We has an announcement to share with everyone.
We is moving to a new home by the end of July. Mom is very overwhelmed and stressed right now just thinking about all the packing and sorting and stuffs. But hers says it will be the best thing for all of us in the long-run because this place is a subsidized apartment building and hers won't have to spend every penny she gets on bills. This also means that her will finally have the time to put more into her blogs instead of tracking down writing work for pay all the time.
That is the good news.
Jewel is having a very bad day today. She vomited three times today (that I know of) - there might be more and I just haven't been lucky enough to step in it yet.
Jewel was eating well for a couple of days, but she's slowing down again.
She is going back to the vet on Tuesday so Mom can learn how to give her the subcutaneous fluids with an IV line. Mom figured out how to get the bag close enough to her eye while it's hanging to do this. Both mom and the vet seem to think it will be more comfortable for Jewel to do it that way.
We are just glad it's not us going. Jewel will be very angry at the mom for taking her back there so soon after the last time.
Mom told us that they are going to give Jewel an appetite pill while she is there, too, but nobody tell Jewel that, okay? Jewel gets very upset if anyone tries to get her to has a pill.
We will do our best to visit all of our friends as much as possible during the move. We loves you all!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Opt to Adopt Sniffer
Today's kitty comes from MaxFund, a no-kill shelter in Denver. I've never actually been to their shelter, but I know they do great work! They offer low-cost spay/neutering, low-cost vet services, and pets for adoption. I hope to be able to visit them sometime soon.
Sniffer is tan and white domestic shorthair. He's approximately 11 years, 6 months old. He loves attention, and he will meow at you from his cage for you to come pet him. He loves kisses, nose-to-nose rubs, and petting. He also loves to rub his face on humans' faces. Sometimes, he'll give your nose a gentle little love nibble.
Sniffer is very friendly. He gets along with other kitties, dogs, and kids. He purrs a lot when he's getting affection and when he's eating. He was born with a nose deformity, so his purr sounds a little different.
Sniffer was brought to MaxFund because he has diabetes, and his human said they could no longer afford his insulin, which he needs daily. The insulin he needs isn't too expensive, though.
He loves to play with toys and enjoys catnip! He can be a little lethargic (but who isn't a little tired when they're a senior?).
You can adopt OR foster Sniffer! If you want to foster him, his insulin will be covered by MaxFund through their vet.
He would make a wonderful and loving companion.
If you'd like to learn more about Sniffer, you can call or visit MaxFund. He's located in the clinic. You can reach MaxFund at: 720-266-6081.
Sniffer is tan and white domestic shorthair. He's approximately 11 years, 6 months old. He loves attention, and he will meow at you from his cage for you to come pet him. He loves kisses, nose-to-nose rubs, and petting. He also loves to rub his face on humans' faces. Sometimes, he'll give your nose a gentle little love nibble.
Sniffer is very friendly. He gets along with other kitties, dogs, and kids. He purrs a lot when he's getting affection and when he's eating. He was born with a nose deformity, so his purr sounds a little different.
Sniffer was brought to MaxFund because he has diabetes, and his human said they could no longer afford his insulin, which he needs daily. The insulin he needs isn't too expensive, though.
He loves to play with toys and enjoys catnip! He can be a little lethargic (but who isn't a little tired when they're a senior?).
Both photos taken from Sniffer's profile page at MaxFund.
You can adopt OR foster Sniffer! If you want to foster him, his insulin will be covered by MaxFund through their vet.
He would make a wonderful and loving companion.
If you'd like to learn more about Sniffer, you can call or visit MaxFund. He's located in the clinic. You can reach MaxFund at: 720-266-6081.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Happy Birthday, Jewel!
Today is the day we celebrate Jewel's birthday!! She is 15 years old.
I met Jewel about three years ago, and in that time, I have bonded with her a great deal.
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I met Jewel about three years ago, and in that time, I have bonded with her a great deal.
