Tabitha's Tales

Unhappy Therapy Cat

Last Friday, Mommy and I went visiting at the nursing home. I hadn't been for a month, because we'd had the tiny ones and then Daddy had been sick. But I was all excited to go on Friday to see my friends again! I did my rounds, hopping out of the stroller at each room and walking in on my leash.

When I walked in to see E.M., someone I don't visit regularly but who is on the floor I visit, she asked if it was a dog on the leash. The people I visit are the ones who need the most care, so some of them have Alzheimer's or other major disorders/illnesses. When Mommy explained that I was a cat and asked her if she'd like to visit with me, I walked right up to her chair. She kicked me! I sidestepped, then looked at Mommy with a horrified expression on my face. No one had ever kicked me before!!! Mommy called me over, picked me up, and we walked into the hallway. She put me down on the floor and gave me cuddles and pets, telling me that I was a good girl and that she was sorry that the lady had done that. After a few minutes, she could tell I was ok to go on to the next room.

I watched feet and wheels really closely after that, the whole visit! I was also growly, but Mommy understood why.

We won't be visiting with that lady ever again. Mommy made sure to tell our contact person about that, and asked that we not visit that lady. The contact person totally understood.

I went to Mommy's Norwegian class that evening, and charmed all the students, so the day ended on a happy note.

I'm on Catster's front page!

Mommy logged on to Catster and saw me right away! Saturday is "Meow like a Pirate Day", so remember to tag your pirate photos with "pirate" to be included in the stroll.

I love my pirate costume! I really don't like hats, but I let Mommy put my pirate hat on me for the picture and also during a Halloween kids' party where she works. :)

Hey, that's us!

Wow! Rori and I just saw ourselves on Catster's homepage! We're advertising a video of a kitten falling asleep! The video isn't us, but the picture next to the blurb about it is Rori snuggling with me, hugging me, when she was a kitten. How cool is that?????

It's my birthday!

Happy birthday to meeeeeeeee!
Happy birthday to meeeeeeeee!

*runs around the house singing*

I'm four years old today! Mommy says that later on she'll take me out for a birthday stroll around the neighborhood before she goes to teach. Yay!

Thank you to Lilly-Rose and family for my awesome birthday picture!

A very exciting therapy visit!

Yesterday was my day to go visiting. I've been very good all week, even leaving Starla alone most of the time! I didn't want to miss out on my chance to go on my visit! So when Mommy said I could get to go, I didn't even try to hide. I actually kept asking her if it was time, and following her around the house!

We rode the bus and the MAX (light rail transit) there without any hassles from drivers. It was a beautiful day, but hot. It definitely is the start of summer weather = 80 F. We got there a little early, so we sat in the shade and watched the kids at the fountain in the park. Then, it was time!

R. went around with us this time. The last two times, it's been S., but she had a meeting today. So Mommy let R. know our usual pattern, and we visited with almost everyone on the care floor! Two ladies came down from "Independent Living" to visit with me as well, and one of them had been part of a therapy cat team in Juneau, Alaska! It was great to hear a couple of her stories and tell her about the work we are doing here. She was thrilled that we were here. :)

The lady from Alaska told us an interesting fact. Did you know that cats purr at the same frequency as an ultrasound machine? So we really do sense what's going on inside human bodies!

A new lady, A., was in bed when we visited. Mommy told me to hop up on the bed, so I did, and made myself comfortable stretched alongside her legs, just like we'd practiced at home. Mommy was so proud of me for doing that right away! A. petted me, scritched my ears, and talked to me. She joked that Mommy was taking away her time with me when she petted me too! She had a twinkle in her eye and laughed right away, so it was very clear she was joking, then she petted me more! :)

After our visiting time was over, there was an hour break until a volunteer appreciation buffet. Mommy and I strolled to where she used to work, just a few blocks away, to show me off to her former co-workers at the Starbucks inside the Safeway. Mommy needed to eat something, so I waited while she had a bit of a lunch, then we strolled back.

Unfortunately, I couldn't go to the volunteer appreciation thing because of Oregon's law requiring that no animals (except service animals) are to be in areas where food is prepared or served to the public. I was very sad when Mommy left me in the office downstairs, and I had to watch her go with round eyes! She told me she'd be back, and wanted me to rest for a bit. But I wanted to go too! Too bad I was zipped in my stroller, or I would've just followed her out the door anyway.

Mommy took her digital camera with her so that she could show pictures of me and the video of me walking on my leash. The people who hadn't yet met me were very glad to see those, so they could get an idea what I was like. The volunteer appreciation thing was fun, Mommy said, and she got a candy bar, a keychain, and a pen all printed with the name of where we visit. She spent a lot of time chatting with a group of people from the "Independent Living" floors, and that was a blast for her! They might even come down to the floor that I visit on next time to see me!

The most exciting part of the thing, though, was that another volunteer is the activities director at another nursing home. She wanted to know if we would be interested in visiting there as well! Of course, Mommy said yes, so now it's just setting up the schedule! :) :) :) Yay, another place with people to charm!

S. came down before Mommy did, and opened up the office where I was waiting. I saw her, and looked around for Mommy, but didn't see anyone else. I started crying a bit, wondering what had happened. S. took me out of the stroller and petted me, then strolled me out to the main hallway to sit with me until Mommy got there. She only was about five more minutes, but it seemed like an eternity! Once I was in Mommy's arms, I purred and purred. She cuddled me and told me that she would never leave without coming back for me. I know that, but I was still worried. But I know she would never leave me; she's my Mommy!

