Universal Monster Army

So Deuce somehow came down with pancreatitis in late November which morphed into liver failure/jaundice. He lost an enormous amount of weight from about 14.7 pounds to 9.3 pounds over the course of his illness but has now rallied and is back up over 10.5 pounds.

Meanwhile our twelve year old cat Styx whom we had rescued off the street bleeding from a fight with another tom in the summer of 2009 seemed jealous of all the attention we were lavishing on Deuce and early last week took to hanging out on the loveseat in the rec room where Deuce has been convalescing. We were pleased that Styx was keeping Deuce company. As a further complication last Wednesday evening we realized that both Deuce and Styx appeared to have contracted cat colds and took them both to the vet Thursday morning. Styx was quite lively and showed a keen interest in whatever the vet was typing into his computer. As we suspected, upper respiratory track infections was the diagnosis. They were each given an antibiotic shot which we were told might not show an effect immediately but should within three or four days. The shot seemed to help Deuce as by Sunday he no longer seemed stuffy, but of course he was still in a recovery mode from the liver problem. But Sunday evening Styx actually looked worse to me than did Deuce.

So we took Styx back the vet yesterday morning. The vet was somewhat concerned as their was a hint of crackling in Styx's lungs but otherwise Styx was alert and active during his re-examination.The vet injected Styx with fluids and prescribed a different antibiotic pill to be administered once per day. By late yesterday evening though I was once again very concerned with the level of lethargy Styx was exhibiting. He just wasn't moving from anywhere we placed him and I was thinking we might have to take him back to the vet this morning. The WOMAN slept on the futon with Styx wrapped in a blanket overnight.

At 6:45 this morning while I was taking a shower, The WOMAN told me that I better come down since Styx was dying. I told her to forget about me and take Styx back to the vet who opened at 7:30 immediately. She replied that I better come too because I might not get another chance to see Styx. It was horrible. He was as limp as a rag doll except every few minutes he was giving out a little mewl of distress/pain.

The upper respiratory tract infection had morphed into pneumonia. The vet said that Styx's chances were at best 50-50. He put Styx on a heating pad and I brought the humidifier we had been using in the cat's convalescent room to humidify the air to help him breath. I okayed intravenous fluid treatments for Styx with more antibiotics to which I gather he seemed to be responding. I was hoping not to hear from either The WOMAN or the vet for the rest of the day at work. The WOMAN's fears were confirmed though. Styx passed away a few minutes past noon.

I'm devastated. I've closed my office door because tears are flowing down my face as I type these words. How could this have happened?  From an upper respiratory tract infection (a common cold) on Thursday to this? He'd had extensive blood work for "geriatric" cats done in November and had received a clean bill of health. There was no sign of the FIV he's been carrying all along kicking in to action. Was there something more I could have/should have done? In retrospect we might have been able to save him had we put him on intravenous yesterday, but there didn't seem to be any need.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Arecord3.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/StyxampZita4_zpsa2e9b8fe.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/Styxloot.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AStyx.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/StyxBothTees-Copy_zpsd92ad89d.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/StyxRatFink4_zps14e665a4.jpg)

RIP my loving friend. Forgive me if I failed you, because given your absolute trust in me I'm not going to forgive myself. Maybe though it was just your time.

 Hep, I really feel for you. My girlfriend & I are both cat lovers and know the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet & friend. Please don't blame yourself, it sounds like you did all you could. Channel all the energy & love to Deuce and possibly some other deserving feline. I'm really so saddened by your loss.
                                   Best wishes,
                                   - Raul (Mord)
PS -I feel that Styx was part of our UMA family after all the lovely photos you've posted through the years.

So, so sorry for your loss. I don't believe you failed him, at all. You seemed to have done all you could for him. For a cold to progress to pneumonia so rapidly is very rare, but it happens. It just seems so unfair that we outlive our fuzzy companions. Grieve in your own way and in your own time. I still mourn for my little boy, Ignatz, gone two years now.

The pain and guilt of losing a pet is incredible, you don't realize this until it happens to you.  People will honestly tell you that you've given the pet a great life filled with love and everything they could want but it's difficult to accept that a member of the family is gone.  You see them everywhere, expect them to jump onto the bed at night, hear the meows or barks in the distance.

It is unfortunate that cats are great at hiding pain, some will hide and want to be by themselves while others will act 'normal'.

I ran into a neighbor the other day who told me that her cat Cleo had passed and that the experience was overwhelming, I could see the guilt and grief of this woman, who had three children, a husband, another cat, a dog and work.  She force fed the cat every two hours and tried everything in the book but nothing could save Cleo.

It's the quality of our time and not the quantity of time that matters.  Styx lived a great life filled with love and trust.

R.I.P. Styx, you knew that you were loved and are missed by all who knew you.   :(

Sorry for your loss, Hep.

You did what you could.

Recovering from something like this takes time, but I hope you feel better as soon as possible.

Oh the loss of a beloved pet! They are the best in ourselves, aren't they? I am so sorry for your loss. Please don't beat yourself up, Hepcat.  You did all you could for him - love and care - and Styx knows that. Things like this just happen and I wish we had super powers to make things better. Take care of yourself. We're here for you.

-mh

I spoke to my vet this morning about FIV as we have a cat in for blood tests who is FIV positive.  The vet said that FIV will weaken the immune system so  while there might not be signs of the FIV, the cat's immune system could be weak and the secondary infections will kick in and would be almost impossible to fight.

It sounds like Styx's FIV kicked in slowly as this disease does and  it weakened Styx, who might've caught something from Deuce or the other way around.  There is no cure for FIV, thus once it kicks in no matter what you did, Styx would've died from the FIV and/or its complications.

Kudos for taking in FIV cats as not many people would take that on.  Yes, there is a chance that it might never kick in or kick in at a very young age.  It seems that Styx, after a bloody awful life of scourging on the streets, found love, hope and happiness that most cats would envy.  Better a shorter wonderful life than a life of terror on the streets, where Styx would've died long ago in misery.

Words can not make these things "better" ... it is unfortunate that we all know in the back of our minds that we will more than likely outlive the cute puppy or kitten that we adopt regardless of any health issues.  It doesn't make the pain any less but as in all things, we do our best.

We still miss our friend Spooky.  Getting over the loss of a feline friend is never easy.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words.

Thinking about the sudden events Styx must clearly have been well over twelve years old. He was already walking stiffly like an old man in the summer of 2009 and has not since I've known him been able to run worth a damn. Also he just looked scruffy and old. That's why I made the decision to adopt him despite having three other cats when a neighbour woman got Toronto Animal Control to pick him off our street in 2009 although an elderly lady across the street was feeding him and had provided him with a shelter behind her house. He wasn't cute. Nobody else would have adopted him and Animal Control would have put him down. I couldn't allow that to happen to a cat I knew from the neighbourhood.

Moreover The WOMAN and I had both noticed other signs of old age in Styx in the past year. He'd lost most of the weight he'd gained since we got him because he wasn't eating as much and he was content just to lie on a chair in the sun or in our laps the whole day. The vet actually believes that the FIV must have started to kick in for the cold to progress to pneumonia so quickly. Moreover Styx was far sicker than he should have been given the extent of the lung congestion revealed by the chest X-ray. We believe now that strokes were a factor. His hind legs collapsed under him briefly on Sunday. That must have been a mini-stroke even though the vet found nothing wrong with his legs on Monday. The WOMAN thinks that Styx must have had a big stroke at 4:30 AM on Tuesday morning while she held him wrapped in a blanket because that's when he simply collapsed.

For reasons of age aggravated by years on the street and perhaps the FIV kicking in, his constitution was very delicate. I suspected he wasn't that strong all along because in the back of my head I never expected Styx to last too many years. There's no other explanation for my having kept an annual count of the Christmases with Styx in our lives (now six).

What's difficult for me to bear is that when he started to go down, he didn't hide as most cats do. He came to us for help. And despite being a cat who hardly ever purred or made a sound, he purred or tried to purr in a raspy fashion as his condition worsened. He was asking us to stay with him. And I failed in my efforts to help him. His whimpers of pain/distress on Tuesday morning are going to haunt me for years.

At least when his time came he went down quickly. My only hope is that he knew we were doing all we could for him.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AHepcat15.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AStPatricks2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/StyxonGrandmasfence.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/DeuceandStyxatGrandmashelper.jpg)

Deuce and Styx at Grandma's Diner

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/AceStyx2.jpg)

Styx and Ace

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/StyxCowboyNap_zpsbac53542.jpg)

Styx and Cowboy

Worrying about Deuce right now is really the only thing preventing me from dwelling more on Styx's sudden end.

:(

 Hep, We've gone through the same guilt with our pets. Trust me, you couldn't have done any more that what you did. You treated him like a son and gave him those wonderful years he wouldn't have otherwise had. I love those tribute photos you posted. It was a pleasure seeing him these past few years. Please don't beat yourself up over this.

