With a heavy heart and tears

Skinner has been going through a lot of ups and downs within the past year.
Everytime he has bounced back like that champion that he is.

The last few months, overall, he was doing extremely well and weighed 18 pounds! Talk about Fat Cat :)

Last week Dr Heather came to visit us as Skinner was hacing some problems eating and he had a fever that wouldn't go away with the use of a baby aspirin 1 every 48 hours (which normally would knock out the fever). Dr Heather noticed Skinner's mouth was swollen and had sores - a sign that his diseases progressed but we were not too concerned, as we knew the antibiotics would get the swelling down and he would heal. As a precaution - Dr Heather drew blood and took a urine sample to run tests - just to make sure nothing more was going on than what met the eye.

His blood work and urine revealed nothing abnormal. His organ functions we great and his white blood cell count was in the normal range. His red blood cell count was down - which is normally is due to his diseases.

On Thursday evening, Skinner suddenly took a turn for the worse. He wasn't moving much, he stopped eating on his own and he stopped cleaning himself. He also had a funny odor coming off of him - so I made sure he was clean and I tucked him into bed with me.

This morning - I called Dr Heather as Skinner was throwing up something greenish/yellowish colored. He still wasn't eating and he felt cold to my touch. Dr Heather immediately rushed over to take Skinner to the Hospital. They put him on IVs, gave him steriods and vitamins. They immediately tried to get his body temp back to normal also.

I just received a call from Dr Heather - and with great pain and sorrow, Skinner passed away, on his own, very quitely at 5:27 pm est.

I appreciate all the kind words and support you have given me during Skinner's life. He was a remarkable cat who filled my life with such never ending love, patience and understanding - it hurts to have to let him go like this.

Rest in Peace my Beautiful, Strong and Courageous Skinner.
I love you so much, it hurts to let you go, but you have enriched my life in more ways that I can express in simple words.

~ Back to the ER ~

Since I last wrote - my body and I are still battling it out.

Some days I feel fine ~ my appetite is good, I am grooming myself, playing a little bit and my fever goes down.

Then other days ~ my fever comes back and I don't feel as playful as I normally am. At least during those days I do eat by myself - but my grooming, well... let's just say it is something to be desired. Binx has been helping me clean myself (so I keep up my boyishly handsome appearances for my wife, Chelsea Louise) and even Lizzy and Lennon get into the act of licking me clean.

So it has been a couple of weeks of ups and downs for me - which is the first time we have experienced me going through something like this. Normally - I am down then I get better and stay better. Maybe it has something to do with the weather (since that has been up and down itself)??

This morning - while Mom was running on her treadmill, and I was laying on my Chelsea Bed watching her - I started having a seizure. Mom stopped running, got a tongue depresser, and kept my mouth open (and my tongue down) so I wouldn't bite my tongue. I did bite it a little bit - but it could have been alot worse. Mom called Dr Heather's answering service to leave a message about what happened and that I was going to ER that morning.

Daddy came over (half awake - it was 6:30 am - which is far too early for his liking) and took us up to the ER Hospital. At that time - I didn't have any more seizures and I seemed OK - (I even mewed to Mom that I was feeling ok - I just got a shiver down my spine). She didn't want to take a chance. So off we went to the ER Hospital again :(

We got back home at around noon - after they ran tests and examined me. I had I high fever and the ER Dr wondered if that may have been one of the causes of the seizure (of course epilepsy, and other disease and/or exposure to toxins/poisons are the main culprit).

They wanted to put me on anti-seizure medicine - but Mom wanted to talk to Dr Heather first before putting me on anything (because of my diseases). The ER Dr got a hold of Dr Heather and she instructed them not to prescribe any anti-seizure medicine (since I only had that one seizure and it was the first time it happened) as she wanted to run more tests before administering any medication. She stated she will only put me on the anti-seizure medication if it is absolutely needed - other than that - she didn't want to put me at risk. I was prescribed more Clavamox and Mom was told to keep an eye on me and keep a record if I have any seizures again.

Dr Heather will be coming on Monday, to pick me up, and bring me to an animal clinic where they can do an EKG and other diagnostic tests.

I wanted to keep everyone posted on what has been happening to me. I apologize for not being able to respond to many of you - things have really been hectic for us at my house.

Please keep my in your thoughts and purrs - that the reason why I had a seizure will turn out to be nothing serious.

Love, Purrs and Gratitude

Me Vs. My Body

Thank you, everyfur, for the gifts and your pmails. I sincerely apologize for not responding to many - as I have not been feeling 100% yet.

I did start sending my Thank You's out today - so if you have not received on yet, please know I do have you on my Thank You List and you shall receive a note of gratitude, from me, shortly.

