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Greetings and Welcome to http://www.crittersgaloreandsomuchmore.blogspot.com/ and also http://www.gardeneroflight.blogspot.com/ From these spaces I want to share my love of animals and Nature and Life in general. So here you will find stories, information, reminiscences, an occasional bit of advice and a recipe or two. Please check them both out!!!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

In Memory of Mama Kitty.


   It seems like the end of an era around here. Late yesterday I took Mama Kitty on that last ride to the vet. Her health has been getting worse over the last year, and this week she just seemed to give up. I kept encouraging her to eat, but that got more difficult to do with every passing day. When she started having a lot of trouble walking, I figured that was enough. Let her pass with dignity and as little pain as possible. She didn't deserve to suffer any more.
   She had a long and, at times, illustrious life here in the neighborhood. I know she had to be at least 18 years old. Thats a LONG life for a semi-feral. She arrived with a couple in one of the rental properties, and they left her behind when they moved away after less than two years. She had four litters in that time span! Her last pregnancy is when she moved in on me. I opened my door one day and in she strolled. Hissed at my cats, then proceeded to walk into my daughter's room and check out the closet. She did that three days in a row. On the third day I told her she could stay. Three and a half weeks later, with me as the midwife, she had four more kittens. And after they were weaned, I got her spayed. Enough is enough! After all of that, she showed absolutely NO interest in living inside. She'd howl and scream like a banshee if I tried to keep her in. Needless to say, I relented, and she went back to being an outdoor cat!

  
   Which proved to be a great thing. Because Mama Kitty was the best ratter I have ever seen!!! If it was a rodent, it didn't stand a chance in Hell once she set her sights on it! Occasionally she take down a squirrel or a big snake.... guess thats where her boy Angus got his snake killing abilities from.... but rats were her speciality! She truly excelled at hunting them!  And I guess because of my kindness to her, she considered me to be of value or a part of her family even. Either way, she would always bring me "tokens of her affection".   Some were even still alive! When I'd go to the door to see what the commotion was, she'd step right up... open her mouth... and my "gift" would fall out and run (or slither) across my floor. Always INTO my home! NEVER back towards the cat. Perhaps she wanted to let me share in the joy of the hunt. Or the fresher, the better! I'll never know, but I have to say, life was an adventure with Mama Kitty around.
   In her prime, she was bringing me little things like that almost every day. I was mighty glad when she started to slow down a bit! But that didn't happen until she was around eleven or twelve. So there were still plenty of days, and nights, when I'd step out my door and "squish" some bloody offering under my foot. And yes, I usually went barefoot!
   She began to slow down a little more with each year that passed. She withdrew from the other cats too. And they, in turn, took to tormenting her when she came over to my yard. I always tried to protect her. It seems like she only got along good with her children and a Siamese by the name of Yow Ling. He LOVED everyone!!! He would sit near her and gradually edge on over till they were just about touching. She never seemed to mind him.   Thats what made her burial such a special thing. I had figured on a place under the mulberry tree in the front yard because she liked to lay under there in the shade. But when I brought her body home I got a "push" to use a pendulum to choose the proper spot. It took me over to the old cat burial area. I was a little surprised because I haven't placed anyone there in years. After a couple of passes, a spot was settled upon. And as I dug I realized, she would rest right in between Angus and Yow Ling. Just like she would have wanted it in Life.
   Rest in Peace, Mama Kitty. And I hope there a few rats in Heaven for you to chase!!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Leaves from last Autumn!

So this is where last years sycamore leaves went to! Wyatt was in awe!
A little boys dream... stretched out before him.

Then he proceeded to investigate! Leaves, sticks, lizards, etc...

And then stomped around and explored some more! He likes leaves almost as much as Jacob does!

Finally, he was just a bit overwhelmed by it all. Very seriously so. Of course, being tired didn't help matters any!
And to think... that huge sycamore is just starting to drop THIS YEARS leaves!
So heres wishing everyone a happy, crunchy Autumn!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Adventurous Enya O'Malley is Doing Fine.


Have had a few folks inquire as to how Enya is doing. So here are some photos I took of her this afternoon. Beautiful as ever and looking pretty good for a twelve year old with kidney failure. The subcutaneous fluid injections certainly are helping her. Just need to get back on a regular schedule with them. I prefer taking her three times a week.


So tomorrow morning, off we go again! She doesn't like going, and tries to hide..... but she never actually resists. She knows she feels better afterward.



This expression says " Thats enough of that! You will stop NOW."

Monday, September 17, 2012

I Need To Bring This Memory Out Into The Sunlight.


