Pet Thread End of The Year Edition

Saturday afternoon. Time to spend some time with Morons and Petmorons. What could be better on this last afternoon of 2016? Enjoy!

Before we meet the Petmorons, lets check out some animal news. A little of this. A little of that.

Vet comes down with bird flu, from a cat. Go figure. h/t Miley.
Federal Court OK's cops shooting dogs during course of search warrant. h/t L, Elle
Cops have a tough job. A no-knock warrant with dogs present only asks for trouble. I don't have the answer what is right and wrong. Each episode has its own unique set of facts. I would suspect there are justified "shoots" and that there are unjustified "shoots". Perhaps as body cameras become more prevalent the facts will come out.
~~Men~~ Males!!
Meet the biggest dog in the world. h/t L, Elle
Even the Pet Thread has a Feel Good Story of The Day h/t Carol F.

It's that time, lets meet the Petmorons.

Our first pet photo is Maggie, the Lab from JR. Lets hear what JR has to say about this pooch.
"Long time lurker, occasional commenter as JR.
This moron lab is Maggie. Dumb as a box of rocks but the most loveable lab I've ever met. Rolled onto her back for anyone she met. Loved people more than other dogs.

She had to ride on ahead last April at the age of 12. It killed me to put her down but it was the last gift I could give her. I miss her terribly.

As you can see she was part termite! Loved to chew any wood down to tiny bits."

Now this is a Petmoron if we have ever seen one. Meet Seamus. Art his owner has the following to say about him.
"This is my boy Seamus, trying to suck the last drop from dad's bottle. Four year old golden retriever, my pal.

Ace of Spades HQ is my fav site. Love it."

Why thank you Art and Seamus.

Kat, appears to have a miserable life. A double rescue cat. A wonderful story.

"I'm "eastofsuez", long time lurker and occasional poster. The gorgeous creature in the photo is named Kat. He is a double rescue. My oldest saved him while at university, and I saved him from her. Just the sweetest feline, ever."

Thanks for sharing eastofsuez.

Our next petmoron is an interesting mix breed dog with an unusual fondness of water.

"Our Border Collie-Bernese waiting for the "Go Swim!" command: when he will catapult himself into a local brook.
He is happiest of all when in any body of water, in any season.
That and when pleasing us (except when stealing from the table when we're out of the room)
His name: Tennyson.
For our kids favorite cartoon of the time: Ben Ten.
xnycpeasant"

This is Maggie. A wonderful story about what sounds like a wonderful dog. LA ette, lakeside lurker has this to say about Maggie.

"This is Maggie. She was a Katrina dog. Someone put her out, unable to care for her after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. My son found her wandering the neighborhood, and convinced me to take her in. "Everybody is taking in somebody" he reasoned.
Of course, we fell madly in love with her. She loves to guard us, chase UPS trucks, and eat "cookies". I have two grown sons who joke that Maggie is the daughter I never had.
Much love, LA ette, lakeside lurker"

Thank you for your submission.

Burke, the foster Wienie dog. Rabidsquirrel has this to say.

"This is Burke, my 8 year old foster Dachshund. He enjoys eating my food, burrowing into my lap, and terrorizing the neighborhood stray cats. He is available for adoption from the Miami Valley Pit Crew in the Dayton, Ohio area. -Rabidsquirrel"

What a wonderful group of Petmorons. Thank you for sharing their photos and stories. The Horde is great. We appreciate your patience waiting for your pet to make the thread. It takes a few weeks from the time of your submission until your pet makes the big time. In the mean time if you have animal/pet news, tips or photos you can send them here to petmorons at g mail dot com.

Hey you guys & gals & pets, Happy New Year!!!

See you next year.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at 03:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Yay, the food thread!

Posted by: Barack O at December 31, 2016 02:51 PM (kTF2Z)

2 I submitted my pics this week so they'll probably eventually get in there. Now L, elle can stop bugging me about it

Posted by: buzzion at December 31, 2016 02:51 PM (cAnNx)

3 Everybody's favorite thread!
Nice looking Moronimals, as is to be expected.

Thanks, MisHum.

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 02:53 PM (JYDLV)

4 Another great pack o' Pet Morons. Thanks again, Mis. Hum. for assembing these and their Horde servants for submitting their photos.

No matter how bad the day, no matter how much everyone has beaten you down, when you have a pet you have your own fan club bucking you up.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 02:53 PM (J8/9G)

5 Damn If I hadn't!!!

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at December 31, 2016 02:54 PM (1AnXN)

6 there are justified "shoots" and that there are unjustified "shoots".

Any pit-bull and no corgis might be a start.

Posted by: DaveA at December 31, 2016 02:54 PM (8J/Te)

7 Great pets ya'll!

Burke does a great impersonation of Hillary Clinton!

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 31, 2016 02:55 PM (5VlCp)

8 Love the petmorons. Maggie seems to be a popular name. We have one, too. Our Warrior Princess. Keeps the other dogs in line. Fostered an abused puppy.

Posted by: KT at December 31, 2016 02:55 PM (qahv/)

9 Fluff has disabled the mouse pad on numerous occasions and yes theres one bazillion posts on the Google Machine about

'My cat disabled my mousepad.'

Posted by: Cannibal Bob at December 31, 2016 02:57 PM (1AnXN)

10 Major transformation for a possible dog/wolf hybrid rescue.

https://youtu.be/KS13ZbuJ4IE

Posted by: buzzion at December 31, 2016 02:57 PM (cAnNx)

11 Burke does a great impersonation of Hillary Clinton!
Posted by: Hairyback Guy
------------------

Looks like Seamus up there is pretty good at it too!

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 02:58 PM (JYDLV)

12 I must complain about a stupid neighbor. I left for the grocery store around 8:00 am. Got half way down the street and I spot a small black lab with a collar and no human. I stop my car and turn on the flashers, because I'm just that into safety, and get out to investigate. Doggie comes over to sniff and then wanders across the street to sniff some more so I call him back and he comes to "Puppy, come" so yay for that. I open my car and he hops in and sits down on a seat that has not yet been sat on my my dog. He's very sweet and is not at all hesitant to let me examine his collar and tag. I call the first, local number - no answer, left message. Call second toll-free number which is a "home again" sort of service. They call owner and owner is trying to call me. We connect and he just says, "He just wanders a little bit."

Well then don't let him out without adult supervision, dipshit. Owner came out still in his jammies so it seemed clear to me he let Oliver out to do some business and didn't go out with him. If I had been on foot with my extremely dog-reactive dog, this would have been an very unhappy tale. If you live in the city and you don't have a fenced yard, you are morally obligated to go out with your dog and keep track of him.

/rant

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 31, 2016 03:00 PM (B6m/l)

13 Brattleboro was asslo effected by this Russian Hack on are power systems. Trump lied and this happened. Presdent Obama should do something about this, like punishing them for their crimes against persons of colors and Hays/Lesbians.

Posted by: Mary Clogginstien from Brattleboro, VT (Soon to be Obamaboro, VT) at December 31, 2016 03:01 PM (Fbj4h)

14 And now that I got that off my chest, beautiful puppies and kitteh today, fellow morons.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 31, 2016 03:01 PM (B6m/l)

15 Pets!

Posted by: m at December 31, 2016 03:03 PM (3jGss)

16 Our dog Smokey had the worst week ever. At 1am on Christmas morning he began throwing up and coughing and couldn;t stop. We took him to our university vet hospital and they immediately admitted him to ICU with pneumonia. On Tuesday they called us and said he had taken a turn for the worse and had gone septic. They didn't expect him to live through the day. The vet called us that evening and said they had stabilized him but it was touch and go. On Wednesday he called to tell us that Smokey was looking a little better. By Thursday when we were allowed to see him, he was walking and starting to eat a bit. Today he ate some chicken I had made for him and he is off oxygen and we may be able to bring him home Monday. All of the vets are amazed at his progress and can't believe a 9 year old dog could get better at all from being near death.

A huge thank you to the staff of the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and especially the ICU staff. They pulled him and us through this.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:04 PM (HBU7W)

17
A huge thank you to the staff of the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and especially the ICU staff. They pulled him and us through this.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:04 PM (HBU7W)

That's cool. My boss has a son in law going to school there.

Posted by: buzzion at December 31, 2016 03:06 PM (cAnNx)

18 It's great to have that resource so close to us. They vets are the best in the country (really, one of the top hospitals) and we have used them quite a bit. Always compassionate and caring of both animals and their humans.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:09 PM (HBU7W)

19 I will be so glad when the JEF is out of the White House for many reasons, but one of them is that whoever insists on posting that comment about the "food thread" on every single AoSHQ pet thread will have to stop. It was kinda sorta funny the first 30 or so times, but it's gotten beyond tiresome. Please, give it a rest.

Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:11 PM (3C9q2)

20 Great looking group again this week. Thanks everyone for sharing!

Abby - glad to hear the good news!

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 03:12 PM (Sfs6o)

21 At kitty problem, maybe someone has ideas:

My cat licks her back. She's been doing it for about six months now. She doesn't seem to be in pain, and the vet isn't concerned, but she's taking the fur off. She's not bald there or anything like that, but you can tell she's licking that area.

I've tried:

1. hot spot spray. She licks that off
2. bitter apple stop licking spray. She licks that off.
3. using lavender oil where she hangs out to relax her. House smells like lavender.
4. putting her in animal clothes. She is Houdini, and then hates me.
5. changing food.

Any ideas?

I'm not sure if it's a food sensitivity- she's on pricey grain free food that is poultry based. Afraid to feed her fish based food; outside of that, there's not many options.

Help me oh wise pet owners of the horde!

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:13 PM (beK/c)

22 Hello! Merry Christmas, belatedly, and Happy 2017, imminently.

I might've snagged #1, but, just as I got to the pet thread, my little yellow fuzzy buddy Charlie came meowing at the front door to be let in.

Instead, I went out and sat down in a chair to enjoy the stillness and sunny warm-ishness. Charlie curled up in my lap and thus I was temporarily catalaptic, as we say.

I like warm days. Less wear & tear on the catboxes.

Last week's Pet Thread had a question about buying Christmas gifts for pets. Whoever had the dogs that knew their stockings - that was really cool.

We don't usually make a deal of it, but this year Milady bought Gimli the dog his own blanket, fuzzy with dog bone pattern. He seemed to realize it was his own and took to it right away.

He's had his own old ratty wool army blanket for a long time, so that may have helped with possession-recognition.

Gimli's still doing well, by the way; still no recurrence of the bleeding anus problem, whatever it was. Amen.

Milady and I are both at some stage of flu-ishness, but the pets all seem to be doing well; that's the important part.

♥

So, pet people, happy seven swans a-swimming day.

Since it's still in the 12 Days, you can still catch my Christmas Webworkshop video, including my mortifyingly embarrassing proudest work, "Christmas Wrap." Linked in nic (my website) or at YouTube
https://youtu.be/wV5hv26lyNw

Posted by: mindful webworker and katzndoggez at December 31, 2016 03:13 PM (8Unxl)

23 Best Christmas gift ever, huh Abby?
Glad he pulled through. Here's hoping for have many many more Merry Christmases with him.

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 03:14 PM (JYDLV)

24 I know it's a pet thread, but is anybody as sick of the therapy dog scamming as I am?

I know the airlines have to let you fly with your TD if you show them a letter or certificate, but getting one of those is a scam also.

Where it pisses me off is in the stores other than the home-center type (Depot and Lowes and Menards) that clearly say it's OK. And the theaters.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 31, 2016 03:14 PM (U6f54)

25 I submitted my pics this week so they'll probably eventually get in there. Now L, elle can stop bugging me about it
Posted by: buzzion at December 31, 2016 02:51 PM (cAnNx)
*****
I'm persistant. I'll find something else to bug you about.
Now, I can move on to nagging NGU to send in his kitty pics.

Posted by: L, Elle at December 31, 2016 03:16 PM (6IPEM)

26 Each one more precious than the last.

Thanks so much for sharing, Horde!!

And thanks, MisHum, for putting it together (and the great links at the top!)

Posted by: ibguy at December 31, 2016 03:17 PM (vUcdz)

27 12 ...Tonestaple, Perfectly justified rant! We are lucky that our neighbors have always been good with their pets and we all tend to look out for the occasional escapee.

But I can say I've met more pets that I like than owners. When I see stories about abandoned or abused pets I have two reactions. The first is I hope the animal can be rescued. The second is the abusive owner should be located and executed. I'm not too forgiving about some matters.

