You know, Bear is a really handsome guy. I wonder if our children will be this gorgeous?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Llana Update
First thing: I FINALLY GOT MY NEW SITE UP AND RUNNING! I'm so excited. It's not *exactly* how I want it, but it looks a heck of alot better! Sweet!
Llana is doing soooo much better. Still sneezing, but it's not as bloody, and she is barely coughing now. I talked to Dr. Stull who generously donates some of his time to the AWA and he agrees with me ten fold that as long as Llana is happy and not extremely symptomatic that we are doing the right thing. We are going to retest her for FeLV, as he confirmed that the test is often not reliable. He is also going to bring in some Interferon for us to give her. This medication has shown alot of promise with helping cats with her diseases.
Here is a picture of her in her new favorite place, which is right next to (if not on top of) the air conditioning vent. I couldn't figure out why it was so incredibly hot in our room the other day, and don't you know there she is, right on top of it. What a goof. Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for when we retest her. Getting rid of that FeLV diagnosis would really improve her prognosis.
Llana is doing soooo much better. Still sneezing, but it's not as bloody, and she is barely coughing now. I talked to Dr. Stull who generously donates some of his time to the AWA and he agrees with me ten fold that as long as Llana is happy and not extremely symptomatic that we are doing the right thing. We are going to retest her for FeLV, as he confirmed that the test is often not reliable. He is also going to bring in some Interferon for us to give her. This medication has shown alot of promise with helping cats with her diseases.
Here is a picture of her in her new favorite place, which is right next to (if not on top of) the air conditioning vent. I couldn't figure out why it was so incredibly hot in our room the other day, and don't you know there she is, right on top of it. What a goof. Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for when we retest her. Getting rid of that FeLV diagnosis would really improve her prognosis.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Ms Mocha, more than a bag of bones.
This is Mocha. She is less than one year old and looks like this. I don't know her whole story because she came from another shelter, but I do know that she is like this because someone didn't take proper care of her. I wanted to take her home and cuddle with her. She deserves it. Those eyes only show half of how sweet she is.
This beautiful girl is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare Associaton
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Dose of Cuteness
Poochie is currently up for adoption at the Animal Welfare Association. This cutie shouldn't last long!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Weird
So this is just another example of how weird things always happen to me:
I'm at my 9-5 when someone starts screaming. Now I work at a bank so someone screaming is never a good thing. I go running and what do I find? A baby bunny. They thought it was a rat.
He was just chillin on the top of the stairs looking at us like "What?" So I chased him down, which took forever, and called the Wildlife Rehabilitator in my area.
She thought I was out of my mind. She goes "So wait... you found a baby bunny. In a bank?"
I hope your in much greener pastures than this asphalt wonderland little guy.
I'm at my 9-5 when someone starts screaming. Now I work at a bank so someone screaming is never a good thing. I go running and what do I find? A baby bunny. They thought it was a rat.
He was just chillin on the top of the stairs looking at us like "What?" So I chased him down, which took forever, and called the Wildlife Rehabilitator in my area.
She thought I was out of my mind. She goes "So wait... you found a baby bunny. In a bank?"
I hope your in much greener pastures than this asphalt wonderland little guy.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Llana update
Well, Llana seems to be steadily improving. Knock on wood, she didn't cough at all yesterday. There was some coughing last night, but maybe it's just like humans; it settles in your chest at night and makes it harder. She seems to be sneezing alot (really chunky ones that she likes to aim right at my walls and entertainment center; aren't you glad I shared?) but I think that it's a sign she's getting all of that gunk out of her. She's brighter and more active, and seems happy. She seems to be a very lazy girl, and has no interest in toys, but maybe that will change once she's feeling 100 percent.
