never say "I know how you feel", but I truly believe I do. There are 3 remaining kittens from my litter of 6 bottle babies still with us, (they're now approaching 2 yrs). Two of them are, like
 Butternut, perfectly healthy and happy. Gracie, as you may remember from my posts, has been sick off and on again since she was about 5 mos old. I do know what it's like to live with the dread and the optimism they inspire. It makes no difference that they live "longer than expected". It hurts like hell to lose them. Keep your heart and mind open to the signs that Butternut is still with you. Watch your other kitties for behaviors that you would only have expected from him. It's comforting to know they are still with us in spirit, but so very hard to adjust to the absence of their physical presence. Give yourself time and the permission to grieve.You did right by him all his young life. From the moment you heard about him, until the moment you released him from the suffering that he would have endured had you not. You loved him fully and he returned your love. Bless you for being such a good mom.NinaSusan Loesch
 wrote:> Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease. He was 3 1/2 years> old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but> is wasn't long enough. It never is, is it. >> I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the> northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of> cats were left at a trailer park of some sort. It was in the news that a> vet had been hired to euthanize them all.>> 2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done> -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut,> who tested positive for feleuk. Since I already had feleuk babies,> including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were> the same age as Butternut, I took him. He has been wonderfully healthy> and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life.>
 > Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost > the use of> his hind legs. We chose to free him before he began to really suffer. > I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of> our feleuk babies. Thanks.

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Hmmm.   I've also got Popcorn and Creamsicle and last fall lost Orange Julius!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

I'll bet they are, Susan!  "Those Mom's of ours were always thinking about FOOD"!
 
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thanks, Julie - I wonder if they are laughing at us for the names we come up with!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Dear Susan,
 
I am so sorry for your loss; my heart breaks for you.  How wonderful that Butternut was lucky enough to join your family and spend his too-short life surrounded by love.  I hope your memories will comfort you and I know how terribly hard it is, but I also hope you can celebrate his life and not simply mourn his passing.  I'm sure he's found Tater Tot and they're having a grand time and speculating about why we're so fond of food-related names.
 
Take care of yourself.
 
Love, Julie
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks."I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

How neat!  My Creamsicle was my foster kitty but he ended up being the little one who sleeps curled up in my arms every night - and on top of me every time I sit down - so he isn't going anywhere!  Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

I have a 'Creamsicle', too!!! Yummy!Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Hmmm.   I've also got Popcorn and Creamsicle and last fall lost Orange Julius!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

I'll bet they are, Susan!  "Those Mom's of ours were always thinking about FOOD"!
 
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thanks, Julie - I wonder if they are laughing at us for the names we come up with!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Dear Susan,
 
I am so sorry for your loss; my heart breaks for you.  How wonderful that Butternut was lucky enough to join your family and spend his too-short life surrounded by love.  I hope your memories will comfort you and I know how terribly hard it is, but I also hope you can celebrate his life and not simply mourn his passing.  I'm sure he's found Tater Tot and they're having a grand time and speculating about why we're so fond of food-related names.
 
Take care of yourself.
 
Love, Julie
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks."I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS - MISSED EMAILS (group)

Thanks, Cherie.  And I am glad you are doing better and have welcomed Baby into your life!Cherie A Gabbert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

To the group...
I am sorry for all the missed condolences, I have been down for two days and this is the first email that has come through from the site.
 
I am sorry for all your recent losses, Susan Butternut sounds precious and I am sure out of pain.
 
On an up note, I have brought a new baby into my house her name is "Baby" and she is just an itsy bitsy thing, I will have her picture up on my website starting Sept 1stshe was not planned but very loved ;-))
 
Sorry I have been out of touch, I have been really sick for about two months now and I am just recovering
Big huggs all around
CherieSusan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

How neat!  My Creamsicle was my foster kitty but he ended up being the little one who sleeps curled up in my arms every night - and on top of me every time I sit down - so he isn't going anywhere!  Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

I have a 'Creamsicle', too!!! Yummy!Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Hmmm.   I've also got Popcorn and Creamsicle and last fall lost Orange Julius!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

I'll bet they are, Susan!  "Those Mom's of ours were always thinking about FOOD"!
 
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thanks, Julie - I wonder if they are laughing at us for the names we come up with!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Dear Susan,
 
I am so sorry for your loss; my heart breaks for you.  How wonderful that Butternut was lucky enough to join your family and spend his too-short life surrounded by love.  I hope your memories will comfort you and I know how terribly hard it is, but I also hope you can celebrate his life and not simply mourn his passing.  I'm sure he's found Tater Tot and they're having a grand time and speculating about why we're so fond of food-related names.
 
Take care of yourself.
 
Love, Julie
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks."I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 
Have a purrfect day
Cherie

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thanks so much, Terri.  I know he is more comfortable now.Terri Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:





So many losses -- hugs to you.
 
Goodnight, sweet Butternut...
 
=^..^= Terri, Salome', Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth and Alec =^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

- Original Message ----- 
From: Susan Loesch 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 12:28 PM
Subject: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks.

Re: Ewok

2005-08-26 Thread Susan Loesch

Definitely!  GOOD LUCK![EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Sorry, forgot to mention that he has a vet appointment in about anhour...wish us luck!! :)Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will beunique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; Youbecome responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine deSaint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will knoweach other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief DanGeorge

Re: Ewok has a tumor... :(

2005-08-26 Thread Susan Loesch

Give that sweet boy a big hug from me and my feleuk gang - he will be in my prayers.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Damn, damn, damn...but I can't tell you guys enough how so very proud of this little man I am...my vet was able to get us into the oncologist's office straight away and it was confirmed that he has lymphosarcoma in his chest cavity. He went through his first round of chemo this morning (everything has happened so fast...I'll probably be hitting the wine supply shortly...forget going back to work! ;) )...anyhoo, all we can do now is wait and see how the tumor responds. My vet was actually quite impressed with his overall health (bloodwork, etc.) that she even retested him for leukemia to see if he hadn't thrown the virus off...but, unfortunately, he's still coming up positive. No mattter, though, he seems to be pretty upbeat irregardless...incessently grooming all his shaved spots...if all goes well, the oncologist says perhaps six to
 eight months (although he treated a feleuk guy who's going on 2 years remission), and I'll take it seeing as though, for these Feleuk guys, 6 months is a lifetime...Thank you all so much for your good wishes, they truly mean the world to me, especially in the days ahead!Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief Dan George

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thanks, Tonya.  It always helps that people remember him and acknowledge his precious, altho way too short, life.catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Susan,
 
I'm so sorry for your loss.  I know there's nothing I can say to make it better for you to deal with, but I'm sorry.
 
tonyaSusan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thanks so much, Terri.  I know he is more comfortable now.Terri Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 





So many losses -- hugs to you.
 
Goodnight, sweet Butternut...
 
=^..^= Terri, Salome', Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth and Alec =^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

----- Original Message - 
From: Susan Loesch 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 12:28 PM
Subject: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Yesterday I lost Butternut to this evil disease.  He was 3 1/2 years old - so I know he has lived longer than most babies born positive - but is wasn't long enough.  It never is, is it.  I am in Arkansas and over 3 years ago there was a situation in the northern part of the state - out in the sticks somewhere - where lots of cats were left at a trailer park of some sort.  It was in the news that a vet had been hired to euthanize them all.2 members of our rescue group headed up there to see what could be done -- all they managed to save was one little orange tabby boy, Butternut, who tested positive for feleuk.  Since I already had feleuk babies, including Gloria's Mittens and my Leader and their littermates, who were the same age as Butternut, I took him.  He has been wonderfully healthy and happy and very much loved for the whole of his short life. 
 
Over the last couple of days he went downhill fast and yesterday lost the use of his hind legs.  We chose to free him before he began to really suffer.  I know he is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Mittens and the rest of our feleuk babies.  Thanks.

Re: Please add Butternut to the CLS

Thanks, Michelle.  I agree, tho, quick is better for him.  He was such a wonderful fella - but then, what orange tabby isn't![EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


I am really sorry. The speed of his deterioration is shocking. But it is better for him that it was quick, I know. I really am so sorry. As you probably know, I lost my orange tabby boy Simon this past February and it was and is very hard.  I still dream about him often at night.
Michelle

Please add Big Rik to the special needs list

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks

RE: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list

Thanks, Joan.  I am not ready to lose him!"Doljan, Joan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Susan,
 
Healing vibes from all my guys to Big Rik.
Joan


-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Monday, August 29, 2005 11:29 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list
Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks

Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list

Thanks!  I'll pass that hug on to Big Rik this evening![EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Big hugs to you and Big Rik (love his name)! You guys are in my thoughts!Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will beunique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; Youbecome responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine deSaint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will knoweach other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief DanGeorge- Original Message -From: Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Date: Monday, August 29, 2005 10:29 amSubject: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list> Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list. > He has
 been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but > incredibly healthy. He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to > need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are > getting week and unsteady. He's a really fine old fella, felv > negative. thanks>

Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list

Thanks!  He really has had an awesome life - and I only adopted him when he was 15.  He'd had one owner from the time he was a kitten - adopted from Ft. Worth, TX shelter.  Walked into my house, looked around and just decided he was home.  No adjustment problems!Barb Moermond <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

What a fabulous life span!  Sending GLOW to keep him happy, well grumpy:) and to keep your time together good.Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanksBarb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous
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Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list

I will definitely do that!  It gives me hope that maybe he can stabilize and make it to 20!  thanks.Belinda Sauro <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi Susan,Have his pottasium checked, kitties that are in early stages of kidney failure can get backend weakness because of not enough pottasium. The fact that Big Rik is only just now having dehyrdation issues has to be in his favor, he must have one very healthy immune system!!-- BelindaHappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kitties ...http://www.bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candle Light Servicehttp://www.bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting & web design)http://HostDesign4U.com---BMK Designs (non-profit web sites)http://bmk.bemikitties.com

Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.  I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think that in itself is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way fast
 enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
 
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".  Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty glucosamine/condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I think I'll try it again for him.
 
http://www.zukes.com/cats/
 
Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely 'what a drag it is getting old...'
 
Love, Julie  Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

Thank you.  He surely did have a long and happy life!Barb Moermond <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Susan,
What a glorious life he had and you were privileged to share part of it with him.  Our thoughts and tears are with you
 
<<<<>>>>>Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.  I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think that in itself is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way fast
 enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
 
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".  Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty glucosamine/condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I think I'll try it again for him.
 
http://www.zukes.com/cats/
 
Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely 'what a drag it is getting old...'
 
Love, Julie  Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous


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Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

Thanks, Gloria - I started to call you when I got to work this morning and then decided it was too early.  He really went downhill fast.  But we know there are worse things than going fast.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
SUSAN - Oh my - I'm so sorry. I'm shocked. I just didn't think about Big Rik going so soon. I just can't imagine him gone. Such a sweet, wonderful guy. I know he's going to still hang around your house with you, where he's been for so long. I'm sorry.GloriaOn Aug 31, 2005, at 8:21 AM, Susan Loesch wrote:> Thank you, Julie. Aren't our old guys wonderful. I am so sad to > have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning. > I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet > and added it to his SQ fluids. Late yesterday afternoon he seemed > to rally a bit but it didn't last long. He has had this voracious > appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he > seemed to feel a little better yesterday.. I think that in itself > is a sign of something
 wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I > know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - > that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it > wasn't really a positive thing. He may have had some thyroid > problems to develop or diabetes. Had I not known his kidneys were > so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had > blood work done.) In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way > fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb. I look at > the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.>> Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me. I hope they are around for > many, many years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be > there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club". > Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the > last couple of days I think his kidneys just
 quit. I will > definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have > other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to > Big Rik. Thanks for that information.> Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> Dear Susan,>> Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik! I adore > the grumpy old men! My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure > how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters. My vet > Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the > combination of age and arthritis. I have some kitty glucosamine/ > condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he > really objects to being pilled. This company does have a treat > formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years > old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I > think I'll try it again for
 him.>> http://www.zukes.com/cats/>> Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely > 'what a drag it is getting old...'>> Love, Julie>> Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list. > He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but > incredibly healthy. He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to > need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are > getting week and unsteady. He's a really fine old fella, felv > negative. thanks>>> "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is> to protection by man from the cruelty of man. ">> "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged> by the way its animals are treated.">> Mohandas Gandhi
 (1869-1948)>>> Paws Come WITH Claws!!!>> If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think > your decision to acquire a pet.> __> Do You Yahoo!?> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around> http://mail.yahoo.com

RE: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

Thank you Kerry. And he did have such a long life - I feel almost ashamed of being upset over losing a kitty who nearly reached 20years.  All of us who have feleuk babies would kill for a lifespan of even half that for them, I know.  Mylittle Butternut who died last week at 3 1/2 - long for a feleuk pos kitten but wow, to have had 19 1/2 years with him, or my other feleuk babies - Daisy, Leader, Valley, Misty Morning, Jingles, and little Carla - who is over 2 years old but is the size of an 8 week old kitten and going down hill.  I feel like I should apoligize to them for feeling sad about Rik.  "MacKenzie, Kerry N." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Dear Susan
While I haven't had a chance to post myself, I've been following your posts as much as possible and am so sorry to hear you lost your beloved Big Rik. At least, unlike so many of our kitties, he did have a full and long life as well as being a much-loved little fella. I know how much you're going to miss your sweet guy and hope all the good memories of him bring you comfort in the weeks to come.
take care, Kerry

-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 8:22 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died
Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.  I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think that in itself is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the! way
 fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
 
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".  Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty glucosamine/condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I think I'll try it again for him.
 
http://www.zukes.com/cats/
 
Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely 'what a drag it is getting old...'
 
Love, Julie  Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 


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Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

Thanks, Julie.  I can just picture Big Rik resting on that soft cloud - telling everyone what he thinks in that growly, yowly voice of his!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
How very sorry I am for your loss; what a deep and special bond you and Big Rik must have developed over 19.5 years.  What an extraordinary life!  Still, it's never enough time when it's time for them to leave us, is it?  I know what you mean about that bite; I have scratches down my inner arm from Tater Tot during his seizures on the way to the ER and I think they will scar and I hope they do.  I will think of him everyday and when I look at those scars I will not think of the end of his life, but what a joyful boy he was when he was here.  You must have so many wonderful memories of Big Rik to process.  I can easily imagine all our old 'grumpies' on the special super-duper-soft cloud.  
 
A big hug from me and extra-strength headbutts from Tommy and Sunny; we'll light a candle for Big Rik tonight.
 
Take care.
 
Love, Julie
 
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.  I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think that in itself is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way fast
 enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
 
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".  Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty glucosamine/condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I think I'll try it again for him.
 
http://www.zukes.com/cats/
 
Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely 'what a drag it is getting old...'
 
