Feline Friday: The Gang's Decade

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Feline Friday: Sox Loved Baths

We still miss Sox very much but we have lots of happy memories.

I've never had a cat who willingly took a bath. Sox took to baths like a duck to water!


He would even move around like he was playing. I think he enjoyed the nice warm baths very much, particularly as he got sicker and wasn't able to groom himself.



Right after a bath, he'd sometimes sleep all bundled up in his cat carrier.


He much preferred to be wrapped in a blanket like a baby and sleep on one of us, usually Heidi because she was the one that bathed him most often.




Sox and Heidi



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Remembering Sox: He Liked Sour Cream Potato Chips!

Sox had many lovable qualities and one of them was his love of sharing our snacks with us!

He totally surprised TB and I one night when he wanted to eat TB's fiery Doritos!

He enjoyed a variety of other snacks, too, including these potato chips, pop corn, cheddar cheese, and pretzels.

He'd sit on one of the empty chairs at our dinner table, wondering where his plate was. He not only liked meat, he also liked to try potatoes, rice and vegetables.

He had a very eclectic taste in foods all right! :)

Goodbye, Sweet Sox

Sox began to get worse again just a few days after I last posted. On Christmas Eve, he wasn't able to eat until I watered down the baby food so he could slurp it up. Even then, he was having difficulty swallowing. He wanted to eat but couldn't.



We took him to the vet this morning to help him get to the bridge so that he wouldn't suffer. We were heart broken and even the vet became misty eyed at our tears.



We will always remember Sox as a sweet, gentle and loving little guy and hopefully his previous owner Allison and he will be reunited somewhere in heaven.

Monday Sundries and Updates

Update on Sox: The vitamins and the shot the vet gave Sox really made a big difference! I think the baby food is helping too. Anyway, Sox seems to be feeling better, is out and about much more often, and has been trying to groom himself. We're very much encouraged by this. He doesn't act as if he's sick and if you couldn't feel his bones or scarfing down the baby food, I don't think you'd even guess. So we're hoping Sox has many happy days ahead of him.

Update on Ted: He's been moving toward more solid food. Yesterday he had a small slice of the pork roast I made and it stayed down. He was thrilled because he feels more "normal" when he eats regular food. Also, the shakes can become boring after awhile. Here's a surprise: he's slowed down on the weight loss already and, in fact, if he doesn't exercise, he doesn't lose. It reminds us that weight loss is just a tool, not the answer or the magic solution to obesity.

Update on me: I still struggle with the same stupid 20 pounds. I was wrestling with the idea of needing bariatric surgery to wondering if the gastric band would be enough to looking forward to that first appointment so that I can ask a bunch of questions.

Is surgery necessary for me? At this point, I think so. It seems I can only lose so much and then I gain it all back and more. I recently read this article.

For people with severe obesity, diet and medications may have little effect. In some cases, their best chance for long-term weight reduction and improved health may be surgery to promote weight loss, called bariatric surgery. The long-term results of bariatric surgery are impressive. Even more than a decade after surgery, 90% of those who've undergone gastric bypass, the most common bariatric procedure, manage to keep off an average of 50% of the excess weight. The result is a cure or substantial improvement in diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, and hypertension, and a reduction in risk factors for heart disease, including elevated cholesterol.

I keep telling myself it's just a tool and that I should look at food as "fuel" and "energy" and not something to gorge on.

In other news, I've been really weepy and emotional lately. No surprise, I should think, with everything going on. My prozac was increased a couple of weeks ago and I don't think it's that, unless you can have a delayed reaction to a change in medication.

Tomas is doing great with his speech therapy. He's moving his mouth more and we can understand him a whole lot better. His mother's really been inconsistent about visiting him, which is a real shame. He's such a great kid.

In this picture, I seem to be asking, who's snapping pictures of me while I'm sleeping?



There ae 10 days to Christmas and that might be why I feel weepy sometimes. The kids don't seem to be into it. They sure aren't very helpful unless we set a fire under them and that's just a drag. Heidi's especially difficult now that she's unmedicated. I just want a nice Christmas, that's not too much to ask for.

