The Day Before The Day Before Halloween!

Can you guess what Woody is here?

Mom is very busy this week but doesn't want to miss out on her annual Halloween posts.  We are reminiscing about some of our unusual (or lame) costumes from years past.  Since we don't do costumes, Mom has to be very creative with us to do something with as little as possible on us or use the photoshop thingy.

Can you guess what Woody is in this pic?  More Halloween to come on Wednesday!

Snowball as "Kitty Bank"

Angel Joey as "The Candy Man"

Sweetpea Comforts Mom

Me, Sweetpea in Joey's window spot.

 Mom is still getting over losing her dear Joey but I am making sure she is loved at all times.  Maybe Joey told me or maybe not (I am not sayin') but I make sure she has a cuddly purring cat (me) next to her when she wakes up each day like Joey used to do and again when she goes to bed.  Joey sat next to Mom every night until Pop came in to go to sleep.

I even sit in the window in the sun like Joey did.  Now let me tell you, before, when Joey was here, I never came into the bedroom.  I liked to hang out in the living room, kitchen and even the porch on nice days.  Joey never kept me out of the bedroom - I just didn't go in there.

Me snoopervising.

I helped with the Christmas cards.  Mom likes to do them on the bed.  It was a rough job and I took a nap - that's allowed isn't' it?

I think I am helping cuz Mom is smiling more and more each day. 

Mom wants to thank each of you for all  the cards, comments and notes on Facebook about Joey.  She is still visiting you all to say thanks personally.  It helps her to heal and she treasures every one of you.  We hope to be blogging a bit more now.  Oh ...and thanks for the the ecards - Mom is slow in putting them up but we love them! 

Good-bye Joey - Nov. 1999 - Dec. 2012

From last Christmas

Joey passed away this morning snuggled in his spot on a chair in the bedroom.  My husband and I were with him and surrounded him with loving Reiki light, telling him how much he was loved. It seems he had many things going on with him besides the skin cancer - possibly lymphoma but there were no symptoms until too late.

Taken a few years back.

We put his body on the bed and brought the other cats in to say good-bye.  Ivy in particular took up a position on the bed next to Joey.  Yoko has been sitting with him these last few days snuggled close at all times.  He is buried in the woods on our land beside the cat house with a marker that says  "Your heart is pure, Your soul is free."

Today, I say good-bye, God-speed.
I thank you for your love.
I thank you for choosing me.
I thank you for the joy I have experienced through you.
I thank you for the depth of your old soul as I looked in your eyes.
I thank you for your funny belly that swayed from side to side when you walked.
I thank you for the pleasure of watching you hop sideways when you were happy.
I thank you for your rumbley, growl like purr which you shared with me even your last night on earth.
I thank you for your compassion -  welcoming without pause, any new cat I took in.
I thank you for all your sweet quirky traits that I have come to love.
I thank you for your loyalty - for always forgiving any squabbles and loving the other cats anyway.
I thank you for your companionship.
I thank you for your endlessly generous spirit.
I thank you for sharing your life with me.
I thank you for trusting me.
I thank you for the lessons learned by virtue of our having been in each other's lives.
I thank you for the knowing that even though I am now saying good-bye and letting you go, in this paradox of life, that having let you go, you will  nevertheless be with me always.
I love you.  Go in peace Joey, my love.

Adapted from Saying Good-bye by Elizabeth Severino

Thank you all for your emotional support, donations and kind words during his brief illness.  You have helped more than you will ever know.  I will take a break for blogging for a bit but will be back when my heart is lighter.

Finally Friday with Joey (and Goodbye Judi)

It's me Joey. I have had a really rough week.  I stopped eating much of anything on Sunday last and Mom could not figure out why.  I also vomited bile and foam so she thought it was my CRF and tried giving me more fluids, slippery elm and aloe juice to help my tummy.  We got to the vet  after the weekend and it seems I had some poop in my intestine - constipated is the word, right?

Mom tried all kinds of things, pumpkin, butter, Laxatone but nothing worked and I was still not eating unless she force fed me a watery gruel of baby food or cat food.  Finally she gave me an enema. That was not fun but the poo came out and I did feel better and ate.

But by supper I was not eating again!  The holistic vet has sent Mom some new homeopathic remedies to give me to help me feel better.  I hope they work cuz no one seems to know what is going on.