Here's Jewel shortly after I first met her.
In honor of Jewel's birthday, we are having a party! We hope you will all join us in celebrating.
We have cheeseburgers (kitties, you don't have to have the bun or any of the vegetables, but we have them available for the humans).
Salmon.
Ham.
Niptinis. And milk for the young ones.
Cake and ice cream.
We have lots of toys you can play with. Mom said she will wave the wand toys and make the red dot appear for any kitties who would like to chase it.
If you need a little nap, we have lots of beds, blankets, and cubes you can nap in!
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Jewel - about a year ago.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweet Jewel!!! We love you so much, and we are so lucky we have you in our lives!!
Love,
Carmine, Milita, and Mom Sierra
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Chomp!
Tonight was Jewel's second sub-q treatment.
I was happily laying by the couch when the woman's friend came to pick me up. Then she handed me to the evil woman who stuck me with a big needle!! I cried and cried and tried to get away. But when she insisted on finishing my treatment, I BIT HER ARM! That will teach her to stick me with big needles...
During the treatment, Carmine jumped up on the opposite counter and meowed and meowed and meowed....he gets very upset when Jewel, Milita, or myself are hurting. He's such a sensitive orange boy!
I managed to get all the fluids into her, but she leaked a little out. That should be helped when the smaller needles get here.
Then, I was trying to put the cap back on the needle so I could throw it out and I STUCK MYSELF with it! This is mostly because I can't see what I'm really doing. I hope that doesn't happen too often because that really hurt. It's no wonder she cries so much. I just stuck my finger. If someone were sticking that huge sharp thing into my back, I'd cry, too!
I have a little bump where I stuck my finger. I wonder if I need to worry about this or not?
I was happily laying by the couch when the woman's friend came to pick me up. Then she handed me to the evil woman who stuck me with a big needle!! I cried and cried and tried to get away. But when she insisted on finishing my treatment, I BIT HER ARM! That will teach her to stick me with big needles...
During the treatment, Carmine jumped up on the opposite counter and meowed and meowed and meowed....he gets very upset when Jewel, Milita, or myself are hurting. He's such a sensitive orange boy!
I managed to get all the fluids into her, but she leaked a little out. That should be helped when the smaller needles get here.
Then, I was trying to put the cap back on the needle so I could throw it out and I STUCK MYSELF with it! This is mostly because I can't see what I'm really doing. I hope that doesn't happen too often because that really hurt. It's no wonder she cries so much. I just stuck my finger. If someone were sticking that huge sharp thing into my back, I'd cry, too!
I have a little bump where I stuck my finger. I wonder if I need to worry about this or not?
Friday, June 21, 2013
Jewel's First Sub-Q Treatment
On Tuesday, I took Jewel to the vet to learn how to give her the subcutaneous fluids. I'm really glad I asked the CRF support group for suggestions because the vet tech was stumped when I told her I couldn't see the lines on the bag from any distance whatsoever. So, we decided the best way to give her the fluids was for me to fill the syringes (3 35cc ones) with the fluid and then give them to her that way.
I stuck Jewel once and I was supposed to transfer the syringes with the needle still in her so I didn't have to stick again, but I accidentally pulled it out! :( So I had to stick her a second time, which didn't make either of us very happy.
I think I will be okay once I figure out how to transfer the syringes without accidentally pulling out the needle. I think I will just grab the needle while it's inside her so it doesn't slip out. Hopefully that will work. I guess I'll find out if it does later when I have to give her fluids tonight.
I really hate sticking her. The vet gave us 18-gauge needles which I think are rather big for a human, let alone a tiny cat! So I'm working on getting her some 22-gauge needles of the same brand/type. Hopefully that will cause her less discomfort.
She cries when I give her the fluids which makes ME want to cry. I cannot stand the thought of causing any of the babies any pain or discomfort whatsoever.
