Eternal Bond by Lucille Wilson

Eternal Bond

Pepper

1994-2009

Pepper, you were found as a kitten behind Albertsons by the dumpster, by Don's niece when they could no longer keep you. They gave you to a lady that gave you back to Don because you needed too much love and affection. So you came into our home a little scared at first but soon welcomed us with your heart, you taught us what unconditional love truly was.

No matter how awful our day was, how stressed out we were, you were always there to give us sandpaper kisses and wonderful headbutts.

You had the greatest purrbox I've ever heard. I remember how you loved to cuddle every night, I'd just whisper: "it's bedtime", and you were sure to follow. I would look forward to coming home from long trips just to see you and cuddle with my cuddlebug.

And how when I spoke to you, you would meow back as if you were trying to say sentences as if you were a little human.

And when we took in a new cat (Speedy), you loved him instantly as if he was your own, you loved him more than any of your other 4 siblings.

You had the biggest, prettiest eyes I have ever seen in a cat. Not to mention the little orange spot on top of your head, that we called a kissy spot, every time we saw it we just had to kiss it. And your little black birthmark on the tip of your ear, that I will never forget.

And when sitting on Daddy's bed, I would try to sneak in only to have you tell on me every time, but Daddy never caught on. And how you would follow us all over, even to the end of the earth if you could. And we would off went to the end of the earth to try to save you, but you were sicker than anybody knew, it came on very swift and relentless.

We always knew you were SPECIAL, but we never knew how, out of no where came a disease that's rare in cats: Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia also known as IMHA.

Your little body just started attacking itself and your bone marrow just wouldn't produce enough red blood cells to your body and your little organs started shutting down.

We tried everything humanly possible to save you. The hospital at WSU in Pullman gave you 2 blood transfusions, took multiple tests trying to figure out what was causing such a progressive disease. They couldn't give you anymore blood transfusions. Because my little girl, you had a rare blood type B - and they only had 2 donor cats with that type, and that type wasn't available anywhere else, it wouldn't have matter anyway, the disease was just too rapid.

Our hearts SHATTERED the day we had to set you free. I know you are out of pain, but I am not!!!! I miss you tremendously!!!!!!! But we knew it was the best decision your Daddy had to make. He did not want you to suffer anymore, me, I was selfish I couldn't let you go. I would have hung onto you forever if I could!!!!

IT'S THE WORST PAIN I HAVE EVER FELT, I FELT LIKE MY HEART WAS RIPPED OUT OF MY CHEST. I MUST OF CRIED AN OCEAN OF TEARS. YOU WERE AN AMAZING FRIEND AND ARE GREATLY MISSED BY YOUR MOM AND DAD AND BROTHERS!!!

I especially miss those kisses and snuggles you offered so freely. I KNOW GOD HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR YOU, AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DAY I CAN SEE AND HOLD YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY LITTLE GIRL, MY PRETTY GIRL, MY CUDDLEBUG!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU FOR 15 WONDERFUL YEARS, THEY WERE THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE....

TIL THE DAY I SEE YOU AGAIN!!!!!!! YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSED!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU WITH EVERY OUNCE OF OUR HEARTS!!!!!!!!!!

YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE WAS GREAT FOR 15 BEAUTIFUL YEARS.

I TRULY LOVE YOU!!!!

MOM

Dedicated to my Pepper, my Cuddlebug

Written by Lucille Wilson

You may find Lucille on Twitter @Wilson10Lucille

The Awakening by Maggie Ringland

The Awakening

Rejoice in all that is new

For Life renews itself

Let us share the abundance

that we have

You know me for I have seen

you

I shall be there for you

everywhere you seek me

For you have helped me to

become what I truly am

Love is, indeed, the answer

Don't you just feel it? I do

You may contact Maggie Ringland @Margiemargaret1

BLOG / POETRY TREATS - 08/01/2013

A Dream of Light by Maggie Ringland

A Dream of Light

There was one who always

listened

There was one who truly cared

Who held my heart in his warm

paws

And kept it gently there

How he wanted to be there for

When the dark came crowding

How he longed to take me in

his paws but...