Dr Heather came on Monday - and unfortunately - I am no longer in remission as my lymph nodes are enlarged :(

Dr Heather confirmed I do have a URI and the 2ndary bacterial nasal infection. She did not agree with the arrythmia diagnosis given - as she said she didn't hear anything to indicate arrythmia.

Dr Heather told Mom she did the right thing by taking me to ER on Saturday. Dr Heather said when I come down with an infection/illness - we have to nip it in the bud right away - before it snowballs into something worse that my body cannot handle.

She gave Mom more Clavamox, told Mom to continue giving me 500mg of Lysine everyday and if I don't get better - Dr Heather will start Vitamin B12 injections and if those don't help - we will then proceed to interferon alpha therapy.

Dr Heather said I did look like I felt miserable - and I am starting to lose a bit of fur on my tail and on one side of my body. Mom has to watch that too - if it gets worse/doesn't improve - Dr Heather will start a new round of tests on me.

My appetite is still not very good - and I am a lot less active than normal. Mom says the biggest reason - she cannot knock my fever down. Dr Heather told Mom if I still have a fever on Friday - to call her and they will take it from there.

Dr Heather did give me a steroid injection - before she left on Monday - in hopes it would get my appetite going. Instead - I slept on the bed that my MIL made me for Valentine's Day and picked at my food.

Upon leaving - Dr Heather gave me a hug and Mom a hug - and told us that whatever it takes - we will overcome my latest setback.

I mewed in agreement - and told her about all my friends, and my Guardian Angels, on Catster. With all of you by my side - I have enough strength to get me through whatever life hands me. Right now - my battle is between me and my body - and I am determined to win :)

Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and purrs.

You all mean the world to me and I am forever grateful.

ER Visit

First - let me extend my warmest and deepest "Thank You" - to all my friends, and my Beautiful Wife ~ Chelsea Louise O'Meow McWorry~ for your notes and gifts that you have sent to me.

I am so touched by your on going support and your never ending purrs for healing.

I got back from the ER today, and I was diagnosed with primarily an Upper Respiratory Infection, a 2ndary Nasal Bacterial Infection and Slight Arrythmia. Now - the ER Doc did say for the Arrythmia - it could be a combination of the stress of being in ER and my URI - and to have Dr Heather recheck my heart when she sees me on Monday.

Normally - a URI is not a big concern for a normal cat - but it is a HUGE concern for me. Mom was sent home with a list of instructions (such as using a humidifier to put moisture into the air (which is ironic - as we just had water in a part of our house from the flood), to have me sit in the bathroom while Mom is taking a shower, etc....).

I am back on Clavamox (which Mom knew I needed it) and I am also taking 500 mg of Lysine per day. My temp was 103.7 degrees - so I wasn't exactly going to burst into flames - but I did have a fever. And I am currently at the heaviest I have ever been on record (and this is after a couple days of not eating) - I weigh 13 pounds - which I think is pretty good for a sick lil guy.

My MIL made me and my furmily some beautiful blankets - so Mom made sure to grab them, and my Hazel Lucy Blanket, when we went to the ER - as Mom knew they would help keep me calm.

I was a good boy at the ER and didn't make a peep. Once it was over - I immediately crawled into my cat carrier and mewed to go home - lickety split!

Right now I am upstairs - away from all my siblings - trying to get some rest in peace and quiet.

I will definitely keep everyfur posted on my condition - and especially when Dr Heather sees me on Monday - at high noon - for her examination.

Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and purrs.

It touches me and moves me beyond any words I can mew. It also helps give my family strength during this difficult time of dealing with evacuation then my sudden setback/illness.

I love you all - you are my furmily - and I always keep you near and dear in my heart.

Purrs and Peace to everyfur and their families.

Skinner O'Meow

Purrs

We are back home - and we made it through the flood. We actually lucked out - as the flooding was not bad as first anticipated - and we only had 1 inch of water in the lowest part of our house.

We evacuated on Wednesday - and we were back home on Thursday evening. Compared to the last flood we went thru last year - we got off fairly easy.

On a sadder note~
I have become extremely sick.
Mom thinks that due to all the stresses of evacuation - really compromised my system - and now my body is attacking itself.

Mom and Dad are taking me to ER today. Dr Heather is supposed to come on Monday - but Mom says she cannot wait that long - as my symptoms have become worse overnight.

I have a high fever, yellow discharge coming out of my nose, I am no longer eating much (Mom is back to helping me eat), I don't meow like I normally do and I have been hiding a lot.