We went back home without any trouble, and told Daddy all about the big adventurous day! He was really happy everything went well, and definitely was excited to hear that we would be going to visit somewhere else also! I was so nice when I got back home; I waited until Starla went out of the kitchen before I got something to eat and drink. She wasn't sure what I was going to do, if I was going to chase or not, so she slunk around the kitty tree. I looked at her, looked at Mommy, and walked around the other side. Mommy put her hand on my back very gently to tell exactly which direction my muscles were headed, but I just wanted to eat and have some water now that I was home. Then I took a good, long nap!

I'm officially working!

I went with Mommy to my orientation yesterday for my therapy cat work, at an assisted-living facility. Some of the residents there are senior citizens who simply cannot live at home anymore, and some have medical issues (physical or mental). My visit was supposed to be an orientation, filling out paperwork, and meeting the staff. Well, all that changed when I was brought up to meet the staff on the floor where we will be working. The residents saw me, one of them said "Can I pet the kitty?", and soon they were lining up with their walkers and sitting in chairs so I could be passed from one lap to another! We were there a little over an hour, and it was wonderful! One lady, who had just moved in, was having a hard time adjusting. She had to give up her cats in the transition, and she thought I was her own kitty. She called Mommy and the staff member thieves when it was time for me to visit with another resident. The staff member had to pry me gently out of her arms! I'm glad she loved me so much that she connected me with her cats, but it was so sad. Maybe next time she'll have happy memories instead, though. One lady told us all about her mothers cat. Another one was seated in front of the fish tank, and I watched the fish instead of concentrating on being petted! That person thought it was funny, and at first couldn't figure out what I was watching, but then turned so she could watch the fish with me!

We are going to visit every other Friday. There's a dog who visits from DoveLewis, with their therapy group, so it's him one week and me the next. That way, the residents always have a furry friend each week. :)

We found a new place for shots

On Sunday, Mommy took me to get my rabies shot, but she didn't take me to our vet. She took me to Petco! I got a general wellness exam, then my rabies shot, then a nice blue flower rabies tag for my harness. The vet that comes to Petco is licensed, very professional, and it only cost $15.

Mommy wrote a review of the mobile vet service for her new blog, "The Frugal Feline". It's here, if you want to read it. Mommy is writing about deals for cats and cat-people when she finds them.

This is soooo cool!!!!!

Wow! Mommy checked her e-mail, and guess what she saw?! Diego and I are pictured in the Catster newsletter today, for the battle of the sexes! Diego is a good friend, so I'm glad it's only a numbers battle. MOL! He's another Portland, Oregon, kitty, and Mommy and I have met his mom in real life! PORTLAND ROCKS CATSTER!!!!!

Sir Alfie made a kimi for me to commemorate today, and I'm putting it in my sidebar! Thanks, Alfie!

More fashion show photos

Mommy got an e-mail today from DoveLewis that said some of the professional photographer pictures were up! They are at Beth Caldwell's Shutterfly page. We are in some of them. She got a couple shots of me on the runway, being petted by an audience member! Mommy's definitely going to order a couple photos for my scrapbook. :)

I was on TV!

I was on TV the night of the fashion show! FOX 12 Oregon showed the first few models on their 10:00 pm news, and I was one of them! Mommy's mom saw me!

*dancing around in happiness*

I can't find a link to it, but if I do I will definitely share it.

-- Tabby.

My fashion show debut!

Hi everyone! My fashion show debut went off without a hitch! Forgive us for not wanting to write everything multiple times. I've posted all about it over on our family's blog: the PDX pride. Just click that link, and you'll find all the fun pictures, my tale, and the video Mommy took!

Love,

Tabby.

Newsflash!

We just found Bentley, the doggie designer of the outfit I will be wearing (and of my test shirt as well), on Dogster! His page is here!

Back from my fitting!

My meeting and fitting went so well! When we first got to DoveLewis, we rode the elevator, which I don't really like but I put up with. Then, we stepped out of the elevator and saw Heather and Andy. Heather was watering plants, and said hi to us. Andy, a big black lab, came over to Mommy for pets, then went to sniff me in my stroller.

A few more people walked by when we were waiting, and I greeted them by looking at them and walking over to be petted. I also sat in the chair with Mommy, then got down and rolled over on the carpet for tummy rubs. I wanted to follow one lady into a conference room, but she wouldn't let me.

When the lady came to get us, I hopped down and walked with Mommy on my leash while she pushed the stroller. I walked partway, then wanted to go down the other hallway, so Mommy picked me up and carried me while the lady pushed the stroller.

I was fitted with a size large t-shirt. They used the ones from last summer's "Pets in the Pearl" fundraiser to do the sizes, but that's not what I'll really be wearing. When Mommy put the shirt on me, she could tell I loved the fit and fabric! I walked around the table a bit, then rolled over for tummy rubs. Everyone agreed I was being a little ham, loving all the attention (and the two cameras) focused on ME!

Then, I met the man who's going to walk with me down the runway. He learned how I like being held, and we practiced walking and showing off my outfit. He also spent some time petting me and talking with me, so that we could get comfortable working with each other.