He didn't know me then

A Dream of Light was what he

was

As he existed only in my mind

When I awakened he was gone

Real life has not yet been so

kind

Still I know he's somewhere for

In another time and place

And when we meet in a

magic moment

I trust I'll recognize his face

For who am I to rightly judge

The genuine from the sham

Didn't I feel his presence sure

and true?

Wasn't that where it all began?

Maggie Ringland
©1983

You may contact Maggie Ringland @Margiemargaret1

Dedicated to my future cat.

BLOG / POETRY TREATS - 07/31/2013

Don't Give Up (Wilson's story) by Mildred Pierce

I used to have a love-hate relationship with my rescue dog, Wilson. What started out to be a cute little playmate/companion for my other dog Cooper, turned out to be the biggest undertaking of my life…

I met Wilson while volunteering in the recovery room at the PawsChicago spay/neuter center. He had been found on the street and rescued from some kids that were kicking him. That little face staring out at me from the cage melted my heart…

But from the moment I brought Cooper to meet him, I could see he had his own agenda. Wilson was in control of the ball, the kisses, and the staff! And he soon took control of our house too…

As expected, there was an adjustment period. But instead of gradually settling in and finding his place, Wilson became the boss, controlling the furniture, the toys, our walks, the doorways, my affection, Cooper, everything! All of which, I could have lived with, until…

The biting began about a year after adopting Wilson. He didn't want to go into his crate, so he planted himself firmly on the couch, forcing me to pick him up and put him in. He chomped onto my hand with no warning, and drew blood. I was so freaked out I returned him to Paws. But as guilt set in, I remembered the promise I made when I first signed the papers. I re-adopted him within the week. The biting continued though, and started to escalate. Thus began the search for a solution to this very scary behavior…

After trying several types of training classes with no positive change (including one that uses electronic shock collars), a co-worker referred me to animal behaviorist, Dr. Valerie Chalcraft…

When Valerie came to our house, she began by observing and evaluating everything - Wilson's interactions with Cooper, and with me, and more importantly, how I reacted to, and managed his behavior. She diagnosed Wilson with (owner-based) dominance aggression with underlying fear, and immediately put a plan together to desensitize his triggers and reduce his overall arousal…

Working also with our vet, a checkup was in order first, then he was started on Prozac. We also changed his food to one with a lower protein %, and Valerie fitted Wilson with a Thundershirt. But the biggest challenge would be for me to learn to read Wilson's signals (nearly impossible, because he rarely gave a warning before biting), and to stay as "hands off" as possible, while working on basic submissive behaviors in a non-threatening way.

In addition to tools such as a basket muzzle filled with treats to allow safe brushing and handling, and food puzzle toys to keep Wilson mentally stimulated and challenged, Valerie also suggested a few books that I continue to refer to when I sense Wilson (and I) need to revisit and reinforce or correct a specific behavior.

It was, and still is, a long, slow process, and it was about a year before I realized that we were making progress. Sure, there have been a few setbacks, times when I missed very subtle signals, but what I learned about patience, perseverance, and consistency helped not only with Wilson, but with Cooper too, and the dogs I work with at Paws.

We still don't know why he is/was aggressive, but Wilson and I are closer now, and I'm glad I didn't give up on him.

Written by Mildred Pierce @cjfish31

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 07/24/2013

My Furbabies by Susan Stacy

Once upon a time, many years before my 5 current furbabies were born and came to rule our house, there was a neighborhood stray named Molly. At this time, Clayton and I had just gotten married and were living in an apartment complex. One day, the lady that lived next door came to get me to tell me that Molly the stray had three kittens in her utility shed. One of my other neighbors wanted the little girl, who was gray with white feet. I absolutely HAD TO HAVE the little black boy. A few days later, the other kitten disappeared. We soon learned that the black baby was extremely shy and fearful. His eyes were matted and needed treatment, but we had such a difficult time catching him to work on his eyes that he was eventually partially blind in one eye. It took me all summer of working with him to get him to trust me. We soon became inseparable with him sleeping at my head every night.

