Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

Lightning-Strike Pet Loss Support Forum _ Lost or Missing Pet Support _ Do Finders Have To Be Keepers?

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 15 2008, 02:05 PM

I started this on Found a Kitty, but since it really opens up a whole new aspect, I'm starting a new topic here. Admin: you can move this to New Beginnings if it feels like a better fit, but the guts of my concern centers on having found a lost cat, not choosing a new beginning with one. Folks on this thread have been following Sable's tale, so I'd like them to be able to find this post and help me through it.

*** Okay, I'm taking a cue from the gent who wrote "Confession" (see Death and Dying), and Paris' reluctant disclosure about Bennett.

I've been struggling with feelings of not wanting Sable in my home.

Luna, Rohan, and Willow all guardedly walk past her, because she stares them down and lashes out sometimes. The warily pass by, tense and back stiff. There haven't been a lot of fistfights, but the honeymoon is definitely over, and sometimes Sable chases them, especially Luna, with lots of hissing and spitting. (Usually on Luna's part.)

Sable's kidneys are "weak." The doc says it's not kidney failure, but suggested I put her on the special NF diet as a protective measure. I'm just not willing to do that -- I've tried it with other cats and they all hate it. And with four, there'd be no way to switch just hers. I may as well just throw the money in the trash, because that's where all the food ends up. I'm willing to try other dietary changes, but not NF. She goes through an ungodly amount of kitty litter -- she pees as much as the other three combined. I'm awash in litter granules.

After years of caring for failing, elderly kitties, it was a joy to adopt new kittens. Willow, Rohan, and Luna are all abundantly healthy. What a relief of have a healthy, robust home. And after caring for my elderly, ailing father, and then to have been released from that when he died, I am SO unwilling to step back to caring for something in ill health. It's a stress that wears on me heavily. She doesn't groom herself well, she looks all rumply and unkempt. She's docile, and her mood is even, and purrs, and occasionally tries to play, but she's not robust. She now weighs 9 lbs, 1 oz (up from 5-10 when I found her).

But how can I ask someone else to adopt a health-compromised animal? I feel stuck with her. Maybe, with more time, she'll bond with some of us, but it hasn't happened yet. The local Kitten Rescue is just about to launch into kitten season, and if I insisted they take her, I think I'd ruin my goodwill with them (I used to volunteer there). One option, is they might be willing to advertise her on the website, as long as I continue to foster her.

I just feel like I'm a bad mom, and being selfish for wanting a home of harmony and health, needy kitties need not apply. sad.gif Kimberly

Posted by: Zita'sMom Feb 15 2008, 07:16 PM

Hi Kimberly

I don't know if my comments will be helpful, I can only tell you what I've experienced personally. I adopted a dog from across the country that turned out to be a real jerk. wink.gif I asked the foster home and rescue organization a *lot* of questions before adopting, I had him vet checked and even had his hips x-rayed because he was going to be my agility dog. I promised the rescue organization, thinking I had a pretty firm grasp on his character, that I would work out whatever issues cropped up. When I saw him in his crate I thought he was the most beautiful dog ever. Within a month he had bit the dog I'd had for 14 years almost in the eye, he had grabbed my cat by the leg (she ended up getting liver cancer and I do wonder if the stress accelerated things), and mashed up my hand giving me a permanent scar (I was holding him back from biting my old dog who had picked up a bone at the time). Rehoming came to mind a number of times, but frankly no-one wants a dog like this. I guess I can say I have learned a few things about controlling dog aggression, and his tendencies are now well managed. He is far from perfect. He has occasional seizures and he has something like Attention Deficit Disorder. Any stimulation gets him totally over the top, but not so aggressive as before.

Just the other day my husband and I were saying how much energy we've had to put into him to make him a reasonable dog. It hasn't been easy.

I know two other families who got rid of similar dogs, one through euthanasia, one went back to the shelter. I couldn't bring a dog like him back to a shelter as I know how much that would mess him up more, and euthanasia, well, I don't disagree with it for some situations because an unmanageable pet does affect the quality of life for everyone else involved. I can't judge what is right or wrong, just saying that I know the feelings involved. I chose to stick with it. Was it fair to my previous cat and dog? No, not really. I did everything I could to keep things completely controlled and keep my original pets safe and happy. My first pets always come first, but situations are not always so simple. I will probably spend his lifetime trying to find ways to calm him, although he is a thousand times better than when I first got him. I could never rehome him now even though at times I've really hated him for his behaviour.

So there are no easy answers. You could offer to foster and advertise her, that sounds pro-active. At least that would open up the possibility of a different home. Ultimately I don't know what is right, but I think most of us have the answers within. There are so many unhealthy, aggressive, or behaviorally challenged pets around and not nearly the resources to help those dealing with it (especially aggressive dogs). I tend to keep my animals even if they turn out to be totally rotten, but each situation is entirely different, and as I said, I cannot judge.

So that's probably not much help, but just what I've gone through.

Jan.