Love, Julie  Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

RE: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

Thanks, Kerry.  What you say makes me feel better - I have been surprised at the amount of "guilt" I've felt - especially looking at little feleuk+ Carla who is undoubtedly going to be the next to go - so very early in her life."MacKenzie, Kerry N." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Dear Susan--I hear what you're saying, and I'm pretty sure I'd be feeling similar "guilt" if it were me---BUT how wrong I would be!
Big Rik's long, full life is truly something to be celebrated, with NO apology necessary---to anyone!  Also--and I can only speak for myself here--I feel that the longer you have them the more painful in many ways the loss is, and the harder it is to accept that they've gone. It's truly wonderful that Big Rik lived to such a ripe old age, and unquestionable that the sweet little furball is going to leave behind him a huge gap.until all the good memories come flooding back as, of course, they surely and eventually, will. 
love & hugs to you and Big Rik, in his peaceful resting-place, and to all your furballs, Kerry
 

-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 9:54 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died
Thank you Kerry. And he did have such a long life - I feel almost ashamed of being upset over losing a kitty who nearly reached 20years.  All of us who have feleuk babies would kill for a lifespan of even half that for them, I know.  Mylittle Butternut who died last week at 3 1/2 - long for a feleuk pos kitten but wow, to have had 19 1/2 years with him, or my other feleuk babies - Daisy, Leader, Valley, Misty Morning, Jingles, and little Carla - who is over 2 years old but is the size of an 8 week old kitten and going down hill.  I feel like I should apoligize to them for feeling sad about Rik.  "MacKenzie, Kerry N." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 


Dear Susan
While I haven't had a chance to post myself, I've been following your posts as much as possible and am so sorry to hear you lost your beloved Big Rik. At least, unlike so many of our kitties, he did have a full and long life as well as being a much-loved little fella. I know how much you're going to miss your sweet guy and hope all the good memories of him bring you comfort in the weeks to come.
take care, Kerry

-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 8:22 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died
Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.  I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think that in itself is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the! ! way
 fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
 
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".  Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty glucosamine/condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I

Re: Oklahoma City - 4 sweet leukemia kitties in a desperate situation

gloria, that would work.  I will take one.  [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Maybe if four of us takes one kitty each ...Begin forwarded message:> From: "Jennifer Dennis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> Date: August 29, 2000 9:22:12 PM CDT> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> Subject: [PurringPixieCatResource] 4 sweet leukemia kitties in a > desperate situation> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]>> Hi,>> I am in desperate need of help for 4 sweet kitties who are positive > for FELV. I worked as a vet tech in Oklahoma City for 6 years. > During that time, I saw a lot of animals put to sleep that could > have lived long, healthy lives. I could not bear to see these 4 > sweet leukemia cats be put to death who were not sick, they just > tested positive for leukemia. So, I took them home with me to keep > them from being
 euthanized. I also have other cats who are not > leukemia positive. I gave these leukemia cats a large bedroom > where they have been living for the past couple of years.>> The problem I have now was totally unavoidable and unplanned. I > became pregnant with quadruplets, and I had enormous problems > throughout the pregnancy. I was hospitalized for 77 days, I went > into labor starting at 18 weeks. My 4 beautiful daughters were > born incredibly premature, and 3 of them died. I have one > surviving daughter who is on oxygen and suffers from respiratory > distress syndrome, she also has bronchio-pulmonary disease and > requires a heart monitor 24 hours a day, and she also has partial > liver failure and brittle bones. She spent 3 months in the > hospital, too, and has recently been released. I lost my job > during all of this, and I cannot go back to work because she cannot > go
 to daycare with her medical problems. We are now losing our > house. I have found places for all of my cats to go except the > leukemia cats, and I cannot take them with me to the inlaws' > house. I have not had any luck in finding a place for these sweet > leukemia cats to go. I cannot allow them to be put to sleep. I > think it is just wrong. I love these cats very much and they > deserve to go to a place where they will be loved and not put to > death. If anyone can help these kitties, please let me know as > soon as possible. We do not have the money to stay in this house > and we are quickly running out of time and options. (We are in > Oklahoma City.)>> Jennifer

Re: Hideyo and Kerry, Susan and Gloria

Are we talking about two situations here - a mom and babies that Hideyo saved plus the 4 in Oklahoma that Jennifer Dennis is having to relinquish?  (Jennifer's email is [EMAIL PROTECTED])    It is correct that I will take one of the Oklahoma 4 - I think all are adults??   Gloria and I are both in Little Rock, AR - a transport could be worked out, I think.  My contact info in addition to [EMAIL PROTECTED] is 501-416-7547 (cell).Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hey Girls!
 
I'm having some weird things go on with email, too, and it seems like I'm only getting some messages.  From what I can piece together, Hideyo, you saved a mom and babies, and Kerry, Susan and Gloria are all willing to give a home to a kitty?
 
You're the absolute best; everyone of you is a HERO!
 
Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.


Yahoo! Mail for MobileTake Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone.

RE: Hideyo and Kerry, Susan and Gloria

Good for you - and for the kitties.  I don't remember seeing any other situation than the 4 in Oklahoma but I might have missed it.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:









Actually, mine are all taken care of as I am keeping them all with me (for now anyway)  thank you for asking  but I thought there was another situation  let me read back all the postings to see if thats the case..
 




From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 12:59 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Hideyo and Kerry, Susan and Gloria
 

Are we talking about two situations here - a mom and babies that Hideyo saved plus the 4 in Oklahoma that Jennifer Dennis is having to relinquish?  (Jennifer's email is [EMAIL PROTECTED])    It is correct that I will take one of the Oklahoma 4 - I think all are adults??   Gloria and I are both in Little Rock, AR - a transport could be worked out, I think.  My contact info in addition to [EMAIL PROTECTED] is 501-416-7547 (cell).Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 wrote: 

Hey Girls!

 

I'm having some weird things go on with email, too, and it seems like I'm only getting some messages.  From what I can piece together, Hideyo, you saved a mom and babies, and Kerry, Susan and Gloria are all willing to give a home to a kitty?

 

You're the absolute best; everyone of you is a HERO!

 

Love, Julie
"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 



Yahoo! Mail for MobileTake Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone.

Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

2005-09-01 Thread Susan Loesch

Thank you, Terri.  He will always have a very special place iin my heart.Terri Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:





How horrible.  Big hugs to you.
 
Goodnight, Big Rik...
 
=^..^= Terri, Salome', Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth and Alec =^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died
SUSAN - Oh my - I'm so sorry.  I'm shocked.  I just didn't think  about Big Rik going so soon.  I just can't imagine him gone.  Such a  sweet, wonderful guy.  I know he's going to still hang around your  house with you, where he's been for so long.  I'm sorry.GloriaOn Aug 31, 2005, at 8:21 AM, Susan Loesch wrote:> Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to  > have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.   > I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet  > and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed  > to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious  > appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he  > seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think
 that in itself  > is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I  > know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost -  > that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it  > wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid  > problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were  > so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had  > blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way  > fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at  > the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.>> Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for  > many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be  > there waitiing for them - they
 can have the "old folks club".   > Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the  > last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will  > definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have  > other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to  > Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.> Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:> Dear Susan,>> Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore  > the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure  > how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet  > Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the  > combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty
 glucosamine/ > condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he  > really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat  > formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years  > old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I  > think I'll try it again for him.>> http://www.zukes.com/cats/>> Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely  > 'what a drag it is getting old...'>> Love, Julie>> Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:> Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.   > He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but  > incredibly
 healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to  > need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are  > getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv  > negative.  thanks>>> "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is> to protection by man from the cruelty of man. ">> "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged> by the way its animals are treated.">> Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)>>> Paws Come WITH Claws!!!>> If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think  > your decision to acquire a pet.> __> Do You Yahoo!?> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around> http://mail.yahoo.com

RE: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has di ed

2005-09-01 Thread Susan Loesch

Thanks, Joan - and now, a day later, I can focus more on his gain - free of an old body that was just worn out - than on my loss."Doljan, Joan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Susan,
 
I am so sorry about Big Rik. He seemed to be a special guy. I know that he now is in a special place and in your heart.
 
Joan


-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan LoeschSent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 10:34 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died
Thank you, Terri.  He will always have a very special place iin my heart.Terri Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 





How horrible.  Big hugs to you.
 
Goodnight, Big Rik...
 
=^..^= Terri, Salome', Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth and Alec =^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died
SUSAN - Oh my - I'm so sorry.  I'm shocked.  I just didn't think  about Big Rik going so soon.  I just can't imagine him gone.  Such a  sweet, wonderful guy.  I know he's going to still hang around your  house with you, where he's been for so long.  I'm sorry.GloriaOn Aug 31, 2005, at 8:21 AM, Susan Loesch wrote:> Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to  > have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.   > I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet  > and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed  > to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious  > appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he  > seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think
 that in itself  > is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I  > know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost -  > that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it  > wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid  > problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were  > so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had  > blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way  > fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at  > the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.>> Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for  > many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be  > there waitiing for them - they
 can have the "old folks club".   > Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the  > last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will  > definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have  > other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to  > Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.> Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:> Dear Susan,>> Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore  > the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure  > how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet  > Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the  > combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty
 glucosamine/ > condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he  > really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat  > formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years  > old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I  > think I'll try it again for him.>> http://www.zukes.com/cats/>> Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely  > 'what a drag it is getting old...'>> Love, Julie>> Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:> Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.   > He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but  > incredibly
 healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to  > need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are  > getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv  > negative.  thanks>>> "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is> to protection by man from the cruelty of man. ">> "The greatness

Re: pet victims of Katrina

2005-09-01 Thread Susan Loesch

Also the ASPCA www.aspca.org - they are trying to help shelters who need it; Alley Cat Allies (feral cats) www.alleycat.org; Humane Soc of US (www.hsus.org)  They have disaster teams who are already on location.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

What you were able to do is wonderful, Jen!  I cannot even imagine what conditions there are like; by all accounts it's Hell on earth.  It's heartbreaking and I think of the animals and children and the sick who can't understand what's happened to them.  The only place I know of that is currently soliciting donations specifically  for animal rescue from this horror is www.ifaw.org.
in case anyone is interested.
 
Julie 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Thankfully, most of the animals in those pics have their owner's with them! We actually hit the Houston SPCA and Humane Society here in Houston to drop off food and supplies...The SPCA took in over 250 homeless animals from the Louisiana SPCA and the Humane Society is going hotel-to-hotel, shelter-to-shelter to drop off much needed food for other animal-refugees! We actually ran into another woman at Sam's Club who saw our cart-load of food and mentioned that word went out at Petsmart and Petco about the SPCA's call for food and donations for the refugees...so the woman immediately picked up about 500 lbs. of food and dropped it off at the shelter...it's good to know that the animals haven't been forgotten in this tragedy!"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To
 me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief Dan George



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9133876
 
Opens a link to click on to view the images of some of the pets in the storm. I know it's been discussed, wasn't sure anyone had seen the pictures. And these are only a few from ONE network. Lots of animals trapped on roofs and in houses.
Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.htmlAdopt a cat from UCAT rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html  Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/AWrescue/FIV/http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.htmlAdopt a FELV+ cat:http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html"Saving one animal won't make a difference in the world, but it will make a world of difference for that one animal."~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of
 formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil!
 
If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil!No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/86 - Release Date: 8/31/2005"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
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Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

2005-09-02 Thread Susan Loesch

Thanks, Michele.  I will always treasure those last hours with him.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


I am so sorry. It sounds like he had a final rally his last day. That happens a lot. It is wonderful for him that he felt so good in his last day.
Michelle

Re: Please add Big Rik to the special needs list - Big Rik has died

2005-09-02 Thread Susan Loesch

Thanks, Tonya.  I am glad, too, that I was holding him.  I think for his last few hours he was only semi-conscious but I hope he could feel my arms and hear my voice.catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Susan,
 
I'm so sorry you lost Big Rik.  I'm glad he went at home in your arms though.
 
tonyaSusan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Thank you, Julie.  Aren't our old guys wonderful.  I am so sad to have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.  I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet and added it to his SQ fluids.   Late yesterday afternoon he seemed to rally a bit but it didn't last long.  He has had this voracious appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he seemed to feel a little better yesterday..  I think that in itself is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost - that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it wasn't really  a positive thing.  He may have had some thyroid problems to develop or diabetes.  Had I not known his kidneys were so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had blood work done.)   In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way fast
 enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb.  I look at the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
 
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me.  I hope they are around for many, many  years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".  Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit.   I will definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to Big Rik.  Thanks for that information.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Susan,
 
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik!  I adore the grumpy old men!  My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters.  My vet Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the combination of age and arthritis.  I have some kitty glucosamine/condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he really objects to being pilled.  This company does have a treat formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I think I'll try it again for him.
 
http://www.zukes.com/cats/
 
Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely 'what a drag it is getting old...'
 
Love, Julie  Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.  He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but incredibly healthy.  He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are getting week and unsteady.  He's a really fine old fella, felv negative.  thanks"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: CLS

2005-09-06 Thread Susan Loesch

Terri, I'm so sorry about Macon.  FIP is such a difficult thing to deal with - I always feel helpless when I come up against it.Terri Durham-Stone <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
For another sibling of Albany - "Macon" he was just a little over 4months FELV pos, he was pts on Thursday Sept 1st from FIP - he couldhardly walk and his eyes told me it was time - He is out of any pain nowand with his brother and other friends.4 left of the litter - there was only one that was negative for FELVheavy heart in Oakdale, CATerrips trying to look at my glass half full - sometimes this is hard whenall this is happeningTerri Durham-StoneSafe a Life "Spay and Neuter"Live well, Love much, Laugh Often

Re: CLS for Marie Cat

2005-09-06 Thread Susan Loesch

Tad, I'm so sorry.  How wonderfull, tho, that her death was so easy - and to be able to say that she was comfortable and happy right up to the end.  I know there is a big hole in your heart.Tad Burnett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Sadly my Marie Cat passed away quietly last evening..9/4/2005...She was a beautiful Russian Blue...She was my first FeLV+ cat..I brought her home almost 2 years ago to the dayShe was thought to be near 16 years old but she was picked up as a stray and we don't know for sure..I rescued her with a group of 4 cats all starving and eaten by fleas..Marie was very down and they didn't think she would survived the 300 mile trip home but i wanted to give her a chance...I didn't know they were FeLV+ until I took them to my vet and that is when I decided to start my FeLV+ room..I lost one of the kittens is a short time but her brother is still here...Marie has always acted like an old cat but got around and had her favorite spots in sunny windows and on the soft rug on the breeze way...She enjoyed both those spots yesterday...About a week ago she
 started drinking a lot of water and then throwing up...I put her on an A/D diet and she seemed fine for a couple days then started not eating...She excepted some from a suringe but not enough...Last evening she only wanted about 10 cc and then wanted to get in the window over my bed...I had to help her climb up there...She stayed there for a couple hours then came down beside me where she always slept and before long she had passed onI might have been able to do more to extend her life but she was old and she was comfortable and happy right up to the end...She was a very special cat, like all the others too, and she will remain in my heart forever Tad

Re: Sad News

2005-09-06 Thread Susan Loesch

Oh, Julie, such a lot of bad stuff all at once.  Hugs and healing wishes to Mandy, Paulie and Cosmo.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Everyone,
 
I have some sad news to share.  First, Mandy's biopsies are back and she has oral squamous cell carcinoma.  The entire back of her tongue is involved.  We are consulting a surgeon, but her prognosis is very poor, indeed.  The surgery would be horrendous (possibly removing part of her jaw, too), followed by radiation therapy.  Even with this extreme treatment, the recurrance rate for this kind of cancer is very high; I understand sometimes within just a couple of months.  Mandy is a sweet little girl (Tater Tot's sister) who loves to come visit on her terms, but does not like being handled.  Medicating her and syringe-feeding are nearly impossible.  I'm not sure at this point what we will do or not do.
 
Paulie, (the father of Mandy and Tater) is 7 years old and is in renal failure.
He is feral and although I can capture him when I have to, I would need to keep him in his own room to get treatment.  When he had the corneal ulcer, it was a much different story and we had a treatment plan and a projected outcome.  For CRF, I can't see imposing that on him just to keep him a bit longer.  He is eating again and seems a bit more like himself (won't let me pet him!) so we'll just see how he does.
 
Cosmo has a dislocated ankle and according to the consulting radiologist, it cannot be splinted.  He would need surgery to have the bones fused and he would then have a stiff leg that he couldn't bend at the wrist.  I have to investigate this more, because we all agree that he is starting to put more weight on the leg and the bones may actually be fusing in this position which is not much different than it would be after surgery.  Again, not sure how we will proceed for him.  He does not seem to be in any pain; you can move his leg every which-way and he does not make a peep or try to pull his paw away.  He just obviously favors the leg.
 
I'm just overwhelmed by all this.  It's breaking my heart. Having so many cats, I knew that a day would likely come when I had several who were ill all at the same time, and that has certainly happened before.  I've not faced or dealt with so many probably being terminal, though.  I suppose one can never fully prepare for that emotionally.  
 
