Tweet
Hello Kaji Konekos! Welcome to another Pull Up Your Cat. It’s Caturday here so like the Egyptians, I’m gonna write on the walls and worship cats. (hat tip to demi for that) Been a normal week around here. Kuroneko found a mouse living under the stove so she woke me up with a scrit-scrit-scritching sound on Thursday, which turned out to be her trying to get the mousie out of my shoe. Well I didn’t want one in my shoe either so I dumped it out for her and she was off to the races again. Later I heard the meowing that always indicates li’l mousie had gotten away. Yesterday, she caught it again but this time her lunge had killed the poor thing. She came into the bedroom for her praise and then proceeded to enjoy her lunch. Not wanting to see, (or hear), any of that, I went into the living room to watch Ben Kingley as Gandhi. Much better than witnessing a mouse lunch! Bye-bye mousie. At least it will be quieter around here until one of his relatives move in.
Poor SouthernDragon is ill and possibly still in the VA hospital. He says he’s going to be alright, (through our OmAli, thanks Om!), and he’s got somebody looking after his clowder of kittehs. I’ll bet they swarm the poor man when he gets home! Please join me in wishing him a speedy recovery.
Update:
Please see OmAli’s comment below @8 for an update on SouthernDragon. I can’t write it out myself but I thank OmAli for the news. I hope you’ll join me in keeping our SD in our thoughts. Good luck Richard. We all love you so much!
Now, on to this week’s photos!
First, the Kuroneko picture of the week. Here is Miss Regal, denying me permission to finish making my her bed. I may do it when she says I may do it and not before!
Obligatory cute kitten picture. Kittehs can read! via Lolcats
Please enjoy this kitteh video from the Stray Cats. An oldie but a classic and a staple for Caturday posts everywhere.
I hope everybody has a wonderful week ahead and especially hoping for a fast and complete recovery for the Dragon man. Please remember to set aside some time to spend with the animal(s) that share your life. They deserve it and so do you.
128 Comments
Welcome! Pull up your cat for a little kitteh chat. And if you don’t have a cat, you can wear a hat.
Good morning, Peggy! Wow, you’re early with Pull Up a Cat! I just decided to check while looking up an event time, and here you are!
I was traveling the last part of the week-to Dallas, from Dallas to El Paso, and El Paso to Friday evening. Sooooo tired. Dunno how the “road warriors” do it on a regular basis. slept most of yesterday, and haven’t been up long this morning. Wanna go back to bed, but am resisting. Lots to do.
The kittehs were glad to see me…but then they slipped out the door along with big Boby – who greeted me at the garage door Friday evening – and stayed out all night. I just couldn’t stay awake til they were ready to come in, so I gave up and went to bed. Last night, though, there were two on my lap or partially so, and the third curled up by the open (screened)sliding door, a couple feet away.
Poor Smokey should go to the vet, but every weekend when I think I’m gonna take him, either I’ve had to spend money for something else urgent, like car repair, or I’m so tired I can’t get myself together.
Don’t know how long I can keep this up. OTOH, I was lucky to get hired here, and the boss, having had some health problems, has been very kind about mine.
And to stay on topic, it does pay for the kitteh kibble and litter box filler.
Kuroneko sure does look regal in that pic.
I’ll be in and out.Greetings to everybody, and yes, Southern Dragon, thinking about you all the time. Hope all our healing vibes are getting to you.
Margaret:
I am giving some serious thought to acquiring a cat from my local animal shelter.
What are your recommendations in my search for a feline best friend?
Thanks for your diary and recommended.
Thank you, Margaret, for the post and photos. Most important, for SD, continued wishes for return of full health and return to FDL rested and ready, and until then soak up all good energies sent every day to your well-loved and much appreciated Dragon-ness.
We are sad here as my neighbor, who lost her beloved Blanca to the dogs a while back, is now spending all available time with Eli, another well-loved sweet cat who is moving unexpectedly toward the Rainbow Bridge. This after spending an incredible fortune she did not have to try to get a diagnosis, and no results yet that allow him to be treated. So tragic.