Truth. Both The WOMAN and I understand that Styx must have been a very old and feeble cat indeed and that the only way we can honour Styx's memory is to be there for Deuce and the other cats.

Deuce

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/DeuceHead2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/K1494974A408_1000059.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DeuceGumBall3_zps13977c6b.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DeuceCowboyLynxJersey_zps840543f6.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/Deucetunnel2_zps8dd4a7e5.jpg)


:)

I just got word back from the vet. The lab reports that samples from the fluid that had started to build up in Deuce's chest cavity reveal lymphoma, i.e. cancer of the lymph nodes, which is something cats with FIV are five or six times more likely to develop. We can't save his life again like we did in 2007 right after we adopted him since lymphoma in cats is fatal.

We're going to lose another friend. Today he's bright and happy but we're going to have to say goodbye within weeks if not days. I won't let him suffer.

An ancient Hebrew healing prayer for Deuce ..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36_gFK3mHyc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36_gFK3mHyc)

 That's terrible news. Hep. I'm genuinely sorry to hear that. When it rains, it pours. Try to spend as much quality time as you can with Deuce. Trust me, the best thing you can do now is adopt a couple of new "friends". There are many cats there in need of love (my girlfriend volunteered for a cat rescue/adoption organization for a few years). My thoughts are with you  - Raul/Mord

Hep
Really sorry about your loss. I've been there many times over the years. Seven cats and one Chow. For almost all of them I questioned myself was there something more I could have done. It's just natural. For many of us these animals are not just pets, they are family and when a family member goes away it hurts. Just keep telling yourself that you gave Styx a great home and he was able to enjoy at least a few happy years being part of your family. Take as much time as you need to heal. After our Chow Little Bear passed away it took me over 18mos to pull the trigger and get another dog. Now we have had Willie Gault (half Pit Bull half German Shepherd) for 3 1/2 years and he is like a son to me.

Take care

Mike (WL)

Quote from: Mord on January 22, 2015, 05:49:38 PMmy girlfriend volunteered for a cat rescue/adoption organization for a few years....

Good for her!

What's been particularly tough these last two days is when The WOMAN breaks down and starts weeping over Styx again, Deuce comes up from wherever and attempts to comfort her! Here are a few shots of Styx and Deuce together in happier times:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/StyxDeuceBeanBag2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DeuceStyxBeanBag2_zps40330b5f.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DeuceStyxBeanBag_zpse036e9de-1.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/StyxDeuce3.jpg)

:(

I can't imagine the agony of knowing you're going to lose another furry companion so soon after Styx. I was so relieved that I had Bella already when we learned that Ignatz had terminal cancer. He only lasted four months after his diagnosis, but most of that time he spent playing with his new little friend. I see a lot of him in some of the things she does. When I briefly took in a stray Siamese/Ragdoll mix male that had been abused by a neighbor, the way they interacted reminded me of the way she and Ignatz used to play. (He was adopted by a friend that lives in Augusta, GA, and is doing great now.)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/e12d438b7adbf11ee5d28ba67aa2dc71.jpg)

 We have a Ragdoll mix named Rocky. I really recommend that breed if your looking for a cat. They're the most even-tempered & good natured of all the cats we've had. Lots of personality & a very distinctive meow, if you can even call it that (sounds almost human). Keep us up to date on Deuce, Hep. I hope your final days together are somewhat happy.

I really hated not being able to keep him, but I've known the people that took him in for 30 years. He probably has it better off there than he would with me!

I hope Deuce's remaining days are peaceful. I already know they'll be filled with love.

Hepcat:

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. I love those cat pictures you post. We have a black cat too. They're the best. So much character and personality. We have dogs too, but the cat is the undisputed boss of the house.

We lost one of our dogs in September. It was a similar thing: all of sudden she was sick and within like 48hrs she was gone. Of all the pets, she was the 'daddy's girl' and my best pal. Heartbroken is the only word to describe how we felt. So again, I really feel bad for you guys. I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone.

My wife wanted to adopt another dog (same breed) right away, but I thought we should wait. Obviously I lost that debate. Sure enough, my wife brought home new dog from the shelter in December. Turns out it was a great fit. She gets along with the cat and the dog and we're already pretty attached to the new hound.

I know cats and dogs are different in terms of introducing a new pet, so you guys will have to do what's right for your situation. No pet will ever replace the dog we lost in September, but having a new dog in the family is helping us heal.

Best wishes and hang in there Hepcat

 Geezer's advice goes along with mine. There's nothing like the joy of a new pet/friend to offset the sadness of your loss. That's always been our experience, for what ever it's worth. You'll never replace the memories you have with Styx & Deuce, but you can work on some new ones with a wonderful new friend or two. I hope I don't spend too much time giving you advice, but your're a revered member of the UMA and I really hate to see you suffer. Take care, Hep  - Mord

I have always found with cats that at some point in time .. someone will turn up at your doorstep.

There are so many animals in shelters and strays on the streets, it's hard not to want to just take them all in. I've been feeding two stray cats that live on the apartment complex property since last year. I've named them Fatboy and Little Mama. Little Mama had a litter of three kittens by Beau-Beau (the Siamese/Ragdoll mix now in Georgia) back in September. Sadly, all three were sickly, and died shortly before Thanksgiving. That tore me up, because I'd been trying so hard to get them placed with a rescue group.

Our heads tell us that we can't save them all .. that even giving the mother cat food is doing a good deed and is an act of kindness.

Our hearts will always bleed for the ones that we can't save.  Even kittens born to good owners die, it's sad ..  :(

You try and you care .. I've often in my life had to deal with a-hole neighbors who are animal or cat haters.  The people next door were moving in July 2013 .. unloading on our front lawn, when I saw it and came out, I was calm and told them that it was unacceptable, I was home and that they should've rang the doorbell.  Instead the woman and her brother started verbally attacking me making threatening movements toward me ...She then told me that she "knew all about me and would kill my cats." .. Too many a-holes in this world.  Just keep doing your best and what is in your heart.

Again, we can't save them all and my vet's lost many of his own pets and I can only imagine his grief coming home to a cat who had strokes and was yowling in pain .. he was crying when he told me this and said that he prayed that it had just happened and not right after he left for work.

Prayer to and for all the sick and homeless animals.

Sorry for your loss Hep, he sure was a handsome cat.It's been a strange winter in TO this year:bad on cats and humans?

A few years I had a pet who had to be put down because he was dying too. I still miss Outlaw. I feel you, dude.

Thank you for doing as much as you do to care for your dear pets.

So The WOMAN sent me this email last Wednesday when I was beating myself up for my inability to save Styx:

Quote from: The WomanThis is my head talking right now ... Yes, the vet does believe that Styx has a stroke or several strokes but also that the FIV kicked in and weakened Styx.  I mentioned the we really didn't know Styx's age and that he could've been older.

The FIV kicked in .. even if we had given Styx  treatment sooner or more aggressively, they would've worked for a very short time, Styx would've been unhappy AND we would've had to put him down because of the FIV kicking in.

Both my head and heart know that after Pat had Styx picked up, that YOU saved his life by calling the vet at Animal Control (and adopting him) and that we gave him more than he imagined .. his own day spa (on the front porch), living in the Cool Cat Cookie house with daily treats and good food, visits to Grandma's Diner with takeaway on rainy days .. love, warm laps, cool cat brothers, a posse to protect him, brushing, little girls (from the neighbourhood)  to adore him, videos to watch, fame on the internet, a girlfriend named Zita, he and his buddies gifted the other animals at Christmas and even got some stuff back from time to time.

I doubt if even if Pat didn't have him picked up, that he would've lived very long or know the happiness and joy that surrounded him for over five years.  So many people (including families going to and from the Day Care) got to know and appreciate Styx, he had his picture taken by many phones and is asked about all the time .. more people know him and the other cats than know our names or us.  To know him was a positive, he brightened the lives of many children and adults going to therapy.  It was a great life for all, the world is a sadder, darker place without him.

While the sadness still remains, I'm no longer feeling any guilt over Styx' death. I saved him from eventually being put down at Animal Control by adopting him in 2009 and then we caught a budding urinary tract infection in Styx a year later before it really got going and one quick visit to the vet was all it took to cure him. We gave him more than five years of love and a home full of cat beds, La-Z-Boys, cushion chairs, beds, a futon and the grandest cat tower money could buy. He was accepted as part of a brotherhood of three other cats in the household and one other from across the laneway collectively known as the Pussy Posse. And when the end drew near, he spent his last two nights swaddled in the embrace of The WOMAN who loved and cherished him and who he loved with all his strength in return.

I wish that I could have extended his stay on this earth but my powers in these matters are strictly limited.

The WOMAN gathered up several more dozen pictures of Styx that she took over the last five years. I winnowed them down to these:







Styx was willing to be friends with all, the kids from the daycare, the other cats on the street, the squirrels, the raccoons, anybody who wanted to be friends. A gracious host, here he was welcoming Sooty and Cheetah from across the street onto the porch,



Styx looking over the Xmas gift bags he'd always arrange for his four-footed friends in the neighbourhood.