Thanks for listening, everyone, and please keep my "kids" in your thoughts.
 
Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.


Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Re: Geroge's passing

2005-09-07 Thread Susan Loesch

Hideyo, I'm so sorry about George and I will pray for his continued peace.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi, my beloved George whom I rescued two month ago crossed the bridge yesterday he had a very labored breathing for the past few days, the vet felt that he was having a hard time overcoming URI due to the compromised immune system from FIV he had been so well, he had a very good appetite.. but he never could really gain weight. He was very jaundiced and yellow ness did not really go away,, but he was doing so good..though,, Since he is a feral boy,, I really did not want to stress him out taking him to a vet all the time..though. I did sense the his last days might have been approaching as I felt that it must have been painful to breath so heavily.. and he was getting so skinny regardless of his appetitethe vet thought that his throat was very inflamed, and was going to call him the first thing yesterday morning to see if I could give him predisone but he did not make it
-
I must have know that something was going to happen that morning, because I couldnt sleep since 4 am that day..I was so nervous and was wide awake, kept thinking of George I would go check the room and see how he was doing.. and would go back (he would get stressed more if I were around since he is a feral boy).. so I would go back,, one time, I heard really loud breathing, and I saw him trying to eat the food from the plate.. so I wanted to leave him alone so he could eat.. so I did.. and an half hour later or an hour.. I went back into the room.. and I did not hear his breathing noise in the room.. I got so scared and I looked around..and called his name..and he was lying on the floor by the food plate with his eyes and mouth open.. and I ran over to him and held him he was still warm.. but he had passed already.. I cried and cried and held him, and I wrapped him with a blanket..
and put him on the table by the window. He looked so painful with his eyes and mouth were open.. and I wish that they werent.. but then, an interesting thing happened.. I went back to visit George by the window in the room an half hour later .. and this time.. his eyes and mouth were completely closed and he looked so peaceful.. looked like he was just sleeping..with no more pain
I have lots of regrets for thing I have done or I havent done for George.. things that I would regret for the rest of my lives and things that ended up shortening his lives and things that I would never forgive myself for.. but. I talked to Jasmine, my AC this morning and she talked to George for me.. and I still feel very sad, but I also feel very peaceful. George is doing fabulous right now, he said... he is a little sad.. but he is feeling very good. We talked about a lot of things.. but at the end he told me that.. dont think that he is just a little helpless cat,, he is much more.. especially now,, he is free, and he can be an advisor for me --- as I do have a tendency to try to control every situation I encounter.. and I beat up myself when I cant for..so anyway, he gave me some advise which I found very very helpful to continue my life..
George said that he would like to meet me again,, probably not in my life time I left the conversation, asking him that if he would talk to me again.. and he said yes.. I told him that I love him and will miss him very much. And at the end,, he told me that he loves me, too. George has been always a little feral boy.. and it meant the world to me to know that he loves me.I buried him at his favorite spot in the garden.. the place he used to hang out
Thank for all the prayers you have given for George in the past now George has passed..please pray that George will be continue to be happy, and continue to have a good life and that some dayI will meet him soon.
Hideyo

Re: Update on Princess Grace

2005-09-07 Thread Susan Loesch

You've got it - from me and from my feleuk+ Daisy who is sitting in my lap. Lots of prayers and good vibrations for sweet Grace and you, too.Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Grace and I could use your prayers and good vibrations. She has been feeling poorly the last couple of months. Usually when she feels crummy I put her on a round of Dox, and she feels better almost immediately. Not so, this time. I put her on Dox and she didn't improve significantly. I took her off of Dox and started the five day protocol of Virbagen Omega, (injections of feline interferon, 1x daily). Again, she improved slightly, but not significantly. After the 4th day, I stopped the VO and put her back on Dox. She's been getting the Dox again for about a week, she continues to improve, but is still not herself. I've also been giving her oral interferon (chasing the Dox pill with it), transfer factor, Lysine, Co-Q10 etc. Her appetite is off, so I had to stop the supplements to get her to eat. I'm going to try some transdermal
Cyproheptadine to see if it helps her eat more. You may think I'm crazy, (so what's new?), but I talked to two different ACs that told me they did not think there were any tumors involved, or problems with any of her internal organs, just a feeling of general malaise. I had an appointment with our Internist today, but Grace seems to have improved more in the last couple of days, so I canceled it. It was a difficult decision to make. Grace suffers greatly from the stress involved in a visit to the vet and knowing that there would be several different tests involved to determine what is going on with her... Well, I just decided not to put her through it. There's been too many times that after the trauma and expense, nothing new has been learned. I don't feel completely confident in this decision, but if she doesn't continue to improve I can still bring her in later. I'm waiting for a call from the vet to discuss a different
antibiotic in case Grace has finally built a resistance to Doxycycline. For heavens sake, we don't even know why Dox has worked for her! Anyway, if you could take a moment to think of my Grace and wish her well, it would be greatly appreciated.Nina

Re: Another one - Bridge

2005-09-09 Thread Susan Loesch

I can just see those pretty emerald eyes in a sweet tabby face - and I am so sorry she didn't make it.  Prayers for you and Marietta, and high hopes for Athens and Atlanta.  Terri Durham-Stone <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Sad news - Marietta (the only female in the litter) had to be pts today- she was not breathing hardly at all. Not sure if FIP or not butshe was suffering but now she isn't - doesn't make it any easier, I amgoing to miss her sweet little face rubbing my leg and arm when it wasfeeding time .This is just making me ill,, been losing one a week - 3 gone in 3weeks. Atlanta will be next ,, I can see it in his eyes. Athens isreally active, alert - eating well and not at all skinny like his sisteror brothers. He just might beat this and then it will all be worthit. There are 3 siblings left, 2 FelV pos ,, one sibling isnegative, I watch him like a hawk, he seems fine though.TerriPlease add her to the candle lite service April 3, 2005 - Sept 8, 2005She was a grey tabby with emerald green eyes. She is the sister ofAlbany
 and Macon.--Terri Durham-StoneSafe a Life "Spay and Neuter"Live well, Love much, Laugh Often

Re: Our Beautiful Salome'

2005-09-16 Thread Susan Loesch

Terri, I love the Daddy's Girl picture on your web site.  I know you both are grieving and I send you hugs and prayers.Terri Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:




Maybe this is what I get for bragging.
 
Our Big Beautiful Girl, her Daddy's Salome', has left us for the Rainbow Bridge as of 10:15 AM this morning.
 
She had been doing so well -- was sick only once in her whole life, last summer.  She got over that URI all by herself, without antibiotic.  She stopped eating just about 5 days ago.  No visible reason, but then she started vomiting, and had loose stool.  We finally took her to the vet on Wednesday thinking maybe she had swallowed something that was causing stomach distress.  We checked her for blockage, and ran a blood panel.
 
X-rays were clear.  Some distension due to gas, but no foreign objects or anything.  However, her white cell count was 8, her kidneys were not functioning to capacity, and her liver was in end stage failure.  We brought home an anti-emitic and amoxi-drops, but she still refused to eat, would not allow force feeding, and vomited up the medication.
 
This morning, she had bloody diarrhea and bloody urine.  Her Daddy (my husband Dan) finally saw that he needed to end her pain.  Her bottom was all swollen and leaky and her bones were starting to show.  She was looking hollow -- not much of her left when she would make eye contact.
 
I have a splitting headache.  My husband is weeping, and beating himself up over this, even though we know that she was suffering and is now free from her pains.  Now she is free to romp and play with her sisfurs and her brofurs that have gone before her -- especially her litter-mate Ruthie-Girl, who has been waiting for her sisfur Salome' at the Rainbow Bridge for 9 years.
 
Whether or not she was truly FeLV+ I don't really know -- but I am grateful that I had the privilege of sharing her life on earth.  I thank God that He entrusted her to our care, and that she saw fit to bring us her baby brofur Travis to taker her place in playing with the soda bottle caps and paper bags.  He is so much liker her already, it's scary.  He's like both of them -- Salome' and Ruthie both.
 
The furkid photos link in my signature has pictures of her for any of you who don't remember what she looked like, or for those of you who just want to take another look.
 
To my felvtalk family -- Please add her to the next Candle light service?  I thank God every day that He provided this list.  I don't think I would have gotten through these past 6 years without all of you to fall back on -- in both times of sorrow and in times of joy.
 
Goodnight, my sweet darling Salome'...
 
=^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 6 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec and Salome' =^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

Re: Pet friendly hotels in Arkansas--Rita evacuation!

2005-09-21 Thread Susan Loesch

I know that the Airport Holiday Inn in Little Rock will allow pets - there was a tv spot talking to the manager saying they had dogs, cats and birds - and maybe something else.  They showed bags of donated food they had for the animals.  At the airport there is a Holiday Inn and a Holiday Inn Express - and this was the "regular" one.  I am working with a Gulfport couple who is staying at the Residence Inn in Little Rock - and they have their cat there.  If you come through Little Rock and need a  place for the cats I know we can help.  Plus we know a groomer who will board free and Gloria uses a boarding facility that will help out.  Or the dogs could either stay with me or with Gloria overnight, I'm sure.  Y'all just come on.  You can reach me at 501-416-7547 and Gloria at 501-666-9294.  I'm speaking without asking Gloria but I know she will ditto what I said!Terri Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 wrote:





Positive thoughts coming your way!
 
Terri in NJ
 
=^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec & Salome' =^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 9:19 PM
Subject: Pet friendly hotels in Arkansas--Rita evacuation!
Hi All!Well, it looks like a mandatory evacuation may be scheduled for our area(SE Houston) by Thursday morning due to Rita...I'm hoping beyond hopethat the hurricane will change course, but we're not taking any chances! If we have to leave, the animals are coming with us which means 2 dogs,7 cats and a bearded dragon crammed into two cars...our plan is to headnorth to Indiana where our parents live...but we will probaby make a pitstop in Arkansas overnight...does any one know of any pet friendlyhotels in the state?  I'm hoping that whatever hotel we choose will pityour brood...but you never know!  Wish us luck and pray the hurricanedoesn't do too much damage...and, most of all, keep our Feleuk guys inyour thoughts!Take care,Jen

Re: More good thoughts needed

2005-09-27 Thread Susan Loesch

Many good thoughts and prayers for a solution to be found for Wink - one that will get her healthy!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Friends,
 
Wink has been suffering from a severe ear infection for many weeks.  There was an abcess of the lymph node at one point that required surgery.  She finished her latest round of antibiotics (Panmyacin and Baytril) on Saturday and was back at the vet last night because she is still periodically bleeding and producing pus from the site of the last surgery.  The swelling now has spread to her forehead and the hair there is falling out.  Wendy did see a small growth in the ear when she looked last night so Wink's having surgery and a biopsy today.  They are now unsure if a complete removal of the ear canal will help since the primary problem seems to be a severe, spreading infection that is unresponsive despite having been cultured and the combo antibiotics prescribed.  Wink is her usual tiny, 5lb., happy self and was purring and headbutting everyone.  I'm so worried about her and am just in dread of what news the biopsy might bring.  Please
 keep a good thought for my little girl.
 
Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.
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Re: More news on Wink

2005-09-27 Thread Susan Loesch

Wow, Julie - even tho you don't have anything definite yet what has been found so far sounds like it is leading in a positive direction.  Fingers are crossed pending final results!!Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Everyone,
 
Thank you all for your good thoughts and wishes and, Nina, thank you for that link; I'll surely investigate it.  Wendy called a few minutes ago from the OR, she said she got two good pieces of the growth for biopsy and also found via (x-ray? ultrasound?) Wink has another small growth in the other ear; too deep to biopsy, but it makes me wonder (and she said, too) if these could be polyps or some other benign type of growth.  The other interesting thing she said that might be playing a part in this is that she found one of Wink's  rear teeth (she doesn't have many!) was broken at the gum line (just looked like one of many missing teeth from a quick exam) and the root was still there and terribly infected.  She said she didn't think it accounted for everything that was going on, but said it was suspicious that it's on the side that won't heal.  She thinks the root may have been a constant souce of wicking the bacteria far into the ear, head and
 cheek.  It's very strange because in this very strange year of 2005 something very similar happened to a good friend's dad.  He has a history of heart problems and began having chest, arm and back pain and was rushed to the ER.  He was given the all clear from a cardiac standpoint, yet he continued to feel severe pain to the point that they had to treat him with morphine.  After many, many days in the hospital, it was found that he had an infected root in a back molar (no, the TOOTH did not hurt at all) and it had spread a severe infection throughout his upper torso.  It sounds like something similar could be going on with Wink!  He had to be treated with IV antibiotics (I know there was a reason they said taking them by mouth wouldn't help, but I can't remember it!) and maybe that's why Wink has only had partial response all these weeks.  
 
I'll let you know when I know more.
 
Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.


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RE: fleas/hypocrisy.../MC

2005-10-05 Thread Susan Loesch

Here in Arkansas, in wooded areas, we have those giant "wood roaches".  Not your normal nasty little roach but great big ones - but somehow lots less offensive.  It is just a fact of life that some of them are going to get into your house.My cats love to play with them until they kill them."MacKenzie, Kerry N." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


>If I didn't have cats, I would have geckos and spiders as my exterminators. That's very interesting--esp about the spider!
 
I have a Q tho---do cats kill roaches??
 
I have had one roach (abt a month ago)--it was actually dead when I found it in my hallway, so I didn't freak out. D'you think it could have been one of my cats that killed it? (I have never seen them kill an insect--they just play with it, then get bored and walk away).

-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lewis FayeSent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 12:43 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: fleas/hypocrisy.../MC
I love spiders.  When I was in graduate school, my apartment was overrun with palmetto bugs which I absolutely hate.  One day a large spider moved into my room and the roaches disappeared.  The spider would drag the bodies of the roaches to the drain in my bathtub and I could just rinse them down.  Eventually, no bugs.  Pest control came.  Killed the spider.  The next day, the bugs were back.  Found another spider.  Bugs disappeared. Pest control came and bugs were back
 
If I didn't have cats, I would have geckos and spiders as my exterminators.
 
But then I have always been weird
 
Faye[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I couldn't agree with you more on the spider issue!! I've also got anirrational fear of them...I wanted to visit Australia at onepoint...until my boss (an Australian) told me about the size of thespiders they've got over there...that killed any plans to vacation inAustralia any time soon...And I can't bring myself to "step on them"anymore after I killed a black widow spider here at the office. Ironic,yes, but I felt so bad for days after doing the deed...there is a greatstory my dad told me about his dad...back when my dad was a kid, his daddiscovered a black widow in the back yard...instead of "disposing" ofit, he set up a stool next to the web and grabbed a notebook to "study"its movements...he probably watched that spider for hours on endabsolutely fascinated by it! One day, the spider was gone and mygrandfather immediately went to my
 dad thinking that he had donesomething to it (my grandfather was *so* upset! Dad hadn't gone nearthe spider, however)! Anyway, after hearing that story, my guilt wasonly compounded...Anyhoo, I'd like to add fire ants to the list of "Why?" :)"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will beunique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; Youbecome responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine deSaint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will knoweach other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief DanGeorge- Original Message -From: TenHouseCats <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2005 11:48 amSubject: Re: fleas/hypocrisy.../KIT> i tend to
 limit my compassion to critters with four or fewer legs.> > as to why fleas and cockroaches exist--i have NO idea whatsoever, > but i do> believe that they sit around and laugh at us and our attempts to > exterminatethem, knowing as they do that that predate us by > millenia and can expect to> survive long after we are gone from memory!> > i think spiders are great, in theory, but i'm one of those with an> irrational fear of them--has something to do with my being found > playingwith a black widow on a vacation when i was about 4, i > think; family sort of> overreacted i don't kill them--part of my fear is that if i get > closeenough to them to harm them, they can get me first! so every > year when they> start to appear, i make a deal with them--if they do NOT crawl over > me, nor> drop down in front of me on their silk, they get to live indoors
 > with me!> they, of course, don't seem to realize that even if they do, i'm > not really> gonna do anything (see above)--or perhaps they're just humoring me. > i always> loved the, "they're more afraid of you than you are of them" line: > well,i've never seen one of them run screaming from ME! i'm a LOT > better now that> i used to be--i no longer leave the house when i know there are any > in the> house, nor jump off of/out of moving vehicles when i see one (did > in a bike> that way once)--nor do i keep track of their every movement in the> house! hee hee had a friend in bangor, ME who called the cops > once to> get them to come get a big spider out of his house. needless to > say, they> did NOT respond> > --> MaryChristine> > AIM / YAH

RE: Should I spay Ginger?