My shirt for the fashion show will be something related to being a "rockstar chick". Dr. Brandt will be dressed in something "urban edgy New York rocker" style. Dr. Brandt's outfit will be from a shop called "Urban Edge".

Urban Edge
404 N.W, 10th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

My outfit will be from a shop called "bentley B".

The next thing...rehearsal and then the main event! The rehearsal will take place the day of, at 5:30 pm. The actual show is at 7:00 pm but doors open at 6:30.

I'm soooooo excited! Mommy gets a backstage pass, so she'll be there with me for everything except the actual runway walk. She's super-excited as well!

Press release and meeting my co-star tomorrow

From the DoveLewis e-mail newsletter:

Buy your Tickets NOW for:

Boutiques Unleashed: Fashion for Both Ends of the Leash

Friday, March 13

Wonder Ballroom – 128 NE Russell, Portland

Doors open at 6:30PM. Fashion show starts at 8:00PM.

Local band Another Cynthia will begin playing at 9:30PM.



Join our presenting sponsor, Jeanette Heinz for DoveLewis’ 4th annual pet and person fashion show benefitting the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support program. Enjoy catering provided by Savor Catering and music from Area54 as local celebs walk adorable pets down the runway in the latest fashions from your favorite boutiques! Enjoy hosted hors d'oeuvres and select cocktails, bid on auction items, and don’t forget to wear something saucy!



Make sure to watch live on Fox12 KPTV next Wednesday morning to find out who our mystery model will be this year. Last year it was a llama...be sure to tune in for the big reveal!



Special thanks to Portland Picks and LexiDog for all of their enthusiastic assistance! Additional invaluable backstage support provided by Kalista Salon and Spa and The Blush Beauty Bar.
______________________________________________________ _

I'm going tomorrow to DoveLewis to meet my veterinarian co-star and get fitted for my outfit. Exciting!

-- Tabby.

I got the modeling gig!

I AM going to be a model for Dove Lewis Animal Hospital's Boutiques Unleashed! It's going to be March 13th, at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR.

I am going to walk the runway with one of the veterinarians from Dove Lewis, so Mommy is going to arrange a meeting for us beforehand. I also am going to go to the boutique they are assigning me to (don't know which one yet) for a fitting.

This is so absolutely exciting!

-- Tabby, who can't sit still thinking about it!

Happy belated Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day/Presidents' Day weekend, everykitty! I went for a Valentine's stroll yesterday to Petco, where they were having picture time. I wanted to be petted by the photographer more than have my picture taken, but they finally were able to get a good one. Then I walked on my leash for 45 minutes! If you go to our blog, you can see the video of me. I wanted to walk in the dog section instead of the cat section, for some reason!

Hope everyone has a good weekend, and stay away from your purrents' chocolates!

Love,

Tabby.

Cat fight!

Everyone's ok now, but see Rori's diary for details.

We now have a blogspot!

We now have an actual blog! You can read it here. Of course, we're still going to be updating our Catster diaries as well.

Mommy got our Valentine's cards to send out!

Mommy got a package today, and it was our Valentine's cards to send to our friends in the Pen Paws group! Guess what????? They feature ME! Me being a "Love Bug", except I wouldn't wear the wings. But it's me in my "Love Bug" dress, with a heart in the background! You can see the cards we are sending here.

Strolling to the vet with Rori

No, I didn't have a vet appointment, although I will soon because my rabies shot needs updating. Little niece Rori did, and I've become her nurse while she's been recovering from her spay. She has been very growly and hissy while she's been recovering, so Mommy thought it might help her if I came along as well.

It was fun to ride through the park, but it was COLD! It had snowed yesterday, but mostly melted by now, and the weather was still very chilly. Rori and I snuggled side-by-side in the stroller for warmth. We also had a blanket over us.

Rori did just fine on her vet check, and they said she's healing well and can play and jump regularly now. I stayed in the stroller while they examined her, then we went back out to Mommy and went home.

Maybe, just maybe?

Friends, there is a possibility that yours truly will be a fashion model in March! We don't know yet, but I'm on the list. Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital is holding a huge fundraiser called Boutiques Unleashed, where designers dress people/animal models and have a fashion show. Some designers provide their own furry models, but some need volunteers. I'm on the list of volunteers! Just me, not Mommy, because she doesn't do fashion shows. But I do! We'll let you know as soon as we hear anything for sure, but I'm glad that they put me on the volunteer list!

A happy fashion model,

Tabby.

Sara's no more

Sara left us today, just like Lydia did. Mommy and Daddy took her, and brought back the other in a box. I sniffed the box and tried to jump on it, but Mommy wouldn't let me. When Daddy lifted the body out, I went over and sniffed it, then went over to Mommy for pets. I'm very subdued right now, very sad, lying down right behind Mommy while she types for me.

We're writing hubs!

Mommy is letting us occasionally write articles on her hubpages account. Our articles are getting read internet-wide! I wrote one on learning how to walk on a leash.

Portland ferals need new homes! (request from a friend of- ours)

A friend who's been taking care of feral (wild) cats needs to rehome them, due to neighbor complaints and the landlord wanting to kill the cats. There are five adult cats and five 4-month-old kittens. These are not pets, are not socialized. They are good mousers and would be happiest as barn cats or with lots of outside territory. They will not come to people.

