For Roxy, Barney & Haimish and Alexander

A Year Today

2007-04-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

It has been a year today Roxy was taken out of her pain. I still miss my little friend. To read the tribute for her which resulted in the creation of this blog please click on the link "Roxy"

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures - Lets be Nice to Each Other.

New Pictures

2007-01-27T21:44:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it was last November 2006 I made a post to here. Where does the time go. Nothing new to report on the Boys, just want to share some pictures I took of them. Recently I bought a new Digital Camera and of course the Boys have become the prime subject for pictures.

Enjoy

Alexander - Dad's got a new toy

Alexander - He is a very trusting Cat

Alexander - Yes he is watching something on the TV

Alexander - He likes to hide behind the monitor

Alexander - There is always something on the monitor that intrigues

Alexander - You can only imagine how sharp those teeth are

Haimish - Quite the dignified Fellow

Haimish - He is a very trusting cat as well - very contented

Haimish - He loves to sit on my Automan

Haimish - I call him my "Holstein Kitty"

Haimish - Getting Cranky and tired of having his picture taken

Haimish - He has been compared to the Purina Felix

Do you want your own Felix to walk on your desktop Visit Here and discover Felix.

Will post off for now.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Holly's Story

2006-11-19T15:55:00.000-05:00

This is Holly's Story. A wee dog who came to live with us in the Summer of 1988. Holly's story with us begins with one sunny summer day in July when my Mum comes into wake me up. She has a really important question to ask me and needs my permission.

Being half asleep having worked late then staying up later when I got home to unwind I only had about 5 or 6 hours sleep in me. In my stupor I ask Mum what is it that she needs to ask. I am asked permission if she can adopt this wee dog that is a cross between Beagle and what looks like German Shepherd. I naturally say yes just make sure Rusty will get along with this dog.

Mum is out the door to the neighbors to fetch the dog home. After she is gone I wake up and then foggily realize what I just did. It took a cup of coffee to wake me up fully and the gravity of the situation hit. But it was too late, the deed was done, the die was cast. We were getting a dog.

So what to name this wee dog? We couldn't call it dog, that would be stupid. Then like a flash a name came to me. I though of Holly as this wee dog had a lot of "Gentlemen Callers" wanting her attention. The name Holly was perfect, it came from the film "Breakfast At Tiffanys" and the character "Holly Golightly" played by Audrey Hepburn. As you all know, Holly Golighty in the film has many "Gentlemen Callers"s as well.

So Holly has come to stay, and we have to take her everywhere we go. More so poor little Rusty will have some peace and quiet for a bit. This is the only picture I have of Rusy and Holly together. You can see Rusty want's no part of Holly.

During one of our trips we take a drive to the "Back Road Brierly Brook". It is a hot day so I let Holly go for a swim. Bad mistake as soon as Holly got wet the stink was overpowering. The drive home was at a fast rate and all windows open on the Chevette to get air flow.

Holly is immediately upon getting home put in the bathtub and given a wash. It takes three washes and rinses to remove the stink. All through the bath, Holly looks up with these trusting little eyes to say, "ok I came as an Eliza Doolittle, what did you expect?".

Holly also came with another surprise we would find out about at the end of the summer. I can still remember that night like it was yesterday. There was Sheet Lightning in the sky and we were in for a nasty storm. Holly was very much "In the Family Way". We kind of figured that with all her "Gentlemen Callers". Well one night Holly got acting really strange and decided to get under my old iron hospital bed which was very high off the floor. The storm brewing might have had something to do with it as well.

This was Holly's first batch of pups as you could see she really didn't know what to do. At this time it was a long time since I had to "deliver babies". The last time being in the late 1960's and my cat Tabatha. But this is another story.

While I was being "Midwife" Mum was fetching a cardboard box and old blanket. Rusty tired in vain to get into the bedroom and she kind of went "Haywire" as well. After five pups and being 0300 hrs, I figured this was all the pups I had to birth. I got Holly out from underneath the bed and into the large cardboard box with the 5 pups and I finally got off to bed.

Getting up in the morning, I checked on Holly to see if she was ok. While I slept she had three more pups. She had three boys and five girls. Eight pups in total. The pups were all nursing and Holly had this glow to her and happy look to her face.

I went to the kitchen to fetch some water and food for Holly and get a cup of coffee for me. Holly let Rusty come in and have a look see and after looking into the box Rusty went back out and from this moment on avoided Holly and the pups. Rusty spent most of the time in Mum's room.

We had the pups for the weaning period and managed to find homes for them all. After a bit Holly went for the operation so this event wouldn't happen again. In October I took my first holidays and Mum, Holly and I went to Sydney for a visit for a few days and then went to Rocky Bay to visit Aunt Edith and Uncle Alex. Rusty was being taken care of by neighbors

At Christmas all three of us again went to Milford to have holidays with Edie, Mike and the family. This is before they moved out of province. This was the year we gave Mum the Microwave Oven, but this is also another story.

This was the very last picture I took of Mum or Holly. Mum would be gone in a couple of months. None of us knew it at the time, but Mum was a lot worse than she was letting on. Mum had less than a year to live after adopting Holly.

I took this picture as Mum said get the camera quick. I asked why and Mum said Holly was asleep with her eyes open. I am glad that I got this picture as I wouldn't have any more with Mum or Holly.