2005-10-20 Thread Susan Loesch

Julie - you said you waited until they were close to a year -- did you wait as long as you could - until they first came in heat and then spay?  I hadn't really thought about this til today -- I've always spayed and neutered negatives and positives, both feleuk and FIV and not given it a thought - nor had any problems.    But I have here at work with me today Daisy, one of my "library cats" that I bring to school (work) at AR School for the Blind.  She is actually a foster kitty but has become not only one of my extra special kids but also a favorite of my kids at school.  She is about 9 months old - no sign of going into heat.  And as she has gotten older she has been full of energy  - but I just have a gut feeling that she isn't going to be one of the super-healthy, long-lived feleuk babies.  She has lost some weight recently - I don't have anything else to go by - just a feeling.
 
So for the first time ever I am wondering about spaying - and I don't believe in unaltered animals at all! So I am watching everyone's answers here very closely.    Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Hideyo,
 
It's so hard sometimes to know and do what is best for them.  Is Ginger positive?  Is there something else going on that could be compromising her appetite?  Intact females are statistically more susceptible to mammary cancers, aside from the obvious reasons why spaying is good.  I waited with Little Evie and Trixie, both were probably close to a year old (they were just so TINY I couldn't bring myself to make the appointment) before they were spayed and they sailed through without a problem.
 
JulieHideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I guess my bottom line is ...I want what's best for Ginger - and I don'tknow what it is - I guess no one will really know for sure, will they.I never thought of neutering George because of his liver problem andbecause of his weakness at that time, and I knew that I made a rightdecision not make him go through a surgery, because it was a "rightthing" to do.. and it was not a right thing to do for George at thattime..Ginger looks healthy and she is so beautiful.. but I also know that shecan be very fragile and just don't know what the best thing for herI don't want to risk anything if I could avoid and I don't know whatit means.-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of NinaSent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 1:03 PMTo:
 felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Should I spay Ginger?Well I certainly wouldn't spay her while she's in heat, or when she's not eating. It may be that she's eating less because she's in heat, they get so focused with the hormonal surges and need to find a mate. How is she otherwise? Is she strong and healthy now? It's so stressfulhaving them go through surgery. I had all my felv kitties spayed beforeI knew they were positive, otherwise I'd have been biting my fingernailstoo. And you've had that horrible experience with a perfectly healthy kitty passing after surgery. I think my bottom line is that I can't sanction having intact animals under my protection. If they cross my door, they don't go back out intact.NinaHideyo Yamamoto wrote:>Hi, My Ginger is almost one year and a half now and I waited to spayher>as she was extremely weak and underweight -but she recently
 became>in heat and I felt so bad that she needed to go through it - I knowit's>stressful to go through heat process, but I did not want her to go>through surgery because it will stressful as well -...she really does>not want to eat anything right now which happens once a while.. but Iam>not sure if so because she is in heat any suggestions as to what I>should do for Ginger is very appreciated.. she is my dearest>baby...thank you!>>> >"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to
 acquire a pet.


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RE: Should I spay Ginger?

2005-10-20 Thread Susan Loesch

Did you wait until they actually had a first heat or just try to cut it as close as you could but still get done before that?  I think I've already decided to just wait a while.  Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Susan,
 
Yes, I did exactly that.  Little Evie was FeLV+ and a robust little girl, except, she was barely able to lap when I found her (that's how young she was) and she just never seemed to grow.  As you are describing, it was simply not something I could put my finger on, but a more instinctual response.  Trixie, too, is a rather small cat.  Although she is FeLV-, she seemed to have a very lengthy period of physical immaturity and I just didn't feel she was ready for the surgery no matter how old the calendar said she was.  Hope this helps you reach a decision, or, simply keep postponing one for a whilethat's OK!  
 
Julie
 
 
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Julie - you said you waited until they were close to a year -- did you wait as long as you could - until they first came in heat and then spay?  I hadn't really thought about this til today -- I've always spayed and neutered negatives and positives, both feleuk and FIV and not given it a thought - nor had any problems.    But I have here at work with me today Daisy, one of my "library cats" that I bring to school (work) at AR School for the Blind.  She is actually a foster kitty but has become not only one of my extra special kids but also a favorite of my kids at school.  She is about 9 months old - no sign of going into heat.  And as she has gotten older she has been full of energy  - but I just have a gut feeling that she isn't going to be one of the super-healthy, long-lived feleuk babies.  She has lost some weight recently - I don't have anything else to go by - just a feeling.
 
So for the first time ever I am wondering about spaying - and I don't believe in unaltered animals at all! So I am watching everyone's answers here very closely.    Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Hideyo,
 
It's so hard sometimes to know and do what is best for them.  Is Ginger positive?  Is there something else going on that could be compromising her appetite?  Intact females are statistically more susceptible to mammary cancers, aside from the obvious reasons why spaying is good.  I waited with Little Evie and Trixie, both were probably close to a year old (they were just so TINY I couldn't bring myself to make the appointment) before they were spayed and they sailed through without a problem.
 
JulieHideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I guess my bottom line is ...I want what's best for Ginger - and I don'tknow what it is - I guess no one will really know for sure, will they.I never thought of neutering George because of his liver problem andbecause of his weakness at that time, and I knew that I made a rightdecision not make him go through a surgery, because it was a "rightthing" to do.. and it was not a right thing to do for George at thattime..Ginger looks healthy and she is so beautiful.. but I also know that shecan be very fragile and just don't know what the best thing for herI don't want to risk anything if I could avoid and I don't know whatit means.-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of NinaSent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 1:03 PMTo:
 felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Should I spay Ginger?Well I certainly wouldn't spay her while she's in heat, or when she's not eating. It may be that she's eating less because she's in heat, they get so focused with the hormonal surges and need to find a mate. How is she otherwise? Is she strong and healthy now? It's so stressfulhaving them go through surgery. I had all my felv kitties spayed beforeI knew they were positive, otherwise I'd have been biting my fingernailstoo. And you've had that horrible experience with a perfectly healthy kitty passing after surgery. I think my bottom line is that I can't sanction having intact animals under my protection. If they cross my door, they don't go back out intact.NinaHideyo Yamamoto wrote:>Hi, My Ginger is almost one year and a half now and I waited to spayher>as she was extremely weak and underweight -but she recently
 became>in heat and I felt so bad that she needed to go through it - I knowit's>stressful to go through heat process, but I did not want her to go>through surgery because it will stressful as well -...she really does>not want to eat anything right now which happens once a while.. but Iam>not sure if so because she is in heat any suggestions as to what I>should do for Ginger is very appreciated.. she is my dearest>baby...thank you!>>>>>>> >"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto

Re: Should I spay Ginger?

2005-10-20 Thread Susan Loesch

I would, too. And that is advice that I am going to follow. Partly because I've had her since she was four months old and she's come to work with me almost since the beginning and I've only had that feeling lately.Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Susan,Listen to your intuition. Going into heat can be stressful too, anyone that has had a female in heat in the house can tell you that, but it's not as stressful as surgery. As long as you are very careful that she has no avenue of escape, why not wait until that "feeling" goes away? For you and Hideyo both, if you have any reason, (feelings count!), to not spay and then something happens when you do, you'd torture yourselves afterward. At least I know I would.Susan Loesch wrote:> Julie - you said you waited until they were close to a year -- did you > wait as long as you could - until they first came in heat and then > spay? I hadn't really thought about this til today -- I've always > spayed and neutered negatives and positives, both feleuk and FIV and > not given it a thought - nor had any problems. But I
have here at > work with me today Daisy, one of my "library cats" that I bring to > school (work) at AR School for the Blind. She is actually a foster > kitty but has become not only one of my extra special kids but also a > favorite of my kids at school. She is about 9 months old - no sign of > going into heat. And as she has gotten older she has been full of > energy - but I just have a gut feeling that she isn't going to be one > of the super-healthy, long-lived feleuk babies. She has lost some > weight recently - I don't have anything else to go by - just a feeling.> > So for the first time ever I am wondering about spaying - and I don't > believe in unaltered animals at all! So I am watching everyone's > answers here very closely.

RE: Should I spay Ginger?

2005-10-21 Thread Susan Loesch

Thanks - and thanks everyone who has responded - I am definitely going to wait.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

I waited until they had a first heat.Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Did you wait until they actually had a first heat or just try to cut it as close as you could but still get done before that?  I think I've already decided to just wait a while.  Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

Hi Susan,
 
Yes, I did exactly that.  Little Evie was FeLV+ and a robust little girl, except, she was barely able to lap when I found her (that's how young she was) and she just never seemed to grow.  As you are describing, it was simply not something I could put my finger on, but a more instinctual response.  Trixie, too, is a rather small cat.  Although she is FeLV-, she seemed to have a very lengthy period of physical immaturity and I just didn't feel she was ready for the surgery no matter how old the calendar said she was.  Hope this helps you reach a decision, or, simply keep postponing one for a while....that's OK!  
 
Julie
 
 
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Julie - you said you waited until they were close to a year -- did you wait as long as you could - until they first came in heat and then spay?  I hadn't really thought about this til today -- I've always spayed and neutered negatives and positives, both feleuk and FIV and not given it a thought - nor had any problems.    But I have here at work with me today Daisy, one of my "library cats" that I bring to school (work) at AR School for the Blind.  She is actually a foster kitty but has become not only one of my extra special kids but also a favorite of my kids at school.  She is about 9 months old - no sign of going into heat.  And as she has gotten older she has been full of energy  - but I just have a gut feeling that she isn't going to be one of the super-healthy, long-lived feleuk babies.  She has lost some weight recently - I don't have anything else to go by - just a feeling.
 
So for the first time ever I am wondering about spaying - and I don't believe in unaltered animals at all! So I am watching everyone's answers here very closely.    Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi Hideyo,
 
It's so hard sometimes to know and do what is best for them.  Is Ginger positive?  Is there something else going on that could be compromising her appetite?  Intact females are statistically more susceptible to mammary cancers, aside from the obvious reasons why spaying is good.  I waited with Little Evie and Trixie, both were probably close to a year old (they were just so TINY I couldn't bring myself to make the appointment) before they were spayed and they sailed through without a problem.
 
JulieHideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I guess my bottom line is ...I want what's best for Ginger - and I don'tknow what it is - I guess no one will really know for sure, will they.I never thought of neutering George because of his liver problem andbecause of his weakness at that time, and I knew that I made a rightdecision not make him go through a surgery, because it was a "rightthing" to do.. and it was not a right thing to do for George at thattime..Ginger looks healthy and she is so beautiful.. but I also know that shecan be very fragile and just don't know what the best thing for herI don't want to risk anything if I could avoid and I don't know whatit means.-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of NinaSent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 1:03 PMTo:
 felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Should I spay Ginger?Well I certainly wouldn't spay her while she's in heat, or when she's not eating. It may be that she's eating less because she's in heat, they get so focused with the hormonal surges and need to find a mate. How is she otherwise? Is she strong and healthy now? It's so stressfulhaving them go through surgery. I had all my felv kitties spayed beforeI knew they were positive, otherwise I'd have been biting my fingernailstoo. And you've had that horrible experience with a perfectly healthy kitty passing after surgery. I think my bottom line is that I can't sanction having intact animals under my protection. If they cross my door, they don't go back out intact.NinaHideyo Yamamoto wrote:>Hi, My Ginger is almost one year and a half now and I waited to spayher>as she was extremely weak and underweight -but she recently
 became>in heat and I felt so bad that she needed to go through it - I knowit's>stressful to go through heat process, but I did not want her to go>through surgery because it will stressful as well -...she really does>not want to eat anything right now which happens once a while.. but Iam>not sure if so because she is in heat any sugges

Re: My Beautiful Mandy

2005-10-27 Thread Susan Loesch

Julie, I am so sorry.  How wonderful that you have some good tiimes to remember even as she neared the end.  I know what you mean when you say "empty" and my thoughts are with you and with her.Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Dear Friends,
 
Mandy is gone.  She was not doing well Tuesday night (bleeding from the mouth and unable to eat) and I made the decision to end her suffering.  I called my husband and he left work right away to come home.  We held her and stroked her and ultimately she began to purr.  She never cared to be held; she liked to pick the spot and sit ON you, but she did curl up in her blanket and let us hold her.  We were with her and holding her and talking softly to her and she had one paw curled over my finger when she left us.
 
It's been so empty the last two nights without my little reading partner; she always liked to sit on the bed with her upper body across my arm and her paws on my shoulder while I read at night.  Since she became sick, she wanted to be with me all the time and she'd been reading with me every night for weeks.
 
I keep thinking back to our trip to the oncologist; only last week and it seems forever ago.  Even though the news for Mandy was not good, we had a lovely day and I am so grateful for it.  She and Wink snoozed the whole way home.  They were all curled up together on their faux mink and listening to their special pet music.  I kept turning back to look at them and it was so peaceful and loving.  We stopped where I work to feed my feral colony and I took the carrier out of the car and set it on the ground while I fed; Mandy trotted right to the front and began to "meow" to Depot Charlie!  She was such a little talker and he looked so puzzled!  I'm happy they were able to "meet".
 
Thank you all for being here and for your good thoughts and wishes; I'd be completely lost without you during this year of terrible losses.  I have to try and concentrate on how fortunate we were to have shared her short life.  I miss her; we had our morning routine of putting the ingredients in the food processor and she'd "talk" to me once the whirr of the blade sounded.  These last two mornings have been empty, as well.  You are the only ones who understand the huge hole in our home despite the joy of our other cats.  
 
Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.


Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

Re: Mixing FeLVs and FIVs?

2006-04-26 Thread Susan Hoffman

I have two FIV+ cats and I have been told not to vaccinate them against FeLV. I personally am reluctant to take in an FeLV+ cat because of these two boys, as well as a couple of seniors, and the constant stream of foster kittens. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Guys!I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with list as much as I wouldlike...seems I can't get a break lately!I just have a quick question for those who care for both FeLVs andFIVs...I just found out that a stray guy that we took in a bit ago isFIV+! This actually wasn't surprising to me as he seemed to have a fewhealth issues that just weren't clearing up! He's been hanging out inour spare room w/ all the amenities but I'd like to let him join the GP,if that is at all possible! My vet wasn't at all concerned...sheactually has a FIV
guy who mingles with her crew...but she says that sheseparates food and water dishes as a precaution. Well, I don't know howeasy that would be for me...food is left out round the clock andeverybody shares the water bowl!So I guess I'm just looking for a little advice from those who care forboth...do you mix? It would be some time before he'll join the gang aswe need to address his health issues first (bad stomatitis for which hehas a "dental" scheduled next week--I wouldn't be surprised if a fewteeth need to be pulled!)...But all-in-all, he's the sweetest guy...somellow and only asks that you pet him 24/7... ;)Thanks so much, guys!Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will beunique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; Youbecome responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine
deSaint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will knoweach other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief DanGeorge

OT - need info from Dallas area folks

2006-04-27 Thread Susan Loesch

I got the strangest call yesterday - I am in Little Rock and I had a call from someone who I finally realized was in Dallas - he'd been given my cell phone number as a contact for a low cost neuter - which our rescue group here does.  He said that Petco, I think gave it to him - which is totally weird.       The man has a stray cat that he wants to give away.  It is FIV+    and unaltered.  I told him the kitty definitely had to be neutered before he had any chance of finding it a home.  All I knew to suggest was to call the Dallas ASPCA - whose shelter I've driven past in Dallas.   He doesn't want to drive all the way across town and back twice a day.  He said he lives out toward White Rock Lake.     Does anyone in the area have any suggestions that I could give him.  His name is Eric; email is [EMAIL PROTECTED] and his phone number is 214-395-4834.  Thanks.