I see that the kittens at the feral colony have both been neutered/spayed and ears clipped, adorable of course but afraid. The mama at the Black Hole has moved her brood to a new and private location, so no sightings of them last week.
My clutch almost were squished in my duress during the Ryan Lyin’ Fest last week, as I was nearly driven over the edge by the smirking bastard.
Otherwise, it has been cold here. Sounds like the daredevil diver has gone towards the skies in Roswell or where ever that crazy dive is getting ready to happen. I wish him the best.
A lot depends on your circumstances. I have a mostly indoor cat due to the large and dangerous parking lot outside. She is called an “American Short Haired” cat but short hair means a lot of problems with hair everywhere. Longer haired cats shed less but are more susceptible to developing hairball problems. I have a female, which are great for indoor cats. A male is much more likely to spray, (pee on), your furniture and walls. Even a fixed male will often develop the spraying habit. I had a great male cat before though who was a mostly outdoors cat but he refused to move with me and I found out later that he had adopted a new family that lived close to my prior home. So, taking those things into account, do your research and just look for a friend that you can love and be with. Good luck!
I had an issue with Bashful when his tail was infected and I couldn’t get him to the vet, (no money). I used a bit of neosporin in his injury and it cleared right up. I know it can be tough budgeting money but I’d urge you to get Smokey into the vet as early as you can afford it.
Doesn’t she look like a monarch? Queen kitteh knows exactly who is in charge around here!
Hi Caturdenizens. Thanks, Margaret, for the post and photos.
I wish I didn’t have to give you this news, but SD asked me to do it at Pull Up Your Cat.
After the truly wonderful docs and team at the VA got him stabilized and the heart problem under control they did a thorough battery of tests. It breaks my heart to write it, but SouthernDragon has stage 4 squamous lung cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes and brain. He is being treated with radiation for a small brain tumor. After the series of 10 radiation treatments they will begin to deal with the primary cancer, with chemo and possibly other methods.
He is comfortable and as always, taking things a day at a time. His concern is first and foremost for his kittehs, and his good friends are taking a rotation of caring for them at his home.
Ah damn that does truly suck. (((((SD)))))
Thanks!
Based on your input, I think if I do adopt a cat it will be a female and strictly indoors.
Thanks again for the info. Have a great day.
Oh hell. Well Om, thanks for the news. Damn it.
Lordy! This is tragic news.
CRAP. SD our thoughts are with you-and those of all our kitta’s.
Thanks for reporting and staying in touch for us Omi. This has brought a few tears.
Yep. And more than a few…
I would recommend visiting the shelter a few times and seeing which of the kitteh krew takes a shine to you. Our local shelter has two large rooms of kittehs out of their cages and set up to accommodate human visitors.
(((nonqui and friends)))
Oh my. This is not what we wanted to hear.
I’m in tears too.
Richard, we all do love you, so much. You have a heart of gold.
*
Thanks for the post, Peg. I think I had better go take a nice long walk and absorb this news.
(((((SD))))) This is not the news anyone wanted to hear or try to absorb. I too am crying over this.
Om, if there is anything any of us can do to be helpful, please let us know.
Thanks for letting us know. What really terrible news. SD has really been a “rock” in this place. All thoughts and prayers for him and the tigers he has cared for. Really sorry. Om, however you are staying in touch, give him our best. Hugs to you too; not an easy message. Such a lesson in how fragile we all are….Blessings.
The tears just keep coming.
I will surely let you know when there is anything we can do to be of help. Thank you.
Thanks!
Sounds like a great plan. How interesting to perhaps let the cat pick me.
Universes within universes.
Oh, yes, Thanks to Om for being such a good friend. Hugs to you.
Neko is hiding behind a dining room chair, keeping an eye on the floor under the stove. Sorry kitty, I don’t think that mousie is coming back.
