Our Dear, Sweet, Beloved Little Mikey

Our Dear, Sweet, Beloved Little Mikey by Lauren Merryfield Note: You may wonder why you haven't heard from us in a while. Here is one big reason, revolving around our Mikey (Mickens/Mickey/Mikey-Mike/Catty-Watty-Woo) 06/22/06 Our Dear Little Mikey: (We took Mikey in to the vet a month or so ago because I intuitively felt that something was wrong. They gave him a clean bill of health.) Our sweet Mikey kitty (Mickens) has lost weight alarmingly quickly and his meows were less fervent so we took him to the vet. He lost three pounds and his kidneys are small. His heartbeat is irregular. I am dreading the vet's call in the morning. He is only six and a half years old; the same age as our Kabootle when it was his time to go. We feel devastated! Mickens has been a Mommy's boy, crawling all over me, licking my face and grooming my hair and purring in my ears. I miss him tonight as he is overnight at the vet hospital. ******* ((((LAUREN))) All of my love, thoughts and prayers For your dear litty Mikey!!! Donna P (the meow club) ******* Dear Lauren, I have only this advice for you at this very scary time. Talk to Mikey and look into his eyes. Does he still have a spark there? Is he acting the way he usually does? Does he like your attention or does he hide? How do the other animals react to him? I believe you will know what to do; you know him best. I'm so very sorry you are experiencing this. It's so very hard when our loved ones are ill, and they can't tell us what's wrong. Know my prayers are with you all. Best wishes, Margy (the Literate Feline; Cat Writers' Association) ******* Lauren thinking of you! keep paws crossed tight ! Jen (the meow club) ******* Lauren I am sorry I have missed so many posts. I take it Mickens is very sick? I am so sorry. Feed him anything he wants and hold and love him all you can. I'm sure you already are. All my love to you and Jim and your "family" Jo (from ole hippies) ******* Dear Jim and Lauren, Goodness Gracious; Reading your email, this question came to my mind. Did Mickey and your previous cat have any common bloodlines? Have you considered that your cats are angels for you and Jim? (similar to scapegoats in the Old testament?) Your pain and worry about Mickey are difficult to bear, I am sure. I will put you in a special section of my meditation and prayers. Love and Light to both of you, Marilyn ******* Hi Lauren, I'm sure Mickens knows how much you love him, even if you are depressed. Our furbubs instinctively just know. So take heart love and enjoy him while you can. He may even get well you know. I'll continue prayers for you all and ask for healing for Mickens. Thinking of you all. love sumanaju (ole hippies) ******* Lauren, I am so sorry to hear about your little guy. Please go to yahoogroups.com and join petvetcafe. There are a lot of vets and techs and breeders on that list, post his story there. They will want to see the tets results -- then you'll get some opinions from them. Someone else may have seen exactly this same thing in another cat. That is such a good group, I learn so much there. I will say a special prayer for Mikey. take care -- Michelle (the literate feline) ******* Hi Lauren, poor little Mickens. Mayber the cortisone will help him. I'm sure you and Jim will make the right decision. See how it goes anyway, nothing to lose by trying it. I said prayers for him and also for you and Jim. I know his meowmy will spoil him and get him well again. Thinking of you all. love sumanaju (Ole hippies) ******* I'm so sorry to hear this. It's always so hard to deal with sickness in our babies and especially one so young. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'll ask my critters to say prayers, too (I think that God listens more to fur prayers!) Kari (the literate feline) ******* Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Mikey!!! That such a hateful thing when it happens, either to people or to animals. Shank had a kitty named Nate (should have Naughty) that died when she was just about five years old. She didn't like anyone but him, and he's still sad when he talks about her. Hope you can keep him comfortable, and that you end up having some good options. Love, Jo ******* oh no poor Mikey hope everything is ok hon please let us know Love, Dodsworth & Mommy Chrissie (the meow club) ******* Poor Mikey gets petrified at the vet just being felt on and squeezed. He intuitively knows from the worried vibes he gets from everyone. And each time I've taken him it takes about three days for him to recover to somewhat his self. Note, he exhibits none of the same anxieties when I take him to Tails-A-Waggin for a nail trim. Maybe when he starts feeling more warn out we can take him there have them give him a good bath (if they offer that service). I don't know if he would like that or not, but it might be a pick-er-upper. Aily (And I Love You) Jim ******* Hi Lauren, I pray that Mickens will come home from the vet with a diagnosis of something that can be fixed. This would be so devastating for you and Jim. Our furbabies love us unconditionally really and we always feel so helpless when something like this happens. Let's pray for good news eh? Thinking of you love sumanaju (ole hippies) ******* Dear Lauren, This has to be terrible for you. Is there a chance Mikey will pull out of this sudden sickness? Holly (the meow club) ******* Hi Lauren, Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish strength for you, Jim, and Mikey. Love, Betsy >^..^< (the literate feline) ******* Hi Lauren... this is awful! Wasn't there a sign of all this before it got this bad? Sincerely, ~Iva~ (the meow club) ******* Hi Lauren, I am so sorry to hear this about Mikey--I still hope he will not be at the Bridge too soon. Holly (the meow club) ******* Hi Lauren... sometimes with cancer it can be right under the radar... I hope it is not in your case... but my Ashley was like that.. not with the weight thing, but she got fussier with her eating several months before she was put to sleep. Sincerely, ~Iva~ (the meow club) ******* 06/23/06 A few months ago I wondered why he wasn't eating as much and noticed he was losing weight but when Jim took him to the vet, they checked him over and thought he was okay. He has lost weight rapidly and gotten worse so suddenly that, no, we didn't know he was sick until recently. He is a really laid-back kitty and doesn't complain, so all I had to go on was that he was sleeping more and his meow wasn't quite as hearty as it had been. He still eats, plays some, and gets on me, licks my face and hair, and things like that. We won't know until tomorrow what our options are. His blood work isn't good and they suspect cancer; multiple myeloma, but it isn't confirmed. It's costing us quite a lot to have tests run, but we would rather know what is going on with him, sad as it is. He is the sweetest, most lovable kitty in the world! ******* Could also be renal failure. Is he eating? Keep us posted. Deb W (the meow club) ******* Lauren, I'm sorry about Mikey. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Having lost beloved pets, I understand. Mikey was the name of my good friend Leonora's cat. He was one of 3 rescued cats. Before I had my accident, I stayed with her during my visits to NY. She lives in a 3 flight walk up. She had a great cat named Mikey, who passed a while back. Know that lots of us share your pain and are with you now. Losing a good friend is always hard. Debra J. W - Live long and prosper with a homeless pet. (the literate feline) ******* Lauren, I am sorry that Mickens is doing so poorly. I'm sending positive thoughts your way! One Love! Lopeti (ole hippies) ******* Hi Lauren... I am so sorry you are going through this!! Mikey is so young too.... (((HUGS))).... where is he now? Sincerely, ~Iva~ (the meow club) ******* from pat: I am so sorry, Lauren, I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the Vet will have some good options for helping him. (the meow club) ******* (Bad Things Happen To Good People): To Marilyn, A Friend: No relationship, though I wonder if Kabootle helped send Jaspur, Mikey and Maryah our way. Don't know whether to believe that or not. We don't know about angels for sure. We neither one know what to believe, that's why we're still both afraid and sad about death and tend not to talk about it much. Don't know what to believe about God because so much of what we were raised on seems kind of childish now and don't know if it's all true or not. Mikey is just the most loving kitty!!! I will miss his affection especially since Jim is not always the most affectionate person in the world given his level of pain in back and exhaustion from all of his conditions. Mikey has helped make up for that and he is already less affectionate and will probably be less so as time goes on. We have no idea how long he will be living with us and we feel robbed of time again, like we were with Kabootle, whose life was shorter than we'd thought. Sorry to be ramblind so much but I hope you can help. We feel kind of spiritually bankrupt right now. I know I am "supposed to" know better, having been trained in pet loss, but right now even that doesn't helpl much. We do know that we love each other and we love our kitties so much! We wish love could cure! ******* to Chas of Good Grief: I felt a while back that Mikey's life seemed to be slipping away. I wondered if his teeth might be hurting because he didn't seem to be eating as much. He seemed to get winded when he would play. I even wondered if his heart might be weak. But it was all intuition. And, yes, sometimes my intuition is close, but not always right on. I had Jim take him to the vet a while back and he weighed 9 pounds and they said he seemed fine. Just recently he has felt really skinny so we made another appointment. This time I went with Jim because he said Mikey (Mickens) really protested the last visit, so Jim thought my presence there might help. This time he had lost three pounds. His heartbeat is irregular. They did blood tests and a chest X-Ray and the X-ray was nonconclusive. The blood results are not good. The vet suspects multiple myeloma. They did another test whose results are not back in yet, so we do not know what our options are yet except that they're all bad. Mikey is home with us after his overnight at the vet. He is mostly sleeping, though he did eat some of Jim's meat at supper time. Jim got up in the middle of the night asking me where the cat toys are because he wondered if Mikey might want to play. He did look at them. Jim and I are feeling emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. My training in pet loss and support seems not to be consoling me. We don't know what to believe about God and angels and Rainbow Bridge, though I've tried to comfort others with such ideas. I have waves of tears and feeling horrified and then waves of feeling like we need to be strong for each other, Jim and me, and needing to not fall behind in caring for our other three kitties. We know they know something is wrong. When we came back Wednesday evening without Mickens, Jaspur pawed my legs like he needed to know. I told him Mikey is really sick. I think Jaspur knows what this means. I would guess that all three of them have known that something was not okay with Mikey but he doesn't complain. I also have an issue regarding affection. Mikey crawls all over me; is the only one of the four who lets me hold him. He gets up on my shoulder so I have my ear on his side and I can hear him purr. He purposefully purrs for me in this position. Then he gets on my chest and paws and purrs and licks my face and even inside my ear, usually right side, but sometimes left. Because of Jim's level of pain and exhaustion from work and just in general, he is low in expressing affection, so the most affection I have received is from Mikey. I amk so aware now how short-lived this affection will be. I feel so sad at the loss. I don't know if Mikey understands how fervently I have loved him and how much I have truly appreciated his generous, loving affection. When we get more news from the vet, Dr. Kate Schubert, from Cats Exclusive, we will have a better idea what our options are. She says there is a pet cancer specialist who might be able to help us, but we are financially limited too, though we finally do not have the house anymore as an extra burden. Mikey is only six and a half years old, just like Kabootle. We do not understand why his life has to be cut short. Indoor cats can live to fourteen years or so, without problems like we're experiencing. I know there are people who live on the surface of life and are not given difficult situations and issues to handle. I know some say God doesn't give us more than we can handle, but this doesn't feel very comforting right now. The 23rd Psalm is supposed to be comforting