This morning I started to gag (after Mom attempted to clean my nose) and I attacked Mom as she tried to look down my throat to see if something was lodged in there. So Mom said that we will have to go to the ER and seek treatment today. Mom says that the gagging sounds I am making is scaring her and even made her cry.

Please keep me in your thoughts and purrs - it appears I am going through another set back - and Mom says this one is starting off worse than the others - and she prays we can nip this set back in the bud and get me back into remission.

With A Heavy Heart :(

Skinner

EVACUATION

Long time since I last wrote.

I am still in remission and as fat and happy as ever! It is amazing, when you marry the right girl (as I did, when I wed my Beautiful Chelsea Louise O'Meow), how it has such a positive impact in your life.

Me and my furmily may not be on Catster/Dogster a short amount of time.

The reason - well, as some of you may know, we live on the Wabash River in Indiana. We had some storms blow through yesterday and we are having more rain (2 inches or more) predicting for tonight and tomorrow. Due to all this rain - the Wabash, as expected, rose. What we didn't expect - was that the Oakdale Dam (which is on the Tippecanoe River, upstream, which empties into the Wabash) decided to release all the rainfall they received up north - and that excess moisture will flow down towards our house.

With all that water, and adding more rain, well..... that means Flooding.

Mom says our panic level is 22 feet - and the predicted crest is at 22.2 feet (and Mom is not sure if they also predicting all the rain we are supposed to get tomorrow).

Seeing the river has already flooded the land next to us - Mom has made the decision that she is going to pack everything on the lower level of our home and move it all up to the 2nd level.

For us - that means - we have to leave (unless the predicted crest doesn't go any higher than 22.4 feet - at that level we will have 11 inches in the lowest part of the house - but the remaining lower level stays dry. Once it goes past 22.4 feet - the water starts to go into the rest of the house).

Please keep me and my family in your thoughts and purrs during this stressful and hectic time.

If you are curious/interested and you want to watch the river levels along with me and my furmily~

Here is a link to the water graph we use~

LINK TO SKINNER"S RIVER WATCH.

Stay Safe and I will let everyfur know what happens as soon as possible.

What an exciting start to the year!

2009 sure has started off with a bang - and on a positive foot!

I want to Thank Everyfur for dropping by and offering Chelsea and myself, your concats and well wishes for our new future together! I know it must have been surprising to many ~ but when it is right ~ it is right. I happened to meet the right girl at the right time!

We will be celebrating our marriage throughout the week - so please feel free to drop by and spend time with us. One thing we both cherish and enjoy is the company of our friends.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect ~ with me being in remission and feeling good and playful. My issues seems to be decreasing as each day goes by. Mom has been real careful with my diet and what she feeds me - as she doesn't want the wrong type of food setting me off again, and thus - my past issues begin all over again.

I have been gaining weight - and Daddy says I am finally evening out - where my bottom is the same size as my head and neck! You see - for quite a while - my head and neck where always bigger and wider than my bottom - which was very scrawny! Finally - things have fallen into place where I am consistently one size - THICK - MOL!

I have a belly now - and Dr Heather says that is good - as should I fall ill again - that extra padding in the middle will help me out immensely.

Before I end my diary entry -- I want to send a concats to my friend~
TAO - whom is one of Catsters Daily Diary Picks!

And a BIG Concats to a little Man~
my baby brother BINX - whom is also one of Catsters Daily Diary Picks!

Concats both of you!

What a way to begin 2009!

I hope this is a sign of all the GOOD things to come to us all, as we begin our journey down a new road, in a brand New Year!