The posse made a regular habit of gathering for breakfast at Grandma's Diner. Styx always flirted with the waitresses, Zita and Nikki.







He loved basking in the sun on the porch, the front steps or in his garden.







As you can see, Styx was never one to let any source of heat go to waste.

 Beautiful photos. You can tell that Styx was very well loved. How is Deuce doing, BTW?

Fluid built up once again in Deuce's chest cavity over the weekend severely impairing his breathing. In an effort to give him a few more good days we had his chest cavity drained again this morning. He's happy at this moment. It's a losing battle though and I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to say goodbye to another friend very shortly.

:(

It's so difficult to lose two at the same time ...  :(

A couple of months after my brown tabby Bubbe died of kidney disease, I saw a little tabby paw playing under the bedroom door .. I went to look thinking that it was Bubbe's half sister Daisy who was a silver tabby but no one was around and the paw was brown and not silver.  I hope that you have some "cat hauntings" .. so much has been written about beloved pets returning in some way, either a flash out of the corner or the eye, a soft kneading on a blanket with no one there .. etc.

We've had that with a few of our friends. When my cat Teddy passed in 2000, a few days later I was in the kitchen doing dishes and I felt a cat pawing at my upper leg like he used to do. I looked down and there was nothing in sight. A couple days after our Chow Little Bear passed I had just walked in the door with her ashes and was sitting down when I noticed there was a squirrel right outside the window looking in and chirping. Little Bear got 4 rabbits but was never able to get a squirrel. They used to torment and tease her all the time. I took a quick look outside my patio door and there was another one on the front of the fence and two on the side and a couple in the tree all looking towards the house. It's like they knew she was gone and were coming to pay their last respects. Hope you have a couple "Thanks for being my friend" visits.
Sorry to hear about Deuce.

Mike

Hope Deuce is comfy in his final days. I tried so hard to save these three babies, but they were just too sickly. They used to drink tons of water, so the vet thinks they had malformed kidneys that just couldn't function properly as they grew. It was tough finding their little bodies. Here they are with their mommy, in better days.(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/26/0f0ed4612c648844149c1cc431591eb8.jpg)

it's so difficult with strays or feral cats because the kittens can also become infected with fleas and die from the loss of blood .. as well as many other things.  Just putting out food and water was a help and gave them a better chance of survival.

You tried .. that's what counts .. I hope that next time, if there is a next time, that there will be a happier ending.

I'm trying to get the momma, whom I call Little Mama, a home. I bring her and her littermate, Fatboy, inside whenever the weather gets too harsh. I know he doesn't look overweight, but he's a compact fellow, with a round little belly. Both are very gentle and get along well with other cats. I want to find both of them homes, actually. If I could keep them, I would, but I'm not allowed.
:(
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/26/908750ce2aef2d7c6c31bef670903ad2.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/26/667891ba9b4716bf7268ad5188dbb074.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/26/b0880fb081fa7dcf93d1c911b0ef3c01.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/26/14b9da8c10df4aa3401d5ff570c4ec4b.jpg)

Prayers that you are a success.

I forgot if you are in North or South Carolina .. but perhaps these links will help ..

http://cat.rescueshelter.com/NorthCarolina (http://cat.rescueshelter.com/NorthCarolina)

http://cat.rescueme.org/SouthCarolina (http://cat.rescueme.org/SouthCarolina)

I'm sure that you're calling around but maybe there will be a link that was overlooked or was just added. 

Quote from: Flower on January 26, 2015, 05:38:30 PMA couple of months after my brown tabby Bubbe died of kidney disease, I saw a little tabby paw playing under the bedroom door .. I went to look thinking that it was Bubbe's half sister Daisy who was a silver tabby but no one was around and the paw was brown and not silver.  I hope that you have some "cat hauntings" .. so much has been written about beloved pets returning in some way, either a flash out of the corner or the eye, a soft kneading on a blanket with no one there .. etc.

Interesting! The WOMAN sent me this email of her experience on Sunday:

Quote from: The WOMANAs Cowboy and I sit here crying, we both were moved to look at the coffee table  ..  the middle of the five sparkies started to spark by itself for 45 seconds or so .. Styx is here .. Cowboy looked at the sparkie again and then came over .. crawled into Styx's sport on my side and is attempting to comfort me .. purring and looking at me and is now watching the computer, which is something that he rarely does.

The sparkies are spiked rubber balls from a vending machine which require being bounced rather briskly for them to start flashing for maybe half a minute. Styx was the cat most fascinated by the sparkies. He would knock one down from the coffee table himself to get it to flash, although not always successfully since they often require a more vigorous impact. Also interesting is the detail that Styx was the one who would sit with The WOMAN and monitor her computer activities, and now Cowboy seems to be adopting that facet of Styx' personality.

:o

 Wow, that is spooky. We have one of those & it takes quite an impact to light them. I would definitely give that a second look.

Well some light up with just a drop from the coffee table. According to The WOMAN though, this one just lit up when she and Cowboy looked up at it. Perhaps deceased pets are where the stories of guardian angels originated.

:-\

Hoping Deuce is comfy and enjoying whatever time he has with his family.

We're doing all we can. The WOMAN's efforts in caring for him on an hour-to-hour basis including making sure he's eating enough and sleeping downstairs close to him have been particularly heroic. We're taking Deuce back to the vet today for fluids and perhaps to drain his chest cavity because we'd like to get him a last two or three happy days on this earth.

 I admire the effort you & the WOMAN are putting into making the little guy comfortable. It must be expensive & exhausting. Please try to enjoy these last few days.

The WOMAN in particular is completely exhausted.

:(

We laid another beloved friend to rest this afternoon.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/DeuceampJag_zpsbf2741b4.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/DeuceCowboyOrioles_zps8a731bc7.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/Deucetunnel4_zps631ff93e.jpg)

R.I.P. Deuce 2006(?) - 2 February 2015

While the happy memories will remain, at this moment there's only the grief and the tears.

:(

Hepcat, I am so sorry about Deuce.

-mh

My condolences for your loss of another furry pal.

My deepest sympathies. Deuce is at peace.

 Though inevitable, I was dreading this post. I'm really sorry to hear it. I hope the WOMAN can get a little rest. She deserves it.

" We have been sustained and our souls protected and nurtured by the life of our beloved companions, Styx and Deuce , who have been taken from us.
The ragged tear death has rent in the fabric of our lives
cannot be mended.
Yet love is as strong as death, and the bonds of love
know no boundaries.

We still meet; we still love –
if not in the world of physical reality
then in the gentler world of dream and memory."     
                   
Shalom Styx and Deuce and all the others that we hold in our hearts.

Quote from: Mord on February 02, 2015, 06:56:08 PMThough inevitable, I was dreading this post.

Inevitable it was. The diagnosis of lymphoma two weeks ago on Thursday revealed why Deuce wasn't bouncing fully back to health even though we'd treated and he'd battled through the pancreatitis, jaundice(liver failure) and upper respiratory tract infection since late November. The cancer was the underlying condition behind all of the others. I was down to hoping that we could give him one last good weekend on this earth but even that proved to be beyond our power as digestive complications ensued. The WOMAN ministered to him heroically to the end even sleeping downstairs so that she could check up on him two or three times during the night but by late Saturday I knew that it was time to end his suffering.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/Deucewearingfavouritetie.jpg)

So full of life, he'd been the most athletic of all the cats and was always brimming with energy and good cheer.

:(

Sorry tuff enuff but twice the loss must be unbearable

Hepcat: Once again, I'm sorry to hear the bad news. This really isn't fair to you guys.

I'm sending you all the positive vibes I can---you deserve it.

So many seem to be losing pets. I just remembered a friend I met last year at Mad Monster Party lost a cat back around Thanksgiving. It was a shock, because she just found it lying in her closet, dead, after not seeing it for about three hours. It was an older cat, and had some health issues in the past, but had seemed to be doing fine. And, another friend lost his cat over the weekend, too. It's an odd series of coincidences. And, here I am, trying to find homes for the two little strays that I've been feeding and bringing inside when it gets cold.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/04/f634bb3e4f1f4f29cc489d1e881b0538.jpg)

Bless your kindness to these cats, I pray that they find a good forever home soon.  I've seen too much cruelty to animals. I am the first to admit that I'm overly sensitive on this topic. I have saved or attempted to save cats whenever possible, unfortunately .. I've encountered soulless people who just don't understand or even hate me for it.  One has to follow their heart and be true to themselves.

Quote from: Count_Zirock on February 04, 2015, 04:15:47 AMAnd, here I am, trying to find homes for the two little strays that I've been feeding and bringing inside when it gets cold.

Good for you!

:)

Quote from: Hepcat on February 04, 2015, 09:37:51 AM
Good for you!

