Dreams Do Come True

New Tag

What is your name? Sweets. I was named (accurately) by my shelter. Since I knew my name and it suited me, my family kept it.

What other nicknames do you have?
Itty, Itty Bitty Pretty One, Babies, Sweetses, Smeagol, Boots (that's a recent one in reference to my Cousin Aldo and my shaven legs)

What breed are you? The most common. Domestic Short Hair. I'm a calico/tabby

Where were you born? Easton? Allentown? - I don't really know.

Where do you live now? Bethlehem, PA

What is your favorite toy? A red canvas "mouse"

What is your favorite store? SuperPetz, I saw my "forever family" there !

How many toys do you have? More than I could ever play with

Wet or dry food? Dry and *special* diet

What is your favorite color? purple

Are you bad when nobody's looking? How would anyone know, if no one was looking? I am "bad" in the mornings when I want my family awake. I have ALL sorts of *tactics* to accomplish that goal.

Are you friendly? If I know you well enough.
The veterinary staff seems to think so!

Are you overweight? Maybe a little?

Do you eat people food? No... Not at my shelter and not with my forever family. Maybe I did, with people before, but I don't really remember.

Do you eat bugs? No, I'm civilized

Do you live with other animals? Yes, unfortunately. At my shelter there were many. At my forever home only 2 cats and a hamster.

Do you like to exercise? Not really, I prefer snuggling.

Do you like car rides? No! A car ride means one thing - VET

Do you get into stuff? Not really... But I do knock the Husker Du poster about in the morning, and bat at my human Papa's face.

Do you like to swim? Oh honey, NO!

What is your favorite treat? I had a Royal Canin Urinary SO wet pack that was good one time.

Do you shed? Yes, and I can make *snow*

What's the funniest thing you ever did? Stand and meow at everybody who came near my cage at the vet hospital. I'm not really "funny" - I'm more the "cute and adorable" moments type of girl.

What's the bravest thing you ever did? Stay at the veterinary hospital recently

Are you neutered? Yes... Some one "stole my purse"

Are you a social animal? Not by choice.

Collar or harness?Neither

Retractable or regular leash? Neither.

Ceramic, Metal or Plastic bowls?Metal and Glass

Do you sleep in a crate? No!! I have only ever slept in a cage at the hospital.

Do you have a bed? My bed is where I make it.

Do you have a doghouse? Ammm NO! - I am NOT a dog!

Do you belong to any clubs? I have some Catster groups that
I'm in.

How does your owner describe you? My family tells everyone who will listen how unbelievably sweet, cute and adorable I am. To them, I am perfect !

I've been Tagged

The lovely (and prickly thorn in Nuk's side) Miz Rose has tagged me to play the "5 Things I'm Thankful For" game.

1.)
I'm thankful that I had a shelter who was willing to look after me until I found my forever home. However long that might have taken.

2.)
I'm thankful that my forever family needed catnip that fateful Saturday.
Without their going into that pet store, where my shelter was having their "Adoption Event" on that day, at that time, I don't know how I would have met my family.

3.)
I'm thankful that I have a family who loves me. A family who will take me to the Tortury if I'm sick or even if they fear I'm sick. I do not love the Tortury, but they make you worse, so that you can feel better.

4.)
I'm thankful that I'm on the "smallish" side and petite bodied. I can climb all over and curl up on my family, in ways that the "Galut Nuk" and "Pumpkin Gabby" cant. Also that my eyes look so big, in my little head. It makes for a look that my family can't resist.

5.)
I'm thankful for "morning breath" and "man armpits" - both are such delicious smells.

Guess where I've just come from?

Dear friends, care to guess where I just came from?

That terrible cat & dog tortury that the humans call "veterinary hospital"

I was sleeping ever so comfortably on my blanket box when I was rudely scooped up by Papa and put into that hateful pink portable jail.
Yes, yes, then the car ride to the Tortury.

At the Tortury, even though we had an appointment, we had to wait awhile. There were a lot of Emergencies today. That's ok, I have nothing but time and if any of my family had an emergency situation I would want the understanding of other kitties and doggies while my family member was urgently attended to.

After we went back into the private torture chamber room, my temperature was taken, my incision looked at, my belly poked and prodded.
All looks good.
I don't have to have my stitches out - because I don't have any on the outside. All the stitches that were inside of me were the dissolving type.

I'm eating my special food and making my * Sweets products* as normally as anyone could hope for. In fact I heard my family say "That now when I pee, they can actually hear the *flow*."
How weird are they anyway?!? What are they doing listening???

I just started my second bottle of antibiotic yesterday. That's the one without my pain medicine mixed into it. No more pain medicine for me. That's ok too, I'm feeling much, much better.

I've been so thankful to be home and with my family, that I've been extra loving. Crawling up on them and curling contentedly on them to take my naps. I want them to know that I love them and that I love being home.

I must be... The Boss

I have a lot of time on my paws... I'm mostly just resting, watching squirrels, or contemplating this weird *seam* in my tummy.
And it's come up in my thoughts more than once that "I must be the Boss here."

That Nuk tries to tell me, that that idea is just Torbutol induced delusions, but I know better.
I can present evidence to substantiate my claims.

When I first came here my nails were all trimmed by my shelter. It was because of me and my nails that a "nail trimming" policy was instituted for all kitties in the family. (There had never been such a policy in place prior to my arrival.)

If I am sitting on the computer chair, NO human will move me. Instead they will move the chair to aside of the table and get another one for themselves to sit on. (Even Nuk is not privileged to such deference.)

I have heard my humans say "What Sweets wants - Sweets gets."

At treats time, it is often I who procure the treats the whole family. It is my *tactics* that gain us treats.

In my recent imprisionment, I was given a different food to eat. This food followed me home and now because of me Nuk and Gabby must also eat this food.

Not only that... But now we all must eat only at certain times
Gone are the days of "eat whenever you want."

I ask you, gentle kitty friends... Who else but a Boss could effect such lasting household changes?!

A little after midnight update.

I was so tired and so relieved to be home. Friends! Forgive me for such a short diary entry before. Mama and Papa told me that so many kitties and their families were thinking of me and holding me near in their thoughts. I wanted each of you to feel the same relief that I felt upon coming home.

At the end of my *confinement* - The minions came to tell me that my family had arrived to take me home. First, my doctor wanted to talk with them, before Papa paid my "ransom" and I was handed over to my family.

My urinalysis showed an elevation of my WBC & RBC. The smaller stones that had embedded themselves in my bladder walls and the larger one that was rolling around in me had caused irritation and a minor infection. The blood cells found in my urine were not alarming high.
There was no calcium found in my urine and my protein was within normal ranges (but to the high side of normal)
It will be interesting to learn the exact composition of that large stone, once it is analyzed.

My preoperative bio-chemical profile demonstrated that my BUN and Creatine were also within normal ranges. There is no problem with my kidneys function.

The biopsy done on the sample from my bladder also came back normal. There are no cancerous changes going on in my bladder.