but it isn't helping me right now. I hope you and the Good Grief group can help. I haven't received an issue for quite a long time. I don't know if I got bounced off or if you just haven't written any G.G. lately. ******* 06/24/06 To My Ole Hippies With Fibromyalgia Group: So far none of the tests have given any positive sign that he has multiple myeloma, but they suspect that. They said we could have a bone marrow test done but he'd need to be anesthetized for it. Jim has had it and he says it is painful and he doesn't want Mickens given any extra pain. They said we could put him on prednisolone which might help him feel better. He is mostly sleeping but still does all of his cute things, just not as lively. ******* My heart goes out to you. Like Gayle said, our pets are like our babies. In my case, my pet IS my baby, as I have no children and we don't plan on having any. So, my cat Auggie, is definitely my baby. I've lost several cats over the years of being an "adult" and on my own, and each time one died (and 3 died very tragic deaths - one hit by a car, another was mauled by a dog & another had uncontrollable seizures), I felt like my heart had been ripped in two. After I lost the last one, I vowed to keep my kitty indoors, so maybe THIS one could live past 6 years. Letting the cats in & out seemed to shorten their lifespans, by coming in contact with the car, the dog, and something that could have caused the seizures (the vet thought it could have been poisened). Thankfully, even though Auggie was a good hunter & loved to go outside, she transitioned to being an indoor cat very easily. She is now 9 years old and I hope to have her at least another 9 years. And, she's only a LITTLE BIT spoiled! ;-) My thoughts are with you & your hubby, Lauren, as you go through this with Mickens. And I'm really hoping that whatever is wrong, can be fixed. My sister's cat was on the verge of death 3 times from something that they never were able to diagnose, and that was about 3 years ago. He's still going strong now. So, miracles can happen!!! Big Hugs, Hilly (gastric bypass info-central/gbic) ******* You are weird! We're sorry to hear about that kitty! We haven't met him, but have heard a lot of neat things about him, so it almost seems like we have. Hope he gets better or has a peaceful transition. I'm way behind on messages and am going backward through them right now. Pretty soon, we have to leave for the mortuary, so I probably won't get everything read before we go. Hope you guys are okay and we'll pray for you and Mickens. Love, Barbara (My sister) ******* awwwwwwwwwwwwwww I am soooooooooooooo sorry. are they doing more tests Love, Dodsworth & Mommy Chrissie (the meow club) ******* Dears: I am so, so sorry. I know how hard it is to have a sick kitty and know how hard it is to make decisions. Had to with Katie and Ralph. I'm hoping not to have to do that with Hallie. She may outlast both of us. Ha. She has had a complete turn around. She sleeps on our feet when we are sitting and doesn't stay outside iin the heat like she usually does. Just hangs with us a lot. She is much thinner but not skinny and is eating just fine. I don't know what ailed her for a while. She still moves much slower and tries not to jump up on things, but that is age, I think. Mickens has been a blessing to you and maybe he will come out of it too. You can be thankful for him no matter what. Hugs, Mom B ******* Oh Lauren, I'm so sorry about your kitty. It's so hard to know what to do, especially when they are so relatively young. The only thing I can say is I know you'll do what's best for him. If you think he's in pain I know you won't let him suffer. My heart goes out to you and Jim and your wonderful friend. Hugs, Catnip (Sharon) (the literate feline) ******* Our Beloved Mikey (to the meow club) Our Mikey (Mickens), who is six and a half, has become terribly ill. We took him in a few months ago because he wasn't eating as much but the vet found nothing wrong during a routine exam. This time when we took him he had lost 3 pounds; he now weighs 6 pounds. His heartbeat is irregular and his kidney function isn't normal. His blood tests came back not good and they've done several tests that have been inconclusive. The vets at this clinic suspect multiple myeloma, but they are a little surprised that he would have this at his age. Jim and I are devastated. This is our longer-haired, dark tabby kitty; the most affectionate kitty we've ever had. He lets me hold him all I want and comes up onto my shoulder, leaning his body onto my ear so I can hear him purr. He licks my face and even my ear, usually right side, though occasionally left side. he is such a sweetie. They said they could do a bone marrow test but Jim has had one done and he says they are painful. Mikey would need to be anesthetized. We don't know how much it would cost but we've already paid quite a bit on tests and still nothing conclusive. Mickens is back home with us, mostly sleeping. He still does many of his Mikey-like things, just not as much. He still seems hungry and eats meat from Jim's hand. We're just not sure what to do that is in Mickens' best interest. Please, can any of you help us know what to do? We love this kitty so very much! ******* from pat: Lauren, I so hope they pinpoint what's going on with Mikey for you, and then you can start thinking about how he can be helped. He's still in the prime of his life, hopefully the Vet can give you some good options. (the meow club) ******* (To our family) We still do not know for sure what condition Mickens has, because none of the tests are conclusive. They still suspect multiple myeloma (cancer) and said we could have a bone marrow test done under anesthesia but Jim says no because they are painful. We can put him on prednisolone which might help him feel stronger and increase his appetite. He does seem to be taking his turn at the food bowl and he eats meat from Jim's hand, and probably would from mne, too, but he and Jaspur seem to have this thing of eating whatever Jim has. We are so sad that this has happened to our sweet kitty. He is the most affectionate, laid-back kitty we've ever had, and he's only six and a half years old; same as Kabootle was. He is back home with us and sleeping off his scary night at the hospital. We don't know what we're going to do yet. We don't want him to suffer. Right now he doesn't seem to be suffering or hiding or anything