Blackbaby

After about six years, I got pregnant and Clayton and I became concerned that BlackBaby would be jealous of the new baby when he arrived. Black would sit on my lap and purr when John kicked. When John was born, Clayton brought something home that the baby had worn to let Black smell of it. From the day we brought little John home, Black took it upon himself to become the baby's personal guardian.

He would sit at the door of his room while he slept. If the baby cried, Black cried and ran back and forth between us until I got there. When John got a little older, BlackBaby starting sleeping at his feet. It didn't matter what John did to him, including trying to ride him, BlackBaby never scratched him or hissed at him.

Blackbaby and Johnny

When John was in 2nd grade, my Daddy gave us a tract of land next to his house downtown. We built a house and of course, brought Black with us. After a year or so, John decided he wanted his own baby kitten. We found a little 8 week old rescue kitten that was a precious ball of fur. We knew she was the one when she took her tiny paw, placed it on my cheek and looked directly into eyes.

Having been an indoor cat since we adopted him, Black had never seen a kitten and we were apprehensive about the arrival of the new tiny little 4-legged diva. We named her PrincessPuff. BlackBaby adopted this kitten like she was one of his own. He washed her, played with her and taught her everything she would need to know.

It broke my heart when we lost BlackBaby. I still think of him every day, but I know that he lived a long, happy life and he is patiently waiting for me when I cross Rainbow Bridge.

RIP BlackBaby

Written by Susan Stacy, you may find her on Facebook under same name and on Twitter @Trancer1092

BLOG / FURBABIES / WORLD OF PETS - 07/15/2013

How having pets changes your social life? by Joanna

Many of pet owners know this all too well: as soon as they get pet or two their friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and even strangers have opinion on it.
Not all of them are supportive of new addition.

What if the family or close friends are against having pets?
Pet owners go through natural adjustments to their life, joined by new pet, they tend to go under reasonable amount of stress. But if people who share living space with them are negative and don't support their new animal, they fall under horrendous amount of pressure. It affects everyone: new pet owners, their family and new pets.
Animals are very sensitive in perception of human feelings and reactions. If they sense resentment or that they are not welcome, they will respond. They will want to be accepted by rejecting party, also please new owner, and at the same time would be challenged by new surroundings. Most likely they will develop behavioral issues due to so many difficulties. That's why it is crucial to talk to loved ones before getting a pet. If they are opposite to the idea, there are two choices: cease idea of getting the pet or move independently. Forcing onto family new pet will most likely end up badly. Pets will become victims in most cases.

When it comes to other people in pet owner's life, there are many choices.
First is to get two or more pets together, so they will keep each other company and will miss owner less. Of course planning their meals, water, safety ahead is priority. Also, friendly neighbor or family member, who can check on them and update on their status (or in case of an emergency), would be helpful.

Another option, very popular lately, is getting pet sitter. There are websites, where one can check their credentials, insurance, reviews. It is very important that pet owners make their homework and find professional, experienced and reliable person.

Very similar to last option is pet hotels and kennels. Again, research is the necessity. It is good to visit them first to check conditions and observe other pets' behavior.
Asking questions shouldn't bother any of paid pet sitting professionals. If they act rude or omit answers, possibly have something to hide.

New way of being social is taking your pet along. Surely it depends on the venue. For each child in United States there are 4 pets. Increasing number of people will take their pets with them. In such circumstances it will be inevitable to see more places willing to accommodate them. Pets are guardians or medical help for some people. They are "new children' and family members.

This is the option I choose for my life style. I go where my pet can go (and be safely happy).

There are people who are great hosts and they invite people to their homes. Some let pets roam between guests, others keep them in separate rooms, prepared and accommodated properly to pets' needs.

And there is a last option: no social life. The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way. If all friends, family and acquaintances are not supportive of pets, given they don't live together, one has alternative of socializing with pet owners. And opportunities here are endless. Parks, pet venues, pet playgrounds, social media, neighborhood shelters, "pet friendly" vacations. Some people even get married connected by passion for pets.