Not too long after this picture was taken Mum was admitted to St. Marthas Hospital, and she never came home. After this Holly seemed lost as well as Rusty. After Mum's funeral I got the neighbours to watch Rusty for me and Holly and I went to Rocky Bay to visit Aunt Edith and Uncle Alex. It was the last time Holly would be coming to Rocky Bay.

As the Spring of 1989 turned into Summer I realized I needed to get away for awhile. I moved to Halifax for the Summer, but Holly didn't come on this trip. Holly found a new home in William's Point and Rusty went to be with Dad.

I lived in the house in The West River one more winter and had Roxy as company, but it wasn't the same. I decided to sell out and make a new life for me and Roxy, first in Bridgewater then in Calgary.

Part of me still misses this wee dog that came to stay that Summer Day in 1988 and I wonder if she lived a long healthy life. I heard a rumor she ran away but I never heard if she was ever found. I am sure she is with Mum now walking in God's Heaven with Dad and Rusty. Hopefully the Good Lord has got Rusty and Holly to make nice and be friends.

One sad thing I remember everytime I think of Holly is when Mum first adopted her Mum always wondered who owned the shaggy red setter that came to visit. Most of the pups looked like this scraggy dog. After Mum died and went to be with Jesus, I found out who owned this dog. Not thinking I said when I got home I must tell Mum who owns ths dog as she always wanted to know. It was then I realized Mum was already gone and I couldn't tell her.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Alexander's First Visit

2006-11-02T21:57:00.000-05:00

Alexander had his first visit to his Veterinary today and was given a clean bill of health. I thought Alexander was having problems with his ears. I got thinking the way he presses his head against my hand when I was petting him was Ear Mites.

It actually turned out to be Alexander only is an affectionate little fellow and loves the attention and love shown him. He did have a bit of ear wax buildup which was easily removed much to his consternation. About the only thing that is a bit troublesome is Alexander isn't chewing his food. And this is resulting in him have a bit of tartar build up.

I've noticed Alexander doesn't savour his food, he basically inhales it. The taste bud probably don't have a chance to do their job. Dr Golbeck thinks it may have been where Alexander was a "Street Boy" he probably learned early to gobble down his food fast or he may not get any.

After our visit to the Westmount Animal Clinic we headed to the North Hill Center to the bank so I could get the Rent. Alexander was a good boy in the truck and seemed to like the ride in the carrier. After visiting the bank and withdrawing the rent, I went to Petcetera and got some small toys for the boys to chase around and some treats to spoil and clean the tartar at the same time. I went to Petcetera to find some "Cat Wands" but they didn't have any. I may have to make some of my own.

Leaving the North Hill we headed home and getting in the door Haimish hissed and walked off in a snit. I think he was ticked he was left home alone and not invited along for the ride. Alexander didn't like getting hissed at and went to his little place he likes to go to. At the end of my bed there is this wee space that is inclosed on all sides even the top. Alexander comes here. I call this wee space "The Hiding Place". After a few minutes Alexander came out of "The Hiding Place" and joined the family.

On this will close for now.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Poor Alexander

2006-10-04T02:32:00.000-04:00

I've never realized what a Chicken Alexander has turned into. Today I got out the vacuum cleaner and instead of tolerating it, he went and hid. When Alexander goes missing I know where to look.

At the foot of my bed there is a wee hiding place behind some boxes. Alexander stayed there all afternoon. I say this as after cleaning up the place, I went for a walk to meet up with Pastor Fred and when I got home he was still there.

Alexander only came out from his hiding place when it was time to feed the boys. I sometimes forget that Alexander is a street boy and before he was rescued by "Meow" he must have had some hard days.

This is why I really don't like disciplining him even though he does things like getting up on the counters and the like. As I write this he is on my other computer chair out like a light having a sleep. But Alexander is a light sleeper and the least thing awakens him.

I know he will always be like this, but if I can help it, there won't be that much noise and disturbance in his life. He is going to have to accept the "Vacuum Cleaner" though, and to quote a friend "Suck it up Princess".

Will close for now

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

The Lads Cannot Be Left Alone

2006-09-23T01:13:00.000-04:00

I have learned the hard way that Haimish and Alexander cannot be left alone when I go on holidays.

While I was gone, my Landlord and Landlady were watching the boys for me. While I was gone Haimish decided to mess all over the floor and not use the litter box and then cover the mess with my clothes. My landlady had to clean up more than one mess. I had a nice bit of plastic under the litter box to catch the spray of kitty litter when the cats were covering their business, and one of them (I suspect Haimish) took the plastic and tore the crap out of it.

Alexander all the time I was gone howled at the top of his lungs at the door and would only quiet down once my landlady came in to visit. Alexander found the bag of dry catfood and tore it open and had quite the mess over the kitchen floor. The dry catfood still has to be put away out of sight in a cupboard. He still will tear into the bag of catfood if I leave it in the open. It isn't like I am starving the boys. Both get fed everyday and get their treats as well.

The day I got home, Haimish took an hour or more to be friendly again and since I've got home on the 17th of September, has not taken me out of his sight. As soon as I go to bed, Haimish is in with me and only gets up when I do. Alexander on the other hand, still really hasn't forgiven me and has only twice jumped into my lap to be petted. He is still mad at me I left him and Haimish alone for 10 days.