He really has been a rock, hasn’t he? And he still is.
Never. Give. Up. isn’t an empty phrase for him. And he knows we are going to be rocks for him, too.
There are no words. Only tears.
And back to you, too.
I’m going to have to go for now, but I’ll keep checking back when I can, and will definitely pass along each and every hug and good wish. Take care, everyone.
Having handled a data base for cancer research, I have seen some things that can truly be called miracles. Some cancers respond really well to treatment while others do not. There was one old gentleman who survived both lung cancer and leukemia. He was 96 when I interviewed him. Never. Give. Up.
(((doremus35)))
Some wonderful kitty will snap you up and it is going to be a beautiful life together.
Now for real, *poof*
That is the truth.
Thanks, Peg.
Never. Give. Up.
OMG I have tears. How awful! OmAli, I am so glad you were able to contact Richard and can pass along our hugs and thoughts of concern and healing.
What a shock….he kept things, like my spirit, going when Angela was so sick….then celebrated at The Bridge. Im joining Demi for some time out…..Peace.
I’m speechless. Without words.
Peace to you Rev. If this wasn’t my thread, I’d take a time out too. I don’t think he would want us to turn this post into premature mourning though so I’m going to stay available for anybody who wants or needs to talk.
Be careful, you will likely be selected by more than just one. ;-)
NEVER . GIVE . UP .
I’m feeling very regretful that I put a line in my email to him about having to give up cigarettes (because of the original emphysema diagnosis). He had mentioned smoking briefly once in a comment, so I knew he was a smoker. But in light of this news, I wish I could erase the email, because he sure doesn’t need that comment even though it was meant as a gentle tease. Sure doesn’t seem appropriate now…
And I’m someone who (more than 30 years ago) after receiving a “walking pneumonia” diagnosis, got into my car in the doctor’s parking lot and lit up a cigarette. So I am no paragon of virtue.
You are right. The news is very bad, but we need to keep positive thoughts circulating. That’s the best thing we can possibly to for SD when we are so far away. Miracles happen.
Thanks for hanging in here, Margaret,
The rain has let up a peep and my has M demanded out. She’ll be under the vehicle in a few minutes, staring at me through the window and wanting back in, but has to go out to get a drink of water from a rain puddle. Every time it rains and three times already today. lol (that is lower case for a quiet chuckle)
yeah, some friends we are
<3 <3 (((SD))) <3 <3
X2!
Is it possible to get an address for him, at home or hospital, where we can send cards?
Kuroneko does that. The water in the rain puddle on the patio is apparently infinitely better than the much cleaner water in her bowl. Silly cat.
Or, in my past kitteh experiences, in the toilet.
She’s never had a drink from the toilet to the best of my knowledge but she used to like to sit on the tank and watch the water swirl down.
I would want his permission to post or give out his address. Perhaps OmAli would ask him for us.
Of course. It would be nice to express ourselves other than virtually, I’m thinking. But he should have privacy, if he wants. And the address would not have to be posted here, we could send it other ways.
Of course…I didn’t mean we’d post it publicly. But a little detective work would produce the VA hospital address, and he’ll likely be there for awhile so we should send cards there anyway. I’d bet he’d like that, so perhaps OmAli can check. I will email her.
Thank you!
Hey Margaret & Kitteh-Pupses.
Diva was generous enough to give me back her morning breakfast. Fortunately, I have some stain-remover. Blot until semi-dry, apply stain-remover, wait awhile, rinse and blot. After the mess has dried, vacuum. Usually works pretty well. As for Maestro, after pulling sentry duty at several windows, he’s now cranking off his midday zzzzz;s.
How do I sign up for this gig?
Anyone have any info on Dragon?
Honey Bunny, I’m back from going out.
It’s a good thing to Get Out! (I got some ideas of how to help the Big Mister, maybe.)
If you want, I could pull some time here. Just let me know.
