Helmet is now at the Bridge

The kitty love of my life, Helmet Head Handley, went to the Rainbow Bridge on Sept 17th 2009. He died suddenly, unexpectedly while I was out helping out a neighbor with some kitties she could no longer keep. I came home to find Helmet gone, in the span of maybe an hour. How I wished I was there; could have been with him and comforted him. I haven't been able to write because the pain is still too deep. His passing ripped my heart out. Time has eased the pain a little, but as I sit writing this, I am crying, today, almost 9 months after his passing. I miss him every day and have his ashes next to my bed side. There will never be another like him. He was such a special kitty; with a huge heart. I will never forget him and hope to see him again.

Rest in peace my beautiful boy.

Mom

Update on heart condition and other elderly problems...

Well, it's been awhile since my last entry. Lots going on, where to start? Last August I had another appt with Internist in C Springs. Told me that my heart was getting larger - started me on Atenolol - while freaking out my human who was distressed about my heart worsening. Later, I learned she called the vet school in Ft. Collins CO to see about getting me into see a Cardiologist. We got in and were told that my heart hadn't gotten larger at all - changed my Atenolol to twice daily - and sent me on my way. 3-month check-up was holding on - 6-month check up was still going strong. Heart-wall thickening has lessened.

Bad news: I have IBD. Better than Lymphoma, but still not good. I am now down to 13 lbs and holding. Now I get pills jammed down my throat twice a day, some chemo drugs to boot, Atenolol, Enalapril, Prednisone, wow - does the list end? Yes, I think that's it. I can't keep up. I know when she's coming now...

I'm back in AZ after being in CO for the past 9 months. Guess my human felt bad about not spending time with me especially as I get older. So, here I am, back in the cave, windows shut, A/C crankin', and hating the triple digit heat. Anyone heading to CO soon, can I hitch a ride?

Old age is a witch. My brother Bacio, canine variety, just had his spleen removed due to a tumor. He's 13. Between my HCM, IBD, his tumor, Kenzo's distressed ligament problems, Skeet's UTI, you'd think we were living in a nursing home.

Until next time - keep living the dream!

Heart still hearty!

June echo report is good! I went all the way to Colorado for my test! There is a great heart doctor there who treats me very special!

I can wait another year for my next test!

Although, I think a teeth cleaning is on the horizon. I hate going to the dentist! He must be very careful and it could be a potentially dangerous procedure, but my heart is strong and doing well, I can handle it!

Another update...

Weight check: 17lbs! Yahoooo! Echo: holding on, pretty much the same finding as my six month check up. I don't have to have another one for another year! But, this time, I will not be going to the place I went for this echo, they really weren't very organized and didn't treat my Mom very well. You would think after spending almost 800.00 they would treat my Mom much better! Not only that, but since they are an ER they made me wait several hours for my procedure - and I had an appt! I didn't handle it very well at all - I was very agitated and just wanted my Mommy!

Update on my heart condition!

Dear Diary

Today my Mom took me to the vet. I behaved like a purrfect gentleman (so my Mom was told). I had another ECHO done to see if the medications I have been on have been helping my heart! Good news! I guess in the most simplest of terms - my heart is showing within normal limit ranges! This was very great news! So, now, I just have to worry about my teeth, and don't have to visit the doc again for another 6 months!

Me and my heart disease

I wanted to tell you about my recent diagnosis. I have the beginning stages of heart disease. My brother Boone, just passed away from the same thing (but it was far more severe). My Mommy took me and two of my brothers in for a complete checkup after Boone passed. She really wished she would have had more knowledge and done more research regarding our murmurs. The doctor shaved me and tested my heart with a probe type thing. Apparently, the walls of my heart are beginning to thicken. I also have high cholesterol! So, I have been put on Enalapril, Q10, and Cholerest. I go back to the doctor in March for a checkup on weight, some labwork, and another image of my heart. I hate going to the doctor! My Mom tricks us though cuz sometimes when we go on rides in the car we go to Grandmom's, and other times we go to the doctor!

Rollin' in the dirt

Hi, I am Helmet. Helmet head! My Mom let Skeet and I out today - and I got to roll in the dirt! I love it! I usually am black but I was almost gray! We just got back from Colorado for the holidays - my Grandma has a really cool outside kitty kennel - we can come and go through a little kitty door anytime we please. OK, not really, only when it's not too cold out! But, there are little ramps, and perches for us to sit on and watch the birdies in a safely controlled environment for the wildlife - and for us! The squirrels drive me nuts! Get it?

It's not quite the same here - no kitty kennel - but my Mom takes the time to take us out harnessed and supervised so we can enjoy the sun and breathe the fresh air. But, I must admit, Grandma's got it goin on!

Well, that's it for now, I am sure there will be more to come.

Miss you Boone!

Helmet