Posted by: JTB at December 31, 2016 03:18 PM (V+03K)

28 19, Basement Cat, de gustibus non disputandum est. I guess I just have a low sense of humor because I still laugh at that joke, if only because it's so dependable.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 31, 2016 03:19 PM (B6m/l)

29 >>>19 I will be so glad when the JEF is out of the White House for many reasons, but one of them is that whoever insists on posting that comment about the "food thread" on every single AoSHQ pet thread will have to stop. It was kinda sorta funny the first 30 or so times, but it's gotten beyond tiresome. Please, give it a rest.
Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:11 PM (3C9q2)

I think it's hilarious. Especially when it hits the first comment slot. Different strokes.

Posted by: m at December 31, 2016 03:20 PM (3jGss)

30 Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:13 PM (beK/c)

Run your hand through that area of her Fur. Does it feel grainy or bumpy? It could be some type of dander.

Posted by: Tim in Illinois. Wargame Designer at December 31, 2016 03:21 PM (d76uN)

31 I just lost the most wonderful cat ever two days ago. Everyone is like, "Get another, and that will be the most wonderful cat ever," but QD was special--so loving and affectionate. Never scratched, never bit. Always up for hugs and snuggling. How do we keep putting ourselves through this, knowing they only live such a comparatively short time?

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 03:22 PM (Rn3Rw)

32 Chi
Oh yes. We didn't even open gifts until we knew he was going to be ok. And our kids who had been assholes since the election, forgot everything and came home to be together for him. Dogs are amazing and they become a huge part of the family.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:23 PM (HBU7W)

33 Had to check out the pets before switching to the bowl game thread. "Comfortable" looking pets this week. All would be welcome here.

Sorry about Maggie, JR, it's the price we all must pay to be allowed to live and care for God's creatures.

Posted by: Subterranean JT at December 31, 2016 03:25 PM (qG0hz)

34 In what way is a no-knock warrant different from a home invasion?

Anyone breaks into my house, I will shoot to kill. Anybody can yell "Police!", including home invaders. I don't give a shit.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 03:26 PM (sdi6R)

35 We didn't really consider this when we adopted WeaselDog, but since her fur is so short she is almost maintenance free. I think we've given her three baths in two years. She does shed, but her fur is like eyebrow hair.

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (Sfs6o)

36 Why is it made of warm?

I love it. lol

Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (qUNWi)

37 Uhgh! Did I ever mess up the close-strike-through tag. Bounced off the barrel rim, but didn't go in.

Posted by: mindful webworker and katzndoggez at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (8Unxl)

38 Run your hand through that area of her Fur. Does it feel grainy or bumpy? It could be some type of dander.
--

It seems fine, outside of the fact that there's less fur there.

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (beK/c)

39 Beautiful pattern on that soulless calico. They are the gingers of the cat world.

Don't be fooled!

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (tHwdc)

40 Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 03:26 PM (sdi6R)
----------
I have thought that very same thing. Have to say that WD is a great little watch dog. Nothing moves on our street that escapes her attention and if she doesn't know (and like) you, she barks her little head off.

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 03:31 PM (Sfs6o)

41 littl shyning man #24: ...is anybody as sick of the therapy dog scamming as I am?

Sort-of related:
Steven Crowder:
HIDDEN CAM: Transgender Dog Prank!
https://youtu.be/wFwVjPrN2MM

Posted by: mindful webworker - self-identifying as a therapy human at December 31, 2016 03:31 PM (8Unxl)

42 In case anybody missed it: In the Overnight Open Thread (30 Dec 2016) CDR M posted a link to "15 of the best dog tweets of 2016" which is super-great. Link to tweets, here:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/hglrqq2

The one of a guy sitting at a Starbucks outside patio in the rain and his girzzled old dog lying on his chest is a tear-jerker.

Posted by: m at December 31, 2016 03:31 PM (3jGss)

43 kitty problem, maybe someone has ideas:

Shibumi--

My Casey had a similar problem last summer-- I noticed that he was licking his right side and lower belly, and I could see the skin-- it looked as if someone had shaved off the fur with a razor. The shape of the bald area on his side was odd-- it was a long thin triangle, not a circular or oval patch. Plus I could not see any broken skin, rash, pimples, bug bites, or other signs of inflammation. I took him to the vet, and she (after testing a fur sample for a fungal infection) said it was most likely a pollen allergy. I was surprised, and she added that while humans often get upper respiratory symptoms with pollen allergies, cats generally feel itchy in their skin and start licking themselves. We had an unusually hot and humid August here, and the pollen count was higher than normal. The vet prescribed a liquid steroid medication for Casey (prednisolone), and he felt better within a day of the first dose. He stopped licking himself, and while it took awhile for all the fur to grow back, he hasn't had another episode of fur loss.
Another possibility is that your kitteh is emotionally upset about something-- sometimes cats groom themselves excessively for that reason. Have you made any major changes in your household in the past few months, like moving, new pet, death of old pet, etc.?

Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:32 PM (3C9q2)

44 Had to look at the biggest dog link, saw a w5oman waliking a dog that I thought wasthe biggest dog I ever saw and still don't know what it was.
Happy Caturday horde.

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2016 03:32 PM (5sOEp)

45 Got a mini Australian Shepard for Christmas for me and the daughter. 10 Weeks old. Forgot about the whole potty training thing......

Posted by: Sponge at December 31, 2016 03:32 PM (xttKs)

46 {I]I'm not sure if it's a food sensitivity- she's on pricey grain free food that is poultry based. Afraid to feed her fish based food; outside of that, there's not many options.

Help me oh wise pet owners of the horde!

Posted by: shibumi

I once had a dog that had bad skin problems on his stomach area from licking. The vet had me try allergen free dog food which I had to purchase at the vet's office. It was not available in pet supply stores. It did away with the skin problems. It wasn't much more expensive than the commercial dogfood. But it was a pain to have to go to the vet to buy it.

If the problems get worse, it might be worth a try. My dog was licking himself raw, and sometimes getting the area infected.

Posted by: nerdygirl at December 31, 2016 03:33 PM (+lVUW)

47 shibumi, if there isn't an obvious situation like parasites or infection or something, sometimes it can just be stress. Vanya would kick divots out of his neck for years, hide in closets and the basement only to come out for a few minutes a day to eat, drink, and yodel the Sorrow Song of His People. The vets never found any physical reason, and the hilariously expensive hypoallergenic prescription foods didn't change anything either. I finally adopted Lydia as more of a selfish thing really, so I could have a fuzzy buddy instead of an emo teenager with a litter box I had to empty.

Adding a cat to a cat problem always makes it worse... except, for some reason, this one. Vanya's fur on his neck and head has pretty much grown back, and while he still scratches some scabs (probably because they itch), the walls no longer look like a crime scene. He also sacks out on the couch instead of cowering in a dark corner somewhere. The only thing that's changed has been the addition of pudgy little nursemaid Lydia.

http://stoatnet.org/couchcats.jpg

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 03:33 PM (8nWyX)

48 A"Grizzly "just "Stepped" on my ...hack..hack......poutine doggone it...gonna send 35 pups to the mill...and the kids to the Kremlin................better presents and endless booze.....no DOG MINIMUM

Posted by: saf at December 31, 2016 03:34 PM (+zN6H)

49 Really nice photos-little kids and their big dogs. I have no idea what the first dog is-Looks like a huge string mop:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/jmerq2p

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 03:35 PM (tOcW/)

50 Cops shoot dogs because ...
1. Cops have guns and ...
2. Cops don't get to use their guns on people w/o a lot of paperwork.

Hunters shoot cows for a similar reason. It's not mistaken identity. After carrying that rifle for 10 hours in the woods w/o sight of a deer they just have to kill something.

Posted by: Malcolm Kirkpatrick at December 31, 2016 03:35 PM (IbUUZ)

51 Brattleboro was asslo effected by this Russian Hack
on are power systems. Trump lied and this happened. Presdent Obama
should do something about this, like punishing them for their crimes
against persons of colors and Hays/Lesbians.

Posted by: Mary Clogginstien from Brattleboro, VT (Soon to be Obamaboro, VT) at December 31, 2016 03:01 PM (Fbj4h)

Mary, you should stay away from"hot Russian chicks" porn sites while at work for your utility company. I know it was you.

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:36 PM (tHwdc)

52 Are all the rabbits in my yard considered pets? Because if they aren't, then why am I feeding them my landscaping?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at December 31, 2016 03:37 PM (TRzoP)

53 A huge thank you to the staff of the Ohio State
University Veterinary Hospital and especially the ICU staff. They pulled
him and us through this.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:04 PM (HBU7W)

That's wonderful news, Abby! I'm glad your doggeh had survived this.

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:38 PM (tHwdc)

54 24 I know it's a pet thread, but is anybody as sick of the therapy dog scamming as I am?

I know the airlines have to let you fly with your TD if you show them a letter or certificate, but getting one of those is a scam also.

There are no requirements whatever to get your pet labeled as a service animal. And I think it is disrespectful to people with real needs. I was on a cruise ship where a blind guy had a service dog. It was amazing how that dog helped him deal with the crowds.

Posted by: nerdygirl at December 31, 2016 03:38 PM (+lVUW)

55 I have thought that very same thing. Have to say that WD is a great little watch dog. Nothing moves on our street that escapes her attention and if she doesn't know (and like) you, she barks her little head off.
Posted by: Weasel
------------------
Heh.
I think WD and Tucker are kindred spirits.
He seriously thinks he deserves a treat when the UPS truck doesn't stop, but just keeps driving on down the street.
"Yes, Tucker, you chashed the bastard off..."

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 03:39 PM (JYDLV)

56 I typed an entire huge paragraph of neurotic cat licking and it went POOF

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 03:39 PM (dFi94)

57 test

Posted by: L, Elle at December 31, 2016 03:39 PM (O+0DS)

58 I will be so glad when the JEF is out of the White
House for many reasons, but one of them is that whoever insists on
posting that comment about the "food thread" on every single AoSHQ pet
thread will have to stop. It was kinda sorta funny the first 30 or so
times, but it's gotten beyond tiresome. Please, give it a rest.

Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:11 PM (3C9q2)

You're just jealous because he doesn't eat cats. Happy New Year!

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:39 PM (tHwdc)

59 Those tweets of dog photos-referenced above (Post 42) are hilarious. and cute

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 03:40 PM (tOcW/)

60 I typed an entire huge paragraph of neurotic cat licking and it went POOF

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 03:39 PM (dFi94)

Pixy censorship doesn't accept feline self-gratification, only the canine variety.

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:40 PM (tHwdc)

61 I typed an entire huge paragraph of neurotic cat licking

Neurotic cat licking? Maybe I need to check the urban dictionary for this.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at December 31, 2016 03:40 PM (TRzoP)

62 Beautiful pattern on that soulless calico. They are the gingers of the cat world.

Don't be fooled!
Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR

Calicos are all nutz! And 99% of calicos are female.

How do we keep putting ourselves through this, knowing they only live such a comparatively short time?
Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK

So sorry to hear about your loss of your kitty. I've lost a couple of really nice cats, and great dog. It is so hard to get attached to a nice pet, to know that you will outlive them.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....outlaw in America at December 31, 2016 03:41 PM (S6Pax)

63 And condolences to all the Morons who have lost four-footed friends in 2016.

We lost three this year. We let Smudge go on July 1st, seven years less one day after his sire Titan, at nearly the same age and nearly the same thing.

And on August 19th I came home early to take Sarge (Ch. Soyara's Ace of Spades) on his last visit to the vet and found his pen mate Ilya dead. Rough day.

On the good side, our matriarch Miss Tess celebrated her 12th birthday this week, a good age for a Borzoi.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 03:42 PM (J8/9G)

64 Bottom line is cats are a little nutty and their neurosis can come out as excessive licking. There's a name for it but I can't remember. It's due to boredom and inactivity.

Do vigorous playtime. Take your cat for a walk (it can be done)

If all else fails, a dose of cortisone might knock it out.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 03:42 PM (dFi94)

65 >>>It is so hard to get attached to a nice pet, to know that you will outlive them.
Posted by: Bossy Conservative....outlaw in America at December 31, 2016 03:41 PM (S6Pax)

. . . hoping that you will outlive them.

Posted by: m at December 31, 2016 03:43 PM (3jGss)

66 You're just jealous because he doesn't eat cats

If he eats certain Chinese dishes with "tiger" in the name, he probably does.

Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:44 PM (3C9q2)

67 The one of a guy sitting at a Starbucks outside patio in the rain and his girzzled old dog lying on his chest is a tear-jerker.

Posted by: m at December 31, 2016 03:31 PM (3jGss)

My personal fave from MH last night.
Another fine Pet Thread - thanks MH and Morons!

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:44 PM (tHwdc)

68
. . . hoping that you will outlive them.
Posted by: m
-----------------

Or hoping to go out together in a blaze of glory...

