Sunday March 15, 1998 Part 1 20 Messages ====================================== Date sent: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:43:20 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jake & Panther Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, It sounds like Ernie is responding to you pretty well. That's good! Yes, losing 3 kitties to FELV is difficult. I lost one as well to what my vet thinks in retrospect was the dry form of FIP (a worse, if you can believe it, disease). After my divorce from my first husband, I moved into a country subdivision that was rampant with cats--mostly from a couple who kept adopting and did not vaccinate nor spay/neuter. I kept adopting one after another--at one time I had 13. I thought if I "fixed" them, vaccinated, fed a good diet and offered food and shelter, and of course, love, they'd be alright. I couldn't keep them all in--so many were wild (I had to trap them to take to the vet), and I am (this is laughable) VERY ALLERGIC to cats--I have asthma. Since then, I've invested in 3 air cleaners in order to help keep the cats in. Some still go out (those who are FELV neg.). But the hard part is that, like so many on this list, we try so hard and lose so hard. We take comfort, though, in knowing that no matter how short their lives are, during that time, they have humans who truly love and care for them, and give them a good life--more than they would undoubtedly have in the wild, and certainly the fate they would endure in a shelter. Take care and love that little Ernie! And thanks for your kind words. Nancy -------------------------------------- From: Boonedagel Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 11:44:42 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Boonedagel and Shadow Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Thank you, Liz. How are you guys holding up? Scratch that. Dumb question. Sincerely, greg sherrow -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 07:48:34 -0600 Subject: Bama Babies To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nancy (& of course others), You told me a little about your kitty history, so here's some of mine. My husband and I moved down to Alabama (for grad school) with one very pampered cat. (We came back to Iowa two years ago with nine.) During our first six months in 'bama my husband mentioned getting another cat. Magically Chloe and her daughter Mickey (actually a feral kitten) appeared. I had been going to a vet who informed me in very clear terms about the FELV problem in Ala. so I had them tested before bringing them in the house. In short order Emily (our good luck calico) arrived, also negative. Then Archie, a beautiful marmalade tabby with china blue eyes--a fifteen pound kitty, I believe--made it to our door step. He was the alpha tom in the neighborhood, so I just fed him outside for a while. Then for some reason I took him to the vet, no I know, I wanted to get his shots and have him neutered and try to find him a home. He tested positive. I didn't know what to do. Archie seemed perfectly healthy--also we were living in a very small apartment and had no place to confine him. What agony. I rented a large dog kennel to keep Archie in and I took him for walks on a leash. This was at Christmas time. We were able to find a home for Arch. Thank god. We then acquired Bonnie, Spike, and Ernie. By that time we had moved to a bigger house so we were able to give him his own room, actually our study which we spent a lot of time in. He now has a much bigger room with lots of windows and his own futon, etc. (Joe and Oscar, our latest additions, arrived in June 1997; they too were feral, but still young kittens so I was able to trap them and tame them. They also tested neg. for FeLV.) Yes, FIP is a scary disease. I remember looking at brochure which had a pciture of an FIP positive cat on the cover and being horrified. You have dealt with so much loss already. I have not yet. I suppose having a broken heart is part of the process. I have not given up hope though. You wrote, "We try so hard and lose so hard." How true. Being in semi-rural Iowa, I hear about a lot of people who have tons of cats who keep breeding and passing disease. It is,again,heart-breaking. I'm not surprised you ended up with 13 cats, despite your asthma. Well I'm going to go give Ernest his medicine. I am trying to let his soul speak to me. Thanks, Susan -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 10:54:50 -0500 From: Brad To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Remembering Merlin Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Steve Lackow wrote: > > Sonnet #2 > For Merlin, Always in Our Hearts > > An old man told me what was new, > A young girl showed me what was old, > A cold, cold city offered warmth > After all the goods were sold, > > An army showed me how to love -- > And a kitten taught me how to fight. > He wandered off into the wood, > Close by me, but far from sight. > > Death has showed us how to live, > And life has showed us how to die, > Not regretting anything, > Leaving here, and knowing why. > > Little angel, furry black > Little spirit, hurry back > > > Excellent poem. Very uplifting and true! Much Love, Kelly -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: welcome Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 10:02:00 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, Welcome to the group. It is truly a wonderful thing. It sounds like you are doing all the right things for Ernie. I hope to hear only good things about his treatment and progress. I read a your last message with your history. What great people you (and, of course, your husband) are. What lucky little babies to have you to care for them. I will send good thoughts and prayers for all of you. Liz In memory of Buddy 3-13-98 -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 10:15:19 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Bama Babies Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, What a kind, gentle, open-hearted soul you are! And I am glad you are not giving up hope--there are so many new things to try! But I am like you (and others on this list). I too try to listen to their souls--we want them to have long, healthy lives, not long suffering ones. Ernie is one VERY LUCKY cat (as are your others). Thanks for sharing. Nancy -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: Ernie Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 10:15:33 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, I just read another of your messages where you asked what Buddy looked like. He was a short-haired brown, black and white tabby with a voracious appetite (when he was feeling good). He would take food from your plate or your hand if you weren't keeping an eye on him. (He didn't have very good manners.) He looked at me when I spoke to him, as though he understood what I was saying, (and I think he did.) He would come running when I called his name. He was as sweet a cat as anyone could know. He slept next to me every night and woke me every morning, even his last. He had such a good disposition, all the vets loved him. He never made me feel bad about taking him for check-ups. He left this world surrounded by love and, I know he is much happier now. This brought tears to my eyes when I wrote it, but thanks so much for asking. I like the idea that you will be thinking of him too. Liz In memory of Buddy 3-13-98 -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: wonderful group Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 10:36:54 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net To all of you caring, kitty-loving, tender-hearted people, What can I say but thank you, thank you, thank you. Your caring and compassion have meant so much to me these last couple of days. I am dealing with Buddy's loss pretty well; it's hardest at night and in the morning when