like that; he's just so skinny though; only weighs 6 pounds. He's mostly long, fluffy tail. ******* (To our Minister, Bruce Davis) Our second-eldest cat, Mikey kitty (Mickens) is very ill. We took him in a while back but they found nothing wrong during a routine exam. He weighed 9 pounds and seemed fine. I intuitively felt something wasn't right with him. We still do not know for sure what condition Mickens has, because none of the tests are conclusive. They still suspect multiple myeloma (cancer) and said we could have a bone marrow test done under anesthesia but Jim says no because they are painful. We can put him on prednisolone which might help him feel stronger and increase his appetite. He does seem to be taking his turn at the food bowl and he eats meat from Jim's hand, and probably would from mne, too, but he and Jaspur seem to have this thing of eating whatever Jim has. We are so sad that this has happened to our sweet kitty. He is the most affectionate, laid-back kitty we've ever had, and he's only six and a half years old; same as Kabootle was when he became ill. He is back home with us and sleeping off his scary night at the hospital. We don't know what we're going to do yet. We don't want him to suffer. Right now he doesn't seem to be suffering or hiding or anything like that; he's just so skinny though; only weighs 6 pounds. He's mostly long, fluffy tail. We don't know what to think about God and angels and stuff when it comes to sweet, innocent Mikey. You might remember him when you visited us; he likes to have me carry him around. ******* He is having some renal failure, but they don't think that is all it is. The tests have all come back negative except for the blood tests that seem to the vets to point to multiple myeloma, though they say it is unusual for his age. ******* (To my gastric bypass group) The rest of the test results came back and nothing was conclusive. They are guessing by the blood test results that it is multiple myeloma (cancer.) Mickens is back home with us and he just visited me. He does all his usual things but isn't meowing as much and seems tired. He is still eating, just not enough. They said we could have a bone marrow test done but Jim says they are painful and not to do it. We might put him on eop and/or prednisolone which might bring his kidney function nearer to normal and help him feel better. We are just so shocked. I had Jim take him in a while back but they didn't find anything then; it was just my intuition. He weighed 9 pounds then. Now he only weighs 6 pounds and is mostly skinny kitty with a long, fluffy tail. He is only six and a half years old! It is so sad; he is such a sweetie! ******* Illness and death of our beloved pets is like losing a family member. It's never easy to face when it's your own family. My blessings to you and hope that it's not cancer and that you will have many more years with Mickens. If not, you were indeed blessed to have him for so many years. When we lost Samantha Jo I grieved and cried for 2 weeks solid. She died a terrible death and it kept replaying over and over in my mind. It was very difficult and I felt so responsible for her death. But, ya know, she was old and had lived a long Cat life. Just the way she died was devastating to me. She was precious. So, I understand your grief and emotions. Just please try to redirect them to other things besides eating. As for me, I get depressed and pull the covers up over my head and sleep for awhile until I can face facts. Hugs, Gayle (GBIC) ******* When our Pumpkin kitty got sick he turned into skin and bones, too. It was sad to watch. When his stamina and all got real bad and he just laid around it broke my heart. It was then that we had him put to sleep because I could NOT stand to see him suffer any more. As a "mommy" you are always the first to notice when something is amiss with your "kids". It's not unusual for us to recognize a problem long before test results prove it out. Enjoy the time you have left with him, okay??? God Bless, Gayle (GBIC) ******* 06/25/06 from pat: That's so frustrating, when Heidi was diagnosed as being Hyperthyroid, at least, that's something that could be readily identified with blood work, although, its a very serious illness, I suspected she either was in kidney failure or some type of cancer, so, it was a relief in a way. But, she was much older, about 11.5. (the meow club) ******* FROM PAT: I think this is very good advice, especially for a cat of his age. (the meow club) ******* Lauren, Don't give up on this kitty. He is young and has been healthy up until now. Cats are very difficult to diagnose and their bloodwork is almost never conclusive. My Kodiak had the best darn bloodwork known to man, and yet his bladder was a mess and he was sick. The same can be said in reverse that the labwork could look like one illness and not be that at all. Treat the cat and his symptoms, not the bloodwork. There are certain NSAIDS and steroids that treat, arrest and cure cancer. Try everything that's not invasive first. Maria (the meow club) ******* 06/26/06 (To The Cat Writers' Group) Thanks! The thing that makes me feel uneasy is probably relalated to the "bargaining" aspect of the grieving process. I am concerned because they are guessing he has multiple myeloma; none of the tests proved it. They are going by the blood tests results, though. I want to trust their diagnosis, but, of course, a big part of me wants them to be wrong. Why couldnt it be an infection that could be cured by antibiotics, for instance? ******* (To The Meow Club) I keep wishing the vets were wrong. They all, in this clinic, agree with what they think Mickens has, but still no proof of it. I just wish it was an infection that antibiotics could cure but that's my being in the "bargaining" phase of the grieving process. ******* Dear Lauren, I don't have any advice about what to do but wanted to express my condolences. I'm so sorry your Mickey is so ill! He sounds like a very loved and loving cat. Clea (the literate feline) ******* from pat: Lauren, I don't remember how old Mikey is, I'm thinking not that old, but, I assume he has had a T-4 test for Hyperthyroidism? That's what my Cat Heidi had, but, she was 11.5 when she was diagnosed and my Vet said she was one of the younger cats he had diagnosed, so, it is primarily a disease of senior cats, but, you never know. Losing weight, despite a strong appetite is one of the