If you are interested in giving one or more of these cats a home, please be willing to supply information regarding your experience with feral cat colonies, a rehoming fee (used to offset the cost of fixing the cats), a possible home visit, and a contract stating you will feed and care for the cat(s) consistently and reliably.

We would merge them with our colony, but we don't have the space for more.

Thank you!

Tabby.

Sad day

Our Lydia has left us today! Mommy and Daddy have been sad for a few days, and Lydia has been lying by the door, not wanting to move but watching everyone. I went and licked her a few times, and she sniffed me.

Today, Mommy and Daddy took her away, and what they brought back wasn't really her. It looked like her, but it didn't exactly smell like her, and it didn't move. Mommy picked me up off the bed to go look at it, and I sniffed it, then pushed my nose into its fur. I finally figured it out, and went straight over to Mommy to ask for pets and reassurance. She cuddled me and told me she loves me.

Mommy and Daddy took it outside and buried it in the backyard, then came back in. I hopped up on the couch and snuggled with them and Skylar, and was a very good girl, even lying down the first time I was asked to.

Sad,

Tabby.

It's my birthday!!!

I'm 3 years old today! I got treaties (everyone did, because it's my birthday), LOTS of tummy rubs and snuggles, and LOTS of door time!!!

On a sad note, our friend Lucky Boo had to go to the bridge today. :( Peace, Boo's family!

Team Tabby has raised $20 so far!

Love,

Tabby.

Thanks, Catster, and friends!

Thank you, Catster, for choosing my fundraising diary entry as a daily diary pick today! :) So far, Team Tabby has raised $10. Way to go!

Also, thank you to Princess Diana from the "Hey, you look like me!" group for my sparkly celebration picture! :) :) :)

-- A very happy Tabby.

It's that time of year again! Go Team Tabby!!!

It's that time of year again: I now have my own page for fundraising for CAT (Cat Adoption Team) and Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital! This fundraising event is through Pets in the Pearl, and helps strays get the medical care they need, then find their original owners or get adopted into new, loving homes. Please consider donating to this wonderful cause.

The link to donate is at http://www.petsinthepearl.com/oneTeam.php?teamId=125

The cat team with the most donations gets recognition at the Pets in the Pearl event!

If you have last year's picture link, please change the link to the current URL.

Thanks,

Tabby.

My visit to the Pet Expo

Mommy and I haven't been visiting for a while, ever since the people at Dove Lewis told me I wasn't ready for therapy cat training. But, today we went out again! There was a pet expo this weekend, and Mommy took me. We went two years ago, but missed last year. As soon as we got off the Max at the Expo Center, I remembered where we were, and started to get excited. I wanted out of my stroller, so Mommy held me for the first bit so I could look around and others could see me.

Highlights:
* Playing with an Aussie puppy
* Having an adult Boxer bark at me, wanting to come out of his fenced pen to play with me because he has a cat friend at home
* Finding a booth with three Golden Retriever guide dogs who were so friendly I jumped out of my stroller to go greet them, walked right up to them, got my ear cleaned by one, and walked under another one and lay down right on his left rear paw!
* Getting a huge lick from a dog who has cats at home, and I didn't even flinch!

AND............*drum roll please*
* Mommy talked with the ladies at the Delta Society booth (they do the therapy training) and finding out that there is an independent evaluator in the Portland area, and the ladies think I'm a perfect (or should I say purrrrrrfect) candidate after all! :) :) :) :) :)

I was soooooo tired after my day out that I came home and took a long nap.

Spooky, you are gone too soon to the rainbow!!!

I just got an e-mail from Spooky/Nyx's new mom. Crying as I type this. His page is #628335

Karen,

I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Spooky passed last night. It happened so suddenly, noone knew anything was wrong. The vet just called and told me that he died of heart failure, it would seem that part of his heart was extremely thick in comparison. He was found curled up on the bed so we're all certain that he passed peacefully.

I am so sorry that I have to be telling you this, I know just how much you guys loved the little guy. We had no idea ourselves and miss him terribly, he was so much sunshine for us.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all. Again I am truly sorry to be the bearer of such terrible news.

~ Ashley

Thanks, everyone!

Thank you everyone who sent pawmail, rosettes, gifties, and congrats on my honor day! Thank you again, Catster, for choosing me as COTD yesterday! :) :) :)

Very happy purrs,

Tabby.

Me???? Cat of the Day???

Thank you, oh thank you, Catster, for choosing me as the Cat of the Day!!!

Stopped before I started! *cries*

Here's the e-mail Mommy received today!

Hi Karen,

Because I had some questions and concerns that also gave me reservations about Tabby, I wrote to ask the behaviorist I confer with.

This is what I wrote: If a cat is sweet and affectionate, but it’s not interested in staying on a lap without some mild restraint….and its tail twitches some, it’s whiskers are a bit forward, it likes to Knead, yet it’s pupils are not dilated….what do you think in terms of potential?

She travels well in her stroller. She prefers the floor to laps….

Here is what she had to say about Tabby: Not a candidate. Tail twitching is a sign of irritation. It can be mild (and this cat is showing great restraint) but it usually progresses. The cat should NEVER have to be restrained to stay in someone's lap. This is both frustrating and stressful and when you combine those two and try to extend petting time, you are asking to be clawed or bitten. Not all cats are lap cats or petting cats even if they have lovely temperaments otherwise, and I have yet to meet the cat that can be coerced into changing its habits in this area.