Re: Bad news/JuneAmy

2006-04-27 Thread Susan Loesch

Pam, I sure will be praying that this is just the result of all the handling and that she will overcome it.Pam Norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Yesterday was our vet appt in Madison. It seemed to go well. Bloodwork showed WBCs actually a bit high. HCT was 30. The vet palpated JuneAmy's abdomen & thought the mass there seemed to be smaller & based on that & my report that she had been eating a bit, went ahead with the Vincriistine. But last night I noticed that her breathing was changed. And this morning it was not open-mouthed but I"heavy". She was basically breathing with her whole body. So I took her in to my vet
here before they were even open. He palpated her & right away found fluid in the abdomen. To be sure he put the ultrasound probe on her -- he's no expert but even I could see the black blobs on the screen that was fluid. So he did a needle aspirate & found blood. The tumor is bleeding into the abdomen. The cause is unknown. Could have been all the handling yesterday. Could be siimply that with such a fast growing tumor, as he says, the tumor basically outgrows itself & ruptures in places. HJe also checked her HCT & it was down to 26 from 30 yesterday. He said we had two choices, to let her go immediately or to wait & see if the bleeding resolved on its own. If it was due to all the handling yesterday with a tumor that was already in a taut condition, then this would be possible. He said that is what he would do. Since at the time, JuneAmy had wanted to be down on the floor & was walking around the
room, he felt we needed to take a wait & see stance. See if it gets worse, if she gets noticeqbly weaker or if the abdomen gets bigger. He said he was pretty sure she was not in any pain, but that unresolved if the bleeding doesn't stop, she would just get weaker & weaker. I've had to be gone most of the day but when I got back, I found her basically the same as this morning. She has not eaten anything on her own & is still breathing heavily. But right now she just left the room & is out in the house, went out to the screened porch. So she is hanging in. I don't see any change from this morning. No better, but no worse. I just don't know what to expect now. If she is strong enough still to walk out to the screened porch, I can't think that her HCT has gone a whole lot
lower. Her belly seems about the same. So I am just waiting to see which way things go. If she gets worse, I will let her go, be it later today or first thing tomrrow. Pray for her, please. She is a good girl. Pam Hurricane Katrina's terrible message: if it is too dangerous for YOU to stay behind as a disaster approaches, then why would you leave your PETS behind? Never ever ever leave them behind! Have enough crates for all & take them with you! They are your family!

Re: OT - need info from Dallas area folks

2006-04-27 Thread Susan Loesch

Thank you!hd cc <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  tell him to trywww.kittico.orgthey can help neuter him and advise him of many options he may haveCarrie- Original Message - From: "wendy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 1:41 PMSubject: Re: OT - need info from Dallas area folks> Hi Susan,> > Eric can call Boutique Pet Shop, which is in the White> Rock area. They don't do spay/neuters, but I know> they can refer him to someone trustworthy in the area.> Other than that, I don't know where to send him in> that particular area. I am east of Dallas.> > :)> Wendy> > --- Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> > > I got the strangest call
 yesterday - I am in Little> > Rock and I had a call from someone who I finally> > realized was in Dallas - he'd been given my cell> > phone number as a contact for a low cost neuter -> > which our rescue group here does. He said that> > Petco, I think gave it to him - which is totally> > weird. > > > > The man has a stray cat that he wants to give> > away. It is FIV+ and unaltered. I told him the> > kitty definitely had to be neutered before he had> > any chance of finding it a home. All I knew to> > suggest was to call the Dallas ASPCA - whose shelter> > I've driven past in Dallas. He doesn't want to> > drive all the way across town and back twice a day. > > He said he lives out toward White Rock Lake.> > > > Does anyone in the area have any suggestions that> > I could give him. His name is
 Eric; email is> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] and his phone number> > is 214-395-4834. Thanks.> > > > > __> Do You Yahoo!?> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > >

Re: JuneAmy

2006-04-28 Thread Susan Loesch

Pam, I am so, so sorry.Pam Norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I have to believe that when our little ones cross the Rainbow Bridge & reach the other side, the sick have left their suffering behind, the crippled can run & play, the deaf can hear, & the blind can see.     Today JuneAmy can see.     Pam        Hurricane Katrina's terrible message:  if it is too dangerous for YOU to stay behind as a disaster
 approaches, then why would you leave your PETS behind?  Never ever ever leave them behind!  Have enough crates for all & take them with you!  They are your family!

Re: JuneAmy

2006-04-28 Thread Susan Loesch

Pam, I am so, so sorry.Pam Norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I have to believe that when our little ones cross the Rainbow Bridge & reach the other side, the sick have left their suffering behind, the crippled can run & play, the deaf can hear, & the blind can see.     Today JuneAmy can see.     Pam        Hurricane Katrina's terrible message:  if it is too dangerous for YOU to stay behind as a disaster
 approaches, then why would you leave your PETS behind?  Never ever ever leave them behind!  Have enough crates for all & take them with you!  They are your family!

Re: Some good news--and thanks to Nina & Hideyo!!

2006-04-29 Thread Susan Hoffman

Congrantulations. This gives me great hope as well for an FeLV+ I have in a foster home. Kerry MacKenzie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Here's some good news. But first, the background for those who don't know it: of the feral colony of 5 kittens (Caramel, Levi, Flavia, Snoball and Mickey) and I adult cat (Momcat) I took in in December 2003, 4 of the kittens ---Caramel, Levi, Flavia & Snoball--tested positive in Feb 2004 and all 5 kittens tested positive in July 2004. Momcat tested negative both times. All were quarantined in my 2nd bedroom, away from my 3 existing negative cats. The 4 kitties that tested pos twice succumbed
between November 2004 and July 2005. That left 1 pos, Mickey, and 1 neg, Momcat, both of whom I continued to quarantine. They were buddies and it would have been cruel to separate them, particularly as Momcat appeared immune to FeLV. My dream has been that Mickey would revert to neg, and I could then integrate them both in my household. Hope springs eternal as they say-- I dreamed of that before, and it didn't come to pass. Nonetheless for about 10 months, I dreamedand procrastinated over re-testing them for a variety of reasons, not least fear of Mickey testing pos again. Today I trapped Mickey, had him re-tested, and..he's NEGATIVE!!! Because I'm anal, I'm going to trap Momcat next weekend and have her tested. I fully expect her to have remained negative. But, if by some horrible twist of fate she is not (because
she caught it from the pos kitties before they passed away) I plan at lastto vaccinate my negs and integrate them all anyway. There is a much better vaccination available now, and my vet has the special equipment to do it. This is such wonderful news on so many levels, not least because it demonstrates -- again---that FeLV is simply not as contagious as most people believe. Mickey lived with his siblings all his life, tested pos once, but has thrown it off. And Momcat, who also lived with them all, never got it in the first place. (And neither of them has ever been FeLV vaccinated!) It's also something I'm going to highlight in the letter to Paula F in my lobbying for the new Chicago PAWS shelter to have an FeLV annex. I had intended the letter to be (finally) mailed on Friday. But I'm glad that it wasn't! I now want to thank Nina for coming to my rescue when I
called her at 11pm last night (1am my time) in a panic because Mickey walked into the trap way before I expected him to. How could I reasonably expect him to stay there all night? What was I going to do about his bodily needs?? Nina reassured me a) that she has had to do that too on occasion (so I stopped feeling like a monster) and b) advised me to elevate the trap and layer the floor with paper. Sure enough, everything fell through the wire mesh on to the paper so Mickey was not in the discomfort in which he would otherwise have been and he survived the night. And I have Hideyo to thank for the success of the next stage--I was gearing up for a chase & catch battle in transferring Mickey from the cage to a carrier to take to the vet (I don't have a car; so carrier is easier for standing in street hailing cab). But Hideyo has a great technique that she shared---uncover the cage the cat is in, and cover (or provide dark-colored)
carrier you want to transfer the cat to. The principle being that they will always prefer the dark option. (Correct me if I'm wrong about the principle Hideyo) Sure enough--my little feral Mickey WALKED from the cage straight in to the carrier. No battle necessary!! So, today is a happy day at no 603, to say the least. Also, last but not least, I want to say, I'm sorry I continue to only post sporadically. I pray for all your sick kitties and send healing vibes. And my heart goes out to all those that have crossed the bridge. I hope that I will be in a position to post more regualarly when I get back from UK mid-June. (I go there mid May.) (I had a month's FMLA approved yesterday, to be with my dad, who has Stage 3 cancer.) I *really* miss being part of the everyday list. This group is just the best
EVER. love and hugs to all of you and your furballs.Kerry

Re: Question about "home" test kits

2006-04-30 Thread Susan Hoffman

You can buy the STAT Screen FeLV Test  at RevivalAnimal.com at http://www.revivalanimal.com/product.asp?pn=99%2D033 for under $8 a test (sold in lots of 10 tests).  It is a whole blood test, not a saliva test.     The Assure FeLv Leukemia Virus Antigen Test Kit is also available through Revival at http://www.revivalanimal.com/product.asp?pn=99%2D004  for a little under $10 a test (sold in lots of 25 tests).     Revival also sells FeLV and other vaccines.    "Precious Pets, Almost Home" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 wrote:  Good question! I have not heard of any home testkits. The only quick test that I knew of was theIDEXX Snap test that most vets and shelters have onhand at their facilities. It is too bad that theshelter that you have been working with will not help!The rescue group that I work with helped me toqualify for the IDEXX Snap test program. This way my"partner in crime" and I could purchse the IDEXX Snaptest at a discount rate and test anywhere we want. Weorder the IDEXX Snap test kits from a veterinarysupply company. We did have to open an account withthe veteriary supply company. The Shelter Directorhad to fill out portions of the paperwork. Also, oneof the veterinaries that we work with helped us byfilling out the other portion of the paperwork. Itwas a real pain in the ass!! Pardon my french! Itwas
 well worth it in the end! We also end up orderingthe IDEXX Snap tests for Giardia too. This test canbe done anywhere as well!By the way, roughly, where are you located?Precious Pets__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: appropriate calorie in take for a kitty

2006-05-05 Thread Susan Loesch

Belinda, I will be praying for you and for Bailey.  Give him a hug from me and my feleuk gang.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Hi All,Bailey is not doing well today, he seems to to really be nauseated and even threw up on his second feeding right when I started. I waited a while and did manage to feed him, but on his third feeding I think he had a convulsion or a seizure. I was sitting on the couch feeding, he was in his bed and all of a sudden he started flopping around in there, it was so quick, I barely saw what happened. It looked like he was contorting and had no control, kind of arching his back. It only lasted maybe 5 seconds so I'm not sure what happened, but it was definitely something he didn't have control over. Now he is breathing a bit fast, not too bad, I have an appointment
 tomorrow morning. I'm just worried he aspirated some food.I just called my vet and she is coming in early to see him. I am not feeding him anymore tonight. We could sure use some prayers. Thanks all ...-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com

Re: appropriate calorie in take for a kitty

2006-05-05 Thread Susan Loesch

We will all be anxious to hear how the vet visit goes.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Thank you Susan, we are going to the vets shortly. His breathing seems OK now so I'm hoping it is the tube causing all the problems.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com

Re:Was appropriate calorie in take for a kitty - Now Bailey's Diagnosis

2006-05-05 Thread Susan Loesch

That is such a scary diagnosis.  Good luck on surgery tomorrow; I'll be thinking about you both.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Hi All,Just got back from the vets. Xrays show something going on with the intestines, they do not look right and are bunched up with the actual loops really not disernable, also there is an enlarged lymph node around his lung that wasn't there on the last xray. My vet suspects that he now possibly has lymphoma.He is having surgery tomorrow morning to open his tummy and see if there is a tumor or diffused cancer and take biopsies of his intestines and since she will have him open she will check the rest of his organs, kidney's, bladder, spleen, liver which all look OK on xray. Obviously with him being in the shape he has been in for the last 4 or so months,
 there is a very real possibility he will not survive the surgery, please pray that whatever happens he doesn't have any unnecessary pain and that he doesn't suffer. I am going to spend the day with him and let him know whatever choice he makes is fine with me and I will be OK ... I hope he chooses to stick around for a while longer.His tube looks OK, no white matter around it to show that there is any leakage or that anything has been aspirated and his breathing is normal again, so his intestines being bunched up would explain the food not going through and him starting to throw it back up. It would also explain why he is so uncomfortable when it is time to feed him, I imagine the food just sitting in his tummy and be forced out by his next meal can't feel very good. He does have a fever again and she gave me some clinic care to see if that will go through and give him some nutrients, his weight is good at 9lbs.
 8oz. Well I'm going to go feed him. Take care all.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com

Re: new diagnosis (Sub-Q)

2006-05-06 Thread Susan Hoffman

As someone with a needle phobia let me assure you that Sub-Q is easy.  You can learn to do this yourself.  Don't worry about the size of the needle (18 gauge).  The purpose of the large needle is so that the fluids flow in quickly.  With a small needle it is actually more stressful for the cat and for you since you have to keep the cat relatively still while the fluids go in.  I am eternally grateful to the person who showed me how to do this and gave me the stuff I needed.  It's saved a couple of cats' lives and saved me a lot of money in vet bills.  If I can do this, anyone can.  [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Hi Jen, you might consider having you vet show you how to give her Sub-Q fluids at home, this will save you quite a few vet visits for
 fever/fluids. You vet needs to show you and give you the supplies, but if you still need advise and reassurance, I have several website links on how to do it yourself. (I'll get those later tonight for you... I'll flag this message so I remember)  Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures),
 and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date: 5/5/2006

Re: Bailey has gone home

2006-05-09 Thread Susan Loesch

Belinda, I am so, so sorry that you have lost Bailey. I know that nothing I can say will ease your pain, but please know that you and that sweet boy are in my prayers.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Bailey left us at 6:20 this evening. He took a bad turn for the worse late last night and when I took him in this morning for his surgery it was evident he wasn't in good enough shape. We gave him fluids for a couple hours because he was dehydrated, his blood pressure was 60 and his temperature went from 103 yesterday to 98 today, his blood work was normal except his platelet count was low so he wasn't clotting and suregery was out of the question unless we could get his platelet count up. After two hours of fluids and a blood transfusion his platelets came up but his temperature was now 94, 96 puts kitties
at risk for heart failure and she couldn't even get a blood pressure.My vet said we have 3 options, we could continue the fluids and support and see if things changed and if they did he could have the surgery tomorrow.Go ahead with the surgery and get in and out as quickly as possible or she could euthanise him.I asked her what she honestly thought of his condition, she said she though he was leaving on his own, I agreed. We talked, I asked her what to expect if he was going to die and she told me what the likely scenarios would be, she gave me a syringe of pain meds incase it got really bad for him, it would basically knock him out so he wouldn't suffer and pass on his own, she had a dinner engagement but told me to call if she was needed. I had told Bailey it was his decision to stay or go, and told him to do what was best for him. I brought him home on the fluids to keep supporting him and if he did
turn for the better we would consider the surgery later. His breathing got worse just taking him to the car so I knew in my heart we didn't have long.We had about an hour, he was home with us and we were with him when he left. He is whole now and FeLV free for the first time. We were so lucky to have him for 11 years, his birthday was Monday. I will miss his bouncy, happy personality. He was so special and I learned so much thanks to him. He was our only positive and the one that was responsible for my learning everything I have about FeLV+, he has helped me save many positives and for that I thank him. I miss my little Baidely boys so much already ... take care all. Give your special guys and extra special hug for Bailey.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV
Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com