Posted by: LS Support Feb 15 2008, 08:52 PM

the post fits here just fine. and it's a tough rope to walk. as with humans, pets also have distinct personalities. and unfortunately, also as with humans, not all of their personalities are good. add in poor health, aggressive behavior, and disharmony in the home...i am sure it is not a great situation.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 16 2008, 03:40 AM

See, and that's what makes this tough: it's not a bad situation. Right now she's asleep on a chair about 5 feet away, Rohan is lying next to me on the recliner, and Willow is asleep on a nearby footstool. Everything is totally calm and peaceful. A Feliway atomizer is plugged in. A flower essence mix of mallow, birch, and elm is dropped into their water every time it's refreshed. Earlier this evening Sable and Willow touched noses (first time). She raised her paw and he backed off, but her paw was slow and symbolic, not attacking. (Willow still skulked away, pansy that he is.)

That's why I have such a hard time admitting these feelings -- it's not a horrible, tense, warfare situation. It's just a persistent sense of "this isn't what I ordered." It's not awful, it's just not what I want.

There's lots else going on contributing to this. The first anniversary of my father's death is fast approaching. A year ago this time he was just heading into his final nosedive. He died at home; I live across the road and was able to take care of him, though at the end it was intensely consuming; downright scary. A potent cue for me is the angle of the light in the sky, and the garden moving toward Spring. And the wrens pinwheeling in the sky -- I remember sitting in my hot tub last year, watching the birds, knowing that Dad would be dying soon. Now, each day brings me back to remembering that countdown, and the weary grief it brought.

And I'm recovering SO slowly from this car accident. It's been 4 months now, and my neck and upper back are still so limited. I have two body work and two chiro appointments a week, and there's still so many things I can't do. Lifting, vacuuming, repairing my pond, starting the remodel on the lake house, being able to attend the Home Show and collect brochures, etc. (Tried that last one two weeks ago and I'm still paying the price.)

Sable has many good qualities. Her mood is even, and she's usually quiet and docile. She licks my fingers when I pet her. She purrs easily. If I plunk her on my lap, sometimes she stays for a little while. 98% of the time she's polite and peaceable with the other kitties.

But she's so rumpled and unkempt. (How I wish she'd let Rohan groom her, he's a master at it.) Perhaps I'm just underestimating how long it's taking her to recover from being so frail. She's never jumped up in my lap. That other 2% of the time she stares down the other cats, or lunges at them. She goes through a phenomenal amount of kitty litter. She keeps to herself most of the time.

It all comes down to the fact she hasn't really bonded with any of us yet. If I knew she was going to get chummy and comfortable, I'd relax. But when I had Tin and Cheddar, they coexisted as reluctant siblings for years, never quite liking each other. Since my other three are joyously bonded with each other now (Willow finally suc%%bed to Rohan's adoration), I don't want to 'go back' to Tin and Cheddar's reluctant detente.

Everything all together feels overwhelming and stressful. My job is wickedly draining. My brother's side business (he's on disability) just collapsed, and with his victim mentality, he's going to pull in, shut down, and become the paranoid hermit he's been training for. Since he is also my neighbor, it's going to be hard to deal with his self-pity and not get drawn into rescuing.

So I'm dealing with pain, weakness, stress, and grief. Oh, and hot flashes. With a few panic attacks thrown in for good measure. A loving, healthy, harmonious home is so necessary... I need a haven to retreat to. Your support here has been so helpful in the past, and I'm gonna need it getting through the next several weeks. (Dad's date is March 26th.)

One of the things I'm trying to remember is how inevitable her rescue was the moment I saw her, stranded in the middle of the freeway. Several of my friends are convinced that she crossed my path for a purpose; that fate handed her to me for a reason. When I'm in less pain, and less emotionally worn out, it's easier to remember, even if I don't know why yet. ~Kimberworn

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 17 2008, 12:52 AM

Oy. How quickly perspectives shift. Just a few minutes ago Sable threw up clear liquid definitely tinged pink. That can only be blood, right? Is there anything else that would do that? Bile is yellow, her food is brown.

She was just at the vet's, and his exam found little other than the weak kidneys. Oh, and roundworms. Her first set of labs showed anemia, but given how malnourished she was, that made sense. Does she have a GI bleed somewhere? Her urine had no blood. She's eating right now.

I had already arranged for an animal communicator to come meet my kids next week and see what each of them have to say, especially Sable. Yikes, maybe she'll clue me in if there's some underlying health issue we haven't found.