I haven't been able to unpack my suitcase yet as Haimish and Alexander take turns sleeping on it and when Haimish is sleeping on the suitcase, Alexander sleeps in front of the door or watches the door.

Quick trips to the store or for a walk seems to go over well with the lads, hopefully my first day at work on Sunday will go ok and there will be no surprises waiting for me when I get home.

Will keep you posted.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

The Boys Are Hungry

2006-08-27T02:57:00.000-04:00

Haimish & Alexander have all of a sudden come up with an appetite that cannot be filled. I get up in the morning and they are hungry, they each get half a can of Medi-Cal "Reducing Formula" in their dish, and a cup of Medi-Cal dry to snack on through the day. Lately the entire thing is eaten in one sitting.

When I get home about 9 hours later, you would think I was starving the lads. The first thing I got to do is put something new in the dish. In fact the dishes were emptied in about 10 minutes tonight. I don't know what is going to happen later.

It seems Alexander has to wolf down his food. I am sure some of this comes from him being a street boy before coming to live with me, but it only seems recently that he has to inhale the food without tasting now. I am not worried as both lads don't seem to be wasting away,

I just wish they would savor the moment and not eat like it is their last meal. Alexander even has got to pushing Haimish out of the way and eating his as well. It has got to the point, I got to feed them both at the same time, but in different location.

Nothing much more to tell, just wanted to update you all on the lads.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Two Months Already

2006-08-16T15:26:00.000-04:00

It is over 2 months since Alexander has come to stay. The longer we have Alexander, the more independent he is becoming. Alexander is more a loner than Haimish. I think this is due to Alexander being a "Street Boy" before coming to stay, first at Meow then here.

Alexander is an affectionate cat, but on his terms, unlike Haimish that always seems to be looking for a scratch behind the ears. Haimish came a lot younger in age than Alexander. Alexander is estimated to be 2 - 2 1/2 years old. I guess Vets have a way of estimating.

Alexander spends most of his time sitting in my window. He can stay there all day if I let him. When I take him out of the window, he gets this look that he is not amused. Usually it is when I have to get out the door on an errand, or if the weather is changing.

Must get some new cat wands for the lads. Both cats have totally destroyed the ones I bought when Alexander first came to stay. When Alexander gets into the playing with the wands, he can almost jump as high as I am tall. He is not a big cat, but he has huge muscles in his legs. No doubt from having to defend himself when he was on his own. He has a little scar on his nose, but really no other signs he was a Street Boy.

Just wanted to update everyone.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Haimish & Alexander - Have Their Name Tags

2006-07-27T20:40:00.000-04:00

Alexander's ID Tag arrived from Lucky Pet today. Haimish's arrived a couple of days ago. Now the boys have their own name tag. When I ordered the name tags I ordered a plastic one for both boys, but Alexander's actually came in Stainless Steel.

At first I wasn't happy, but after thinking about it, I realized this way when one of them jump onto the bed at night I will be able to tell if it is Haimish or Alexander by the feel of the tag.

Want to get a name tag for your cat or dog Lucky Pet or call toll free 1-800-543-827.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

More Pictures to Share

2006-07-20T03:45:00.000-04:00

Nothing to talk about since last post, just got some pictures to share.

Enjoy

Alexander's favorite place to be.

Alexander intently looking at the couch. Hmmmm I wonder where Haimish is??

Alexander thinking "Should I Pounce" ??

Brothers in Everyway.

The Best of Friends..

What is this funny smell on Alexander??

Haimish is finally "Happy Again"

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are All God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Update On The Lads

2006-07-18T02:35:00.000-04:00

It has been awhile since I talked about the Lads. Alexander has made himself to home and is fitting in really nicely. What is more surprising is how Haimish has to taking to sticking up for Alexander.

I mention this as the other night I had to teach Alexander "Right from Wrong" and then all of a sudden I heard this "Hissing & Growling" coming from behind me. It was Haimish getting mad at me for getting mad at Alexander. It took Haimish an hour to get over it. What actually fixed it was giving Haimish a bite to eat.

It is just a matter of a bit better than a month with Haimish & Alexander the best of friends. Haimish has a true friend, more so than he ever did with dear little Roxy. She was more a people's cat than a cat's cat.

A funny thing happened over the weekend. On Saturday I was getting ready to retire for the evening, I see this long black object on the livingroom floor. I thought what could it be. It looked like a dead snake on the floor. I got down and sure enough this is what it was.

I then got wondering why a dead snake would be on the floor. I don't like snakes, but on closer inspection, it looked like the rubber snake I have stretched out on my LCD monitor. Yep, this is the snake, minus the head. I don't know where the head got to. But I do know it was Alexander who "Killed" this intruder.

He must have been protecting his big brother and Old Pa. I don't know if Alexander ate the head, and if he did he must have been constipated for a bit. I figure Alexander found the rubber snake on the monitor as he likes to go in behind it to explore. And where Alexander is a street kid before coming to Meow and then to me, I am sure he had come across the real thing in his travels before rescue.

Good for Alexander, as least if we somehow get a snake in the place, we will be protected.

Till we next meet.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember- We are All God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Rusty's Story

2006-07-08T17:18:00.000-04:00

"When I started this blog for Roxy, Barney & Haimish - Alexander wasn't even in the picture yet. There were other critters who were fortunate enough to come live with us as part of the family. I am going to tell Rusty's story and Holly's later."

