CJ, Part 3

Well, last night CJ experienced his first thunderstorm indoors. Poor guy, judging from his reaction he has been traumatized by them for years. But by the end he had figured out that he was safe inside the house.

He continues to be the consummate gentleman, treating the other cats with the utmost respect and politeness. He allows them to "count coup" without reacting. He sniffs noses, and allows the boys to invade his personal space without a hiss, spit or baring of teeth. He usually just walks away, which is the perfect way to diffuse the situation.

This morning he discovered the bed and the wonderful things called PILLOWS!!! He made himself quite comfortable and had a grand time purring and lounging. I tried to take a picture, but he moved when I brought out the phone.

Adventures of CJ, Part 2

After much deliberation, much pressure from my enabling friends and a phone conversation with Dr. Ledbury, I have decided to see if CJ would like to be an indoor cat.

Last night I let him venture out into the house for a few minutes. He did really great.

This morning he again ventured out with even more interesting results. He came into contact with each and every one of my cats this morning. Oddly enough, the girls really liked him. Lucy decided to hang out in the bathroom with him, Alex walked right next to him, Colette pushed him out of his food dish, and he allowed her to do so with gentlemanly grace. The boys were not so enamored, but not one time did he show aggression or concern. He ignored Bosco's "short man syndrome" posturing and indulgently allowed Henderson and Jacob to invade his personal space.

When it came time to leave for work I had to remove Lucy from the bathroom while she protested loudly. However, it is too soon in the integration process to allow them to remain together unsupervised.

All in all, the first two meetings have gone well. I am feeling quite optimistic.

Adventures of CJ

Last Tuesday I took CJ to the vet to FINALLY be neutered. He had to go a day early so they could make sure he didn't eat before his surgery the following day. And I decided to leave him an extra day so he could recuperate- with him being an outdoor cat and all.

Well, when I went to pick him up Thursday evening a bit of drama ensued. He had licked his incision on one side and caused himself some problems- things poking out that weren't supposed to, stuff like that. So, after some poking, gluing and placement of a collar, he was sent home with orders to stay INDOORS for 4-5 days. WHAT? I was pretty well stuck doing it, because leaving him at the vet was not an option- he absolutely WILL NOT EAT at the vet's office AND he can't eat wearing "the cone."

So, he has been inside my bathroom since Thursday night. Luckily, I was off this weekend and was able to go in every few hours and remove "the cone" so he could eat. He's gained weight and has been quite happy inside, which surprised me, and led to a monumental decision on my part (see Adventures of CJ, Part 2).

OCD- score a point for me!

Alex has a condition known as FORLs. It is where the body reabsorbs the teeth- and is very painful. We discovered this problem several years ago, and she had to have four teeth removed and the other teeth cleaned to try to delay it for the remaining teeth. At the time, they were uncertain as to what caused it and the only option was to remove the teeth.

When my cats reach 8 years old, I've made it a habit to take them in at the half-way mark between annual exams. Last year, Dr. Ledbury's office started a new protocol with complete blood work-up that you can have done at the annual exam. He told me that if the labwork came back normal and noone showed signs/symptoms of problems that I could feel comfortable about not bringing my "seniors" in for a six month check. I concurred and began that program this year with ALL the cats.

However, given that Alex has FORLs, my OCD required that I take her in for a six month tooth check anyway. She is the only one of my cats who will not allow me to inspect her teeth/gums routinely. Ironic, huh?

So, today I took her in for said tooth check, expecting to be in/out in a minute or so, but unfortunately she had three teeth showing early signs of FORLs. New research/protocol has shown that early detection (thank you, OCD), a steroid shot/round of antibiotics can actually halt if not REVERSE the FORLs, thus saving the teeth and preventing pain as well. We are hopeful that we caught it in time.

I am sorry that she has the flare-up, but thankful to God for my powerful sense of intuition with which he has gifted me, and thankful that I listened to it. Sometimes I doubt myself, because I worry that I am obsessive. But, Dr. Ledbury never makes fun of me and I think he is starting to be rather impressed by it. I'm usually dead spot on.

I'm grateful to have such a wonderful vet who works with me to take such good care of my animals. I certainly couldn't do this without him.