Second Opinion

Sox doesn't look sick, does he? What you can't feel is how thin he is. However, he's got a great appetite for baby food. He scarfs down 3 or sometimes 4 jars a day! He's coming into the kitchen again with the gang to be fed. He'd like to eat cat food like the rest and he does try but just can't manage it.

He's come out from under the table and has been much more sociable these last few days, cuddling up with all of us. He is so sweet, rubbing his face against mine. He used to like to kiss us but is unable to now.

On Wednesday, we took Sox to a third vet for another opinion. We actually liked this vet best of all. He was kind and gentle and although he confirmed the second doctor's opinion, he wasn't so quick to say "Put him down." He said pretty much what everyone's been advising--that Sox will let us know when it's time.

This vet gave us vitamins to put on Sox's gums to help him get the nutrients he's not getting since he can't or won't eat the cat food anymore. We took the vet's suggestion and tried pureeing the cat food and then pureeing it and mixing it with baby food but Sox rejected both of those. We'll keep trying. Next we'll soften up the dry food with water and then put it through the blender and make a gruel of it. I have a feeling Sox will reject that too. I'm not sure why because in the blender, we can get the food almost to the consistency of the baby food.

Meanwhile, since he can't groom himself now we'll keep giving him baths. To our great surprise, he really enjoys them! He especially likes being wrapped in towels and then a blanket and snuggling with us to stay warm.

We don't know how long he has but we will love him and make him as comfortable as we can while he's still with us.

Cats on Tuesday: Baby, it's cold outside!

It sure looks and feels like snow! The weatherperson swears up and down it's going to be warmer tomorrow but that the day after we might get snow. What is there to do on a cold miserable day like today? The cats say: take out advice, this is the best way to get through it!

Sox update: we're taking him for a second opinion tomorrow at 5:15. Please keep the prayers and purrayers coming!


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Small update on Sox

Thank you all so much for your kind words of support, I am truly overwhelmed!

TB and I decided we'll take Sox for another opinion. We get our Social Security in on Wednesday.

Meantime, Sox seems to have a little more energy and is certainly scarfing up the baby food! He definitely has appetite and is friendly and loving as always, even when we're giving him medicine.

Thanks again for all the purrayers, advice and best wishes! :)

Bad News About Sox

It all happened so fast, we are still reeling from shock. We had to go back to the vet yesterday because Sox needed two more blood tests...and then we had to wait because the doctor wanted to talk to us. I had a really bad feeling about it all.

Just a few weeks ago, I took this picture of the gang. Sox is in the front, in the blue collar, eating with his normal gusto.



The picture I posted of Sox and TB was taken about 3 or 4 weeks ago, when he was still a frequent visitor and cuddler.
I didn't think much of it when he stopped because he began cuddling with Heidi under a nice warm blanket and just assumed he preferred that in the winter coolness of the house to sitting with TB and me.

The girls began to say that Sox smelled and that he wasn't grooming himself. I noticed he was getting thinner and realized that although he was still showing up with the gang, he wasn't eating the dry food. He'd knocked over a pail of garbage and gotten chicken bones and I was worried he had one lodged somewhere in his mouth or throat. I watched him when he did try to eat and saw that he shook his head back and forth and was having trouble chewing and swallowing. So we took him to the vet.

The first vet said she saw an ulcer and a swollen tongue, gave us antibiotics and a pain medication and drew some blood to rule out a problem with kidneys or some other underlying condition.

It was that "underlying condition" that now had me worried.

Sure enough when the vet (a different one from the first doctor) came in to talk to us, she had dire news. She said she didn't see an ulcer but she did see a growth--a tumor--under Sox's tongue. Because of the location, she said we could try chemo but that it probably wouldn't do any good. Surgery is out of the question because it would mean removing his tongue.

"You're saying he's going to die?" I couldn't believe it. Not our dear, sweet little Sox!