My Torbutol is mixed with my antibiotic drops and once that bottle is finished I have another bottle of antibiotic without pain medicine in it to finish.

My stitches are all on the inside and will dissolve. There are stitches closing my bladder in layers and my tummy is closed in 2 layers as well with the third layer being closed with surgical "skin glue" ;)
My incision site looks neat and clean and I have no inhibition about rolling over and showing it - asking for my usual upper chest rubs and armpit scritches.
I think there have been some *compromising* photos taken of me, which I am sure will find their way to my Catster profile yet...

I must go "back there" in 10 days for a re-check and for my tormentors to steal some more pee from me.

After a little nap by the heat (so warm and comforting) and enjoying the quiet of our home. I made a little investigative tour. Everything was just as I remembered it. Except! the food bowls are no longer available to any cat, at any time. We must now all eat only when Mama or Papa say that "it's meals time."
I understand that my food can't be left out for the Wookie Gabby or Nuk to gorge themselves on. She and Nuk are slowly being titrated over to my food. So their dinners food is mixed with our old food. My dinners are all my new Royal Canin Urinary SO-33 food. Which I decided I liked while I was eating it in jail.

Gabby was kind to me and kept her eye on me, but did not intrude on my personal space or harass me. Nuk came close for a sniff, BUT I do not trust him - and I told him so. He kept trying to sneak closer to me for a nose-to-nose sniff. I told him "If I could be victorious over my tormentors, imagine what I could do to you." He stepped back and watched me, but did not "press his luck" by trying to get any closer.

When Papa came back home again (after dropping Mama and me at home) we all went into the bathroom for those nasty antibiotic drops to be given to me. A short while later, I was really sleepy. I came out to the couch and jumped up between them. I went and said my "Thank YOU's and I Love YOU's to Papa first. Then next I went to Mama and kneaded her belly to make a nice bed for myself. I climbed up upon her, placed my paw onto her shoulder and there curled myself on her chest, with her bent legs as my butt-rest. So comfy.
I could her heart beat and I could hear Papa and Mama talking to each other. Let me tell you... That pain medicine is some fantastic stuff. In no time at all, I started to drift away into the most comforting sleep I've had since Monday night!
I send my gratitude to my friends and my family's friends who all purred for me, squeezed their paw and virtually held my family's hands.

Sounding almost like a dream, sounding from far away and yet close. I heard Mama telling Papa of the kitties who were still sick.
I heard Mama say the names of so many of my friends.
I send purrs and the Power of the Paw to the many sick.

I heard her voice quiver when she told him of the kitties who had left their Earthly families this week and gone to the Bridge.
I felt so saddened for their families who are missing them so.
I send tender whisker kisses of comfort and my sympathy to the families of our Bridge friends.

I am HOME !

My release has successfully been negotiated and I am home.

I am so relieved !!!

Nuk & Gabby seem a little bit wary of me, but they've been leaving me alone.

I peed once on my towel in my carrier on the way home and 2 times more since I've been home. (I heard Mama say that "my urine looks good.")

Yeah, I know... I've got strange family. Everyone is so fascinated with Sweets' *products. MoL

I think I'm going to hang out in front of the heater and enjoy the warmth and peace of being home.

Thank YOU - ALL my friends for your rosettes, gifts, pawmails and information. It means so much to me (and my human family)

I want to personally thank all of you - Once I am settled in.

It's time now for some Quality Family Time.

Negotiating My Release.

One of the minions came to my Jail cage tonight. She had a folded blanket that she set me in, purrito'd me and carried me into yet another room.

I had heard the minions talking outside of the Jail cage area and I had heard my name being mentioned. I knew they were "up to something" again.

As I was carried to the new room in my blanket I steeled my resolve for yet another torment.
The minion opened the door to the room, and there were my family !!!

My heart was ever so glad to see them again. For those first few moments after I was set down on the table with the blanket, all I could do was walk from Papa to Mama and back again rubbing on them.

The minion spoke and said that I was "truly" like my name and that she was going to "keep" me.
My family told her "OH no, you're not!"
The minion went on to explain that my catheter is already out. I am eating my new veterinary food and have already voided my urine.
She even told how I've been rubbing against the jail cage bars when the minions and my doctor come to treat me and roll over to show them my belly and permit them to rub it. (Yes, it's true. I've been trying to subvert them to be kind to me. It seems to be working!)

...but after I was left alone with my family, I knew that "Negotiations for my release" were still undergoing, and not yet completed...
I do not fear though. Mama is very good at these things and if anyone can get what she wants, it's Mama. Papa surely will provide to my jailer tormentors whatever their demands are, for my release. Mama will negotiate the terms.

I am doing very, VERY well. I am a strong brave girl whose spirit will not bend. I have little "nekkid" patches on both my front legs. It looks like I am wearing fur boots and my "black & white bare skin" is on full display. On my legs, on my tummy.
All tubes are already out of me and I showed no interest in my tummy stitches. That hateful collar thing was also removed for my visit.
These things, I suspected, were the terms issued by my family and they had come to make sure that their own demands were being met.

I understand... The dance of negotiations can take a little while. I was a sweet girl for my family. I kneaded my blanket to show them how happy I was to see them. I purred and rubbed my lips on their hands.
I laid my head against their hands, against their chests.
They stroked and stroked me. They kissed my head and told me "How much they love me and that we would be going home soon."
I constantly fidgeted and moved from Papa to Mama, back to Papa.
I was clear eyed, wide awake and so very thankful for my family.
My family stayed with me for a long time tonight.
If it is possible to sleep in this Jail cage, I shall sleep fitfully tonight.

My release is imminent !

When the lady doctor came to tell my family that she must take me back from them and that the clinic was closing for the night, she also mentioned that "tomorrow, I will probably be coming home."
The earlier the better, I say ! - but we shall see. At least I know my release is being negotiated.

Isn't that fantastic, furriends?!
All your purrs and the power of your paws have helped me stay strong. Under the watchful eyes of the angels who came to visit and watch over me ...

- I have endured !

Mama & Me (She's Neurotic and I'm Atypical)

Stacy first:


I just got the call from the vet that Sweets went through her surgery without problems. She is awake, already standing and meowing at everyone.

It was not however your *routine* Cystotomy....

Our vet was able to remove the largest of the stones. On Sweets' initial x-ray it looked like there were 3 or 4 stones total. 1 large and several smaller ones. Once inside her bladder our vet was only able to find the largest one. He said that they flushed and flushed Sweets' bladder and felt around in there, but couldn't feel or flush out the others. On an after surgery x-ray the small stones were still visible, but it is not possible to completely resection her bladder in order to find them and cut them out.

Our vet said that in his time practicing he has only had 1 other cat like this. With that cat the stones were embedded in the mucosal wall of the bladder and there they stayed, never causing any future problems.

...There is always the chance though, that embedded stones could come free and cause future urinary problems. He wants Sweets' re-xrayed in 6 months and for us to watch her for any future problems additionally, a sample of her bladder was obtained for biopsy to see if anything else is going on in there.