I apologize for not reading through the thread. I fired off an email to Dragon around a week back, but heard nothing. I have to confess that I was worried. However, Dragon is very tough, a real fighter. I know we’ll all keep good thoughts for him.
Now that raises a rather interesting question:
What do cats know that women don’t? :>)))
Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the tip! I think I’m going to ask for volunteers for this post next weekend as it’s going to be busy for me. Wanna take it?
You wanna talk watah? There’s a perfectly clean large stainless steel bowl of water on the floor, with a PlaceMat noless, in the kitchen, and who prefers my toilet water?
Hey, I’m not the boss, just the servant, so I couldn’t tell ya.
Stop that right now, sister. Mean it.
There is nothing that you could ever say to him that was offhand.
He loves you. I can tell. I’m pretty good at seeing Some Things.
The way to stay positive is to stay in the moment, like OmAli said Dragon Man is taking it one day at a time.
You’re a good friend, too. Always have been.
Nice save, mister, :).
Really, I mean it.
If this is an interview, I agree. Shoto’s a fine writer, especially painting word pictures about Cats.
Share, and share alike.
It has been my experience that women know everything, but I am no “cat” of any description, so I suppose there will be some sort of mutual recognition felt or shared. Enjoy the process.
More on cats….
Philosophical Cat.
Women don’t know everything. Cats, on the other hand, know everything and don’t plan to tell you.
It’s not an interview. I’m familiar with Shoto’s writing and I’m taking volunteers. :)
OmAli, thank you for this post. I am really down right now and hope for the best for SouthernDragon.
(((SouthernDragon)))
Margaret, I was waiting for your post and there were already 61 comments when I got here. Thank you for the post.
Welcome. Sorry it had to contain such awful news. Never give up though.
msmolly,OmAli,demi,
I would like to be put on the list of people you would contact when you get SouthernDragon’s permission to send a card.
When we talk after the permission, I will send you my e-mail address and I thank all of you so very much.
Margaret,
When you said you were going to post today, I just knew that I had to be here. Thank you.
I have said it many times before, we are just more than pixels moving across a screen, we are a community here.
Thanks demi, (smiling broadly).
And, something Dragon will enjoy too, don’t you think?
Hi Apple
We’ll all be In on everything, you betcha. :)
Hon, we are as any family right now reaching out to each other.
As much as a warm cat napping upon one’s cold toes.
Thanks demi.
You wouldn’t believe what the temperature is here. 95. Pinkie Swear.
We’ll take warmth from where ever it comes.
It’s 70 here, so nice to have the windows open again. The cat is particularly enjoying the sunshine.
My cat is on the couch, enjoying the cool. :)
But, Daddyboy and goggiedoggie just left for a walk.
Different sweats for different pets.
(Hi, El.)
The CBL and I have just returned from a ride and lunch with friends and have been directed here by Kris.
Thank you Om for sharing the news about our belo0ved Dragonman with us.
Richard,
You have for many years now been an inspiration to me. Wishing all the comfort the universe has to offer and please know that all the loving, healing comforting thoughts we are capable of are headed your way.
Yor loving admirer,
Tim Andrews
Hey Margaret & Demi:
Sorry about the tardy response, but I dropped off the interweb machine right after my last post.
I can wrangle kittehs with you, but the next two weekends are going to be pretty dicey for me. I’m assuming there’s going to be some sort of a rotation, amirite?
Also, too: Thanks to you both for your very kind words. You have no idea how much I appreciate them. (Hint: A lot.)
No, there’s no formal rotation. If your next two weekends are dicey, you can do it another time.
Thanks for stopping by Tim. Please hug the lovely CBL for us.
Skipping – NO! NO!!! Oh, no, it can’t be. Speechless.my God.
I believe I would be able to pull up a post next week, if that helps.
Calming down a bit. As the schedule appears now, next week might be one I could take, also. (bgrothus, should we arm wrestle for it?)
I’m still in shock, here, but…yes, you are all absolutely right…the appropriate words are Never.Give.Up.