   Its the dawning of a new day.... and my desire to start a major Fall house cleaning has made me realize its time to write about a certain dog. I'll post her photo at a later date. Today I know I need to focus on the story itself. The events that happened back then were the reason I stepped away from helping with canine rescue and fostering. Nowadays I just don't have the resources or the time needed.
   Anyway, I used to help out a little at one of the local groups that had a spay-neuter program. And, of course, they wound up doing rescue too. Even though it wasn't part of their plan. (I got Rory and Ahulee from 'M' too.)  But back to the story, one stray dog that was brought to their attention proved to be a real vexation for the would-be rescuers. She just wouldn't let anyone near her. They tried in all kinds of weather, under all circumstances, with no success. Finally I offered to give it a try. So I was directed to Scheer Industrial park, to look for a pregnant Dalmation mix. I drove out, asked a shop owner if they knew the best place to look, and proceeded to find her with great ease. Went right up to her with dog treats in my hand. She started wagging her tail and let me put a collar and leash on her with no resistance. Then she walked slowly, but very nicely, back to my van. When I opened the side door, she looked in, then climbed on up and laid down. I decided to name her Scheera.
   I drove her over to the agreed upon vet, who promptly refused to take her in. Even though he knew she was pregnant, he obviously hadn't thought the details through very well. So after 'M' and the vet stopped yelling and screaming at each other over the phone, I was asked if I could possibly take her home until 'M' could find another vet that would be willing to help. Of course I said "yes", knowing darn well that my dog Rory would NOT like that at all!!!!!
   To shorten a long story, Scheera stayed almost a week. Quiet, gentle and very patient. On the day of her new appointment, I drove up to the next county and left her at the office so they could do a complete work-up as time allowed them to. They said to plan on picking her up late that afternoon.   So I went home and put together a nice "maternity room" for her in my little art studio.
   About three o'clock I got a tearful call from 'M'.... all I heard were bits and pieces... she was sooooo sorry!... they just didn't have the funds for that.... heartworm positive.... not enough money... she'd have to be put down.... to end her suffering, etc.   I finally broke in and said I'd take her to my vet and see what he could do. There are other options here. I can medicate her at home for heartworm, just need to check when, because of the pregnancy.  All I heard through the phone was TOTAL SILENCE.    She was all ready dead.
   Once I gathered the pieces of my composure back together enough so that I could speak in a civil tone, I said I wanted to go up and get her body. So I could bury her here on my property. So she'd have a final resting place. If for no other reason, than to show that she was LOVED.    'M' told me "no", that the paperwork had been signed and faxed. Her remains had been signed over like some nameless item. I was in shock. That she and her unborn pups were gone. That it was so cut and dried and callus as Hell!  I can't count how many times I looked back on that day and wished I'd gone anyway. Perhaps the people at the vet's office would have been more understanding and kind.  But its like they say, "Hindsight is 20-20".
   This all happened over ten years ago, but I'm sitting here crying my eyes out as I write about it. I can't even remember the details of what my vet told me when I asked him later about what could have been done. As for having options for her care, his answer had been "yes". I don't remember if it entailed the mom or the pups or both having a chance. I've tried so hard over the years to NOT REMEMBER.
   I regret that I didn't know what to do. I regret not being more aggressive in protecting her. She trusted me. And I let her down.   My main mistake was trusting other humans to take good care of her. Thats what they were supposed to do. But they chose money over her life. Make that plural... money over all their lives. They couldn't or wouldn't be bothered to take that extra step. Take time and search for other options.
    Looking back, that was one of those pivotal moments in my existence. I was too shattered by it then to realize how much it would help me later on. Trust your gut. Be careful of your 'reaction' to events. Always look for options. I know sometimes you can't find any.... but make sure you look first! Avoid that trap of "what if..?". Because its a steel leg trap, and you might have to gnaw off a limb to get out of it alive!
   So you want to know if Scheera still haunts me? Well, I still tear up and cry. And the regret still lingers a bit. But I know that some things are meant to happen because I'm meant to learn from them. And I have, even though it was a heartrending lesson.     When I think of her I still see that pretty face of hers. With one blue eye and one brown, and her soft little dog smile. I can even feel her lean up against me sometimes. And while I cry, I'm reassured because all their Souls live on.  And though my time with her was brief...  she was a great teacher for me.  I was BLESSED by her presence.  And I am so THANKFUL that she touched my Spirit with such GRACE.
   To Scheera and her unborn puppies, I thank you for helping me become a better person, and opening my heart.
   

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Blossom To The Rescue!