Rusty when she fisrt arrived from The Big Marsh.

Rusty came to stay during the summer of 1976. As time goes by, one's memory is not as good as it used to be. I cannot remember why we were visiting Tom and Mary Huntley in The Big Marsh, and it really doesn't matter why. At one point Tom took Edie and me to see some kittens. There were 5 kittens, all being the same color and Rusty was the runt of the litter. We decided on the runt.

It was awhile since we had a cat living with us. We went through the early part of the 1970's without a cat as part of the family. And the trip to The Big Marsh that Sunday we really weren't thinking about another cat coming to stay. But after seeing the kittens, we picked one out and waited for the kitten to get a little older.

About two weeks later, the phone rang and it was Mary saying Tom was bringing the cat in and to meet him at the mall when he dropped Mary off. Mum and Mary worked together at the Met at the Mall, Mum was a cook and Mary was a waitress. The exact date of when Rusty came to stay is long gone into memory.

Dad and Rusty, Rusty was Dad's special cat.

Rusty would be a special cat who would become Dad's cat, even though it was Edie who adopted her. She was the first cat to be fixed and to have all her needles. She was also taken to the veterinary whenever she got sick. Our trip to Chateauguay for Christmas in 1976, she boarded at the Clinic and took over and brought joy to all who worked there.

Dad used to say Rusty was his $60.00 cat. She was terribly spoiled and wanted for nothing. She could go in and out whenever she wanted and if it rained and she got wet, Dad would grab one of Mum's clean towels and dry her off. If she wanted to go back out in the rain, she could go. Mum used to call Rusty Blossom as she would come in with the smell of Strawberry Blossom in the spring.

When we made our trip to British Columbia in 1980 to visit family, we boarded Rusty again at the Clinic. We weren't off the train 10 minutes getting home and Dad had someone drive him to the Clinic to pick up Rusty. She had to be home with us and not at the clinic a second longer.

Dad used to be up at the first ray of light in the morning. Rusty would be up right behind him. While he made his breakfast he would be feeding Rusty and talking to her. I swear she would talk back and answer him. Rusty also brought home gifts for Dad and would leave them on the doorstep. She would bring home a mouse she caught and leave it for him. After my Dad died, I think a part of Rusty died also as things would never be the same.

Rusty having a break on the Neighbours Picnic Table.

Rusty lived with us for 13 years. She was good company and after my Dad died, she became Mum's cat. After Dad was gone, Rusty didn't get her way as often as she once did. She would go out and in whenever she wanted and if it rained, Rusty still expected to be dried off if she was wet. She did get dried off, but didn't get the chance to get back out until after the rain stopped.

Rusty was a type of cat who had to like you before she would even entertain the thought of coming by to visit. Rusty was also the type of cat who hated to be made to do something when she didn't want to. One things she did like to do was sit in a window and look out. She loved summer and sitting in the window getting the fresh breeze she could smell things in the air.

Rusty enjoying the Summer Breeze

Rusty had a good life and had the house to herself until Mum adopted a dog which we named Holly. Rusty never did accept Holly and she resented having to share the house. In her later years she would sleep in one chair and catch the warm rays of the sun coming though the kitchen door.

In 1989 after Mum died, I tried to keep things going and took care of both Rusty and Holly, but needed to get away for awhile and planned on moving to Halifax. Rusty was a country girl and wouldn't like living indoors all day. She was also getting older and old age was starting to creep up on her.

Rusty very much at home.

I decided the only thing to do was to keep her in the West River. She wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else, so on a warm Summer's day in 1989, she was put to rest under the tree she liked to watch. Dad had bird feeders in this one tree and Rusty liked to watch the birds come and feed. Dad had the feeders suspended from the branches in a certain way that Rusty couldn't get to them.

Rusty is now buried under the tree she used to watch over. She is also re-united with the one person who loved her most and they are together again sharing the early mornings and breakfast.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are All God's Creatures, Lets Be Nice to Each Other.

Some Pictures to Share

2006-07-02T00:25:00.000-04:00

No new stories to talk about, just want to share some pictures of Haimish and Alexander.

Haimish happy again and out of his Snit that the newcomer is here.

Alexander, finally accepting he belongs and making himself at home.

Haimish not too sure about the newcomer. Alexander's Churchill Stare.

Naptime at the Old Farts. Haimish is not so sure.

Alexander is out for the count.

A picture I got by eventually getting them to stay put long enough for picture. Can you tell they would be somewhere else.

Come back soon to see more pictures.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Barney's Story

2006-06-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

Barney came to stay with Roxy and myself in June 1993. Barney was born in a barn, so hence the name. When Barney came to stay, Roxy was the only cat in the home. She was almost 4 years and quite content to be so. So when Barney came to stay, she was most upset. The first time we got to witness her wrath was when both were asleep on the window ledge and Barney happen to wake up first and go look for a nipple to nurse on. Barney learned fast to not look for the nipple.

Barney was born in Lunenburg County in Nova Scotia. I really wasn't looking for second cat but when I was visiting friends, it was mentioned there was a kitten needing a home. Off to the barn we went and as soon as we entered the barn, Barney's mum scattered really quickly but Barney decided to stick around to see who was visiting. This was the last time Barney would see his Mum, as 30 minutes later he was Bridgewater bound, in a box with some sawdust from the barn to mix with the kitty litter so he would know where to go pee.