It was just pale pink -- I mopped it up with a white paper towel. Good god, does she have a cancer?? Jeez, suddenly my whining earlier seems wickedly selfish. Anybody have any clues for me???
Kim

Posted by: oceanpets Feb 17 2008, 06:55 AM

First, Kimberly- thank you for sharing! I appreciated hearing a bit of insight into other aspects of your life, and feelings about other things. It's not whining. It is cathartic, and important to share what's going on.
I too am frazzled, and the 'rescue' part really hit home with me. I have gotten 'hit' with the rescue bit lately, as some abused boys my son's age are living across the street and they have found a place in my heart and soul, touched a wounded place in me, and along with the cat missing/ lost/ runaway/ whatever! it has added that nice amount of Umph to my load!! Ha!
Oh, and did I forget that I"m heavily involved with OM ( Odyssey of the MInd) and many other volunteer positions? Calls that I can't possibly make back, no time. NO energy.
Sucker punched is how I feel. I still wisht hat the cat would stroll up to the house one day so that it would lighten my load, give me a much needed boost. I"m frazzled. Tired. Need a vacation. AWAY from it all. But some of it will come with me, ya know?
THat's the thing.. I wonder, WHY am I supposed to going through all this? The missing cat is one piece of the grief/ loss/ take care of myself puzzle I believe. It seemed like that for you too.
SO never feel badly for releasing and working through your issues. Of COURSE we all love our kitties with so much of ourselves for many reasons... and it's another extension of who we are/ how we operate/ it is a soother and a target on our hearts.. double edged... loving an caring of animals is like that. IT's a chance to feel so much and to lose so much.
I too lost my father recently. I was not super close to him, but it is still in there for me. I also had a miscarriage, early and unplanned, kids are not little, but I was so UP for it anyhow.. that it's all a stream of loss. Toonces, baby, father, Jax...
I try to not feel sorry for myself, and keep going. But then I GO TOO MUCH, and precisely for the reason, 'rescuing' other people a little, situations somewhat... all to take care of something else to compensate for the things I've lost. THat's my conclusion. ANd in the end it only has made me really tired, not healed.
I still want my kitty back in the worst way, but was i supposed to rescue him from the horrible pound only to learn that I can't hang onto things, take care of other things, but that I"m supposed to take care of ME and then enjoy animals, people, and not get too invested? Easier said than done. But I"m trying.
THis format helps, along with other things.
I am in long time recovery program. I do yoga. I get massage. I have friends I can talk to. But this really helps in a certain other way. It helps to target one piece. But in the end, it's all related. The state of our insides, our emotional well being, is evolving through our experience with loss/ found/ sick animals... it's all lessons for us. SO never underestimate your feelings.
I am hoping that the pink tinge isn't an indicator of too much. IN the meantime love the little freeway kitty you rescued, and don't forget to rescue yourself!
- Joani

Posted by: paris Feb 17 2008, 09:16 AM

Kim,

You are going through so much with Sable. You rescued her and are caring for her. It is totally normal to have mixed feelings. don't feel guilty, you are doing so much for her. I don't know what the pink is, it could be blood or something else. I wouldn't think the worst. The only way to know is under a microscope I guess.

You're right, it would probably be hard to put her up for adoption, but maybe someone would want to take her.

Kim, you are really a 'cat guru' and deserve an award for all you've done!!

Posted by: LoveThem Feb 17 2008, 02:02 PM

I would call the vet's office and report the pink liquid and see what the vet says. Sometimes you can get an answer over the phone...either from the vet or the gal on the phone will go ask the vet and get back to you. Either way, by reporting it as unusual...the professional is the one who can either relieve your mind with some other suggestions or what it could be or tell you how to find out.

The cat I just adopted from a shelter was abandoned also...like the one you found. Apparently some people adopted it then moved away and left it and a neighbor took it to the local SPCA who took it in. These babies seem to need the most help and sometimes have problems we are not counting on. All we can do is make sure something is not causing any suffering but I would make the call about Sable to the vet.
It always seems better to find things out as early as possible else you could also try to google the symptoms on the Internet to see if you can find out what different things could cause what you described.

Good luck with whatever you do...I know it is not easy and what you have done to help this poor baby is wonderful. I hope the vet can set your mind at ease.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 23 2008, 12:38 AM

An animal communicator visited us today. It was a wonderful experience. A question mark about Sable is deeply settled now, and I'm so relieved. She's happy to be here, wants to stay, and is just starting to let down her guard that she's safe after all. What I've been seeing as lack of bonding is simply that she's only just beginning to unclench and trust that this mirage of love and warmth isn't going to be taken away from her. She was in a home where she wasn't wanted, and food and water were only irregularly available. She was hungry, and skinny even when she lived there. She wasn't overtly abused, but it was dirty and noisy, and no one doted on her. So this is the first time she's been in a stable, loving home, and it's all new and wonderful, bringing her deep waves of relief, as she slowly peels away the layers of hypervigilance and caution. As for bonding, she just isn't ready yet, she's still in relief mode, and needs her space yet. She's not even quite connected to her body yet (since she was unsafe and hungry for so long) (which explains why she's barely started to groom herself), but the longer she's here, the more she's starting to settle into a sense of physical and emotional safety. All four cats look forward to, and expect, the day when they're all at ease with other, in harmony.

I asked Lisa (AC) if Sable particularly sought me out, or knew I was coming that day. She said she just knew that she was supposed to be waiting there. And she did -- as I drove by, she looked like she was waiting for a bus. Sitting, quietly, right up near the edge of the freeway. Waiting. Patiently.