:)

It's really helped to get them socialized. When they first started coming around, you couldn't even approach them, they'd just run. Now, they trust me completely, and come right up to me and want to be picked up and held. It went down to 25 last night, so I brought them inside again. The tuxedo male was climbing all over me as I sat on the couch watching TV. The Tabby female likes to get on my bed and sleep next to me. So many people in this area are either allergic to cats, or already have several, so it's been very hard finding them a home. I remain hopeful, and do what I can for them, in the meantime.

The WOMAN tells me that the sparkie on the coffee table went on again by itself yesterday. She thinks it was Styx telling her that Deuce was there with him.

:-\

 Now, that's just bizarre! BTW, who is the WOMAN & why is she referred to as "the WOMAN"?

Well there's The MAN who is out hunting a lot, and then there's The WOMAN who normally wields the can opener.

???

My condolences to you and the WOMAN on your losses.You made a difference in the World by giving those little furry ones a dream home/life.Perhaps somewhere there's 2 little cats saying the same thing.

I found this site six years ago when one of my cats was killed by a car.  http://www.petloss.com/ (http://www.petloss.com/)  It helped.

A miracle! I finally got Fatboy, Bella, and Little Mama all in the same shot. Had to share this.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/06/e21178475119241a7600b5b810e6c507.jpg)

Quote from: Flower on February 05, 2015, 08:18:26 PM
I found this site six years ago when one of my cats was killed by a car.  http://www.petloss.com/ (http://www.petloss.com/)  It helped.

Just a warning: I tried to visit that page, and my anti-virus software said it has "malicious content."

Nice clowder!

8)

Personal business demands will be taking up most of my time in the next little while.  Therefore if I'm not around much if at all over the next few months, that won't be due to any health issues.

:)

Count!  I've never had a problem with that site and have used it over the years without virus warnings. BUT .. I would heed any warning. I'm confused that it would happen but better safe than sorry.

I just clicked on it and had no problem but again, it's better to be safe.   8)

Hepcat .. Personal demands have kept me off forums from time to time. Post when you are able, your scans and posts will be missed.

Quote from: Count_Zirock on February 06, 2015, 07:37:53 AM
A miracle! I finally got Fatboy, Bella, and Little Mama all in the same shot. Had to share this.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/06/e21178475119241a7600b5b810e6c507.jpg)Just a warning: I tried to visit that page, and my anti-virus software said it has "malicious content."

Great photo Count Z!!

Looking at memorial plaques .. I found this saying on many of them .. "If love could've saved you, you would've lived forever" ..  :(

I've never heard the above quote until yesterday .. It could be that I've been living under a rock but it really touched me .. I've found this on Etsy and will be purchasing several .. both for myself and as gifts in the coming weeks.

(https://img0.etsystatic.com/013/0/7186608/il_570xN.462511784_k5i7.jpg)

It is available at ThatGlassStore on Etsy.

I hope that everyone is coping with their losses ..  :(

Little Mama is pregnant again. I'm hoping I can encourage her to have her kittens indoors, or at least in the shelter on my front porch. Maybe they'll have a better chance of surviving. After she has this batch, I'm having her spayed.

Good man!

:)

Hepcat .. How are your remaining cats coping?

They seem to be searching for their missing brethren at times. Moreover the two remaining cats, Ace and Cowboy, had the weakest bond to each other of any of the six possible pairings but they've become closer and now lie next to each other some of the time. They never did this previously.

They've also adapted their behaviour to filling the household/ecological niches previously occupied by Styx and Deuce. They now spend much more time lying on the futon with The WOMAN as she reads or surfs the internet. This was Styx's everyday behaviour previously. When indoors he spent most of his time cuddling against The WOMAN.

Hepcat, I am so sorry to read of the lose of your little loved one. I have 2 cats that I love very much and unfortunately one of them at this time is sick. Your story is hitting very close to home. Like you I feel that whatever is being done is not enough. After reading your post I can honestly say that I truly believe you did everything in your power to save Styx.

Yes. Unfortunately there's always the second guessing. Deuce was obviously ill, but should/could we have noticed something about Styx earlier? We'd both noticed that he'd slowed down in the past year but his senior blood work in November had shown no problems. His age/previous hard life just caught up to him I guess.

:(

Hopefully you get a much better outcome with your kitty then we got with Styx and Deuce.

:)

By my calculations, Little Mama should have her litter any time now. She's been inside most of this week due to the frigid temps. I'm going to keep her in over the weekend, as we may get some snow on Saturday.

Good luck with the litter.

I've heard that it's a good idea to feed expecting cats kitten food as it is high in calorie and protein, you can check with your vet and/or vet tech on this.  Again .. I hope that all goes well.

No kittens yet, but I've noticed that Fatboy is sticking very close to her. It could be any time, now.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/21/aa30ae0689b4a6796a9a183819a443dc.jpg)

Quote from: poppydave on February 19, 2015, 09:03:37 PM
Hepcat, I am so sorry to read of the lose of your little loved one. I have 2 cats that I love very much and unfortunately one of them at this time is sick. Your story is hitting very close to home. Like you I feel that whatever is being done is not enough. After reading your post I can honestly say that I truly believe you did everything in your power to save Styx.

I hope that your cat has fully recovered ..  ;D

 We just took our big, fat ragdoll mix cat in for a check up & bloodwork. We don't want to go through what poor Hep & the WOMAN just went through. Best to be safe than sorry.

So what were the results of your ragdoll's testing?

???

Quote from: Hepcat on February 27, 2015, 08:04:08 PM
So what were the results of your ragdoll's testing?

???

I'd love some good news right now ..

Any kittens or good reports from vets?

Quote from: Flower on March 03, 2015, 01:25:36 PM
I'd love some good news right now ..

Any kittens or good reports from vets?

If I can get Little Mama to the vet tomorrow, I'm going to have her spayed. I may have waited too long, though, to terminate this pregnancy. But, I didn't have the money to do it til today. And, of course, today was the day maintenance showed up to replace my leaky kitchen faucet...which I first reported over a year ago.
::)

In the end, you have to follow your heart and be true to yourself.

Good luck! 

Quote from: Count_Zirock on March 03, 2015, 02:00:33 PMIf I can get Little Mama to the vet tomorrow, I'm going to have her spayed. I may have waited too long, though, to terminate this pregnancy.

I don't understand. I thought you were looking forward to her having her kittens at any time?

In any event, if she's pregnant I wouldn't terminate the pregnancy. Just ask the vet when to bring her in to be spayed after she has her litter, and maybe put down a deposit if you have the money now.

???

I miscalculated how far along she was. Poor thing is big as a house now, but she should be around 55-60 days now. Cats generally give birth around 60 days.

I had a long talk with my sister. It's been impossible to find homes for Fatboy and Little Mama. Finding homes for a litter of kittens isn't going to be much easier. If they're born and live for 8 weeks, just to end up at the animal shelter where they'll be euthanized if they're not adopted in four days...that just seems pointless and cruel. If they're born before I can get her to the vet, then I'll just have to deal with it. If the county shelter was no-kill, then I'd have no reservations about letting her have this litter and then getting her spayed. I'll be getting Fatboy neutered, regardless. Fortunately, some friends have been generous enough to send donations towards both of them being fixed.

I don't know or remember where you live but there are No Kill organizations in every state.. this link can help you connect .. http://www.nokillnetwork.org/ (http://www.nokillnetwork.org/)  to people who can help in your area.  Many vets will help place cats and kittens. It might take a few calls and I have found that ads to place kittens on free sites such as Craigslist can get results.

My sister volunteers with The Cat Network .. http://thecatnetwork.org/ (http://thecatnetwork.org/)   I know that you don't live in South Florida but they are kind people and might be able to advise you on networks in your state and/or how to deal with placing kittens for adoption at places such as PetSmart or Pet Valu.

Sending good thoughts and positive vibes .. best of luck.

Thanks, I'll check into them. I live near Charlotte, NC.

Craig's List, I should warn you, is loaded with people who will promise to give animals good homes, and then take them and do horrific things to them. Using kittens and puppies as bait for fighting dogs, or even feeding them to snakes. Some will even take free animals and sell them to laboratories for experiments. So, I would never go that route.

Quote from: Count_Zirock on March 04, 2015, 08:17:01 AM
Thanks, I'll check into them. I live near Charlotte, NC.

Craig's List, I should warn you, is loaded with people who will promise to give animals good homes, and then take them and do horrific things to them. Using kittens and puppies as bait for fighting dogs, or even feeding them to snakes. Some will even take free animals and sell them to laboratories for experiments. So, I would never go that route.

My mother had a bad feeling about someone who came to pick up a kitten and she told him that they won't be ready for another few weeks. When she asked for his number (she had put an ad in a pet store), he seemed upset and when she called that number .. it was fake one and he never called back. It's too bad that we live in such a cruel world, it's wise to play it safe.

I got a phone call early this morning that, if I could get her there by 9AM, my vet could spay Little Mama. I was there at 8:45! She came through like a trooper, and I can pick her up at 3PM.

Little Mama is back with me, still a bit woozy, but otherwise okay.