When Barney came to stay, I called my vet and was advised Barney would need to come in for a visit to have some shots given. Barney learned fast that a trip in the truck was usually a trip to the vet. Also bringing Barney home meant an unexpected trip for Roxy to the vet to have boosters updated. The nasty part of bringing Barney home was having to get a poop sample from the litter box. We then found out Barney had worms so both Barney and Roxy were given de-worming medicine. It came in liquid form, when made it really easy to go down.

The first night of Barney's stay, Roxy and I retired for the evening and gave Barney run of the apartment on Pleasant Street. About 20 minutes after the lighs were out, a pityful cry came from the living room. Upon opening the door, Barney entered and preceded to come to bed. He immediately found a place hidden between two pillows and purred himself to sleep. Up until Barney died, he slepted with me every night. The only separations were when I was on holiday or he had to be in hospital.

The first year with Barney went uneventful, one humerous memory is the day I brought home the Christmas Tree. I had the tree up un-decorated drying out. I don't remember where Roxy got to but all of a sudden the Christmas Tree took an a tremendous shaking like it was possessed. After about a 3 to 5 minute shake, from out between the branches at the top poked Barney's head. I had fears of the Christmas Tree falling down or being destroyed, but the fears were unfounded.

The first year went along fine, Roxy and Barney were the best of friends and when it looked like nothing could go wrong, Barney developed a nasty condition with his bladder and crystals in his pee. Barney for the rest of his life from this point on would be on medication and special diet. Barney was put on the CD diet which helped with the crystals in the pee, but gained weight and really ballooned out.

Barney had a couple of games he liked to play. One was sitting on my bicycle seat and trying to grab his tail. He could do this for hours on end until he tired of it. He learned early the bicycle was a good place to sit and grab at the tail. Every once in awhile, he would actually catch his tail.

A second game Barney liked to play was fetch. I had this gold chain that I would toss and Barney would run and chase it and bring it back. Barney would drop it at my feet for me to toss again. We would play this until he tired out, or my arm would get a cramp from tossing the chain.

Roxy, Barney and I lived in Bridgewater until April 1996 when we moved to Calgary. Roxy always enjoyed a trip in the truck, she didn't need to be put in a carrier. Barney on the other hand, hated to go for a drive. To make the trip to Calgary, he was put on a sedative to make him drowsy and not be too concerned of where he was. He would come out of his stupor around suppertime.

One particular memory is Barney in a stoned state, looking around with his paws on the headrest of the truck and wondering where he was. We were in the height of Montreal traffic looking for the off ramp to keep us on the south side of the St Lawrence River.

The rest of the trip to Calgary went ok, and by the time we got to Thunder Bay, Barney finally realized he wasn't on the way to the vet. He didn't need any more sedatives. He actually would take some time and look at the world pass by. But most times he like Roxy would sleep his way across the country.

All was well in Calgary, he from time to time would get crystals in his pee, but medication worked. But as time went on, his weight problem got to him. Even though his diet was watched and was put on a different diet that was not high in calories, he got worse.

I was on holidays in Ontario when I got the phone call Barney was in emergency hospital. The next day he was taken to his own doctor, who immediately put him on pain relief and treatment. Barney managed to stick around for me to get home. When I arrived at the clinic, as soon as Barney heard my voice, he perked up and was knew he would be going home.

Barney survived over the weekend and seemed to be recovering but such was not the case. On Sunday I came home for supper, I still remember what I made to eat. Barney wasn't eating or drinking. I went and got some eye droppers to get some water into him. When I got home from work at the end of the day, Barney was not in good shape.

Through the night he slept with me on my left side. Everytime I would pet him, when I got down near the tail along the spine, Barney would wince in pain. Roxy was even concerned. In the morning after feeding them, Barney managed to eat a little bit, but he was not good. I called the clinic and they said to bring him down immediately.

Normally Barney would have to be persuaded to get into his carrier. This time he walked right into his carrier without a boo. Roxy in a surprising move, went over to Barney and said goodbye. She rubbed his nose with her's and walked off. I didn't know it at the time, but Roxy was saying Goodbye to Barney.

Barney spent the day at the clinic, and when the matinees were over, I was off to the clinic. I was shown x-rays of Barney, and his bladder was swollen up. I made the decision to put Barney out of his pain. Barney's Doctor didn't know exactly what was going on. The autopsy shown us all something none of us would ever think happen. All through Barney's life, his liver never grew. His liver was very small and never grew as his body did. The liver was a kitten's liver that was doing the job an adult cat's liver. This is why Barney was over weight.

On 15 June, 2000 around 1730 hrs we said goodbye to Barney. Barney now sits in a little cedar box along with Roxy in her own cedar box on a shelf over my computer monitor. On 26 April, 2006 Barney was re-united with Roxy. Both now watch over me and both are at the Rainbow Bridge together.

Goodbye Barney, I still think of you and still miss you after all these years.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

What A Difference A Day Makes !!

2006-06-17T14:45:00.000-04:00

Or maybe better still, this post should be titled "The Power of Prayer". In the last post I was mentioning about Alexander was in his carrier and Haimish had free run of the apartment.