New fur (temporary) children

I met the newest (temporary) additions to the family Saturday, Ms. Dixie and Ms. Abby. They are very cute and very sweet and I am excited to be able to take care of them while their mommy goes out of the country for a few months.

I hope to have some interesting stories to share. Taking care of them will certainly be an educational experience for all of us. I can't wait to see what the cats do.

Buffy

Today is a sad day. My best friend's dog, Buffy, went to Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon. RIP Buffy, you were loved and you will be missed. Heaven has another furry angel.

Bosco

Today is Bosco's seventh birthday! Happy Birthday B-Man!

Supermomma

This morning I felt like Superwoman. Jacob came and got under the covers and slept beside me during the first round of storms. He's not been scared of them for quite some time, but this morning for some reason, he just seemed to need to be close to his momma.

I feel ten feet tall knowing that a little cat who survived Hurricane Katrina comes to me for protection/comfort/reassurance when he needs it. It melted my heart, that's for sure. Moments like that are what it's all about.

Fireworks

I just realized that this weekend none of my cats really seemed too upset by the fireworks. Jacob was the only one who appeared even slightly bothered. And actually, he ignored them after a few minutes.

THAT is true proof that he is a well adjusted happy little cat. THAT is proof that time and love can conquer just about anything.

Cute

This morning Jacob did something he's never done.

He stood next to me on the bed, screeching (well, that part is normal). I finally figured out what he wanted. I lifted the covers and he got under them, turned around, stuck his head out and went to sleep, purring the whole time.

Alex likes to sleep under the covers with me sometimes, but none of my other cats do.

It is just so fun for me to see him learn/do new things that "normal" cats do. It tells me that his little psyche has healed from his early life trauma and that he is a happy little boy.

Getting better

Well, this morning CJ threw a bit of a temper tantrum about his medicine. I figured that would happen. Yesterday was easy, as I had the element of surprise on my side. This morning though? He was feeling better, so...

Punishment is over

Well, there are good things to report!

Dr. Ledbury called me last night (7 p.m. bless his heart) to tell me that CJ's blood work was great! Said he thought I'd rather know sooner than later that he was also clear for leukemia/FIV, which he was concerned about, given that CJ is an outdoor cat.

Then, this morning my CJ man was waiting on me like normal and he looked like he felt much better! He took his first dose of medicine like a trooper (even though he wasn't happy about it) and we shared petties and I told him about his labwork.

The only thing he did differently was to run under the tree and hide from me right before I got in the car to leave. I think he was worried that I was going to take him to the bad place again.

How well I know my cats...

Well, as predicted, I was "punished" this morning. No CJ.

Yesterday afternoon when I went to pick him up, it was heart wrenching. When they brought him out to me, he was so incredibly stressed. He had refused to eat all day. He was visibly upset- shaking, eyes dilated and looking around like he was in the cross hairs...

We got home and I took the carrier on the porch to let him out. It was so funny (yet sad) to watch him. He couldn't believe he was home. He ate his snacks, his canned food, and some of his beloved Kit and Kaboodle. He walked all around the yard, purring, sniffing and marking territory. He rubbed against me and happily meowed. I stayed outside with him probably 30 minutes, only going in once for something, because he stood outside the door and yowled for me to come back out.

When I finally did go inside, I checked on him through the window several times and saw him happily surveying his kingdom from his shaded spot under the truck.

Like I expected, he was not outside this morning. I will most likely see him this evening or tomorrow morning. After all, he had to show me who's in charge.

CJ

Well, today I had to take CJ to the vet. He's been heavily fighting (and I know who the culprit is) and got hurt pretty badly yesterday. Luckily, he showed up this morning and I got him in the car/carrier with no problem. I was worried about that, as I have never been able to do more than hold him for a minute or two if he is in a good mood. Mind you, he's not mean/feral, just not totally tame, either.

He was an absolute angel at the vet's office- in fact, he behaved better than most of my cats! Maybe he really did understand the talk I had with him. I told him that I knew he really wasn't a "people" cat, but that all the folks at Dr. Ledbury's office loved kitties and everything they would be doing was to help him feel better.

We've done blood work, treated him for hookworms, he's had an antibiotic shot and vaccinations. I left him there until this afternoon, as all that medicine might make him feel a little under the weather for awhile. I had taken some food with me, just in case I did have to leave him. I thought that way he could get some rest without having to worry about being bothered. Hopefully, he will forgive me for "tormenting" him and we can return to our normal routine. But, I am also prepared for him to be angry with me.