"I'm saying we should help him get there," she answered. "He's suffering. He can't eat. He can't groom himself."

But after we'd seen the first vet, I'd gone out and bought baby food chicken and turkey plus all the soft cat food I thought he could handle. He had trouble with the cat food but was scarfing down the baby food.

While in the vet's office, he was as active and curious as he'd ever been, getting into everything.

It is true that at home he's taken to hiding away from all of us and only sits with Heidi when she pulls him out and wraps him in a blankie to sit on her lap. She's been giving him baths to help with the grooming issue and he's been great about it!

So we are all in shock. I think the vet would have been all ready to put Sox down then and there but we said no. We needed for the kids to be able to say goodbye--and WE needed to come to grips with all this. The doctor understood and handed me a box of tissues. I was crying like a baby.

TB thinks the second doctor is wrong. He says Sox is eating the baby food well and we should give him a chance. What if it is an infection and not a tumor? One of the blood tests they gave Sox (which got "blown out" by the tech, whatever that means, and had to be run again) shows he's not making any new red blood cells.



This video was taken in the last week or two. If you look really close you can see what I missed: the left side of Sox's face is a little swollen and so is his tongue.

Nobody wants Sox to suffer.

It's just not fair. Sox is such a sweet, gentle cat! We are all just torn apart.

God's Blessings

Not long after this picture was taken, I noticed Sox wasn't eating his dry food anymore although he was hungry. I bought some canned food and fed it to him and could see he was having trouble chewing and swallowing his food. We took him to the vet and discovered his tongue is swollen and he has a sore on the roof of his mouth.

Sox is always digging chicken bones out of the garbage. Lately we've been tying them all up in a smaller bag and disposing them so he can't get at them but we figure he may have gotten one that hurt his mouth...or it could be something more serious.

Many people in financial straits have had to give up their pets because they couldn't afford to care for them. We are almost at that point but with God's grace, we were able to get Sox the treatment he needed. We had $100 cash to pay for the office visit and medicine. The vet agreed to take a postdated check for the bloodwork (we get our social security next Wednesday). I was figuring out in my head which bill we could skip paying this month.

The first blessing was the medicine. One of the medicines Sox was prescribed had just expired. The doctor said it was still good and if we wanted it, she'd give it to us for free and so we agreed to take it. That left us with a balance of $182 and I wrote the post dated check.

When we got home, we found the second blessing. TB overpaid the union dues this year. Because he is disabled, he is only supposed to pay half of the dues. There was a check waiting for us for $174. I won't have to skip a bill.

We love our pets and won't give them up unless we run out of miracles.

We're praying Sox's mouth problem isn't something more serious.

Friday Sundries

Today, not only did Cubby and Sox allow me to take their picture, they actually looked at the camera! Jean and Matthew will enjoy this one. :)

Want more cat blogging? Check out Finally Friday and for all the latest, Blogging Cat Noos!

Today, TB and I took Little T for speech therapy again. We are in such awe of what the therapist can do with the little guy. He can make all of his vowel sounds with no problem and so the next step is working on the consonants. The therapist told me that he can put his tongue in place to make the "t" or "d" sound but apparently hasn't connected the concept of blowing air and making the sound at the same time. He'll get there, he's come so far!

Friday's Feast #196



Appetizer

When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?
Last month and it needs to be trimmed
Soup

Name one thing you miss about being a child. Spending quality time with my grandma

Salad

Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil. Olive oil

Main Course

If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why? I would choose Gaelic even though I understand it's not spoken much in Ireland. I'd like to learn it because it's related to my heritage

Dessert

Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be… in a cozy little cottage on the Delaware shore!

The Castle Personality Test

You are a bit tentative when it comes to new experiences. You have to push yourself to try new things, but once you do, you love the adventure. You like to think that people see you as dramatic and fascinating. You do your best to seem mysterious. You are a very realistic person. You see the world as it is, flaws and all. Right now, you feel like the whole world is open to you. You see lots of possibilities. Overall, your life is dramatic and unpredictable. You life in interesting times. You aren't optimistic about the future. You worry about what will happen to the world and if we'll be able to clean up the messes we've made.