Sweets had a urinalysis - Culture and Sensitivity done. The results of which we will know tomorrow. The stone that was removed will be going to Minnesota for analysis (and that will take a couple of weeks to hear the results back on)

She will be staying in the hospital with them until possibly Friday night and coming then or early Saturday morning.
We can visit her tomorrow!

She will also be coming home with Royal Canin Urinary SO veterinary diet food - which creates a more neutral PH'ed urine. I think everyone here is going to eat that with her.

******************************************

Sweets :

Is it my turn?

My jailers/tormenters are relentless. They keep escalating their tactics to get me to *break*

After putting me in the Jail cage, they denied me anything to eat or drink.
BAH! - I laugh at that as an attempt to break my spirit. That might work with a Wookie, but not with me.

Next they turned out the lights. I could hear the whines and cries of other cat and dog prisoners. Some sounded as if their spirits were already broken.
There was a dog who only repeated "Mama, Mama" over and over again and I could hear a cat or two hissing at nothing !

Many hours passed with a jailer/tormentor coming every now and then (probably to check and see whose will they had already bent)
Our attitudes were documented and our jailer/tormentors would talk sweetly to us. (But I'm not going to fall for that "Good Jailer/Bad Jailer" routine.)
I would look my jailer/tormentor right in their eyes and meow my fierce warrioress cry at them.
"I shall endure" - I said.

In the morning, there was a great bustle. The jailer/tormentors took a special interest in each of us. Those whose wills had not yet been broken were singled out for further tormenting.
I was one of these.

They took me from my jail cage and put me in another room. They took my pee, they took my blood.
I looked right in their eyes and stared my defiance at them.
When they saw that defiance, they gave up taking things from me and took me back to my jail cage.

I could hear them talking about me. They were talking about escalating their tactics further and doing even more horrible things to me.
I stood and stared at them and repeated over and over - "I shall endure !"

They ignored me for a little while and then came back for me. Taking me to yet another room. They came at me and jabbed me more with a needle. I started to feel sleepy and funny. I looked at them again in their eyes and said "I shall endure" - Ok... maybe I whispered it that time.

As I could no longer keep my eyes open, they placed something on my chest and over my mouth. I heard the buzz of an electric razor.
I remember thinking. "Take my hair. I shall anyway endure."
These are classic tactics. I am aware of all the ways they were attempting to de-catify me, to take away my unique "Sweets'ness"
But I could not fight the powerful sedative they were giving me and under I went.

When I awakened, I was in yet another room. A jailer/tormentor was talking to me.
I took stock of myself. My belly was shaved. All white and bare! It hurt there. I was cut and sewn back together.

I had a tube coming from where I pee and another shaved area on my leg had yet another tube coming from it.
I went to bite this tube - and there was something around my neck !
This thing around my neck would not let me get my mouth anywhere close to myself.

My usual kind doctor came to check on me. He must have been unhappy with the lack of success of his minion's tactics because he took me back into that room where the big camera is.
(I think he wanted to take a picture of the "cat who they could not break.")

"Where are my people?" I asked him "They would not permit you to do this to me!" He laughed and called me "brave girl" and told me that I would soon feel better.

Feel better? I feel worse than when I came here! Hmmmph
He told me that I wasn't "typical" - which I already knew and he asked me if I needed something more for pain.
I told him "No, I'm fine for now" - I didn't want anymore sedating.
What happens if I fall asleep again - what will they cut next time ?
What new tube will they find to put in me?

He had a minion take me back to my jail cage and she tried to talk gently to me and put something in the one part of my leg tube.

I started to feel a little sleepy again... One more time, my doctor came to look at me and said he was going to call my family.

"Yes, Yes" I meowed - "Call them! Surely they will come to my rescue!"
I forced myself to stand on my feet and stand watch for my people.
I meowed at everyone who passed by my jail cage.

I fear I must stay here yet for another night to pass.... I think I better gather some strength.
Maybe I will take a little rest, while I wait.
But don't worry - I shall endure !

I shall !

Oh those dirty sneaky... No good humans.

Dear friends.

While you were kindly sending me good wishes, squeezing your paw dot ;) and sending me rosettes and gifties. My humans were plotting my betrayal.

Papa came home and gave us treats like always, but almost right after I was done eating, I was bundled into my carrier cage and taken for a ride.
(Again)

Where did we go? Ohhh, to the only place we ever go. That hateful vet place.
For a little while I got to just sit in my carrier cage while the humans "bla-bla-bla'ed" about me.

But then Papa came to coax me out of my carrier and there was NO coaxing me. I was not going to willingly set one paw out from my enclosed safety zone.
(Thinking, hoping that if I stayed in there, maybe they would forget about me. Maybe they would just pick up that carrier cage and take me back home along with them)

But, no. Papa used the towel inside the carrier to bundle me out from my carrier.

At first it wasn't so bad. I got to sit curled up on Mama's lap while my family and the vet just "bla-bla-blah'ed" on some more.

Then I was lifted on to the table and weighed. Luckily that hateful thermometer didn't make its appearance.
Although I'm sure it will still yet come to make my *intimate* acquaintance.

More human "bla-bla-blah" and I was taken into the arms of a vet tech and taken to jail.

Yes jail !
Dear friends, I'm in a cage !
Bars enclose me. They can close me in - but they can never break my spirit !
I will endure, I will tell heroine tales, when again I am free !
(and you can trust my word, that I will again be free)

I hear more talk about stones and surgery.
I cry at everyone who passes. I stare at them with my huge eyes.
I tell them - "You can cut me, you can put me behind bars, but I am strong. I am a tough kitty.

Bring it ON -

You can not break me !

...and if they get *too* fresh.
I shall unleash my lightning quick "smacky paw of righteousness" upon them.

I shall !

There's something going on...

I know it was just Halloween and the family is full of "Tricks or Treats"

For me, I think it's "Trickery" more than "Treatery" - Although... We did have a big catnip party tonight. Isn't that strange? A catnip party on a Monday?

I am watched like a hawk anytime I approach any of the litter boxes.
Gone is my privacy, replaced with eyes that watch me sit or squat.
Eyes that watch carefully what I eat and how much I drink.

The worst though was tonight. There was some extra strange business going on when I went to the box and made it clear that I was there to poop.

Something got shoved under me. I stopped, turned around and looked to say "What do you think you're doing?"
The "thing" withdrew...
I chose a new spot in the box, dug a new hole and sat again. AGAIN, I was interrupted by that "thing"

I started again, digging a new hole, looking back over my shoulder every once in awhile to make sure I wasn't going to be interrupted again. Again came Mama's hand and that "thing"

I snorted - this is unacceptable. But I had to go, I wasn't in the box to attempt to dig to China you know?

Yet another time I dug and sat. This time I didn't care if the "thing" came or not. I had to go and I was going to do it !

When I finished and turned around to cover my business. IT WAS GONE. So too that "thing" was gone. IT must have STOLEN my poop.

There's some sick and demented people here with a thing that steals poop.

Things are weird in the world....