symptoms, though. As for the bone marrow test, there may be some pain, but, surely, they could give Mikey med's to help with that, and it would give you more of a direction to go, at least, it would give you another answer. As for giving Mikey shot's I have no doubt you'll be able to do it, if it helps him. Yes, it may be hard at first, but, one of my former co-workers had a diabetic Cat and she gave him his shots all the time. I'm sending hugs and prayers for all of you. Not having the answers has to be the hardest. If you find out for sure what you are dealing with, you'll be much better able to make the best choices for Mikey. I hope they can give you some answers very soon. (( )) (the meow club) ******* He is back home with us. He is mostly sleeping but he still gets up to see what's going on and he is still eating and drinking some. Jim and I had fish yesterday and we saved some for Mickens and he ate it. ******* (To Dr. Sife Of The Association For Pet Loss And Bereavement) Our Beloved Little Mikey (Mickens or Mikey): Our little 6-and-a-half-year-old Mikey (Mickens) suddenly lost weight so we took him to the vet. He had lost three pounds, weighing 6 pounds and his heartbeat was irregular. They did blood tests and a few other tests. Nothing conclusive could be drawn from the tests but they suspect he has multiple myeloma (cancer.) The training that I've had doesn't seem to take the sadness away. It comes in waves. Mikey is the sweetest little kitty-cat in the world. He has longer hair, is a dark tabby, and has such a nice, long, fluffy tail! He is back home with us and is still eating, and we're trying to coax him into eating more. We were told we could have them do a bone marrow test, but my husband, Jim, says they're painful so he doesn't want Mikey to have that done. We aren't sure what to do; it seems difficult to just let things be, but it seems that is all we can do. Maybe you have some advice for us? Sorry we didn't get to make it to the conference in May; would like to have been there again. ******* Hi Lauren, It was good, hearing again from you. But I am sorry to learn about your darling Mikey and his medical problems. I agree that some testing can be an agony for pets -- especially when they are older or quite ill. Despite their potential help, in many cases I feel we should eschew them. Sometimes there are no easy answers or conditions. Personally, I would do what you are proposing. No more aggressive and invasive treatments. Let his remaining days be filled with as much peace and love as possible. Please stay in contact and let me know how you all are doing. Warmly, Dr. Wallace Sife APLB ******* I am so sorry. I know our furbabies are so special. My furbabies make me want to keep going,they give me so much more than a human ever can. Prayers for you and mikey. Tami (ole hippies with fibromyalgia) ******* Dear Lauren: Gosh, I do not envy your upcoming decision. A lot of the choice, in my opinion, is what your cat is telling you (meaning, of course, through YOUR heart). There are cats that you just "know" would be able to handle all the medical testing and hospital stays. Then there are those cats who absolutely HATE the vet (well, is there a cat out there in the world who "likes" the vet?) and then those who are better adjusted to the change in atmosphere. You'll know in your heart which type of cat Mickens is. I've had both types and did what I thought was best in each particular cat's interest (not my own -- which my husband pointed out -- because my first reaction was always to do EVERYTHING to save my cat no matter what)... As in the case of my beloved Sapphire -- who has been gone two years now -- he never would have wanted to have cancer surgery, chemo, etc. That comes from knowing he was a wild, free spirit. I had to let him go although I wanted to do all the treatments, etc. but, as the vet pointed out, there were no guarantees. Ray (hubby) asked me to think about what SAPPHIRE would want. There was no hesitation on my part when I thought about Sapphire. He would not want any of that. My only regret is he died in that place instead of at home. Sorry if I've rambled.....hope this very emotional topic that I just wrote about makes some sense. Every person is different, just as every cat is different, so there are several things to consider before making your decision. P.S. As you may not know, Ray had a bone marrow transplant and had tons of those bone marrow tests. It isn't pleasant -- I would guess even less so for a little animal who doesn't understand. If you go through with the test, I would definitely want my cat to be put under because Ray was always awake. He was pretty sore for a few days but, of course, it saved his life so he didn't complain. Your CWA Friend Who Hopes to Have Helped... Sandra T (the literate feline) ******* 06/27/06 (To The Literate Feline/Cat Writers' Group) (Responding to the suggestion that I join a veterinarian's group) I can't join from the website because they have a verification code my screenreader can't read. (I am blind.) I could join okay using an email address. ******* Mikey was a good boy this morning. I held him with one hand, opened his mouth with my second hand, and squeezed in the medicine with my third hand. How, you say? Well, I was standing in front of the mirror which gave me two extra hands, and I even had one left over. Aily. Jim ******* lauren, my thoughts are w/you and jim and your kitty. hope he gets better and you take care of you now. hugs, nan (ole hippies) ******* Dear Lauren, Yes, I do remember Mickey! What a sweet and gentle animal companion! I am so sorry to hear of his illness, and so young after all. My hope and prayer is that he find healing and come into renewed health and vitality so that you may have many more years of companionship together. Bless that sweet Kitty! Bruce. ******* lauren, i am praying for mickey to get well again. poor sweet kitty. hugs, nan (ole hippies) ******* 07/26/06 (To The Ole Hippies group) Mikey: What Do We Do? We got the results of Mikey's 2nd set of labs. I think Jim and I were hoping they'd goofed the first time, but no, we still have a sick kitty, and they don't know what is causing him trouble. He is eating and drinking but still losing weight. He's down to 5 pounds, 7 ounces, in spite of what he eats. He always seems really interested in anything we eat; he has to check it out. His white count came down some which is good, but he