So Ace and Cowboy have modified their behaviour to fill the ecological/household niche vacated by their dearly departed comrades:


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3522_zps90df8dab.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3521_zps3fdbdc9b.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3523_zps5d45b75a.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3524_zps00fdd667.jpg)


Ace would never allow Cowboy to lie touching him previously. Two months ago he would have just said "Homo!" and stalked off indignantly. Moreover Ace seldom lay on the futon or used the beanbag wicker chair in the living room. That territory was reserved for Styx or the other two.


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3526_zpsylw38ujd.jpg)


Nor did Ace previously show any interest in the computer. Styx had been the computer nerd.


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3519_zpse048568c.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/DSCN3518_zpsecf2acba.jpg)


Things it seems have changed now.


:-\

 Those little darlings seem willing and able to fill the void.

That's awesome. I've noticed that cats will often take up behavior previously exhibited by other cats, if those cats leave. After Big Boy, a Siamese/Ragdoll mix male I rescued, was adopted by friends in Augusta, GA, Bella started getting up in my arms much more often than she previously had. Big Boy (renamed Bobo by his new family) was a real cuddle-bug, and always wanted to be held.

Quote from: Hepcat on January 22, 2015, 01:36:10 PM


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AStPatricks2.jpg)

Cake in heaven

Oh I'm sure!

8)

Tons of kitty noms!

The ghosts of St. Patrick's Day past - Phoebe:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/DSCN0103_zpsmfiqs7tw.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/DSCN0104_zpswwmn8uqo.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/DSCN0108_zpsyhkz4v7z.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/DSCN0107_zpscobdkds3.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/DSCN0106_zpsym1qxa0f.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Phoebecake.jpg)

Phoebe with Ace and friends:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/11979d6c-6d08-4cc3-adc6-a4c8d1a342e3_zpsrqjfpjn4.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/2110d7b0-ea99-402f-ad98-18525db715da_zpshnzdjy68.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/592d3bb7-05f2-43dc-a6d5-e8fce01b7866_zpspspmfxzj.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/DSCN0099_zpsqgwc9duw.jpg)

Phoebe was beautiful but tragically we lost her to a car in 2008. Now here's Styx:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/DSCN3247_zps42a30959.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/DSCN3248_zpsd63609af.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/DSCN3250_zps68eec4e2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/DSCN3249_zpsc158214b.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AStPatricks.jpg)

:(

 Great photo. Happy St. Pattie's Day! Time for some Guinness.

Those are such sweet pix, Hepcat. You treated your kitties so well.

Sadly, Fatboy isn't doing well at all. Several weeks ago, I noticed he seems...lighter. Then, I found jawbreaker-sized growths on either side of his jaw. He's stopped eating, and I think he's stopped drinking, too. It's hard to tell with him, though. He sleeps most of the time, these days. I'm arguing with myself whether I should have him put down, or just let nature take its course.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/02/424c172c88c58075e00363772e0cfac2.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/02/e5a1aac62ccb75a839b253362097748f.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/02/f8feb82f9e6f3b367d04d8f56da48540.jpg)

Take him to the vet!

:o

Quote from: Hepcat on April 02, 2015, 07:47:37 PM
Take him to the vet!
:o

I can't afford to.
:(

You can't allow him to suffer ..

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html)



The link below lists many services for people who can't afford vet care ...  or ask your vet for help.  Our vet contributes to a program to help people with their veterinary bill but it's not in your area.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html)

Spoon or teaspoon the poor animal food and water ... NOW! Not eating for a day or two will cause Fatty Liver problems.

I just tried to again, Flower. He let the water dribble all over him. He doesn't even want to be touched, now, and he's always been such a cuddle-bug in the past. We figure Lil Mama is his littermate. Earlier tonight, she walked over to him, put a paw on his head, then walked away. As if she were saying good-bye to her brother. I couldn't feel like more of an abject failure in my life right now. But, in all honesty, it's been very tough trying to take care of three cats on a limited income. I've sacrificed a lot, which I haven't minded. These cats didn't ask to be born homeless. If they were wild or untrainable, I could just put out food and water, and leave it at that. But, they are sweet, loving little things and deserve so much more than I can give them.

 As a temporary help I recommend this gel that can be put on their paws or straight on their tongue. It gives them the necessary nutrients for the time being. It also helps increase their appetite. It goes by various brand names (the one we used is called "Nutri-gel", I believe). Not a permanent fix, but it helps.

Mord, I have $6 to my name right now, literally. And, I have to buy gas with that. Otherwise, I can't even take him to the vet in the morning. All I can really do right now is cry for him. And, I've been doing that non-stop since about 8pm.

Just call Animal Services to pick him up.  They will evaluate him and do the 'right' thing.  I'm not a fan of putting pets down but it is more humane than suffering.  It is unfortunate but from what've recently read, very few of our beloved pets live to a ripe old age and peacefully go in their sleep of old age .. very sad.

You tried and got in over your head .. it's happened to us all. Fat Boy has known love and caring, you'll done all that you could and now is the time to go a step beyond and call Animal Control or the Human Society if the other societies don't work for you. 

It 's not easy to call these services and if possible they will save him (I have had very positive experiences with Animal Services in our area) .. I lit a candle for Fat Boy and wish you both the best of luck but only you can make the call to end his suffering.

Count
Sorry for what you are going through. I know you have done the best that you could here. I would take Flowers advice since you don't have the option of a Vet.
Over the last 30+ years we have have rescued or adopted 11 cats. We currently have 3 as well as a pit bull mix. Our cat Big Boy is getting close to his time. He has dropped from 13# down to 6 1/2 and is throwing up almost daily. We'll do right by him and let him go peacefully.  A little less than 15 years ago we moved into our house and our cat Teddy was very ill. we were pretty much tapped out money wise. Teddy took a turn for the worse,had a mild stroke and his kidneys started shutting down fully. He crawled under a dresser and howled and suffered with convulsions for 3 hours. I stayed under there with him the whole time softly saying his name and petting him. It was horrible watching him die like that. He is now buried next to our shed with a cat statue over him.  You DON'T want to experience anything like that.
Maybe your pal can be saved but if not then you have to be brave for him and let him go peacefully.

I took him to the vet early today, as soon as my check deposited. Sadly, it was too late. The vet said whatever he had, had been going on for some time. Being he was an outdoor cat, I just didn't notice it until it was too late. By the time I got him to the vet's (just a ten minute drive from my apartment), he was unconscious. They assessed him quickly, and said he was beyond saving.

Cats are great at hiding things, it's not uncommon for issues to unnoticed.  You gave Fat Boy love and security, he had a short but mostly happy life and is now at peace.  It's easy for me to write but I know the heartbreak of 'if only I had seen it earlier" and there are things for which I'll kick myself for the rest of my life.

I'm not a vet but it sounds like oral cancer of some sort.  I had a 13 year old cat who suddenly was losing weight (he was over weight) .. I noticed it the day before Mother's Day 2001 and started to force feed him. I didn't want to take him to the vet that Saturday because I was afraid to ruin Mother's Day.  I did bring him in early on Monday morning and the vet at first thought that it was nothing but Kirby won't open his mouth.  The vet sent me home and told me that he would sedate Kirby and see what it was about but didn't think that it was serious.  The phone rang not long after I got home, it was rapid form of oral cancer that couldn't be treated and he gave me the option of driving back or doing it without me.  I couldn't drive there and back in tears, gave the vet a message for Kirby and let him do the 'right' thing.

R.I.P. Fat Boy ...  :(

Here's Billy Bunny with an Easter basket for little Phoebe:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/BillyBunny.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeBilly3.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/PhoebeBilly-1.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/PhoebeBilly2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeBasket3.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/PhoebeBillyBasket.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeBasketanotherview2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/PhoebeBasketanotherview.jpg)

Socializing with her friend Lilly after dinner:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeLilly1a.jpg)

And here clockwise from the bottom are Ace, Styx, Hop, Hip, Deuce and Cowboy:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/TheBoys3.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/TheBoys2.jpg)

Counterclockwise now from the bottom here are Ace, Styx, Hip, Hop, Deuce and Cowboy:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%20at%20Easter/SleepingoffHalloweenParty.jpg)

Here's Phoebe later in the evening all tuckered out after the party. Too many deviled eggs perhaps?

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Phoebestep.jpg)

:)

 Love those pictures! What a wonderful little family. You must have such fond memories.

How are things going?  Any new guys show up at your door?

The WOMAN tells me that Cowboy's ears perked up and started twitching and he started to look around when Styx's song by the Tragically Hip was played on the radio yesterday.

A new kitten may be on the horizon for us in mid-May:

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YprVYbHfni8/VSWhXc-nEjI/AAAAAAAAAds/MgmwRnb-U80/s1600/Mom%2Band%2Bbabies%2Bat%2B2%2Bweeks.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEFAQtk7Wl0/VT_HTiovHoI/AAAAAAAAAgk/oPGDF_rywZA/s1600/Black%2Bkittens%2B4%2Bweeks.jpg)

:)

Awwwww...! Squeeeee!