Well, it finally happened. Jacob 'took me out' the other morning! He was doing his normal Zoom Zoom Goober stuff... racing like a lunatic up and down the dog yard. Then he ran by and clipped me. REALLY HARD!
Now let me tell you, the human knee is not constructed to bend sideways like mine did. And the force of the blow knocked me completely off my feet. After that moment of disorientation you usually have when something like this happens... I was seriously worried that my knee had been broken! As I laid there on my side I kept trying to remember my Reiki training! All the while small waves of nausea kept washing over me, on top of the pain!  Very unpleasant to say the least.



After a bit I realized that Blossom had come over and positioned herself in between me and the other dogs. Jacob was sunk down on the sand. He knew something was wrong! Plus Blossom wasn't about to let him come any closer.
She stayed right there. First watching me, then looking over to check on Jacob and Ahulee. When I started trying to sit up, she moved back just enough to give me room to reposition myself. When I was finally vertical again, she moved back in. And after a minute or so, moved over a little bit closer. The whole time she was in high alert mode! All this with NO training!
She stayed right with me as I managed to stand up. And got in front of me as I headed towards the door. She wasn't about to let the other dogs get anywhere  near me. Not sure of all that was going through her mind at that time. But she has certainly proven herself to be a fine guardian!  I'm extremely impressed!!



So I've decided her new name is
AWESOME BLOSSOM
 I all ready knew that she was a shining example of love and loyalty. But her actions the other morning show that she possesses a level of maturity I was unaware she had achieved. And I wanted to share with everyone that I'm so thankful and proud that she is part of my life!

 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Ever Get One Of Those Itches....?

Ever get one of those itches that you can't seem to scratch at the right angle? Or you just can't scratch enough to make it stop?  Well, we were having one of those days a little while back. And I couldn't resist posting this photo of Ahulee spinning in a circle trying his best to scratch "that" kind of spot!


Jacob was having a similar issue, but his scratching technique was much less dramatic! Noticed that execution is greatly influenced by the location of the itch itself.


"Don't look at me like that Mama. Really now, even if I had an itch, I wouldn't let you catch me in a pose that undignified! I was raised to be a proper lady."

Thats my girl!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Now I Know What They Were Talking About!


"Whoa! Now I know what Uncle John was talking about. And I sure do hope that Uncle Ahulee is right about not missing them!!!"


"As you can see from the photos, I was feeling pretty rough yesterday after I got back from the vets. Sheesh!!! The indignity of it all! And to think, I was so happy to see everybody there."


"At least Blossom kept checking up on me when I got home. She really is sweet! But don't tell her I said that."


"After a while I just got VERY MELLOWED OUT.
But this morning I felt sooooo much better!!! And my appetite is back! So Life is good! And Mama says it will get even better!"

Monday, September 3, 2012

A Good Morning To Play!!!


"The weather was great this morning! So me and Blossom played real hard!!
Trick or Treat, smell my feet!
I'm a nut, so smell my butt!
She said that rhyme wasn't very funny, but I think it is. Shes just jealous she didn't say it first. Anyway, we ran all around the yard! Uncle Ahulee even joined in. It wasn't for very long, but he gave it a try!"
 


"I run and spin soooooo fast, Mama has trouble getting a good picture of me in action. Maybe I should be called Zoom Zoom Goober!!? Kinda catchy, ain't it?  Blossom quit running with me... I think she was out of breath! The vet said she needed to lose a lot of weight, then she could play more. I don't know why you'd want to lose something on purpose after you found it. But if it helps you play more... then I'm all for getting rid of it!!!"


"Blossom said that when the weather gets cooler, we'll have to settle down a little and help Mama with the yard and garden work. WORK!?!"



"Yeah, right! Now THATS funny!!!"

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Another Visit From "The Girls".


Look who came to visit two days ago! They may have put on a pound or so, but its NOT ENOUGH! I did get to talk with the neighbor. She said she was trying to get rid of these three. I called all around trying to rally together some help and places to stay, but no luck! So they're still over there across the street.



 I refilled the bowls three times. The brindle wouldn't pause while she ate. Trying to get as much as possible.I was heartened to see the little one getting some food. The other two were always scaring her off before. Turns out that shes Jacob's sister. They call her Creature. No name for a dog if you want my opinion!  Shes extremely timid, but such a sweetie.


There has to be a way to find these girls a good home.


As I said, looks like they've put on a tiny bit of weight. And wow, do they ever smell bad! I just want to gather them up and get them some medical attention!
Will just have to wait and see what the future holds. I'm hoping for the best!!