At suppertime Alexander was in the carrier again, and Haimish sat and waited for his bit of steak, while I passed a bit though to Alexander in the carrier. I could see the change in Haimish, he wasn't as hissy and seemed to be accepting Alexander. The growls were definitely gone.

After getting the dishes finished up, I put Alexander in the bedroom and closed the door, and went for my walk. I must still think of myself and look after my health. I don't need to get sick then have to rely on someone else to take care of the cats.

Getting back from the walk, my Landlord and Landlady were out getting some of the evening air. I stayed for a visit and then about 2030 hrs went in for the evening. At this point, it was about 48 hrs after Alexander arrived and I was only firing on 7 or 8 hrs sleep in this time period.

I turned on the television and could find nothing to watch. Why is it with over 100 channels to watch there is sometimes nothing I can find to watch on the blasted television ?? So I got online and picked a VOD (Video On Demand) to watch. I watched "The Family Stone". It is a really good movie, and if I have a mind to, will write about it perhaps.

As I was watching the movie, I noticed that Haimish wasn't hissing anymore as he walked by the carrier with Alexander in it. Haimish was now investigating the new little creature in the carrier.

I had the door on the carrier ajar and this allowed Alexander to get out when he decided to. And at one point I looked up and Haimish and Alexander were eyeing each other but not a hiss could be heard from either one of them. I thought to myself if this is happening Haimish must have begun to accept Alexander.

At this point, my movie was getting over and it was time for bed. In the last 48 hours I didn't sleep that much and was in need of sleep. I made up my mind that it is now or never for Haimish & Alexander to make friends, and I went to bed. To help sleep take over, I took a sleeping tablet and somewhere I lost conscience. I awoke about 12 hrs later with Haimish sitting by my head looking into my face and Alexander on the floor looking up at me.

I knew it was time to get up so off to the kitchen with two cats in tow and having to feed them breakfast. I managed to get the kettle on the boil so I could have a coffee, got the computer fired up and checked the email.

Later I got talking to one of the representatives from the Meow Foundation and while talking to her, Haimish came by and rubbed noses with Alexander. So I guess the deal is final between Haimish and Alexander. When cats rub noses, this is a good sign that they will be friends.

For the first few days though, when I go out, I will be keeping the two of them separated as I still don't have 100% feeling that the two of them are good to be together alone.

I do believe it has been Divine Intervention that has made Haimish & Alexander accept each other as quickly as they have. In 48 hours, Haimish has gone from a cat seething hate for another one to a cat who has accepted another. Haimish has even made it clear he is the boss with a couple of taps with his paw to Alexander's face.

I truly believe it was God that brought such a turn around. I have known cats to take months to accept another. And other cats who never accepted a new cat and only tolerated it. It is the power of prayer and having faith that does it.

If you could see the hate that was in Haimish's eyes only 48 hrs ago, you would think there would be no hope of an acceptance. Haimish's howl was the same kind of howl you'd hear before cats would get into a major scrap where they would try to kill each other.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures, Let be Nice to Each Other.

The 1st 24 Hours

2006-06-16T14:20:00.000-04:00

The first twenty four hours was rough. Around 2120 hrs the evening Alexander arrived, Haimish was in a right state. He was seething hatred for both the new arrival and myself. I immediately let Haimish into the living room and took Alexander into the bedroom.

Haimish spent the rest of the evening growling and hissing. This I could hear over the furnace in the space opposite the bedroom and above Jack Benny playing in my ears. Needless about the only one who got sleep that night was Alexander. No doubt he has slept through the odd hissie cat or two.

I got up about 0600 hrs and went to sleep on the couch. Haimish kept wandering around swearing and growling, but at about 0800 hrs, he jumped up on the couch with me and then began to purr.

About 0900 hrs I took Alexander for a drive to let Haimish have the entire apartment. Alexander at this point didn't have a carrier to be in so he was loose in the cab of the flea. But he quickly grew to going for a drive as after we left the veterinary clinic getting the cat food for both Haimish & Alexander, and by the time we got to the North Hill Alexander was sitting on my shoulder looking at the world pass by.

We bought a carrier for Alexander and the rest of the trip to get the groceries went without a hitch. We got back to the apartment and this little trip with Alexander seemed to help Haimish. He still hissed and growled but as the day rolled on, he didn't' hiss at me that much, and coming on the end of the day, he didn't hiss at all when I came back from visiting with Alexander.

About 2100 hrs last night, there was a major meltdown with the internet and cable in parts of Calgary, so to put up with the wee convenience, at 2130 hrs I went to bed. I was firing on 3 cylinders yesterday so when I went to bed, it wasn't too long before I got to sleep.

Where the night before I didn't get that much sleep, I put off the visit to the lab to donate my "Quart" of blood. At least it seems like they remove a quart of blood. Last night, I fasted after 2000 hrs so waking up at 0000 hrs, I was hard pressed to get back to sleep from being hungry. I did manage to get back to sleep but was awake at 0600 hrs with Haimish crying to get into the bedroom.

I went back to the living room to stay with Haimish for a bit but knew sleep would be out of the question, as I was more hungry waking up at 0600 hrs than I was 6 hrs previous. At 0700 hrs I was up for the day and anxious to get out the door to give my blood sample. I waited almost 45 minutes from walking into the lab to being harpooned. By 0930 hrs I was famished but decided to get some groceries and cook my breakfast at home.