So, I think in light of what the expert says, despite Tabby’s sweet side, we shouldn’t ask this of her.

Thanks for your understanding, Karen!

It's official!

I am now OFFICIALLY a therapy kitty in training! Mommy and I had our second interview for the classes/training today, and we get to start classes in January! Mommy goes to the classes on Saturdays, and I join her for a couple classes at the end so I can work around wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc. Then, on to our final evaluation and final field-test!

I still need to work on staying in laps for more than a minute. I'm doing so much better, but I still feel the need to jump down and explore after being on a lap for a few seconds. If I don't find a way to be more comfortable in laps, then this won't work out, so Mommy's going to focus on that even more now. We went to the Saturday Market (open all this week for Christmas shopping) and I was pretty good about being held in people's arms, but wanted to explore when I was put on a lap. We're going to go there again later this week and try again with the same people, see if I do better next time.

All in all, Mommy's thrilled, and I got lots and lots of attention today!

Purrs,

Tabby.

Happy Halloween!

Ok, so it's a few days after Halloween, but I've had so much excitement this holiday that I had to take a few days off to nap! ;)

On the 26th, Mommy took me to the kids' Halloween party at Sons of Norway, where she volunteers. We got there about 4:30 pm, and didn't leave until almost 11:30 pm! I wore my pirate costume, walked around on my pink harness and leash, and greeted everyone in the whole lodge! I even found a nice little 2-year-old girl (or she found me) named Julia who walked me, held me, carried me around, and I loved it all! :) *purrs*

On the 27th, Mommy and I went to Petco for the Howloween Pet Costume Contest. I was the only kitty who entered...all the rest were woofs! One chihuahua was so scared of me, she backed up and whimpered! All I wanted to do was make friends. I didn't win, but I put on a good show. :) :) :) I also got a certificate for entering, and a pouch of kitty treats. After the contest, I went to see my friends at Home Depot, and they were very proud of me for entering and loved my outfit! *very happy purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs*

Arrrrrrrr!!!!

I'm a happy pirate girl kitty!!! Mommy and Spooky went to the mall today, and got my new Halloween outfit! Mommy couldn't wait to try it on me! :) I usually don't like hats, but I wore this hat and eye patch well, not even trying to get them off. I'm entered in The World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show with this outfit, so please vote for me. If you don't, I'll make you walk the plank, matey! ;)

My Home Depot visit

Mommy took me to Home Depot today. This is the second time I've been there, and I love it! I already have my own fan club among the employees, so when Mommy and I walked (strolled) in the door, we were greeted with smiles. :) We went over to the patio furniture and found a chair, put the "Therapy Cat in Training...Come Say Hi!" sign up, and waited for admirers. I got petted, picked up, sat in laps, the whole bit. I'm a very happy kitty right now, as you can see by my new main picture, taken by one of the employees.

*purrs*

I won a cat bowl!!!

OMC! Mommy got a package today in the mail, but she said it was for me! Inside was a pink Bamboo cat bowl with two liners, and two packages of refill liners! :) Now when I'm out for a visit or a stroll, I have my own dish to take along, and Mommy can either save the liners and wash them later or toss them in the garbage. Yay!!!

*purrs*

Having fun!!!

Wow! I haven't written all my exciting new adventures in my diary yet, so this entry will be a long one. :)

1. PLAYING WITH YARN

On Saturday, June 23, Mommy and I went to an event her mom organized, called a "Yarn-In". People come and sit and knit or crochet, and talk. Each time, there's a call for donated knitted/crocheted/sewn items for a cause, and this time it was kitty blankets for the SW Washington Humane Society! Snuggles!!! :) So of course they wanted a kitty on hand to try them out! *purrrrrrrs* I put on my pretty pink harness and leash and went visiting, sat in people's laps, got petted, asked for pets on my own without being told, climbed up on people's laps by myself, and generally had fun. We were there for a few hours, and I got tired partway through, so I went under the long tablecloth of the banquet table and had a snooze. When I was done sleeping, I meowed once (just like I do at home) and walked right out in the middle of the room with my leash trailing! Mommy was so proud of me! I even ate a little of my food while I was there, which is the first time I've felt comfortable eating when we're not home. Yum! Of course, I was a bit naughty too. I walked on a counter and tried to drink out of the faucet (wasn't on), climbed on a stack of chairs to see if I could reach the top of the window (couldn't, bummers!), and ran from across the room to try to get a ball of yarn a lady dropped (almost made it there before she picked it up, told me I couldn't have it, and petted me while laughing). I also got into Mommy's knitting and got it off the table.

2. OUR STROLLER

Mommy came home last week with a new toy for us! It's a blue PetGear Ultralight stroller! :) Carbon has a pic of him in it on his page. He hasn't gone outside in it yet, but I have! I went shopping with Mommy and Erin and stayed in the stroller even though it wasn't zipped up all the way. Well, most of the time. I tried to get out once, and did, but Mommy scooped me up and back in I went. Didn't try that one again! We rode the bus to the store and back, and the bus driver on the way back thought it was a human baby in the stroller and asked Mommy to take the baby out and fold up the stroller (rules for kid strollers). He was a little embarrassed when he found out it was ME inside!

