Trouble on the Rainbow Bridge

Many vets have judged Trouble worthy of her name. She came to us when she was about three years old and had originally been called "Precious." After multiple disasters which included the flooding of her family's kitchen when she bit a hole in the water hose that fed the fridge ice maker, she was renamed.

We loved Trouble from the first day she was with us. She was never an easy cat, but she was always fun and pushed us to be the best humans she could make us.

She hasn't been feeling well lately, and became obviously sick on July 4, at age 14. We took her to the cat ER where she was gassed unto submission - no vet has ever been able to examine a conscious Trouble. The vet on duty showed us that Trouble had cancer covering one side of her tongue going back into her throat, so we just sent her on to the Rainbow Bridge without ever having to wake up to more pain.

It's so hard to say goodbye to a friend. I hope someone loves me enough to send me over the bridge when I get too sick to enjoy my life. Sleep sweetly, my little Trouble girl.

Cat harmony

In an attempt to create peace in the cat clan (as easy and simple as lasting peace in the Middle East), we have thrown open the door to the downstairs and fixed the cat door to allow cats in but not out. That allows Miss White to be plunked outside when she wants to go out and she can come back in the cat door to escape from the evil neighborhood boxer or rain. It keeps Cricket and the other indoor cats from getting out.

With the entire downstairs available for roaming, tension has lessened a bit. Sweetie Pie is now coming out of the kitchen cabinets to at least sit on the counters. Pansy has returned to the back of Mom's chair in the living room. Cricket goes everywhere and Hummer seems to be happy staying upstairs. Miss White is terrified of Hummer and acts as if she doen't know what a kitten is.

Maybe we can all just get along - and I can keep Cricket. It's so nice to have a cat who lets me brush her long hair - closest I'll ever get to a daughter.

Cat juggling

Wade and James have fallen in love with the kitten, but we have reached cat population overload. Since Miss White is so darned mean and has to be isolated from the other cats, half the house, the entire finished basement, is not available for the other cats. The upstairs is large - big living room, dining room kitchen, hall, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. That is still too small for 5 cats when fear crowds in.

Who am I trying to fool? Enough of this silliness. Pansy, Sweetie Pie, and Miss White can all take cat Xanax. Cricket stays.

Hummer needs a home

A tiny, warm, purring ball of soft fur is on my shoulder, nuzzling my neck. It has been a long time since I've had a cat who could fit under my chin.

Linda Askins rescued this little girl and tracked me down to help her find a home. A couple of folks have expressed interest, but I may be in trouble. I love her already.

I'll piece together a kitty video, but until then, enjoy uncut footage.