I watched Nuk tonight bow his head before Gabby, like he always does.
But she (as usual) won't lick him. Then he licked her head a couple of times. I've never seen him to that before !
I guess he was trying to show her "what he expects of her."
Poor Wookie Gabby.. She just doesn't get it.

Nuk's been a regular bully to me too. Really being aggressive with me, cornering me and whispering all kinds of nastiness to me. Telling me that "I'm sick and that means a trip to the hospital and a shaving and a cage and all kinds of terrible things."

Does he think I'm stupid?! I was just to the vet last week and they let me come home. If I was sick, would they have let me come home?
Sure there was talk of surgery, but that's what Veterinary hospitals do!
The more I think about it, the more I'm sure they didn't mean me.

I'm going to squeeze my paw and wish for the "good luck" to be free of the both of them. The Wookie Gabby and the Bully Nuk.

It's German good luck gesture to squeeze thumbs, but we cats don't have thumbs. A paw will have to do.
My beautiful Berlin friend - Ishtar taught me that.

Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze.

My Pre-op bloodwork

We got the call today that my preoperative bio chemical profile came back all within normal ranges. I am cleared for surgery on the 4th November.

I will have to go in the evening before and stay overnight awaiting my surgery the next day. Then 2 more days in the hospital after surgery to make sure that there are no problems with my catheter and that I am voiding my urine without problems.

My brofur Nük blogged while he was in the hospital. I will do the same!

Thank YOU my friends for your purrs and well wishes - You are each so dear to me.
Precious flowers in my garden of friends :)
@}-'-,--

I have to have surgery. A Cystotomy

... I've been having a little *difficulty* in my litterbox. I go to it often and sit a while and sometimes only a little a little bit of pee will come out.
I've been eating, drinking and pooping my usual amounts. I haven't been vomiting or having runny poos. My hovering Mama even snatched one of my clumped pees out of my box and put it on a damp white paper towel to see if any pink/red would leach out.
I thought that was crazy... but my gentle lady vet said that was "excellent"
My vet thought I wasn't in danger of blocking and could wait through the weekend to be seen today.

Today when the pink carrier came out, I didn't put all the pieces together and realize that it was for me.
Nuk saw that carrier and went running (even though he NEVER goes in one) - Gabby doesn't care if a carrier is out of the closet or not.

Then my sweet Papa picked me up and put me in the carrier with my towel and I cried all the way to the vet. I knew where we were going... We NEVER go on a ride to any other place except to the vet.

Oh the indignities they made there upon my little body. Of course the hateful thermometer thingy (which seemed to reach its digital reading EXTRA slowly today) but showed that I wasn't running a temperature.

Next I was taken away by the gentle lady vet who un-gently stuck some needle in my neck to take out some blood. Next she tried to take some pee from me. (But I didn't have any pee to take)

Then, I guess she was mad that I didn't give up any pee, because she laid me out on the table and took 2 pictures of my insides with a VERY big camera thingy.

Then we all went back in to the room with Sweet Papa and mama.
We all looked at the big camera pictures together. "There's her heart, there's her intestines, and there is her bladder" Sure enough there in my bladder were some things the gentle vet called "stones"
She also said that they were already too large to respond to a diet that would break down tinier stones. She recommended surgery and called it a Cystotomy to remove those stones.
Since my bladder stones fluoresced white on the x-ray, it is suspected that they are calcium oxalate stones. We won't really know until the stones are out and sent to Minnesota for study. I will also have a lot of tests done on my urine.

My family looked worried, but agreed. I have a tentative appointment for surgery on 4 November. The results of my pre-operative bio chemical profile will be back tomorrow. If my results are good enough to withstand surgery then we will go ahead on the 4 with my stones removal. I will be in the hospital 48 hours after my surgery and the surgery itself is estimated to take between 60 to 90 minutes.

I hope my friends will all be purring for me !

World's Coolest? - Semantics and the inelegance of human speech.

We as kitties already know that human speech with all its *words* lacks the elegance of our Cat language.

This year... I think we won't be entering the
World's Coolest Dog and Cat Show Contest

It's a matter of fairness and semantics with us.

How can this contest be called "World's Coolest"
When the Rules
clearly state in the first sentence under the Eligibility requirements:
"All entrants must be legal US residents to enter"

The second sentence of the rules states: "To be eligible to win a prize, entrant must be a legal US resident."

The third sentence states: " If a winner is a non-US legal resident, then no prize of monetary value will be awarded."

Isn't that a little confusing?
In sentence 1 - You must be a legal US resident to enter?!
In sentences 2 & 3 - A non-US citizen can enter but can not win a (monetary valued) prize?!

The U.S. is NOT the World...
Catster is such an international community.
I feel sad for my international friends who must forfeit.

Halloween Tag

I was tagged by my lovely friend Ishtar!

I am to list my 5 favorite things about Halloween. I won't tag *you* but you can play along, if you like. Just write Halloween Tag on your diary and list your 5 favorite things.

1.
The humans are baking crazy. This makes laying in front of the oven a GREAT place to be. I'm also not *above* climbing on top of the stove to lay on the warm area near the back.

2.
Cold outside means the heat comes on inside - I can bake my face!

3.
Extra hours of darkness means that I can nap more without being called "Lazy"

4.
There will be human coats out soon too. This means when they are not hung up but carelessly discarded over a chair - INSTANT BED !

5.
I have heard that bears *hibernate* over Winter - Do you think *Wookie* cats do too? Can I be so lucky as a Wookie Gabby to sleep through the cold months?

Ahoy!

Hoist the sails!

Pirate Name: Nona Della Leon
Ship Name : Miss Lisa The Red Gold

DDP 3-peat !

Oh My Catness...

The full moon may have gone to Diary girl's head! She picked me for a DDP again !

My friend Ishtar stopped by my diary and hopped about with me. Yes, yes! We rule!

Muppet
Giggled with me and wished me a fantastic day.

Miz Rose stopped by my diary with her concatulations and a funny wish for a bald Nuk !
Yes! We girls do make the BEST pirates - YARrrRRrrr

Lucy
called me a "Queen of the DDP" - I love that Lucy !

Ishtar
Gave me a huge red heart and some sweet words that could ONLY be from her ;)

The family of Tate , Tonka , Bumble , Wilma and more! Gave me a beautiful red ribbon and their congratulations and wishes for a great weekend.

The family of Jack, Bobby and Teddy Gave me a lovely rainbow and congratulations on my "Multiple Diary Picks" As well as the wise words "That all cats are created equal and that I should never feel inferior to others in the family."

Wilson J. Scooter Who is VERY busy being a big brother sent me a lovely pawmail on behalf of his family and we laughed together at how the "Nuk Man" must be going nuts."
(More about that later)

Lucy
Gave me a festive party hat! Whoo-Hoo! Let's have a litter box party!

Mercedes (Mercy) Gave me a yummy cool ice cream cone and a prophetic message

Hazel Lucy and her lovely furhusband BUDDIE..ALWAYS LOVED Each sent me pawmails of congratulations and jubilations !

