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> Missing For A Week Now...., Cat lost in Maine woods/ predators, lost
oceanpets
post Aug 14 2007, 02:40 AM
Post #21





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 38
Joined: 29-July 07
Member No.: 3,331



I will try to get some pictures up soon. Things are busy and stressful around my house, as we are preparing for our exodus south.
Some answers:
You can't do a simple blood test for Rabies, only if you euthanize them and it's gruesome, they have to send the head to be tested!
Jax was tested for Feline Leukemia, and another similar... negative.
He's a talker! That's the siamese in him I'm told. At least we can find him when he wanders about the house. It might drive my husband crazy though...
Speaking of him, he won't GET that we need to keep the doors closed. In light of everything ( that we lost Toonces to the 'outside world' ) I am shocked and upset that he doesn't seem to respect this issue.
So, I am up at 2:30am again, with unresolved issues abounding, poor communication, and looking up weather and you guys!
There might be a storm brewing potentially for South Florida.... I wonder if I might delay our trip but since they won't know for some time, therefore school will start on time no doubt, we are heading out in a few days....
I think it is going to be hard to leave... I miss it here and will have to leave Toonces behind so to speak. It will help to take Jax with us, but I keep wondering,... should I re-post flyers? They've all fallen or were taken down, and I just don't know... without being here to remove them it seems wrong to plaster poles again.
I got another call recently about a cat a woman had taken in from our grocery store parking lot. It was the same one they thought was mine at the Bicycle Shop last week. Cutie gray younger friendly cat. Not Toonce. I knew. SHe had taken him in on Friday, just spotted my ad. I guess that's good. But they always seem so certain, like I'm the only one with a gray cat! I am please and appreciative people take the time and all, but it's hard to have it really foolproof. You can't have every defining feature listed, nor will anyone be able to tell but us.
So..... I'm upset yet hanging in overall much better on the sadness front.
I will try to post a picture soon. I think I need to change the setting on my digital camera. I will try when it's daylight and all..
Joani
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paris
post Aug 14 2007, 05:22 AM
Post #22





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 149
Joined: 3-July 07
Member No.: 3,227



I think flyers are the most time consuming and tend to come down. If it were me, i would want to leave open the possibility that if my cat were found a name/number could be reached. This would mean keeping the photo and information with the animal shelter(s) in the area, and depending on cost, a lost/found ad in a newspaper.

I too used to get calls from people who found cats that were clearly not mine (I advertised a brown tiger, got calls for grey or red cats.) Since cats are hard to describe, I always wanted people to call if there were any possibility, as I didn't want to miss an opportunity. When Ben came home, I saw that he really doesn't even have much tiger markings on him but I kept calling him a "tiger cat". I learned since that "tabby" is the correct word, and even tabby is not a breed but only fur markings. A few times we emailed photos to each other before I drove out to see the cat.

I remember going to shelters and honestly, I saw a few tabby cats that I had to stare at to know if it were Bennett!
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5catsmom
post Aug 18 2007, 11:00 PM
Post #23





Group: Pet Lovers
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Hi oceanpets,
If you haven't already made your exodus, I'd suggest putting up flyers in places like coffeeshops, the shelter, the grocery, the postoffice, anyplace, just not outside where you're right, they will come down. A picture attached would be nice, and a better idea too. I was really amazed when we got Shadow back, we hadn't put a picture on her flyer, and I had described her as "light gray" but in reality she's definitely a dark gray, I had never seen her next to another gray cat, so I had no basis for comparison, and was really thrown by that. Also, she had been shaved on her body about a week before she escaped, so the flyer described a "newly shaved on the body"cat with an unshaved tail, but when we got her back she had outgrown the shaving pretty much and just looked like a domestic short hair (DSH)
with a longer hair tail. The description was so off, I wouldn't have recognized her from it, and I've lived with her for over 6 years! So - descriptions change, and you might want to occasionally change your flyer, and if you're still in Maine, you might want to get addresses of the places where you want flyers to be.

Regarding your new kitten, well, you're a braver woman than me! Even with Shadow, I took her straight to the vet, had her checked out and blood checked, and had them bathe her (it's cheaper than the big stores too, BTW). She's extremely temperamental, and no way was I going to wrestle even a 6 lb. weak emaciated angry cat by myself, it was too scary to contemplate. I was afraid I'd kill her, she was so skin and bones or put her into heart failure or something when she had a hissy fit, which I knew she would. I'm sorry for your experience. I desperately hope it never happens again, if it does, the $40 or $60 is worth the pain of shots and antibiotics for both of you. BTW, I believe Feline Lieukemia is something that needs to be tested for twice at 3 or 6 month intervals, I believe to make sure it is definitely not there.