still isn't making enough red cells so he is really anemic. The kidney biopsy was negative for lymphoma, so it's not that. They are still guessing multiple myeloma but we don't know without their doing a bone marrow test which Jim doesn't want done because it hurts, he says. Friday we are scheduled to take Mikey back in, poor kitty, to learn how to give him shots of epo to see if that would help him make more red blood cells. We don't know if either of us can do it, especially every day at first and if he cries. We don't know what to do. We have limited funds though we want to do anything we can to help our number 2 son (Jaspur is eldest.) He doesn't seem ready to call it quits but then we aren't ready to let him go either, but we don't know what to do. Mickens is the sweetest kitty in the world, so cooperative about his meds and even let the vet examine him this past Friday when we took him in. He didn't say a word, which can't be said about two previous visits where his meows went into growls. Well, sorry to ramble; we're just not sure how to proceed and needed to yack about it. ******* ah lauren, i am so sorry about your kitty. i am praying for him and for you and jim to make a good decision on friday. my daughter's cat had IBS and has to have a solution put into him 3 times a week. he is so brave. he sits on the toilet and she puts in the needle in his neck and he sits there for the alloted amount to go into him. she ususally takes her shower while he is getting his med thru the IV,,then when he's done he jumps on the sink and gets a long cold drink of water from the faucet. amazing to me. so, i think they know when you put a needle in them they are getting help and will be good for you. hugs, nan (ole hippies) ******* 07/28/06 (To The Meow Club) No, his poop is normal. He is eating quite a lot, too, but it doesn't seem to be enough. He still comes to check what I'm having whenever I eat something. He's still drinking too. But getting so terribly thin. ******* 08/02/06 (To Rurrs, (Rose Mary) A Friend) Mikey is failing fast and it made me cry, today. He is slinking instead of walking upright, and when he asked for food, he asked from the floor, so I either gave him stuff on the floor or picked him up and put him on the counter where the food and water bowls are. This afternoon we put a towel in one of my bookcase cubbyholes, and I put fish-flavored food in there but he seemed confused when I showed him. I have a feeling we did that too late. And of course the other three have all been in there, getting their little treat. Jim said that when he looks at them, the kitties don't go in, so they know they're being naughty. But we can't really stop them. The last few times Jim has given Mikey medicine, he's had to wake him up and then he goes right back to sleep. He doesn't protest at all when we do the meds or the shot. We think it was Mickens who left a poop on the livingroom rug, so he is possibly having trouble getting into and out of the catbox. When I hold him, he feels so limp and Jim says he looks really, really tired, like maybe he's tired of all of this. We put in a call to a home vet to see if she could come to possibly help us send Mikey to Rainbow Bridge. Do you still have a copy of Rainbow Bridge? I might want to read it before we let him go. I don't know where my copy is. Jim and I both feel he isn't going to be able to muster up the strength to keep going and kitties don't like it when they can't be independent anymore. I feel so sad that something is slowly robbing our sweetie of his blessed life and I can't save him. We don't either one of us want him to suffer physically or emotionally. He just can't do the things he was doing. Slowly, day by day, he is doing less and less and seeming so very tired. I think every little thing he does totally wears him out and Jim says that's how he looks. I put him on the counter tonight and he ate a couple morsels and drank a little and then laid down. It was like just doing that was too hard. It is possible that his kidneys have given out, too. The tests we had done on them were abnormal. So it might be kidney failure that does him in before the cancer or whatever it is. Jim says it doesn't matter what it is, that how he is feeling is what matters. It all made me cry tonight. I so don't want to have to say goodbye to him and I just know I will miss him! But he really is not functioning like our Mikey anymore, and I doubt that he likes that very well. ******* Well, but hi again, Luris. I just sent you Rainbow Bridge in a separate e-mail. I know you'll be very sad, but am glad you called the vet so that Mikey can go to Rainbow Bridge and the heaven house. You don't want him to live like that, and I'm sure you will find, in time, that it will, in the long run, be less stress on you than having to see him like this. You will be sad, VERY sad, but you'll know that MIkey has relief and that will be a blessing for him and for you. You can't reallyl enjoy him like he is now and he can't enjoy you or life either being this sick. Of course I know that doesn't help the pain of having to part now--how well I know this!! He is a member of your family, but he will always be that, just like the Pupper is for us. It will make you feel better to cry--I still cry for the Pupper sometimes, and that's okay. But when we know the Lord as our Savior and are on our way to h eaven, we also know that we couldn't be happy in heaven without our beloved pets, so we know that surely we will then see them again, with no more pain or sickness or parting. But it's hard right now to cope with it, and if you need me to talk to or cry with, just e-mail or feel free to call any time and I can call you right back. I have plenty of money on my calling cards to use. That poem about friendship was so nice, and I documented it. We certainly have a beautiful bond, and so I'm sharing your sadness with you. I'm so thankful to have Rainbow Bridge and am glad I was able to find it right away and share it with you. I knew right where it is as it's in my folder with the note written the day after our Pupper went to Rainbow Bridge and the heaven house. Do keep in touch and let me know when Mikey has gone to Rainbow Bridge. He will feel better there, for sure, no longer tired or hungry or in any way feeling ill. Knowing that will give you some comfort even as you miss him. Your Friend Always, Rurrs ******* You certainly don't need to