A DDP 3-peat is unprecedented in our family!
Nuk is (at present) hiding under the bed. Yes! Yes he is. He is sulking.
He climbed up on the bed with our Mama for a little nap and curled himself against her body earlier. Seeking reassurance that "he is still loved"

I've been "out and about" - Enjoying my time on the sofa with both our Papa and Mama. I get to sit in the very edge seat. A whole cushion ALL to myself.

The Wookie Gabby is sitting in the other room on the "blanket box" that makes a nice cushy window ledge seat.

I rule !

(I haven't had my extra treaties yet, or my badge. I think I better get those humans working on that!)
Oh and I need my pirate name. How *wrong* is it that Nuk got his pirate name before me.
I'm the one who's actually BEEN a pirate... TWICE !

Daily Diary Pick 2 Days in a Row !!!

That's a first for me. That's a first for any cat in our family!

Hazel Lucy snuck in late last night to write a congratulatory note on my diary. She wasn't late - NO congratulation can ever be late. They all come at the perfect time!

My lovely friend and near-twin Ishtar came by my garden to share my happiness.

My Catster Lil' Sis Shiloh stopped by too and gave me hugs.

♥ Tasha ♥ (I think she *likes* Nuk.... but we won't hold that against her)
came by my diary to give congratulations and xoxoxo

Fashionista Samoa visited too, to say "Wowza" at my DDP-peat.

The family of Sally ♥ Sweet Angel, Lucy, Sophie, Charlie - gave me a crown. A. CROWN. !!! Thank you dear friends. That's my first one ever! It's extra special because it's from you!

The family of Wilson J Scooter, Morty Angel Kitty and Hallie Baloo - gave me a single beautiful red rose and had me blushing the same color as that rose, with their kind words!

The family of Kitty Pryde and Indiana - gave me a beautiful rainbow.
Kitty Pryde was The Diary of the Day yesterday!

Mercedes (Mercy) - gave me a refreshing pink drink and thought she was "belated" in congratulating me. But she wasn't !!!

Muppet and her mousie - gave me a juicy slice of watermelon! and said "That's the way to show Nuk & Gabby who's the star! Mol!

What will those two say when tonight again we have for our 9pm treat a dinner of Innova Flex??

Nuk will use it as an opportunity to give his "When one cat excels we all prosper" speech.

Gabby's eyes will light up when she sees she's getting a little extra food. "Fooooooood"

Thank You Diary Gal !

A HQ mail came that I was a DDP for today and shortly after that came a congratulatory pawmail from Angel BUDDIE. (Those angels are always on top of things you know.)

Miss Samoa (feather boa) stopped by to congratulate me too
The Adorable Miss Muppet sent me a bouncy beach ball to play with.
Gorgeous Miss Lucy sent me a red heart on behalf of her family.
Thank you ladies (and kitten cats)

I told Buddie that it's always extra nice when *I* get noticed because the two attention hors d'œuvres that I live with so often grab all the attention for themselves.
I know... Gabby can't help it... she just is so... beautiful ! - I don't even think she grabs attention on purpose, although she does get *jealous* if she sees another kitty here getting petted. She'll come cooing and butt her way right in. (You see what I did there? *butt* - MoL)

Nuk, on the other hand... well he is just "Mr. Main Cat"
The most vocal, most visible, spokescat of the family.
That's ok, I can deal with that - He was here before me.

It's extra nice too that today Diary Gal picked me for one of the DDP's
It means that today was spent giving me a new page.
(I was kind of mad, that everycat, even Gabby - has a background that *means something* it's either from our family personal pictures or in some way personal to that cat - Like Gabby's journey map. Yet my background while it was nice, it *meant* nothing to anyone.)

But giving me a new page and celebrating my DDP and making my badge also gave a new meaning to this day. A happy meaning.

Isn't it beautiful how Catster keeps giving a *happy* meaning to days would be only *sad* meaning.
On the 2nd April - exactly to the date - our first Taagless month, came Angel Amelia's Meowmy's memorial necklace that she made for our meowmy.
Now on the 2nd September - exactly to the date - our 6th Taagless month - I am DDP and freshly personally paged.

Of course HQ also took this day the opportunity to mess with the navigation buttons code, but even that we surmounted before midnight.

Fall is THE whirlwind social time here.
On the 18th October Gabby is with us 6 months.
(6 months !!!)

On the 11 November Nuk is with us 3 years.

Oh Honey No / This Couch Isn't Big Enough... Maybe?!

Tonight I was all cuddled up with "the daddy" - Part of his *training* is rewarding his *positive behavior.* He's been really good about giving me what I want, when I want it. Tonight our family was watching a movie. I was warm and content curled up into a little ball with my head on "the daddy's" thigh and my right leg hanging down off the couch.

Nuk was pretending to sleep curled up on his sentry post, but we ALL know he is really just listening and ever ready to open his eyes and survey everything and everyone in the room.

Gabby's place is usually on the couch between our humans, taking turns grooming them and being petted by them. But tonight she had been laying on her Hazel Lucy blanket on the floor.

I drifted off into a deep and contented sleep. All was well in the world.
Next thing you know?! I feel a Wookie tail touch my leg. Well I jumped up and hissed at her. I said "Hey! What do you think you are doing?" and she turned to me and asked "Would it be ok, if I come up on the couch too?"
She was blinking all the while, as if at any moment my lightning fast *Smacky Paw* was going to unleash some head slapping on her.
I told her - "Oh Honey No, this couch isn't big enough for both of us."

What does she do? Well she blinks a couple more times and then walks away towards "the mommy" and jumps up on her and settles her hairy Wookie bulk right across "the mommy's" legs and starts making biscuits there. That Wookie, she does not listen to me, she just does whatever she wants to.

I gave her my best "Stink Eye" but she didn't care. She was so intent on making her Wookie Biscuits. I looked up at "the daddy" next. Telepathically I told him "If she is going to stay, I'm going to get down." He told me "Sweets, that isn't how you make friends..." But he started petting along my back and then on my cheeks and under my chin. He lulled me back into my contented state and I curled back up with my head on his thigh. I kept one eye on that Wookie though and telepathically told her "Fine, be on the couch, but be on your guard. You stay where you are and I will stay where I am and there will be no trouble."

I am a Daddy's Girl...

Taag always made it very clear that "the daddy" was hers. Sometimes we would share although never at the computer. If he was sitting on the couch he was fair game, after all we could both cuddle with him, one of us to each side of him.

Taag also made it clear that the duty of The Waking of "the daddy" was also hers.
But I was a good student and I watched and I learned. I think though that I will let her habit of sleeping under the covers with him remain something unique to her. I have adopted her technique of hair licking/hair pulling to try to get him out of bed. (There is a *rule* here that when "the daddy" gets up for the morning we all get treats!)
I even try sometimes walking all over both my humans (because to get "the mommy" up is sometimes the first step to getting "the daddy" up!)

