It Matters To Me

Maiya Update

2009-11-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you all so very much for the prayers and good thoughts for Maiya and her family.
Her mom doesn't know what to think, and just continues to feel Maiya is a miracle.

Maiya has been off the feeding tube for nine days now, and has surprised us all. She is doing wonderful with all of her mouth feedings. She is being fed four small meals a day, and held up in the upright position for 20-30 minutes after each meal to allow gravity to help the food pass through her esophagus and make it to her stomach. As of today she has not regurgitated any of her meals, that alone is not normal. Even with the tube feedings, she would still regurgitate some.

So, Maiya continues to surprise us all. She is happy, energetic, and enjoying being able to eat and act like a normal dog.

We still have no idea what tomorrow will bring, with Megaesophagus being such a serious disease, things can change quite drastically overnight, and the care for a Mega-E dog is very individualized. Her family is taking each day they have with Maiya as a blessing.

Maiya, and Megaesophagus

2009-11-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

I wrote about Maiya a while back. You can read about her and Megaesophagus here.

Maiya will no longer keep her feeding tubes in. We think they are starting to bother her, as she is constantly pulling them out.

Maiya's family will manage her for as long as they can with mouth feedings; but they don't suspect that will last long. Then again, Maiya is always full of surprises so no telling what will happen. This is a very trying time for Maiya's family, they are now walking into the unknown.

In the end...Maiya will tell them what to do. They are listening. We don't know what tomorrow will bring.

If you believe in the power of prayer, please say a prayer for Maiya and her family.

A few photos taken recently of Maiya playing with her little brother.

Silly girl.

Rabies Vaccine Reaction

2009-10-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

I have so much to catch up on, and some updates on all the happenings going on in my world. But something very frightening happened this weekend I need to write about.

We took Jeni to have her Rabies Vaccine Saturday morning. Five hours later she started vomiting. First, 3 piles, then 10 minutes later 2 more piles, about 15 minutes after that another 3 piles. Immediately I was concerned about an allergic reaction to the vaccine. I watched her for a few minutes, then I noticed her face swelling. At that point we grabbed her leash and headed back to the vet, with phone in hand calling them and letting them know we were on our way.

The facial swelling was all around her nose, and mouth and her throat. The vet gave her a steroid shot, and a Benadryl injection, plus a bottle of Benadryl to take for the next five days. He suggested keeping her over night, but left it up to us. We brought her home, as we felt we could manage her and get back to the clinic fast enough if we had to.

I was already well informed with all the reactions dogs can get from the rabies vaccine, and I know more severe reactions can occur as far as a couple months later. I was paranoid getting Jarie's Rabies Vaccine six weeks ago with all her health issues, I felt if any of my dogs were to ever react to the vaccine, it would be Jarie. Never did it occur to me that little Jeni would have a reaction.

Possible rabies Vaccine side effects
Immediately or up to 3 days after the shot:

Vomiting
Facial swelling
Fever or lethargy
Circulatory shock
Loss of consciousness
Death

Days, weeks or months after the shot:

Fibrosarcoma (cancer) at the injection site
Seizures and Epilepsy
Allergies
Autoimmune diseases, including organ disease, allergies and skin problems
Chronic digestive problems
Muscle weakness, especially lack of hind end coordination
Chronic digestive disorders
Skin diseases like Ischemic Dermatopathy / Cutaneous vasculitis
Behavior problems: aggression, destructive behaviors, separation anxiety and odd obsessive behaviors (like tail chasing and paw licking).

Jeni had a rough night last night, and she isn't out of the woods yet, but she is stable at the moment.

Our biggest fear now, is there is a huge possibility that she may still develop one of the more subtle side effects that may occur weeks or even months from now.

Below are a couple of links with valuable information.
Rabies Vaccine - Skin Reactions
Holistic Animal Health: Vaccinosis

Where Has The Time Gone

2009-10-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

Oh my, where has the time gone? I have missed so much. Time just flies by when we are having fun, or not. I do need to take the time to catch up on all of the blogs I follow, but what is time? Time is something I just haven't had for myself lately.

I do want to thank all of you wonderful blog friends that took the time to email me and ask if I was okay. I apologize for not replying. I have been so very busy, I have not been logging into my email, and when I did, I was surprised at the dozens of emails waiting for my replies. Those of you who called, THANK YOU, I really needed that break, and our talk.

So what has been taking up so much of my time? Too much to list here for now, but I will say my childcare has been extremely busy. With the new school year came many people looking for childcare/preschool for their little ones. I have spent the past few weeks interviewing potential parents throughout the day and into the early evening hours. By the end of each day, I am too exhausted to do anything but sleep. I now have no more openings in my childcare, and am almost overwhelmed. I tend to take on children that may need a little extra help, and one of the 2 year old boys I took on has really been challenging, but just yesterday, we made a break through, and after 2 weeks, I am seeing some improvement with some challenging behavior.

By the time my children leave in the early evening, I still have to tend to all the dogs, cats, and cook dinner, (if hubby is lucky enough), then sit with him for a few minutes, and off to sleep I go, only to start all over the next morning.