I am such a good boy and let Mom feed me - if you ever have to force feed a cat - this site is a good one for showing how to do it.  Please keep purring for me cuz I want to stay here for a bit longer with Mom and Pop and the cats.  I know Mom won't give up on me!



We want to say goodbye to our wonderful blogger friend Judibug (of SASS blog) who left this world on Nov. 28, 2012 after a long battle with cancer.  We will miss you and will think of you whenever we see a ladybug! Sending lots of purrs to your family, friends and beloved cats you left behind. A new world awaits you.

"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil". -                                                                                                     -John Taylor

Tabby Thursday - Joey Update

Me with my t-shirt collar - keeps me from scratching my boo boo.

Joey here today to give you a update.  The past two weeks shave been full of vet visits, tests, Mom waiting by the phone to hear back from them...but we think we have things down now.

I had a physical with our vet and they did blood work on me.  It shows that I have some underlying health issues that may make surgery more risky than normal.  Mom took me to another vet - a surgeon, for another look and he also did  two needle aspirations on my lumps.  Both came back as abnormal cells - cancerous.  Both vets seem to think they are different forms of cancer, are localized in the upper layers of skin, don't seem to have spread and are slow growing.

My cool ear tufts!

Then another consult with a holistic vet who specializes in cancer treatment.  Conventional treatment would be to take the lumps off but I may have a harder time with surgery and recovering due to my unrelated health issues going on.  The holistic cancer vet wants to try to build up my immune system and shrink the tumors using herbs, homeopathy and other alternative treatments and see what is going on in two to three months.  I may still have to have the surgery then but maybe not if all works well with this treatment. Mom likes this vet and has used him successfully in the past on other cats.

All the money you helped raise for me  has gone for two vet visits, blood work, needle biopsies and pathologies, and for the alternative vet and treatments.  We still have some put aside for future use in case I do need surgery and will leave up our donation button for that too.

We wanted to let you all know what is going on and will keep you updated on this alternative treatment.  Keep on purring for me - I do want to be around for many years to come.

So Very Grateful!

Me Joey!

Joey here today.  We are so very grateful to all of you who forwarded our info for my Chip In, those who reposted on Facebook and especially to those of you who donated.  Besides me we have had a lot of expenses here and Mom is struggling to keep up.

I am feeling fine basically.  Mom took me to the vet last week because I have lost weight and have a lump on my neck.  I also have a wound from a cyst that opened and drained but  I keep licking and scratching it so it won't heal.  We need to find out what is going on here.  My blood work showed I am in the early stages of Chronic Renal Failure which would account for the weight loss. I also have a little asthma going on too with coughing.  I am 13 so these things will come up.

Mom gives me  Tripsy now with Chica and Yoko for the CRF along with Standard Process Renal Support.  I get a homeopathic remedy for the asthma.  As for the lump, we will get it aspirated and then go from there.  If it is cancer then it will be removed.  The wound needs to be cared for either way and they have a laser treatment that might help that if it is not cancer.  Mom is taking very good care of me and trying to choose a vet who will be able to do the surgery on a older cat without problems.  Some of the vets here are old fashioned country ones with minimal equipment in the office.  Our vet does not do surgery.

We are going to leave the Chip in up for a bit since we have lots of other issues we can use help with. Along with me, several of our other kitties have health issues so Mom has been very busy caring for them.  Only, Rosa and Snowball have FLUTD and get herbs, calming treats and special food.  Chica and Yoko both need subcutaneous fluids daily requiring an ongoing supply of fluids and needles.  Al is the cause of the issues with Snowball and Only  so Pop built a special room for him - we do not have enough space to work with what we have already.

Yoko after her cut.

Yoko has long since stopped grooming herself so Mom hired a mobile groomer to give her a version of the lion cut - she looks cute and feels so much better.

Mom writes all our treatments down on  pad and crosses them off each day as she does them - it is the only way to remember who got what when.  Mom will keep you updated with me and what is going on.  At least now I can get things taken care of the way they should be and be around for a long time to come!

Weekend Wanderings - Lake Junaluska

Lake Junaluska

 A couple of weeks back Mom and Pop took a scenic drive to the next county over  to see Lake Junaluska, a 200 acre lake in the mountains.

 It is the home of the World Methodist Council and they have retreats and conferences there year round.  It is also a lakeside community of about 2500 people.