Admittedly though... my petite frame lacks the "Oomph Factor" that Nuk has for the Chest Sitting Tactic. It's too bad that Nuk will only *deign* to get involved in "The Waking" if our girly efforts fail. He also cannot *lower* himself to cry or meow for The Waking or for treats. He told us each "Girls... That is YOUR job. I will come running though if I hear your treat cry. Anything gained from your treat cry is gained for me."

The Wookie, as usual is not much help in such tactical maneuvers as The Waking. She either forgets "the plan" or is easily distracted and has trouble concentrating. Personally? I think she can't even tell time. * I * know when it's 9pm and time for our evening treats. That's when I start sitting on the coffee table giving "the daddy" my direct, telepathic "Give us treats" stare. When/If that fails I will escalate my behavior into "Oops, I've knocked something off the table... NOW is it treats time?" Gabby just sits there like a purring lump, sometimes even grooming "the daddy's" hand or "the mommy." Sometimes she doesn't even eat up all her treats. (Which NO DOUBT helps endear her to Nuk since he eagerly eats anything "leftover.")

I had developed my own tactic for a successful Waking too. I would bat the alarm clock cord against "the daddy's" dresser. That worked, but was also quickly taken away from me. He tucked that cord back where I can't reach it.

I've been doing a pretty good job of taking the best of Taag's tactics and combining them with my own to get The Waking accomplished.
I think I have "the daddy" almost fully trained and wrapped around my little paw.

I'm late

I'm late to update my diary about my *little eye problem*

Doc Lucy said I had healed up nicely. I already knew that. I was back to being my usual self scolding Nuk for looking at me, waking my human dad by licking his head, (Taag taught me that move) and trying to stay out of the Wookie's way, in case she wants to eat me. (and it looks like she probably could!)

I don't show any other signs of feline herpes, but we are going to keep an eye on my eye. It's interesting that both years it was my right eye and almost a year exactly apart. It's my right patella that's fused too. After last year's corneal scratch visit Doc Lucy tends to think that my eye problems are Self Trauma.
I don't let Nuk get within paws reach of me. (Taag taught me to start screaming dramatically if we didn't like the way Nuk was even only looking at us.) I already taught Gabby, that I don't have much patience for playing chase or other such silly kiddie games....
I am a mature cat and at 6 I'm the oldest in this house of immaturity!

Thank you my sweet friends for your words of comfort while I was healing. Charlie sent me a sweet rosette and my Berlin nearly twin Ishtar sent me a carefully coded communique. (which I will yet implement)

Deja Vu - Я Не Вижу (I can't- see)

Deja Vu - Ya Ne Viju...

How strange is this? I wrote last year in my

July 25th 2008 Diary that I had scratched my right eye.

Well today... (1 year and almost 1 month later) I have done it again.
(or did I have help?)

There was no *ruckus* that my family heard. Our family had been awake awhile, we cats had our treats and had settled down in comfy places for a little cat-nap. I went to get a drink of water and my family noticed that I was doing my "squinty pirate" imitation again.

I was taken in to the bathroom, my right eye opened and examined and sure enough my third eyelid was all reddened again. My eye was tearing clear tears.
After a phone call to the vet, I was *fit in* for an appointment shortly before noon. Again with the fluorescing drops and the woods lamp.
All to reveal again a small scratch....

But this time I only need my oral antibiotic pills. We still have my Atropine ointment and my Neo-Poly-Bac eye ointment which have not expired!

I have to go back for a recheck in 10 days...

If I have to have Deja Vu days, why can't they be happy ones?
Let's replay my adoption day? or birthdays next time - Ok?

I'm going to have to do... Something !

There is some human anti-girl conspiracy type thing going on!

It's not bad enough that Gabby and I have to live with that arrogant, strutting, bossy, stripey/spotted formerly male nemesis! We also have humans photographing some very embarrassing moments and/or poses of us - and then putting them up on our profiles. While *his* photos are all just stunning!

It is a joke that's not funny. Oh but how they giggle and laugh.
Poor Roly Poly Wookie Gabby was near tears after some picture of herself displayed like a bread loaf (albeit a large one) on a table, appeared on her page.

And myself? I go to my *hidey-box* for privacy. No other cat can fit in this little box that I claimed for myself. Can you imagine Mr Massive or the Wookie cramming their bodies into it? Neither can I...
I lined my hidey-box with a shrunken wool sweater that I found and it's the perfect little warm and cozy hide-a-away!

BUT... Dear human family,
When I am in my hidey-box, I do NOT want to be disturbed. If you see my white feet sticking out the end of the box. Turn around and walk away. There is nothing to see. Nothing of concern to you.

Don't worry humans you will be dealt with, and you will pay for your humiliation of us... but there is this first the matter of Mr. "Pieces for Peace" to attend to.

I had planned that the Wookie Gabby and I would ambush him while he's on his toilet! Take that time to *remind* our "captive audience" that he squats in that box... Just like any girl-cat!
Take that time to *remind* him that he was neutered. That for all intents and purposes he may as well be a girl-cat.

With the Wookie Gabby blocking his way out of the litter box, I figured that I could get in a few lightning quick strikes with my smacky paw - just to drive our point home through his thick skull.

But... I'm having some problems with the execution of this plan. The Wookie Gabby is easily distracted and has trouble concentrating.
I start to outline my plan and then it's "Oh look a toy!" - "Oh let's go get petted" - "Oh, you know? I think I'll go get something to eat." - And she just wanders off.
Other times I'm detailing the steps of the plan for her and she'll get this "dreamy look" in her eye and I can tell that she's not even hearing me.

Sometimes when I see *him* going towards the litter boxes and I tell her "It's time for our plan" that Wookie Gabby turns to me and says "Huh? - No I think I want to stay here with our people now."

I have to tell her my plan so often, that *he* is sure to overhear me, one of these times. Just today *he* came and pestered me while I was in my hidey-box. He stood on the CD cases aside of it and kept pawing at me asking "Whatcha doin' in there?!" I had to use the tried and true girl-tactic of scream like you're being murdered. Sure enough our people came to see what was going on and *he* was removed and I just smiled to myself!

I think whatever I do...I'm going to have to do it alone.

I was tagged - the ice cream game

The lovely Vanessa tagged me for the ice cream game.
I'm going to leave the end tagging open for anycat who reads this and wishes to answer.

Nuk was pondering "ethics" earlier and has us all now in a philosophical mood.

Considering that as an adult cat I'm lactose intolerant and... I've never had "ice cream" - this tag game is trickier to answer than I thought it would be.

I guess as a flavor I would be:
Turtle Trails -A Gooey non-dairy caramel sauce and dark (not milk) chocolate-coated praline pecans swimming in a sea of creamy vanilla non-dairy frozen dessert.

That would encompass both my coloring and the sweetness of my personality.

Now if you want to tell what flavor of 'ice cream' bestdescribes you - Go for it !!!

My Second Adopt-a-versary!

Another year of Caturdays has passed!

I watched my Mama write to my Shelter Mama tonight to give her an update on me and send some new pictures. On the day I was adopted my shelter Mama asked my forever family "to 'keep in touch." She said that since I had been with them so long, I was a *special kitty* to them and their comfort in my leaving was only that I was going to a good forever home."