Go Team Tabby!!! C'mon, we're doing well!!!

Thank you, everyone who's donated so far, and everyone who's posted the link! We've raised $145 for Cat Adoption Team and Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital! Woohoo!!! Let's see if we can keep it going! Mommy and I were so happy when we checked our team page after the holiday weekend and saw how much has been donated! Stray cats, you're going to be a-ok at the hospital! Let's keep it going; the top cat's raised $300, can we?

Tagged!

1. I'm in pre-training to be a therapy cat.
2. I love going outside on my harness and leash.
3. I chase Lydia a lot.
4. When Mommy and Daddy brought me home, I climbed out of the box in the truck and wanted to climb on Daddy while he was driving.
5. I eat just about anything.
6. I know how to ask for attention by putting my paw up.
7. I'm adorable.

The rules: Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Cats who are tagged need to write on their own blog about the seven things and the rules. You need to choose seven cats to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Tagged cats:
Hootie
Angus
Nala
Peanut
Bryan
Peri
Abby

Go Team Tabby!!! Fundraising for CAT and Dove Lewis- Emergency Animal Hospital

I now have my own page for fundraising for CAT (Cat Adoption Team) and Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital! This fundraising event is through Pets in the Pearl, and helps strays get the medical care they need, then find their original owners or get adopted into new, loving homes. Please consider donating to this wonderful cause. The cat team with the most donations gets recognition at the Pets in the Pearl event!

If you would like to have a button for this fundraiser on your page, you can go to http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3779/tabbycatkhi3.jpg and type in the code you see there.

All better!

I'm all better now! Daddy and Mommy decided to let me out today into the rest of the house, because my eye isn't goopy anymore and I'm only sneezing a little bit (just one or two occasionally). The first thing I did with my freedom was walk around the whole house, sniffing edges and corners. I've been guarding the bedroom from Lydia, won't let her go in because it's MY territory now! I was in there long enough; it should be mine!

Back from the vet, into isolation! Meow!

Erin and Mommy took me to the vet this morning to have them look at my sneezies and my eye. You can see a picture of me at the vet on my page, with my squinting eye. The vet said I have a kitty cold! She told Mommy that I should be isolated from the other cats for 7 days while I get over it, and have ointment put in my eye, clavamox, and metacam. I don't like any of it, and I want to play with the others. Carbon and I played paws under the door for a while today, but I kept meowing to be let out so he and I can wrestle. We miss each other.

Even though I barely could see because of my eye when I was at the vet's, I asked the vet tech for pets by putting my paw up! Mommy was so proud of me that I remembered my training even when I wasn't at my best! :) *purrs*

Goopy eye and sneezies

Yucky!!! My right eye has gone goopy! Mommy's been washing it with a wet rag until we can go into the vet's tomorrow, and that helps a lot, but it still isn't very fun at all. I tell Mommy when it's bugging me the most, go up to her and ask by tapping my paw on her arm, then she gets a rag and washes it. I'm so glad I know how to ask! It helps me so much that I can tell her when it's bugging me now.

I've also got the sneezies. Mommy and Daddy think maybe I have allergies, and that's what's causing the sneezies and the goopy eye. They were going to take me in to the vet's today, but Daddy had to run errands for work so they couldn't. I'm trying not to paw at my eye too much, and close it as much as possible.

My first visit!

I had my first training visit on Monday! Mommy's been busy with things since then, so this is the first time I've gotten to write in my diary since the visit. Mommy, Erin, and I went to see Diego's mom, Diana at her office. It was the first time I'd been in an office with computers, printers, lots of chairs, etc., and I was very nervous. Erin carried me in, and Mommy had the kitty bag and my carrier. Diana is so nice! *purrs* After a while, I calmed down enough to go walking around, and boy did I ever walk! Erin even taught me how to walk with her, so now I know a new trick to practice! :) I walked with Mommy, too, and asked Diana for pets, rolled over for tummy rubs, sat in Diana's lap, and sat still on her desk. That's a lot for one visit!

I got tired after about an hour and 15 minutes, so we had to leave. I hissed when we got outside, wanted down, and wanted back in, but Mommy and Erin said it was time to leave. I LIKE VISITING!!! We went downtown to Pioneer Square, but I sat in my carrier resting while Erin and Mommy ate lunch. Then, Mommy saw a guide puppy in training, and asked his person if I could come over to touch noses. Erin got a cute picture of us, which is up on my page. The doggie's name was Forrest, and he's about 6 months old. We sniffed each other, then lay down and snuggled together. We were both tired.

Clicker and Treats

Mommy went to the store today and came home with this weird toy that clicks. She bought some new treats, too, and Carbon wanted some so he got into the sack but she chased him out of there. She said the treats are for me! Later on, we went into the office (computer room), and she brought the clicker and the treats in there, too. I was really excited, because I wanted to have the treats. I tried begging for them right away, but she didn't give any to me. Then, she made the toy click, and gave me a treat. I ate it and looked at her for more, then put my paws on her leg, begging for more. She clicked the toy, and I got another treat. This is a good system! I tried it again, and it didn't work, so I walked away and was going to jump up on my box behind the door. Mommy told me to come to her, and she clicked and I got a treat when I came. Then, she asked me to sit, and I heard the click and got another treat. Then she opened the door and put the clicker and the treats away, and gave me lots of pets and said "Good kitty".