Being so crazy busy means I have neglected a few things. I had 3 cats I was suppose to take to our spay/neuter clinic two weeks ago, and I forgot all about it, until a rescue friend of mine called and asked if I had the three cats trapped and ready for transport. OOPS! This time I marked it on the calender for this month so I don't forget.

I have been trying to help a friend find homes for a litter of kittens and their mama that were born outside, just a few houses down from me, Not easy. The economy has hit this town hard, and all of our rescues here are referring people to take their pets to the shelter. None of our fosters have any room. All we can do, is keep doing what we are doing. Try to save one animal at a time.

I have much more to update on about my crew, but not enough time (there's that word again). For now, here are a few photos I took a couple weeks ago. We had just bought this new bunk bed play toy for the cats, and they all really enjoy it. It is a big hit. Mama Cat loves this, and was the first to try it out. Lacee is the one inside it.

I hope to catch up on everyone's blogs this weekend, and will try and make another post next week, and fill you in on a few important topics that matter to me.

The Phone Call

2009-08-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

It all started with a phone call. One I wish I never would have made. Two female German Shepherds needing to be re-homed, the family is moving out of state and won't be taking them along. The black and tan shepherd found a new family right away. That left Belle, a pretty white, almost 2 year old German Shepherd. People don't seem to want the white shepherds as much as they do the others. I know from experience if a home is not found in time, she will end up at our local high kill shelter. All of our rescues are full, as soon as dogs are pulled from the shelter, more are being dropped off.

After several nights listening to hubby ask me "where is my white German Shepherd?", I gave in, and made the call, the call I now regret making. The very nice lady that owns Belle, told me all about her. "She is a little timid and shy at first, but after a few seconds, she will warm up to strangers." She is missing her sister, the other Shepherd they re-homed. We spent a half an hour talking and she filled me in on everything there was to know about Belle. I told her I didn't want to see her go to the shelter, and if she fit in with my family, and no one else came to adopt her, then hubby and I would.

Two days later I get a call, asking me to please come meet Belle, and lets see how things go. Hubby believed we would be leaving her house with Belle that evening. I assured him, we would just be evaluating her. I must admit, we both had our hopes up. We didn't need another dog, and often times we tell each other we don't want another, but then we admit to ourselves that if by chance the right one came along, we would take that opportunity.

On the drive there, we were already discussing how she would be spending the weekends with hubby at work, and weekdays with me. As we approached the driveway, there she was, peaking out from behind her current owner. Long, tall, graceful, beautiful, white Belle, carrying a tennis ball in her mouth, very thin, as she has quit eating since her sister was adopted. She would drop her ball, and hubby and I would take turns throwing it. Never once, would she come close enough to either of us to allow us to pet her. She wouldn't retrieve her ball from our hands, if we didn't throw it. Instead, she would cower with her tail tucked under her, stretch as far as she could, then run and hide behind her owner. She let out a few growls every now and then. After awhile we finally went inside and sat down, hoping if we ignored her she would come to us. She clearly liked men better then women, and that is okay, as she did manage to sneak up to hubby and lick his arm and face very quickly; then just as quickly backed away with her tail tucked, and climbed across the sofa back to hide under her owners legs. This time a few feet away from me, with another low growl.

No matter how long we stayed, she wasn't going to warm up to us. Needless to say, we were very disappointed when we drove away. I know with lots of time and patience, and the right experienced dog owner, she would come around, but sadly, our home and our schedule would not be right for her. She has all the makings of a fear biter. With running the childcare in my home, with me alone with her and the other dogs during the day, we have to admit, she would be too much of a risk here.

I don't know what will happen to her. I don't know what her future holds, or even if she has a future. I just wanted to hold her, and tell her everything was going to be okay, instead, as we drove away, I had this overwhelming feeling that we failed her. I can only hope the right family comes along for her.

He Went Home Today

2009-08-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

He had no name. The first sight of him was enough to break my heart into little pieces. His quivering body lay there on the cold cement floor.

Okay, so he is not perfect. His hair was matted, brown and dirty, where it should have been a shiny black and grey, bare patches along his legs and tail, his feet were red and sore; with a grey muzzle that told me he was living his senior days in misery. Too many years of badly bruised bones.

He may have some medical issues, He has some baggage. He may not be able to walk right into a home perfectly well adjusted. He may show his fear in a variety of ways. He may not love everyone immediately.
He may have some idiosyncrasies. He may cower, put his ears back, hide, or tremble. He may look at you with fear, and distrust. It might take several months, before he can begin to trust again. He has many scars; making it impossible to count them all. He is one of society's throwaways. Why then, would anyone possibly want him?

He is the epitome of resilience of a cruel, cruel world handed to him. Anytime someone approached his kennel all they would see is a thin, battered, helpless soul, who seems to have given up on life. People passed by him often, but those that stopped wouldn’t give him a second glance, shook their head and moved on. No one will have him now.

But the thing that was the most disturbing was the look in his eyes. They were quiet eyes, with a look that he had given up. I reached out to stroke his head and he instinctively squinted his eyes shut and dropped his head.

I sat next to him, whispering softly, letting him know there are good people out there, we are not all bad. I kept repeating “you have to perk up, you have to show them you still have lots of love to give”. All the while he just lay there with his head down, never once looking at me, or showing any interest of what was going on around him. He had lost all hope.