That mean human stuck me with a needle - not once, but TWICE! Even so, I decided to forgive her. But she better not do that again!
Jewel hasn't been eating much the past few days. I'll be giving her another appetite pill.
I stuck Jewel once and I was supposed to transfer the syringes with the needle still in her so I didn't have to stick again, but I accidentally pulled it out! :( So I had to stick her a second time, which didn't make either of us very happy.
I think I will be okay once I figure out how to transfer the syringes without accidentally pulling out the needle. I think I will just grab the needle while it's inside her so it doesn't slip out. Hopefully that will work. I guess I'll find out if it does later when I have to give her fluids tonight.
I really hate sticking her. The vet gave us 18-gauge needles which I think are rather big for a human, let alone a tiny cat! So I'm working on getting her some 22-gauge needles of the same brand/type. Hopefully that will cause her less discomfort.
She cries when I give her the fluids which makes ME want to cry. I cannot stand the thought of causing any of the babies any pain or discomfort whatsoever.
That mean human stuck me with a needle - not once, but TWICE! Even so, I decided to forgive her. But she better not do that again!
Jewel hasn't been eating much the past few days. I'll be giving her another appetite pill.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Snowball and Skip Need a New Home
A good friend of mine needs help finding homes for two pets.
Snowball and Skip’s elderly caretakers are gone, and unfortunately the rest of the family is unable to care for them. Snowball and Skip are in danger of being euthanized if a home or shelter cannot be found for them soon. They can be placed together or separately.
Snowball is a 14-year-old kitty. She is spayed and an indoor-only cat. She is currently up-to-date on all of her vaccinations, except for her FeLv, which she missed in June 2010. However, the family is willing to pay for her to receive a new FeLv vaccination if a home can be found for her. Right now, she has a cough, but the cause is not known. She may also be hard-of-hearing. She is otherwise healthy.
Skip is a mixed breed, 13-year-old dog. He is up-to-date on all of his vaccinations, and he is heartworm negative. He has six months of heartworm and flea medication available.
Skip weigh 68 pounds, and he may be hard-of-hearing. He has cataracts, and his legs tremble when he walks.
He is energetic and may become anxious at times. He would do well in a home where his human companions have a lot of love to give him.
Snowball and Skip are located in Wilmington, OH. Transportation would need to be arranged on the part of the adopter/rescuer.
If you have any questions or are interested in giving either of these pets a new home, please e-mail fur everywhere [at] gmail [dot] com.
I really hope we can find both of these precious babies new homes!
Snowball and Skip’s elderly caretakers are gone, and unfortunately the rest of the family is unable to care for them. Snowball and Skip are in danger of being euthanized if a home or shelter cannot be found for them soon. They can be placed together or separately.
Snowball is a 14-year-old kitty. She is spayed and an indoor-only cat. She is currently up-to-date on all of her vaccinations, except for her FeLv, which she missed in June 2010. However, the family is willing to pay for her to receive a new FeLv vaccination if a home can be found for her. Right now, she has a cough, but the cause is not known. She may also be hard-of-hearing. She is otherwise healthy.
Skip is a mixed breed, 13-year-old dog. He is up-to-date on all of his vaccinations, and he is heartworm negative. He has six months of heartworm and flea medication available.
Skip weigh 68 pounds, and he may be hard-of-hearing. He has cataracts, and his legs tremble when he walks.
He is energetic and may become anxious at times. He would do well in a home where his human companions have a lot of love to give him.
Snowball and Skip are located in Wilmington, OH. Transportation would need to be arranged on the part of the adopter/rescuer.
If you have any questions or are interested in giving either of these pets a new home, please e-mail fur everywhere [at] gmail [dot] com.
I really hope we can find both of these precious babies new homes!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Easy Like Sunday with Milita
Mom here, first. I wanted to answer a couple of questions left in the last post's comments.