One of her other favorite activities besides laying on the bed is laying on the windowsill (are you seeing a trend here?). I think I'm going to have to invest on one of those windowsill perches so she isn't hanging off. I also would looove to get one of these to hang on my closet door. How cool is this? We've also invested in some claw covers (great humane alternative to declawing, http://www.softpaws.com/) because she's smacked Bear around a few times, and I'm terrified she'll catch him in the eye. Looks like she has tips doesn't it? She has clear on right now, because that's all they had for the store brand, but I'm going to get her red for next time. I put them on my mom in law's cat Sophie (Satan Kitty, take that Rena!) and man was that an experience. She howled and tried to take a chunk out of me the whole time like I was killing her. She's forgotten they're there already, and the furniture is much safer. Llana just sat there and looked at me.
She's a BIG kneader. She loves to lay on our chests and knead right below our neck. The only problem is she doesn't tend to know it's bed time. I woke up at about 3:00am the other night to her kneading the back of my head.
I've run across a few sites that suggest high protein diets are helpful to FIV+ cats and have put her on a high protein food from Blue Buffalo (awesome holistic food) called the Wilderness formula. She eats it like a champ and I think I'm seeing an improvement since we switched. The wet food stiiiiinks though, but it is literally straight up seafood in a can so no wonder. Gag. I looked into a raw diet for all of 10 minutes before I realized my vegetarian self was never going to make it through that process.
Here's a picture of her in her favorite spot. Not a bad improvement from last week.
One of her other favorite activities besides laying on the bed is laying on the windowsill (are you seeing a trend here?). I think I'm going to have to invest on one of those windowsill perches so she isn't hanging off. I also would looove to get one of these to hang on my closet door. How cool is this? We've also invested in some claw covers (great humane alternative to declawing, http://www.softpaws.com/) because she's smacked Bear around a few times, and I'm terrified she'll catch him in the eye. Looks like she has tips doesn't it? She has clear on right now, because that's all they had for the store brand, but I'm going to get her red for next time. I put them on my mom in law's cat Sophie (Satan Kitty, take that Rena!) and man was that an experience. She howled and tried to take a chunk out of me the whole time like I was killing her. She's forgotten they're there already, and the furniture is much safer. Llana just sat there and looked at me.
She's a BIG kneader. She loves to lay on our chests and knead right below our neck. The only problem is she doesn't tend to know it's bed time. I woke up at about 3:00am the other night to her kneading the back of my head.
I've run across a few sites that suggest high protein diets are helpful to FIV+ cats and have put her on a high protein food from Blue Buffalo (awesome holistic food) called the Wilderness formula. She eats it like a champ and I think I'm seeing an improvement since we switched. The wet food stiiiiinks though, but it is literally straight up seafood in a can so no wonder. Gag. I looked into a raw diet for all of 10 minutes before I realized my vegetarian self was never going to make it through that process.
Here's a picture of her in her favorite spot. Not a bad improvement from last week.
Tumbles
We took Bear swimming for the first time this year. To say the least he was thrilled. There is a beautiful park about 20 minutes from us called Freedom Park (in Medford for any of you Jersey people looking for a sweet DP). It has huge open fields for the dogs to run in and a creek that you can walk along and the dogs can swim in. Bear takes advantage of the creek more than anything else. What usually happens is as soon as we let him off leash at the entrance he takes off running to the path through the woods. We'll get halfway across the field when we hear a huge splash. He then will come running back out, soaking wet, so he can show us how proud he is of himself. We don't typically know anyone at this park because we aren't there often, but did see one Dog Mommy who had six (I'm pretty sure it was six) dogs, two of which were three legged. One of her super cuties is pictured above. Carl smirked at me and said "yeah, that's us in five years." At least he knows there's nothing he can do about it right?Now I was sitting on a ledge that overlooks the creek for the first 20 or so minutes. Then I got this really bright idea that I needed to go down to the creek bank so I could get a better view. I was kind of out of it (at least that's my excuse) and decided that instead of getting up and walking down the really easy incline about 15 feet away, I was going to climb down the steep incline in front of me. Now, the *wet* dogs run up and down this constantly so it's really muddy + I'm in flip flops. I think you know where this is going.