Minutes later a child ran to his kennel with the brightest eyes, smiling, and full of excitement yelling "this one mommy, this one". Mommy replied "Oh, no, not that one, its too old and dirty". The child kept pleading to mommy, “ but look mommy, he is so quiet and nice”. She kept tugging at mommies arm, pulling her back, as mommy replied “he is all used up and no good, lets find a puppy”. I didn’t pass judgment because I know he was truly a mess, and worse, in his golden years. However, what a wonderful feeling it was, to witness the only one in the room that could see past all of the horrible scars and grey hairs to find that he was "the one", was a little girl no more then 7 years old.

If only more adults would open their eyes and hearts, and see through a child's eyes once again.

Each day, a repeat of the day before. No one can see with just a good bath, grooming, a little medical care, lots of patience, this old beat up soul, would be a fine companion, and shine again, he just needs help to learn to trust again.

His time was up. Just like so many before him, walking that green mile down the corridor to that dreaded room. I got there just in time, as I knelt down on one knee, put my hands around his neck and kissed the top of his forehead, like I have so many times before, but this time was different, this time he lifted his head, and looked into my eyes; then slowly licked the tears rolling down my cheeks.

I can see the good in him, the heart, the soul, behind all the scars, there is a lot of love and life left in him, and perhaps a little bit of hope.

The old boy that showed up with no name, so many weeks before, went home today, and I couldn’t let him go without a name. The name I have called him for weeks. "PaPa".

Today marks the first day of a new life for PaPa, in his new home.

Where is home? Home is..... RESCUE.

PaPa has been saved and now living in the home of a rescue volunteer.

Pilots N Paws Looking For Rescues

2009-07-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Pilots N Paws is trying to plan a 5,000 Animal Rescue Week to highlight security clearance requirements that may threaten air transport of animals.
The time chosen is roughly Sept. 12 to Sept. 20. THEY NEED RESCUES TO CONTACT THEM!!!!!! From all across the country!!! ASAP!!!

This is a dream for rescues! Let's help PILOTS n PAWS and get our animals to their new homes.

They ask that we choose trips of approximately 200 - 400 miles as that's about a one day trip for most pilots.

If you are a rescue and willing to participate, Please go to their blog and comment.

TO DATE, THEY HAVE HAD FEW RESPONSES FROM RESCUE GROUPS.

Air transport by volunteer pilots is so important. I think rescues would love this!!! The word is simply not getting to them. please pass this information on to rescue groups. CROSS POST like mad. We can't lose these pilots. They also need people to join as volunteer fosters.

They have a great interactive map showing volunteers and where pilots are located. Please help with this. Can you imagine 5,000 animals in the air in one week going to rescue or forever homes?!!!

Obviously, people can't hold dogs, but if enough can be located within a given distance of these airports, then whoever has an animal that needs to get somewhere that week, can participate.

Updates

2009-07-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

It looks like summer has finally hit us really fast. Seems to always just sneak up on us here in the desert. The temperature soars from a nice 90 degrees, to a scorching hot 115, almost over night. Now only to get hotter over the next 2 months. We spend most days indoors, except in the late evenings and early mornings. It has wanted to rain the last few weeks, but we have gotten nothing. Not one drop. Normally I hate the rain, but we can really use some, just to cool down the ground for all the ferals that are trying to stay cool the best they can.

I have been a little under the weather lately, okay, I admit, not just lately, as many of you that have read my blog for awhile know I had been ill since last December. I thought finally I was getting better after seeing the doctor. Either I had a relapse, or I never really got better. Regardless, I had to revisit the doctor a couple weeks ago and have been on new antibiotics for the past two weeks. Oh my, I wasn't feeling good before the antibiotics, but these have had the worst side effects, and I have been miserable for the past couple weeks. Good news, today is my last day taking them. Bad news, I was told if I am not better I need to see a specialist, more tests. I'm not better. *sigh* I am so very tired, and just want to sleep, that is just not like me. I have been staying away from my computer trying to be more physically active trying to fight the lethargy I feel. I keep telling myself "I will get better, I will get better." And.....I know I will.

On to other news, Jeni is doing much better with her fear of hubby's cell phone. She still is not totally comfortable with it, but we are working with her and she is improving. She still wants to seek me out and climb on my back or in my lap, but not quite as panicky as she was.

Hubby attended our minor league baseball game here on Friday and Saturday evening. His company was a sponsor, and all the employees got to enjoy the game from the VIP Box. Hubby was also chosen to throw the first pitch of the game. the funny thing is, hubby and I are not really in to any sports, (well, except Nascar) and I asked him if he thought he should practice, afterall, the only ball throwing he has done over the years, is a tennis ball for the dogs, hahahahaha! I am pleased to say, with no practice, in front of thousands of spectators, he did very well, and he was honored to be chosen. He makes me Proud.

A New Toy

2009-07-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

We bought this new scratcher last weekend. I must admit, no money is ever wasted when it comes to the cats. No matter what I buy for them, from the smallest cheapest toy, to the largest most expensive tree, they all get used and played with. They are so easy to please.