Colorado divorce attorney w/military experience

2006-05-10 Thread Susan Hoffman

Take a look at this one.  He has experience with miltary divorces and is based in Colorado Springs..     http://www.carlgraham.com/

Re: Please add Papoose to CLS

2006-05-10 Thread Susan Loesch

I am so sorry about Papoose.  It hurts so to lose any of our little ones, doesn't it.JENI RECA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I put Papoose feluk + to sleep today after he was running a 106.4 temp for the past 4 days and it wasnt going down he also was anemic and had a heart mummer and wasnt getting better.  He lived a wonderful life of 8 months in our house with our dogs and our other feluk + cat.  I miss him dearly and am happy he did not suffer. He was found on the streets of queens as a tiny little 5 week old kitten and brought to the shelter I work at.  He came up postive on both test and I decided to adopt him instead of them putting him down.  I am just sad that we did not have more time with him.  Thank you.  From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: Subject: Re: Can we please add this poor baby to the CLS?Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 22:46:25 -0400I'm not sure if he/she got rescued or killed. I'm not sure even if the shelter he is at is a humane euth shelter, MANY of them still use gas chambers, you know. I hope he was humanely euthed by now... or rescued and given medical care, one of the two (though I think euth would be kinder).      I was hoping to get him/her on the CLS in the part where we pray for healing and comfort to those that are still with us.     I did get several people saying they
 emailed about him, but did not get a reply yet. I sent a note to the purrever ranch, they are the ones who first posted the message, maybe they have more contact info than was in the post.  Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels!   No virus found in this
 outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/334 - Release Date: 5/8/2006

Re: OT: sedative before flying (ACE)

Be prepared to take kitty out of the carrier when you go through the metal detector.  I suggest a harness and leash that is already attached to the cat before you put it in the carrier.  Also, a towel or pillow case or something to cover the cat with so that it doesn't freak as you walk it through the metal detector before getting it back into the carrier once you clear security.     I think Ace is too heavy-duty.  I'd be more inclined to slip the cat a little Torb-Val.  My mother's vet did recommend Benadryl syrup once.  Though, if the cat is reasonably tame, I might skip the sedatives entirely.     Uhhh, feed lightly or not at all before the flight.  (I'm imagining the stenchg of cat poop-in-carrier in the close confines of an airplane.)[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Hey folks,I'm flying to Minneapolis on Saturday, a 2.5 hour flight from LIttle Rock, and taking a sweet, energetic young Siamese kitty to his owner. Kitty will ride in the cabin with me. I've never taken a kitty on board with me before, so a new experience.The vet gave me a sedative, ACE., and am pondering whether to use the sedative or not. Someone said that another option would be Benadryl, along with Rescue Remedy.Any experiences with taking kitties on flights? With ACE? Think the dosage was 1/2 tablet followed by 1/4 if needed.Thanks much!Gloria

Re: OT: heartbroken

Is there a safe place to relocate momcat?  I have a mini-colony of ferals in my back yard and two were relocated from another place to there.     Hideyo, are you a member of the feral cat group yet?  You may want to join.  It's at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/feral_cats/Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I've done this with kittens and their Momma.  I too was upset about having to put the kittens through the experience, but it worked like a charm and the kitten did fine.  I didn't use all the kittens, just the strongest guy.  If you continue to trap, you'd be doing the ferals a great service by having them s/n and then returning them to the site.  I know you have problems with the "return" part of TNR, but please think
 about it, you would be saving kitties suffering down the line.Love to you sweetheart,NinaJoan Doljan wrote:   A good way to catch the mother is to put the kittens in a closed carrier directly infront of an opened, baited trap.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi, everyone, I wanted to share a couple of new things   I rescued three baby cats yesterday who were living under the crawl space of the abandoned house, which is now bought and be ready to be renovated.. the new owner was planning to get rid of the kittens along
 with all the kitties who live under the crawl space and I offered to take them.  The babies were actually under the hole under the crawl space which only the size of my entire hand and thought I and Kathy (my rescue friend) were never going to be able to get them out but finally using a little fish net to get one by one out  they were only 6 weeks old, one calico, one tabby and one turtleshell (?) and they are all so cute.     The one sad thing is that their mama came to look for the babies while we were under the crawl space, she was so worried about us doing something to the babies.. one time, I thought we should just leave and have the mama take care of the babies
 and I worry that later on, she might take babies some other crawl space near there (there a few, unfortunately), and people might close the crawl space without knowing that they were there.. the mama came back several times (while we were there as we were there for about 5 hours).. I felt very bad for mama but I decided to take the babies from her..     I tried to trap the mama kitty last night but I couldnt  there are several kitties there.. I trapped one who looked like mama.. but she must be from mamas previous litter  she is less than a year old..     Anyway, I wanted to ask you to pray that I will be able to catch mama soon (I probably could, if I dont mind catching all other kitties who live there.. but I dont know where I could put them now as I am running out of crate) --- and the mama will stay safe and she will not be worrying too much about their babies. I am heartbroken for the mama I feel very badly for taking the babies from their mamaI know that this is probably the right thing.. but I still cannot not think about the mama

Re: OT: heartbroken

Several years ago when I trapped Cutie-Pie's babies one by one and brought them inside, she cried and ran around the house looking for them at first.  But when she saw them in my foyer through the screen door she was fine.  She knew I had them.  (They screamed like crazy for her but she was fine with it.)  Cutie-Pie was later trapped and spayed and then returned to my backyard.  She is an untouchable feral girl.  Now she is a plump plush little feral queen who presides over a colony of herself and 4 neutered feral boys.  They live in my backyard and basement, are spoiled rotten (canned and dry food, catnip), and are very happy and safe there.  In all these years Cutie has never allowed me the pet her, even once, but she will sit near me when I am outside and blink her eyes at me (throwing kisses).janine paton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I've also trapped moms using kittens for bait. It'sheartbreaking until you see the mom weeks after thespay and she looks so much better and relaxed. Think of it this way - if you didn't try this - thekittens will get bigger, she will have a harder timecaring for them. They will start wandering andsomething could happen to them. She will get pregnantagain and not want that litter anymore. When I've brought a feral mom in with kittens and momsees I'm willing to take care of the kittens, she isrelieved and it's probably the first break she's hadin a long time. I've had mothers who are sick but youwouldn't even know it until they understand they nolonger have pretend to be fine just because they havekittens. I also will show the kittens to the mom when I can butI always tell her it's OK, her babies are fine.Take a deep breath and go for the spay - it will
 makea big difference in her quality of life.--- Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> I've done this with kittens and their Momma. I too> was upset about > having to put the kittens through the experience,> but it worked like a > charm and the kitten did fine. I didn't use all the> kittens, just the > strongest guy. If you continue to trap, you'd be> doing the ferals a > great service by having them s/n and then returning> them to the site. I > know you have problems with the "return" part of> TNR, but please think > about it, you would be saving kitties suffering down> the line.> Love to you sweetheart,> Nina> > Joan Doljan wrote:> > > A good way to catch the mother is to put the> kittens in a closed > > carrier directly infront of an opened, baited> trap.> >> >
 */Hideyo Yamamoto> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>/* wrote:> >> > Hi, everyone, I wanted to share a couple of> new things -> > I rescued three baby cats yesterday who were> living under the> > crawl space of the abandoned house, which is> now bought and be> > ready to be renovated.. the new owner was> planning to get rid of> > the kittens along with all the kitties who> live under the crawl> > space and I offered to take them. The babies> were actually under> > the hole under the crawl space which only the> size of my entire> > hand and thought I and Kathy (my rescue> friend) were never going> > to be able to get them out... but finally> using a little fish net> > to get one by one out - they were only 6 weeks> old, one calico,> > one tabby and one turtleshell (?) and they
 are> all so cute.> > > > The one sad thing is that their mama came to> look for the babies> > while we were under the crawl space, she was> so worried about us> > doing something to the babies.. one time, I> thought we should just> > leave and have the mama take care of the> babies and I worry that> > later on, she might take babies some other> crawl space near there> > (there a few, unfortunately), and people might> close the crawl> > space without knowing that they were there..> the mama came back> > several times (while we were there as we were> there for about 5> > hours).. I felt very bad for mama but I> decided to take the babies> > from her..> > > > I tried to trap the mama kitty last night but> I couldn't - there> > are several kitties there.. I
 trapped one who> looked like mama..> > but she must be from mama's previous litter -> she is less than a> > year old..> > > > Anyway, I wanted to ask you to pray that I> will be able to catch> > mama soon (I probably could, if I don't mind> catching all other> > kitties who live there.. but I don't know> where I could put them> > now as I am running out of crate) --- and the> mama will stay safe> > and she will not be worrying too much about> their babies. I am> > heartbroken for the mama -I feel very badly> for taking the babies> > from their mama...I know that this is probably> the right thing..> > but I still cannot not think about the mama...> > > >> >>

RE: OT: heartbroken

Where are you located?  Perhaps there are other rescue people in your area.  Your really must join the freral cat group I referenced in my earlier post.  It's a nationwide group with close to 2000 members now.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Hi, everyone, please understand  I do spay and neuter whenever the opportunity there is  I dont even
 want to tell you how many cats I have with me because its going to freak everyone out  but I am saying that I simply dont have a space right now to even temporarily keep them.. I am used up all the crates that I have because I have trapped some moreI might have to catch ten or twenty before I can get the mama, but the meantime, I dont have a place to recover all of them thats my dilemma, otherwise I would have gotten all of them right away.     From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:04 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: OT: heartbroken     Several years ago when I trapped Cutie-Pie's babies one by one and brought them inside, she cried and ran
 around the house looking for them at first.  But when she saw them in my foyer through the screen door she was fine.  She knew I had them.  (They screamed like crazy for her but she was fine with it.)  Cutie-Pie was later trapped and spayed and then returned to my backyard.  She is an untouchable feral girl.  Now she is a plump plush little feral queen who presides over a colony of herself and 4 neutered feral boys.  They live in my backyard and basement, are spoiled rotten (canned and dry food, catnip), and are very happy and safe there.  In all these years Cutie has never allowed me the pet her, even once, but she will sit near me when I am outside and blink her eyes at me (throwing kisses).janine paton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:   I've also trapped moms using kittens for bait. It'sheartbreaking until you see the mom weeks after thespay and she looks so much better and relaxed. Think of it this way - if you didn't try this - thekittens will get bigger, she will have a harder timecaring for them. They will start wandering andsomething could happen to them. She will get pregnantagain and not want that litter anymore. When I've brought a feral mom in with kittens and momsees I'm willing to take care of the kittens, she isrelieved and it's probably the first break she's hadin a long time. I've had mothers who are sick but youwouldn't even know it until they understand they nolonger have pretend to be fine just because they havekittens. I also will show the kittens to the mom when I can butI always tell her it's OK, her babies are fine.Take a deep breath and go for the spay - it will
 makea big difference in her quality of life.--- Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> I've done this with kittens and their Momma. I too> was upset about > having to put the kittens through the experience,> but it worked like a > charm and the kitten did fine. I didn't use all the> kittens, just the > strongest guy. If you continue to trap, you'd be> doing the ferals a > great service by having them s/n and then returning> them to the site. I > know you have problems with the "return" part of> TNR, but please think > about it, you would be saving kitties suffering down> the line.> Love to you sweetheart,> Nina> > Joan Doljan wrote:> > > A good way to catch the mother is to put the> kittens in a closed > > carrier directly infront of an opened, baited> trap.> >> >
 */Hideyo Yamamoto> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>/* wrote:> >> > Hi, everyone, I wanted to share a couple of> new things -> > I rescued three baby cats yesterday who were> living under the> > crawl space of the abandoned house, which is> now bought and be> > ready to be renovated.. the new owner was> planning to get rid of> > the kittens along with all the kitties who> live under the crawl> > space and I offered to take them. The babies> were actually under> > the hole under the crawl space which only the> size of my entire> > hand and thought I and Kathy (my rescue> friend) were never going> > to be able to get them out... but finally> using a little fish net> > to get one by one out - they were only 6 weeks> old, one calico,> > one tabby and one turtleshell (?) and they
 are> all so cute.> > > > The one sad thing is that their mama came to> look for the babies> > while we were under the crawl space, she was> so worried about us> > doing something to the babies.. one time, I> thought we should just> > leave and have the mama take care of the> babies and I worry that> > later on, she might take babies some other> crawl space near the

RE: OT: heartbroken

Where are you located?  Perhaps there are other rescue people in your area.  Your really must join the feral cat group I referenced in my earlier post.  It's a nationwide group with close to 2000 members now.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Hi, everyone, please understand  I do spay and neuter whenever the opportunity there is  I dont even want
 to tell you how many cats I have with me because its going to freak everyone out  but I am saying that I simply dont have a space right now to even temporarily keep them.. I am used up all the crates that I have because I have trapped some moreI might have to catch ten or twenty before I can get the mama, but the meantime, I dont have a place to recover all of them thats my dilemma, otherwise I would have gotten all of them right away.     From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:04 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: OT: heartbroken     Several years ago when I trapped Cutie-Pie's babies one by one and brought them inside, she cried and ran
 around the house looking for them at first.  But when she saw them in my foyer through the screen door she was fine.  She knew I had them.  (They screamed like crazy for her but she was fine with it.)  Cutie-Pie was later trapped and spayed and then returned to my backyard.  She is an untouchable feral girl.  Now she is a plump plush little feral queen who presides over a colony of herself and 4 neutered feral boys.  They live in my backyard and basement, are spoiled rotten (canned and dry food, catnip), and are very happy and safe there.  In all these years Cutie has never allowed me the pet her, even once, but she will sit near me when I am outside and blink her eyes at me (throwing kisses).janine paton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:   I've also trapped moms using kittens for bait. It'sheartbreaking until you see the mom weeks after thespay and she looks so much better and relaxed. Think of it this way - if you didn't try this - thekittens will get bigger, she will have a harder timecaring for them. They will start wandering andsomething could happen to them. She will get pregnantagain and not want that litter anymore. When I've brought a feral mom in with kittens and momsees I'm willing to take care of the kittens, she isrelieved and it's probably the first break she's hadin a long time. I've had mothers who are sick but youwouldn't even know it until they understand they nolonger have pretend to be fine just because they havekittens. I also will show the kittens to the mom when I can butI always tell her it's OK, her babies are fine.Take a deep breath and go for the spay - it will
 makea big difference in her quality of life.--- Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> I've done this with kittens and their Momma. I too> was upset about > having to put the kittens through the experience,> but it worked like a > charm and the kitten did fine. I didn't use all the> kittens, just the > strongest guy. If you continue to trap, you'd be> doing the ferals a > great service by having them s/n and then returning> them to the site. I > know you have problems with the "return" part of> TNR, but please think > about it, you would be saving kitties suffering down> the line.> Love to you sweetheart,> Nina> > Joan Doljan wrote:> > > A good way to catch the mother is to put the> kittens in a closed > > carrier directly infront of an opened, baited> trap.> >> >
 */Hideyo Yamamoto> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>/* wrote:> >> > Hi, everyone, I wanted to share a couple of> new things -> > I rescued three baby cats yesterday who were> living under the> > crawl space of the abandoned house, which is> now bought and be> > ready to be renovated.. the new owner was> planning to get rid of> > the kittens along with all the kitties who> live under the crawl> > space and I offered to take them. The babies> were actually under> > the hole under the crawl space which only the> size of my entire> > hand and thought I and Kathy (my rescue> friend) were never going> > to be able to get them out... but finally> using a little fish net> > to get one by one out - they were only 6 weeks> old, one calico,> > one tabby and one turtleshell (?) and they
 are> all so cute.> > > > The one sad thing is that their mama came to> look for the babies> > while we were under the crawl space, she was> so worried about us> > doing something to the babies.. one time, I> thought we should just> > leave and have the mama take care of the> babies and I worry that> > later on, she might take babies some other> crawl space near the