Damn, damn, damn. Why are men so bad at taking care of themselves? Well, SD is a tough one. I am redoubling my healing vibes/thoughts, sending them toward the TB area.
Yes, re the VA…I had been thinking of sending a card, but so often, by the time you get one there, the recipient has been released, so hadn’t done it…I’d love to send him a book, too, but a little afraid I’d pick one he’s already read.
And yes, OmAli, please put me on that list, too. SD was already high on my list, but when, soon after starting Caturday, my Charlie Cat died and he turned over that Sunday’s post to Charlie and me, complete with photo, and allowed me to absorb the love and sympathy from all the Caturday peeps, he moved up even higher. The man is an inspiration in so many ways.
Just wish there were something more concrete to do to help, y’know.
Yes, thanks. I’ve got a very busy weekend next weekend.
I think all we can do is keep him in our thoughts and for those who believe, their prayers. He is very loved and he’s as tough as an old boot.
Yes, “tough as an old boot.” That comes in handy for situations such as this.
Sigh. When the Internet began, who would have thought that we would make such good friends of people we have never met?
Have to grin at the ‘tough as an old boot’. And at the same time he is such a compassionate and sensitive person. Just shaking my head. This doesn’t seem real.
Talked to him a bit ago and while he is so appreciative of the love and healing thoughts, he just isn’t up for cards and things right now. Maybe the emotion would be hard to deal with at this point. He has a lot of planning and organizing that he wants to do, and we should probably let him focus on that.
Hopefully he will be home this week, that’s his plan and goal, and he will be able to read all the wonderful comments and wishes that have been offered. He laughed out loud with enjoyment at our Never. Give. Up. statements. He isn’t giving up. He knows that there are too many variables involved in this process to predict an outcome.
Let’s just give him time and our love, and we’ll have a chance to let him know how much he means to us.
What a wonderful community we have. Thanks Jane and friends and everyone who works so hard to make it possible.
Love you pupses.
ohmmmm
No cards? Oh, okay. Whatever he wants.
Yup. If we’ve learned nothing else from Southern Dragon, its surely Never.Give.Up.
Thanks, Om.
Thanks Om. We will, of course, give him as much space as he wants or needs. Thanks again for keeping us updated.
Yes, I lost a very “good friend” 2 years ago–we had never met IRL and did not even live on the same continent. I still miss him sometimes.
All good thoughts to SD. This is very sad news.
Damn, I’m all teary again reading these comments. The love and camaraderie around here sometimes is just magic.
You are so welcome. Thanks for so graciously absorbing the news and responses into your post. I’ll try to keep you updated.
Great to hear that Doremus35 is going to be adopting. We are totally loving our two and I’m so excited for him.
You all have a good night, see you soon.
Thanks, again, Om…You’re the best. We will all Stand By and Never. Give. Up. Great words….
Standing by. Not giving up.
Thanks Om. Thanks Bev. Thanks Peg. Thanks Everyone.
Group Hug?
I think we’ve been sharing one since we got the news…
” ”
((((((Southern Dragon)))))
(((((everybody)))))))
Thanks, Om, for being the news bearer. I know that we are all saddened by the news, but want to keep SD in our thoughts and (for some of us) in our prayers.
For SD a big ((((SD and kitties).
I so understand, and I am standing by too, and I will. not. give. up. Nor back down. Sending a hug to ((((SD)))) and (((all Catur-Dinerzens))). Stay warm, stay strong.
That’s how it feels.
Ah, Peggy.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery (((Southern Dragon)))…! *g*
Best wishes, Southern Dragon.
Sending A Continuous Stream of Healing Vibes to SD … OOHHHMMMMMMM !
Never.Give.Up.Buddy
Thanks SO much for keeping us posted and letting SD know that we all love him. Our prayers are with him and the people taking care of his kittehs. Thanks again, OmAli.
This just sucks so bad. I’m heartbroken. And I wish there was something to do to help.