Luna's response to her was especially thrilling to hear. "We were waiting for her! She's one of us!" She's happy to have her here, and said Sable was her mom in another life, and they were separated, so now she's come back. "How odd," Lisa said, "I've never had a cat tell me information from another life before." She said that Mink and Twitch are around all the time, visiting often. In fact, she said that there are lots of cat spirits here. "Some that have lived here with you, and even others that haven't. It's well-known among cats, a popular place." Lots of kind, wonderful things she had to say about the energy in my home.

Lisa was able to meet Luna and Sable face to face, but Roh and Willow hid away somewhere. At the end, I searched for them and found they were right behind the couch we were sitting on, less than a foot away. How interesting and clever that both boys spent the hour practically right on top of us, yet completely hidden! They've never done that before -- sat close behind the couch when someone is over. They were obviously SO engaged in what was going on!

The upshot is that I now feel totally at peace that Sable has found us and joined our family. And I can trust that they'll work it out, without any assistance from me.

As for their requests, Rohan said, "tell her to give me that kitten." Lisa thinks it might be some stuffed toy that's been set away, or lost under furniture. I'm not quite sure what he means, but I'll check around for misplaced toys. Willow asked if I'm "still drinking that stuff. Make sure she takes it. She feels better when she does." I've started a nutritional supplement, and have forgotten it a few times recently. He also asked for goldfish to bat at. Since he gets to go out by the pond, I wonder if he meant there? I hadn't yet because I don't want to draw raccoons. Maybe we could have a fishtank...

Anyway, hope y'all have enjoyed hearing our adventure today. Regardless of how we got here, I have a newly centered feeling of peace about Sable joining in, and moving forward a home singing in four-cat harmony. ~Kimberly

Posted by: LS Support Feb 23 2008, 04:14 PM

QUOTE
I have a newly centered feeling of peace about Sable joining in, and moving forward a home singing in four-cat harmony.


smile.gif

interesting thread, heading towards a happy ending. thats what i like to see.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 23 2008, 05:08 PM

The change in my home and my heart today is wonderful. Everything is as it should be. That undercurrent of doubt is gone. Really knowing she wants to be here has totally settled something in me.

And the really cool thing is, the psychic end of what Lisa did doesn't even need to be real for it to have a real effect. (I do, however, happen to believe she was connected. I feel similar things too often in my day to disbelieve there's all kinds of energetic ways we relate to each other.) I embraced her words, because I so wanted to hear them, they let me toss away a nagging concern that she was pining for her former home. The peace it has created in me is as real as it gets, and THAT'S what's important.

One of the other important points she made is to visualize Sable as healthy and restored. She isn't overtly sick, but because she was water- and food-deprived much of her life, how much she moves toward a new level of health is dependent on how I treat her and what I see is possible. Makes total sense. For her, for you, for me. So when I look at her, or imagine her when I'm away from her, I'm choosing to see her lush coat long and fluffy and sleek. Her shoulders are strong, her posture easy. Her back legs strong and resilient. Her eyes shining and happy.

I asked Lisa if she does work by phone and was open me making her contact information available on this site. She happily agreed. She's just leapt into doing this full time, trusting that the work will be there. She also does readings for people. Very intuitive, lovely woman. Lisa Holm, (360) 786-8617, lisaholm2000@yahoo.com ~Kimberly

Posted by: LoveThem Feb 23 2008, 06:22 PM

I LOVE HAPPY ENDINGS!!!! What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing, Kimberly.
wub.gif rolleyes.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: Zita'sMom Feb 23 2008, 11:00 PM

That's wonderful that your decision feels so clear now. I like what you say about giving the picture of a healthy cat. I was listening to a talk by an animal communicator today and she mentioned exactly that. That when, for example, you don't want your dog getting into the trash and you put out a picture of the dog getting into the trash, you are sending out the wrong message. I try to communicate with my own pets this way. It would sometimes be interesting to hear what someone else might get from them. For example, my "bad boy" Chance just can't control his impulses when he is over excited - leaping, barking, going beserk. I can control my other 4, but he is just wired differently. However, he is very accepting about being put in the crate before we head out. So we come to certain compromises. smile.gif I do love the silly boy as much as he drives me up the wall!

I think more that anything the most important thing is that it reassured you and gave some reinforcement to what you already feel.

Jan.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Mar 14 2008, 06:34 PM

Harmony unfolding....
I was away from home for 13 days, so they had lots of time to settle things amongst themselves. I got home in the wee hours, and soon went to bed. Some time later I woke up, and ALL FOUR cats were on the bed; Sable curled up next to my shoulder. (That hadn't happened yet before I left.) Every morning since, she's been sleeping next to me when I wake up, even with other cats on the bed. Yay! There's still a little tension if they get closer than six inches, but they're well on their way to blending into an easy family of four. ~Kimberhappymama

Posted by: LoveThem Mar 14 2008, 06:40 PM

Sable...what a love! Sleeping next to your shoulder........absolutely wonderful!.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am typing this reply to you with a big smile on my face as I picture your sleeping arrangements..with Sable and your other babies.
That's a lot more fun than typing through tears...which still happens sometimes.

Take Care and keep us updated please!