So if one can't change opinion of friends and loved ones on pet adoption, one can just change social circles altogether and join pet loving people. They are strong, live longer (thanks to pets' health improving abilities), usually are less self-centered and kinder, have more patience and higher immunology. One would be joining the cream of the crop of the human race.

Written by Joanna @petmonarchy

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 07/07/2013

Living City Kitty Life... by Coco-Mau Aqua

Living City Kitty Life...

Some of my pals who live away from cities were wondering how my life looks like in Manhattan. So let me describe my usual day.

First thing you should know I typically sleep in Joanna's bed. As soon as our neighbors start to make noise, I get up. Since I use toilet, the doors to the bathroom are always open, so I can use it anytime.

After morning toiletries comes time for the breakfast. Every night Joanna leaves 2-4 dishes with different foods so I can snack before she wakes up.

As I'm finicky Kitty I do what all pets do. I try to wake up my human. If she is not moving, I start to walk on her body parts until she opens eyes. Once I get her attention I start to give her my magical kisses. I use those only in the morning or when very hungry. Since I give her wet nose and side mouth smooches she runs into the kitchen to prepare fresh food for me.

After my breakfast regardless of human's action, I start to roam and hunt. I check for those obnoxious birds and squirrels who annoyingly tease me through the windows.

Sometimes there are some flies or bees which pass by closely. I make sure I keep them away from my home! Looks like my tactics are working because until now no birds nor squirrels got into our apartment. I have to admit, insects are canny and from time to time visit us uninvited. I tap them few times on the head and Joanna makes them vanished.

I am and 'purrse' kitty. I get to go where no sphynx or cat goes:). My human takes me everywhere. Lately we were in the doctor's office. I went to hotels, casinos, buses, trains, restaurants (get my own sit), supermarkets, Times Square, Hamptons, Montauk beaches, boardwalks, malls, work spaces and even was in the front of White House. Some people find out, but once they see how cute and stoic I can be, they welcome me warmly. Last time I was buying newest IPad with Retina (yes, you read it right, I did!) in Apple Store on 59th Street and 5th Avenue. People who work there were so nice, let me touch devices and choose with my own paws. Even took few pictures of me and Joanna.

When weather is nice we go to the Central Park or by Hudson River or to the park on E 92nd Street. I love to watch people, kids, animals or play with dogs.

We don't see any cats unless we go to Petco or Petsmart where Joanna is showing me those less fortunate kitties, filled with unconditional love, waiting to be adopted. Usually she feels very guilty that she can't take them home...

I go with her to work to meet clients. They are noisy places filled with talking humans and loud live music. If we are long she sneaks some food for me.

Joanna works also from home. I'm usually on her desk, next to her laptops, lying on my "flower" bed watching her working and birds or squirrels at the same time.

When I get tired or bored, I fell asleep, next to her.

Everyday I love to play chase with Joanna in our apartment, running like a miniature puma through the jungle.

Best part of my day is to be sitting in the 'purrse' and watching New York City unraveling in the front of me.

Every week or whenever I jump into bathtub, Joanna prepares me bubble bath. I love warm water so much that Joanna put up 'kiddy pool' in our living room.

But believe me, if you are suburban kitty and you can roam free sometimes and have home filled with loving family to come to, you are the luckiest four paws on Earth.

Joanna says she wishes I can feel wind in my hinds without limits of a City life. And hear those birds actually singing instead of drums from engines of driving cars.

If you want to be the city kitty in the 'purrse' you have to get use to the noise and trust your human to protect you from civilization.

But I have to admit, I am Manhattan Sphynx and I love it here.

Dedicated to my Beloved New York City

Written by Coco-Mau Aqua @petmonarchy

BLOG / SPHYNX WORLD / WORLD OF PETS - 06/30/2013

A Larger Family Than I Had Planned by Lisa Reed

I never had only one cat before but Otis seemed very happy alone. Periodically I considered adopting another but wasn't sure if it would work for him. I had previously had 2 sisters and a brother and a sister who grew up together.