Me, too. We’ll be able to help at some point. We’ll know, when it’s the right time. It’s helping him right now, knowing that we are here and caring about him. Try not to worry.
(((Marion)))
I’m sure your “reporting” on the reactions of his many friends here at FDL will lift his spirits as he undertakes yet another battle.
We all have your back, Dragonman! Never. Give. Up.
(argh. I’m weeping again.)
Okay folks… I’m still just a little numb to be honest but whatever we’re feeling, we need to stay strong for Richard. I think I’m going to call it a night. Let’s keep him in our thoughts and thank you all for visiting and for your words which were an inexpressible comfort to me.
Goodnight ((((((All the pups)))))).
Oh, honies. Wish I could give you each a real Hug.
Are we going to meet at Fatster’s in the morning? Gotta stay in touch, right?
(((Peggy)))
Sending healing wishes and prayers to SD.
Goodnight, everyone. Thanks again, Margaret, for providing a gathering place. Felt like a nest, and we needed it.
It’ll be really, really hard not to worry, but worrying isn’t going to help anything. I’ll scritch Abner or Gracie every time I start to worry so something positive is achieved. Please let us know of any and all developments as you hear them. Thanks Om.
Dang it. The weepiness is contagious like a yawn. *scritching Abner*
That is the best plan I think I have ever heard :). SD will love it :).
You guys are the absolute best.
‘night, firekittehs.
Yeah, best plan ever. Got Pushy right here beside me…(scritches Pushy’s head) . I want to scritch the heads of all of SD/Richard’s kittehs, too. They must be missing him a lot.
Guess it’s time to close up…had to check back one last time.
love to all the (((firepups)))). G’nite.
G’nite!
And hugs to SD, who is one of the best there is.
(((((((Southern Dragon)))))))
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
egr
Hugs SD, I’m thinking of you. Hang tough.
So very sorry to hear about Southern Dragon. Wishing him a very speedy and complete recovery.
Thank you for letting us know.
Very sorry to read the news about Southern Dragon’s health conditions, and I wish him a speedy and peace-filled recovery. Blessing sent his way with lots of light to shine upon him.
Thanks for the update and please pass on all of our greetings and support.
If you want a loyal pet, an animal shelter kitty might do the trick. One other piece of advice – make sure you can take the kitty to a vet, after the adoption. The vet can rule out any major problems the pound or shelter may have missed.
Our household has taken in several rescue kitties. Two of these were traumatized almost to the point of no return. One Siamese girl, “Gracie,” she had been locked inside an abandoned house for six weeks before a neighbor got Marin Cat Connection to get her out. Once we had her, it took about four weeks before she would come out of her hidey hole behind the couch. And another three months before she really became approachable.
Many cats these days are being impounded due to families being outed via foreclosure, and not able to take a cat with them to a smaller home. These kitties often will be mourning their old family, but will still be very sociable and not too traumatized. So they may immediately become your friend and Baste-like companion.
In all cases, make sure there is a place for the kitty to “retreat” when she or he first arrives at their new home. This can be anything from an empty cupboard or chest to an under the bed situation. Let them come to you, rather than you forcing yourself on them. Until they are comfortable with you, don’t stare at them. Pay attention to what triggers they have – my big guy, Chelbs, he was terrified of Mark. (Apparently in his prior home, the man of the house had traumatized him.) Chelbs got over it, the week I had M. in charge of ALL feeding and water provisions. You’ve never seen a happier cat at the end of the week. They now routinely “snuggle” together in bed.
egregious! Nice to see your fonts, despite the reason. We miss you, too.
sending love (((sd)))
That’s a really nice thing to say, Suz.
I always get stumped. But, wow, you said it.
oh no!
came here so late just to see if there was any news of the dragon.
now i’ll go back and read all the comments. i’m sure everyone’s devastated. my eyes are filling with tears. damn!
That’s making me cry even more.
buckets of love to you, sd!
Good work, Margaret. Best wishes to Southern Dragon.