Therapy Cat In Training!

I am now officially a therapy cat in training! Mommy and I went on the bus to Dove Lewis today and had an interview for the Animal-Assisted Therapy program there. I have the basics, and the purrrsonality, but need more experience out in public. I was very nervous when I got there, and was switching my tail and my eyes were all the way dilated. It didn't help that there were three big dogs there that were all interested in me! I like dogs, but three was a bit too much.

The lady who interviewed me wouldn't let me get down and sniff around the room. I did anyway, but that's one thing Mommy and I will need to work on with me: not letting me do that. I surprised Mommy by not staying on people's laps, but she and the lady think it's because I'm still young and haven't learned that task properly. The lady gave us a few tips, like starting on clicker training, getting another harness that fits me better (I've outgrown my dragonfly harness from July), hanging out at cat-friendly businesses and being deposited on people's laps for practice, and talking with someone who has a cat in the program and working with her.

All in all, the lady said I can be in the program, with more training first. Yay!!!

EWWWWW...a bath!

Mommy gave me a bath tonight! I thought she was just playing with the shower curtain, but she shut the door, then turned the loud wet noise on and I was trapped! I tried to get away, but she tackled me and held me under, and then I finally got away. She ran after me, and put smelly bubbly stuff on me, then put me under the water again until it was all gone. Then I got pets with a towel, and finally the door was opened and I had my freedom again. I immediately ran under the bed to hide, in case Mommy changed her mind and dunked me again. She said I needed a bath because tomorrow we're going somewhere important to meet with a lady and a dog. I hope the dog's nice, because I like nice dogs.

My big day ruined!

Mommy and I were supposed to go to my entrance interview for the Dove Lewis Animal-Assisted Therapy & Education training program tomorrow, but she and Daddy are sickies! They caught a bad flu, and made icky sounds from Saturday through today! Mommy says we can't go when we're sick, so now I have to wait a looooong time for the next time we can go in for the interview! It's rescheduled for February 21st at 1:00 p.m. Gramma even had called and wished us good luck, and almost started crying on the phone she was so proud of us, and now we don't get to go in! Mommy's worried about calling Gramma and telling her that, because it was going to be so exciting.

Tristan's in the hospital!

Our little 4-year-old human friend is in the hospital! Please purrrray for him. Updates are in the forums under "Get Well Soon" and on Cadillac and Boots' pages in their diaries.

White cold stuff! Take me inside!

This is my second winter, and last year I didn't get to do any exploring in the white stuff. Today, Mommy hooked Skylar and me up into our harnesses and took us out onto the front porch. It's been white all morning, and actually all day (snowing pretty hard since about 6:00 a.m.), so it's pretty thick.

It's COLD! Skylar didn't seem to be bothered by it; he jumped off the porch and went for a walk, leaving cute little kitty prints. I wanted to follow, but it looked so different! I stayed on the porch, and then went to the door and asked to be let back in. Mommy opened the door, and Daddy caught me in a towel and dried me off and took my harness off. Skylar and Mommy came in a few minutes later. He got towel dried, too, and curled up on the couch purring.

Wow! Featured diary of the day!

Happy New Year's everyone! Purrs to HQ for choosing me for Featured Diary today! What a great way to start out the new year!
Mommy took me visiting the other day. My therapy cat training has been postponed until February - April because the other class filled up, but I still need to keep my visiting skills up. We went on the buses and on the light rail train. Mommy needed to check in on another cat while the people were away, so we went there. I didn't get to meet the other cat, but I had so much fun playing on the stairs (two flights) that I growled at Mommy when she said we had to leave! I love walking up and down stairs. I was ok once we got back on the bus, but really tired, so I curled up and went to sleep. When we got on the Max light rail, I woke up again and visited with people there. I was such a good kitty! We went to our store (the pet store) and got treats and a cuddly blankie (and litter, which we needed), and then went home to tell Daddy all about my very good kitty day! He was so impressed!

Merry Christmas!

Daddy got sick for Christmas. Not a nice present. We've all been piling on top of him, trying to make him feel better. It must've worked, because he's feeling a whole lot better today, and even went out and did some shopping. He got us a new kitty tree! Mommy says it's a kitty house. Whatever it is, I love it! It's got a flat bed on top, and two hidey-holes to curl up in. I tried scratching on it and didn't get into trouble, so it must be ok to use my claws on it.

*giggles*

Wint er had my name, and I had his for the Secret Kitty! And Summer had Lydia's name!

Thanks, Secret Santa!

Wow! Lydia and I got our Secret Santa gifts today, in one box since they were from the same family! We got lots of treats (two bags), puffies, jingle balls, crinkle balls, and stockings! Also a kitty teaser, but Lydia has claimed that. She also claimed a puffy. My favorites are the blue ball (played with Skylar around the house with that) and the red stocking.

Training update

Mommy and I got a letter today from Dove Lewis Animal Hospital about our therapy team training. She's going to call and set up our initial interview, and then (if we get accepted, which I think we will) she has a training on January 13, then we both do on January 20, and the final assessment is February 3. I'm so excited to be in training for this! Dove Lewis works with Delta Pet Partners, so we'll be registered with that, too!

Christmas is coming!