Lacee just loves to play in the tunnel part. Good news to report with Lacee, finally for the past three days, she has not gotten into any trouble climbing the walls or the door while being left alone. She has earned the privilege to wander about with the other cats now without my direct supervision. Hopefully we continue on this good streak.
Mac is always found laying or standing on the scratcher. In fact sometimes he becomes just a little bossy when the other cats want to play on it too. Here he got distracted with Oscar's tail.

I am such a bad mom, I just had to take this picture before I rescued Oscar's tail, Mac had no intentions on letting go.

LG is often found with just his head in the tunnel, trying to spy on Lacee from the opposite end.

Then he goes in for the quick sneak attack on the unsuspecting Lacee.

Don't feel sorry for her though, she is a tough little girl, and she is normally the one to pounce on another unsuspecting victim.

Ice Skating

2009-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent video of my niece ice skating.
This is the Extemporaneous Improvisation Pre-Preliminary at Showcase 2009. She is 8 years old. The music for Extemp Improvisation is not revealed to the skaters until half an hour prior to competing. The skaters must then choreograph their own routine without assistance from anyone, including their coach.

She makes us so very proud.

If you want to view her other video's you can see them here.

Who's Missing

2009-06-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ha, she looks kind of snobbish in this photo. Lacee wanted nothing to do with participating in a group photo session. She had her own agenda, as soon as I grabbed my camera, she grabbed the little brown mouse and jumped into the hammock out of view.

Jeni, and Random Thoughts

2009-06-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

I seem to have less and less time to just sit at the computer and post on my blog lately. Many people have been asking me why I don't post more frequently. So for those wonderful, well meaning friends out there, that do not understand, I will explain.

I run a licensed daycare/preschool out of my home. I normally will get on my computer, if the children are sleeping, or have not arrived yet or have gone home for the day. Although business is slow these days, I do still have children to care for, and deal with random inspections from our Licensing office, Fire Department, and Health Department.

Dogs, cats, everywhere. Four dogs, (still having a hard time getting use to only having four now) and twelve cats, yikes! Yes, Seven cats inside, and the five ferals outside (often times, more). Plus normal trapping and rescue work. They all take quite a bit of my time. Between bathing, brushing, exercising, feeding, and cleaning up after all of them, oh and lets not forget just the cuddle and play time. I don't have much time left at the end of the day. Yes, I still have the normal household chores, and being a good wife. ( I do try, thank goodness hubby is a patient man).

Besides just my normal daily routines, we have had a few changes going on here in my house. My dogs are all requiring some extra attention right now. Between all of Jarie's health issues, which is a constant battle, Jessi's wild and energetic nature that keeps me moving, and reminding me that we have to forget our troubles and just take a few minutes each day to let our minds relax and get out and play. Then there is Bandit, oh boy, I think I will wait and share what I have to say about him in a special post.

Jeni, she is the reason I am posting today. She is having a very difficult time. For the past couple months she has been very stressed. Her stress escalated after we lost Jake. Jeni has always been very sound sensitive, and very in tune with our moods. She has always been my shadow and follows my every step.

She has become afraid of my hubby's cell phone. This all started when he received a phone call in the middle of the night from the alarm company for his work. As you can imagine being awakened from a sound sleep for the third night in a row, and have to get up and drive a half hour to your work place, you are not going to be very happy. His tone scared Jeni, and now she associates anytime he is on his cell phone, with his stress.

Now you all may be thinking this is an easy fix, just change the ring tone. Not quite that easy, the phone doesn't have to ring to stress Jeni, all hubby has to do is touch it. This has gotten to the point that Jeni almost broke her legs trying to get to me when he answered his phone. She was lying in his lap when he picked up his phone and Jeni leaped out of his lap and came running into the kitchen to find me, then she jumped up onto the kitchen counter. She couldn't hold on, and fell to the floor. Fortunately just a temporary limp that only lasted a few minutes.

So, lots of little issues we are now working on in my crazy house. Jeni loves hubby, and enjoys spending every moment she can with him when he is home, so we are working on this and will get her through it, lots of counter conditioning. No matter how well trained you think your dog is, training never stops.

For the past two weeks, all of us here only manage about four hours of sleep, so I think it is easy to say we are all tired and a bit stressed. I have neglected some good friends and very important people in my life this past month, not intentionally, my family is just needing a lot of my time right now.

She looks so tired here.

If you can, please keep some positive thoughts for Jeni, she can really use them.
I will try and catch up on everyone's blogs this weekend.

Tomorrow Is Not A Guarantee

2009-06-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

When we get a pet, we always hope they live a long, healthy, fun and safe life with us. Then when old age sets in and the time has come, we will say our heartfelt goodbyes as they leave us with the last breath they take. Our last embrace. It doesn't always happen like that though. We are all on borrowed time. We can lose a pet or a loved one in the prime of their lives from an accident or sudden illness.

If you knew it would be the last time your pet nudges you for some attention, a belly rub, a pat on the head, a toss of a ball, would you still not be in the mood because you have more important things to do, or would you take that time to make more memories? If you knew it would be the last time you wake up to a pair of soulful eyes staring at you, or a soft purr or a quiet bark, would you start your day rather irritated at the animals who meant the world to you; because they chewed or damaged something of importance? Or would you be thankful, they are here and healthy, and alive?

