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<title>Munchkin's Life - from shipyard orphan to a loving, furrever home!</title>
<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home</link>
<description>Catster diary for the cat Munchkin</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Munchkin &amp; Catster</copyright>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:35:08 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Catster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.catster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>My, oh my...I'm 7...where have the years gone?</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/830143</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:56:23 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/830143</guid>
		<description>Seems like it only a short time ago when I came to live with my daddy in a real, furrever home.  The ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Seems like it only a short time ago when I came to live with my daddy in a real, furrever home.  The shipyard where I was found orphaned at 3 weeks of age certainly wasn't the Waldorf Astoria!

Daddy tells me that I'm roughly between 42 - 49 years of age in human years.  Seems he's seen differing information about converting kitty years to human years.  Some references say 1 kitty year = 6 human years and others say 7 years.  Oh well, being middle-aged isn't bad...I still can run, jump, and play games with my daddy just as I always have been!

I know daddy always gives me extra treats on my birthday, so this will be a "yummy" day for me!

On a different note...We had some very severe thunderstorms come through here on Thursday, and the power went out for about 13 hours.  It finally came back on around 6 a.m. Friday morning...just a few hours before my dreaded vet visit!  The vet always has to sedate me for a nail trimming or vaccinations & flea treatment.

I get so scared when I recognize daddy's routine prior to a vet visit.  Daddy is physically unable to get me into my travel carrier alone, and has to have the one friend he has here come over to help.  I know daddy is concerned  because within the next couple of years, his friend will be retiring altogether and be moving to the Northern Virginia area near some of her adult children.

Then, there won't be anyone to help him with me when I need to go to the vet.

Daddy and I hope all our other kitty furriends here are doing o.k

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A brief update to our Catster furriends...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/820342</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:11:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/820342</guid>
		<description>(From Munchkin's view)...

     As a number of our furriends here already know, my Daddy has some  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ (From Munchkin's view)...

     As a number of our furriends here already know, my Daddy has some serious medical issues which create hardships for us.  My daddy just learned in a rather "indifferent & unorthodox" manner that his mother (in her late 80's) passed away while in hospice care for a week.

He didn't even learn of it until several days after the funeral (held in another state).  Needless to say, on top of everything else, this event has really affected him quite strongly.

Please know that we may be "absent" from the site here and sending any correspondences to our thoughtful & caring furriends for an extended period.

Our best regards to all...and appreciation for your understanding.

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A special Valentine's Day wish to all our Catster furriends...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/816178</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:21:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/816178</guid>
		<description>My daddy and I just want to wish everyone a really special Valentine's Day!

We hope each of you,  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My daddy and I just want to wish everyone a really special Valentine's Day!

We hope each of you, both our kitty furriends AND your human family will always remember just how uniquely special you are to each other!

Wishing you lots of purrs, love, and many happy years together!

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>What a trick or treat...Hurricane Sandy is on the way!</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/802845</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Oct 2012 08:06:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/802845</guid>
		<description>Just a short diary entry to say hello to all our kitty furriends here and mention that daddy is doin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Just a short diary entry to say hello to all our kitty furriends here and mention that daddy is doing better.  He's trying to get everything ready for the approaching hurricane at the moment.  We also want to thank everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Lots of purrs & meows!

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A short note of appreciation to all our furriends...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/799824</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 3 Oct 2012 10:47:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/799824</guid>
		<description>As mentioned in a previous diary entry, my daddy has not been doing as well as I'd expected from his ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ As mentioned in a previous diary entry, my daddy has not been doing as well as I'd expected from his latest medical treatments.  Most of his days are spent resting in bed (with me curled up beside him, of course).  Because of this, I am unable to respond to all our furriends in a very timely manner now...and quite likely...this will be the case for a considerable time ahead.  Please don't feel I am ignoring or avoiding contact!

On behalf of my daddy and me...I just wanted to express our most heartfelt appreciation for the numerous, very thoughtful, presents and sentiments all our Catster furriends have sent!  Hopefully my daddy's situation will improve at some point, to where I can perhaps be able to once again send some presents to all my kitty furriends here.