First, our vet is on the other side of town, so it's not close. I also get there (most of the time) by our paratransit system (door to door bus). It costs $4.50 each way - so $9 round trip. That doesn't sound like much, but when you live on a very low, fixed income, it adds up incredibly fast.
That being said, if I do not feel comfortable after the vet shows me how to give Jewel the fluids, I'll find some way or another to get there a few more times. I think the scariest part will be sticking her. My mom's a nurse practitioner, though, so maybe it'll just come naturally.... ;)
Okay, Mom!! That's enough yapping now! It's MY TURN!!
Carmine and Jewel and Mom have been hogging the blog so much lately that I haven't gotten a turn to use it, so I told the mom today is my turn!
Here I am enjoying the mom's office chair!! She likes to cover it up, but I still find a way to scratch it all up, MOL!! You should try it - it's a lot of fun!
We want to wish all of our cat, dog, rabbit, hamster.....dads a very Happy Father's Day!!
First, our vet is on the other side of town, so it's not close. I also get there (most of the time) by our paratransit system (door to door bus). It costs $4.50 each way - so $9 round trip. That doesn't sound like much, but when you live on a very low, fixed income, it adds up incredibly fast.
That being said, if I do not feel comfortable after the vet shows me how to give Jewel the fluids, I'll find some way or another to get there a few more times. I think the scariest part will be sticking her. My mom's a nurse practitioner, though, so maybe it'll just come naturally.... ;)
Okay, Mom!! That's enough yapping now! It's MY TURN!!
Carmine and Jewel and Mom have been hogging the blog so much lately that I haven't gotten a turn to use it, so I told the mom today is my turn!
Here I am enjoying the mom's office chair!! She likes to cover it up, but I still find a way to scratch it all up, MOL!! You should try it - it's a lot of fun!
We want to wish all of our cat, dog, rabbit, hamster.....dads a very Happy Father's Day!!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
A Few Ideas
Wonderful Jan from Jan's Funny Farm has made our sweet Jewel a Purrs and Prayers badge! Thank you so much, Jan!!
And thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday to offer purrs, hugs, and encouragement!
I posted on the kidney disease support group last night to see if any of the blind/vision impaired members had any ideas on how I could give Jewel the sub-q fluids. There were a couple of suggestions that were particularly helpful.
Someone said that they stick the kitty completely by feel, which is going to be how I have to do it, too. It would be dangerous for me to be one inch away from Jewel with a needle right by my eye!
Someone suggested putting little pieces of colored tape where the lines on the bag are to make for better contrast. I thought that was a good idea. I just need to figure out where I can get such tape. Others said that after a while, they could tell how much liquid had gone in by how the bag felt. Someone else suggested putting the doses in syringes instead of using the bag. So hopefully one of these will be good enough for me to use the little vision I do have to at least get close to the right amount of fluids into her. I am still quite anxious about it, though.
I wonder how I will get her to sit still.
And thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday to offer purrs, hugs, and encouragement!
I posted on the kidney disease support group last night to see if any of the blind/vision impaired members had any ideas on how I could give Jewel the sub-q fluids. There were a couple of suggestions that were particularly helpful.
Someone said that they stick the kitty completely by feel, which is going to be how I have to do it, too. It would be dangerous for me to be one inch away from Jewel with a needle right by my eye!
Someone suggested putting little pieces of colored tape where the lines on the bag are to make for better contrast. I thought that was a good idea. I just need to figure out where I can get such tape. Others said that after a while, they could tell how much liquid had gone in by how the bag felt. Someone else suggested putting the doses in syringes instead of using the bag. So hopefully one of these will be good enough for me to use the little vision I do have to at least get close to the right amount of fluids into her. I am still quite anxious about it, though.
I wonder how I will get her to sit still.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Jewel's Not Well
We went to the vet on Wednesday to get Jewel's blood drawn and weight checked. They are going to need to do this every three months (at least).