This is how Carl retells this story: All I heard was EEEP and turned to see you sliding down in the mud right towards the water. Your right arm was stretched to the max above your head so your camera wasn't in the line of fire. (this story is usually followed by alot of laughter, and has been told multiple times to embarrass me.)
Do you think the jerk came over to help me? No, he couldn't stop laughing long enough. I just stood in the creek for the rest of the time we were there. I figured I was wet anyway.
The picture below, of the border collie in almost parallel position, is the incline I slid down. Cute, huh? Let me tell you what, I didn't care what happened, my camera was NOT hitting that mud/water.
Well I'm off to bed. Actually to lay in bed, because it is entirely too hot in our room for any normal human being to sleep. Ugh. Look for an update on Llana tomorrow. No worries, it's good news.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Final kitten update
It is with a heavy heart that I have to post an update like this. Yesterday afternoon, after a two day battle, we let the kittens go. We tried everything... I was bottle feeding them every three hours, they were on medication, had their own heating pad. It was when the wonderful Dr. Corbett at the AWA said we could keep trying fluids with them that I knew we had to let them go. I heard the kittens the first time they received fluids, and couldn't continually put them through that with the odds stacked against them in such a way.
What I hadn't posted was that Llana (mama cat) had posted positive for both FIV and FeLV. Both are immune deficiency disorders that are transmitted from cat to cat. We found this out on Tuesday when she seemed to be getting worse. I knew in my gut something was wrong, but didn't expect such a blow. Odds are that the kittens had at least one, if not both of these diseases. Most kittens do not survive that diagnosis.
We are working on getting Mama cat well now. Getting her over this URI is going to be the major step on the ladder. Adult cats with these diagnosis can often live a fairly normal life for at least a couple of years. Dr. Corbett has allowed me to keep working with her despite the diagnosis. Most shelters would have euthanized on spot. As long as we can get her over her current URI we are going to keep her. Carl and I agree that she deserves a chance, a life in a home, love, and comfort. You can read more about FIV here and FeLV here.
I try to keep my strong points of view about animal care and rescue, etc, from this blog but please. Learn from what I have just seen. While this was not my unspayed, free roaming cat, it was heartbreak just the same. Spay/Neuter your animal. Keep your cats inside. Llana was someone's pet once, she had to be. Feral cats as a rule do not sit in your lap, purr, and rub their face against yours. My thoughts are she was tossed outside like trash, but any cat that roams outside, whether it be at night only or not, is much more susceptible to these diseases. All it takes is one bad fight and your cat could be exposed. Spay and neuter, because there are enough animals dying every day. It also makes for a much healthier pet. I just spoke to a woman who's 9 year old dog succumbed to pyometra, which is a serious infection of the uterus. She said the one thing she regrets most is never spaying her beloved pet. If she had, it never would have happened, but she always thought about breeding her, and then once she got too old to breed, she just never got around to it.
I also wanted to share the one thing that got me through the day yesterday. I often cruise other blogs throughout the day and happened across the most inspiring one I have ever seen. She is 22 years old and has brick by brick built a children's home for children in Nepal. She currently has 20+ children with her in Kopila Valley Children's Home, and has helped 60+ more children get enrolled in school. The home she has for these beautiful children is amazing, but hasn't come without a struggle. Read her blog here. I spent every spare minute I had yesterday (at work, hah) reading as much as I could. On one of her pages she says "We are all truly limitless."
I'm going to relax with my furbabies and try to eventually get out in the weather. It looks beautiful out.
What I hadn't posted was that Llana (mama cat) had posted positive for both FIV and FeLV. Both are immune deficiency disorders that are transmitted from cat to cat. We found this out on Tuesday when she seemed to be getting worse. I knew in my gut something was wrong, but didn't expect such a blow. Odds are that the kittens had at least one, if not both of these diseases. Most kittens do not survive that diagnosis.