May each of you remember you are always in our thoughts & prayers!

With lots of purrs!

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Daddy's &quot;bad hair day&quot;...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/796429</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:14:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/796429</guid>
		<description>Greetings to our Catster furriends!
     
     We've been absent for a while, so here is a little  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Greetings to our Catster furriends!
     
     We've been absent for a while, so here is a little "cat-chup" note.
My daddy hasn't been doing so great lately.  He collapsed about 2:45 a.m. one morning following an hour or so of "quality bathroom time"...if you CATch my meaning.

He became so dehydrated in less than 1 hour, that his blood pressure dropped to 64/42.  He managed to crawl from the bathroom back into the bedroom so he could call 911.  The Fire Department ended up having to forcibly enter through the living room window in order to reach him.

EMS transported him to the local hospital ER where he was subsequently admitted so they could get his blood pressure up and also administer pain medication.  Needless to say...I didn't like those people taking my true love away!

Daddy finally was discharged from the hospital during the late morning hours today and returned home.  Of course, the first thing I did was to check him out to make sure he was indeed back.  He will be having to rest in bed for a few days & hopefully be back to normal then!

On another note...my last vet visit in August didn't find any problems.  Got my vaccinations, general physical exam, and claw trimming done.  Just like the last visit in March of this year...the vet had to sedate me in order to complete the nail trim.

Daddy said he is probably going to now have to take me in for a nail trim every 4 months (uuggghhh!);  The reason being that the vet noticed one of my claws was curled under and beginning to dig into the soft padding of my right front paw.  Fortunately, the vet caught it in time so that an abscess had not had time to form.

Even though I hate vet visits...at least my paw feels better!  Oh yeah...I gained 1 lb since my last visit.  (Now I'm at 14 lbs).

We hope everyone is doing well and enjoying these last days of  summer!

Lots of purrs & meows!

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Yippee...Yippee...it's that special time of year again!  BIRTHDAY BLISS!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/784629</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Jun 2012 04:10:53 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/784629</guid>
		<description>And, here's the way it is...Saturday, June 16. 2012...

Today, I turn 6 years old and in just 3 mo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ And, here's the way it is...Saturday, June 16. 2012...

Today, I turn 6 years old and in just 3 more months...will mark my 6th anniversary living with my Daddy in my furrever home!!!  Quite a change from the Newport News Shipyard where I was originally found orphaned in!

(Of course...I already know Daddy will give me extra treats and one-on-one time today;  he always does on my birthday, anniversary date, and Christmas Day)! 

My wish is that every kitty will be able to have a loving, furrever home where they will never have to "want" for anything...including worrying they might be put out on the street to fend for themselves..."all in the name of economics!"

In his much younger days...my Daddy lived on the street a few times, so he knows only too well what life is like out there...and you can be assurred...it's a living nightmare!

Give your furry furriend that extra hug, nuzzle, and treat today;  let them know just how special they are to you!

Lots of hugs & purrs to everyone!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A little &quot;cat-chup&quot; note...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/781490</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 24 May 2012 14:20:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/781490</guid>
		<description>Just wanted to update all our furriends on how things have been going since we've been away for a wh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Just wanted to update all our furriends on how things have been going since we've been away for a while.

Between my Daddy's "down-time" (for medical issues) and a new endeavor he is undertaking...I've really had to hustle to keep abreast of everything!  Daddy belongs to a number of computer security forums on-line, and a few weeks back he was accepted into one site's Malware Removal Training Program.

The program is designed to train enrollees in the use of various malware removal/diagnostic tools.  The ultimate goal is for each student to acquire sufficient expertise/knowledge/hands-on experience enabling he or she to become a member of the site's Malware Response Team.  This team's members assist other forum members with various malware infection issues they have posted about in the forum.