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Mar 16 2008, 05:21 PM

Rohan's on my lap, Willow's on his favorite footstool, Sable's on the bed (her new throne), and Luna is in her favorite carpeted barrel on the kitty condo scratchpost. Outside, a deer has been chomping on the lawn for the last hour. (If you chew all of it, I'll pay you extra...) And per my 2/22/08 post, I bought a new fishtank. I'm priming it today, I'll get fish for it tomorrow. Hee ! I hope the kittykids like it! I want simple, small fish that dart often. The tank is small, only 5 gallons, so I was thinking 4-5 neon tetras or rasboras. Suggestions?

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Mar 20 2008, 01:28 AM

I started with two guppies. I figured their big, fluttery, wavy tails would catch the cats' eyes. The hexagonal tank sits on a kitchen island. Luna is just enchanted. Willow hasn't noticed it yet, or maybe he just asked for it on her behalf. I'll add a few more and a Golden Mystery snail once the tank stabilizes. When I left this morning, the fish were leading Luna in a merry-go-round trot around the tank. Hee ! biggrin.gif ~Kimberly

Posted by: LoveThem Mar 20 2008, 10:58 AM

Sounds too cute for words! Maybe you'll catch the kitties watching the fish and have a camera handy...I can just picture the picture! biggrin.gif

I'm glad things are going so well for you. These are the moments of happiness that become "forever memories".

Hugs to you and your family (although I don't know HOW to hug a fish!) wink.gif

Judy

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Mar 21 2008, 09:58 PM

Thank god I'm a much better kitty mama than I am a fish mama: one died already. I don't know why. He'd only been in the tank four days. I know the water isn't really stabilized yet, but I tested the ammonia level this morning and while it's elevated to a 'stress' level, it wasn't in the 'danger' range on the dip strip. Yesterday he was swimming stiffly, he was hanging out at the bottom of the tank, and his tail fin was tightly closed, instead of billowing behind him. I tested the water after the fact, and everything else is good, just the moderately elevated ammonia (which has since been treated). He'd been pooping a lot too. I just figured it was normal, but now that I compare it with the other fish, it wasn't the same. (I'm a total fish novice.) The store guaranteed the fish for two weeks, but it would cost $10 in gas to replace a $2.50 fish. But then, I'll be adding more fish in a few days anyway. ~Kimberly

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Apr 14 2008, 11:24 PM

The other day I woke to the feeling of being groomed. Sable was on the pillow behind me, grooming the back of my head. After this kept up a few minutes, I rolled over, and she licked my bangs, and then my face. With each lick, I heard "thank you, thank you, thank you..." ~Kimberly

Posted by: katzen11 Apr 15 2008, 12:21 PM

Kimberly biggrin.gif
i was just thinking about pleading for an update..........
how wonderful
much love to you and your family
Eva

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom May 15 2008, 11:39 PM

Sable's doing well. In the morning she curls up next to my shoulder, and purrs and purrs and purrs. The four cats are all nose-to-nose now --fleetingly-- but everybody's pretty easy around each other. Her energy is still very low, but she seems content to learn what it's like to live in a home where she's loved. Still, she always seems vaguely surprised when I dote on her. wub.gif This photo was taken when she was in a flirty, playful moment. ~Kimberly

 

Posted by: LoveThem May 16 2008, 11:18 AM

She is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing that gorgeous picture. When things are meant to be, they just seem to have a way of working out, don't they?

You did a wonderful thing, rescuing this baby. You can see the love in her eyes for you.

Keep us updated as you have time. It is so nice to smile at such a darling baby.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom May 16 2008, 06:11 PM

Here's "Bat Cat." She's peering down from a cat tower shelf above me. Ha!
I've been getting cranio-sacral work from a team of practitioners. At first I thought it was foo-foo, but after the first session I was SO sore afterwards! I couldn't believe it. After the second session I felt fabulous, positively high. So in getting centered in myself, and sharing healing energy, I decided to just hold my hands over Sable's kidneys, to see what healing they can find. Today I told my bodywork team, and they excitedly offered to help. So next week, both Sable and I are going to have cranio-sacral work! We'll get her healthy yet.....

Miss "Bat Cat" Sable:

 

Posted by: oceanpets Jun 8 2008, 07:50 PM

How are you doing Kimberly? Your kittty friends?
I am feeding stray cats in my yard now! NO new kitties for me right now. Too heartbreaking. FEeling strong and happy watching from afar.
Joani

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Jul 5 2008, 12:30 PM

Hi everyone! Sable & Co. are doing great. I just got back from 25 days away (three back-to-back seminars) and everyone is healthy and happy, though my absence was hard on all of us. I keep telling Sable how beautiful she is (see picture), and now I'm consciously adding how beautiful and healthy she is. She walks slowly, and her energy is lower than I'd like for her, but it's only been six months to erase years of hardship. She's now a loving and well-loved part of the family. wub.gif ~~Kimberly

 

Posted by: LoveThem Jul 5 2008, 07:39 PM

Thanks for the update. Sable looks beautiful in your new picture. I guess when things find a way of working out that just reinforces it was all meant to be. She is such a gorgeous baby and I am so glad you rescued her.