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 03:44 PM (JYDLV)

69 In what way is a no-knock warrant different from a home invasion?
Anyone breaks into my house, I will shoot to kill. Anybody can yell "Police!", including home invaders. I don't give a shit.
Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 03:26 PM (sdi6R)
******
Yeah, same here. I have mixed feelings about this. My Dane is protective by nature and a guard dog. Thats why I got her. If anyone busts in my house, she will go berserkers. She will bark loudly and she has a scary, fierce bark. The only way she would bite anyone is if I am being attacked or hurt. That's what she is supposed to do. She would be a goner if cops are allowed to shoot dogs for barking aggressively and showed up at my house and broke in

Posted by: L, Elle at December 31, 2016 03:45 PM (O+0DS)

70 35 We didn't really consider this when we adopted WeaselDog, but since her fur is so short she is almost maintenance free. I think we've given her three baths in two years. She does shed, but her fur is like eyebrow hair.
Posted by: Weasel

My previous 2 dogs had been breeds with lots of coat. My present dog is a beagle. It is so much easier. No mats, easier bathing. Of course, she hates it. Did I say, "no mats"?

Posted by: nerdygirl at December 31, 2016 03:45 PM (+lVUW)

71 . . . hoping that you will outlive them.
Posted by: m

NOBODY IS PUTTING ME IN THE CORNER!!

But yeah, good point.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....outlaw in America at December 31, 2016 03:46 PM (S6Pax)

72 Cicero I always talk about your outdoor nameless pets. Speaking which I should get my bird feeder out before the snows.

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2016 03:46 PM (5sOEp)

73 Thanks for the input everyone!

Here's my thoughts:

1. I don't think it's stress. There haven't been any major changes in life in the last six months, outside of the fact that I'm home now. She actually gets more attention now. If it's behavioral, I'm thinking it's more of a habit thing. But who knows?

2. RE: food, I'll ask her vet. Maybe that's a route.

3. She does seem to have seasonal allergy/ itching problems, and her former vet would give her steroids. But I'm not a fan of that-- she had cancer when she was younger, and now has some mild heart issues.

4. I have not ruled out a companion cat-- a week or so ago I started doing some volunteer work with a rescue group and found the most amazing senior boy cat that would be great with her. But.. that's not in my budget right now.

hogmartin, OMG, what a cute photo.

Shibumi's cat Penny thanks you as well!

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:46 PM (beK/c)

74 Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:13 PM (beK/c)

Sounds like a commercial for DinoVite.com that I always hear on the radio. If you haven't tried it yet, maybe it couldn't hurt.

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:47 PM (tHwdc)

75 We saw a Borzoi this morning visiting the hospital. She was getting to go home and I don't know who was smiling more, her or her owner. They are stunning dogs.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:47 PM (HBU7W)

76 I just lost the most wonderful cat ever two days ago. Everyone is like, "Get another, and that will be the most wonderful cat ever," but QD was special--so loving and affectionate. Never scratched, never bit. Always up for hugs and snuggling. How do we keep putting ourselves through this, knowing they only live such a comparatively short time?
Posted by: Quint&Jessel
------------

Yeah, I've often asked myself the same question, and I can't find a good answer that doesn't sound like some sort of platitude.

Both our cat and dog are aging out at the same time, and they are cherished members of the family.

I genuinely grieve your loss. Words in a box can't serve as consolation, but it's all that we have, so, know that we're with you.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 03:49 PM (ZO497)

77 I don't think it's stress. There haven't been any major changes in life
in the last six months, outside of the fact that I'm home now. She
actually gets more attention now.
===================================

Have you brought anything new into your house in the last few months? A new sofa? Or rug? Things like that? Sometimes that's enough to flip their lids.

If she's had allergies in the past, ask your vet for a food recommendation for sensitive cats. There are prescription foods, but there are also some at pet stores now.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 03:50 PM (dFi94)

78 Bottom line is cats are a little nutty and their neurosis can come out as excessive licking. There's a name for it but I can't remember. It's due to boredom and inactivity.

Do vigorous playtime. Take your cat for a walk (it can be done)

If all else fails, a dose of cortisone might knock it out.
---

Sorry you lost your neurotic cat licking paragraph Grammie. I haven't ruled that out.

My cat Penny is about 10 {she is a rescue, so we really don't know her real ago} and has developed heart issues. And is on medication. We have short bursts of playtime when she wants. She's very good at telling me when she would like to play, and when she wants food.

Because of her health issues, I'm kind of afraid of giving her more cortizone, but that has worked in the past, when she was scratching near her ears and breaking the skin.

Did I mention that she's on a tiny, tiny, tiny dose of the same heart medication my Dad was on in the 90's?

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:52 PM (beK/c)

79 Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 03:39 PM (JYDLV)
-----------
WD hates, hates, hates the mailman and UPS. Strangely, the FedEx truck doesn't bother her nearly as much.

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 03:53 PM (Sfs6o)

80 I just lost the most wonderful cat ever two days
ago. Everyone is like, "Get another, and that will be the most wonderful
cat ever," but QD was special--so loving and affectionate. Never
scratched, never bit. Always up for hugs and snuggling. How do we keep
putting ourselves through this, knowing they only live such a
comparatively short time?

Posted by: QuintJessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 03:22 PM (Rn3Rw)

They're family members and can't be replaced. Plus, all cats are different.
If you want an affectionate cat, when you're ready to get another, I would recommend a male. Most of my male cats have been very sweet and cuddly. Zero of the females were.

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:53 PM (tHwdc)

81 My 16 year old cat Kira has been losing her appetite and losing weight recently. A couple weeks ago I took her in for an ultrasound recheck for a heart issue, which turned out OK.

But due to her weight loss, they did a blood test and found kidney problems. They had me change her to a different diet that is supposed to cause less stress on her kidneys, but she isn't eating it much.

The vet said that changing her diet is the first step, and other things can be tried if that doesn't work, but I can't help wondering whether her kidney problem can be stabilized, or if she is really in decline.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 03:53 PM (sdi6R)

82 Cicero I always talk about your outdoor nameless pets. Speaking which I should get my bird feeder out before the snows.
Posted by: Skip
------------

We had a squirrel named 'Earl', a rabbit in the backyard named 'Jasper', and a woodchuck named 'Churchill'. Churchill had an unfortunate habit of eating lettuce out of the garden patch.

Weirdly, really weirdly, Earl would place walnuts by our doors. Never figured that one out.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 03:54 PM (ZO497)

83 Posted by: Quint&Jessel

Sorry about your cat. The pets become cherished members of our families and it's very traumatic when we lose them.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 03:55 PM (tOcW/)

84 When I met GF for the first time at her door she was lukewarm on Tonypete until her terrier started licking my hands and would not stop.

Good enough for Jack, good enough for GF she explained later.

Unless GF is a 'ette, she'll never know I rubbed steak all over my gloves before getting out of the truck to go to her apt.

First rodeo - not. Love that dog.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 31, 2016 03:56 PM (tr2D7)

85 Did I mention that she's on a tiny, tiny, tiny dose of the same heart medication my Dad was on in the 90's?

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:52 PM (beK/c)
====================================

It's amazing how many human medications are also given to dogs and cats. More so dogs - they seem to have more similarities with humans when it comes to chemicals and such.

Also, vet medications are tons less expensive, even when they are the same exact thing. When I would get my Prednisone filled at Walgreens, price before insurance would be something like $32. Same dosage, same milligram, same number would be $6 at the vet.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 03:58 PM (dFi94)

86 Excellently, MH.

Posted by: Seems Legit at December 31, 2016 03:59 PM (U+nHb)

87 That's too funny about Earl the squirrel. Wonder what that was about? Never heard of them giving gifts.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 03:59 PM (HBU7W)

88 Stupid autocorrect! Excellent post! Sheeesh.

Posted by: Seems Legit at December 31, 2016 03:59 PM (U+nHb)

89 rickl, my QD and poor PurrD (who died in the spring) both had kidney problems. I'm so sorry. I hope your kitty will be ok, but both mine lost their appetites, and neither thrived on the "diet."

Mike Hammer, thank you. Miley, I do have a girl kitty now, and she is playful and energetic and not at all cuddly!

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 03:59 PM (Rn3Rw)

90 Have you brought anything new into your house in the last few months? A new sofa? Or rug? Things like that? Sometimes that's enough to flip their lids.

If she's had allergies in the past, ask your vet for a food recommendation for sensitive cats. There are prescription foods, but there are also some at pet stores now.
---

There is one thing which might be the cause, now that you mention it.

I got new carpeting in the house. In the main rooms where she hangs out. It's beautiful and plush. Probably filled with chemicals. The licking may have started sometime after I got it. However... she doesn't necessarily hang out on the carpet. She's got rugs in all of her favorite places, and she's had the rugs for a while-- since before the carpeting. Also.. I have a few plants in the house specifically chosen to reduce the chemicals n the air.

/yes, I know I am crazy. I appreciate everyone putting up with me. For the record, this is my first cat.

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:00 PM (beK/c)

91 I'm so sorry, Kodos the Executioner. It's like a repeated broken heart, isn't it?

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:00 PM (Rn3Rw)

92 rickl, you might try a pet fountain. Cats are always on the knife edge of of kidney issues for all sorts of reasons, including diet, but making water 'fun' for them can help.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 04:01 PM (8nWyX)

93 Bossy Conservative, I have sometimes wondered if, when a cat gets under my feet, they are trying to ensure they outlive me....

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:01 PM (Rn3Rw)

94 shibumi - I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's the carpeting. Cats don't like new stuff, and as you say, there's chemicals in new carpeting. Probably the best thing to do is air out your room as much as possible. Except it's winter. Not ideal.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:02 PM (dFi94)

95 Did I ever mention Mrs VIA's rescue rat?

White and blind.
And of course, her name was Helen.

Went everywhere on Mrs VIA's shoulder.
Would sit on the front porch glider in the summer right between two of our three cats.
And none of the cats ever treated her as anything other than another member of the family.

There are drawbacks to pets with such a personality, and a very short natural lifespan.

And that's the only reason why I am not inclined to get another one.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 31, 2016 04:03 PM (J+eG2)

96 shibumi - since you got the carpet, has your cat had any litter box "accidents"?

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:05 PM (dFi94)

97 Weirdly, really weirdly, Earl would place walnuts by our doors. Never figured that one out.

Sounds like it could be an old Sicilian message. Somebody sleeps with the walnuts, maybe?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at December 31, 2016 04:05 PM (TRzoP)

98 I'm about to join Seamus for a tipple.

Speaking of pets . . . go Huskies!!

Posted by: logprof at December 31, 2016 04:05 PM (GsAUU)

99 Earl clearly appreciated being named.

How many squirrels have names?

Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2016 04:05 PM (qUNWi)

100 >>>A huge thank you to the staff of the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and especially the ICU staff. They pulled him and us through this.

Back in the day, I had the same reaction to the staff at the Cornell University Vet. They communed with my cat. It meant everything to me.

Posted by: m at December 31, 2016 04:06 PM (3jGss)

101 Uhgh! Did I ever mess up the close-strike-through tag. Bounced off the barrel rim, but didn't go in.

Posted by: mindful webworker and katzndoggez at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (8Unxl)

Sez you

Posted by: The Barrel at December 31, 2016 04:06 PM (tHwdc)

102 I can't wait to see the petmoron mentioned last night pictured with the bag o' dicks.

Maybe next week?

Posted by: logprof at December 31, 2016 04:06 PM (GsAUU)

103 Another fine bunch of moronimals!

Posted by: navybrat at December 31, 2016 04:07 PM (w7KSn)

104 Mike Hammer, that squirrel was trying to feed you. Obviously you were no good at gathering your own nuts.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:08 PM (Rn3Rw)

105 19 I will be so glad when the JEF is out of the White House for many reasons, but one of them is that whoever insists on posting that comment about the "food thread" on every single AoSHQ pet thread will have to stop. It was kinda sorta funny the first 30 or so times, but it's gotten beyond tiresome. Please, give it a rest.
Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:11 PM (3C9q2)

--You know what never gets old, no matter how many times it's posted?

Hillary Clinton will never be President of the United States.

Posted by: logprof at December 31, 2016 04:09 PM (GsAUU)

106 Earl clearly appreciated being named.

How many squirrels have names?

Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2016 04:05 PM (qUNWi)

We had Stumpy (missing part of his tail which had a shock of white fur, hence the name). Stumpy used to hang out on the deck a lot. He was Harli's first stalking, as a kitten. It was so funny - she stalked the squirrel while her mother Maire observed from the deck steps, and we watched everyone.
As Harli grew up, she and Stumpy would play. He wouldn't try to hard to get away, and once she caught him between her front legs, then let him go, and waited for him to run again. Sweet.