I also showed Dr. Ledbury my newest Jacob pictures- which made him laugh. I'll post in another entry.

Power of love

Last night, after I had gone to bed, I heard a cat being sick (hairball) and got up to check on who it was, though I already had a good idea. Henderson is having a problem with hairballs lately- I think he grooms Jacob and Bosco, in addition to himself.

Anyway, it WAS Hendi I found in the hall. I got down on the floor to make sure he was okay. Jacob, the terror who used to try to KILL (literally) the other cats, had gotten out of bed when I did and also helped me check on his brother. He gently sniffed his face and licked his ears. It was so sweet.

It is proof that love is all powerful. It took a wild cat with violent tendencies and turned him into a loving boy, who worries about his siblings.

While I'm asleep...

Last night the itching from my poison ivy kept me up until 3 a.m. (in spite of the danged steroid shot and anti-itch cream).

It was interesting to see the various combination of cats change at different times during the night. I can only wonder if that happens every night without my knowledge. Relationships that do not exist in the daytime apparently change after I retire for the evening.

I began my attempt at slumber with Colette on my head, Henderson by my side, and Jacob on my feet. Later, Alex replaced Henderson, which was interesting, because she and Jacob do not like to be near each other (they are the two alphas- Alex the household/female alpha and Jacob the male alpha who wants to also be the household alpha, but has not been dumb enough to fully challenge her because he would get hurt). Later, Sally and Bosco replaced Jacob. Eventually noone was on the bed with me until 6:30 when Henderson acted as my alarm clock- by standing on my bladder- a definite way to wake me up!

Jacob helped pack my lunch...

... today, or maybe the correct term would be UNpack.

I had put my "Fast Frank" hot dog in my bag and was going through my final preparations to leave this morning when he stuck his head in my lunch bag, pulled the hot dog out, and started to run away!

He is such a stinker. And this reminded me of something Thistle did once. Scott and I were sitting on the floor at the coffee table eating dinner one night (hot dogs) when Thistle snuck up and grabbed his hot dog out of the bun and started eating it. Neither one of us saw her do it- it was a stealth attack.

I like to see him act like a normal mischevious little cat, with no other cares in the world. He had such a smile on his face- until I took the hot dog away.

While I was gone...

... the cats took turns hiding from their Mee-Maw Pat, making her frantically search the whole house for them every day.

Lucy hid from her yesterday morning, and I got to entertain all my fellow airline passengers when I was giving mom tips on how to entice her out of her hiding spot (which I can't ever find myself). The people sitting around me must have been fellow cat lovers, because they really chuckled.

Last night I think they all took turns sleeping on my head. And Jacob spent the night energetically pulling books and screeching.

Then the usual concerto began at 6 a.m.- the one that is made of up eight cat voices yowling for me to get up and fill food/water bowls- even though they are nowhere near empty. It always amuses me as well to be escorted by eight cats from the bedroom to the kitchen.

I think they missed me.

Alex

Today is my Sweetie girl's birthday! She's nine years old. Seems like only yesterday that I was holding her in my hand and bottle feeding her.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Adventures of a baby grackle

We have a nest of baby grackles in the corner of the warehouse. Monday morning the guys came in and told me that one of the babies had fallen out onto the floor of the warehouse. I called the bird rescue lady here in Memphis and she told me to just put him back in the nest.

I have vertigo, but I had my brother run me up on the forklift to replace him, as none of the "men" were wiling to do it but my 71-year-old father! The nest is probably at least 25 ft. high. We also put soft cushiony material under the nest just in case he fell again.

The bird stayed in the nest until Wednesday morning, when I found him again on the floor. He was noticeably bigger, and he obviously recognized me, as he never tried to peck me and he looked at me with an expression like, "oh, hey, how ya doin'?" We put him back. That same afternoon, I had already left for the day when my brother called and said, "come back, your bird fell again." SIGH. This time, I put him back up there and attempted to barricade the nest with a box.

