America stands for freedom

I was just reading the Catster/Dogster TOS. What a contradiction it seems to me it is. I mean we have so many who have given their lives in order for all of us to have freedom of speech. And, on the eve of 9/11, I am particularly proud to be an American cat. We had relatives of friends who lost their lives on that day. My mom and several other Catster moms served their country in the military. Lives were lost in guaranteeing that we have freedom...one of which is freedom of speech.
I'm very sad tonight that the community that I love and have been a part of for a few years has taken away one of my intrinsic rights.
I have several issues with what is posted as the TOS. You better read this quick...it may be gone in moments.

I am taking several parts of the TOS here:
"We do not allow ads that are deceptive"
Define deceptive....Is it our advertiser's products are good for your animals. It is a fact that they have sickened or killed. One need only to visit the website http://truthaboutpetfood.com/
You violate your own policy.

"We also do not allow statements that will insult, belittle or discourage other users who may use or be considering that advertiser's product or service."
God forbid we should inform others, who may not be as informed as some of us as to the nature of the said advertiser's product. So, it is a Catster crime to give people information and let them make an informed decision about an advertiser's product.

"We do allow civil discussion (as determined by Dogster Inc and our moderators) as long as it is helpful, informational and kind."
You contradict yourselves. As long as the discussion serves your purpose and needs...open and free speech be damned! Pet food recalls and info that people may have about what has affected their pets seems to me would fall into your "kind" category. I think it is kind to let someone know what could sicken or kill their pet. That would seem to be the purpose of a site that is supposedly dedicated to cats and dogs. Not everyone has access to info about the food their pets eat. So, I guess "kind" is a relative term....YOUR terms.

"if you like our sites and like using them, it's our term of our service that you publicly treat advertisers, their customers and an advertiser's presence here with civility and respect." And what about treating us the same way. What about treating those who have lost pets to the tainted and poisoned products of your advertisers with a little respect? Respect is not given...it is earned. Some of us who are informed do not give respect to the companies that kill or poison our babies. They have not earned it. How about respecting us? We spend hard earned money to pay for Plus memebership and zealies. I guess we have no right to respect?

I have loved Catster and the many friends I have made here. I have cried for those we have lost...my heart breaks for those we still may lose in the future. Shame on you, Catster for making money the uppermnost thing. We are not asking for anything but the freedom to inform...to speak our minds...yet you seem to be taking that away. It is indeed a sad day. Are your advertisers so thin skinned that they cannot take a bit of well deserved criticism? I guess we must be hitting too close to home for them, eh? They don't want the word out I suppose. But, we will keep on speaking..and I suppose keep on being censored. It is something that we have to do...it is unconscionable not to.

Just think about this:

In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Pastor Martin Niemöller


Personally, I will not be silent. This is America.

Justice for Eve!

My dear furrend Scarlet posted a most important diary entry. She is so articulate that I "stole" it and am reporting it too. Please dear furrends, it is very important that Angel Eve's death not be in vain.

From our dear Angel Scarlett:

All the Bridge Angels were celebrating today because the Cat's Meow featured our darling Angel Eve!!! Her story has touched the hearts of caring people around the world. Quite an accomplishment for one little kitten!

Meowmy wanted me to post an update. She and Mommy Terry, along with friends and supporters of Eve's, have written to the government officials mentioned below. As of today, they have received a total of 0 responses. It seems Eve's mommies and their furriends are being ignored by those in a position to help improve the situation at Okefenokee Humane Society.

In Eve's memory, all the Bridge Angels are asking any of you who can to contact these people, asking for an inquiry into Eve's case and conditions at OHS. If enough voices are raised, perhaps we will be heard. We'll be sprinkling angel dust for luck!!!

Tommy Irvin, GA State Agriculture Commissioner:
tommy.irvin@agr.georgia.gov

Mary Green, Head of Animal Protection at GA Dept.of Agriculture
(Note: The email link is no longer working. Perhaps a FAX or phone call would be even more effective.)
Tele: (404) 656-4914
Fax: (404) 463-8195

Thank you all so very much!!!