Wood bridge over the dam

It is a dammed lake and this old wood bridge goes over the dam - makes a lot of noise when cars drive over the boards.

 Some homes on the lake are new like this one and others date from 1913 when they first built the lake and community.  This side of the lake is very steep and the homes have many steps up or like the one below - an outdoor elevator to get up!

Home with an outdoor elevator

The town offers a 3 mile walkway around the lake over two bridges.  One bridge cuts off the last mile making it a 2 mile walk - this is the one the beans took.  The last leg of the walk is a rose garden with flowers of all colors and sizes.  They were still blooming in late September when they visited but probably are not  now.

Rose garden

Memorial chapel

There are many ducks, geese and water fowl that live here too - and all pretty used to people.  Bet they get fed well.

Bridge cutting off the last mile.

One of many feathered residents.

Hope you enjoyed this week's trip.  Next week we may be seeing some fall foliage so check back in!  Have a great weekend - are your beans doing anything special?

Our 13 year old Joey has some health issues to be treated - asthma, early CRF and a couple of lumps on his neck.  Check out our sale blog Wildcat Woods Vintage Treasures for some great gift ideas and help raise money for Joey.  Oh and please share the blog link!

Wagging Tongues on Wordless Wednesday!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday - Three's Company

Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It's me Joey showing off all the Christmas cards us cats got this year from our dear blogging friends.  Waaaay more than Mom and Pop got!

Sweetpea checks out the gifts.

 The holiday season is one of many surprises...not just cards but gifts under the tree and some even with our names on them!

Whatcha doin' Mom?

Mom has that flashy box out all the time, surprising us when we least expect it!.  

 Mom please, some privacy!!!!

Every morning we surprise Mom by leaving ornaments on the floor under the tree.  We like to redecorate the tree daily!

Mamacita making sure no one opened her gift yet.

We hope your holiday is filled with lots of wonderful surprises.  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from our house to yours!  We will be taking a break for a few days.  See ya next week.

Photo Hunt - Surprise

Camera Critters

Happy Turkey Day! (And Gotcha Day!)

 

You gotta love a holiday that centers around a large, flightless bird!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends 

from the Cats of Wildcat Woods.

(Mom used me for her Turkey Day poster but didn't even remember that it was my Gotcha Day too!)


Sorry Joe - we took Joey in from living outside with the feral group after he had been beaten up a few times and developed abscesses from the wounds.  It was Thanksgiving and while Pop cooked the fixings Mom lured Joey into the enclosed porch and shut the door.  Then she had to catch him - he hid behind the second refrigerator most of the morning but she manged to catch him before dinner and put him in a small room to get used to being inside.  His sister Minnie was already in and she helped Joe relax. We are so glad Joe is an inside boy now - he is a lover not a fighter.

And we have a winner - the Awkward Family Pet Photos book give-away  drawing was on 11/22.  Using Random.org, we put in the number of entries and the winner is....drumroll.......Alasandra, The cats and a Dog. We will contact them for an address to mail a copy to.  Congrats guys!



We will catch you all next week - Mom's gotta take a break - too much going on over the next few days!

(card idea from American Greetings)

Going Pink for October

 

It's me Joey today for Mancat Monday and we are going PINK for October!  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All us Mancats are secure enough in our masculinity to wear the color pink, especially if it is for a good cause.  Mom's friend Emily recently lost her fight with breast cancer so we want more women to be preventive - get those mammograms, MRIs or thermagrams, check yourself regularly at home for any anomalies, exercise and eat a healthy diet.

Mom did a special page about the best cancer non-profit organizations to support, utilize and promote - ones that don't test on animals and that don't spend all their donations on salaries.  The two worst offenders are the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  All the others are listed here.

Are you going PINK?

Today Be Meow Like a Pirate Day!

Greetin's one and all, we give ye fair warnin' that t' enter here could cost you your life.

Captain Dirty Joe Bonnie be in a foul mood and a bit rum soaked. His favorite wench has port him and he cannot face t' world just yet. Have ye some words o' advice t' win her aft? Or do you know some other who would care t' join him and become his new lady love?

Best be goin' unless ye want t' join me in a wild splice t' mainbraceen bin'e t' forget me heart ache. Arrrgh!!!!