The Castle Personality Test

Saturday Sundries: Picture Day!

Photo Hunt
Theme: Family
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Smiley Saturday


Two things that will make me smile: a cat to pet and a good book to read!



Saturday 9: You Wear It Well

1. What are your favorite shoes? I have a pair of sneakers I wear because they accommodate my brace. I've been wearing them almost every day and will probably need a new pair soon. :P

2. What does your favorite shirt or blouse look like? It's actually a holiday sweater that has pretty beads and cardinals embroidered on it

3. What does your favorite tee shirt say on it? It's a sweatshirt that says "Irish Grandma" and has the names of my grandchildren on it

4. Do you think you look better in casual or business attire? I feel better in casual; I look fine in either

5. What do you sleep in? a nightgown of some type

6. Do you wear expensive sneakers? Yes because they have to be specially fitted

7. What is your favorite hat? I like them all

8. Your preference for men: Boxers or briefs? Briefs

9. Your preference for women: Suits or dresses? Dresses

Saturday Social #29

Do you like to cook? What is your best dish?

I enjoy cooking more now that I have more time to devote to it. Everyone seems to enjoy what I make but I get the most compliments on this homemade shake-n-bake Maryland style chicken I fix.

The Saturday Special

~Words Ending in GHT ~ I Say You Answer~

1. Cry In The Night...you answer? call the cops

2. Tasty Delight...you answer? cheesecake

3. Bright Light...you answer? reading lamp

4. Air Tight...you answer? Tupperware

You Are 25% Witch

It's unlikely that you're a witch. At least, no one thinks you are. You may still be interested in witchcraft, but you're by no means a stereotypical witch. While you don't seem all that witchy, people may think you're a bit weird. You're definitely a little offbeat. No one really knows what to make of you sometimes.

Are You a Witch?

Sunday Sundries

Sox grumbles, Enough already with the flashy thing! Use one of the zoo pictures for Camera Critters already!



randomness...feed your mind and your blog



1. What's your favorite Halloween costume? Do you still dress up for Halloween?

I don't dress up anymore. My favorite costume was a little old lady when I was about 12. I looked convincing enough to be invited into people's houses and I thought that was pretty cool!

2. Pumpkin Carving, is it fun or overrated?

Very fun!

3. What's your fav Halloween treat?

the mini candy bars, especially Reese's!

4. Do you watch scary movies? If so, what are your favorites?

My favorites are Psycho and the originals of House on Haunted Hill and Invasion of the Body Snatchers

5. What's your favorite scary book? The Exorcist really creeped me out. The Stand was also pretty scary in parts

Sunday Seven

Name the top seven series finales listed that you actually watched as they first aired.

1. M*A*S*H
2. St. Elsewhere
3. Falcon Crest
4. Newhart Show
5. Hill Street Blues
6. That 70s Show
7. Everybody Loves Raymond



Sometimes I just need: a place to hide from stress

Sometimes I want: to play a board game with the kids

Sometimes I like to: veg out

Sometimes all it takes: is a hug

Sometimes I picture: a little cottage by the ocean

Sometimes I wish: TB and I lived in that cottage now

Sometimes I find: peace of mind

Sometimes I take: too much time to do things

Sometimes I look: unkempt

Sometimes I hate: small minded bickering

Sometimes it’s nice: to sit outside in the backyard

Sometimes it hurts: to think the kids have no health insurance

Sometimes it makes me happy: to watch TV with TB--it's the simple things that count

Sometimes it’s sad: to think about our financial situation

Sometimes I listen: to music for hours

Sometimes I sleep: way too much

Sometimes I like to watch: the news

Sometimes I feel: lost

Sometimes I rant: about our economy or the war

Sometimes I never: fail to cheer up

Sometimes I really: wish I'd write my story

You Are a Cat

You are very independent and reclusive. No one really understands you, and you like it that way! You are quite clever and ingenious. You can get yourself out of any sticky situation. You are confident and cool tempered. You know you have many advantages and resources to draw from. No matter what life throws at you, things always seem to work out your way.