Last July feral cat had two kittens in my backyard.
The experts I consulted said to keep feeding the mother and leave the babies with her as long as possible.
A few days later there were July storms and it was pouring for days. I feared the tiny kittens would not make it. I went to the spot that they had been but they were gone.

My father heard crying during the night and we went out at 6 AM to investigate.
We found two soggy tiny kittens in a well and took them.

My initial intent was to rescue them and turn them over to a so kill shelter. We took them to the animal medical center to be checked out.

They were one month old sisters.
They needed to be bottle-fed and antibiotics for upper respiratory infections.
They had runny eyes and needed ointment. They had fleas.

Once I bottle fed them the first time I fell in love and knew I would keep them.

They went from tiny hissing balls of fluff to sweet affectionate babies by the end of the first day.

It is almost one year later and I have never been so happy for circumstances to work this way.

I love my girls Ruby and Boots with all my heart and Otis is coming to accept and play with his sisters. I adopted Otis at 11 months because I did not want kittens again but I'm so happy I raised these girls, they are so loving and bonded to me.
I'm so grateful to have them.

Written by Lisa @lisareed13

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 06/21/2013

Five Furbabies by Susan Stacy

My home is ruled by five very spoiled cats, that are loved and cherished beyond belief.

The oldest, PrincessPuff, is a 12year old ginger female, which I have been told is unusual. She is definitely the diva of the
crew.

PrincessPuff in her glory:

KingMoo was the next one to join the family. As his name indicates, he is black and white like a moo cow. He is the boss, the alpha cat. Because he often sits in the window and watches everything that happens next door at my parent's house and down the street, my Daddy calls him the Mayor of Mimosa Street. The three youngest furbabies are all bobtails and
all related to each other.

Here is KingMoo and BabyTwo

Sammy is the largest cat in the house and the oldest bobtail. He is also the sweetest, most loving baby. Daisy has the same mother as Sammy, but was born in the next litter. She is petite, shy by nature, and absolutely gorgeous.

Sammy with Daisy smiling behind his back:

BabyTwo is believed to be their cousin. She was born to a stray in the same neighborhood. We rescued her the morning that she was being sent to the pound. The reason she is named BabyTwo is because she looks so much like KingMoo, but without a tail.
Even though she is no longer a little kitten, she is still very much a baby and I suspect that as spoiled as she is, she will always be a baby.

Written by Susan Stacy, you may find her on Facebook under same name and on Twitter @Trancer1092

BLOG / FURBABIES / WORLD OF PETS - 06/15/2013

The story of TSK or Time Share Kitty by Dana Moody

The story of TSK or Time Share Kitty

A few years back, before we retired we were going to our home in the mountains on weekends only. We noticed a cute brown tabby cat in the neighborhood, he was very friendly and would visit us.

After some inquiring we found out the kitty belonged to a neighbor. She had taken him because she didn't want him to end up at a shelter. Her mom had a friend that had to go into an assisted living home and couldn't take him.

The cat's name was Starsky (apparently there was a Hutch at one point as well) our neighbors small boy, who was a little dyslexic, called him Skistar.

Before we knew his name we called him Time Share Kitty (TSK) since he always came to stay with us on the weekends. Sunday afternoons when we were packing up to go back down to the city we would take him back to our neighbors.

She is a very sweet and kind woman, but with 2 small boys and a real big dog the cat liked our calm, peaceful home better. Our neighbor had said we could keep him if we wanted.

Once we started staying in the mountains full time he became ours forever!

Since he is no longer Time Share, we just call him Kitty. But he has many nicknames: Strudel, Mr Cat, Dude, KitKat, Goose (as in silly goose) .

TSK_guestBlog. Gallery

He is the best cat ever! Very mild mannered, likes going for car rides, walks on a harness and leash. Likes calm dogs even!

TSK_guestBlog.-005

This video was made some time ago, and one of my first....so please forgive it’s roughness 🙂
http://youtu.be/NC3nqzSpoH4

Written by Dana Moody, you may follow her on Twitter Dana Moody @danapixie

BLOG / WORLD OF PETS - 06/11/2013

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