Tomorrow you may be saying goodbye to them. With the finality of never having the chance of saying, "I'm sorry", "I love you", or "goodbye" again. If you knew it would be the last time your pet would be welcoming you home at the door, would you still get angry when she runs off in some area of your yard trying to entice you to play a game of chase? Would you still ignore her, or scold her for not coming when called; because you are tired and had a hard day at work today? Or would you take that few minutes to return the favor, and show her how happy you are to see her too?

If you knew it would be the last time you see your children fall asleep, would you tuck them in more tightly, and read that story to them one more time, the same one they now have memorized word from word? If you knew it would be the last time you will see your loved one walk out the door, would you give him an extra hug and kiss and tell him how much you care? If you knew it would be the last time you would talk with your loved one, would you stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming they already know? If you knew it would be the last time that you would sit and talk about your day, would you take the time to share and listen, and not put off until tomorrow, things that need to be said or done today?

You may not get tomorrow, you may not get that second chance. Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," "I love you" or "It's okay.

Love and cherish your Friends, Family, and Pets as if today will be your last day together. Sadly, sometimes it takes a tragedy to occur before people realize what they had and to appreciate what they have before they are taken from you.

Tomorrow is not a guarantee, live for today.

Lazy Summer Days

2009-06-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Mikah and Buttons

Summer is here and the outside feral cats are feeling the heat. I tend to worry more about them during the summer months, as it is so difficult for them to try and stay cool in the desert heat.

Prudence and Mikah

I try to keep the ground wet to keep it cool for the cats. I also go through quite a bit of ice during the summer to keep their water bowls cool. I have a feeling it is going to be a long summer.

They look content though, don't they.

Prudence

Buttons

Their favorite place to sleep is underneath the patio swing right outside my back door. I think it is the coolest spot for them. Many times all four would be cuddled together under there.

Cloud

The Karl

The Karl sure is handsome. I still can not get that close to him. He will leave the yard if I go outside, or he will jump on a wall and watch me. I am now a little concerned, but not sure if I need to be. The last couple of days, I was thinking he looked skinnier, so I have tried to get a better look, hard to do with him without zooming in with the camera.

I noticed yesterday his fur on his right side is missing. A huge patch, almost like he was shaved just on the side. I don't see any indication that there is a problem, perhaps he rubbed the hair off somehow. I haven't been able to see his other side yet, so I will try and do that today. He is eating good and hanging out more in the shelter and in the yard, so if I determine I need a better look I may have to trap him again.

Never a dull moment.

Evening Greetings

2009-06-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

Things are slowly getting back to normal around here. Every evening Jarie selects a toy from the toy box to greet hubby with, when he gets home from work. She patiently waits by the door until she hears his truck pull up the driveway.
She then runs laps around the house, from room to room with excitement, picks up her toy and waits for him to walk through the door. Then all the excitement begins. Her tail does not stop wagging, she pushes the toy toward him, teasing him with a "catch me if you can", game of chase. She runs around and around his legs, then stops and changes direction on him.
This goes on for about 15 minutes, just running, chasing, playing. Finally she will just fall to the floor and show her belly for a good tummy rub, then off the two of them go to the other room and settle on the couch together, so the rest of the pack can join them.
Jarie was really subdued there for awhile after Jake passed, but she is back to being her crazy self, with the zoomies everyday, and just loving being the official "daddy is home greeter". It is difficult sometimes watching her greeting hubby, as that was always Jake's job, but we are trying to move forward, a bit slowly, but we are getting there.

She is back to eating and taking all her medications and supplements, so back into healing and feeling a bit better. She still has the occasional set back of not eating one of her meals, but that is to be expected with Jarie.
Jarie does not have a favorite person. She is happiest when hubby and I are both with her, and when either one of us leave the room, she will follow. But you can really see the excitement in her when she knows hubby is coming home. That is her special time.

Happy, Happy Girl.

Kitten in Your Couch

2009-06-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

This is cute. It really made me smile this morning.

The Gift

2009-05-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Bandit

He seems to always know what I need before I do. He consoles me in my lowest moments. As I gaze into his beautiful eyes, it is like we are one, and he understands what I need, at that very moment. Without a single word spoken, the connection is there, then we go about our day. The gift of being loved so unconditionally by a dog.