Wow...I know that I'm way behind in getting to this. I was COTW and then mom went to meet other Catster moms and was gone several days. I've been trying to get her to get my thank you's out. But, we've both come to the realization that trying to get personal notes out is an overwhelming task.
I was so proud of the wonderful honor that Catster gave me. And, what made it more special was having so many wonderful friends to share it with. I was truly humbled by all the rosies, pmails and concatulations that I received...WOW! I wish that I could give each and every one of you a huge hug. You all are so very dear to me and I'm blessed to call you my friend. So without further ado.....a big heartfelt thank you goes out to the following cats. Those of you not listed here, I probably already thanked personally. And, if I miss any of you, please forgive me. It's not meant to be a slight, it's just mom trying to do too many things at once...
Junior Fluffkins, Bob, Issac, Princess Sophie & family, Senna & family,
Buddie & family, Callie Rose and family, Beloved Angel Amelia, Morgan the Pirate Gato, Flower and family, Wally, Oly and family, Apollo, Dancing Coconut Kisses & family, Scooter (my angel friend from OF's),
Chai Latte and family, Jazzi, Lilly, Madi and family, Arnold P, Scooter PAWS, Edgar and family, Muppet, Karma Kitty and family, Hooch, Tabby and family, Shadow and family, Misha, Rascal, Isis and family,
Emily Beatrice and family, Cathy, Bee Jay and family, Kingsley and family, Ginnger, Sparky, Maggie and Rudy, Smokey, Kaci sunshine and family, Henry, Starr and family, Paisan and family, Dusty Miller and family, Mr.Sam, Maxwell, Alex, Annie and Bugsy, Hazel and family,
Macallan and family, Jasper and family, Rufus, Lilly *PAWS*, Kit

You're all wonderful and I thank you ever so much for helping to make my week a very special one.

COTW? Me? Holy Catster!!!

Wow...I don't know where to begin. Thank you so much, Catster, for this wonderful honor. I was so shocked when mom got home, let me on and I saw the email. I'm very proud of it. And, I'm also proud that I can represent my fellow Olde Furts in this way...what a wonderful group that is. I've made so many pawsome friends there. I want to give a shout out to Arnold P, Rascal, Misha, Simon, Hemingway, Baci, Kit, Ka-zar, Edgar, Emily Felicity, Bugsy, Alex, Annie, Sally Maria, Sissy, and of course, my bestest furriend, Flowie and her sisfur, Whisper and brofur, Riley. If I've forgotten any of you, I'm so very sorry. They're all special purrs that I enjoy breakfast with. And, the special OF Angels that I considered a friend while they were with us and still do now...Scooter, Simon, Alaidh, Minxy. I miss you all terribly.
I also want to give a shout out to Hazel Lucy, who is such an inspiration to me and to so many kitties. Her tireless work inspires me in our PAWS group to keep on when I sometimes don't feel like it. And, to my special Guardian Angel BFF Jazzi. I miss her dearly but I know she continues to shine on in my heart as well as the hearts of all of us. Big hugs to my Guardian Angel Wally. I'm comforted with knowing that there are special angels up there watching over me.
COTW is not only a great honor, but it also brings so many to one's page. And, right now, there is one thing that I want everyone to see. My BFF Madi is in great need of purrs. You can all go and read her diary entries if you would. She's a fighter that's for sure. She's been through so much and still maintains her spirit and is such a happy kitty. I greatly admire and love her. Right now she's in one of her biggest fights. Her mom is working tirelessly to help her right now. She's one of the best cat moms I know. Madi needs the Power of the Paw and lots of purrs and prayers. Stop by and read and say hey...tell her Pie sent you.
Catster has given me so many wonderful friends. I truly feel blessed to know so many of you. Who would have thought that a simple site dedicated to cats could have such an impact on so many lives and bring so many people together who otherwise would never have even crossed paths. Jazzi's got it right.....our hearts are forever connected by paws.
I will get personal thank yous out to all you wonderful purrs who've sent rosies and pawmails. It makes a week all that much more special knowing that I'm blessed with such wonderful friends. I cannot thank you all enough for being the special purrs you are.