We are working on getting Mama cat well now. Getting her over this URI is going to be the major step on the ladder. Adult cats with these diagnosis can often live a fairly normal life for at least a couple of years. Dr. Corbett has allowed me to keep working with her despite the diagnosis. Most shelters would have euthanized on spot. As long as we can get her over her current URI we are going to keep her. Carl and I agree that she deserves a chance, a life in a home, love, and comfort. You can read more about FIV here and FeLV here.
I try to keep my strong points of view about animal care and rescue, etc, from this blog but please. Learn from what I have just seen. While this was not my unspayed, free roaming cat, it was heartbreak just the same. Spay/Neuter your animal. Keep your cats inside. Llana was someone's pet once, she had to be. Feral cats as a rule do not sit in your lap, purr, and rub their face against yours. My thoughts are she was tossed outside like trash, but any cat that roams outside, whether it be at night only or not, is much more susceptible to these diseases. All it takes is one bad fight and your cat could be exposed. Spay and neuter, because there are enough animals dying every day. It also makes for a much healthier pet. I just spoke to a woman who's 9 year old dog succumbed to pyometra, which is a serious infection of the uterus. She said the one thing she regrets most is never spaying her beloved pet. If she had, it never would have happened, but she always thought about breeding her, and then once she got too old to breed, she just never got around to it.
I also wanted to share the one thing that got me through the day yesterday. I often cruise other blogs throughout the day and happened across the most inspiring one I have ever seen. She is 22 years old and has brick by brick built a children's home for children in Nepal. She currently has 20+ children with her in Kopila Valley Children's Home, and has helped 60+ more children get enrolled in school. The home she has for these beautiful children is amazing, but hasn't come without a struggle. Read her blog here. I spent every spare minute I had yesterday (at work, hah) reading as much as I could. On one of her pages she says "We are all truly limitless."
I'm going to relax with my furbabies and try to eventually get out in the weather. It looks beautiful out.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Kitten update..
Small kitten update.... I don't really want to get into it right now. It's been a long day and night, but these guys and mom could really use your thoughts/prayers. Thanks so much.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Kitty update
Thought I'd toss up a quick kitten update.
The wee ones are still doing good. The little orange one's (Mario) eyes are almost open. The black one (Luigi) is still working on it. They both seem to be breathing well and still have full tummies every time I check them so I think their doing well.
Mama cat doesn't seem any better today. I hate to seem negative but she seems worse. She's having a really rough time of it breathing. We've tried taking her in the shower with the steam going, but it wasn't any help. Her coughing fits have us really nervous. We're going to give her one more day on the Clavamox and if she isn't doing any better she's going back to see Dr. Corbett. Cross your fingers for her, I don't want to move her and the kittens when she isn't feeling good. She is such a love bug and great mommy.
The wee ones are still doing good. The little orange one's (Mario) eyes are almost open. The black one (Luigi) is still working on it. They both seem to be breathing well and still have full tummies every time I check them so I think their doing well.
Mama cat doesn't seem any better today. I hate to seem negative but she seems worse. She's having a really rough time of it breathing. We've tried taking her in the shower with the steam going, but it wasn't any help. Her coughing fits have us really nervous. We're going to give her one more day on the Clavamox and if she isn't doing any better she's going back to see Dr. Corbett. Cross your fingers for her, I don't want to move her and the kittens when she isn't feeling good. She is such a love bug and great mommy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Okay, here they are...
Meet Mommy Llana, Mario, and Luigi. I don't know if the kittens names are sticking for sure haha. They were Humptey and Dumptey but Carl changed them already.
I am fostering them through my shelter, the Animal Welfare Association. For any of those who have some spare room, please look into fostering through your local organization. You are truly saving a life.
Anyway, Mommy is a beautiful and unbelievably sweet torti (believe it or not Cass), and the two babies are both boys, about two-three weeks old. They are working on opening their eyes. I'll be keeping updated pictures on the blog so everyone can keep up with their progress. If everyone could cross your fingers or say a prayer, please do so for this little family. Llana has a rough upper respiratory infection that we are treating. The kittens so far are okay, and we have them on Clavamox to keep it that way.