Jewel managed to gain a lot of weight with the a/d mixed into her normal food. But now that I don't have help to get the Pepcid down her, she can't eat a/d anymore because it upsets her tummy. The vet said I could try the slippery elm bark for now, but if her phosphorus or calcium levels get high, we can't use it anymore. I guess the Epakitin is working well because her phosphorus used to be high. So we will see if that helps any when I get it in the mail.
However, she lost nearly all the weight she had gained. Still, she's up 1.5 ounces from last time. She's 8 pounds, 10.5 ounces now.
The vet called today with Jewel's blood work. It's not good.
Her BUN went up from 41 to 46 - but I don't know what that means.
Her creat. went up from 3.4 to 4.1. The vet says that means her kidney disease has gotten worse. It is now in stage 3, and she needs subcutaneous fluids because she's dehydrated.
To say that I'm overwhelmed, stressed out, and extremely sad would be an understatement. This situation has some very unique circumstances I'm not at liberty to discuss in a public forum.
I'm nearly blind (yes, my vision is much worse than the cut-off for "legally blind") and I don't know how I'm going to be able to give her these fluids if it's something that relies on vision at all.
The vet gave her an appetite stimulant, but it's a pill, and I can't pill her. Even when I had a sighted person help, it took both of us and several tries to get a pill down her. She's VERY good at getting the pills out, even if they're halfway down her throat. She refuses to eat Greenies' pill pockets or to eat her pills as a powder in anything. So, how am I supposed to give her this appetite stimulant??
On top of all of this, I have some other major stresses going on in my life - mainly financial - and as I move up the waiting lists for affordable/subsidized housing, I'm trying to figure out how I can get BOTH my companion animals (Carmine and Milita) into these places when everyone's "policy" is to only allow one. Not only would it be detrimental to me, but it would be detrimental to them for either of them to be split from the household after 8 years together, and I am not willing to allow this to happen.
Jewel: That awful human tried to get me to eat a yucky Greenies pill pocket tonight. When I refused, she tried to put it in my mouth, so I drew her bloods! Nobody is going to make me eat a pill if I don't want it!
If someone would kindly like to make a Purrs and Prayers badge for Jewel, that would be nice. You are welcome to use any of the pictures on the blog of Jewel for it.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wordy Wednesday
I am taking Jewel to the vet later. I am quite anxious about the results that will come back from this round of tests.
The vet wanted her to, at the very least, maintain her weight of 8 pounds 9 ounces. If I had to guess, I think Jewel is around 8 pounds, maybe less. :(
That is probably the biggest concern right now. How do we get her to EAT - more than 3/4 a teaspoon of wet food? Lately, I've seen Jewel go to where the kibbles are and just sit in front of the bowl like she knows she's supposed to eat them, but she doesn't.
I am really glad a friend is coming with me to this appointment. I didn't want to go by myself.
Carmine is doing better after his surgery. He isn't eating as much as he used to at dinnertime though. I don't know if that's because it's just so hot in here (even with the window a/c in the living room, it's pretty warm) or if that's because he gets a second wet meal a day now (they all get wet food for breakfast now because Jewel does).
The vet wanted her to, at the very least, maintain her weight of 8 pounds 9 ounces. If I had to guess, I think Jewel is around 8 pounds, maybe less. :(
That is probably the biggest concern right now. How do we get her to EAT - more than 3/4 a teaspoon of wet food? Lately, I've seen Jewel go to where the kibbles are and just sit in front of the bowl like she knows she's supposed to eat them, but she doesn't.
I am really glad a friend is coming with me to this appointment. I didn't want to go by myself.
Carmine is doing better after his surgery. He isn't eating as much as he used to at dinnertime though. I don't know if that's because it's just so hot in here (even with the window a/c in the living room, it's pretty warm) or if that's because he gets a second wet meal a day now (they all get wet food for breakfast now because Jewel does).