Posted by: The Barrel at December 31, 2016 04:09 PM (tHwdc)

107 I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's the carpeting. Cats don't like new stuff, and as you say, there's chemicals in new carpeting. Probably the best thing to do is air out your room as much as possible. Except it's winter. Not ideal.
--

You know Grammie, that makes a lot of sense to me. She has seasonal allergies, which has her itching near her ears. But this licking is different. And did start after the carpet appeared.

Airing out is a great idea, and even though I've had the carpet for about nine months, I'm not good with that. Becuase I have outdoor allergies. Although right now, it's a balmy 45.

I also might add more plants in those rooms. I already have a dracaena, and might get some of these:

http://bembu.com/air-purifier-plants

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:09 PM (beK/c)

108 92 rickl, you might try a pet fountain. Cats are always on the knife edge of of kidney issues for all sorts of reasons, including diet, but making water 'fun' for them can help.
Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 04:01 PM (8nWyX)

Oh, she drinks plenty of water. That's not a problem. She just doesn't have much appetite for food.

I keep a glass of water on my bedside table, and over the years it's become a communal glass. She drinks from it more than from her water bowl in the kitchen. I make sure it's always full.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (sdi6R)

109 shibumi, I had a cat that obsessively licked her tummy fur (not to baldness, but she was way into the licking). She turned out to have a heart problem, and was self-soothing. Maybe check something like that out? (She lived years after the murmur was found, don't worry.) If your kitty is self-soothing, it could even be a hurting tooth.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (Rn3Rw)

110 Any advice for getting tablets down a cat's maw? Mike Hammer's Cat accepted pill pockets for about a week, but apparently figured out there was always some distasetful object inside, and now won't touch them.

I tried crushing the tablets and adding to his food, but he ends up only getting a small portion of the stuff.

Doing it manually (twice a day) is out.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (ZO497)

111 I can't wait to see the petmoron mentioned last night pictured with the bag o' dicks.

Maybe next week?

Posted by: logprof at December 31, 2016 04:06 PM (GsAUU)

Me too! Maybe Occam's Epilady will send it to PetMorons with the subject line "Mandatory BOD per Request."

Posted by: The Barrel at December 31, 2016 04:11 PM (tHwdc)

112 Also.... issue with new carpet is probably the reason that the food has not made any difference.

Because it might not be the food!

Duh!

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:11 PM (beK/c)

113 Posted by: mindful webworker and katzndoggez at December 31, 2016 03:28 PM (8Unxl)

Can you please post your website site again-(without the strike outs :^)- so that I can come visit it?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 04:12 PM (tOcW/)

114 Posted by: Tonestaple at December 31, 2016 03:00 PM (B6m/l)
The worst dog neighbor story I have is I had our male ranch dog and my 4 year old boy. The dog was mean with any male dog. I had him on a leash. Some lady was walking her little dog without a leash, I asked her to get her dog, mine would have killed that little dog with one shake. She got mad and said oh he's friendly, I told her mine wasn't.
Long story short I had to pick up and carry my 75 pound dog so my little boy didn't get to watch his friend kill a little dog.

Posted by: CaliGirl at December 31, 2016 04:12 PM (Q5Ymk)

115 Sounds like it could be an old Sicilian message. Somebody sleeps with the walnuts, maybe?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at December 31, 2016 04:05 PM (TRzoP)

LOL!

Posted by: The Barrel at December 31, 2016 04:12 PM (tHwdc)

116 Off with the Barrel sock. Flirting with danger here!

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:13 PM (tHwdc)

117 shibumi, I had a cat that obsessively licked her tummy fur (not to baldness, but she was way into the licking). She turned out to have a heart problem, and was self-soothing. Maybe check something like that out? (She lived years after the murmur was found, don't worry.) If your kitty is self-soothing, it could even be a hurting tooth.
---

It could be self-soothing; she does have a heart problem that's she's being treated for. It's also probably a time for a good brushing, but not today, since we had an episode with a new cat outfit. She took it off.

I do have to add- at no point does she act sick. She wants to play, she hangs out in all her normal places, and generally is herself.

/shibumi eats Spam; shibum's cat has a vet and a vet cardiologist. it's good to be shibumi's cat..

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:15 PM (beK/c)

118 Doing it manually (twice a day) is out.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (ZO497)
=====================

LOL No it isn't.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:15 PM (dFi94)

119 We don't name wild animals around here normally.

There was a turkey vulture who decided to nest in our woodshed one year. We named her hilarious baby Darth --- and then ended up calling her Martha.

Then there was Buster the Bear, the cantaloupe fiend. But we haven't seen him in a few years.

And, come to think of it, we do have a cute name for the groundhogs. We call all of them Target.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at December 31, 2016 04:15 PM (Nox3c)

120 https://youtu.be/hKv510t91Uc
SciShow: How cats & dogs drink

sip sip sip sip
vs
slobber slurble arglbaargl

Posted by: mindful webworker - probably at December 31, 2016 04:16 PM (8Unxl)

121 Any advice for getting tablets down a cat's maw?
Mike Hammer's Cat accepted pill pockets for about a week, but apparently
figured out there was always some distasetful object inside, and now
won't touch them.

I tried crushing the tablets and adding to his food, but he ends up only getting a small portion of the stuff.

Doing it manually (twice a day) is out.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (ZO497)

Pry open jaw, poke pill back behind the tongue, beyond the point of regurgitation. Massage throat.
Rude, but no other option.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:16 PM (tHwdc)

122 The vet students taking care of Smiley just called to tell me Smokey just open the door of his run and decided to take a walk around the ICU. We forgot to tell them about his super power of being able to open any door

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 04:16 PM (HBU7W)

123 Sounds like it could be an old Sicilian message. Somebody sleeps with the walnuts, maybe?

Posted by: Cicero
----------------
Maybe he's trying to tell Mike that his name isn't Earl - it is actually Paulie?

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 04:17 PM (JYDLV)

124 Mike Hammer - seriously, just take your cat into the vet and have one of the staff show you how to pill a cat. People are hesitant to do it, but you can do it.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:17 PM (dFi94)

125 On holidays, we usually give our cats moist food as a treat. Somehow, for Christmas Eve dinner, our cats figured out that it was a holiday meal for us (we didn't even all eat at the table together; long story) and that it was time for their moist food. They were very insistent and wouldn't shut up until they got that food from the can. Tonight they'll get some yummy treats too.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at December 31, 2016 04:18 PM (FQKBL)

126 Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (ZO497)

p.s. I understand what you mean by "right out" - we had to let our cat go because she wouldn't accept medications. It stressed her out more than treatment could help. Some cats are like that and you just have to let them do it their own way.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:18 PM (tHwdc)

127 They're family members and can't be replaced. Plus, all cats are different.
If you want an affectionate cat, when you're ready to get another, I would recommend a male. Most of my male cats have been very sweet and cuddly. Zero of the females were.

Posted by: Miley, Duchess of the DSR at December 31, 2016 03:53 PM (tHwdc)

They cannot be replaced. However you can always bring a new family member in and give them the love and affection they need and can return to you.

They may live a short amount of time compared to us, but you are there for all of your pet's life and provide them love throughout all of theirs.

Posted by: buzzion at December 31, 2016 04:19 PM (cAnNx)

128 Pry open jaw, poke pill back behind the tongue, beyond the point of regurgitation. Massage throat.
Rude, but no other option.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:16 PM (tHwdc)
============================

What Miley said. I add, Hold cat up in the air by the scruff of the neck. This tends to open the jaw and saves you from being clawed. Stuff that sucker down, and shut the mouth till you see a swallow, usually when the tongues protrudes.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:20 PM (dFi94)

129 Shibumi,
One thing that may help if the licking is stress related is Feliway diffuser and they also make a spray. It is supposed to help with stress. It's expensive. It's cat pheromones.

Posted by: CaliGirl at December 31, 2016 04:20 PM (Q5Ymk)

130 Any advice for getting tablets down a cat's maw? Mike Hammer's Cat accepted pill pockets for about a week, but apparently figured out there was always some distasetful object inside, and now won't touch them.

I tried crushing the tablets and adding to his food, but he ends up only getting a small portion of the stuff.

Doing it manually (twice a day) is out.
---

I use this:

http://tinyurl.com/jyx74dr

to crush the cats pills and mix it into her wet food. Layer of wet food, layer of powder, layer of wet food. She loves the wet food (I only give it to her with her medicine) so it's not an issue. I got it at amazon, but saw it at K-mart yesterday.

I also have this, but it's a futile process that doesn't always work and shibumi's cat hates it:

http://tinyurl.com/gtolm3k

Got it from the vet.

Pill pockets did not work with my cat. At all. And using the pill popper only traumatized her and made her afraid of me.

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:20 PM (beK/c)

131 Doing it manually (twice a day) is out.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (ZO497)
=====================

LOL No it isn't.
Posted by: grammie winger
-------
Sez you. This animal seems to like the flavor of human blood.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:21 PM (ZO497)

132 One thing that may help if the licking is stress related is Feliway diffuser and they also make a spray. It is supposed to help with stress. It's expensive. It's cat pheromones.
---

That's an option that I haven't tried yet.

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:22 PM (beK/c)

133 21 Any ideas?
Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 03:13 PM (beK/c)

No clue. But if you want it, I can give you the name of one of the top veterinary homeopaths in the county.

Posted by: bebe's boobs destroy at December 31, 2016 04:22 PM (YhV5r)

134 FenelonSpoke #113: Can you please post your website site again-(without the strike outs :^)- so that I can come visit it?

Hi, FS! Belated Merry Christmas joy to you & yours.

You know, if you copy-and-paste something that's striked-out (strike-outed?) it'll paste like normal text. If you can make out the link part, that is, to copy.

Since it's still in the 12 Days, you can still catch my Christmas Webworkshop video, including my ~~mortifyingly embarrassing~~ proudest work, "Christmas Wrap." Linked in nic (my website) or at YouTube
https://youtu.be/wV5hv26lyNw

Posted by: mindful webworker - probably at December 31, 2016 04:23 PM (8Unxl)

135 I keep a glass of water on my bedside table, and
over the years it's become a communal glass. She drinks from it more
than from her water bowl in the kitchen. I make sure it's always full.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (sdi6R)

My Kenny used to do that. Apparently it's not uncommon for cats to take short cuts. Go figure!

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:24 PM (tHwdc)

136 We always made a kitty burrito by wrapping the cat totally in a blanket to keep struggles and scratches to a minimum. Then pry his jaws open and pop the pill, close mouth, and massage neck until he swallows. Loosen burrito blanket and give hugs and kisses with blanket draped loosely. We also wrapped him at other times as a game so he didn't associate the wrap with the pill.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 31, 2016 04:25 PM (MIKMs)

137 So very happy to see you morons and your furbabies this New Years Eve...culmination of the longest, most stressful and distressing holiday season I can remember. Missing my mom, my dad, my sweet doggies and other family members, two and four legged. Y'all make me smile. Haven't done that much this season. Thanks.

Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2016 04:25 PM (W2wn0)

138 I use apple cider vinegar for all irritated skin problems. Soothes the skin and the taste minimizes licking.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 04:25 PM (raGdO)

139 She loves the wet food (I only give it to her with her medicine) so it's not an issue.

Pill pockets did not work with my cat. At all. And using the pill popper only traumatized her and made her afraid of me.
------------------------------

Yup, that's the scenario. He does get wet food all of the time, so it's difficult to get him to eat the whole pill's-worth at one time.

Right now I'm thinking of trying to make up some ground chicken (which he likes) and mixing the crushed tablet in.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:25 PM (ZO497)

140 No clue. But if you want it, I can give you the name of one of the top veterinary homeopaths in the county.
---

Yes, I would love a recommendation. This isn't particularly serious, but I'm always open.

I used this gentleman in the past, for her post cancer care:

http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:27 PM (beK/c)

141 130 Not sure about cats, but I pack my Lab's pills in a crap load of peanut butter and stick it waaaay back on the roof of her mouth. Only way I can make sure they get in. Even works with fish oil capsules.

Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2016 04:29 PM (W2wn0)

142 What Miley said. I add, Hold cat up in the air by
the scruff of the neck. This tends to open the jaw and saves you from
being clawed. Stuff that sucker down, and shut the mouth till you see a
swallow, usually when the tongues protrudes.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:20 PM (dFi94)

We used to place our cat on a dish towel on the kitchen table. Gave her something to claw at (besides us) while protesting the violation.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:29 PM (tHwdc)

143 Right now I'm thinking of trying to make up some ground chicken (which he likes) and mixing the crushed tablet in.
---
That might work.

My cat is now on pills 2x daily until further notice. I didn't start her on wet food until the pill thing started; she has that in the am/pm, and dry food out the rest of the time. She's not overweight and not that food motivated, so she doesn't overeat.

When I give her the wet food, I put that dish on top of the dry dish. She will typically eat it all within an hour; most of the time she eats all of it when I set it out.

Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:30 PM (beK/c)

144
*note to self: if grammie winger tells you take a tablet, just take the damn tablet*

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:31 PM (ZO497)

145 such cute pet rons!!!

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 04:32 PM (Om16U)

146 Thank you, FenelonSpoke.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:32 PM (Rn3Rw)

147 >>>Ben Had

how are the kittens?
have you seen the mom?

Posted by: concrete girl at December 31, 2016 04:33 PM (TD/W3)

148 My kid's pony died on Thursday. He was close to 30. We think. As a rescue no way to tell. Horses generally die of one of the things: colic, laminitis or pneumonia. I loved this shaggy gentle little horse and it broke my heart to see him suffer. Though he was fine at 8 am, by 10am he was thrashing and he twisted a gut. Somth___ busted. Longest hour i ever spent was waiting for her to get back from work so she could hold him while we put him down. I would have done it at 10 and was scared he'd die before the vet got there, but we got him loaded up on painkillers, ouled and tried to give him a chance. By the time she got there, it was clear that there was no chance. You are really a grown-up when you hold your horse and help him cross over. She even paid the dead truck herself, but i made her go in the house for that. I dont mind helping him take the final ride (the guy who is the night driver is a former SEAL of all things! Hes a great friend) but when its your own horse you dont need to see them like that. I felt so bad, once he was in the truck i sat in there with the pony holding his head, and talked with the guy til pony was cold. Thats a cool dude to let you do that. I been feeling pretty bad ever since. Not as bad as the girl.but about as bad as can be for me.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 04:33 PM (YhV5r)

149 dog owners, I have a stupid walking question: for dog shows or obedience competitions, is there a standard side to have the dog on? Is it on the handlers left side or right?

And when yoy walk your dog, which hand do you hold the leash with?

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 04:35 PM (Om16U)

150 What a great looking bunch! This is my favorite thread. (Cooking and chess are #2 and #3, in no particular order.)

If I emailed a picture of my dog on 27 August, and it has not appeared, should I assume that it will not?

Posted by: Chas C-Q at December 31, 2016 04:35 PM (Y0Piu)

151 concrete girl- They are doing great. Drinking the kitty formula out of a dish and working on small amounts of wet food. Have named them Hijinx and Hijax. Mom hasn't been seen.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 04:36 PM (raGdO)

152 shibumi.. just adding my two cents to others good advice but cat or dog, a lot of times it's allergies. Our chiweenie chews his paws to the point of no fur, and they swell up. Vet gave him a shot and once the first hard frost hit he is much better.

Posted by: DeplorableJewells45 at December 31, 2016 04:37 PM (CNHr1)

153 135 I keep a glass of water on my bedside table, and
over the years it's become a communal glass. She drinks from it more
than from her water bowl in the kitchen. I make sure it's always full.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (sdi6R)

Before I got the fountain, Vanya would absolutely snork the hell out of the toilet water and barely touch the water bowl in the kitchen. He'd always get the wide-eyed panic look when I wandered in, like he got caught doing something wrong. Presumably it was "oh no, there's a person here, and I'm in a room with only one exit where water sometimes comes out of things and I don't really know exactly which things they are and when water comes out".

Sometimes, cats are just smart-dumb. He hasn't been hitting the toilets lately though; either the ~exciting~ experience of lapping water from the Drinkwell's stream is more satisfying or else he is a toilet connoisseur and doesn't care for the toilets at the new house.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 04:38 PM (8nWyX)

154 so sorry Gushka

Posted by: concrete girl at December 31, 2016 04:38 PM (TD/W3)

155 So very happy to see you morons and your furbabies
this New Years Eve...culmination of the longest, most stressful and
distressing holiday season I can remember. Missing my mom, my dad, my
sweet doggies and other family members, two and four legged. Y'all make
me smile. Haven't done that much this season. Thanks.

Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2016 04:25 PM (W2wn0)

This holiday season has been the best since I lost my sweetheart, three years ago, and the Horde has been a major factor.
Thank you all for being a wonderful and supportive group of people. Your generosity of spirit is one of the things I thank God for every night.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:38 PM (tHwdc)

156 140
http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/
Posted by: shibumi, a deplorable who is tired of dealing with crazy people at December 31, 2016 04:27 PM (beK/c)

And that is exactly who I was going to tell you to talk to.

Posted by: bebe's boobs destroy at December 31, 2016 04:38 PM (YhV5r)

157 buzzion said: They may live a short amount of time compared to us, but you are there for all of your pet's life and provide them love throughout all of theirs.

Thank you! That just shifted my sad thoughts a little, which is greatly appreciated.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:39 PM (Rn3Rw)

158
dog owners, I have a stupid walking question: for dog shows or obedience competitions, is there a standard side to have the dog on? Is it on the handlers left side or right?

Almost always have them on the left. The left side of the dog is called the "show side" and the right side is the "off side."

A good judge (e.g. Her Majesty) will look at both sides of the dog in the course of examination. Some dogs have unfortunate markings that suggest a fault that's not there.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 04:40 PM (J8/9G)

159 Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 04:33 PM (YhV5r)
I'm terribly sorry. It's terrible losing an animal.

Posted by: CaliGirl at December 31, 2016 04:40 PM (Q5Ymk)

160 *waves to Ben Had

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 04:41 PM (JYDLV)

161 *note to self: if grammie winger tells you take a tablet, just take the damn tablet*

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:31 PM (ZO497)
============================

and there ya go.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:41 PM (dFi94)

162 Mike Hammer, can the vet make the med liquid? I had a cat who was very....difficult.........so the vet would make up twice the amount needed in a liquid form (to accommodate for the times the cat would deliberately spit the med back at me) and I would shove a dropper in her mouth and squirt the meds down her throat. I could mostly avoid the teeth that way...but usually had saliva/med spit all over me....

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:41 PM (Rn3Rw)

163 Gushka- So sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 04:42 PM (raGdO)

164 Miley, you're one of the good ones.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 04:42 PM (HBU7W)

165 I felt so bad, once he was in the truck i sat in
there with the pony holding his head, and talked with the guy til pony
was cold. Thats a cool dude to let you do that. I been feeling pretty
bad ever since. Not as bad as the girl.but about as bad as can be for
me.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 04:33 PM (YhV5r)

Getting dusty in here. So sorry for you both, in your grief. Losing a loved one is always hard. I hope you can comfort each other.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:42 PM (tHwdc)

166 So very sorry, Gushka. We're everything to the animals we love. Good that you could be there for him.

Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2016 04:43 PM (W2wn0)

167 Miley...you are a great addition!

Posted by: concrete girl at December 31, 2016 04:43 PM (TD/W3)

168 I'm so sorry Gushka.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:43 PM (dFi94)

169 Dog has been losing weight for the past month, worrisome, but he seemed to be acting fine. I got so worried that I got him some canned food as a treat to help him eat. I was wondering if he was jealous of the cat who has to have canned (kidney stones) and moping because of that. Anyway, he was really thrilled, and so youngest kidlet and I decided to go all the way and get the more expensive dry dog food as well. What a difference! Whatever was wrong with his tummy is resolved (note: remind kid to shovel up the poop) and he is eating like a healthy dog getting ready for winter again. So I just trashcanned a brand new bag of grocery store food because maybe there is something wrong with it.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 31, 2016 04:43 PM (MIKMs)

170 Right now I'm thinking of trying to make up some ground chicken (which he likes) and mixing the crushed tablet in.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:25 PM (ZO497)

You might try a food that he has never had before, so he does not notice the funny taste of the medicine. Maybe brauschweiger or something (as long as it is not toxic, a strong smelling food like that one I would think would mask the taste pretty well.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 31, 2016 04:44 PM (92kX2)

171 This holiday season has been the best since I lost my sweetheart, three years ago, and the Horde has been a major factor.
Thank you all for being a wonderful and supportive group of people. Your generosity of spirit is one of the things I thank God for every night.
Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 04:38 PM (tHwdc)

Right back at you, Miley. You're aces.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 31, 2016 04:45 PM (92kX2)

172 Chi-waving right back at ya, and a scratch for Tucker.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 04:45 PM (raGdO)

173 Its sad to see pets go, our 1st cat Ralphina we took to vet and it was the end so they put her to rest. I brought her home and made a coffin out of wood and wrapped it all in aluminum. She is buried out in our yard.

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2016 04:45 PM (5sOEp)

174 I'm so sorry, Gushka. Thirty years, and then losing your friend...so sorry.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:45 PM (Rn3Rw)

175 I have to send in my pictures and videos of Jasper and I using the new Kissinger phone attachment. He is so good!

Posted by: Dana Perino at December 31, 2016 04:46 PM (CNkLk)

176
I felt so bad, once he was in the truck i sat in

there with the pony holding his head, and talked with the guy til pony
was cold. Thats a cool dude to let you do that.
===============================

When one of my greyhounds died, the crematory man, sweetest man in the world, put her in the front seat next to him. He told me he wasn't putting her in the back of the truck because she was too special for that. He had greyhounds too. It made it easier. There are some good people out there. It sounds like your pony guy is one of them.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 31, 2016 04:46 PM (dFi94)

177 Hi, Miley, I'm mostly a lurker, but I like to see you here.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:47 PM (Rn3Rw)

178 Skip, I'm sorry about Ralphina. That sounds nice, what you did for her.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 04:47 PM (Rn3Rw)

179 Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 04:33 PM (YhV5r)

You did the most important thing, letting go when it demanded it and seeing it through. We always sit with ours when they cross over, it's the respect they deserve, the "last gift of love."

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 04:48 PM (J8/9G)

180 Thanks, MindfullWebworker. I thought that was very clever. (I liked "Christmas rap a lot). You are such a regal looking older man (Is it o.k. to say that?) that I think you should probably be performing in "King Lear" and not in a Santa hat. ;^)

Mary Christmas and Happy New Year to You and Yours, have missed seeing you here. Are you o.k.?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 04:48 PM (tOcW/)

181 Re: 34, 69

Is there any example of a justified "no knock warrant"?

Wikipedia has a page on it with arguments both for and against but only negative examples as far as I can tell. They also have numbers: 3,000 (1981) and 50,000 (2005) so it's not a new thing.

Posted by: Off the reservation at December 31, 2016 04:50 PM (uqnYW)

182 Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 04:33 PM (YhV5r)

I'm sorry about your kid's pony. That seems like a long time to have a horse, or is it not? What was the pony's name?.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 04:51 PM (tOcW/)

183 i miss my pets too.
they were the greatest.

Posted by: concrete girl at December 31, 2016 04:54 PM (TD/W3)

184 Husky is a dog. Therefore, not off topic., GO DAWGS!!!!

Posted by: LASue at December 31, 2016 04:55 PM (vLeRG)

185 Gushka, I'm so sorry.
hugs to all the horde mourning pets.

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 04:57 PM (Om16U)

186 Gushka- So sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 04:42 PM (raGdO)

Thanks everyone for your kind words. Im the person who helps everyone else around here put their horses down, but this hit me hard. He was just a little random blue roan quarter pony we got as an all around horse because he reminded me of this great little horse Morey Levitt used to have.

Remember that little blue pony, Ben Had?

Anyway this sweet little guys liss hit me hard. I dont usually sit in the dead truck crying. Not even for my own horses. Thats what i did thursday night. But you dont do colic surgery on a 30 yo ranch horse that cost 500$ but i sure wished we could.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 04:58 PM (YhV5r)

187 >>> Cats are always on the knife edge of of kidney issues for all sorts of reasons, including diet, but making water 'fun' for them can help.

It reminds them of fresh water. Also, less grungy than a bowl that has sat.

Posted by: fluffy at December 31, 2016 05:01 PM (jw2Xw)

188 again, heartfelt sorrow for you Gushka

Posted by: concrete girl at December 31, 2016 05:01 PM (TD/W3)

189 Fenelon, the pony's name was Indigo. Because he was blue. Native Americans say blue horses bring thunder and are messengers of the gods. This pony was everything like that to this girl. Like a shaggy dog and an angel she could ride and cut cows with, too.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 05:01 PM (YhV5r)

190 We got a cat water fountain, and ever since, no cat kidney issues.
Cats like to drink running water, still water in a bowl doesn't appeal to them.
They are a little more trouble, but worth it.