It will take my Daddy quite a while to complete all his training, but he doesn't know just how proud I am of him!  On a different note...I'm beginning to get excited, since my 6th birthday is almost here (June 16th).  Daddy always gives me extra treats on special occasions like this one...YUM!!!

Well, guess we'd better sign off for now.  I hope all my kitty furriends here will  have a super Summer season...stay cool!!!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A note about Munchkin's nail trimming issue...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/768991</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 6 Mar 2012 14:36:34 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/768991</guid>
		<description>My daddy and I have noted the several comments we've received regarding my nail trimming issue, and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My daddy and I have noted the several comments we've received regarding my nail trimming issue, and need to clarify something.

It has been suggested that my daddy should trim my claws.  The unfortunate fact is I will not allow anyone, including my daddy to touch my paws, touch my underside, or put anything in my mouth.  I also won't allow him to administer a flea treatment either.  Whenever he's tried any of the aforementioned, I will immediately get up and run away.

[SIDENOTE FROM MUNCHKIN'S DADDY]

Munchkin has always been a very cautious kitty from the time she first came to her furrever home with me at 13 weeks of age.  If you read her very first diary entry, you'll notice that she was found orphaned in the Newport News Shipyard and initially foster-cared for by a gentleman who is involved with cat/kitten rescue.

Maine Coon cats do tend to be cautious, and cats in general are able to recall experiences from their early days.  I believe Munchkin's earliest memories may involve some very unpleasant experiences which were no doubt traumatic.  This would explain her very defensive behavior.

Make no mistake, Munchkin is a very loving, loyal and largely independent kitty.  She may, at most, once a day want to climb up and lie on my lap for about 10 - 15 minutes, but generally entertains herself...when not engaged in a game with me.  She is also fearful and doesn't like it when I leave the house for anything.  Even when I go into the bathroom, she will remain outside the door waiting for me to emerge.  If she doesn't hear any sounds after I enter, she will begin meowing and pawing at the door.

Someone had suggested I have Munchkin de-clawed.  While that would take care of the FRONT claws, there are still the rear claws to consider and also the severe pain associated with a de-clawing procedure.  De-clawing removes a cat's primary means of defense, though Munchkin does not have to worry about defending herself in the house here.  It is also my belief de-clawing could very well result in irreparable psychological damage to her.  As such, the risks far outweigh any possible benefit.

I appreciate all the comments we've received.  Unfortunately, Munchkin's claws will still have to be trimmed by the vet along with her other regular care.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Vet visit blues...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/768789</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 5 Mar 2012 08:13:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/768789</guid>
		<description>My daddy took me to the vet last Friday, and it most certainly was NOT pleasant!  I'm a very fast le ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My daddy took me to the vet last Friday, and it most certainly was NOT pleasant!  I'm a very fast learner and unfortunately I knew what the vet doctor was going to do when he and his assistant came over with a bundle of towels.  The dreaded wrap-up for a nail trimming!

This was what they did the last time prior to trimming my claws, so I got VERY defensive!  So bad was I, that this time the vet had to administer a sedative in order to do the nail trim and administer a flea treatment.

When daddy got me home, I could not stand up, even though I tried very hard, I kept falling over on my side.  Daddy stayed right beside me and tried to help keep me upright so I could use the litter box and then eat/drink a little.  I stayed right beside my daddy for several hours.

[** Sidenote from daddy **] - 

While Munchkin's extremely fast learning ability is one of her unique qualities, in this case, it was a real disadvantage.  Munchkiin didn't utter a sound on the trip back home, but kept watching me intently with her big, green/gold eyes that looked like she had tears coming out.

Her vet visits are just about as traumatic for me as they are for her!  I know she is confused, not understanding how it is that I provide her with a loving home where she doesn't want for anything, but yet take her to a place where she is always terrified of.

A friend had suggested having Munchkin de-clawed, but I am very opposed to that.  While de-clawing would eliminate (in part) the need for trimming her front claws, there are still the rear claws to consider.  (Her rear claws generally do not need to be trimmed as much as the front, because she does a lot of jumping up on the bed, up on top of her scratching post, etc).