I thought about Styx and Deuce last night.  A good friend around to corner is surrounded by grief as I type, the house on the North side of her (there are four townhouses where she lives) had to put down her 16 year old cat a few weeks ago.  The woman on the South side of her moved in several years ago with four cats, one died soon after, two went missing and the last one, Lucy, had to be put to sleep the other day.  Another friend told me a few days ago that a friend hers had to put down their 16 year old cat too. I got to thinking of all the lovely cats in our area who 'left' us in the past few years and of all who wait for me over the Rainbow Bridge.

I also realized that it's been 7 months since Styx died today.  How is the kitten doing?

The black kitten in my post above turned out to be a female. She was born March 25th and was the runt of a  litter of three. We've had her since May 25th or so and ended up naming her Scout. She got along very well with Ace and Cowboy right from the first day and has thrived.

Here she is at about ten weeks of age:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3587_zpsdudyprwl.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3586_zpspsh5iesr.jpg)
T
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3585_zps1k7pu48n.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3591_zpsq9ou9ah3.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3594_zpsht2j7v2k.jpg)

With old uncle Ace:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3581_zpswtb7rmzz.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3600_zpsarbjuhf2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3598_zpsge1i83dh.jpg)

By the first week of June she had scaled and conquered the Tower of Power:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3601_zpsemrrl0do.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3602_zpsonloctyj.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3613_zpsmxidtibj.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3603_zpsrercmcds.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3604_zps8rroz5ep.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3608_zpssabfhk2y.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3609_zpsolp1ieqx.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3610_zpsc4jdgoay.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3611_zpsrwy55gaa.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20Tower%20of%20Power%20June%207%202015/DSCN3605_zpsh1lsqg3w.jpg)

Here she is in mid-June with Cancun:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3625_zpsxeg8j6ma.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3624_zps3ohfpbmr.jpg)

And with Hop:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3628_zpsrn1zbjse.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3626_zpsy9qnpmdb.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3629_zpsiiosov2f.jpg)

And finally with Cowboy:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3621_zpsha3qzxkl.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3620_zpszosffwmx.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3619_zpsu1q8bpjc.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3622_zpss5riemnd.jpg)

:)

*MELT!!!*

Sent from my HUAWEI Y336-A1 using Tapatalk

Scout on her perch on top of the scratching post in front of the kitchen pantry in mid June:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3644_zpsuzlhram4.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3636_zpsyoqbu6s1.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/54ea381e-d2dc-48a4-8f5b-5af80079a2d5_zpstlyrvmaf.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3639_zpssgskugf3.jpg)

Here's Scout battling old Uncle Ace for his bed in the kitchen in early July:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Snort%20Baxters%20Scout%20on%20Vay/DSCN3677_zpskcfarmlt.jpg)

And here she is trying to horn in on The MAN's breakfast after leaping from the scratching post onto his shoulder:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Snort%20Baxters%20Scout%20on%20Vay/3ee328c1-cb20-4927-b17e-4b1e78f31b8b_zpswdsvlplt.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Snort%20Baxters%20Scout%20on%20Vay/b144fd55-3961-4de2-908b-a14e96093ee9_zpsangvtioa.jpg)

Finally here's Scout on July 8th with Uncle Ace:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3689_zpsijplm6li.jpg)

8)

Super pix of Scout! Cute as a bug! Thanks for sharing! -mh

What a cutie patootie! Reminds me of Bella when she was just a wee ball of fluff. Hard to believe she'll be 4 in October. My latest, Lil Mama, will be turning 3 around the same time.

Sent from my HUAWEI Y336-A1 using Tapatalk

Scout likes to join her uncles wherever they're flaked out on the floor. Here she is yesterday with Cowboy in the entrance by the door:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3699_zpsfazzzfwe.jpg)

And in the upstairs hallway:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3709_zpssmdvukg4.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3707_zps3fva3j2s.jpg)

:)

There's such a sweetness about a little one joining their elders, wanting to be accepted, and being accepted :) I love these updates, and it's so nice to see they're getting along happily :) Just the peacefulness of them sitting together warms the heart.

The WOMAN just showed me this letter that she sent to Animal Control in January:

Dear People at Animal Control,

Our beloved Styx died on Tuesday January 20, 2015 of complications from pneumonia brought on by his FIV.

I am writing for several reasons and I know that you understand our stress and heartache at this time.

1. Months from now, receiving a notice for Styx's tag renewal would just reopen the wounds.

2. Styx was a stray who hung around the Main and Gerrard area on and off from about 2006 to  July 2009.  He was so skinny that a neighbor named him 'Sticks' .. another neighbor cried when she saw him and went out and got him some high protein food. During this time period, he was in the area on and off.  There was a period of over a year that we never saw him and thought that the poor stray had died a sad lonely death but found out in 2009 that the elderly woman on the corner had been caring for him over the winter of 2008 - 2009 .. feeding him and providing him with a box for shelter.  He was not around in the Spring and she was concerned as she was scheduled to go in for heart surgery.

You might recall this was during the services strike.  At some point in June of 2009, Styx turned up looking in our back sliders, a skinny ugly black cat in whom I had no interest.  I told another neighbor who had fed him in the past that there was good news/bad news .. the good news was that Styx was alive, the bad news was that he was back.  One reason that he and some other Toms turned up was due to a couple of unfixed females in heat.  I never wanted to get involved with Styx but a few weeks after his return, it was obvious that he'd been in a fight and had an abscess on his cheek.  We attempted to help him but couldn't until a neighbor helped me get him into a carrier.  She then called you and told you that she  had a feral cat to be picked up.

Styx was scared and afraid, never feral and the woman had a history of putting cats to sleep because she was afraid that they had 'those diseases' .. I waited with her for Animal Control to arrive and truthfully told the agent that Styx wasn't feral and that the elderly woman on the corner was caring for him but that she was in hospital having a quadruple bypass.  Your agent agreed that Styx was calm and not a feral cat.

This was on July 10, 2009 and a day or so later, the neighbor told me that there was a picture of Styx on your website.  (The MAN) called your vet and stated that we wanted to adopt Styx.  We had little hope that this sick skinny cat would be considered adoptable and (The MAN) called almost everyday to enforce his intention of adopting #507590.

On August 1, 2009 we adopted Styx.  Receipt Number R09-043772 .. PID P448428.  He seemed to know or recognize us right away (he was in your hospital area with sneezing) and we knew from your tests that he had FIV but wanted to give the poor guy a chance.  The short form is that we took him home and carefully blended him in with our other three cats (we never wanted four cats) where they formed a posse of love.  In time, no one could believe that he'd once been called 'Ugly Blackie' or had been skinny.

This tough looking street fighter was a lover of babies and would greet them and their parents on the way to day care.  He and our older cat, Ace, would sit on the porch and race to see who they could greet first.  Many people on the way to therapy on Main Street would tell us that knowing that the cats would be waiting was making coming to therapy better.  One little girl with her mom would bring the cats treats and became family friends.

Styx should be at his usual place, cuddled next to my left side as I use the laptop computer or on our laps but last Wednesday we noticed that he appeared to have a cold and took him in to the vet on Thursday morning where he was given an antibiotic  shot for his upper respiratory infection (as was one of our other cats, Deuce) .. Styx started to go down hill on Sunday, he slept wrapped up in a blanket on my chest Sunday evening and was brought back to the vet on Monday morning where he was still lively and again was interested in what the vet had on his computer.  Styx was given Baytril and we were told to plug in our humidifier .. in the end we had to have the vet open early for an emergency visit on Tuesday morning .. we tried to save him, had him on IVs but he wasn't strong enough as strokes and the FIV had kicked in and he died around noon.

Maybe I'm crazy for writing this but we never thanked you for giving Styx a chance and for all the love that because of your kindness, understanding and caring for animals that enabled Styx to give us and others (including all the cats in the area) over five years of love and joy.  That your vet CM gave Styx a chance when he was a beat up seeming unadoptable stray without a future.

We are beating our selves up for not being able to save Styx.  In our head we know that you guys did enable us to save him but that the clock was ticking from day one.  In our hearts, we will miss him the rest of our lives and hope that he knew that we loved him and did our best for him.

Thank you for your past kindness to Styx .. we are going crazy with grief.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/StyxampZita4_zpsa2e9b8fe.jpg)

:(

Poor Styx ..  :(

Scout will have completed her rigorous five month Halloween cat training program on Friday.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3773_zpslkjdf3m2.jpg)

I'm a bit concerned that she won't be ready to fill Styx's shoes come Saturday. It's been tough to keep her applying herself to her studies. Rather than doing her homework she likes to goof off with Cowboy and Ace:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3749_zpsdnqzvycr.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3745_zps5fg38e3m.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3748_zpsqqiefhjg.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3756_zpsqkrygjwo.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3770_zpsli6dcox1.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3771_zpsxkpmcyov.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3779_zpsxgrwkh19.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3780_zpsp8eyf4sk.jpg)

Ace has been a particularly bad influence since he keeps taking her to the track:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3721_zpszzqzfu1u.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3724_zpsk8vnp1lb.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20baby%20pictures/DSCN3722_zpszzofcuqf.jpg)

  :(

 I like that little bugger, I think that she will definitely be up for the task on Saturday.