This morning? When I came in and went out to check on things? There he was again! Even bigger and still looking at me with that same cute expression. Not knowing how long he had been down there, I fed him some cat food, as the bird people said I could. When the guys came in, they again ran me to the top of the warehouse. This time, however, I put up a barricade of THREE boxes, duct tape, etc. and there is practically no way he can escape. If he does? Well, then he will have obviously wanted to commit suicide.

He is really cute. Never bit me. Had the good manners to never poop on me, either. What a gentleman.

What I learned is that the "you can't return them to the nest if they fall" sentiment is an old wive's tale. You can. Birds reportedly have a bad sense of smell and will welcome their offspring back. You also have to keep them warm until you return them to the nest. I held my little grackle buddy (aka Bubblebutt) in my hand against my chest.

God bless the animals.

Colette

This morning I was trying to clean a spot on Colette's chin- not hurting her, of course.

She got mad at me and showed my face a CLAW SANDWICH (to borrow a phrase from my friend). Luckily, she only drew blood from one tiny spot. And luckily, I love her.

These cats.

I held her two front paws in my hand, and proceeded to finish cleaning her chin. She growled and growled, but I was absolutely not going to let her think that she was in charge.

Pancho loves Chloe!!!

Well, yesterday Chloe moved in with Pancho.

I put their cages side by side yesterday morning. Pancho started singing to Chloe and they tried to get closer to each other. So, I took that as a sign that they liked each other and decided to put them in the same cage. That was an interesting event.

My bird cage is really big and sits up really high, so I had to pull a chair up to the front of it in order to put Chloe in there with Pancho. I got Chloe out of her little cage first, and she started screaming because she didn't like the fact that I was holding her, not letting her sit on my finger. I couldn't do that, as the cats were out and the ceiling fan was going. So... as soon as she started screaming, Pancho rushed to the front of his cage to defend her- he began screeching at me and wouldn't move to the back of the cage so I could open the door.

Picture this- I'm on a chair, holding Chloe against my chest with my left hand, I'm trying to open the cage door with my right, and I'm pushing Jacob off the chair with my foot. It was funny.

I finally managed to get the door open and tried to get Pancho to move to the side and he BIT me. It didn't hurt, but I was very surprised, because he's never bitten me before- he's too sweet. That is how upset he was about Chloe screaming, I guess.

Well, I finally got Chloe in the cage with Pancho. He spent the rest of the day singing to her, fluffing his feathers, and preening- all trying to impress her. What did Chloe do? She ate- ALL DAY, and played it coy by ignoring him for the most part. But she does like him. They shared a seed stick.

This morning, Pancho woke me up early- singing to Chloe. He's trying really hard to woo her.

But what was sweetest? That a little bitty raggedy bird man would come to the rescue of his newest little girl companion. He is so sweet. And gallant. And brave. I love Pancho.

Chloe has given him a new lease on life- that's for sure. He was so active yesterday! It was really good to see him so happy. Thank you Karen! Your gift of love has meant the world to Pancho and you saved his life; he was sadder than I thought.

New Jacob picture

Jacob's reading program

This is the sight that greets me every morning. Have I mentioned that it is RIGHT BY MY SIDE OF THE BED???

Who needs an alarm clock when you have Jacob working on his reading comprehension skills every morning and Henderson standing on your bladder?

Pancho and Mae

I didn't realize until Ticturd died, just how attached I was to him. I missed having a bird to wake me with singing in the mornings so much. I put Ticturd's picture in his cage and continued to cover/uncover it- like he was still there. That's kinda weird, I know, but it was part of my grieving process. I left Thistle's bowls/etc. out for weeks after she died- I just wasn't ready to get rid of them.

Anyway, about a week after Ticturd died, I got a call from my (then) bird vet. I had called his office and told them that I wanted another bird, and if they knew of anyone who needed a home for one to let me know. I also said that a "special needs" bird was fine.

He had a client with a pair of birds, six years old, who were becoming "too much" for them to keep up with. The girl bird had been allowed to breed so many times that she had bad "female" problems because of it. Her little bird uterus would prolapse every time she laid another egg- and the eggs themselves didn't help, they were soft/malformed because she was malnourished/over-bred, and that made it much more difficult/painful/physically traumatic for her to lay them.

I said that I would take them. We put Mae on "birdie depo provera" to prevent her from laying eggs, but you couldn't keep her on it for more than a month or so at a time. As soon as she stopped taking it, she would lay an egg, have to have surgery to reposition her cloaca (uterus) and the whole problem would start all over again.