Posted by: navybrat at December 31, 2016 05:03 PM (w7KSn)

191 thanks Kodos

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 05:05 PM (Om16U)

192 Gushka, the one that was so good natured, tough as nails and was eyeball to eyeball with the cow?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 05:05 PM (raGdO)

193 Miley, you're one of the good ones.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 04:42 PM (HBU7W)

Thank you, Abby. While I have less-than-stellar moments at the HQ, I think you guys bring out the best I have to offer right now. I'm rediscovering my sense of humor, irony and fortitude through the shared wisdom, pain and humor of the Horde.
It's been a long road to recovery after my husband's death. I really didn't want to live for a long, long time. Partly abandoned by people who couldn't bear to witness my grief, and partly self-isolating, this forum has been my main interaction for the past half-year or so. It's not that I don't want meat-world friendships, but frankly, superficial relationships do nothing for me.
This may sound crazy to some people, that a few online relationships can feel more substantial and comforting than real-world acquaintances, but right now it's true for me. I'm an introvert who doesn't form close friendships readily. There's a sincerity here that I truly cherish.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 05:06 PM (tHwdc)

194 hugs, Miley

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 05:06 PM (Om16U)

195 Quint&Jessel, so sorry about your cat. What a loss.
Gushka, I am also very sorry about your pony. Very sad.
Abby, I am praying that your dog continues to gain his health back.

Lovely pet pictures, again.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 31, 2016 05:07 PM (CFc5L)

196 nood chess/open

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 31, 2016 05:09 PM (6QnGR)

197 Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 05:01 PM (YhV5r)

What a great name and sounds like a great gal!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2016 05:09 PM (tOcW/)

198 Gushka, that was also in the day we weren't working 500lb feeder calves.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 05:10 PM (raGdO)

199 Ben Had, how are the kittehs? I might have missed it if you've already given the update.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 31, 2016 05:11 PM (CFc5L)

200 Thanks, Votermom.

I think I'll hang out here for now, I don't do chess. You all go ahead :-)

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 05:12 PM (tHwdc)

201 washrivergal- at 151.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 05:14 PM (raGdO)

202 Just remember folks -
While your pets are a huge part of your life, you are EVERYTHING in your pets' lives.

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 05:18 PM (bFFPK)

203 Oh, I saw a documentary the other day about an equestrian drill team. On sidesaddle, no less. Cali/Mexican group. They didn't win the competition, but the speed and intricacy of the maneuvers (with a sidesaddle!) was astonishing and terrifying. I know nothing at all about horses, but I am going to find one of the local Mexican rodeos to watch some of the equestrian dancing.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 31, 2016 05:18 PM (MIKMs)

204 Those horses are like mighty Caliphs battling it out with great scimitars!

*fap* *fap*

Posted by: Angela Merkel at December 31, 2016 05:19 PM (rH4JY)

205 Gushka, the one that was so good natured, tough as nails and was eyeball to eyeball with the cow?
Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 05:05 PM (raGdO)

Thats the one! I loved that little horse. So when i saw this one almost ten years ago i just told my friend to get him despite the extreme age, I was so glad we did. Indy was just like that one, sweet to the very end with enormous heart. Just like i hoped. I always thought that blue horse was too good for Morey. He didn't deserve him.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 05:20 PM (6HZn7)

206 201 washrivergal- at 151.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 05:14 PM (raGdO)

+++

Cute, cute names. Bad mama.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 31, 2016 05:20 PM (CFc5L)

207 FenelonSpoke #180: Thanks, MindfullWebworker. I thought that was very clever. (I liked "Christmas rap a lot). You are such a regal looking older man (Is it o.k. to say that?) that I think you should probably be performing in "King Lear" and not in a Santa hat. ;^)

Mary Christmas and Happy New Year to You and Yours, have missed seeing you here. Are you o.k.?

Glad you liked the Wrap. That was... fun to do.

Regal looking... is... not something I've ever heard before. Nor anything I would have expected.

That wasn't one of your infamous typos, perhaps? haha I do mean to regale!

Have not been entirely okay, thanks for asking.. Been busy, with the videos, but mostly other matters. Christmas season got even busier. Then, Christmas morning, I woke up with a cold, a gift from my daughter (cold, flu, whatever it is), from which I'm still recovering. Finally, this morning, I woke up feeling pretty good, popped out of bed, and first thing I hear Milady say is, "I think now I'm sick." Oh noooes! I may still be mostly-lurking for weeks to come, for many reasons.

BACK ON TOPIC

Gimli dog knows how to nuzzle (with his muzzle) the door open from the outside if it's a bit ajar. A little while ago, his pal Spark the Gray Cat was standing inside, looking out. Before I could get to the door, Dog came over, opened the door for the cat, and walked away. He does this a lot, getting the door open for the cats. (Or getting us to open it for them.)

Closing the door, we're still working on that.

Posted by: mindful webworker - regaling at December 31, 2016 05:20 PM (8Unxl)

208 Well said Chi- you said what we all need to remember.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 05:20 PM (raGdO)

209 Thank you, washrivergirl.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 05:25 PM (Rn3Rw)

210 Chi, you are so right--we're their parents and buddies and comforters.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 05:25 PM (Rn3Rw)

211 Miley, I've been lurking here since Ace opened the place, almost, and definitely it is full of good people.

Posted by: Quint&Jessel, Sea of Azof, Bly, UK at December 31, 2016 05:27 PM (Rn3Rw)

212 Any advice for getting tablets down a cat's maw?

Mike Hammer's Cat accepted pill pockets for about a week, but apparently

figured out there was always some distasetful object inside, and now

won't touch them.

I tried crushing the tablets and adding to his food, but he ends up only getting a small portion of the stuff.

Doing it manually (twice a day) is out.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 31, 2016 04:10 PM (ZO497)

Mike, if you're still here, get a pill gun - they're really cheap and shoots the pill into the back of the cat's throat. Works great. We put a little canola oil on the pill so it doesn't stick to the shooter, shoot the pill in, rub the cat's throat to make it swallow. It's fast and non-traumatic.

They look like this:

http://tinyurl.com/h5oc7fn

Posted by: Joanne at December 31, 2016 05:28 PM (o/EW5)

213 I think I'll hang out here for now, I don't do chess. You all go ahead :-)
Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 05:12 PM (tHwdc)

===

me either
I usually just bug them when zi hang out on that thread

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 05:30 PM (Om16U)

214 I am not a cat person. I like dogs. Been taking care of a friends cat for the long weekend. She is the sweetest thing. Sammy was a rescue cat for BFF's mom. Mom passed last spring. Soon as I met Sammy I fell in love. They are moving up to the hills as soon as they sell the house. Then I get to be Sammy's mom. She is an indoor kitty and wouldn't survive up in the hills.

Kids had to put their Smoke down Thursday. Still trying to process that. He was another sweet kitty.

Posted by: Infidel at December 31, 2016 05:42 PM (VtLx6)

215 While your pets are a huge part of your life, you are EVERYTHING in your pets' lives.

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 05:18 PM (bFFPK)

That sentiment expressed on the dog tweet photo just perfectly captured the moment.
I haven't had a dog in over 20 years, since I left Roy the Beagle in Sweden with my ex. Someday I'll have a good situation for a dog again. I really think they should have the opportunity to run free.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 05:42 PM (tHwdc)

216 Happiness is reading the AoS Pet Thread, while being warmed by 12 lbs of long haired spoiled cat, snoozing with the purr-box set to "stun", on the lap.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at December 31, 2016 05:43 PM (v5iqM)

217 I never thought of the affection differential in male and female cats, but in my case it holds true.
My female cat is aloof, could care less if I pet her.
My male cat is on me like glue, all day long.
Where ever I am, that is where you will find him.
He's not a lap cat, just likes to be in the same room as me.

Posted by: navybrat at December 31, 2016 05:47 PM (w7KSn)

218 Miley, I understand completely. My family is complicated, at best, and the great ones here take me out of that mess for a bit. We help each other and that's missing sometimes in the real world.
That's probably why my dogs mean so much to me. They are the ones that love me no matter what and will never hurt me.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 05:51 PM (HBU7W)

219 Been nice to get to hang out live on the Pet Thread again. Another plus for 2016: AoS Pet Threads.

Off to do "things." Later, yawl.

Posted by: mindful webworker - petpetpetpetpetpetpet at December 31, 2016 05:52 PM (8Unxl)

220 Ha!
I just noticed that most of the ads I'm getting on the main page are for "Bully Sticks."
Damn spies are living in my search engine!

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 05:56 PM (bFFPK)

221 Kids had to put their Smoke down Thursday. Still trying to process that. He was another sweet kitty.

Posted by: Infidel at December 31, 2016 05:42 PM (VtLx6)

Prayers up for Smoke and all of you guys who are pining for him.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:00 PM (tHwdc)

222 Happiness is reading the AoS Pet Thread, while being
warmed by 12 lbs of long haired spoiled cat, snoozing with the purr-box
set to "stun", on the lap.

Jim

Sunk New Dawn

Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at December 31, 2016 05:43 PM (v5iqM)

I agree, "Snoopy" Jim ;-)

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:01 PM (tHwdc)

223 Kodos- are you still here?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:01 PM (gvftx)

224 me either

I usually just bug them when zi hang out on that thread

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 31, 2016 05:30 PM (Om16U)

They're usually designated as "chess/open" but every time I see a chess post, I feel guilty.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:03 PM (tHwdc)

225 That's probably why my dogs mean so much to me. They are the ones that love me no matter what and will never hurt me.

Posted by: Abby at December 31, 2016 05:51 PM (HBU7W)

It's a rare human who can love as unconditionally as a dog.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:04 PM (tHwdc)

226 Ha!

I just noticed that most of the ads I'm getting on the main page are for "Bully Sticks."

Damn spies are living in my search engine!

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 05:56 PM (bFFPK)

They're only trying to make you happy, Chi.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:09 PM (tHwdc)

227 To carry on with Chi's theme-
If you don't put water in my bowl- I can't turn on the tap.
If you don't put food in my bowl -I can't open the cabinet door.
If you don't clean my living space ,I can get away for my own refuse.
Despite all that I will still love you. Your Pet

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:09 PM (gvftx)

228 Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:01 PM (gvftx)

Su servante.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 06:11 PM (J8/9G)

229 Thanks Kodos- As these kittens get older and need more room I think Brody is going to need a muzzle when he is around them. Do you know of a good one?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:13 PM (gvftx)

230 Watching 'Animal House' - great movie for NYE. Perhaps inappropriate for the Pet thread!

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:15 PM (tHwdc)

231 If it's your Beezer, you can get them at a place like Tractor Supply or PetSmart. The former is were we got the ones for our Borzoi.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 06:17 PM (J8/9G)

232 Stellar New Year's Eve edition of puppehs and kittehs!
Wish I could rub each and every one of them behind the ears...

Posted by: Taqyia2Me - Deploribus Unum at December 31, 2016 06:17 PM (Ftuf+)

233 Sooooooo - I take it y'all are spending New Year's Eve with your little for legged friends? I am, for about the 30th year in a row.

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 06:19 PM (Sfs6o)

234
It's a rare human who can love as unconditionally as a dog.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:04 PM (tHwdc)

Actually, they're all cynical and manipulative. The girls especially. They just want you to think that they love you, while what they really want is a handout.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 06:21 PM (J8/9G)

235 Wish I could rub each and every one of them behind the ears...

Posted by: Taqyia2Me - Deploribus Unum at December 31, 2016 06:17 PM (Ftuf+)

I'd go for the bellehs.
--------
Actually, they're all cynical and manipulative. The
girls especially. They just want you to think that they love you,
while what they really want is a handout.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 31, 2016 06:21 PM (J8/9G)

I know this is true for cats. Please don't disillusion me about dogs!

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:22 PM (tHwdc)

236 Kodos- Yes the Beezer. He has been good so far but today as I was bringing them back from a stall he was more concerned than he has been. He is in the house with them and will lay next to the cage they are in and let them touch him but a sight hound is still a sight hound.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:23 PM (gvftx)

237 233 Sooooooo - I take it y'all are spending New Year's Eve with your little for legged friends? I am, for about the 30th year in a row.
Posted by: Weasel
--------------

That's about it.
After I find a different/original recipe for black eyed peas, I'll amble up to the grocery store for a bottle of wine & any ingredients I'll need, and look to see if they have Bully Sticks (doubt it).

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 06:24 PM (bFFPK)

238 Sooooooo - I take it y'all are spending New Year's Eve with your little
for legged friends? I am, for about the 30th year in a row.

Posted by: Weasel

Yep. Homemade chicken wings in the oven, a bottle of bourbon waiting.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:26 PM (tHwdc)

239 Miley-Have you tried the Tequila/Lime variety?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:28 PM (gvftx)

240 WW is out at a street fair thing and I'm on standby for pickup duty. May stop at the store and get a steak for the grill on the way home. Also might just make a PBJ sammich. I'll be in bed by 10:30 either way!

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 06:32 PM (Sfs6o)

241 Miley-Have you tried the Tequila/Lime variety?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:28 PM (gvftx)

I haven't - how do you do them? Sounds like a winner!

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:34 PM (tHwdc)

242 I'll be in bed by 10:30 either way!

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 06:32 PM (Sfs6o)

I hope you'll at least be on the NYE ONT, Weasel!