apologize, Luris!! As a true friend, and we-re really like sisters, I'm certainly more than willing to listen when you need to talk; I know how hard it is when one you love is so sick, and it is so very stressful. I hope and pray he can get better, but wouldn't want him to have to linger long if there really isn't much chance of that. If he's still interested in food and eating well, at least that's a good thing, but his continued weight loss isn't good, and his anemia, etc. Perhaps it would be best to see what the vet really would advise about whether or not to keep trying. Our vet, without pushing, did encourage that the Pupper be gently put to sleep and not have to suffer, and of course we didn't want him to suffer so it was best and I thus could smile even through tears, and there have been many tears, even lately; but it was still for the best and we knew that. But I know it is so hard, especially as affectionate as he is to you, etc. But you'll always have those memories, and hopefully some treasures to keep that he has enjoyed--like I have the Pupper's sleeping bag, etc. Your Friend Always, Rurrs ******* (To Philip, a friend) Thanks. We need prayers and positive thoughts etc, because the tears keep coming. We were glad to have the meal ready for us tonight because we were both feeling sad. Then we went to the pool to get away from the sadness but talked about it in the hot tub. One thing that happened was that not long after Jim got home, Karen, from church, called. She came over to help us find Mikey who had hidden in the closet. He hid well. We had both looked there but hadn't found him. Hiding, for cats, is usually a sign that they are dying or about to die. Mikey still acts hungry, but tonight, didn't eat or drink, when we offered it to him. He followed Jim out to the bathroom where we tried to feed and give water to him. He is so weak, he can hardly eat or drink. The last time he did either for me, he laid down right there on the counter where the food and water are. We did leave a message for Dr. Kaftanski, but her message said she was busy today with surgeries and tomorrow (Wednesday) is booked. So we don't know how soon we'll here from her or if we might end up taking Mikey to Cats Exclusive. It depends on how he does and how we feel tomorrow. Poor kitty does seem to be slipping away; and he's such a sweetie! ******* (To The Meow Club) We have been giving Mikey shots and his prednisolone every day. He doesn't fight us at all. He seems really weak and sleeps a lot. This evening when I put him by the food and water, he took some and then just laid down on the counter like all of that was just wearing him out. Jim says Mickens seems really tired, like tired of the whole thing. Instead of walking, he slinks, because he can hardly hold himself up. Tonight, in the middle of the night, we offered food and drink and he didn't take any, though he did follow Jim from the bedroom out here through the livingroom and into the bathroom. He showed interest, but didn't take any. His kidneys were not functioning all that well for the past month so that may get him before the cancer or whatever it is that seems to be slowly robbing our blessed sweet kitty of his life. Already, he isn't doing all the cute things he would do if only he felt better. We put a call in to a vet who comes to the house, but we might take Mikey to the cat place; just depends on how we feel tomorrow. We think his time to go to Rainbow Bridge is nigh. ******* i am sorry lauren about mikey. i know this is very hard on you and jim. just love him as much as you can and let him know you are there for him. animals seem to know when it is time to go. loves, nan (ole hippies) *******

08/02/06 (Last Update On Mikey) Jim and I adopted Mikey (Mickens or Mickey) 02/24/00 from what was then called Hooterville Pet Safehaus. When they moved, they became Homeward Bound. Mikey had longer fur, was like a dark Tabby kitty, with a long, fluffy, variegated tail. He was tentatively diagnosed with cancer in June and his kidneys were showing signs of failure. Jim says he can identify with all the complications Mikey had in the past three months or so. We gave him medication by mouth and started shots of Epo on Friday, though Mickens seemed then to be getting weaker. Yesterday we finally discussed letting him go and our several options. I gave Mickens water last night from a bowl on the bed, since he could barely walk. He refused food for the first time. Jim and I, and our friend Philip, who saw Mikey yesterday, knew that there was little time left in Mikey's sweet little life. Mickens and Jaspur slept with me this morning and this afternoon Mickens moved from me to Jim's side of the bed. Jim found him there when he came home. Mikey died this afternoon near the time when Jim got home. He was still warm and soft, but no sounds inside. We called Philip, as we'd planned to do and went to their home where we went to do a graveside service for Mikey. Jim read "Rainbow Bridge," Philip had some sweet, prepared remarks and I sang Mikey's little song, "Catty watty woo." We went out for supper and talked about our memories of Mikey; the sweet things and the ornery things he did in his 6-and-a-half years with us. We are back home now and there is an emptiness and our three kitties are quiet--even Jaspur. They know. God blessed us with the sweetest kitty in the world and we loved him so very much. ******* (spoken at Mikey's memorial service:) Dearest Jim & Lauren Your efforts have been heroic. Your love for Mikey has touched my heart as much as anything ever has. Mikey is no doubt one of the best little souls who has ever graced our presence. Take comfort that Mikey will feel only life and joy on the other side, never a moment of pain or fear. God bless you and fill you with peace as you say farewell to this love of your life's. All my love... Phillip ******* Dear Lauren, I'm so very sorry. The hole they leave in our hearts when they go on is huge. Here is something I wrote for another friend some time ago. I hope it can ease your pain a bit. Let me just for a moment take your grief, just for a moment, just so you can breathe, I promise I won’t steal it like a thief: because you need to hold it, let it seethe. My shoulder’s here; it can absorb your tears: the ones you need to cry till they’re all done; the ones you have been storing up for years; until they’re gone, you cannot see the sun. Please let me help you; I do