Today (already! if you're on the East Coast) is May 30th the day that marks my second year of life with my forever family.

I know there have some recent moments where I've been cranky and wearing my "stink-eye" face. I know that is not usually my nature.
I'm sorry I've been such a biscuit!
I did share my window fleece bed with Gabby today though.
We were both on it! (Now if only my mama would get the pictures off the camera and on my profile - I could show you!)

I watched my Mama thank my shelter for taking me in. They are a No-kill shelter that's also cage-free (except for newcomers or cats who are recovering from surgeries)
FelV or FIV cats are fostered in homes that work with my shelter family.

They do good work! They have taken in 58 animals this year already. So far this year they have adopted out 38 cats, 6 dogs, 3 ferrets and 2 rabbits.

Had I been swept up by a Kill shelter, my story might have had a very different ending.

Kitty Kisses goodnight to all my Catster Pals!!!!!
Mama and Papa? I will be waking you early tomorrow so that we can start celebrations!

How VERY Wonderful!

Diary girl picked me! It's so extra sweet to be honored!

Hazel Lucy and her fur-husband BUDDIE sent me "ConCATulatory" Pawmails. Purrs to both of you!!!

Yolo Who, himself was a DDP for today, Yay Yolo!!! became my friend today and invited to a Kentucky Derby Pawty!

Lucy Sent me a shining diamond! I love to read up on her diary too (she's quite a talkative gal)

Beloved Angel Amelia Nothing gets past this Angel! Those angels must sure have quite a job watching over us. Lovely Amelia sent me a sparkling diamond too.

Winnie
Who looks so much like Taag that it's a comfort! Sent me a forever diamond too. She likes my diary entry because her mommy is one of the mommies that left something here ;)


The family of Pebbles (In Loving Memory), Rhea (In Loving Memory) and Tilly Sent me a most touching request for friendship and a pretty little ladybug! My look reminded her mommy of Rhea and the good memories that they shared together.

Casey
Sent me a yummy shrimpy and ConCATulations from his whole family.

The family of Aldo: by Laurel, Tess: by Laurel, O'Malley, Squeaky and more! Another one of the Travelling mommies who left something here! They sent me a big red heart full of love.

Other new friends I made today:

Fred
Lucy
Milo
Roxy
Stogie

Thank You everyone! What better present is there for a girl than good friends, new friends and kind words.
Thanks!

Shiloh! I was so wrong

Oh my little Catster Sisfur Shiloh I thought that there must be some mistake.

I heard *talk* of a new kitty coming. I heard talk of your mommy being involved. Even though I kept hearing "Gabby" over and over again, I thought that must be some acronym maybe even: "Great Adventure Bringing Baby Yonder" - I just knew this had to mean you.
I was excitedly looking forward to meeting you and your mommy.

Your mommy came, that part was right and I got to meet her. The "new kitty coming" part was right! But I was so, so wrong to think that I was getting *you* for a sister. I could barely contain my disappointment when I first set eyes on my hairy, talkative, new house sister. She was so so pretty and feminine, that it almost hurt my eyes to look at her.
***AND she was NOT you!***

After the travelling mommies left. I waited and waited for them to come back and fix their mistake. I wanted to call out after them "Hey mommies, you left something here! Something important!
You better come back for it! This is NOT Shiloh?!"

It's been a week now and I don't think the travelling mommies are coming back. I've been accepting of my new sister. But I wish she were you!!! I thought we "Tabbicos" would rule this house.

I hope you are doing well and I hope you know that in my heart you will always be "My Little Sisfur!"
Where ever we may be, no amount of miles will ever separate me from my love for you!

Good Heavens Gabby - You're Beautiful

My new sisfur Gabby is so beautiful!!!

So, so feminine and pretty that I felt almost a *woofer* next to her.
I let my insecurity get the best of me a few times and I hissed at her when I saw her.

Although by evening I understood that I was still loved and still considered the "Itty Bitty Pretty One" by my humans. They cuddled and brushed me, talked sweetly to me, and I sat on the sofa with them.

I got to meet my Little Sisfur - Shiloh's mommy. And the mommies of Nuk's friends.
Winnie & Chester and Aldo Chapter2! sure do have cool mommies!

I'm getting another sister!

I have heard that I am getting a sister. A creamsicle of a sister. A, fluffy, lovebug, as sweet and cuddly as I am. Good Gabby! Nuk needs to be outnumbered. He needs to respect the power the female feline.

My sister is a traveller I hear, riding the Catster Railroad. Accompanied by some crazy lovey Catster Mommies. That's good too. Let them love her up good, in preparation for the loving she's going to get here!

Oh, That Feels Nice =))

... I'm not talking about all the extra loving and attention that our people are giving Nuk and me since Taag went to the bridge. (But oh my yes! - rub my belly, let me curl up on you, cuddle me, kiss my head. That does feel nice)

...I'm not talking about my new page, that my mama made just for me. (From scrapbook kits and elements.) I'm feeling special. Oh my yes! That too feels nice

...What feels the nicest is meeting a new friend and having her ask me to be her *Honorary Catster Sis-fur*
Shiloh

Isn't she gorgeous? Purrlease go make her feel loved and special and nice too.

I Has NO....

I has NO Worms!

Yay!!!
Yes, our vet called this morning with our results!
A-Ha - Now I understand why my poo was *stolen*

Yesterday I was in my litter box and next thing I know, here comes the scoop stealing my poo. Yes! before I could even cover it properly.

My carrier and Taag's have been out of the closet for a week and at first that made me nervous, but as time passed I just kind of looked at them as *furniture*
Then the poo-stealing happened and I still didn't 'make the connection'

...Until last night when Taag and I were herded up and put in our carriers and then put in the car! I then knew where we were going.
To. That. Place.

Taag cried all the way and I cried only sometimes. Everyone said "I was a good girl and oh so pretty"
But you know who got the most attention and "ooooh how cutes!?!?"

...That Nuk. In his harness and leash, pressing his neck against our lady's and holding on to her arm for dear life!
Seems people think that massive monster of a cat clinging to our lady like scared little baby is just too adorable.

*sigh*

And I'm *fat* - I had to endure comments about my weight.
12 pounds is too heavy for my small frame.

ALL Better!

My eye is ALL better. The doctor was pleased to see it all healed and said even "No scarring"

All my medicines now are stopped. Life is light here and usual again!

That Nuk wants to know, "How I go to the hospital and get home the same day" - but I'll never tell.
I think it's because I'm so cute.

The newspaper The Express Times has been saying alot of really GOOD Things
about my Shelter Mama & Papa

Ouchie

. . . Most times my fused right patella doesn't cause me any problems. I can run, I can jump, I can sit and lie comfortably by arranging it 'just so' - it may look strange and awkward, but it suits me.