Mommy says Christmas is coming. There's a new scratching post inside, but we're not really allowed to use it. It's fun to rub up against, though. It smells dusty. Mommy brought it up from the laundry room.
It hasn't snowed anymore, so no more birds to watch. I've found other things to keep me busy, though. Mommy used some toys on the tree (ribbon), so I watched her get them out and then took some from the hiding place to play with. It's raffia, she says, so I can't really chew it too badly, but it's fun to drag around the house and "protect" from Carbon. Skylar got his Secret Santa Kitty present, so I had fun playing with some of that. The paper was especially nice, but I started eating it so Mommy took it away. He got this mouse thing with feathers on the top, and I picked it up and took it away from him. Now it's MINE, and Skylar can't get it, na na na na na.

Birds!!!

It snowed today! First snow since last winter. Mommy let us have door time to see the snow falling. After door time, Carbon was up in the living room window and noticed there were birds outside. Mommy said they were robins. Whatever they were, they looked yummy, and I bounced from the side window to the front window looking at them! The side yard had a lot, but the front yard was a buffet, if only I could've gotten out there. There were at least 20 of them in the front yard alone!

Mommy went to our store today and got me a new red sweater that fits me so cozy! I love it and wore it for most of today. I dove headfirst into it when it was held up for me, and kept it on with absolutely no complaints. When Mommy wanted to take it off, during one of my naps, I presented my legs to her so she could pull it off.

They're back

First Daddy was gone for a while, then Mommy was gone for Thanksgiving. Now they're both back home where they're supposed to be. *happy purrs*

Gramma and the storm

Gramma came for a visit for a while. She's gone now. Whenever she was in the bathroom, I opened the door and followed her in. Sometimes, I opened the door too much and then I got in trouble. I remembered not to pounce on the "bugs in a rug" (her feet under the blankets) this time, so I think I was a really good kitty during her visit. Mommy went to the store and got us new litter for our box, and came back with a little pink bandana for me that has candies on it and says, "So Sweet". I'm such a good kitty! There's been a storm for a long time (a few days), and I don't like it. The rain is fun to try and chase under the door, but I can't get outside to get the rain creature. The wind is what I hate, and it makes scary noises that I run from. Mommy was sick, and I tried to follow her into the bathroom to make sure she was alright and give her reassuring croons, but she told Gramma to pick me up and comfort me instead. I really wanted to be with Mommy, and tried to get out of Gramma's arms, because Mommy was making awful sounds in the bathroom just like I make when my food comes up. I went in to investigate, and it smelled really bad in there, but I couldn't see any mess. I think she got rid of the evidence before she let me in there.

Rain!

Last night, I found an interesting new toy: rain! Water was dripping from the ceiling right by our scratching post, so I got up on the platform and watched it intently, trying to figure out if I could catch it or not. I decided it was too far away. Mommy came over to see what I was watching and I got pets and snuggles and "Good kitty, Tabby!". Mommy woke Daddy up and they decided to put a pot under the drip until the rain stopped because it's so stormy this week. Daddy says the area around the chimney is leaking just a little and won't be any real trouble. Carbon and I wanted to jump in the pot, but Mommy and Daddy said no. There was almost no water in the pot this morning, and Mommy says that's a good sign. I've been stalking the rain sounds under the front door today. It sounds like some animal out there that I want to see, but it's gone when Mommy opens the door for me to look. She says it's the rain that makes the sounds. *Yawn* Think I'll go sleep on Mommy's socks again.

Gramma

Gramma came today and spent the day with us! Well, part of the day. At first, she came to sleep, and took a nap for two hours. I snoozed with her, after I played with her feet under the blankets. I scared her once when I thought Mommy was going to punish me for playing with feet, and ran fast under the bed and came out the other side. Gramma woke up and thought I'd run into the piano, but I ran under it instead. Then, when I was sure I wasn't going to get in trouble, I curled up by her again and slept with her. So did Skylar. Sometimes Gramma stays for a few days, but this time she stayed two hours for her nap, and then she and Mommy went someplace and came back with a blanket. I walked into the plastic bag and tried to curl up on the blanket, because it was so warm and fuzzy, but Mommy said I had to move. It's for Stormie, Daddy's niece who loves to come visit us. Stormie says it's Mommy's house and Mommy's cats, and that Daddy only visits here, but we know it's really Daddy's house and we all live here, with our humans. Then, Daddy and Grampa came, and we had pizza! Skylar didn't want part of his piece, so I took it. I also ate a pineapple. It was tasty! It dropped onto Gramma's toe, and she kicked it onto the floor, so I ate it. Grampa's boots had been wonderful places and had lots of good smells on them. I tried to sneak towards the door when Gramma and Grampa left, but Mommy saw me and picked me up instead. That's alright, because it's warmer inside anyway, and I like being cuddled. I think after writing this I'll curl up on Mommy's lap and go to sleep while she takes a turn at the computer.

Playtime

Tristan came over today. I like playing with him. He's a 4-year-old human boy that's friends with my whole family (although Carbon and Lydia pretend not to like him). He gave me kisses and petted me. He and Mommy played ponies, and I wanted to play too, so I waited until they were in the other room playing piano and then I got one of the ponies and played a little bit. Daddy saw me, and told me "Naughty" so I had to quit, but it was FUN, so I don't see why it was naughty.