Well, Mae was not with us for long after I got her. She had just had surgery when I brought her home, we did the birdie depo for awhile, and soon laid another egg with complications and therefore more surgery. I brought her home on a Saturday morning and when I came home from work that night she was gone.

Pancho almost broke my heart. He sang and sang, trying to get her to get up off the floor of the cage. I hate to think of how many hours he may have tried to do this while I was gone. We both cried for days. I slept on the couch so I could be with him and comfort him during the night when he would cry. For quite a few days, I thought I was going to lose him too, as he was obviously heart broken. They had been together since they were babies. If you took one to the vet you had to take them both, as they could not bear to be apart. Pancho and Mae were very much in love. They groomed each other, and little Pancho was quite henpecked. He was bald for YEARS because Mae would pull all his head feathers out. I don't know why she did it or why he let her. But, their relationship was very sweet to witness.

Luckily, though? I had a friend who bird sat for people who bred birds, and they were looking for a good home for all of theirs, as they were going to be moving and couldn't take the birds with them. But that's a story for another day- about Clarabelle.

The first night

This is Ms. Chloe. Isn't she beautiful?

Thank you, to Karen, for allowing me to bring this lovely girl into my home. Pancho was SO excited. They aren't sharing a cage yet, but they sang to each other for several hours last night! It was noisy, but music to my ears.

We had her checked out at Dr. Ledbury's office- where a mishap occured. Chloe flew into the window in the exam room and banged her nose. She's fine now, just a bruise, but I freaked out! I couldn't stand the thought of losing two girls in one week. Poor Dr. Ledbury- he's not used to me getting freaked out! I may shed a few tears depending on the situation, but I always stay calm, my animals need me to. And even though we delayed the trip last week? Chloe laid another egg while we were in the waiting room- and we didn't even know it! What a trooper.

She's a sweet sweet little girl, and I look forward to having many happy years with Ms. Chloe. She has saved Pancho's life, that's for sure. He woke me up early this morning and started singing to Chloe, but she was too busy eating to respond to him. I'm glad to see her eating- after laying eggs it is important that she replenish.

Thank you again to Karen, for being Pancho's angel and sharing your beautiful girl.

Chloe

Today I'm hopefully bringing Chloe home.

She appears to be done laying eggs, so it is safe to move her.

Her cage is ready for her arrival and Dr. Ledbury is going to check her out for me.

Update tomorrow!

Ticturd

I got my first cockatiel years ago, when I still worked at Wal-Mart.

I was eating lunch at the snack bar with the guy who managed the pet department when he said, "Oh no! Not again!" A lady he recognized had come in and headed to the service desk. She was returning a bird that she had only had a few days.

Curious, I followed him to the pet department and heard the story that started my love affair with cockatiels. This little bird was bought three different times in as many weeks and returned- each and every time. They said he was mean. One lady popped him against the wall when he bit her. Can you imagine doing that to a little animal that didn't even weigh a pound? I was indignant.

As fate would have it, I had just gotten my Christmas bonus that very day- all of $50. Guess what I spent it on? You guessed it. A bird cage, supplies and one unloved/misunderstood cockatiel. I knew my parents would have a fit over me bringing it home, so I concocted a story. I told my family that I was keeping it for a few weeks for a friend, as she bought it for her sister's Christmas present. I later confessed- once I knew the rest of the family loved him too.

Well, Ticturd (as he later came to be named) stayed in the kitchen for several days. He silently circled the cage by the hour- around and around and around. Noone in the family bothered him- we all agreed he needed his space- and I was the only one who dared open the cage door to give him food/water. Mom bought a book about cockatiels, though, as she has a soft spot for animals too.

Finally, after about a week? He started making a strange noise. We all gathered around, worried that something was wrong with him, as he had never even whistled. He just constantly circled and circled the cage. After a few minutes, I realized that he was singing! What beautiful songs this bird sang!

Anyway- it took me a year to teach the little guy not to bite. He never got over his fear of women, including me. He learned that I would not hurt him, but he never fully overcame the trauma of his life before me. He LOVED my father, though. He would let Dad handle him without fear. Obviously it was women who had traumatized him.