Oh, what a little sweetie!(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/28/9e461e3033859ee5ed7531a9b622f95a.jpg)

Sent from my HUAWEI Y336-A1 using Tapatalk

Quote from: Mord on October 28, 2015, 07:51:22 PMI like that little bugger, I think that she will definitely be up for the task on Saturday.

Hopefully, hopefully. She's got a tough act to follow though. Styx was born to the role! He lived for Halloween. To begin with, he was well versed in the finer points of trick or treating:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatCandy.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/Styxloot.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202013%20%20Deuce%20Styx%20Cowboy%20Cake/DSCN3199_zps977eca31.jpg)

Blessed with unerring balance he could ride the pine with the best of them:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/CatW.png)

He was adept at terrorizing the neighbourhood simply by unleashing another side of his persona:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Panther.jpg)

And to top it off he had his own personal graveyard that he liked to visit at this time of the year:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatinCemetary.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatfindsJimmyHoffasgrave.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatatSkull.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatRIP.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatvisitsSkateboardersgrave.jpg)

cl:)

Scout made sure all was in readiness earlier today. Here she is making sure we'd included everything in the boys' bag:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3815_zps75og9fer.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3816_zpsghojbct1.jpg)

And the girls' bag:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3812_zpsxhsfgbvq.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3813_zpsli2k8y3l.jpg)

She noticed that we'd forgotten to put the big Halloween lollipop in the bags!

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3825_zpslykjyvwy.jpg)

Here she is inspecting the front porch:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3785_zpsljc51ebb.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3781_zpsrxmgd4o2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3791_zpst6vsvir9.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3789_zpszquz5rcw.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3811_zpsvgje8ii2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3810_zpsztl01ls4.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3787_zpsqw8mogcm.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3788_zpsdogbgfcj.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3809_zpsjsch3ca7.jpg)

Across the street:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3784_zpsg4qu37bt.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3783_zpswne5mcmu.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3806_zpswo9myvc9.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3805_zpsonik3ajo.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3802_zpsb9lzbf8p.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3804_zpskbsfyyjy.jpg)

And relaxing with a quick snack before the rush of little tricksters:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/433fa8ac-a13d-4dd8-ad02-a09cf9258f2d_zpsnnuqeq6e.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3823_zpsb7iylwlc.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3822_zpspw4fjjup.jpg) 

cl:)

Quote from: Hepcat on October 31, 2015, 09:28:07 PM


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3806_zpswo9myvc9.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202015/DSCN3805_zpsonik3ajo.jpg)

Great photos .. the ones with the crows are extra cool.  Did Scout get the lollipops in the bags on time?

Yes, one big vertically striped orange, purple and white lollipop to each bag! The WOMAN had to help Scout twist tie the bags closed though.

8)

Here are some photos from Xmas a few years back. First here's Phoebe(2005-2008) in the large bedroom:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeTheManXmas2006.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeXmas2006.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeOnionLights.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/PhoebeXmas20062.jpg)

The Christmas tree:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/(edited)_K1494974A408_1000057.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/tree.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/K1494974A408_1000058.jpg)

Here's Deuce(2006?-2015) beside it:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/K1494974A408_1000059.jpg)

The tree is a fiber optic one to which we add multiple strands of seven(!) colour C6 LED lights and decorate it with predominantly silvery or white decorations including lots of little birds. Adding multitudes of silver icicles and swaths of angel hair turns the tree into a scene from a magical wintry wonderland where a riot of colour can be seen breaking through a haze of snow and ice. Unfortunately, The MAN has never been able to capture the effect with the camera.

Here's Phoebe with her soul mate Blizzard while he still shone brightly:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Christmas%202006/9f633835-786f-4e02-899d-74a40da9b69c_zpsp0s4djpk.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/23-12-2010114016AM.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Christmas%202006/DSCN0069_zpscfsepldz.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Christmas%202006/DSCN0048_zpszrca6gty.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Christmas%202006/DSCN0051_zpssrhuaio6.jpg)

So after we'd taken down the tree in January 2007, we put Blizzard in the upstairs closet. One day the following summer I opened the closet door and Phoebe discovered that her long lost friend was dwelling there! She happily lay down beneath him again.

Here's Styx(2000?-2015) with Blizzard:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/StyxBlizzard2.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/StyxBlizzard.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Styx%20Christmas%202013%20jingle%20collar/c5d7d58a-71e5-4d88-af35-278d010f55bc_zpsc6542eed.jpg)

Here's Cowboy with Blizzard:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/CowboyBlizzard2.jpg)

Here's Blizzard out on the front porch with Deuce:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/BlizzardDeuce2006.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/DSCN0062.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Christmas%202006/DSCN0086_zpslqexoe6c.jpg)

8)

The last photo with Deuce and Phoebe on the lawn is magic!

R.I.P. to Styx, Deuce and Phoebe ..  :(

A bit of household togetherness:

Scout and Cowboy

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%202016/DSCN3882_zpsoies9fnd.jpg)

Scout and Ace

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%202016/DSCN3885_zpsvwcqpk4r.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%202016/DSCN3887_zpsbhr0nvxp.jpg)

Cowboy, Scout and Ace

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%202016/DSCN3891_zpsokcgykdj.jpg)

:)

So it was sixteen years ago earlier this month that I saw a wild looking long-haired black cat in the northeast corner window of the Bay store on Yonge Street in downtown Toronto where the Toronto Humane Society was showcasing pets for adoption. Being bereft of cats at the time the thought that popped into my head was "That's the cat for me!" I was told that he was perhaps two years old and I decided to name him Ace after the Bat-Hound.

A few years later on a summer's day Ace was nowhere to be found when I came home from work on a Friday. Nor did he reappear the following morning. Monday morning though I had a phone message at work. It seems Ace had been discovered late Friday afternoon by the elevators from the parking garage just outside the second floor lost and found office of Sears in downtown Toronto just north of the Bay store. Since the Sears store downtown is about six miles away from my house, I was somewhat puzzled but I assumed that Ace must have hitched a ride downtown to revisit the Bay store but got mixed up a bit. Nonetheless he'd been taken home (fifteen miles away!) by one of the women and I retrieved him from the Sears lost and found office the following day.

By last summer Ace was a senior citizen in cat terms and had slowed down somewhat. The vet told us that his kidneys were no longer functioning at peak efficiency and that a slow deterioration in his kidney function could be expected at his age. But on Sunday December 12th we found Ace curled up inside the console TV in the basement. I recognized this immediately as the behaviour of a cat hiding from the unseen enemy causing him pain. Off to the vet we went on Monday. Blood work on Tuesday revealed a certain liver enzyme's count at 623 when the maximum level should be no higher than 158. A possible cause was a malfunctioning thyroid which could easily be treated. But further blood work revealed that his thyroid was fine.

A liver tumour was therefore the dreaded diagnosis. The vet told us that even for a young cat there would be nothing he could do except prescribe a pain killer. I resigned myself to Ace having only a few weeks to live. His condition deteriorated very rapidly. By Sunday evening I had to face the reality that his time on this earth was near an end. I broke down at that point. But I couldn't bear to see my friend suffer and steadily lose all dignity. We took him back to the vet on Wednesday morning where he was given an injection and died in my arms.

R.I.P my beloved furry friend Ace (December 1998? - 21 December 2016)

Unlike our other cats Ace had no time for the paparazzi and refused to ham it up for the cameras. As a result we don't have very many good shots of Ace. Here are some decent ones (Ace is the big one):

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/St%20Patrick%20Phoebe%20and%20other%20photos/592d3bb7-05f2-43dc-a6d5-e8fce01b7866_zpspspmfxzj.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/AceTheManXmas.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/StyxAceFlamingo_zpsaed940e1.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/Acetongue.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Scout%20and%20Buddies/DSCN3926_zpsdf8hhvoh.jpg)

:(

Terribly sorry for the loss of your beloved cat. :'( Its hard when we lose these little furballs. They bring a lot of joy and even some frustrations. Peace.

How did I not see this before?  I too am sorry for your loss. :'(  I know what it's like to lose a pet and a friend.  Around this time five years ago, one of my friends owned a dachshund who died of spinal failure, and the dog was practically my pet as well since I saw her at least three times a month.  This isn't the exact dog, but the picture below is pretty accurate.  R.I.P to all of our lost friends.

(http://cdn1-www.dogtime.com/assets/uploads/2011/01/file_23020_dachshund-dog-breed-460x290.jpg)

You guys realize this thread is 2 years old, right?

Post #134 is but hours old.

???

Quote from: Hepcat on December 23, 2016, 09:12:08 PM
Post #134 is but hours old.