RE: OT: heartbroken

Senior and special needs  cats are adoptable.  It takes longer and you work harder at it but I firmly believe that, somewhere, there's a forever home for every foster cat in my care -- and that forever home is not necessarily me.  You just have to really work on finding adoptive homes.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:I am pretty well connected with the people in the rescue group  I know them and they all know about me pretty much.. all the people I know of, they are in some what similar situations as I am they usually find a problem for ME to solve because they know that I will not say NOand they are right.. I never say NO to any cats who need a help and thats why I have what I have ---some are Felk, or FIV, or injured, sick.. I nurture them back to health whenever I can.. and no one wants the cats I have.. but instead they call me if I could take care of the ones they find..     From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:17 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE: OT: heartbroken     Where are you located?  Perhaps there are other rescue people in your area.  Your really must join the freral cat group I referenced in my earlier post.  It's a nationwide group with close to 2000 members now.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi, everyone, please understand  I do spay and neuter whenever the opportunity there is  I dont even want to tell you how many cats I have with me because its going to freak everyone out  but I am saying that I simply dont have a space right
 now to even temporarily keep them.. I am used up all the crates that I have because I have trapped some moreI might have to catch ten or twenty before I can get the mama, but the meantime, I dont have a place to recover all of them thats my dilemma, otherwise I would have gotten all of them right away. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:04 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: OT: heartbroken Several years ago when I trapped Cutie-Pie's babies one by one and brought them inside, she cried and ran around the house looking for them at first.  But when she saw them in my foyer through the screen door she was
 fine.  She knew I had them.  (They screamed like crazy for her but she was fine with it.)  Cutie-Pie was later trapped and spayed and then returned to my backyard.  She is an untouchable feral girl.  Now she is a plump plush little feral queen who presides over a colony of herself and 4 neutered feral boys.  They live in my backyard and basement, are spoiled rotten (canned and dry food, catnip), and are very happy and safe there.  In all these years Cutie has never allowed me the pet her, even once, but she will sit near me when I am outside and blink her eyes at me (throwing kisses).janine paton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I've also trapped moms using kittens
 for bait. It'sheartbreaking until you see the mom weeks after thespay and she looks so much better and relaxed. Think of it this way - if you didn't try this - thekittens will get bigger, she will have a harder timecaring for them. They will start wandering andsomething could happen to them. She will get pregnantagain and not want that litter anymore. When I've brought a feral mom in with kittens and momsees I'm willing to take care of the kittens, she isrelieved and it's probably the first break she's hadin a long time. I've had mothers who are sick but youwouldn't even know it until they understand they nolonger have pretend to be fine just because they havekittens. I also will show the kittens to the mom when I can butI always tell her it's OK, her babies are fine.Take a deep breath and go for the spay - it will makea big difference in her quality of life.--- Nina
 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> I've done this with kittens and their Momma. I too> was upset about > having to put the kittens through the experience,> but it worked like a > charm and the kitten did fine. I didn't use all the> kittens, just the > strongest guy. If you continue to trap, you'd be> doing the ferals a > great service by having them s/n and then returning> them to the site. I > know you have problems with the "return" part of> TNR, but please think > about it, you would be saving kitties suffering down> the line.> Love to you sweetheart,> Nina> > Joan Doljan wrote:> > > A good way to catch the mother is to put the> kittens in a closed > > carrier directly infront of an opened, baited> trap.> >> > */Hideyo Yamamoto> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>/* wrote:>
 >> > Hi, everyone, I wanted to share a couple of> new things -> > I rescued three baby cats yesterday who were

Re: Katarina

2006-05-12 Thread Susan Loesch

I will keep you and Katarina both in my prayers.  I hope she feels better by now.Sherry DeHaan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Hi all just need a few prayers for beautiful Katarina again,she is feeling abit under the weather and doc Jen is taking her to the clinic tomorrow.I did get to give her some extra loving tonight,you just never know if it will be the last time you get to see them.she purred up a storm for me.She is a beautiful but odd looking dilute calico from New Orleans,all the New Orleans cats we have here look a bit different. :) THanks for all the prayers that all of you give to me and these wonderful fur babies.  Sherry  Yahoo! Mail goes everywhere you do. Get it on your phone.

Re: Immunoregulin for Chelsea

2006-05-12 Thread Susan Loesch

How wonderful that Chelsea is doing better!!   What is the course of treatment your vet has used for the immunoregulin?  I have seen different ones.  How far apart and what dosage?     Am getting ready to start one of my girls on that - my vet said .2cc per day for 4 days, then .2cc per week for 4 weeks and then .2cc every four months.ACALA PET ISSUES <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I wanted to thank everyone for the advise given last month regarding 12 month-old felv+ Chelsea who was suffering from severe anemia. She began responding to treatment fairly quickly and had noticeably improved within the first 2 weeks. Chelsea has now received 6 injections of immunoregulin and has regained her normal energy level and has pink gums again. I took your advise to heart
 and put her on Droxy and folic acid in addition to the Pet Tinic, Feline Immune Support and Interferon that she had been receiving. She's scheduled for 3 more injections of Immunoregulin to complete the recommended course of treatment. When she gets her last injection, I'll get blood work done again to determine her current hematocrit level. You may remember that it was extremely low - 9.6% when she last had blood drawn on April 15th.I don't know if Chelsea's turn around will be permanent, but she has had a very good month and I'm hopeful that she'll have many more to come.Thanks again, Deanne

Adoptions (was OT: heartbroken)

2006-05-13 Thread Susan Hoffman

I need to care for the ones I
 have.. I decided to spend time taking care of them instead of finding a home for one or two in a year or two which will not make much difference in my life..     From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent:
 Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:35 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE: OT: heartbroken     Senior and special needs  cats are adoptable.  It takes longer and you work harder at it but I firmly believe that, somewhere, there's a forever home for every foster cat in my care -- and that forever home is not necessarily me.  You just have to really work on finding adoptive homes.Hideyo Yamamoto
 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I am pretty well connected with the people in the rescue group  I know them and they all know about me pretty much.. all the people I know of, they are in some what similar situations as I am they usually find a problem for ME to solve because they know that I will not say NOand they are right.. I never say NO to any cats who need a help and thats why I have what I have ---some are Felk, or FIV, or injured, sick.. I nurture them back to health whenever I can.. and no one wants the cats I have.. but instead they call me if I could take care of the ones they find.. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:17 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: RE:
 OT: heartbroken Where are you located?  Perhaps there are other rescue people in your area.  Your really must join the freral cat group I referenced in my earlier post.  It's a nationwide group with close to 2000 members now.Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:   Hi, everyone, please understand  I do spay and neuter whenever the opportunity there is  I dont even want to tell you how many cats I have with me
 because its going to freak everyone out  but I am saying that I simply dont have a space right now to even temporarily keep them.. I am used up all the crates that I have because I have trapped some moreI might have to catch ten or twenty before I can get the mama, but the meantime, I dont have a place to recover all of them thats my dilemma, otherwise I would have gotten all of them right away.     From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan HoffmanSent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:04 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: OT: heartbroken     Several years ago
 when I trapped Cutie-Pie's babies one by one and brought them inside, she cried and ran around the house looking for them at first.  But when she saw them in my foyer through the screen door she was fine.  She knew I had them.  (They screamed like crazy for her but she was fine with it.)  Cutie-Pie was later trapped and spayed and then returned to my backyard.  She is an untouchable feral girl.  Now she is a plump plush little feral queen who presides over a colony of herself and 4 neutered feral boys.  They live in my backyard and basement, are spoiled rotten (canned and dry food, catnip), and are very happy and safe there.  In all these years Cutie has never allowed me the pet her, even once, but she will sit near me when I am outside and blink her eyes at me (throwing kisses).janine paton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
   I've also trapped moms using kittens for bait. It'sheartbreaking until you see the mom weeks after thespay and she looks so much better and relaxed. Think of it this way - if you didn't try this - thekittens will get bigger, she will have a harder timecaring for them. They will start wandering andsomething could happen to them. She will get pregnantagain and not want that litter anymore. When I've brought a feral mom in with kittens and momsees I'm willing to take care of the kittens, she isrelieved and it's probably the first break she's hadin a long time. I've had mothers who are sick but youwouldn't even know it until they understand they nolonger have pretend to be fine just because they havekittens.
 I also will show the kittens to the mom when I can butI always tell her it's OK, her babies are fine.Take a deep breath and go for the spay - it will makea big difference in her quality of life.--- Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:> I've done this with kittens and their Momma. I too> was upset about > having to put the kittens through the experience,> but it worked like a > charm and the kitten did fine. I didn't use all the> kittens, just the > strongest guy. If you continue to trap, you'd be> doing the ferals a > great service by having them s/n and then returning> them to the site. I > know you have problems with the "return" part of> TNR, but please think > about it, you would be saving kitties suffering down> the line.> Love to you sweetheart,> Nina&

Re: Adoptions (was OT: heartbroken)

2006-05-13 Thread Susan Hoffman

Thanks.  Adoptions are hard work.  I call in-home adoptions cocktails parties without the cocktails.  I feel like I'm constantly receiving visitors at a time when I would like to curl up with a good book and maybe take a nap.  And I am picky, do a lot of screening.  The process requires daily effort.  There are a lot of times when I think it would just be easier to stop dealing with adoptions and just keep the ones who are here.  But I know there are a lot of cats I could not take in if I did that.  (Could not do it with dogs.  One week with one puppy last year cured me of any thought of having a dog.  And started me on the way to ripping up carpets and innstalling laminate flooring.)Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Thanks for the tips Susan!  What you say about our little refugees
 lives being better in the right forever home makes perfect sense.  I've had nightmare placements that haven't worked out, (even though I work very hard and drive people crazy with my persistence to make the right matches), and I've had dream placements that I'm forever grateful for.  It used to be that I felt like no one was going to give them as good a home as I could.  That's changed.  My home isn't the safe haven it once was.  Dogs come to me as well as cats and the numbers become overwhelming very fast when you're dealing with canines!  Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share some practical ways to look for homes.  Keep up the good work, the world needs you.  NinaSusan Hoffman wrote:NOT the shelter.  You have to be committed to finding good forever homes.  Adoptions are hard work. 
 I understand the temptation to just close up shop and keep the ones you have but if you do that there comes a point when you have to stop taking in anyone new.  And there are too many out there whose lives depend on getting into a foster/rescue situation.     I don't do caged petstore adoptions.  The cats do not show well unnder those conditions and it just isn't an efficient use of time.  Here's what I do:     1.  Craigslist.org -- Everyone -- kittens, seniors, special needs -- gets listed on craigslist.  There are craigslist boards across the country.  Some are more active than others.  I'm in the San Francisco area with a very active craigslist and I do most of my adoptions through craigslist.  (Also recruit foster homes via craigslist.)  Listing is free.  Take great photos.     2.  Pennysaver and other newspapers -- I'm looking at the
 Pennysaver newspaper for cats in foster homes in the Sacramento area.  That craigslist is less active.  A friend in the Los Angeles area has great success with adoptions via the Pennysaver so I'm thinking about using it in Sacramento too.     3.  Network -- This is especially helpful with harder-to-place cats.  (a)  A friend who works at a medical university is posting my epileptic kitten there for adoption.  I figure the right home for Connie will be someone who is epileptic or who has an epileptic family member or perhaps has had a dog that is of a breed prone to epilepsy.  It will be someone who understands how easily controllable this is.  (b) This same friend has an FIV+ foster cat and we are looking for a home together for that cat and an FIV+ Siamese mix who is coming my way.  (c) Another friend helped me place a senior 12+ year old Himi last year with a retired couple that she knew. 
    4.  Get creative -- Senior cats are a good fit for seniors and retirees, a population less likely to be online.  Find the pet-friendly retirement communities in your area and see if they have a bulletin board where you can list senior cats.  Again, take great photos.     5.  Online resources -- My FeLV+ girl is now listed online at a couple of places that feature special needs cats.  (http://tinyurl.com/o553l)  And I'm networkingand getting creative.  She's going to be one of the harder to adopt simply because of the stigma still attached to FeLV.     6.  Foster homes -- I've cultivated a few foster homes because that way (a) I can take more cats and (b) I can separate out populations.  Tiny kittens have no business in my house -- I've seen too
 much uri and ringwork over the past couple of years -- so they go elsewhere.  The FeLV+ girl is in an only-cat foster home.  I have another foster home that gets one or two adults who donn't do well in multi-cat situations.  I take the ones who have health or socialization issues at my house.  Foster homes allow me to take in more animals and to take certain risks that I could not take if all the cats had to come to my house.  The cats are better cared for and get more individualized attention this way.       I have to do adoptions.  If I don't do adoptions I can't do rescue.  I spend my weeks screening potential adopters, clean the house on Saturday, and have approved adopters come primarily on Sunday, though sometimes I can have someo

Re: OT:frustrated w "throw away Pets"

2006-05-14 Thread Susan Hoffman

Where are you located I rented for a lot of years in a very expensive, very tight housinng market (San Francisco) with 6 cats and now I live outside SF in rental housing but with rescue friendly landlords. Let me know where you are. I can at least tell you what worked for me.clarissa- Floyd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: hi everyone, i dont post much but try to read all the emails. moste i either dont understand the heath issues your dealing with as we havent gone through much yet or sit and wish there was something i could do to help. i keep thinking about asking rachel if another body looking through the garage would help find those kittens. she isnt too far away for me to drive out for a day. i havent been able to find a soulution for my issues yet and i guess taking some kind of action might
help me not to get depressed over my own crap. ive run into a situation that drives home part of why theres so many animals for those of you who do rescues. when i first found this group and decided to keep the 8 kittens we had left, i was engaged and looking for a house to purchase in another area w the finance. i thought it was safe to adopt a pet or as it turned out .. 8 . since then my 18 yearold daughter has left (hassent graduated yet) and refuses contact w me, the fiance and i have broken up and im going to have to rent. finding a place in the new area that will allow pets is starting to seem imposible. prospective landlords sugest i get rid of the cats. even the ppl i know in the area think i should get rid of the cats. no one has any sugestion on who would take them other than the pound as if its a "cure all" solution. some of the ppl i know even sugested
putting them down since a pound would anyway. this whole idea of "throw away pets" frustrates me. the common thought that someone else will take care of an animal they toss on the street or that the animals can survive on their own is ludicras. i figured ya'll would understand my frustration especially when even the ppl that know me dont get it. the fiance cant even take his cat with him as he works out of town 2-3 days at a time but he will help with food costs and some of the future vet bills if i keep Salem for him. i still have a couple of months to continue looking before i have to move and im trying to stay posative. i just know that trying to find homes for "the herd" would be next to imposible as well as break our hearts. its not a solution im willing to consider yet and hope i dont end up having to. thank you all for being patient with me and letting me vent. Karen
,Pogo,Teddy,Stitch,Oreo,Salem,Bandit,Boots,HoudiniPS: i find the group such as inspiration. your all amazing with everything you do to help these cats no matter where any of them are.

Re: OT - kitten dosage of advantage?

2006-05-17 Thread Susan Hoffman

I have used a tiny dab on kittens as young as 5 weeks.  The real question is how much the kittens weigh, though.  Dosage is based on weight.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Thanks, Karen - what about kittens that are 8-10 weeks?GloriaAt 11:12 PM 5/17/2006, you wrote:>what age Gloria my vet said nothing under 8 weeks.>Karen

Re: OT - kitten dosage of advantage?

2006-05-17 Thread Susan Hoffman

I'd use half that amount.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  use the 0.4ml size tube  says for kittens 8 weeks or older and under 9lbs     Karen

Re: OT - kitten dosage of advantage?

