The Upsetting News Thread

[Dinah]

My dogs, Kinsey and Tashi, wanted me to pass along their best wishes to Mr. Boo.

[Aquarius]

Thank you, Dinah. That's very sweet.

[Bether6074]

Any of us can only do our best and what we feel is right. Soak up every moment that you can, Aquarius. Moments are precious and the memory of them is something you'll always hold in your heart. Best wishes for you and your kitties.

[Linda]

Aquarius, As with Oriana, Boo must know from your presence and stepped up care of him, that he is loved. It must be a great comfort to him. Pets are so aware of us, more than we realize sometimes. The best of luck, critical care is not easy but is so rewarding.

[Aquarius]

Thanks, everyone.

He's doing a little better today than yesterday--venturing out and exploring the living room again, drinking lots of water, and eating a little. He's also sleeping on a rug in a patch of sunshine in front of the window instead of in his nest under the TV. So if he feels good enough to be out and about, I'm encouraging that. Whatever makes him happy is basically the motto around here at the moment.

I think Bastet is helping. =^..^=

I'm going to request that they cut his fluids way down when we go into the vet tomorrow, to see if that helps, because it seems like the last couple of times we did this, it took him like three days to want to walk around again and stuff, while seeming like he's at death's door for like a day and a half. So it seems that smaller infusions but more frequently may be easiere for his heart to deal with. I can't just skip it outright because his kidneys need it, so...

Any way, I know Mr. Boo appreciates all your kindness and thoughts, and so do I. It's nice to have friends who understand is, and the best part is, I can unload even late at night without waking anyone up.

[WarpGirl]

Like I said love helps make the right decision, I really hope he pulls through.

[Kevin Thomas Riley]

Sorry about your cat, Aquarius! Hope he pulls through or at least get a little bit better.

I've never had a pet so I won't pretend to know how it feels when they get sick or you lose them. But I imagine it's pretty horrible.

[WarpGirl]

NEVER had a pet! Like ever? WOW. That's almost as sad as Mr. Boo. I would think you would be a great pet parent KTR, I mean you seem to be a very caring person. Maybe it's your job?

[Kevin Thomas Riley]

Never, ever, no.

I wouldn't know what to do with one when I'm away. I wouldn't want to bother friends and acquaintances. And I live in an apartment in a city - not the best place for a pet.

[WarpGirl]

Aw well maybe one day you'll have the oppertunity. I won't lie sometimes when my cat and dog misbehave I'm ready to tear my hair out, but all in all it is a rewarding experience. And pure unconditional love.

[Alelou]

As long as we're worrying about our cats, here's a new concern:

The Cat Who Got Swine Flu

[WarpGirl]

Oh God I am so not reading that!

[Distracted]

Relax. He's fine. Just don't handle your pets when you're sick. Indoor cats are easy. Just feed them, water them, and let them fend for themselves until you're not contagious. Now outdoor animals, I'm not sure how you'd protect them if this virus can pass from cat to cat, but apparently in this case it was owner to cat transmission.

I used to have to stay away from my ferret when I was sick. I've read that ferrets can easily get human viruses. I didn't know cats could, though. I don't think it's very common. Maybe this was a VERY affectionate cat.

[WarpGirl]

Well that's a relief. But I can't get sick, kitty won't leave me when I'm sick.

[Linda]

I just found out one of the members of the Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee passed away a few days ago. While he was not a close friend, and he lived near Green Bay, not in Milwaukee, so I didn't see him often, it is still very sad and I am glad I was informed.

It also brought to mind a subject I have been thinking about. While none of us expect to pass away anytime soon, still, it is a good idea to have a list of email address and chat boards with your important papers so that relatives can send an announcement to your online friends. It took a few days for the son of my Robert Burns Club friend to reach everyone he thought should know and that was a very kind and thoughtful thing to do in his time of grief. I know this is not a subject that younger people want to think about, but leaving a contact list in case of death or seious injury is a very considerate thing to do. Just thought I would mention it.