♥My Surprise Wedding to the Beautiful Chelsea- Louise♥

The Surprise Wedding of Chelsea Louise Kidson and Skinner Anthony Sosnowski O'Meow
took place at the striking of midnight on January 1, 2009. As most of their friends know Skinner is now in remission from his illness and he and Chelsea decided there is no time like the present
when you have found your soulmate, to tie the knot. Their first thought was to simply elope but
at the Rainbow Garden, Chelsea's angel brothers and sisters came up with a Grand idea to
make the wedding VERY special. Angel Brother Boo left the garden to go visit the head person
of Rainbow Bridge, and ask for a special favor of Godfur. It was agreed upon. Chelsea and Skinner could get married IN the Rainbow Garden. Now generally, furs are not allowed into
the garden until they have crossed Rainbow Bridge but in this case an exception was made.
Chelsea and Skinner could enter the Rainbow Garden for one hour only! That time would be
11:45pm December 31- 12:45am January 1, 2009. Only immediate fur family and angels would
be allowed to attend.Chelsea and Skinner decided this would be everything they could want.
At 11:45 on December 31, to the sound of gossamer angels wings, Chelsea and Skinner were
scooped up together and taken to the Garden for the wedding. Other angels were in charge of
bringing sister of the bride, Deebie, Sisters of the groom, Winston, Baby and Lizzy (a brawny
St. Bernard angel was sent to get Lizzy as she is a big boxer doggy girl!), and little Binx, to
the garden.
Since the Rainbow Garden is perfect in everyway, no further decorations were required. At the
Rainbow Garden it is the season of the blue rose and the blue rose is in full bloom for the New Year. The true blue rose is an enigma on earth and no one has ever grown a truly blue rose, but at
the Rainbow Garden this beautiful rose blooms and represents the uniqueness and perfection of love.
At the request of the Bride and Groom, each cat (or dog) wore the beautiful coat given to him
by Godfur.
Due to time restrictions the wedding began immediately so that the I DO'S could be
spoken on the stroke of midnight.
The bride entered the garden to the heavenly sounds of "Nights in White Satin", by the Moody Blues, escorted by angel brother Smokey Joe and was led to the side
of the groom. The bride was wearing her thick white fur coat, with stunning accents of map
of Africa on the back and a heart at the bottom of her back. The groom was extremely handsome
in his tuxedo of black and white fur, with shamrock shaped white on his face and the extremely
fashionable half beard.
Music was provided by angel sister of the bride Belle, with a stunning selection of music
from the Musical "Cats". A special song was then sung by recent edition to Rainbow Bridge, Sonny Bono, who sang a heartrendering "I've Got You, Babe!".
Bridesmaids were Sisters of the Bride Deebie and Bronwyn,Angel Sisters Tara, Bonnie, Dolly, Jenny , T.J and Sisters of the groom, Baby, Lizzy and Winston. Ring Bearer was brother of the groom, Binx.
Groomsmen were Angel Brother of the Bride, Smokey Joe and Angel Brother of the Groom Einstein
Boo Clyde Louise, Angel Brother of the Bride officiated the ceremony
Private Vows between Bride and Groom were then exchanged
At the stroke of midnight,both Bride and Groom meowed a hearty I Do!
The Groom was then allowed to kiss the Bride!
Boo made the following announcement:
May I now present to you Mr. and Mrs Skinner O'Meow!
Glasses of Catnip champagne were passed to all members present (except for Binx, who is too young) and a toast was made to the Joyous Mr. and Mrs. O'Meow
After the toast, everyone enjoyed a short reception with joyous dancing in the Rainbow Garden with Skinner and Chelsea starting the dancing to the Tunes "Honky Cat", "The Kitty Cat Song" "What's New Pussycat" and "Year of the Cat". Too soon, the hour was up and all earthly cats were swooped up again in the arms of the
angel cats and waved goodbye to their angel friends as they returned to their places on earth!
We hope that you will rejoice with Chelsea and Skinner as their furever lives begin today
as husband and wife!

**Important News To Share**

***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ALL FRIENDS OF CHELSEA AND SKINNER!***

The families of:

Chelsea Louise Kidson
&
Skinner Anthony Sosnowski O'Meow

are honored to announce

the Marriage of Chelsea and Skinner!!!!

The wedding took place at Midnight
January 1, 2009
at the Rainbow Garden of Rainbow Bridge,
by special Arrangement therein,
and attended by immediate family
and angel family members only.

Please join us in celebrating
this wonderful occasion!!!

Congratulations to the new Mr.& Mrs. O'Meow!!!!

Details to follow!

A Time to Reflect ~ The Final Hours of 2008

We are hours away, until we say good bye to 2008 and we ring in all the hope and promises that 2009 may bring.

Being this is the final day of 2008, I thought my diary would be a reflection of 2008 - the good and the bad.

Before I begin - I would like to take the time to remember those friends of ours that crossed Rainbow Bridge during this past year. They have touched us all while living on earth - and continue to do so as Angels in the Rainbow Garden. They enriched our lives, dealt with their struggles that one would deem heroic, and some were simply taken away from us far too early. To all of our newly annointed Angels - I bow my head and pay respect to you and your families. You are not forgotten and you are loved and cherished more than ever by your family and your Catster family as well.

Looking back ~ well, as many of my friends know ~ 2008 was filled with ups and downs for me.

Things started, at the beginning of the year to look good for me. I was in remission, we moved to a new home (away from the neighborhood where some of the humans used to hurt me), and we were situated right on the river! Great view - feeling good - feeling fine.