Well, perhaps one day a miracle will occur and someone up there in Maine will see Toonces or he will show up on someone's doorstep. Not to give you false hope, but stranger things have happened. Leave it in God's hands, I say, if you are so inclined, and if not, then know that on occasion higher powers which we do not understand move through our world which cannot be fathomed when they occur. Good luck with Jax, and I hope he brings you years of joy and excitement and unpredictability. (And by the way, I think keeping him inside, if possible, is maybe the best thing you could do for him next to neutering him. You get to know them so much better and their personalities are so much more sweet when they're not constantly searching for the next female in heat.) Keep us updated, it sounds like you've already had a full round of excitement - it never stops, does it? Bless our cats' souls! Bless Toonces', wherever he is, and do take care - Barb
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oceanpets
post Aug 18 2007, 11:23 PM
Post #24





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 38
Joined: 29-July 07
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thanks Barb. We had quite an adventurous trip with Jax. He wasn't the docile creature that Toonces was in his carrier on the airplane, but he settled down after awhile. I had to put the carrier on my lap for a lot of it, despite protests from the flight attendants, as this seemed to calm him down. He is NOISY even now at home. At the moment he is happily playing with my son who has one of those play fishing poles with a fake bird attached to it. When he's not doing that, he found the one toy Toonces left behind, a ball with jangly bell in it. He meows like a true siamese around the place, but still cuddles like nobodys business. He even leans on your foot lovingly when you least expect it. So this has been very healing. This is why we got him- he was so loving and cuddly. He seems to like our home down here, it's smaller and we're all on the same floor by day. Kids rooms down, as well as main areas, so he can go from food/ boy room to all of us at will. My husband fixed some screens that were needing it outside on the screen porch and we let him enjoy some fresh air for the first time. He liked it but only if we were there. He's inside for now. ( But this is how we started Toonces..... ) We'll see.... it's a lot of work keeping them from running out, you're on patrol and high alert everytime you come/ go, someone visits.... it's a lot of work. But until I get a collar and id tag, etc... and he's older NO WAY.
As for flyers in Maine, I do have them up still at a couple places... not sure how long they will stay up for though. As you may recall from my post log, I did contact Hilary, the pet communicator, who told me that Toonces was in the spirit world. This was my gut instinct on Day One actually, and I feel that after three weeks, he would have found his way home, if still alive. I know things have happened, but we searched the neighbors thoroughly and with the predators out and about, it's just a questions of one of those days they don't come back after an evening sojourn... I don't think I could have stopped it, unless he never went out. It's the chance you take. The pet detective woman I spoke to early on told me that it's not my fault. It's hard keeping them from their desires to want out, she even lets her dog go without a lease, knowing that the price of freedom potentially is harm, but it's a risk sometimes we take, when we let our animals have their instincts to explore. I should not beat up on myself she said, and that seems to feel right. You don't know when your children will be at harm, but you can't keep them off bicycles, etc... there are risks in life. We do our best. Sometimes it's just never enough. Heartache is hard. If onlys can really do a number on you... It's amazing that I am not really blaming my husband. I know that it's all our fault, not one of us anticipated the last night of Toonces, so we weren't extra careful to let him in at dusk. That was always my goal, and when I remembered I did it, but sometimes I just didn't, and it was very dark before he came to be let in or we called him. Most nights he was already in of his own volition, so we weren't always needing to do this... you just never know. You can go back in your mind and drive yourself crazy. I am trying not to do that.
I am trying to move on. Jax is never going to be Toonces. But Toonces wasn't the others before him either. It must be a lesson in love while you can, appreciate what you have when you have it. And be safe with pets too... and as for the courageous bathing.... I'd do it again. 've always bathed my pets since I was an adult anyhow. ( I also give myself pedicures and give my family haircuts) It's not hat we can't afford it, we just do it that way. I like being able to get them used to it. It will be awhile before I brave it with noisy Jax though... he might remember it and be pretty spastic again. I think it was the two times that got him though.. he was good up to a point. Face the second time around was the clincher. He's a sweetie.
I got another call about a gray cat and I think it's the same one , same area that the gray cat calls have been . I didn't call back yet. I have the message on my machine still. Ad in paper. Other than that, we'll see.
take care all.
Joani
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oceanpets
post Aug 19 2007, 12:13 AM
Post #25





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Here is a picture of Toonces... this wasn't easy!
Joani
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oceanpets
post Aug 19 2007, 12:25 AM
Post #26





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And some more of Toonces... Jax is on the way...
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Big Cats Mom
post Aug 19 2007, 08:39 PM
Post #27





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Dear Oceanpets,
I've read all your post, and I just want to tell you how sorry I am about Toonces. Such a cute name, and what a beautiful boy. So cuddly looking. I know you miss him terribly. I lost my girl to a predator in July, so as others here, I know exactly how you feel. I did an exhaustive serch 16 hours a day for 2 weeks, before I finally found out what happened.
I also understand about the lack of support from family. That makes a bad situation worse. It's a very lonely feeling indeed. I'm glad I found LS, it helped make my grief bearable, and I'm glad you found it too. There's always a llistening ear here.
Many hugs
April
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oceanpets
post Aug 20 2007, 04:31 PM
Post #28