Lacee, Growing Up

2009-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

My little walking miracle is growing up, physically.....not mentally! Lacee has grown a lot since we first brought her in, although she is still a very petite little girl. Some of the pictures make her look big, and others so small. She isn't that much smaller in height then Ashley, but much more dainty and petite. She has one of the smallest little pink noses I have seen on a kitten. She is beautiful, and I think gets prettier everyday.
She continues to play everyday, and just loves LG and Mac. Those two boys still watch over her and protect her from any harm. It is so heartwarming to watch how they are so protective of her and care for her, I never would have imagined these boys would love her as much as they do.
Lacee still stays in her cage when I am not around to make sure she is kept safe. Anytime I am in the cat room, she is loose with the cats and runs, climbs, wrestles, and plays with all the toys. She is starting to climb a little more, managing to get to the top shelves and trees, with Mac and LG still right there keeping her safe. Sadly, she gets herself stuck, and cries; she just doesn't know how to get down. She will jump down and climb up, but she hasn't figured out how to jump from shelf to shelf, or from a tree to the shelf. When she does manage to get up high, she acts bewildered as if she is wondering "what did I get myself into?"
A few weeks ago, she tried to climb the wall. Yes, you read that right! Where she thought she was going, I have no clue. She was right next to the condo, and just climbed the wall, managed to get up about five feet, then fell to the floor and landed on her back. LG got to her the same time I did, sweet little boy he is, he wrapped his little front paws around her head and started licking her face. AWWWWW! She was fine.
I made a horrible mistake last weekend. I decided I would leave her out of her cage for several hours. I was going to be home all day, so I could check on her and hear if anything went terribly wrong. 4 hours later as I was walking up the stairs, she came running to the door and CLIMBED THE DOOR!! Yes, the door. She managed to get all the way up and was hanging on the metal grate/screen I have on the door. LG and Mac were right there meowing and pawing at her. Her front nails were stuck in the grate, but also, four of her little pads went through the holes in the grate and were stuck too! I couldn't open the door with her hanging on. She finally got herself loose and fell to the floor. I was so frightened she was going to break a toe or ankle. She was a little startled at first, then quickly acted like it was no big deal. She did leave several nail sheaths in the screen.
I felt so guilty and terrible for leaving her loose without me in the room. I wonder sometimes if she possibly had some brain damage when she was hung with that darn shoelace. She really gets herself into some predicaments. I can't even imagine the trouble she could get into if we had adopted her out into another home. She just is not normal.
She improves each day with her walking, standing tall on her legs now. While observing her running, walking, climbing, it is obvious that her legs were once fractured, but they are now healed, and continue to get stronger each day. She moves a little differently then a normal cat, but she gets along just fine.

Here she is biting LG's ear. He is the best big brother.

You know how difficult it is to try and get all seven cats in one picture?!

Every time I picked up the camera, someone was always walking away!

My seven beautiful little rescued, feral souls, my little piece of Heaven.

Forever in Our Hearts

2009-05-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Jake 6-8-98 / 5-3-09

Moment by moment I sat here trying with all my might to stop that enemy called time. This is the moment that I have feared. Then one day as I noticed the grey on your muzzle and realized time had been marching on and our moments together were too precious and not to be wasted. Today that fear became a reality.

You came into our life at 7.5 months old. Little did we know the impact you would have on our hearts.

You became a great obedience competitor and you and daddy made an excellent team. You enjoyed traveling with daddy and the bond the two of you had was remarkable.

You changed tears to smiles for all the residents in the nursing facility you visited on a weekly basis doing what you did best, a dedicated K9 Therapy Dog, who took his job very seriously, and knew your job well.

You helped the many children at the libraries during the Reading To Rover program, sitting, and listening to the children read to you, helping them gain the confidence they needed.

You were daddy's Demonstration Dog, at all of our public obedience demonstrations, and people would come and crowd all around you waiting to pet you and shake your paw.

You were also daddy's demo dog at our training classes, and you would always make daddy proud, being on your best behavior, while our students would watch you with amazement, and tell daddy they wanted their dog to be just like you.

I have been blessed to witness the love you and daddy have shared. The bond that connects your inner souls. The way your eyes light up when daddy comes through the door every evening, and trotting to him in the gallopy horse fashion that you have.

You have been my guardian, my protector, my confidant, my inner strength, my best friend. You have been my Hero, and have come to my rescue on more then one occasion.

I held on to you, to that moment; your last and my first without you. I felt your last breath and still I held on. But time stops for no one.

We have had a wonderful journey together, You, Daddy and I. You have touched the hearts of all that have known you. I know you will continue to touch all who are waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge.

Princess needs you now; she has been waiting to be reunited with her very best friend.

Run free, big boy, you will be greatly missed, but our love will never die, you will always live on in our hearts.

Rest in Peace, My Sweet Boy.

Find Compassion

2009-04-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Literally millions of cats are left to fend for themselves through the ignorance of people who do not spay or neuter their pets or barn cats.

Newborn kittens tossed aside like trash, by humans.

I get sickened every time I hear someone say "It's a wonderful gift from God, the miracle of life."
Each year a million kittens, unplanned are given life, some perish to screaming, some to linger starving, kicked outdoors, to live their lives as ferals on the unforgiving streets.

This little kitten was born feral, abandoned after his mother was poisoned by humans.

They are the victims of uncaring, uneducated people. I look at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I see in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. Unplanned, unwanted kittens are born into despair, abandoned, fighting for their life.
They have been dumped at shelters, booted out the doors, kicked, hit, beaten, yelled at, shot, thrown from moving cars...and left to fend on their own.
They may have learned that humans are NOT kind and society is NOT fair and life is NOT comfortable. They look at us full of fear and terror, and occasionally hatred, and yes, deep down, with a little hope. Many are brought to the humane shelters where death comes with gentler hands.
For the million plus kittens that arrive on earth unplanned, many will die a gruesome, long torturous death in a gas chamber.

Born with a Cleft Palate and dumped outside by humans and left to breed.