Before putting the groceries away, I brought Alexander out in his carrier and he watched me put the groceries away and cook breakfast. Haimish was wandering around the apartment and only hissed when he got close to the carrier. After breakfast was cooked, I took Alexander in carrier to the living room and all three of us shared my bacon, scrambled eggs, tater tots and cheese. This was about the only time Haimish didn't make a fuss over Alexander.

After this experiment seemed to pass, I will leave the greetings this way and then either put Alexander back in the bedroom and leave Haimish free to wander, or do as I am now and put Haimish in the bedroom and allow Alexander to wander free.

After breakfast, I checked and Alexander was ready for a claw trim. I figured he would put up with this about as much as I would put up with having the ends of my fingers chopped off. Well not only did Alexander let me trim his claws, but lied on his back and purred a song.

I think Alexander is here for the long term. I know it will take a couple of more days and quick visits for Haimish to get over it. Today was a testing ground and where Haimish shared his duty of letting Alexander share my breakfast, abet in a carrier, I know it will only be a few more days at the most until Haimish and Alexander can roam free in the apartment without supervision.

Have a cat or cats in your home and need some help.
Tally's Cat Behavior Links.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures, Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Alexander Has Arrived

2006-06-14T23:22:00.000-04:00

It has been a long two week wait, but Alexander has arrived. Now we try the temporary Foster period, and if all works out, then the final adoption papers are signed. It will all depend on Haimish and if he accepts Alexander.

Right now Haimish is in the bedroom having a hizzy fit. His feelings are hurt and I will show him the most attention as he is the Senior member of the group. Alexander has made himself at home already and is here for the long term if he has his way.

It took Alexander about an hour to get used to his surroundings but once he found out he is safe, he is all over me. When I least expect it, he hops in the lap and my black polo shirt is now orange and white, which is a good thing as this will leave scent for Haimish to have a good smell. As I compose this, he is laying on the floor looking up and purring his head off. Alexander is a very contented cat and happy to be here.

Like Haimish, Alexander is a lap cat, and I know once both get used to each other, I am going to have two cats who will need a lot of attention. I just hope they will get along when they are alone. Who knows, if they get along well maybe an little sister will come to stay. Must think of a good Scot's Lass name for the wee one. But this is down the road, it won't be for awhile.

Now I got to buy a second carrier for Alexander as both will need one when we make a trip to the Vet. After Alexander gets used to the place and realizes he is here to stay, I will take Alexander for rides in the truck to get him used to it. Tomorrow it is off to pay some bills, but we will keep Alexander home, to get used to the place with me gone.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures - Lets be Nice to Each Other.

Haimish's Acceptance & Story

2006-05-28T19:18:00.000-04:00

Haimish is finally come to accept he is the only cat in the place, and likes all the attention he is getting. Haimish spends more time with me and doesn't spend as much time in the bedroom like he did when Roxy was first put to sleep. It is nice to see Haimish active again and back with the living.

I believe on 26 April, 2006 a part of Haimish died as well as a part of me. The first couple of weeks, Haimish spent all his time in the bedroom except to come out to eat or spend some time in my lap purring when I settled down for the night to watch some television.

In a couple to three weeks, a new little cat will be coming to live. I have been in conversation with my Veterinary and was advised that it doesn't matter if I adopt a male or female cat as long as the temperament of the new cat matches Haimish's and to a part my own temperament. It doesn't matter if I bring home another male cat, where both Haimish and the new comer are fixed. No need to watch each other's territory.

Haimish's Story starts out in 2000. February is when he was born as to the best guess they could give me at the Calgary Humane Society. When I adopted Haimish, it was soon after Barney had to be taken out of his pain. The adoption papers were signed 17 May 2000 and Haimish was picked up 20 May, 2000. Law states the people who drop off the animal have so much time to decide if they want the animal back. After this time, they have no more rights to the animal, and the adoptee's become the new owner.

I remember walking into the Calgary Humane Society to look at the cats. A good friend knew I was lonesome for Barney and advised I should go look at the cats and see if there were any I'd think would like to have. I remember being told by one employee a the society we could not pick up the animals, so I questioned another employee. I was then informed that we could pick up the animals and hold them, we just had to wash up between animals to make sure we didn't transfer a disease or something between each animal.

Walking into the cat area, there were some more mature cats there who looked up but made no effort to be noticed from the rest. I think they knew they were on "Death Row" and their time was close. In other pens were wee kittens who were having fun playing and chasing each other, unknown they may not be adopted and put to death.

Then when I was almost ready to leave, this one white paw came out from between the bars of a cage and touched my arm. The cry was a cry of don't forget I am here. This is when I asked if I could pick up the kitten. When cat 10188A got into my arms, he became very happy and purred his head off. He found his Master, or in my case his Sucker who liked cats. The papers were signed and it was one of the longest 2 days I had waiting to pick up Haimish. I was told the day I picked up Haimish, if I didn't come along when I did, it was doubtful Haimish would have been adopted. Haimish was next on the list to be put to sleep.

As in all adoptions, I could get a visit at anytime from the Society by one of their representatives to make sure the cat I adopted is being taken care of and in good health and wants for nothing. If I move, I must let the Calgary Humane Society I am moving. I believe this includes to other provinces.