Hugs to all of you...I see a beautiful family! wub.gif

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Oct 29 2008, 02:34 AM

Update time! Miss Queen Sable this afternoon, soaking in the sun on my bed. Er... her throne! {{Excuse me, how could I make such a silly mistake??}} I think her kidney function has improved some across the year (evidenced by smaller pee clumps than she used to make). Can you believe it's almost been a year since I found her on the freeway?? (11/23/07) She sleeps much of the time; loves those warm and sunny spots. She's not a robust kitty, but she's extremely sweet and placid. She's much loved for however long she chooses to stay with us. She's much older than I thought at first, at least 8, maybe 10, maybe 12? ~Kim

 

Posted by: katzen11 Oct 29 2008, 12:09 PM

QUOTE (Mink&WillowsMom @ Oct 29 2008, 08:34 AM) *
Update time! Miss Queen Sable this afternoon, soaking in the sun on my bed. she's extremely sweet and placid. She's much loved for however long she chooses to stay with us. She's much older than I thought at first, at least 8, maybe 10, maybe 12? ~Kim

those cats are really precious
when my Felice found me, I was telling everybody about a sweet and young cat
untill the first visit by the vet
i am sooo glad about the happy ending for Miss Queen Sable in your family!!!
thanks a lot for the update
Eva

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Dec 16 2008, 05:20 PM

Hi everyone! Took this shot a few minutes ago, wanted to share. wub.gif She wants to sit closer to the others now, and is reaping what she sowed with her swatting. They're cautious, but they like her all the same. She's a lovely girl, I'm so glad she's here. Isn't she beautiful?? A long way from that scrawny near-dead, bony, matted girl I found last year on the freeway, eh? ~Kimberly

 

Posted by: sissycat Dec 16 2008, 05:27 PM

She has turned into a beautiful cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Dec 16 2008, 05:38 PM

She is, isn't she! Even when I first found her, I knew she would be beautiful if she survived. Here's a shot from shortly after I found her, so you can appreciate how far she's come. She's ~5 lbs 10 oz in this pic, and now she's over 10 lbs. Lots of mommylove, siblinglove, and good food. biggrin.gif

 

Posted by: LoveThem Dec 17 2008, 02:47 PM

She is so beautiful. You had to be "guided" to her. What you have done is one of life's true miracles.

Bless you and all your babies, especially Sable, the "survivor".

Judy

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Dec 22 2008, 06:55 PM

I've discovered the Special Effects menu in my photo editor. I love this watercolor effect! Help, I can't stop....! laugh.gif
All the colors in Sable's fur makes her especially beautiful for this technique. wub.gif Enjoy!! ~Kimberly

 

Posted by: Furkidlets' Mom Dec 23 2008, 11:20 AM

What a beauty, no matter WHICH way she's pictured! Another testament to what so much love can do to create miracles! biggrin.gif

Posted by: oceanpets Jan 8 2009, 09:23 PM

Hi Kimberly,
I was wondering how things are. I am starting to feel like I need a cat.... all I have for a pet is a gecko that lives in my garage and runs up and down the wall when I come/go.. how sad is that?! Still think we need more time,... but I do love kitties!
I'd love to surprise my boys with a baby one of these days.... might bring us all a bit closer. They are getting pretty independent as teenagers... but all is well. How are you?
Joani

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Jan 16 2009, 10:50 PM

Hi Joani, Wow, I can't imagine having a home without kitties for as long as you've been. I once had to wait 6 months (then-current wisdom after having leukemia in the house) and it was a lonnnnnnng wait.

Please consider getting two kitties! Watching a bonded pair is precious beyond words, and six times as fun as just one kitten. I think it's easier on them when you're away from the house too. They bond just as tightly with their humans.

It's SO past time to begin the remodel of the other house. Willow is now grounded until we move over there, so it's past time for me to get moving. (Literally.) It's just such a big project and intimidates me. But the longer I wait, the longer the kids are housebound. Purrfect fence has a sale right now on cat fencing... I'm tempted just to take advantage and then tuck it away. But then, the interest on the credit card might end up being greater than the sale discount. I'm reinventing myself professionally, and I've yet to replace the income I lost earlier this year.

The kittykids are good. Luna lost the extra weight she picked up last June. (I was gone for a month and she over-ate to self-soothe.) I put her on an all-protein diet and she slimmed right down and looks fabulous. Her energy and sparkle has come back -- good lesson for me! Willow is accepting his indoor-ness for now, and is even getting goofier and more affectionate with me. Rohan is lively and active, though the still looks frail to me. He didn't regain much of the weight he lost last August when he got so sick. But maybe it's just that I expect him to be the same size as Willow, since they're the same breed, but really, he's a much smaller cat. He loves to play. Sable is doing well. She's starting to interact with the others -- tiny, tiny baby steps there. Oh, and she's just started to sit in my lap! There'd been a few times for 5 or 10 minutes -- now all of a sudden she'll camp out for 90 minutes or more. In fact, they're all spending more time in my lap in the evenings. The annual Winter Cuddle. wub.gif ~Kim

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 3 2009, 04:06 PM

SLEEPING BEAUTY AWAKENS It's taken 14 lonnnnnng months for Sable to relax to this point around the others. (And vice versa after she swatted them a few times.)