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:36 PM (tHwdc)

243 Miley- marinate in a cup of Tequila, a cup of lime juice, tbls of cumin, agave nectar to taste, 2 tbls of adobo seasoning and salt/pepper. Enjoy.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:39 PM (gvftx)

244 217 I never thought of the affection differential in male and female cats, but in my case it holds true.

I dunno, I've had enough of both genders who were just their own cats. They all had/have different personalities and while there are some common traits, I don't think I could predict what a cat will be like just on its gender.

Callie: Big squishy queen, liked rubs as long as they were on her terms.
Sputnik: Skittish terrified girl, I don't think she spent a day in her life that wasn't in pure existential terror of whatever the hell it is that scaredy-cats are afraid of. Eventually killed by raccoons, the only vertebrate against which I have a no-negotiations "suffer it not to live" rule.
Girlcat: Friendly and nuzzly in her youth, now in her retirement a throw pillow that sheds and sometimes purrs when you pet it.
Boycat: Basically Dwayne Johnson in tabby form, maximum hardass who ripped apart rodents and jumped over fences until the day he died from bone cancer but was also a snuggly sweetie.
Katya: Mostly timid, would also occasionally enjoy a sunbeam tummy rub before she remembered that she had an I'm-scared-of-everything reputation to uphold.
Misha: Arrogant shit. Cute as hell, but thinks he's cuter than he is. "When I go maaaah like a little kitten, you have to do whatever I want, that's how it works." Some cats will jump on the couch to cuddle and give kisses and purr in exchange for rubs, Misha demands rubs as his due and then goes off to do whatever interests him more.
Vanya: completely unhinged as explained way upthread, only brought back to some sense of functional sanity by...
Lydia, who is an absolute cuddlemonster and who, in about a year so far, has never failed to spend the night at the foot of the bed nuzzling my feet. I can spend an hour on the couch and yell some nonsense like "approximately a cat!" or "kitty tummy!" and I'll hear "mmMMRAA?!" and boingedy boing, she comes bouncing out of nowhere and dives in chubby cheeks first for some rubs.

Uh... so I guess anyway my point was that I've had both male and female cats that were aloof and uninterested or lovesick snuggle machines.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 06:40 PM (8nWyX)

245 That's nice of you, Miley! Thanks. I'll try!

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 06:40 PM (Sfs6o)

246
Miley- marinate in a cup of Tequila, a cup of lime juice, tbls of
cumin, agave nectar to taste, 2 tbls of adobo seasoning and salt/pepper.
Enjoy.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 06:39 PM (gvftx)

So what I usually do is dust them in corn starch, then deep fry. I can do that after marinating? Any special dipping sauce for these, Ben?

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 06:53 PM (tHwdc)

247 For the 'ettes:

Shadow Riders is starting on GetTV.
Not the greatest, but Sam Elliott & Tom Selleck in the same western is pretty hard to beat.

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 06:59 PM (bFFPK)

248 Uh... so I guess anyway my point was that I've had
both male and female cats that were aloof and uninterested or lovesick
snuggle machines.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 06:40 PM (8nWyX)

I defer to your experience! Still, "next one" (far down the line, I think) will be a male if I have my druthers.
Maybe it's not them, but me. I prefer my snuggly, somewhat high-love-maintenance boyz.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:00 PM (tHwdc)

249 Shadow Riders is starting on GetTV.

Not the greatest, but Sam Elliott Tom Selleck in the same western is pretty hard to beat.

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 06:59 PM (bFFPK)

Aargh! 'Groundhog Day' just started. Yet, Sam Elliott...

Decisions, decisions.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:03 PM (tHwdc)

250 Very late to this party, so not sure if anyone is left to even read this but...

I asked last week for prayers for my cat, Misty who was showing signs of kidney failure before I took her to the vet on Monday. Sadly, her blood work was extremely bad.

And, after telling me of a few options which could help her feel better in her last days, the vet stated that it might actually be time to think about letting her go. I told her I very much appreciated her explaining what all the results meant and providing all the options before giving me the ultimate tough news.

I told her that I can accept that I will have to put her to sleep, but I just couldn't make that decision that day, because I did not come in emotionally prepared to do that Monday. She understood completely and provided me a few medicines that would help ease some of the pain Misty was going through. She was extremely dehydrated, had some sort of sore on her tongue which made her not want to eat or drink, because it hurt so much and of course she had severe kidney failure.

I brought her home and she actually went and drank water from her bowl for the first time in days, but still not much. It was probably due to the pain killers they provided, because hours later, she was back to not drinking anymore. I knew the next day that it was time for me to let her go. She could barely move around, not eating, not drinking, just sleeping on the floor and being very distant, hiding under the coffee table.

Long story short, I made the appointment to put her to sleep for Wednesday morning, but brought her out from under the table and laid her beside me on the couch, laying on my arm and against my chest to rest. I assured her she was okay and that I loved her and gently pet her until she fell asleep.

I ended up not moving from that spot all night. She woke up a couple times during the night, looking around, seemingly wondering where she was. I assured her she was okay, gently laid her back down against me, told her I loved her and pet her until she fell back asleep. The last time this happened was around 6am. When I next awoke at 8am, I found she had passed away in her sleep.

As painful and heartbroken as I was, I was absolutely dreading taking her in to put her to sleep. So I was relieved she had passed on in her sleep.

I've been going through fits of sobbing the last few days as 16 years of memories with her go through my mind. But I am glad for all the time God gave me with her and glad He took her so quickly (she deteriorated and passed on only within the last 2-3 weeks) without too much suffering.

Thank you again for all the prayers. And thank you for having this pet thread each week. It's a wonderful comfort to know others who care for their pets as much as you do.

Happy 2017, everyone.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 07:04 PM (7A4qQ)

251 Miley- just cook them as they are and add a guacamole on the side.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:07 PM (gvftx)

252 Miley - you can also redip them in some Jose Cuervo.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:10 PM (gvftx)

253 Well, I love Andie MacDowell (especially in GD), but only have antenna, so I'll have to stick with the westerns.
Nevada Smith (Steve McQueen) is up next.

I still need to go get that wine...
(And bacon. Don't forget the bacon, chi!)

Posted by: Chi at December 31, 2016 07:11 PM (bFFPK)

254 Clyde- That is pure love.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:12 PM (gvftx)

255 So sorry for you loss, Clyde.

Posted by: Weasel at December 31, 2016 07:16 PM (Sfs6o)

256 I ended up not moving from that spot all night. She
woke up a couple times during the night, looking around, seemingly
wondering where she was. I assured her she was okay, gently laid her
back down against me, told her I loved her and pet her until she fell
back asleep. The last time this happened was around 6am. When I next
awoke at 8am, I found she had passed away in her sleep.

As painful and heartbroken as I was, I was absolutely dreading
taking her in to put her to sleep. So I was relieved she had passed on
in her sleep.

I've been going through fits of sobbing the last few days as 16
years of memories with her go through my mind. But I am glad for all
the time God gave me with her and glad He took her so quickly (she
deteriorated and passed on only within the last 2-3 weeks) without too
much suffering.

Thank you again for all the prayers. And thank you for having this
pet thread each week. It's a wonderful comfort to know others who care
for their pets as much as you do.

Happy 2017, everyone.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 07:04 PM (7A4qQ)

Clyde, I'm glad that she could pass at home and by your side. Even though we want to end their pain, somehow it's always better when they can do it their way.
Prayers for you and your Misty. Their candles burn too fast, as a wise Moron once said.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:20 PM (tHwdc)

257 19 I will be so glad when the JEF is out of the White House for many reasons, but one of them is that whoever insists on posting that comment about the "food thread" on every single AoSHQ pet thread will have to stop. It was kinda sorta funny the first 30 or so times, but it's gotten beyond tiresome. Please, give it a rest.
Posted by: Basement Cat at December 31, 2016 03:11 PM (3C9q2)

I guess to each his own; it makes me smile every time.

And thinking Trump' s inauguration is going to put an end to it is kind of sweet, really.

Posted by: Gem at December 31, 2016 07:21 PM (uaHyk)

258 Thanks Ben, for the recipe. It's in my file.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:21 PM (tHwdc)

259 Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 07:04 PM (7A4qQ)

It wouldn't hurt as much when they leave if they didn't mean so much while they're with us. I'd never trade the one to avoid the other.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 07:21 PM (8nWyX)

260 It wouldn't hurt as much when they leave if they
didn't mean so much while they're with us. I'd never trade the one to
avoid the other.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 07:21 PM (8nWyX)

This is true of opening ourselves to love, be it of humans or pets. God created us for love, and gives us strength to deal with loss as well.
Doesn't make it any less painful, though.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:26 PM (tHwdc)

261 When my Murphy of 17 years was ready to go she only wanted it on her own terms. I cherished this dog ( rescued from a bar ditch with a ruptured diaphragm) and I was always her slave. Everything was on her terms and that was a kicker because I make my living as a trainer. I adhered to her wishes as always but I would have loved to have held her at the end.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:30 PM (gvftx)

262 Doesn't make it any less painful, though.
Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:26 PM (tHwdc)

Nope, it certainly doesn't. I hope it didn't come off as callous or anything, more that the depth of loss is proportional to the depth of having cared.

Gosh, this is a morbid pet thread.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 07:37 PM (8nWyX)

263 Maire disappeared into the woods for the last week of her life, and would struggle back to the yard every evening to see us. She was in great pain, and it broke my heart. I wish I could have been with her at the end, but Mr. D thought maybe she wanted to be alone.

I cried for months afterward.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:37 PM (tHwdc)

264 I adhered to her wishes as always but I would have loved to have held her at the end.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:30 PM (gvftx)

That sucks. The vet hospita i too my cattlw dog waldo to wouldnt let me hold him because it was an emergency and they dont let owners in the back. I quietly hate them for that every time i drive past, but luke yiu said, you do whats best for them not you.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 07:38 PM (YhV5r)

265 Nope, it certainly doesn't. I hope it didn't come
off as callous or anything, more that the depth of loss is proportional
to the depth of having cared.

Gosh, this is a morbid pet thread.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 07:37 PM (8nWyX)

Callous? Not at all. The Pet Thread is for sharing the joy of pets, and our grief at losing them. It's all part of the package, hogmartin.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:39 PM (tHwdc)

266 Love is joy, and pain.

Posted by: navybrat at December 31, 2016 07:40 PM (w7KSn)

267 That sucks. The vet hospita i too my cattlw dog
waldo to wouldnt let me hold him because it was an emergency and they
dont let owners in the back. I quietly hate them for that every time i
drive past, but luke yiu said, you do whats best for them not you.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 07:38 PM (YhV5r)

I'd try to find a different place, or talk to them about this policy. That's just wrong.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:40 PM (tHwdc)

268
Love is joy, and pain.

Posted by: navybrat at December 31, 2016 07:40 PM (w7KSn)

The intersection of those is where most of my deepest thoughts on the meaning of life occur.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:42 PM (tHwdc)

269 It's true, if we didn't care or love, we would have no pain of loss when the thing is taken from us, as all things must.

Posted by: navybrat at December 31, 2016 07:47 PM (w7KSn)

270 Clyde,
Sorry about your loss. I've had a cat and dog die of kidney disease. I think having a cat die at home is a comfort to them.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at December 31, 2016 07:50 PM (Lqy/e)

271 Late to the HQ and this thread today.

Clyde, my prayers for you and your sweet Misty. I'm glad she didn't have to die in the sterile (and often scary) environment at the vet.

She died in the arms of her human who loved her.

We have two kitties, one 14 and the other 15, in slowly failing health. Our last two lived to be 18.

God bless you, and ease your grief.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at December 31, 2016 07:50 PM (PY9jH)

272 I have never had one of my animals die in a Vet's office. I have been blessed with the skill and the trust of my Vet's that furnish me the drugs to end a life , that it is always done at home.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:58 PM (gvftx)

273 I'd try to find a different place, or talk to them about this policy. That's just wrong.
Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:40 PM (tHwdc)

If i had been ok with 20 minutes more of driving we would have gone to our usual vet. But its not an issue any more. We never use this place. It was a thing where he was in horrible pain and i just wanted it to stop.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 08:02 PM (DA2FB)

274 Also FWIW, cats in particular are masters at hiding illness or weakness. It's not at all unusual to bring a cat to the vet and find out he or she is in the final stages of a months-long terminal disease, especially if you have more than one cat snorking down the food and filling the litter box. I found Katya stone cold dead one morning out of nowhere, except that she snuffled a little when I picked her up cold and stiff, and it turned out that she was able to make it a few more hours and several thousand dollars at the local university's clinic. If they don't want you to know they're sick - and they don't - you won't know it at all, and it's not something to feel bad about.