???

Oh, I'm so sorry. I thought that the Styx thread had just been discovered. It is horrible to lose a beloved pet (especially during the holidays). My girlfriend and I are big animal lovers and have 4 cats of our own. They are a very important part of our family. I'm really sorry about your loss. There have been many many painful passing this year (from Bowie to my dear dad). Hopefully, next year will be a better one. My condolences,  Hep.

Quote from: Mord on December 23, 2016, 07:51:06 PM
You guys realize this thread is 2 years old, right?

Yes, and the problem here is......................?

Quote from: Chakor Channing on December 24, 2016, 08:12:41 AM
Yes, and the problem here is......................?

Didn't I apologize for my mistake? And the problem here is.........?

Sorry.  Didn't see your apology.  Forget I ever said anything.

Coal for both a yas!

(http://www.country89.com/ckfinder/userfiles/files/coal.jpg)

Sleep well Ace.

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/57/a8/a4/57a8a4c77d3202e35e1d0a586b23986a.jpg)

Thank you all for your kind words.

We were in no mood to put up the Xmas tree this year but I realized that if we didn't maintain the tradition by putting the tree up for an eleventh straight year then it might very well never go up again. I therefore fought through my sadness and resignation and finally put the tree up on the 24th. Usually we cap the tree off by draping the branches in icicles and then swathing the whole thing in angel hair to complete the silvery-white magical winter wonderland effect.  But I didn't have the wherewithal this year to even go out and buy the icicles or angel hair we needed so the tree was a bit more sparsely decorated this year than most.

But on Xmas morning we woke up to find that Scout our twenty month old female cat had already torn down and broken one of the silvery balls.


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cats%202016/DSCN3935_zpsog4i0nti.jpg)


This of course left shards of broken glass on the floor and was a safety hazard. As a result The WOMAN strongly suggested that I replace any breakable decorations with non-breakable ones (we've acquired a surfeit of decorations over the last decade) and I had to agree. Once again though my enthusiasm level was really low and I had to fight through frustration as well as resignation to do the job of making the tree Scout proof.

It's a good thing I did though since Scout removed another four decorations the next night and a total of nine in all to this point. And the non-breakable ones are tougher to take off because they're hung from a string! I shudder to think how many of the delicate glass ones that all go on with fragile hooks Scout would have broken.

It's all been well worth the effort though. The tree is still a thing of beauty and always draws my eye. Like I say, it represents a magical wintry wonderland with the fibre optics and seven colour LED light strings shining through the silver and white decorations. Gazing upon it has had a calming therapeutic effect on both of us.


(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/christmas%202016/DSCN4062_zpsdsrkzrbe.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/christmas%202016/DSCN4063_zpszulxz59y.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/christmas%202016/DSCN4061_zpsv87spogg.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/christmas%202016/DSCN4059_zpshyler5iq.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/christmas%202016/DSCN4060_zpsuuptdjn5.jpg)


:)

It was a smart move putting up the tree. First, it was a diversion from all the grief  (we put ours up, even though my dad had recently passed away...it helped). Second, it gave scout something to do. I hope this year is a better one for us all.

I think we've gotten off lucky with respect to Scout and the tree:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pjSLjMm7nk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pjSLjMm7nk)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvGlQdmMds8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvGlQdmMds8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF8h6P6X-qw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF8h6P6X-qw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVpLYxoiX-s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVpLYxoiX-s)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htvCx0FG9Ww (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htvCx0FG9Ww)

:o

Wow, you're not kidding!

Hi, All

Unfortunately we had to put down our kitty today. We've lost pets before, but it never gets easier. We had our kitty for 15 yrs, so she was an important member of the family. We have our hounds to help us grieve, but the house is not the same without our feline family member. She was good little monster kitty and over that fifteen years, she spent countless hours on her dad's lap watching monster films. I'm going to miss her greatly.

Quote from: geezer butler on January 08, 2017, 11:00:12 PM
Hi, All

Unfortunately we had to put down our kitty today. We've lost pets before, but it never gets easier. We had our kitty for 15 yrs, so she was an important member of the family. We have our hounds to help us grieve, but the house is not the same without our feline family member. She was good little monster kitty and over that fifteen years, she spent countless hours on her dad's lap watching monster films. I'm going to miss her greatly.

I'm so sorry to hear that. We have two cats that are definitely part of our family. You need to get a new cat immediately. It won't replace you beloved "monster cat", but its enough of a distraction at this time.

Quote from: geezer butler on January 08, 2017, 11:00:12 PM
Hi, All

Unfortunately we had to put down our kitty today. We've lost pets before, but it never gets easier. We had our kitty for 15 yrs, so she was an important member of the family. We have our hounds to help us grieve, but the house is not the same without our feline family member. She was good little monster kitty and over that fifteen years, she spent countless hours on her dad's lap watching monster films. I'm going to miss her greatly.

Sorry for your loss.  It is never easy, when I walk into the house, my eyes dart around but the 'missing' members are still gone and grieved over. I'm sure that she had a wonderful life before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

What was her name?

Quote from: geezer butler on January 08, 2017, 11:00:12 PMUnfortunately we had to put down our kitty today. We've lost pets before, but it never gets easier. We had our kitty for 15 yrs, so she was an important member of the family. We have our hounds to help us grieve, but the house is not the same without our feline family member. She was good little monster kitty and over that fifteen years, she spent countless hours on her dad's lap watching monster films. I'm going to miss her greatly.

So very sad. You're right though. It never gets any easier.

:(

Quote from: Hepcat on January 09, 2017, 12:35:24 PM
So very sad. You're right though. It never gets any easier.

:(

Thank you Mord, Flower, and Hepcat for the kind words. I really appreciate that. We really get attached to these little furballs and it's tough when it's their time to leave us. But in life they bring unimaginable joy and it's all worth it. Thanks again everyone.

Quote from: Flower on January 09, 2017, 06:59:24 AM
Sorry for your loss.  It is never easy, when I walk into the house, my eyes dart around but the 'missing' members are still gone and grieved over. I'm sure that she had a wonderful life before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

What was her name?

Thank you Flower. Her name was Mama Kitty. About 15 yrs ago, she showed up pregnant on a family member's back porch. My wife's cousin took her in and not long after Mama Kitty gave birth. The cousin gave away the kittens to friends and family. My wife wasn't my wife yet, so she was living alone in an apartment and looking for a furry companion. But instead of asking for one of the kittens, my wife asked her cousin "Can I have Mama Kitty?" And the rest is history. My wife to be and I moved in together, eventually married and bought a house. Mama Kitty was with us throughout the entire journey. She was a tortie cat, so she was full of personality and sass!

geezer:

I lit a candle for Mama Kitty.  At some point another lost soul will find you and your wife. Take care. 

Quote from: geezer butler on January 08, 2017, 11:00:12 PMWe have our hounds to help us grieve, but the house is not the same without our feline family member.

Are your dogs aware of her absence? Have they reacted in any way?

???

Quote from: Hepcat on January 10, 2017, 09:28:57 AM
Are your dogs aware of her absence? Have they reacted in any way?

???

Hi, thanks Hepcat. You know what, I'm not sure. My wife and I talked about that yesterday. We took the hounds to the animal hospital on Sunday so they could say goodbye. It was cute, they jumped up and gave Mama Kitty one last sniff and lick. If I know my kitty,  she was thinking "Jeez, thanks a lot. My last moments and you bring those dummies in here!"

The dogs aren't acting any different that I can tell. Ironically the cat was always the alpha of the house. The vet told us "It's not about size, it's about attitude," lol. So the hounds pretty much avoided the cat whenever they could. They were probably afraid of getting swatted in the nose!

I'm very sad to report that Cowboy (2004?-16 June 2025 R.I.P.) is no more. The WOMAN and I bid him a tearful farewell this afternoon as he embarked on his journey across the Rainbow Bridge:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/85c51e3d-3d26-43cb-b0e1-701c992d60b1/f9c7aa88-cc9c-4ff3-90bf-60ab89324880.jpg)

May another one of our longtime companions rest in peace.

Here are some shots from happier times:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/.highres/BlueCakeBliss_zpsfce3e6d6-1.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Ace%20and%20Cowboy/.highres/DSCN3560_zpszh5gsdlp.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/.highres/Cowboy2.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Blue%20Jays%20Cowboy%20Deuce%20Styx%202014/.highres/DSCN3298_zpsba09c008.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/.highres/CowboyGarden3-Copy_zps7b15f1cb.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/2017-%20Lucky%20and%20Posse/.highres/DSCN4072_zpsepkltdok.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/85c51e3d-3d26-43cb-b0e1-701c992d60b1/86399bea-13de-465c-8072-3f53efb9d9ec.jpg)

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Cat%20Photos/.highres/CowboyStyxVay3-Copy_zps949150aa.jpg)

:(

Such a pretty cat! May your companion find their way to kitty paradise.

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful fur-baby. I'm hoping to see all of mine at Rainbow Bridge one day.