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Yes, LS has helped. Things are better. Husband seems very open to bonding to new kitty, and this is HUGE as he's not a cat lover naturally. He knows that I need him to love this one, and I think secretely he needs it too. We've all been helped enormously by our new addition. Holding and loving a cat has been a blessing to my torn up heart.
I got three calls in the last two days about Toonces! One is very promising, but it may be awhile before anyone can really know for sure. Scenario: A lady has been feeding a cat that showed up a few weeks ago in her area ( which is sort of far from me... but anyway) then her neighbor had to take over watching her other cat/house and feeds this 'stray' one too. It matched my Toonces description, so she called. The lady feeds it in the early am, and can't contact the lady whose house it is where she's doing this until Sunday... so we can't get a look until then. But she got some more info from me and will use binoculars to look for defining features. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I would be SO ecstatic if it was Toonces I can't tell you! The mere thought that he survived and got so far from home and is maybe possibly going to reunite with us is something I can't really let myself think of but for a moment.
I'll let you all know. Picture of Jax here:

Joani
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Mink&WillowsMom
post Aug 20 2007, 07:38 PM
Post #29





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Omigosh Toonces is GORGEOUS!!!! I can just feel how soft his fur is. And that black eyeliner! And oh Jax is adorable.... I loooooooove black kitties. Such affectionate baby boys, they are...

I can TOTALLY understand your reluctance to get your hopes up. Just be gentle with yourself. It is what it is, it will be what it will be, and anything you do or don't do between now and Sunday has no effect on whether Toonces has been happily been getting well fed on the woman's back porch, or whether he's happily free of his body and dancing in the light. I'll be thinking of you and your husband -- keep us posted. ~Kimberly


--------------------
...You precious children, of four feet, whiskers, and mischief...
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oceanpets
post Aug 22 2007, 09:03 AM
Post #30





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The two calls did not pan out. We are stuck with loudy Jax instead! I'm kidding, but he is a noisy siamese, what was I thinking???? ( I needed the cuddly aspect that's what!) Anyway.... my mother followed up on the one call which was near my doctor's office, and amazingly the cat showed up when she was there. Not Toonces. The other lady took more info and watched the cat when she fed him early morning yesterday, not Toonces either. He had white on the head and not on his feet.... I figured as much. He is dancing in the light out of his body. We miss Toonces personality, he was so laid back, skittish sometimes, but mostly pretty used to us and us him... .it's hard adjusting to a new one, but overall it's still better than wanting to die myself. NOt really, but a part of me was so sad that I couldn't function, so to be annoyed by a loudmouth who has the sweetest way of curling up when you least expect it- it's still better. We miss Toonces and always will. I haven't cried for days. I think it's easier being not in the location where he last was, and having kid start school, and the new kitty.... it's much easier nowadays.
Here's another picture of Jax. Does anyone know where I got that name? I thought of Sonny, as he wears black,... but Jax seemed to suit him more. I call him Jaxy sometimes!
Oh funny tidbit... he was out on the screen porch with my husband this morning and some cats were in a nearby yard having a typical cat standoff where they moan and snarl and squeel... hearing this Jax immediatly jumped up onto the back of the chair my husband was sitting on and curled up near his shoulder. He didn't even mind. This is such a big deal I can't even tell you. He is really being good at not complaining about this new addition to the family, as he knows how much better it has been for me, that my heart was breaking so brutally. I could cry just thinking about it now,.... but I think I will try to not suc%%b for now. Toonces... you were the best and I will always love you!!!
Joani
Pic of Jax of the day:
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Mink&WillowsMom
post Aug 22 2007, 10:01 PM
Post #31





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So... since Jax has so much to say, what is he telling you? Rather than tuning him out, when you listen, what is the story he's telling? Hugs, Kim


--------------------
...You precious children, of four feet, whiskers, and mischief...
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oceanpets
post Aug 24 2007, 01:51 PM
Post #32





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He has calmed down with his vocal activity. I think he was adjusting. He only speaks once in awhile. He likes the screen porch. He isnt' running to the door so much. We will keep him an indoor cat. He chases this fake mouse all over the house and is happy with his new digs. He is back to sleeping with my son at night, he didn't for a few nights as he kept him up, school just started... but then I asked if he could try it again, and it's fine now. I think this helped him a LOT, he needs a lot of love. He is very content in the daytime now to hang around with me calmly. But I give him lots of love, so does everyone.
I am not sure what he's saying, but it seems like he's saying, " Pay attention to me! "
Oh, boys just got home and Jax is happy to be their groupie again. The cat box needs attention too.
I will post another picture when I get some more taken and put onto computer.
Joan
Ps. How is everyone else doing????
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Mink&WillowsMom
post Nov 1 2007, 12:03 AM
Post #33





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Hey Miss Ocean, how are you? How are you doing with the loss of Toonces? Has Jax stolen your heart? Would love to hear an update. ~Kimberly


--------------------
...You precious children, of four feet, whiskers, and mischief...
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oceanpets
post Feb 4 2008, 04:08 AM
Post #34





Group: Pet Lovers
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Well, I started a new post, as you probalby noticed... Jax is now missing!!
Yes, he did steal my heart and seeing his 'baby pictures' on this post is bittersweet.
We all have grown to love him immensely. ALmost to the point of not having the memories of TOonces so engraved in my soul as before. As it was meant to be...
Here's hoping I can find HIM now.
JOani
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