Please purr hard for Muppet

The importance of making sure to let those we love know it came slamming home this week. Sweet little Muppet discovered what was causing her pain. A large brain tumor. I can't tell you how devastated and so very sad we were to hear that. I think that you could have heard the whole of Catster in tears. Muppet has been through so much; from the rescue from the FLOCK hoarding situation, living with pain in her ears, finally getting surgery and thinking that she may well have a normal life. All at the tender age of two. Then, thinking that perhaps the new pain was from scar tissue pressing on a nerve and learning the heartbreaking news....a meningioma tumor in her brain. And the reality that there probably is little chance of her survival. All through these trials, Muppet has never stopped being courageous, spirited, loving, cheerful and ever mindful of those who also may need purrs. And, all through this, her loving mom has never given up and been right there to help her.
It's just not fair. I realize there are those who say that she's bound for greater plans. And, I have no doubt about that. But, I just wish that the universe had felt the greater plan should be for her to live a normal kitty life with her loving mom and surrounded by her friends.
I'm not giving up hope just yet. Miracles happen every day. And boy we sure need one now. Let's all purr for Muppet and her mom. And, let's all make sure they know how very much we love them. Muppet is one special little girl.

Thank you all so very much!!!

Wow....on the 15th I turned 11! Where do the years go?Wasn't I just a kitten? Doesn't it seem that way sometimes?
Anyhow, I wanted to give a shout out to all those who made my day a very, very special one. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart.
The greatest gift each and every one of you have given me is your friendship which I cherish deeply. In these days, we've all come to realize the fragility of life. We must never let a chance go by without telling someone how special they are to us. We never know if we'll get that chance again.
So, if I've missed anyone here, please accept my most humble apologies. I've tried to make sure that mom has everything and everyone down here.
There were also of course, the many wonderful well wishes in the Birthday thread in our PAWS group. I haven't forgotten you all...it's just too many to put here. My PAWS friends are very special to me. I hope you all know that.

Without further ado

Tulips - Kaci Sunshine and family
Sissy
Lola
Dusty Miller and family
Mr. Sam - At the Bridge
Macallan, Caviar, Marmalade, Tailess, Shadow and family

Bluebirds - Jennifer (Always In My Heart
Sandy
nala sue

Lady Bugs - Pete (Forever Loved)
Kingsley

Shrimp - Guido the Italian Kitty and family
Zippie
Lilly, Odie, Tigger, Poo, Boingo, Oingo, and family

Heart - Tyler-Mr. Bombastic
Hazel Lucy

Emerald - Muppet

Diamond - Mojo
The family of Emily Beatrice, Sally Maria and Trinity
Buddie (Always Loved) and family

Star - Arnold P.

Party hats - Alex, Annie, Bugsy
Lilly PAWS
Hooch
Misha
Flower *PAWS*
Edgar, Emily Felicity. Gabrielle (5/85-1/96), and Lucinda (In Memoriam)

Balloons - Isis
Jazzi, Sunshine Angel ^PAWS^, Sissy ^PAWS^ and Family

Cupcake - Galin, Aislin, Alana and Momma Kitty
Alexis Tippy *PAWS*, Abby Sweetpea *PAWS* & Ernie *PAWS*

Cake - Flower **PAWS**, Whisper and family
Shadow *PAWS*

Flower (pink daisy) - Scooter *PAWS*
Madison *PAWS*

Sunflower - Mojo


Pawmails - Miss Daisy
Ka-zar

We also had a little fun celebration with the Breakfast Club in Olde Furts.
Gifts from my furty furriends there include: Catnip mouse from Kit, a Tortie camo bed and blanket from Hemingway, Birthday bouquet, banner and sundaes from Rascal, balloons and hugs from Misha,
special baked goodies with party favors inside them and little Tortie colored booties for my paws from Whisper, a beautiful ribboned dance by Flower, tuna nip quiche and nip cupcakes from Annie, a ribboned wreath of catnip and flowers from Bugsy and a very special rendition of Happy Birthday from Edgar.