Well, early yesterday morning I was doing my grooming routine and that includes cleaning my ears. Of course I scratch my right side of my face with my right leg. I have devised a system, that again probably looks awkward, but suits me just fine. That is until the chair I was sitting on decided to betray me, by its cushion shifting under me as I shifted my own weight to scratch. My foot slipped down from my ear and my foot nails scratched over my eye. I gave a little cry, it hurt you know? My people who were sitting with their backs to me turned around and couldn't see anything wrong. They knew I had just been grooming myself. Some time passed (I'm really bad about measuring time) and I didn't want to open my eye. My people noticed this 'pirate look' and decided they should take a look at my eye.

Into the bathroom we went, the door closed tightly behind us. We all sat down with the woman gently holding me and the man took a look into my closed eye. Clear tears were on my lower eye fur. He opened my eye and looked over my third eyelid. Saw nothing abnormal there. He got some tool and peeked with a little light into my eye and saw what he thought was a small scratch.
I got a warm wet compress on my eye and the woman was sent to the telephone to call in to the hospital. Some vacation for the man huh? Off to the hospital he is going anyway.

The pink box carrier thing came out of the closet and Nuk went right in it (Where does he think he is going?) Taag saw the pink carrier and went running to hide under the dresser. I knew the pink carrier was for me. (Silly Nuk, he goes places on his 'H' harness and leash - not in any carrier)

Sure enough, after the gray bed goes into the pink carrier, my people come for me. That evil Nuk drew close to me and whispered in my ear. "They are taking you to be shaved! - You are going to stay nights away from home." I got scared - I didn't want to be away from home.
I cried my most 'unhappy' cry as I was gently put into the pink carrier.

Then I'm being carried to the car and the ride begins. I try to tell my people what Nuk told me but they keep telling me "Sweets shhhh. We're going to help you."

Then we are there - the hospital with dogs and other cats. We wait only a little while then they call my name and into the room I go.
'Hi guys, you can't stay away" says Doctor Lucy - like she's happy to see us. I get weighed, I get my temperature taken, I get some weird glowy drops put in my eyes and then a strange light to light them up.
I hear them say - "There it is - a small scratch" Then I get an ointment (Atropine) to dilate my pupil and help with the pain. Another ointment (Neo-Poly-Bac) to prevent any infection starting in my eye. And another medicine (Clavamox) to take by my mouth to prevent infection. Then I hear that I must return in 10 days for a 'follow-up'

Home we go. Nuk was shocked to see me and wanted to know how I escaped the shaver. Taag was super nice to me. Everyone knows I don't feel up to my usual self and just let me sleep in the darkened rooms. For the five days that I get my Atropine ointment, I can't be exposed to bright light - so the lighting has to be 'romantic' and 'ambient' - A little fine wine and some battery candles and we have a date!

Taag comes to check on me and give me a sniff now and then to see how I'm doing. She tells me to "just rest and feel better"
Nuk rests too where he can keep his eye on me.
He's sure I have some *magical* trick or skill that I could escape so easily from the hospital. He made sure to warn me though that there will be more 'medicines times' and to watch out for that bathroom door closing behind me if my people go in there with me.

I don't know how much I should listen to him. He was wrong about the shaving and the staying away from home....

My Tail of Devotion for Sweets

This is a special Tail of Devotion

See All Tails of Devotion

A Year of Caturdays.

Can you believe it? A year of Caturdays have passed since I was adopted and came to live in my forever home. May 30th will be my *official* adopt-a-versary, but this is the last Caturday before it.

A year of staying home on Caturdays lounging around and loving my humans. A year of treats and laps and cuddles and kisses.
I got to be a *Calendar Girl* for TKC (The Kitties Club.) I had my picture featured in the month of March montage of kitties.
My rescue, (for whom I will always keep a special warm place in my heart) put up my picture(s) in their 'Forever Homes' - Photo Gallery.
WoW! I went from 'homeless' to 'starlet'.
I hear everyday that "I'm adorable."
I like that, but it hasn't gone to my head. I will always remain, sweet, loving and humble.
I must be special though... The rose that's tiled on my profile page was painted by my very own human Mama. Taag can't say that (although her rose background, was Mama's real life 'International Woman's Day' rose, and the picture was taken by Mama) Nuk can't say that either (although his profile background is his own fur!)

I am so thankful for so many things. From the fact that I was found and got to live in a safe (NO-Kill) shelter, until my forever people could meet me. Although life in a shelter can't compare with life in a forever home, shelter life beats street life without a doubt. In your forever home, you can sleep with or on your people, or just walk all over their heads. You can *help* them with the cooking, *help* them with the laundry. You can even *help* them when they're at the computer, and keep their hands busy petting you.
(P.S. The laundry basket also makes a great afternoon 'bed' - and you can put back on their clothing, all the cat hair that they just washed off.)

Dear kitties waiting for adoption, take heart! Dreams do come true, it will happen for you. Your forever people are out there and every day brings them a little closer to finding you.
I met my people by *accident* My shelter took us out for 'Adoption Events' every 1st and 3rd Caturday (and Sundays) of each month. My people went to the store that Caturday for catnip - and there they met me. Who knows what lucky circumstance will bring your people to you!

Wishing for all who read this, and for all whom I love and who love me, For you all, another year of Caturdays filled with love and laughter and light!

Tag You're It - 7 Random facts

Uh-oh! It seems i have been tagged! for everyone i tag just scroll down, rules are at the bottom. Well here goes nothing...!

1. I love my people, if the house is too quiet and I can't find them, I will go 'on the hunt' to find them, when I find them, I will sit on them. If they are not home, I will *scold* them when they return home and demand a treat for compensation.

2. I'm the smallest in size here, but nothing bothers me... Not the sound of fireworks, thunder or the vacuum. I never hide, I just stay hanging out wherever I was before the sounds started.

3. I'm the most vocal cat here - both in terms of how often and how different are my sounds. If you imitate back what I say to you, I will 'talk back' and we can have conversations. (and like the other 2 here, I can understand and will respod to both English and Russian - although I can't speak either languages)

4. I never get tired of belly rubs. If I roll over and show you my belly, I want it rubbed, you can rub it until your hand falls off and it still wouldn't be enough for me.

5. My first toy in my forever home, was a plush brown bear finger-puppet. That our meomie stuffed catnip up into his head area (That'll teach that bear)
It's still my most favorite toy, although there is the basket full of the variety of toys on the floor for me to choose from

6. I started the clipped nail craze here in this house. My previous shelter kept all our nails clipped. My forever family liked that and keep my front paws clipped and instituted it too for Nuk.

7. I can see invisible mice. ;) sometimes they're on the floor and need stomping with my paws, sometimes they run through the house and need chasing.

The "Tag! You're It!" Rules:

Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Cats who are tagged need to write in their own diary about their seven things and the rules of the "Tag! You're it!" game. You also need to choose seven other cats to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to leave each cat you tagged a comment (Catster Paw Mail) that you tagged them and instructions to read your diary for details of game play. Have fun tagging and meeting new kitties (hint: check recently updated diaries to find some kitties who haven't been tagged that might have fun playing the game.)!!!

My Seven Catsters:
Nuk
Taag
Simba
Nala
Hildee
Kero
Bella