After I took the shot of Sable and Willow on the bed, I reached down to see if they were actually touching.
Not quiiiiite, about 1/2 inch of air between them.
Still... smile.gif
I have seen times where Will stretched his leg out and rested it on her hip, or she's let her tail rest across his foot.
"Oh gee, did I...?"

In the last month or two it's like she finally woke up. She was sleeping about 22-23 hours a day, and now she's awake several hours a day. She approaches the others now, and walks up to me. And if I pick her up, she sits in my lap for an hour+ at a time. She was sooo shut down, in her body and her spirit, and now she's healed enough and decided it's safe enough to engage the world outside her. Such a joy to see her emerge! wub.gif `kimbermama

 

Posted by: LoveThem Feb 3 2009, 08:35 PM

These are beautiful pictures and a beautiful story about a beautiful family!

Course I am partial to black beauties and I see you have your share but in truth they are
all adorable and lovable.

Hugs to you all,
Judy

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Aug 26 2009, 10:14 PM

Sable's doing great. She's quiet, infinitely patient, and takes nothing for granted. She finally approached me for the first time. She's always been happy to have my attention, and purrs loudly when I pet her. And in the night she often sleeps next to my pillow. But until very recently, she didn't seek me out. A few times now, she's walked up to me, inviting contact. And when I pet her head, she arches up into my hand a little bit. Man, I don't know what happened to her in her first life, but this November it will be two years since I found her, and she's only now starting to ask and express.

Oh, and she likes Fritos. Her old owner must have eaten them -- she sparked up the moment she heard the bag, eyes all big and hopeful. Such a sweetie.

Posted by: MyThreeSuns Aug 30 2009, 05:22 PM

I am so delighted that your situation worked out and that Sable has her forever home. You are a good furkid mummy.
I am also impressed to read about animal communicators. I need one for one of my boys who has somne issues. I did not know if it was a scambut it sounds worth trying.
Do you mind telling me how you selected the one you used? Perhaps thru a friend?
Thanks ever so much for sharing. I love happy stories.


http://media.photobucket.com/image/dog%20and%20cat/KeithBrinegar/Dog-Cat.jpg?o=57

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Sep 14 2009, 10:31 PM

I've really enjoyed working with Lisa Holm. I've even taken classes with her on Animal Communication, and Intuitive Psychic Readings. She's truly from the heart. Her phone number is (360) 786-8617 and her email is lisa@lisaholm-psychic.com. Website is www.lisaholm-psychic.com. She's in Olympia WA if you're close enough to meet face-to-face. Her prices are really reasonable.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 9 2010, 09:40 PM

Another happy update. She regularly sleeps near my pillow, so I often wake to the gentle sound of her purring. Yesterday she walked up, and knowing i was awake, she tapped me on the arm to pet her. First time. --In the 27 months since I rescued her. Another new thing, twice now she's gone under the covers, and snuggled up against my belly for a while. wub.gif Since she's stopped swiping at the other cats, a couple times now I've held her up to Rohan, who licked her head. This is the first time she's let them touch her. Rohan, the lover-kitty of the bunch is eager to snuggle her and groom her, so this is another huge step. I'm so glad she's here, she SO deserves a loving home. wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif ~Kim

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom May 4 2010, 11:15 AM

SHE MEOWED! Last night she meowed for the first time in 2-1/2 years! When I first found her, she talked and talked and talked this cute little purr-y meow, for about 4 days. Then, apparently she'd said everything she needed to, and I haven't heard a peep out of her. Until yesterday. Lately I've been lifting her into higher places (she was thrilled to discover the baskets sitting on top of the cabinets), since she's patient and will wait until I bring her back down. Yesterday she was sitting in a towel closet, Rohan was gazing up at her ("me too, mommy!"), and she meowed.

Rohan has started to chin rub, "ankle polish" flirt with her, and she's letting him. She's been nose-to-nose with him a lot lately, even licked his head once. And she's started coughing up hairballs, so she's been grooming herself more. I'm stepping up the hair brushing, a minute at a time. She has the weirdest fur of any cat I've ever met. The undercoat rolls into rasta dreads, and once I gently tease it apart, the loose fur is like velcro -- can't shake it off my hands or the comb. Everytime I drive past the spot on the freeway where I found her, it's so clear she was fated to come home with me. She's a sweetheart and I love her. We have bonded. Zahalu.
smile.gif

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Jul 7 2010, 03:01 PM

Sable's now discovered a way to get up on top of the cupboards into the basket by herself. Oh happy kitty! She sleeps next to my pillow, and purrs for a couple hours straight in the wee hours. Lovely sound to wake and fall asleep to. On the downside, I'm now finding small drops of urine on her blanket. Thankfully, she sleeps on her blanket, so my bedding is protected, but I wonder why she's leaking. She doesn't pee very often, but when she does, she leaves a HUGE puddle in the cat box. Her kidneys have been weak since I found her, her urine habits have always been this way. Is it possible she's developed an infection? Would that make her leak? Literally, just one drop, in one or two spots on the blanket.