He love listening to basketball games. I would play them on the tv/radio for him. He liked country music, too. He had a happy life with me for several years.

Sadly, I lost Ticturd the day I took him to the vet (NOT Dr. Ledbury or anyone at Hillcrest) for a beak trim. The doctor killed him- he had a heart attack because she wouldn't stop when I told her to. I knew she was scaring him and told her to stop for a minute so we could let him calm down.

His body is buried in my backyard, in a silk lined box with his favorite toys. But his spirit soars through Heaven where nothing can ever scare him again. And he sings with the angels!

Loved ones in Heaven

When I see the sun's rays shining through the clouds, it reminds me of my loved ones looking down on me from Heaven. I always think of Joanie (my mother's best friend killed by a drunk driver) and Thistle looking down on me.

They were friends here on earth, and I KNOW they are in Heaven watching out for me.

Thistle Day

Thistle was our last family pet. We had her 16 years. When the family split up and went their different ways due to divorce, marriage, and various other life events- she went with me. Thistle and I had a special bond- we were soul sisters.

I lost her nine years ago tomorrow (April 16, 2000). Rather than let the day be one of sadness, I have chosen to honor her memory and celebrate her life annually by doing good things. I have planted trees in her honor. I take a candy basket/home baked goodies to my vet's office. My cats and I share the shrimp in Chang's House shrimp fried rice on this day- that was Thistle's most favorite food in the world. I buy everyone toys/treats, including the birds.

I still miss her every single day. But time heals and the pain is not as fresh as it once was. And this annual celebration of her life has helped. It brings me joy to do good things in her name.

It is fitting that I will be bringing a new addition into my home tomorrow. Ms. Chloe will help ease Pancho's pain caused by the loss of Ms. Clarabelle. I can think of no greater tribute to Thistle.

Chloe

Monday afternoon, I was contacted by a lady named Karen. She has a female cockatiel that she would like to find a good home for.

I will be picking her up tomorrow. We are meeting at Hillcrest (my vet's office) in Bartlett. That was a central location for us both and I can also let Dr. Ledbury check her out for me. He doesn't really treat birds, but for me? He'll do it.

God answered the prayers for Pancho. He's doing okay, but I know he'll be happier when he has a companion.

It's also very sweet that I will be getting Ms. Chloe on Thistle Day. I'll post about that later today.

Clarabelle

I am saddened to write that Ms. Clarabelle (seen on the right) passed away last night. I am searching for a new girl bird to be a companion to Pancho (seen on the left). He is in mourning, and I don't dare let him be alone too long. I will be posting stories about my bird babies in the days to come.

Gunner

This post will have nothing to do with my cats/birds, but needs to be posted anyway.

Thirty-two humans and one K-9 officer were honored Tuesday at the Memphis Police Department's annual commendation ceremony.

The most-anticipated entrance took the stage on four legs.

K-9 Gunner and his handler, officer Roosevelt Twilley, responded to a call Jan. 21 to search for an armed burglar in Overton Park. The team spotted the suspect, who ran away. Gunner chased the man and knocked him down.

The suspect stabbed Gunner 10 times, but the 5-year-old German shepherd continued to hold him until Twilley arrived.

Even with his injuries, Gunner went after the suspect a second time when he resisted arrest.

Gunner yawned while Birch told of his heroics. He then held up his paw to shake his partner's hand.

Gunner received a combat award for his bravery and for holding a suspect despite being stabbed over ten times.

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of meeting Gunner and Officer Twilley in person Saturday evening, April 4th. They are wonderful representatives of our local law enforcement! Gunner rocks!

Is he not handsome, my CJ man?

My sweet boys

Yesterday morning I was getting ready for work. All of a sudden, Alex screamed, which made me scream, which upset everyone.

What happened? Bosco "charged" Alex for no reason (which she hates) and made her mad.

Henderson and Jacob, instead of running away, like everyone usually does when they are frightened, came over to check on Alex and make sure she was okay. Henderson got a swat in the face for his troubles.

Isn't that sweet, though? They were worried about their sister, in spite of the fact that she beats them up every morning when they dare to get in her way at the food bowl.

Henderson, the bad boy

This morning I was fixing my sandwich to take to work.

I decided to break the rules and give everyone a little piece of lunch meat. Well, I had a little piece left over and decided to take it outside to CJ.