Although I have provided Munchkin with two scratching posts (1 is the typical circular, wood post with a carpet-like exterior & the other is a taller, sisal-fabric type post), she rarely uses the sisal fabric post which would actually do a better job of helping keep her front claws worn down so they might not require trimming.  

Another concern is de-clawing deprives Munchkin of her primary means of defense (even though she doesn't have a need for that here in her furrever home).

I feel such a procedure would also irreparably damage her, psychologically...to say nothing of the pain she would endure.
The idea of perhaps giving her some kind of oral sedative prior to going to the vet is not an option, unfortunately.  The vet does not favor that idea, and besides that, Munchkin will not allow me to put something in her mouth.

Her next visit will be the annual wellness checkup in September, at which time she will have to again be sedated for a nail trimming, flea treatment and the vaccinations which will be due.  NOT something I ever look forward to...and Munchkin most certainly does not!

----** END OF DADDY'S SIDENOTE - and back to Munchkin's **-----

Daddy finally managed to figure out what the computer problem was...quite by accident no less.  Turns out the keyboard was malfunctioning.  Once he replaced it with a spare one he had in the closet...everything now works like it did before, YIPPEE!!!

Until next time...lots of purrs to all our furriends!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A note to all our kitty furriends...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/759341</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:22:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/759341</guid>
		<description>My daddy has been having problems with the computer's operating system and it is quite likely we wil ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My daddy has been having problems with the computer's operating system and it is quite likely we will be away from the Catster community for quite a while.  Since he had to retire early on disability in 2010, we subsist upon a limited, fixed, monthly disability income now, and there just isn't enough left each month to go out and get another computer or even get this one fixed (if it even IS repairable).

So, if you don't hear from us...you will know it's due to computer issues.

Lots of purrs to everyone!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My daddy is doing some better now...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/758559</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:23:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/758559</guid>
		<description>I just wanted to let all our Catster furriends know my daddy is feeling a little better now and hope ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just wanted to let all our Catster furriends know my daddy is feeling a little better now and hopefully he will be able to help me cat-chup on reading my pawmail.

Daddy began feeling ill a couple of days before Christmas, so we posted a diary entry letting our furriends know we might be away from Catster for an extended period.  I like to be able to reply to the pawmails and presents I receive from my furriends here, in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, daddy's medical issues may often cause us to be away from our furriends here for a significant period of time.

We hope everyone's New Year will be a pawsome one!

Munchkin (and her daddy)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A little something for thought, on the day before Christmas Eve...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/755897</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:29:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/755897</guid>
		<description>As we are all living entities created by the Maker of All Things (by whatever name you may refer to  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ As we are all living entities created by the Maker of All Things (by whatever name you may refer to the Maker), I would like to offer a thought to consider before Christmas Eve & Day for all Catster kitties and their families.

Please consider what is written in the following Scriptures:

Matthew 25, verse 40
Hebrews 13, verse 2

So many of you here have gone above and beyond to help those kitties who were orphaned, helpless, deliberately abandoned, or cruelly treated by their former owners.  In doing so...have you not helped the "least" among us?

Could it also be the kitty you take in; give food & shelter to; and a love they may have never truly known...be that "angel" of whom you are not aware (re:  Hebrews 13, verse 2)?

In closing, please know that my daddy and I will be away from the Catster site for an extended period (related to my daddy's medical treatment), but we sincerely hope each of you will enjoy a Happy, blessed Holiday Season and New Year!

With lots of love and purrs to all!

Munchkin (and her daddy)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>As Christmas Eve &amp; Day draw nigh...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/753931</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:19:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/753931</guid>
		<description>At this most special time of year, my daddy and I would like to wish all Catster kitties &amp; your fami ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ At this most special time of year, my daddy and I would like to wish all Catster kitties & your families a Happy Holiday Season, filled with lots of special treats, laptime naps, extra play time, and most importantly...the love of family!