Flower, my BFF, had surprised me earlier in the month with a very special gift. She painted a portrait of me and sent it to us. The pictures are on my page. Thank you so very much for that awesome surprise.

I love you all. And, again if I missed anyone, please forgive me. It doesn't mean that I love you less. It just means that mom can't read well enough to get it together for me. *looks at mom and rubs her face on her leg* Just kidding mom. I love you most of all.

I'm sad today!

Bootsie who is the sister of my bestest furriend, Flowie has gone to the Bridge. It happened so unexpectedly.
Bootsie was a shy sweet girl. We just helped her celebrate her 16th birfday last Sunday. My sister, Shadow really got along great wif her. I'm so very sad for her mom and for Flowie and the rest of the sibs. We're all purring super hard here to try and send comfort their way.

Tagged!

Paul has invited me to play a game! So....let's see

Just copy the questions and delete my answers, if you're invited to play, too. Then tag four furriends to play along!

Have fun!!!!

1)-What color is your collar? I don't wear a collar. I made it pretty clear to mom early on that was not going to
be an option.....MOL

2)-What kind of food do you eat? Innova, Fancy Feast (wet), Felidae, Indigo Moon...we try for non-grain.

3)-What are your favorite treats? Hmmm....I like Greenies....any flavor but fish.

4)-Do you have a Valentine or significant other? Yes, I'm married to the handsome Mojo!

5)-Do you get table scraps? Nope not at all

6)-What is your favorite toy? I love toys with catnip, but my turbo scratcher is my favorite.

7)-When is your birthday? April 15, 1998

8)-How many times a day do you get to eat? Twice a day a few teaspoons of wet and free feed dry.

9)-Do you have a favorite color? I think purple.

10)-Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary? Of course.

Now...I tag...
Mojo
Flowie
Jazzi
Zeke

Farewell Simon!

I came on this morning and simply couldn't believe my eyes. My dear friend, Simon had left us around midnight. He had been sick for a long time, but he was always so positive, it was easy to believe that he would live forever. Just the other day he was telling us that Scooter's mom was coming to visit him tomorrow. He said it was cause his breathing was getting so bad that his mom thought it might be that his time was near. We all told him there was no way that we were letting him leave us. And, now he has. And, it hurts so much. I cannot begin to imagine how sad his mom is. I hope she knows that we're all here for her. She said in Simon's diary that she told him how we all loved him. I'm happy for that. I know he left with a heart full of love.
*looks up into the dark night sky* Simon, I know you're up there. I see that blazing bright star and know you're winking at all of us, and watching over us all. I know you and Scooter are reunited, along with Tooney and all our other Olde Furt friends. There must have been a heck of a welcoming committee up there for you, my friend. I'm happy that you are now healthy and running through cat nip meadows. I can't begin to tell you how much I'm going to miss you. How much we're all going to miss you....especially at breakfast. Maybe when you learn to fly and get settled you can come join us sometimes.
Until the day we meet again, Simon, rest well, my friend. And, know that you will never be forgotten.

See you later, Scooter

Today is a very sad day. We've had to say good bye to a dear matriarch, Scooter. She was one of the founders of Olde Furts. She helped guide the group with her wisdom and love and caring spirit. Always with the time to help another purr, ease a mind or be there with her quick wit. She will be greatly missed by all of us Olde Furts and so many, many more here on Catster. Rest well, dear Scooter. We'll see you later.