You say it is the miracle of life, yet eight weeks pass, and you haven't found any new homes for the kittens.
So you bundle them up and take them to the pound. Most likely they are taken off to die. Is this your way of saying this is the miracle of death?
The shelter is overcrowded and has no more room for unwanted kittens. Societies cast a ways.
The momma kitty is put outside, and of course, she's pregnant once again. (because YOU don't believe in spaying and neutering). She was too young, too small, too often bred, nature goes wrong, "Momma Kitty" feels it too and she crawls off to die. She too is finally freed from this cruel world.

Grady, The face that will forever haunt me.

Malnourished, dumped by humans, the boy I could not save.

Cats allowed free access to the outdoors invariably come into contact with other cats. Even casual contact can transmit diseases, such as FeLV (Feline Leukemia), FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and URIs (Upper Respiratory Diseases). Aggressive fighting with other cats can also pass FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). These infectious diseases are serious. Even some URIs can be long term health problems.
Cats are very territorial and will defend their territory to the death, if challenged by another cat. These battles often result in abscessed wounds, which can be deadly if not treated in time.

Eye infections, from fighting, could have been prevented if his human would not have abandoned him.
Ripped, torn ears, infected , from fighting with other toms for his territory, could have been prevented, if his human would have realized he wasn't disposable.

I feel hurt and sorry for all the newborn kittens that die an untimely, painful death. I feel hurt and sorry for the dogs that may have attacked and killed cats and kittens; because they too were allowed to roam, they didn't know better, it is their nature. I hurt and feel sorry for the momma cats that lose their newborn kittens, they don't understand what happened, what went wrong, they just wanted to care for their babies, as nature intended. I DO NOT feel sorry for the human that allows the momma to get pregnant. I DO NOT feel sorry for the human that allows the dogs access to the kittens. I DO NOT feel sorry for the human that lost their cat to poison, predators, cars, etc. Those can all be prevented. I DO feel sorry for the cats, they are the victims. Humans have caused the pet over population. Humans have caused the torturous deaths of so many of our beautiful feline friends.

He was left behind after his human moved, stray, turned feral, attacked by a dog, yet survived.

Only to die a year later, from the cruelty of humans.

People think I enjoy trapping, taming and rescuing feral cats. You are all wrong. I wish I could walk up and down every street in any neighborhood across the country, and never see an abandoned stray or feral cat. A wish, I will never see in my lifetime, because humans are selfish. Humans disappoint me. Humans are to blame for the unwanted cats in our society. humans like to look the other way, and say "it isn't my problem", ah, but yes, it IS your problem, it is every ones' responsibility to help educate. Don't look away, but look deep within your hearts, find compassion, and help fix the problem.

Jarie, Please Eat

2009-04-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Jarie is such a pretty girl, don't you think? I had just finished giving her a bath in these pictures so she was still wet. She enjoyed running up and down the street with hubby, air-drying! What is it about a dog and water? When she gets wet, her energy level triples.
She is still not well. Does anyone have a magic potion to make her eat? I am afraid she is getting worse. We have been battling the eating issue now for a month. It is really getting old. I don't mind when she skips one meal, or eats a few hours late, but now she is skipping days. She didn't eat yesterday, hasn't eaten this morning.

Last week I was able to get her to eat a piece of cheese, even a slice of bread, (I know, not the best choice, but if it works, well you get the point) to get something in her stomach so she can take her supplements. Now she won't take anything, and I have tried everything. Her tummy is growling, she acts like she wants to eat, but she won't.

We are limited at what we can give her because of all of her food allergies, yet, at this point I just need her to eat.
Unfortunately her not eating has started to affect her IBD. Once that happens, we have to keep that under control, so it doesn't affect any bleeding in the intestines, or lower GI tract or that will then affect her vWD (von Willebrands Disease). A domino effect, which we do not want.
She is still a happy girl though. Always wanting to run, play, tear up the toys, following me around the house, looking for something to get into.

This photo you can see her round spot on her side where she chewed all her hair off back in October. Finally, after all these months, the hair is coming back. A very slow process.
I know Jarie will recover in time, this is not the first time we have gone through this with her, and it won't be the last. Honestly, I don't think she is even aware that she is not as healthy as she could be.

What We Did This Weekend

2009-04-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

We spent all weekend at our local dog shows. Turned out to be a very nice weekend. Rain was in the forecast, but all we had Saturday were clouds. The weather was perfect for all the dogs and the humans. Sunday, clear blue sky, with just a light cool breeze. We couldn't ask for better weather. Below are a few of my favorite random photos I took of the weekend.

German Shepherd competing in Rally obedience

Newfoundland showing in conformation

Isn't he just gorgeous!

Doberman competing in Utility Obedience.

Border Collie in Agility.

Scenery

Golden Retriever competing in Open Obedience.

Australian Shepherd in Agility.

Burmese Mtn Dog and Flat Coat Retriever in Sit stays in Obedience .

Belgian Tervuren in Agility.

German Shepherd Dog in Novice Obedience.

Australian Shepherd in Agility.

Group sit stays in Obedience.

Yellow Labrador in Agility

Belgian Tervuren in Agility on the teeter.