Tummy Tuesday with Joey

 

Joey here - Mom snuck up on me and took this picture of me while I was snoozing in a sun puddle.  Really, Mom,  I have no privacy!

I don't remember who was napping next to me - there seems to be another foot in the photo!

I do have to say I have a very smushy tummy - just right for loving!  Before I go I want to invite all of you to a huge celebration we are having her eon Thursday June 23 in honor of Chica's 20th birthday.  There will be games, food and lots of party favors so mark the date on your calendar!

The Winner on Tabby Tuesday

Yoko on right sharing her new nip toy with Joey.

Thank you all for stopping by to wish me a happy 18th Gotcha Day. I had a great time at the party!!!!  Monday was a day of rest for me but now I am up and at  'em again, playing with my new toys!

Using Random.org, Mom picked a winner for the Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul grand prize ....and the winner is Hannah  and Lucy.  Since they live overseas, they generously offered to give the prize to Marg of Marg's Pets.  Congrats to Marg.  You will be getting your cat food, gift certificate and book in the mail soon.

Wordy Wednesday Challenge 2011

We picked out one word to describe each of us kitties posted here today. Many thanks to Ann of Zoolatry and Judi of Sammy and Andy's Place for their great graphics!

Senior cat Chica here and my word in CAN TANKEROUS cuz I can be one crabby bossy lady when I want to be.  Not with my Mom of course but if any of the other youngster kitties mess with me, I will growl, mumble, grumble and whap some sense into them. In my younger days, Mom used to call me "Queen of Mean" after the famous cuttthroat hotel magnate Leona Helmsley! Stay outta my way and you'll be fine.

"Heyyy...how you doin'?" I am Joey and as you can see from my heavy lidded come hither look I am the ladies mancat of this group, a regular Valentino. My word is PARAMOUR. Nothing I like better than a snuggle and a snooze with one of my ladies next to me. It doesn't matter if they belong to another. I'll take a little lovin' any day anyway. No ladycat is safe with me around! Um, excuse me...time for some more amore!

Mom thinks I am a SILLY goose but cute. I love lots and lots of attention and I just love Mom to bits. I run around her feet when she talks to me and get so excited I nip her but just little soft love nips. I don't just love Mom tho. I love to eat and run to everyone's plate to see if they got something better. Mom doesn't have to clean any plates cuz I do that for her. If Mom is petting someone else, I jump up and get in the middle of it too. I don't think I am needy - I just have lots and lots of love to give. If that is being silly, then that is fine with me.

I think ya gonna haveta move over Joey cuz I am the young mancat on the scene - me Woody. "If you're lookin' for trouble I'll accommodate ya." The ladies love my swaggering walk, my dance moves and the way I forcefully slam cabinet doors. The petticoats call me BANG BANG! (wink wink) "Whoa, take 'er easy there. Pilgrim" Don't get all riled up Joey. I think there are enough ladies to share!

It's me Albert, the wild child of this bunch and my word is CHEEKY adj. - cheek·i·er, cheek·i·est

Impertinently bold; impudent and saucy. That's me. I am brash and nervy and go where no cats dare. As my namesake Albert Einstein once said "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." I am a bold and daring adventurer and nothing intimidates me. I climb clothes drying racks and balance precariously. Hall trees hold no danger for me. I love exploring and get into all sorts of things. Mom's tried to discipline me with squirt guns, time -outs but it doesn't stop me. I am my own mancat and answer to no one.

Al enjoying the view!

I am Two Spot and I am a TRAVELIN' man! "Up with the sun, gone with the wind." Zip, zip, whoosh whoosh. I am on the move all the time! I ain't gettin' tied down. Got things to do and places to go. I will always stop for some loving but not for long. Always runnin' when things get too crazy. Having' fun on the run...see ya! Gotta keep movin'!

We only did a few of us cuz it woulda been a lotta work for Judi and Ann but this was fun.  We can't wait to see what everyone else picked for their word!  Please visit the Cat Blogosphere for more words posts.

We apologize for Mom being late to visit ya'll this week - she has been going car shopping with Pop.  They have been told their vehicle is on it's very last legs and must find a new one ASAP!  So days she is shopping and nights working.  She will be freed up later this week to get to blogging.

Please come back on Thursday for our St Patrick's Day and Darby's 11th Gotcha Day Party!  Wear your green!