GAH, I don't feel like getting all weepy on a NYE pet thread. Here are some fuzzy buddies! They are engaging in adorable kitty kisses!
http://stoatnet.org/porchcats.jpg

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 08:06 PM (8nWyX)

275 (((kittykisses)))

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 08:11 PM (tHwdc)

276 Ok hogmartin- Gushka is going to have beautiful new foals in the spring. My stud is going to have his first ever foal out of a World Champion producing mare and life is great. Happy New Year.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:11 PM (gvftx)

277 I have never had one of my animals die in a Vet's office. I have been blessed with the skill and the trust of my Vet's that furnish me the drugs to end a life , that it is always done at home.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:58 PM (gvftx)

My vet who did the thing at my home moved to texas. I cant find a vein for shit. Never could do that myself. I always hold them. She was one of my best friends. Why do all the good people die or move to texas?

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 08:16 PM (DA2FB)

278 Gushka- I'm just waiting for you to get here and all the good people will be in Texas. Hurry home.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:20 PM (gvftx)

279 Why do all the. good people die or move to texas?

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 08:16 PM (DA2FB)

Sometimes I wonder if my future lies in Texas. Not yet, anyway.
Dying is inevitable.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 08:25 PM (tHwdc)

280 Miley- Small town Texas is heaven. My banker and I are on a first name basis and I can walk in the door and say Jake, I need some more money. Jake says OK.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:31 PM (gvftx)

281 I love the way that sounds, Ben.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 08:48 PM (tHwdc)

282 Gushka- I'm just waiting for you to get here and all the good people will be in Texas. Hurry home.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:20 PM (gvftx)

When my mom dies, im comin. And i am bringing grimm the kid and my dad....and a herd of Russian horses.

Posted by: Gushka can has kitties what plays fetch at December 31, 2016 08:51 PM (DA2FB)

283 Clyde, I'm glad that she could pass at home and by your side. Even though we want to end their pain, somehow it's always better when they can do it their way.

Prayers for you and your Misty. Their candles burn too fast, as a wise Moron once said.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:20 PM

They most certainly do, Miley. I was thinking the last few days how I have had her for 16 years, yet it seemed like she went so quickly at the end. Which was sad for me, but thankfully good for her (less suffering).

I was glad she went with me at home as well. I had to take my other cat, Capone --- a long-haired Persian --- in to be put to sleep back in 2010 (had a virus). The Humane Society Vet let me be in the room to hold him on the table as they put him to sleep and it was heartbreaking. I felt awful. They allowed me time in the room with him to say goodbye after he had passed and it took me a good 10 minutes to stop crying. Then I finally had myself together and went to say thank you and goodbye to the Vet and I broke down again and couldn't even talk without sobbing. Thankfully they understood and I just hugged the Vet and nurses and left.

This way, at least I was able to get 90% of my sobbing done at home before bringing Misty in.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 08:53 PM (7A4qQ)

284 Miley- it is a piece of Americana that people only remember and don't think functions anymore. It is still alive and well . When you live in a red city, in a red county, in a red state the rest of the country is mind boggling.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:55 PM (gvftx)

285 I am going to wish you all a goodnight and the very best of the New Year.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:59 PM (gvftx)

286 It wouldn't hurt as much when they leave if they didn't mean so much while they're with us. I'd never trade the one to avoid the other.

Posted by: hogmartin at December 31, 2016 07:21 PM

So very true, hogmartin. I have honestly already thought about getting another cat. But at the same time, there is a part of me --- now that I have gone through the loss of a pet --- which sees the whole picture of having a pet and is a little hesitant now. Not just the good parts in the beginning when they are young, but the ultimate end when they pass on. I was blessed for Misty to have been so healthy for so long and to have lived for 17 years (16 with me). I know that is not always the case for every pet.

This is true of opening ourselves to love, be it of humans or pets. God created us for love, and gives us strength to deal with loss as well.

Doesn't make it any less painful, though.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:26 PM

No it doesn't. In fact, the deeper the love, the tougher it is dealing with the loss.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 09:00 PM (7A4qQ)

287 When my Murphy of 17 years was ready to go she only wanted it on her own terms. I adhered to her wishes as always but I would have loved to have held her at the end.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:30 PM

Maire disappeared into the woods for the last week of her life, and would struggle back to the yard every evening to see us. She was in great pain, and it broke my heart. I wish I could have been with her at the end, but Mr. D thought maybe she wanted to be alone.

I cried for months afterward.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 07:37 PM

Misty was very affectionate in the days leading up to the Vet visit on Monday. She'd developed this habit the last month or so of finishing her dinner and then waiting patiently for me to finish mine and put my plate down on the coffee table and then lay back on the couch and relax. She'd be sitting patiently over on the loveseat, just waiting for this moment. As soon as the plate when on the coffee table, she hopped down, walked over to me and then peeked up over the cushion to see if it was okay for her to hop up and then curl up next to me while I watched TV.

However, when we got back from the Vet on Monday, she was completely distant. She didn't even go to her normal spots, she just hid underneath the coffee table, turned away from me. I thought she wanted her space, so I let her be. But by Tuesday night, when I knew it was going to be my last with her, I decided to bring her up to lay on the couch with me. I felt like I was leaving her alone and unloved in pain on the floor.

When telling this behavior to a few friends, they suggested that she may have been distant in order to spare me her suffering. Personally, I thought it was some animal behavior where they want to be alone when they are in pain and know they are going to die, so that's why I had been giving her her space.

Whatever it was, I just hope that being next to her owner when she was in pain gave her the peace she needed to pass on and I wasn't forcing her to be somewhere when she wanted to be alone.

Maybe you both were correct and animals prefer to be alone when they pass on. I have to believe for Misty that she was okay with passing on in my arms, for it would break my heart even more to think that I made things worse for her in her last moments.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 09:14 PM (7A4qQ)

288 One night, I left my white long haired cat and his sister at the store as usual. Next morning, I come through the back door, yelling for the cats as usual. Only the sister showed up. I went out to the front of the store and found Sammy lying on the floor, crying with his hind legs paralyzed. I tossed him into the van and ran him to the vet. They took him into the back and put me in a little room. Pretty soon the vet brought Sammy in, handed him to me to hold, and began explaining how the main artery to his back half was plugged with a blood clot. I stood there, listening to the vet, with my inner cash register running, trying to figure out how much I could spend before my husband stroked out. Then the vet said there was nothing to be done but put him down, sooner rather than later because he would soon be in horrible pain. I held him the whole time, then arranged for him to be cremated. I think that was one of the most horrible experiences of my life. I had to put his sister to sleep five months later, but that was a mercy. She spent every day between Sam's death and her own, looking and crying for him. About a year later, I adopted another brother/sister combo from the Humane Society.

Yes, I know they don't live long enough. Yes, I know I will stand in a little room holding a beloved companion while the vet pokes first one, then a second needle into a vein. I will shed tears, but I will be at the Humane Society fairly soon to bring my next best friend home. Either that or the gods of little cats will notice there's a vacancy and save me the trouble. (The gods of little cats have been known to send one to my house on spec, too. That works, too.)

Posted by: Deplorable lady with a deplorable basket of deplorable cats at December 31, 2016 09:14 PM (v7mye)

289 Miley- it is a piece of Americana that people only
remember and don't think functions anymore. It is still alive and well
. When you live in a red city, in a red county, in a red state the
rest of the country is mind boggling.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 08:55 PM (gvftx)

I dream of living in a red city, in a red county, in a red state, and hope that God may grant me that reality some day.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 09:14 PM (tHwdc)

290 So many stories of loss, and love of our furry friends. Thanks Horde, you do make it easier to share these.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 09:19 PM (tHwdc)

291 Sorry about your loss. I've had a cat and dog die of kidney disease. I think having a cat die at home is a comfort to them.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at December 31, 2016 07:50 PM

Thanks, Notsothoreau. So sorry about your losses as well. I hope it was a comfort to Misty to die at home. The Vet actually gave me a business card for Lap of Love, which is apparently for in-home, end of life care for pets. And some of the research I did said that you could also ask if a Vet can make a home visit to put a pet to sleep in the home, instead of the Vet's office.

Clyde, my prayers for you and your sweet Misty. I'm glad she didn't have to die in the sterile (and often scary) environment at the vet.

She died in the arms of her human who loved her.

We have two kitties, one 14 and the other 15, in slowly failing health. Our last two lived to be 18.

God bless you, and ease your grief.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at December 31, 2016 07:50 PM

Thank you, Jane. I hope your kitties both live at least to be 18 like your last two and their health improves.

I have never had one of my animals die in a Vet's office. I have been blessed with the skill and the trust of my Vet's that furnish me the drugs to end a life , that it is always done at home.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 31, 2016 07:58 PM

I think I would have had that option with Misty as well. Or at least a home visit from either the Vet or from the Lap of Love people. I wish I had known about that option when I had Capone put to sleep.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 09:22 PM (7A4qQ)

292 Yes, I know they don't live long enough. Yes, I know I will stand in a little room holding a beloved companion while the vet pokes first one, then a second needle into a vein. I will shed tears, but I will be at the Humane Society fairly soon to bring my next best friend home. Either that or the gods of little cats will notice there's a vacancy and save me the trouble. (The gods of little cats have been known to send one to my house on spec, too. That works, too.)

Posted by: Deplorable lady with a deplorable basket of deplorable cats at December 31, 2016 09:14 PM

Oh my gosh, that had to have been heartbreaking.

So glad that you ended up adopting another brother-sister pair though.

My mom recently had to put her first cat to sleep. I think it was a few years ago now. When I told her what I was going through with Misty, she said that when she put her Siamese, Scully, to sleep, she swore she would never replace her, it was so heartbreaking. I think she had her for at least 10 years or so. But, a week later, she went down to the Humane Society and adopted a brother-sister pair as well. She said the house was just too quiet without a cat.

I think I will eventually get another cat, but also think I need a little mourning period. Because when I looked up cats on PetFinder, all I started doing was remembering when I adopted Misty 16 years ago!

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 09:31 PM (7A4qQ)

293 So many stories of loss, and love of our furry friends. Thanks Horde, you do make it easier to share these.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 31, 2016 09:19 PM

Yes, you do. Thank you so much for allowing me to vent. Hearing others' stories helps as well.

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 09:32 PM (7A4qQ)

294 Thanks everyone for sharing the pictures and stories of your beloved companions. The Pet Thread is my favorite weekly thread. I can't wait until Saturdays. Happy New Year to everyone. I'm off to dredge a tranquilizer in some peanut butter to feed the oldest dog. Omaha permits New Year's Eve fireworks, and poor little Remy is half Shetland Sheepdog which means the tiniest "Boom!" makes her crazy.

Posted by: Deplorable lady with a deplorable basket of deplorable cats at December 31, 2016 09:35 PM (v7mye)

295 Clyde: You'll know when it's time to find a new cat. When our German Shepherd died several years ago, we decided to hold off getting a new dog for a while because my husband's ninety-something mother and aunt were living with us. Murphy died in August. A week before Thanksgiving, I looked at my husband and told him we were going to the Humane Society . It wasn't right to open the driveway gate without checking for a dog. It wasn't right to open the house door and not be greeted by a bouncing dog. And it sure as hell wasn't right to actually have to bend over and pick up a piece of food off the floor. We got Remy the very next day. (How do people raise kids without at least one dog on cleanup duty?)

Posted by: Deplorable lady with a deplorable basket of deplorable cats at December 31, 2016 09:48 PM (v7mye)

296 Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 09:22 PM (7A4qQ)
Hate to be so late to the thread, but I wrote about this option a while back and I'll never have another animal spend its last moments in a strange scary environment, even with an excellent vet attending. If your vet is worth a damn, they'll know how to help you get this done at home!

My condolences to all who have faced and will be facing this awful situation!

"Their candles burn too brightly!
RIP"

Posted by: Hrothgar at December 31, 2016 09:49 PM (wCEn4)

297 Sending key warming kitten to all my friends.

Posted by: Justasheep at December 31, 2016 10:51 PM (BIY1n)

298 Ace,

Just think of how much time you could have saved yourself if you combined the "pet" post with the "chess" post. Sure, it's not checkmate, but it looks like "Game over".

tinyurl.com/LeggoMyPawnO

Posted by: PGM1972 at January 01, 2017 03:17 AM (xDAiE)

299 Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 31, 2016 07:04 PM (7A4qQ

My termite puppy now lives forever on the interwebs!

Clyde, I share your pain. Maggie was slowly getting worse over months, bouncing back and failing again. It killed me to it her down. Her tail wagged as I pet her and talked to her on the table. I felt like I was letting her down, she wanted me to make it all better and I couldn't. All I could do was let her go.

Posted by: Jr at January 01, 2017 12:50 PM (uz/Pv)

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