What Animal Are You?

Finally Feline Friday: Cuddle Buddies

Although sometimes it seems that Cubby and Sox don't hang out much together while they're awake, we can usually find them snuggled up together when they're sleeping! All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwwww! :)


Want more cat blogging? Check out Finally Friday and for all the latest, Blogging Cat Noos!

Cats on Tuesday: The Gang

The gang hasn't been too cooperative at posing for pictures lately so I went back into my archives and found some nice dignified shots of them when they were still putting up with the "flashy" thing. I'm hunting for a good picture of Kosmo. Apparently, he was the first to become camera shy.

Cubby always looks like he's smiling!


Mouse looks like he's ready to go out on a dinner date!


It's hard to tell Mouse and Sox apart until you see their faces. Then you wonder how you couldn't tell the difference. Heidi came up with a new nickname for our Houdini--she calls him Sox-o-puss.

Amber is ever our elegant lady!

Want more cat blogging?

Be sure to check out Gattina's blog. Today is also Tuxie Tuesday and then there's Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest!

Finally Feline Friday: For Jean & Matthew

It wasn't too long ago that we were visited by Allison's relatives, Jean and Matthew--her mother and son. Allison was the original owner of Cubby and Sox and tragically passed away last Christmas Eve after a long battle with cancer. We know that Jean and Matthew enjoy seeing Cubby and Sox on the blog and recently, TB and I were able to get snaps of some more tender moments.



Although Cubby doesn't want to be picked up, he does love to be petted!


When I sit in a chair in the living room, Sox will curl up on one arm and just snuggle happily while I pet him. When I'm in the rocking chair, though, he prefers to sit behind me. I guess it's easier for him to balance himself that way. I make sure I don't rock too hard!

Want more cat blogging? Check out Finally Friday and for all the latest, Blogging Cat Noos!

Cats on Tuesday: Everything Is Much Better

Yesterday I made everything right for the cats. Don't they look content?



Check out the innocent expressions on Amber's and Cubby's faces. You'd never guess they're middle of the night menaces to sleep! Amber will walk on me until she finds a soft place to start kneading. I wake up to her kneading my tummy like it's bread dough. Then she'll quit and go to the foot of the bed to sleep. An hour later, she's at it again.


Cubby walks up my body and peers into my face to make sure it's really me. Then he walks back down, changes his mind about midway and walks back because he wants to be petted. So I give him a pet or two and he walks away...only to turn around and come back again. He'll do this all night long if I let him. After the third or fifth time, I can usually coax him out of the room and shut the door. He's always right there first thing in the morning! :)


Want more cat blogging?

Be sure to check out Gattina's blog. Today is also Tuxie Tuesday and then there's Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest!

The Cats Can Count!

The vet told us that we should feed the gang stinky goodness only twice a week. That's really tough when it's what they prefer above all else but we want to keep them healthy! I decided to feed them their favorite on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Today I forgot.




After I put the crunchy goodness down, they all gave me a very betrayed look and began circling again.


Kosmo even began rubbing against the door where the canned food is kept...and then I remembered. Sorry, guys!

Does this mean the gang can count the days between Wednesdays and Sundays? Does this qualify for one of those pet tricks featured on David Letterman?

Gump & Co. by Winston Groom

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved the movie "Forrest Gump" so when I saw this book at a library sale, I had to have it. It picks up where the movie left off but I have to say that the first book and the movie must have been quite different. For instance, Forrest's shrimp company apparently went bankrupt and he was left flat broke. His true love Jenny didn't die as she did in the movie although she was pretty quickly dispatched in this sequel. Forrest got into plenty of adventures in this book as well, including Iran-Contra, the first Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin War, and other historical events from the 1980s. Forrest even met Tom Hanks who suggested that a movie should be made from Forrest's life. Heh. It was an amusing book, very light and easy to read.


View all my reviews.