Ghost Chicken/A Bunny Girl/ Happy Halloween!

National Cat Day, October 29

 Apparently, National Cat Day, founded in 2005 by animal advocate Colleen Paige. is real. I thought it was some fake social media thing until I Googled the day and date. The purpose of National Cat Day is to celebrate felines, draw attention to the vast numbers needing rescue and remember the gifts and love cats bestow on those lucky enough to live with one or more of them.

As someone who has rescued and loved several cats over the last thirty-odd years, I have learned a tremendous amount about these complex creatures and become a better human for having each of them.

I recently attempted an adoption and for reasons beyond my doing or control, had to walk away. I hope the little girl is happily re-homed and is enjoying safety and comfort tonight.

In memoriam, I give you: Lukas, Phoebe, Jacob, Samantha and Angel. I was honored to be their trusted human.

The Last Day

 Knowing I have an animal who will die from disease is a line between the happiness of best life and no suffering for the cat. Depending upon diagnosis, there is anticipatory grief which in Lukas's case, I had for the last three years of his life. On his last day, he was in bed with me, never touching food, water, treats, and snuggling deeply into my person, purring. After attempting to feed him, I gave up and called the vet and the pet sitter for transport. 

His vet and I came to the mutual conclusion that it was time to ease him from the world without suffering. After almost ninety days, the grief I feel is as profound as the bond Lukas and I shared through all of his care, and the joy eclipsed by a diagnosis and myriad complications which led to euthanasia. 

Our sweetest times were often late at night, listening to the steady rumble of purrs. the small sounds he made while dreaming or his bringing a toy into bed to play. Typical of orange tabbies, Lukas loved to eat, whether a meal or a treat, he was always up for nibbles, until that last day.

I have two portraits, paw prints, some toys and his favorite mat as well as his much-loved blankets and litter box at the back of my closet. Not a day has gone by that I don't look at his portrait or a photo and though I well up, I feel a small smile start these days.

A friend recently said that I gave him his best life. I hope so because that was my goal and his trust my greatest treasure.

Ouch!

 Just over a week ago I had a grocery delivery that went slightly awry when an unreinforced paper bag ripped as it was being picked up and several two liter water bottles fell on my foot which stupidly, was bare.

There was no broken skin or obvious bruising initially but on Sunday I awoke to a swollen, very warm foot. Since then I've been keeping it iced and elevated and taking an anti inflammatory. The great toe is now visibly bruised and from what I read, this can take several weeks to heal.  I have spent large portions of the day in bed and reading or sleeping.

I have ordered some tape and will strap if necessary though the toe does not appear broken.

Be well and thanks to those of you who have emailed wondering about my absence.