Each moment we have to share with one another is a blessing.  Let not a day pass without conveying that love!  Remember also, the many kitties who are hurting; who have not a warm, safe place to call their furrever home; those who will never know what it means to have a family to love...and be loved & cherished by.

Best wishes to all!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A somewhat rough couple of days...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/745341</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:16:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/745341</guid>
		<description>One of my furriends, Puff Amenti, seems to be feeling ill and the vet isn't sure just what the probl ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ One of my furriends, Puff Amenti, seems to be feeling ill and the vet isn't sure just what the problem is.  I certainly hope it isn't too serious and Puff will soon be feeling better!  I decided to send Puff a special little present (the lighted candle) as a reminder of always being in our thoughts & prayers.

My daddy hasn't been doing so well these past couple of days.  He's had to spend much of time in bed due to severe nausea and bouts of "barf-a-rama."  Like the loyal, loving kitty I am...I will stay curled up right beside him to keep an eye on him!

It saddens me when he goes through these episodes, as he isn't able to play with me, and I know it's a struggle for him just to be able to stay up long enough to ensure my water bowl gets changed out and the litter box cleaned as well.

He's had to llive with these complications ever since his two surgeries several years ago.  But, he manages to keep going somehow.

Lots of purrs to everyone!

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The passing of a dear furriend...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/743512</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:50:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/743512</guid>
		<description>I learned today that one of my furriends, Adam Dylan, passed away during my 7-month absence from the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I learned today that one of my furriends, Adam Dylan, passed away during my 7-month absence from the Catster Community.  His diary indicated he fought hard and long against an illness which knows no bounds in pets or people.

I noticed his page had no Angel Wings, so I sent him a set to use when he "flies-in" to check up on his mommy, furry family and friends still here.  

To all my furriends here, I would say, cherish each moment you have with your family!  Never forget how much all your purrs, leg rubs, and curl-up naps on your mommy or daddy's lap means to them!  For we each have only today; tomorrow has not yet come.

In all the span of eternity, we are here but such a short time.  To all the mommies and daddies, I say likewise.
Have you hugged your kitty today?

With much love and purrs!

Munchkin xo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Furriends, furriends, and more furriends!</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742942</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:54:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742942</guid>
		<description>My, oh my, but I've been getting so many furriend requests since returning to the Catster Community! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My, oh my, but I've been getting so many furriend requests since returning to the Catster Community!  Using my acute kitty senses, I discovered my furriend, Serena, has been busy up at the Rainbow Ridge letting all her other furriends know about me!

I wanted to send her a little something special, but unfortunately the gift shop on the site here is not working.  (i.e. it won't load for some reason).  I paw-mailed the Catster staff about it yesterday, but haven't heard anything yet.

Oh well...guess I'll go curl up beside daddy and kitty-nap for a while!

Lots of purrs & behind-the-ear scratches everyone!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>In the first 24 hours...</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742784</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 Oct 2011 07:52:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742784</guid>
		<description>Following a 7 month hiatus, Munchkin and her daddy are once again back on the Catster website.  Duri ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Following a 7 month hiatus, Munchkin and her daddy are once again back on the Catster website.  During our first 24 hours of being back, we have not only heard from and linked-up with some of our old friends like RIver, Simone & Tabatha, but have made some new ones as well!

Of course...since daddy is better at using the computer keyboard than I am...I just let HIM do all the correspondence work...while I (as Queen of the House)...SUPERVISE!   Oh well, time to return to looking at all the pretty furry faces here!

Munchkin]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I'm baaacckk!</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742622</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 5 Oct 2011 09:50:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742622</guid>
		<description>Yes...it's true, Munchkin is back now and once again a part of the Catster Community!

My daddy an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes...it's true, Munchkin is back now and once again a part of the Catster Community!

My daddy and I were really saddened that our circumstances back in March necessitated our having to bid farewell to everyone.  It hasn't been easy for my daddy, but things seem to have improved a little...so after much purring, I convinced daddy to put me back on the Catster site.