Scenery

Shetland Sheepdog in Agility

We had a really nice time visiting with all of our friends, and discussing dog club news, upcoming events, and just relaxing. There is nothing more relaxing then spending the day at a show among our human and canine friends.

Little Lacee

2009-04-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Time for another Lacee update. She has now learned the girls don't want to play with her, so she tries to stay clear of them, or they may smack her in the head a few times. Although last night Mama Cat was washing her face just a little, HUGE deal for Mama to do. Mama Cat kisses and washes NO ONE!! She likes Lacee, she just doesn't want anyone to know, she has to keep her alpha status of the cat pack!
Lacee is all play. She loves to run and jump on an unsuspecting Mac. He is very interested in her and does play with her, but she often sneaks up on him for a quick *attack the cat game.*
I have no idea how I managed to get this picture with Ashley in the background, open mouth, wide eyed, scary kitty. I did catch Ashley trying to play with Lacee right before this photo was taken, I was so pleased, as I have never seen Ashley play with other cats except when she was living feral outside. Perhaps Lacee is helping bring a little normalcy in the cat room.
I have been having to clean her ears everyday as they build up with wax very easy, trying to control that. She is so easy, and just lies down and lets me clean them with such ease. She is very trusting.

She is just learning to climb up on the shelves a little more, but for some reason if she tries to go too high, Mac runs and gets in front of her and doesn't let her climb up. I have no idea why, he is not being mean, he just jumps in front and above her, and does not let her pass him, so she ends up climbing back down. I had to hold him once so I can let her get up on one of the trees, but she couldn't figure out how to get down, silly girl. She is still learning her way.
Isn't she just the cutest little thing? She has so much personality. I fall in love with her a little more each day.

She Makes Me Stop

2009-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

I try really hard to make sure I spend one on one time with each of my dogs. Playing and interacting as a group is good too, but I feel they all need that individual time. Sometimes my schedule gets hectic, and there just is not enough hours in the day to get everything done I set out to do that day.
Jessi, although second to the youngest, with Jarie being the youngest, Jessi will always be my baby. She prefers me all to herself. She doesn't like sharing, and really seems to thrive when it is just her and me. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, 80 degrees out, nice cool breeze, perfect for her and I to just enjoy.
Those of you that have read my blog for awhile, know that Jessi does not stop. Very difficult to take photos, she is a very high drive working line Aussie. Her mouth is always open, tongue hanging out, running from this corner to that corner, sniffing the ground, watching the planes fly over. She doesn't miss a single bird, butterfly, or the wave of a tree branch, always always busy.

Of course the only time her mouth shuts is when she is told to sit, she hates sit, for that just means she has to quit moving, something she just doesn't like to do, but she complies, although you can clearly see it in her face, she wishes *sit* was not a word in my vocabulary.
I have never seen a dog as happy as Jessi. She will play with anything you throw for her, she really doesn't have a favorite toy, as long as she gets to interact with me, whatever toy I choose to toss for her, she is content.
Yesterday was a day that was very much needed, I think for both Jessi and I. She makes me stop. Even for just an hour, she makes me stop and forget about all my worries, all my chores that need to be done, life happenings. Spending time with a dog that is non-stop action, I really have no time to think of anything else but her and the smile on her face, the sparkle in her eyes when she looks up at me, as if she is saying "Life is good, lets play".

Introducing Karl

2009-04-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I finally gave him a name, so let me formally introduce you to Karl. I will spare you all the details of how I came up with his name, but it fits, so he is now affectionately referred to as Karl, or how I normally refer to him as "The Karl". Makes him sound much more important.

He still is not neutered. I feel very guilty about that too. I put off trying to trap him after I was unsuccessful a couple of times. Then I became just too ill and too tired to really try.

He is so mean too, always protecting his territory. He has staked his claim with the cat shelter and my yard. He guards and patrols all day and night. Several times a week he wakes us up in the middle of the night, yowling and fighting with the other tomcats in the neighborhood. My poor hubby is the one to get out of bed and run outside to break up the fights. I always ask who he was fighting with, but my hubby never gets the chance to see the other cat by the time he gets outside. I very rarely see any other toms anymore except for Karl. Perhaps after he is neutered and a little more settled, I can trap the other toms too. I really must get busy!
He now sleeps most of the time in the shelter or on the cat walk. He spends a lot of time in the backyard, until I go out there, that is when he will just jump up on a wall or the cat walk and watch my every move. He won't let me get any closer then maybe 10 feet. He never use to sit still for long when I was outside, but now, he allows me to just watch him, as he watches me. Something about him makes me sad though. In his eyes, the way he looks at me, there is such sadness in his eyes that tear at my heart. Not all ferals have that sadness, that unmistakable look in their eyes, but when you see it, it is a look you don't forget.

So, I have to quit neglecting what I had set out to do, a very long time ago. I have to get busy working with "The Karl". First things first, I need to trap him, and soon!

On to other things, I want to thank all my wonderful friends here for emailing me and asking how I have been. I did finally go to the doctor, this past Wednesday. I had a lot of tests, still have more to do, had a brief scare, but I am ok, and I am going to live, Hooray! I will be starting my antibiotics tonight and hopefully will be feeling much better soon. I think I forgot how feeling well feels, hopefully I will experience that feeling again, soon.