Other than that, she appears very content. She's even started to seek me out around the house instead of waiting for me to approach her. I don't know what she went through for the first half of her life, but I'm delighted she's having the chance to find out what it's like to be in a loving home, where she can ask for and expect affection. wub.gif

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Aug 9 2010, 01:18 AM

SABLE LICKED ROHAN'S FACE TODAY!!!! Rohan has been flirting with Sable, doing quick nose-to-nose face rubs and ankle-polish body flirts. Since Sable used to swat at everybody, it's been a slow approach to even get nose-to-nose. Today, Sable walked right up to Rohan, licked him on the face three times, then walked on by. Oh my gosh! Big, BIG step for her. It's so nice seeing her open up more and more. wub.gif

Posted by: Cheryl83 Aug 12 2010, 01:46 PM

wub.gif

Aw, that's great news. Keep us updated on how things are going.

Cheryl x

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Jan 1 2011, 09:16 PM

SHE SPEAKS!
Three years ago, after I rescued her off the freeway, she told me all about it. Talk talk talk. Little chirpy meows telling me the whole story. After a few days, she was done, and since then has barely said a word. Four words, in fact. She has meowed four times in three years -- and two of those were yesterday morning and this morning.

The last two mornings I've awakened to find her sitting next to my head, and she meowed the moment she knew I was awake. She often serenades me to sleep and awake with her purring. Now I get to learn what her voice sounds like! Such a sweetheart.

Posted by: moon_beam Jan 2 2011, 10:29 AM

Hi, M&W Mom, this is thrilling news about Sable, and I am so o o happy for you. This is a true testamony to what patience and love can do for a frightened soul. How blessed Sable is to have you for her human guardian and mom. Thank you so much for sharing this news with us, and will look forward to sharing further victories.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Jan 27 2011, 01:00 AM

sad.gif Sable's winding down, folks. Her kidneys have been weak since I rescued her off the freeway three years and two months ago. I've always thought she got caught in that toxic cat food misery -- that happened the summer before I found her. She's lost weight recently. She's been constipated for a long time, and now suddenly her poops are very small too -- either it's gotten worse or she's not eating. Her bladder control is slipping. She sleeps about 23 hours a day.

You know that day where you suddenly see your animal, and realize that they've started down that final road? I don't think we're *quite* there yet, but it's coming, and not far off. We made a deal long ago that I wasn't going to do heroic measures. She's old, she's tired, she has arthritis and now failing kidneys. She was less than a week away from dying when I found her, and she's had three years of being warm, fed, safe, and loved.

I'm asking her to tell me when to take her to the vet. I hate making the decision -- I hope she helps me.

Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 2 2011, 01:17 PM

I'm digging her grave. When I got home from work last night, she was in pain. Every so often she'd let out a meow/howl of pain. She was able to rest in between, so instead of driving her through the night, I took her to the vet's this morning and released her. Sweet Sable. She was such a good kitty. The doc said there was something much bigger going on than a UTI, so it was time to let her go. I'm sad, and grateful vets have the ability to euthanize.

Sweetheart, thank you for joining my family for a while. wub.gif
Back to the work of shoveling and crying.

Posted by: Zita'sMom Feb 2 2011, 02:53 PM

Mink&Willow'sMom

I'm so sorry. I've been there and I cry for you. Sable was so lucky to find you. It's hard when they are gone physically but they are never gone from our hearts.

love and peace
Jan

Posted by: moon_beam Feb 2 2011, 03:17 PM

Hi, Mink&Willow'sMom, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Sable. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our beloved companions -- at great sacrifice to ourselves - - so that they can be healed and restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Mink&Willow'sMom, I do know the journey you and Sable have traveled over the last several months, and even though in your heart you know you did the very best for your precious Sable by releasing her from her failing physical body there is still the reality of not having her physical presence with you to adjust to now. Please know each of us are here for you to help you as you travel your adjustment grief journey - - we are here for you, with you, and beside you every step of your journey for as long and as often as you need us.

Mink&Willow'sMom, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please do let us know how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam



Posted by: Mink&WillowsMom Feb 2 2011, 11:17 PM

I'm a bit nervous about going to bed -- that's where she was 99% of the time. Every time I walk by, her absence up by my pillow is glaring. The last couple of months she'd been sleeping on a fleece throw; now she's buried in it. I changed the sheets too -- seeing her fur next to me would be hard. Granted, her fur's all over the house, but it will help the going-to-bed moment.

I'm SOOOO glad she's out of pain though. Those yowls last night broke my heart. I'm wondering if she had a cancer? ~Kim

PS: you can read the first part of her saga at Found a Kitty

Posted by: katzen11 Feb 13 2011, 05:25 AM

QUOTE (Mink&WillowsMom @ Jan 27 2011, 07:00 AM) *
she's had three years of being warm, fed, safe, and loved.


rest in peace, dear sweet Sable
feeling with You, Kimberly
what a touching story..............

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)