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Opt to Adopt Mason
I finally saw Mr. Mason last week when I took Carmine to the vet! He is a very handsome boy. He seems a little shy, but he let me pet his head. :)
Photo taken from Mason's Petfinder profile page.
Mason is a short-haired orange adult male. He isn't usually very chatty, but when he has something important to say, he'll let you know. He loves to hang out and would make a great companion.
As of last week, Mason lives downstairs at Cat Care Society by the vet clinic.
Mason is neutered, litter box trained, microchipped, and up-to-date on his vaccinations.
I hope you will stop by Cat Care Society to visit with him if you're looking for a new furry friend to adopt!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Mancat Monday
Carmine: Mom says Jewel is going to the vet on Wednesday morning. I'm just glad it's not me for a change!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Wordy Wednesday
So.....I have some sad news to share. I was at Cat Care Society today, and I found out that Biscuit ran off to the Rainbow Bridge a few days ago due to kidney failure. :( Poor baby. She was such a sweet girl. I know she will be missed by many, including me.
In better news....Carmine went to the vet today. The vet looked at his mouth, and said his throat isn't all red and inflamed anymore, so NO MORE MEDS FOR HIM!!!!!!! :)
Unfortunately, during the time before his surgery and while he was on antibiotics, he wasn't eating much, and as a result, he's lost 3 ounces, taking him back down to 9 pounds, 5 ounces. He and Jewel need to EAT! He is eating normally again now, so hopefully he'll gain it back before we have to go back in three months.
Jewel is going to the vet next week to get her kidney levels and blood pressure checked. It may be time to start thinking about an appetite stimulant for her. She's just not eating enough to even maintain her small weight anymore.
In better news....Carmine went to the vet today. The vet looked at his mouth, and said his throat isn't all red and inflamed anymore, so NO MORE MEDS FOR HIM!!!!!!! :)
Unfortunately, during the time before his surgery and while he was on antibiotics, he wasn't eating much, and as a result, he's lost 3 ounces, taking him back down to 9 pounds, 5 ounces. He and Jewel need to EAT! He is eating normally again now, so hopefully he'll gain it back before we have to go back in three months.
Jewel is going to the vet next week to get her kidney levels and blood pressure checked. It may be time to start thinking about an appetite stimulant for her. She's just not eating enough to even maintain her small weight anymore.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Mancat Monday
Jewel generally doesn't like other cats (or people) in her space, so when Carmine was able to sit, and then lay down by her, I was pretty surprised. He's been able to do this a few other times, but even more surprising this time was the fact that Carmine had part of his body on top of Jewel's!!
They were like this for at least a half an hour!
Jewel had a good day, but not a good night. She's gotten sick twice tonight (and this makes three separate days she's gotten sick in the pas week).
They were like this for at least a half an hour!
Carmine: I'm giving my Jewel healing purrs.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Easy Like Sunday with Jewel
Thank you so very much to everyone who responded to my last post!!! You have no idea how much your friendship and words of encouragement and kindness mean to me. I feel so blessed to have found such fantastic, compassionate, and caring friends on the cat blogosphere! I don't feel so alone with all of you here with me, people who truly understand what this is like.
Tonight, I gave Jewel her very favorite canned food - Fancy Feast Fish and Shrimp Feast. I haven't seen her chow down like that in quite some time!!! :) I think we better get her more of that! She only has one can left of that flavor, so I'll be sure to pick some up while I'm grocery shopping later.
I took this photo of beautiful Jewel last night.
Jewel: This look like a good kitty story! Will you read it to me?
Tonight, I gave Jewel her very favorite canned food - Fancy Feast Fish and Shrimp Feast. I haven't seen her chow down like that in quite some time!!! :) I think we better get her more of that! She only has one can left of that flavor, so I'll be sure to pick some up while I'm grocery shopping later.
I took this photo of beautiful Jewel last night.
Jewel: This look like a good kitty story! Will you read it to me?
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