he's not there in bed with me. I have good friends who are keeping an eye on me, although it's easier to share with you because everyone is going through the same thing, in one way or another. The best thing I have, though, is Samantha. She looks an awful lot like Buddy, tho they are not related. She tested Felv neg. last year when Buddy was positive. She will be going in soon for another check-up----she's healthy as a horse. I woke up this morning and she was in bed with me ( she never would sleep with me----much too independent), just where her older brother used to sleep. It really made me smile. I closed my eyes and heard him purring. I believe a small part of Buddy's spirit is now in Samantha, and he will be watching over me. I feel funny because I no longer have a Felv+ cat. I will still need support from you all and will offer anything I can in the way of help to you. Thank you all again. Liz In memory of Buddy 3-13-98 -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 11:11:26 -0600 Subject: Re: Buddy To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Liz, Thank you for describing Buddy for me. Now I am picturing a little guy kind of like my Benjamin (a childhood friend/companion who was also short-haired, brown, black tabby with a white chest and boots). But as you implied, it isn't so much their physical characteristics as it is their sweet natures--even in the onery ones I sense a pureness of spirit, an ability to reach to my very soul and connect with me. (I shouldn't say "even"--often the ornerier the more endearing, right?!) It is so important for me to share these details w/ others and to read others' accounts of their cats' unique beauty. I never want to forget. If it makes me cry sometimes, I will also smile remembering them, and that's part of my relationship with beings whom I love, on this earth or elsewhere. I have tears in my eyes but I'm also smiling thinking of Buddy stealing food and waking you in the morning. What a dear baby. Here's to Buddy, a well-loved, sweet-natured feline who chose well in finding such a generous, caring mom. Susan -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 14:49:02 EST To: Felvtalk@mailinglist.net Subject: Buddy Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Liz. Just found out about Buddy. So sorry to hear he lost his battle. The little ones fight so hard and all we can do is be there for them. I've been dreaming of Russian lately. She gets up into my face on the bed at night and wants cuddled. It's odd because I'm dreaming that I'm sleeping and I am. It seemed so real this morning. Good memories. Take care and look for the rainbow. Linda In memory of Russian -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 15:07:27 EST To: Felvtalk@mailinglist.net Subject: Moira Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Naomi Seems there is too many kitties loosing their battle this week. I was sorry to hear of your loss. We all do as much as we can for our babies and we don't have the miracles yet. Will be thinking of the new babies up there with Russian today. Keep fighting Naomi. Linda In memory of Russian -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 15:04:09 +0000 Subject: Re: Hemobartonella Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi all, I just read on another list about another (and more effective) drug used to fight off hemobart. It is called Doxycycline, and it is the drug of choice now and can be given once a day. Hope this is helpful. Take care, and best wishes. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net, phaedrus69@hotmail.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 21:25:41 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: (Fwd) Re: MRSA in cats? Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Aaron, Think I read the mouse thing in a Cat Fancy mag. Does seem a little light on the calories but just read it in passing. Mine have never even seen a real mouse and the only thing they stalk is the food bowl and each other. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 21:40:45 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: DMG Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Cheri, I'm sorry to not get back to you sooner. I haven't used the DMG. I had thought about getting it, but didn't get to it. I know many others have, so hopefully one of them will pass on the information. Anyone? How much DMG does a cat need daily? barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 21:54:23 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: wonderful group Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Helen, I know what you mean about the nights and mornings being the worst time. My whole routine had centered around Merlin's care and feeding for so long that when I didn't have to do it all anymore, there is such a hole. He always slept with me every night. Interestingly, it seems as tho there is still always a cat in lap tho. Usually it was Merlin and the others accepted that, now it seems they take turns keeping my lap from being empty. Very perceptive creatures, cats. Barb -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 22:56:26 EST To: Felvtalk@mailinglist.net Subject: Russian Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Everyone. I learned a great deal about my scanner today. I have something I want to show off and I hope it does not go against the rules. Please forgive me if it is wrong. This was my baby Russian. I just wanted everyone to see her and I wanted to show all of you how much better I'm getting. This sort of makes my tribute to her more complete. It makes me feel better. My granddaughter is almost three and she was here tonight to. She asked me where Russian was. It broke my heart she never got to hold Russian after Russian got sick. We had to tell her. But at least we can pull up her picture for Amanda now. Oh the fish tanks were one of her favorite spots. She'd watch these nice fat gold fish and sometimes try to stick her foot in. Hope no one minds the picture. So I'm sorry in advance. Linda In memory of Russian -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 23:06:43 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Russian Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I think my picture never showed up. Oops. What did I do wrong now. Linda -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Hello Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:09:07 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Injecting acemannan directly into the tumors is doing some remarkable things, and there is clinical evidence at http://clever.net/at/immune-system/citation4.html and http://www.he.net/~virginia/00000010.html -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Buddy's gone Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:15:43 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Roll on, Buddy. Well done by Buddy, Liz. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 22:18:11 +0000 Subject: Re: Russian Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Linda and all, > I think my picture never showed up. Oops. What did I do wrong now. > Linda It's just as well that your picture didn't make it. To everyone, please don't send "binary" files (like pictures or Word documents, etc.) to the list. The reasoning for this is that these files take too long to download, and since many folks pay for their internet service (or phone bill connections) by the minute, it can be quite frustrating for them. If anyone wants folks to see their pictures (or other such large files), please contact me or Rena (who now runs the FeLV tribute pages) or Belinda Sauro who now also has tribute pages to create a web page to put these pictures on. Thanks for your cooperation. Take care, and best wishes. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net, phaedrus69@hotmail.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- END