Haimish is a Scot's name. It is James when translated. Haimish is the traditional way to spell it, though most spell it Hamish. I have no idea why I picked Haimish, and no I did not name my cat after my Dad. When I adopt my new cat in the next two weeks to a month, this cat will have a Scot's name as well.

Haimish is a good cat, though when he was new and still a kitten he was very forceful and made sure Roxy and I knew he was there. There are more than one sleepless night Roxy and I had when Haimish first came to live. Haimish had a habit of attacking at a moments notice. He would love to pounce from up high. But as the days turned into weeks and then months and into the first year, Haimish became a nice quiet grown up cat.

After Haimish slowed down, I noticed Haimish was shy of strangers and wouldn't come out of the bedroom until he got used to the company. My company would have to make numerous visits before Haimish got used to them. And there are only some who come to visit that Haimish is comfortable around. Other people he will stay in the bedroom all the time they are visiting.

I believe whoever had Haimish before I got him was mean to him. I also believe that cats pick their master and not the other way around. Whatever is the case, Haimish is living the "Life of Riley" and wants for nothing.

Haimish has had a good 6 years so far, and only had one medical ailment that need Veterinary attention. I have this window that both Haimish and Roxy loved to sit in. One day Haimish was leaving the window and when he landed, the chair he jumped into moved and his right leg shifted and he tore the rotary cap on his knee. Haimish needed to have his stitches done twice. He managed to open up the wound after he had the stitches removed for the original surgery. Of course when he opened the stitches, he had to be rushed to the emergency clinic, as his own clinic was closed.

So for another 2 weeks he had more stitches and he really hated having to wear the cone around his head. It looked different and I had to make sure his dishes were set up on something as when they were on the floor, the cone kept Haimish from being able to reach his dish. One other benefit of wearing the cone was Haimish couldn't get at Roxy's dish either.

It has been a good six years, and hopefully there will be a few more good years. And when the new bundle comes within the next month, I hope Haimish will accept the new comer like Roxy accepted Haimish.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures - Lets be Nice to Each Other.

We Said Goodbye Today

2006-04-26T18:05:00.000-04:00

Roxy - August 1989 to 26 April 2006.

We said goodbye today. Roxy peacefully went into deep sleep about 1310 Hrs MDT today. At 1320 Hrs she was given the final needle to stop her heart and breathing. I have lost a true friend who was always there for me and would forgive just as quick as she got mad. Always happy to see me and would just come by to say hello even if all was ok. Always there at the door to greet me and the love was unconditional.

Roxy came into my life when I was moving back to watch the house in Antigonish after spending the summer working in Halifax. I got Roxy from my cousin Alice who figured it would be a good idea to have a cat. Roxy survived to be the last of her litter. The first year was not good for me and times were tough but Roxy saw me get through it. We would go to the mailbox to see if we had mail, go for a drive Downtown to Sobey's to get groceries, or what have you.

Roxy was there for my move to Bridgewater in the fall of 1990 and we had a happy 5 1/2 yrs there. Roxy was there for my move to Calgary and she was here long enough to see us have our 10th anniversary in Calgary.

Roxy liked to go for a ride in the Chevette (first) and later the Mazda. Roxy didn't need to be put in a carrier and would lie down beside me and fall to sleep. Today on the last ride, Roxy curled up beside me and I drove extra slow so we would have this last bit of time together. She probably thought we were on another errand and she would be back in the apartment soon. I felt guilty knowing this was her last ride and I was taking her to put her to sleep.

I knew it was time for Roxy to be put to sleep. She started to lose weight and even though we tried some treatment by putting her on her thyroid pills, she never responded. She kept losing weight and I could feel every bone in her body. She still ate and would not only eat her portion but would finish Haimish's portion when he was done. The very end of life Roxy would howl at the top of her lungs and when she was lying down in her favorite chair, my leather one, she would cry until she was comfortable.

I know I have done the right thing, but my heart still aches. A part of me died today as well and I don't think I will love another cat as much as I have loved this cat. I do love my Haimish, but it is a different kind I have for him.

Roxy saw me through the first year after my Mum's death. Roxy was there for me that first winter being alone. She was there for the move to Bridgewater, the drive to Calgary. I could go on and write more, the memories are flooding my mind, but I must think about being with Haimish right now. When he realizes Roxy is not returning, he will be lonesome.

The funny thing was before Roxy and I left on that last ride today, I took Roxy into where Haimish was sleeping and they rubbed noses like they were saying goodbye. I remember when Barney was making his last trip to the clinic, before he got into his carrier, Roxy came over and rubbed his nose with her's as a goodbye gesture.

I will miss my Roxy and a part of her will always be with me. I will miss Roxy coming in a bedtime and laying down beside me and purring at me until I go to sleep. The licking of my hands or face to wake me up, more so because the dish was empty. I miss you my dear little friend, I wanted to keep you, but your body said it was time to move on and be taken out of your pain.

I believe as a Christian all our pets go to Heaven as well and they are waiting for us to arrive along with our family and friends who have gone before us.

I found a wonderful link to help with the grief over the loss of a pet.
Please Click Here

The following is a poem I received from my Veterinary when my Barney died

The Rainbow Bridge "Author Unknown"

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of it's many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. The old and the frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their Special Person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this ones suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be seperated.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures - Lets be Nice to Each Other.