Please excuse the quality of the pictures. I have them in a nice quiet area, but it is majorly lacking in light.
Happy Easter,
I am fostering them through my shelter, the Animal Welfare Association. For any of those who have some spare room, please look into fostering through your local organization. You are truly saving a life.
Anyway, Mommy is a beautiful and unbelievably sweet torti (believe it or not Cass), and the two babies are both boys, about two-three weeks old. They are working on opening their eyes. I'll be keeping updated pictures on the blog so everyone can keep up with their progress. If everyone could cross your fingers or say a prayer, please do so for this little family. Llana has a rough upper respiratory infection that we are treating. The kittens so far are okay, and we have them on Clavamox to keep it that way.
Please excuse the quality of the pictures. I have them in a nice quiet area, but it is majorly lacking in light.
Happy Easter, Saturday, April 11, 2009
No picture today...
but check back tomorrow. I have something that is beyond cute to share. It's worth the extra clicks!
My only hint is there is no picture today because I wanted to let them settle in.
My only hint is there is no picture today because I wanted to let them settle in.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Dog Park
Here are some pictures from yesterday's Dog Park. Little Max the Pug had me trying to convince Carl that we need one. And how CUTE is Gizmo, the little grey poodle mix? I just love the joy on the little terrier mix's face below. Isn't dog park great?
If any of these dog's owners are interested in prints or looking at any additional photos I have, shoot me an e-mail at jenniesloan@comcast.net
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Spring Day
Today we had lots of fun. Fun included:
- Car Rides
- Dog Park
- Fetch
- Stick chewing
Not fun:
- Choking
I don't think he actually couldn't breath, but still scary. I tried to dislodge the culprit while having a heart attack. Now the dog thinks I'm nuts, the fiance (he doesn't get a name. gr) says I overreact, and an acquaintance tried to tell me dogs can't choke. What?
By the way, this blog exemplifies reason 532 of why I shouldn't have two legged children.
These are my people....
I try to keep my posts strictly animal related but I can't resist sharing these. Meet my best friend Steph and my nephew Noah Jr. We finally had time to do a photo session with her newest baby Neko. Aren't they all beautiful? You can't ask for much better than a beautiful Spring evening, your best friend, and your amazing nephew. Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Poppet
We had a Mommy and Bear Bear day. I noticed after our walk that he has alot of dandruff. I thought the battle with dry skin was over. Feel free to send any ideas over. 
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Tuesday hello
I spent the morning at the shelter. There was tons of fun to be had... puppies pooping, kitties biting (yay benadryl), and doing a cat series for the front lobby...
I was off to do the dog pictures and took this guy out. How stinkin' cute is he?! Meet Marco!
Something I wanted to mention about my "cat series." For those photogs out there that volunteer at their local shelter, here's an idea if you'd like to share. A few months ago I was brainstorming on how to get the long timers out. For us that is mostly cats. I sat down and made a list of the cats that had been there the longest (which for some was over one year). Then I begged for help from someone at the shelter, and after a very long day had beautiful images of all of those cats. At the time what I did was shoot each cat under studio lighting with a black background. I then printed each in an 8X10 and hung them in our lobby. Within a week, the two cats that had been there longest, Chloe (--who had been with us for fourteen months) and Sprite a beautiful girl who had cerebellar hypoplasia (I believe she was about fourteen months also) both went home. Within roughly a month, every cat on the wall (except one) went home. I
I decided to nix the studio lighting this time, as for one I can't stand doing it, and two I didn't have anyone to help me. So I took the kitties outside for some really nice natural light. Here's some of my results:
Tammy, who has feline leukemia
Snow-- such a beauty. She has some problems with anemia, but should have a nice life ahead of her.
And Tom :)I'll let you know how this series works out. Cross your fingers that everyone goes home quickly. These are all really sweet cats who deserve their forever home.
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