2006-05-18 Thread Susan Hoffman

You can also use a flea comb and a container of soapy water.  The flea comb traps the fleas.  The soapy water weighs them down -- they can't float on the surface and escape -- and they drown.  Flush the water down the toilet when  you're done.Ashleigh Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:This is going to sound kind of gross, so stop reading now if you're squeamish . . .     If you're worried about the kittens being too young fron Advantage, but they have fleas, you might try to just kill the feals manually.  If the cat is light-colored, they're much easier to see.  Get a cheap pair of tweezers (not the same ones you use on your brows--eww) and crush the fleas between them.  They like to hide on the face, especially.     This is not exactly a very
 effective method of flea control, but it would help until the kitten gets a few weeks older and you feel safer about using Advantage.  Yes, it is time-consuming, and it is not for the squeamish, but it could buy you a couple weeks.  (I'd also BOLO for tapeworms.  Where there are fleas, there are likely to be tapeworms.)     And, no, Bella does not now have nor has she ever had fleas (since she's always inside and I keep her on Frontline as a preventive measure), but when I was growing up, my best friend's cat had a litter of kittens 1-2 times per year, and since the mama cat was indoor/outdoor, she brought fleas to the kittens. (This was before Bob Barker began urging folks to spay and neuter their pets.)  Katherine and I used to pick fleas off the kittens.  (We tried just picking them off at first and drowning them, but those vermin would not die, so we got the tweezer idea.  It's amazing the stuff a
 10-year-old can dream up.  It worked, though.)     ~Ashleigh[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Thanks, Karen - what about kittens that are 8-10 weeks?GloriaAt 11:12 PM 5/17/2006, you wrote:>what age Gloria my vet said nothing under 8 weeks.>Karen  Feel free to call! Free PC-to-PC calls. Low rates on PC-to-Phone. Get Yahoo! Messenger with Voice

Re: l-lysine for kittens

2006-05-18 Thread Susan Hoffman

You can safely do 100-150 mg daily.  L-lysine is water soluable so if oyu overdo it they will just pee it out.  Adult cats over 8 pounds can get 250-500 mg doses.janine paton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Anyone know the dose of lysine to give to kittens? They are 4 months, a little thin. Thanks, Janine

Re: OT - AL - One eyed 3 yo Calico/Persian(?) needs rescue ASAP -may help tr...

2006-05-22 Thread Susan Hoffman

Oh, how I love a sucker for the special needs cats.  Know anyone who would love to adopt a solid black shorthaired epileptic kitten?  She's well maintained on phenobarbitol (7.5 mg twice a day), spayed, fully vaccinnated, FIV/FeLV/toxoplasmosis negative.  She just has seizures if not given pheno.  Good with other cats, would probably do well with a cat-friendly dog, stubborn, fearless, defiant little girl.  Let me know[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  DFW INTERNATIONAL I can see what I can do about getting off early tomorrow. ITS VERY VERY HOT IN TEXAS RIGHT NOW. flights may be tough. No way the new borns can take a flight. I will just take the calico one eyed girl. (how I love special needs) 
 terrie I do not want to step on your toes if you prefer to take her.  Karen

Re: Pekoe is gone .....

2006-05-23 Thread Susan Loesch

I am so sorry about Pekoe - and so close to the anniversary of losing Digby - I know that makes it even harder.  I will be thinking about you all.Marlene Chornie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Dear Group,         It is with great sadness that I must tell you that we had to let Pekoe go to the Bridge this morning (May 23rd).  It was a difficult decision that we struggled with this past weekend, but was the kindest act of love that we could do for him.  I will post more later in a few days when I feel up to it.  We're also remembering our precious Digby at this time, since it was one year ago tomorrow (May 24th) that we had to let him go.       Marlene  Angels Pekoe
 & Digby

Re: FIV resources

2006-06-01 Thread Susan Hoffman

I have a couple of FIV+ cats of my own and a beautiful little Siamese mix foster who is FIV+  They take longer to place.  We have to try harder.  We have to work at educating people.  But we have to get the message out that FIV cats can live long happy lives and are not furry little lepers.  Consider how language reflects mindset and affects actions.  Does it really take longer to place an FIV cat than a senior or a special needs cat?  Or an all black cat?  Some take longer than others.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  I have one up for adoption too... they are hard to place.  Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.1/354 - Release Date: 6/1/2006

Re: FIV resources

2006-06-02 Thread Susan Hoffman

My FIV cats have always been pretty affection and mellow.  But then so are my non-FIV cats.  I do think that, as tomcats go, the ones who aren't all that into fighting are more inclined to get beaten up and get FIV.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  We've got an FIV guy here...the sweetest, most laid back little dudeI've ever met! I didn't know much about FIV other than it was prettyhard to spread it and that cats can live relatively normal lives withthe virus. But what really set me straight was the attitude of my vetwho basically said, "No big deal, I've got one at my house who mingleswith all of my other cats!" As much as I knew in my heart it was no bigdeal, it really gave me a peace of mind hearing it from an "expert,"so-to-speak! :)Education is probably the key, and having more vets out there to
 dispelthe "myths" would certainly come in handy (and this goes for FeLV, too)!As an aside, is it true that FIV cats seem to be some of the coolestcats around, or is it just me? ;)"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will beunique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; Youbecome responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine deSaint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will knoweach other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief DanGeorge"The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long..." --Blade Runner- Original Message -From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Friday, June 2, 2006 8:37 amSubject: Re: FIV resourcesTo:
 felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> It's discouraging. I have never placed an FIV+ cat. I have 5 or > 6, > and they're wonderful. Something to work on, I guess.> > Gloria> > > At 01:29 AM 6/2/2006, you wrote:> >I have a couple of FIV+ cats of my own and a beautiful little > >Siamese mix foster who is FIV+ They take longer to place. We > have > >to try harder. We have to work at educating people. But we have > to > >get the message out that FIV cats can live long happy lives and > are > >not furry little lepers. Consider how language reflects mindset > and > >affects actions. Does it really take longer to place an FIV cat > >than a senior or a special needs cat? Or an all black cat? Some > >take longer than others.> >> >[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:> >I have one up for adoption too... they are
 hard to place.> >> >Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)> >http://ucat.us> >http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html> >Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:> >http://ucat.us/adopt.html> >PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:> >Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone > >wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,> >Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to > >Vermont to find him a good home!> >http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.html> >DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a > >digital camera (for pictures), and more towels!> >No virus found in this outgoing message.> >Checked by AVG Free Edition.> >Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.1/354 - Release Date: >
 6/1/2006>> >

Re: FIV resources

2006-06-02 Thread Susan Hoffman

I think it all comes down to education.  Where are you located?  I at least have the luxury of living in the San Francisco area where people tend to be more progressive and well-informed.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  It's discouraging. I have never placed an FIV+ cat. I have 5 or 6, and they're wonderful. Something to work on, I guess.GloriaAt 01:29 AM 6/2/2006, you wrote:>I have a couple of FIV+ cats of my own and a beautiful little >Siamese mix foster who is FIV+ They take longer to place. We have >to try harder. We have to work at educating people. But we have to >get the message out that FIV cats can live long happy lives and are >not furry little lepers. Consider how language reflects mindset and >affects actions. Does it really take longer to place an FIV cat >than a
 senior or a special needs cat? Or an all black cat? Some >take longer than others.>>[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:>I have one up for adoption too... they are hard to place.>>Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)>http://ucat.us>http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html>Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:>http://ucat.us/adopt.html>PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:>Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone >wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,>Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to >Vermont to find him a good home!>http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.html>DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a >digital camera (for pictures), and more towels!>No virus found in this outgoing message.>Checked by AVG Free
 Edition.>Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.1/354 - Release Date: 6/1/2006>

Re: FIV resources

2006-06-02 Thread Susan Hoffman

"No big deal" -- those were the exact words of one of my vets when Scooter tested FIV+  And my current vet (part of an AAHA certified veterinary hospital) is also similarly enlightened, including on the question of FIV+ and FIV- cats mixing.  I know how lucky I am.  I know this is not the standard across the US[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Lucky you, with a vet like that! No, I remember MC (tenhousecats) saying that at their large rescue up in Michigan, the FIV's were sweet and laid back - and all mine six are (and healthy too, no problelms).GloriaAt 08:56 AM 6/2/2006, you wrote:>We've got an FIV guy here...the sweetest, most laid back little dude>I've ever met! I didn't know much about FIV other than it was pretty>hard to spread it and that cats can live relatively normal lives
 with>the virus. But what really set me straight was the attitude of my vet>who basically said, "No big deal, I've got one at my house who mingles>with all of my other cats!" As much as I knew in my heart it was no big>deal, it really gave me a peace of mind hearing it from an "expert,">so-to-speak! :)>>Education is probably the key, and having more vets out there to dispel>the "myths" would certainly come in handy (and this goes for FeLV, too)!>>As an aside, is it true that FIV cats seem to be some of the coolest>cats around, or is it just me? ;)>>>>"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be>unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You>become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine de>Saint-Exupéry>>"If you
 talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know>each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what>you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief Dan>George>>"The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long..." --Blade Runner>>- Original Message ->From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]>Date: Friday, June 2, 2006 8:37 am>Subject: Re: FIV resources>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>> > It's discouraging. I have never placed an FIV+ cat. I have 5 or> > 6,> > and they're wonderful. Something to work on, I guess.> >> > Gloria> >> >> > At 01:29 AM 6/2/2006, you wrote:> > >I have a couple of FIV+ cats of my own and a beautiful little> > >Siamese mix foster who is FIV+ They take longer to place. We> > have> > >to
 try harder. We have to work at educating people. But we have> > to> > >get the message out that FIV cats can live long happy lives and> > are> > >not furry little lepers. Consider how language reflects mindset> > and> > >affects actions. Does it really take longer to place an FIV cat> > >than a senior or a special needs cat? Or an all black cat? Some> > >take longer than others.> > >> > >[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:> > >I have one up for adoption too... they are hard to place.> > >> > >Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)> > >http://ucat.us> > >http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html> > >Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:> > >http://ucat.us/adopt.html> > >PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:> >
 >Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone> > >wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,> > >Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to> > >Vermont to find him a good home!> > >http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.html> > >DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a> > >digital camera (for pictures), and more towels!> > >No virus found in this outgoing message.> > >Checked by AVG Free Edition.> > >Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.1/354 - Release Date:> > 6/1/2006>> >> >

Re: OT:Tator-- Need help urgently! Senior Siameses in Illinois

2006-06-05 Thread Susan Loesch

What about Purrever Ranch outside of Memphis - that might be close enough for a transport - they if they were to be moved after that it would be easier.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:   Hi all,      Can someone help or know anyone that can help in this matter? They are too far for me to help. Many of you know I have a soft spot for senior meezers.  Please contact Kim if you can her email addy is [EMAIL PROTECTED]        In a message dated 6/5/2006 5:26:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]   writes:  Hey Tator!    Its Kim, here in Western Iowa.  I have a situation and do to space Im unable to help out at this
 moment!  I have a family in Illinois with 2 senior Siamese ages 15.  Their owner is in the hospital with cancer and not expected to live.  A family friend is trying her best to find homes for these two dear cats.  They have offered to have them vetted and all vet care up to date before placing them into rescue.   I hate to turn them away but I just dont have the space!!  I have one senior coming in about 2 weeks time, and 2 mixes that I pick up tomorrow and possibly one male siamese in a day or so.  Do you know of anyone that could help out in this situation!!  Even if we can find a foster placement until I can get them into my rescue, or possibly another rescue that we can contact.  I dont want to see these two dears put down just because of their age!Please get in touch soonKim and Meka    Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE & COLLIE RESCUEOwner/DriverCheck sites for available Siameses for adoption!http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/Click Here to
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Re: Diagnosed Today

Talk to your vet about low dose oral interferon. Also, I don't unnderstand the prednisone. This can hinder immune system functioning and make it harder for him to kick a cold. Baytril can be harsh on a cat's system too. I think I'd probably wean him off the pred and look at Zithromax instead of baytril. Also, I would be adding Transfer Factor to his food to help immune system functioning. Also, please realize that your vet could be very wrong. I had someone adopt a special needs kitten from me last year after her FeLV+ cat passed away. Her vet had suggested euthanizing that cat and she chose to ignoree him. The cat was 12 or 13 when it finally passed away. It wouldn't hurt to have Timmy tested again. If he is still negative, get him vaccinated. (Though I think I'd be looking for a different vet first.)[EMAIL PROTECTED]
wrote: Hi Guys-I hope I am posting this the right way.We just found out today that we are positive.Chester just turned a year old in April. We got him after we was weaned and has been inside our house ever since. I suspect that he got it from his mother (his mother was an indoor cat-or that's what we were told). He didn't show any signs until a few months ago. He came down with a cold and has been given antibotics for that twice. When he goes off of it he still is not normal. Right now he has a sore throat and fever. My major concern is his laying around which he never did as a kitten, he just seems depressed. Still eating and going to bathroom okay. Doctor gave me Baytril and Prednisone. Doctor said that he could last a few months but will get worse. I also have another cat, Timmy 6 years old. Timmy was tested as a
kitten (negative) but not yet recently. Still keeping both together because if Timmy were going to get it he'd probably already be infected.I feel horrible. I just need some support as I am new to this whole thing. Any ideas, suggestions? What should I do? Of course I want to keep Chester as long as possible but I don't want him to suffer. I want to do what's best for the cat. Any advice is appreciated.Thanks,Lisa--WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)

Re: Diagnosed Today

Re: Off antibiotics?

What antibiotic is she on?  I swear by Zithromax.  It's given once a day for 5 days and if effective against even the worst upper respiratory infections.  Doesn't seem to upset the tummy the way Baytril does and is so much more effective than Clavamox or amoxicillin or doxycycline.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Hi,  I wrote about a week ago with a newly diagnosed 7 month kitten named Lucy. I've read several recommendations that I shouldn't put her back on antibiotics but the problem is that within a week of being off the antibiotics she is deathly ill. Today was day 7 of not being on them and following some of the regimins suggested to boost her immune system and she woke up today with a fever of 106, runny eyes, and barely able to walk. The vet gave me antibiotics again because without them I really believe she would
 be dead very quickly. For those of you who do recommend no antibiotics, how do you get them well when they get sick right away?     Thanks,  Maggie

Re: OT-Anyone know of safe ways to deal w/ ants?

I  use Grants Ant stakes to keep ants out of the house.gwork <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  I'm sorry; I should've specified that I intended this mix as an outdoor spray to prevent ants from even entering the house. Do you think it would still be toxic with the dilution and the fact that you would simply be wiping a surface with it? What would your recommendation be for the ants?Krishttp://www.spazstory.zoomshare.com- Original Message - From: "TenHouseCats" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 9:36 PMSubject: Re: OT-Anyone know of safe ways to deal w/ ants?> tea tree oil is toxic to cats!>> On 6/12/06, gwork <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: I have also heard cayenne works, but have never used it. I
 do know that >> the>> proper treatment can depend on what type of ants they are. I also found >> on>> the 'net that 8 oz. of a natural soap (peppermint, lavender, tea tree) >> mixed>> with 1 oz. essential oil (citronella, cinammon, rose, tea tree) and >> diluted>> with water is supposed to make a good spray/wash. You add 5 tbsp. of >> this>> mix to a quart of water. I wonder if the health food store would already>> have a premixed solution. I have heard of the boric acid/sugar mix, but>> that is a killing mixture vs. a deterrent. Kris>> http://www.spazstory.zoomshare.com - Original Message ->> From: Ashleigh Smith>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>> Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 2:46 PM>> Subject: Re: OT-Anyone know of safe ways to deal w/
 ants? I've heard cayenne works too, but I've never personally used it. ~Ashleigh Barb Moermond <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote:>> I seem to recall spearmint leaves being good deterrents. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:>> All of sudden we have bunches of little red ants in our house. My hubby>> likes to use Terro, which I don't like at all around the furkids & my >> human>> kid. Any ideas? Thanks!>> Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito "My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely >> living>> his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile.">> - Anonymous>> __>> Do You Yahoo!?>> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection
 around>> http://mail.yahoo.com>> __>> Do You Yahoo!?>> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around>> http://mail.yahoo.com> -- > MaryChristine>> AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats> MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> ICQ: 289856892>>

Re: new to FeLV