Since our departure, I turned 5 years old in June, and have now been living with daddy in my furrever home for just over 5 years.  My latest vet visit on September 1st, (which I hate), went well.  My weight is holding steady at just over 13 lbs and the vet didn't find any health issues.

Hopefully, things here will improve even more and my daddy won't have to discontinue our Catster community membership again!

Lots of purrs and love to everyone!

Munchkin (and her Daddy)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Munchkin's humble beginnings</title>
		<link>http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742612</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 5 Oct 2011 08:49:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Munchkin ~ writing at catster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.catster.com/cats/1210188/diary/Munchkins_life_from_shipyard_orphan_to_a_loving_furrever_home/742612</guid>
		<description>Munchkin was found orphaned in the Newport News (Virginia) Shipyard at 3 weeks of age.  The kind, el ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Munchkin was found orphaned in the Newport News (Virginia) Shipyard at 3 weeks of age.  The kind, elderly gentleman who rescued her, foster-cared for her in his home until she came to live in her “furr-ever” home with me at 13 weeks of age on September 26, 2006.  

(Incidentally, I obtained Munchkin without having even seen her first).  Initially, she appeared to be a typical gray-colored, domestic short-haired tabby.  It soon became evident that she was anything BUT that!  (See the age-progression photos of Munchkin).

The first clue was her “meow”, which was a weak, trilling, sound unlike anything I’d ever heard before.  Her demonstrated extremely-fast learning ability was also a surprise.  By 9 months of age, Munchkin’s fur had significantly lengthened.  After doing some research on-line, I determined she was a Maine Coon cat.  All of her physical, intellectual, and behavioral traits exactly matched those given for the Maine Coon.

She now weighs a little over 13 lbs and is generally a laid-back kitty and rather independent.  Although, she usually is not “clingy”, Munchkin does like to climb up on my lap at least once a day for a little personal grooming.  She has learned to associate certain words & short word phrases (2 – 4 words) as meaning certain things.  

In addition, she recognizes 3 different hand gestures (with no words being spoken by me) as meaning to either, (1) – stop where she is & sit down, (2) – stop & go back quickly, or (3) – to come over to me.

Munchkin is generally very cautious whenever someone comes to the house.  She will go to the bedroom and observe my interaction with the person and then re-enter the living room once she perceives either, there is no threat, I call to her, or make the hand gesture for her to join me.  

As the “Queen of the house”, she enjoys the 5 large bowls of different name-brand dry kitty foods I leave out for her to choose from 24/7 (she is a nibbler…preferring to eat just a little food several times a day).  A large bowl of cool water with an ice cube in it (which gets changed completely out at least once each day), provides her with a refreshing drink whenever she desires.

In addition, a couple of home-made “treat-dispensing” containers (made using two old medication bottles) provide her with the Friskies, moist, chicken-flavored morsel treats she loves - anytime, day or night.  (It only took about a minute to show her how to use her paw to roll the container over so the treats will pop out)!  

Munchkin also likes for me to fix some of her treats to eat at the same time I sit down to eat something.  (Interestingly enough, in my on-line research, I discovered the desire to eat with their owners is another characteristic of Maine Coons).

Munchkin’s senses are extraordinary.  On a number of occasions she has been curled up beside me at night in the bedroom, when she will suddenly jerk her head upright, looking in the direction of the doorway.  Then, she immediately jumps down off the bed, goes trotting off toward the source of some sound she has heard.  Invariably, within a minute I will hear her scratching at the floor.  

Upon going to check on her I have found she’s caught a very tiny spider (that occasionally gets into the house).  Apparently the critter emits some kind of sound well outside my hearing range, but NOT Munchkin’s!  On a couple of occasions when the critter is high up on a wall or the roof, she will sit staring up where the spider is and continue meowing until I come to her and catch the critter.

Munchkin has shown herself to be a very loyal, loving, kitty who always wants to be as close to me as possible.  There is no way to place a dollar-value on the unconditional love and companionship she gives me.  Every time I see the way she looks at me, I am reminded of how her life nearly ended before it began!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

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