When I came back in, guess who was on the counter helping himself to my sandwich? Henderson. I don't know what I was thinking- not putting stuff away before I went out. It's not like it's a surprise that he was up there. I can't EVER do anything in the kitchen without having to physically remove him from the counter at LEAST three times.

Does my sandwich have hair on it? Yes, yes it does. Am I eating it anyway? Yes, yes I am. Do I care? No, no I don't.

Was I surprised to find a prize on the floor a few minutes later (comprised of chicken lunch meat)? No, no I wasn't.

New Jacob story

Jacob has a new trick.

In the mornings, if I don't get up early/fast enough to suit him, he has started pulling the books out of my bookshelf and throwing them on the floor. (Picture him digging in my bookshelf like a dog digging for a bone.)

He will then stop for a moment, look at me, screech, and continue if I ignore him.

Well, I ignored him one time too often and the other day I heard, "rip, rip!" You know that got my attention. He was pulling pages out of my books with his teeth!

I can't get angry with him.

My vet heard this story yesterday and just laughed and laughed. No matter WHAT Jacob does, Dr. Ledbury always takes his side. Hmmpphhh...

CJ

This little guy showed up at my house the spring after I brought Sally and Sammie in my house. I have a suspicion that it was him that kept beating Sammie up.

I've tried not to love him, but have miserably failed. I finally gave him a name, CJ. One day a guy I work with came to my house to help me trim some hedges/do other yard work, and CJ hissed at him when he saw him. Now CJ liked my mother and my neighbors, but not Cory for some reason. So, I named him Cory, Jr. or CJ for short.

This little guy loves to help me when I work in the yard. He greets me every morning/evening. I have the heated cat pad on the porch for him. I've got to get him neutered- soon.

He disappears every now and then, sometimes for a day, sometimes more. But last week he was gone for a week. I even went to MAS to look for him. My brother went with me for moral support. We saw the sign that said you have to pay $80 to "spring" a lost pet from the "joint." My brother asked me if I would have paid it, to which I replied, "yeah, I would have." He laughed and said, "well, you can deny it all you want, but he's your cat."

I guess he is. I was so relieved to see him yesterday morning. I ran outside and picked him up and hugged him. He played it cool, and after tolerating me fussing over him for a minute, demanded to be put back down so he could continue eating his breakfast.

SIGH- these cats. How boring my life would be without them.

Sammie

Within a few months of Mr. Buddy's disappearance, a new man came into my life- Sammie, or SamWise Gamgee, or Gammie, or Gam Gam.

He is obviously a relative of Buddy, going by his markings. There is a whole colony of cats in my neighborhood. Sigh. I've "fixed" a few, but still have a long way to go.

Anyway, he took up residence with Sally on the porch. He is truly a sweet little guy. During the summer, he got deathly ill, and I took him to the vet. He had a parasitic infection and could have died. After getting him treated, he began to gain weight and look gorgeous.

I took him in to have him neutered. After that, he got in about three fights with other cats, which resulted in vet visits, medication, etc. (He's not a good fighter.)

The night Sally got run off the porch, he did too. So, I brought him in as well. His integration has not gone as smoothly as Sally's. He's still in the office where Jacob lived for so long. He was able to be left out unsupervised for awhile, but one day he started fighting viciously with my boys, especially Jacob, so that is why he's still on supervised sojourns into the household only.

He follows me around like a puppy, literally. He sticks his tongue out and drools on me when he purrs.

The last few weeks he's been able to stay out for quite awhile and we've had no altercations. He's learning to just walk past the other cats in a non-confrontational way. So, I have hope that he's close to being able to come out full-time again. If he will quit fighting with Jacob it will happen sooner. Jacob tears him up- Sammie has a couple of scars on his nose. My little New Orleans kitty "don't play."

I haven't 'fessed up to Dr. Ledbury about bringing those two cats indoors, and it's been over a year. I think he's figured it out, but we don't acknowledge THAT elephant in the room. We had agreed that I would stop at SIX.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA....

On a serious note? I'm done with eight. I truly cringe at the thought of bringing any more in the house. I wouldn't change a thing, but some days I do feel like all I do is scoop poop, fill food/water bowls, and pet cats. I think I even pet them in my sleep.

I'm not complaining though!