Things got rough for us in January and February - as the Wabash river rose and our home was flooded twice. The first time - we only had 11 inches in the back room and no other part of the house had water. We were out of our home for only 1 week before we returned.
The February flood (the 2nd time) was a bit more difficult for us.
We had 3 1/2 feet of water in the back of the house and 2 1/2 feet in the front of the house. We were out of our home for 3 weeks - until Mom and Dad could clean it thoroughly and allow it to dry, before we moved back in.

March - April we were back to business as usual. I was in remission and feeling good. I was enjoying the river front living (after the floods went away) and investigating all the nooks and crannies of the river home. There was so much for me to explore that was new - I felt invigorated by my expedition into the "unknown territories".

May was when I saw my Grandparents (my Mom's parents) from MN, and my GreatGranny (my Mom's Grandma). They came down to IN to visit with us, and to take part in a surprise 40th birthday party that my Mom threw for my Dad. The end of May brought us a new addition to our family. A cute (yet big and moosey) boxer baby girl named Lizzy. Well - since that day she arrived - none of our lives have been the same ever since! I mean it in a good way - as there is never a dull moment with her. If you don't believe me - you have to read some of her past journal entries - it is amazing Mom survived with most of her marbles still intact! Life waas good, I was feling great - summer was in the air :)

June, July and August ~ I was in full blown remission and also in full blown heat. Mommy had to keep Baby and Winston away from me - as I was acting wild. I really was having a hard time while in heat - and was not sure how to cope with it. Mom talked to Dr Heather - and they discussed the possibility of me getting neutered. I am still feeling great - as I have been in remission for many months and enjoying it!

September thru December- Lizzy and I went in for surgery on the 10th of September - after that, everything changed for me. That was a very rough time for me ~ and I was struggling with trying to overcome the operation and my body attacking itself. There were many setbacks after that - the staph infection, poo issues, etc....

Because of all your purrs you sent me, your loving thoughts and support - I managed to hang on and find, within myself, the will power to continue on and conquer this battle that my body had waged against itself.

2008 brought me many friends I never had before. Friends whom really cared about me and my family. Friends that sent me a Hazel Lucy Tranquility blanket (that one friend became my girlfriend and love of my life ~ Chelsea Louise), pmails, rosettes, stars, gifts, and your never ending support. Those whom were always there when I had a set back - and immediately let me know they were purring for me. Those whom also gave my Mom support and comfort during real difficult times of my healing, and especially when I was away from home. You helped us all heal ~ mind, body, soul. You brought us all together with your strength and encouragement. You love us for who we are ~ and accept us for all our quirks and short comings.

2008 made me more proactive in animal welfare. It brought a very special kitty into our lives, Teddi, from The Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary. A very special rescue, a special person running the Rescue (Alana) and very special supporters ~ which made it possible to have a group page, for The Blind Cat Rescue, on Catster.

2008 brought me a BFF in Teddy (Tedster) - I never had one before, until I met Teddy. He is a ham, like myself, yet he has that caring side that I possess too. We know each other so well - that I often think of him as my brother. Thank you for coming into my life Teddy - you make my world a happier place and I love you for it!

2008 also brought me 2 Guardian Angels - Wally and Buddie. I feel lucky to have such 2 caring and loving Guardian Angels always by my side and protecting me from harm. Thank You my Beautiful Angels - I love you with all my heart and soul.

2008 introduced a very special girl by the name of Chelsea Louise (poetic & lovely name - don't you agree?) into my life. She accepts me for whom I am, shows me the real meaning of love, and has helped me through many difficult times with her wit, love, caring and wise words she whisperes in my ears. She is the love of my life - and is the reason why I enjoy my life so much! She is my first girlfriend, and I am so glad I waited for the Angel on Earth to be a part of my life. I love you Sweet Chelsea more than the sun, sky and moon. You make up for everything I lack - and I am happy you are in my life and love me as much as I love you.

As 2008 closes - we find ourselves with another new family addition, by the name of Binx. He is still a baby (at 4 months old) and he already has overcome many obstacles, including losing an eye. I am happy he is a part of our family - he adds so much life and spunk to our daily routine. I am thankful for Kindred Kitties and the Foster Mom -for taking such good and loving care of Binx.

Last dayof 2008, I find myself right back to where I was at the end of 2007 (last year) - in remission and enjoying living on the river. Great view - feeling good - feeling fine.

What will 2009 bring? I am not one to speculate - but I do know 2 things for sure:

1) 2009 will bring another new addition to our family - this time a baby boxer boy (Merry Christmas Lizzy)
2) Something exciting will be happening - but I cannot tell a soul until later on tonight or tomorrow morning. You can check any of our pages for additional information.

Here's saying good-bye to 2008. I bid you a fond adieu.

Here's to 2009 - may your New Year be filled with fulfilled dreams, health, happiness, and peace.