understand; and I’ll stand quiet until you reach out; whenever you want to, just take my hand; I’ll never leave and you won’t have to shout. Know that the storms will pass and you will find good memories to ease your heart and mind. ©2006MargyOhring Headbutts and purrs, Margy (the literate feline) ******* Lauren, I am sorry that you lost Mikey and I am sure you did everything you could to make his last days in comfort. I do not have any animals right now, but I have lost animal friends in the past so I know how sad you must be. Gentle Hugs, Penny (ole hippies) ******* Lauren, It is always hard to lose a pet, for they are our dearest and lest judgmental of friends and companions. Each of them has a special place in our hearts. My thoughts are with you. Kay B. (NFB of WA National Federation of the Blind) ******* Your words touch me deeply. Mikey was such a good friend to you and Jim. I feel your sadness at his passing. In support, Bruce. ******* lauren, i am so sorry to hear that mickey has gone. his spirit will be w/you always. this is a hard time for all of you. my heart is with you. loves, nan (ole hippies) ******* Aily. I know it is sad about Mikey. I'm sure he has been struggling, but he has a good accepting attitude. It just wears the poor thing out, so he is working through what he can and/or still wants to do - and snuggle up on the bed is one of those things. He turned around several times so I could reach in there and give him a rub. And he did flop his tail up and down which probably took every ounce of energy he had. Love you and love Mickens. He has been such a ball of furr. Jim ******* Dear Lauren, I am so sorry to hear about your loss of little Mikey. He just didn't have enough time on earth--but you were blessed with knowing such a little angel........ Bless you and Jim and your other babies. Holly (the meow club) ******* from pat: I'm so sorry, Lauren. I'll be keeping all of your in my thoughts and prayers. (the meow club) ******* (To The WA NFB Group; Glad Mike didn't bug me about it not being blindness-related) From Four Kitties To Three: Our Mikey kitty was diagnosed with cancer and kidney failure in June. He died this afternoon at home on the bed with me and Jaspur (our eldest kitty) nearby. We held a little service for him. He was the sweetest, most affectionate kitty in the world. He was with us 6-and-a-half years. ******* 08/03/06 (To Jim At Work) Maeiouw, We both loved our Mickens. I feel an emptiness without him here and the other three are really quiet. Maryah came to me for her usual petting, but Jaspur and Gabbie are really quiet. We have lots of good, sweet and funny memories of our sweetie. I still feel kind of shocked, and I know I will cry. I am still afraid of being alone so I hope you come home at an earlier time tomorrow. aily and thanks for being there and loving Mickey too. "What you really desire is to matter, to make a difference, to add your own special essence and flavor to life. What will bring you fulfillment is to create, express and bring to life, in your own way, the unique beauty of your spirit." --Ralph Marston "Nature abhors a vacuum, but not as much as cats do." — Lee Entrekin ******* When I was getting ready this morning, I think Maryah was the most at a loss – she was just sitting on the porch gazing off towards the NNE which would be towards Marysville. Then she would go back in and then back out to the same spot. She was probably thinking or daydreaming about our beloved Mikey. Jaspur was curled up on your office chair and Gabby wrapped around him – I think she does that to seek comfort. She then got up to walk around when she saw me, but Jaspur was still asleep. And it sounded like you were asleep. I be sad but I think I will be okay. Continuing with normal activities is what my mom stressed – I’m sure from well respected advice – that we carry on the day my dad died. It was back-to-school time where we had pre-season band and orchestra or athletic get back togethers. I probably took Carol and Kent out to Madison Jr High before going across town to College High. We lived right next to Will Rogers Elementary but don’t remember if Ann had any pre-back-to-school activies I struggled emotionally for about three weeks but I think it did help the younger three. I miss Mickens a lot and was crying when I woke up this morning, and may have spells during the day. Give me a call when you wake up, or call Karen. That was a sweet service we had at Phillip’s last night. AILY. Jim ******* Erythropoietin: Cat’s Exclusive can’t buy the medicine from me. But they will take any medicine donations to the Feral Rescue group. So I will probably take the medicine to them tomorrow. I left a message with the front desk to tell Drs. Wilford and Schubert about our dear Mikey. I think they became attached to him too. AILY. Jim ******* Hi Lauren, I gave my kitty, Auggie, some extra loving today (like I don't give her enough all day long when I work) after reading about Mikey. It's so hard when we lose our dearly beloved pets. Each one has a special place in our hearts. I'm sure you gave Mikey the best home he could have! My thoughts are with you & your family. I know what you're going through!!!! Hugs, Hilly (GBIC) ******* My deepest condolences Lauren. Losing a beloved pet is incredibly hard. My thoughts are with you. Deb W (the literate feline) ******* It sounds like that little kitty had a good transition. I wish we could have met him, but wouldn't have wanted him to suffer in order to live long enough for that. John used to wonder if animals went to live with whoever in the family had already gone. If so, their dad has quite a few already and maybe Mikey has met Ashley, Melissa, Ralph etc. Love, Barbara (My sister) ******* So sorry to hear of Mikey's passing! All of my love, thoughts and prayers! ((((((HUGS)))))) talk to you later, Donna :-D (the meow club) ******* I think their furry pals always know, and so very sorry to hear about your loss, Lauren and Jim. May Mikey live on in your hearts and souls forever. Ed K (the literate feline) ******* My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear little kitty. He was blessed to have you and Jim for parents. You will see him again some day. Hugs, Gayle (GBIC) ******* Dear Lauren -- I was so sorry to hear about your little boy. But he was very blessed to have you to take care of him during his illness. He knew how much your loved him, and he loved you for it. He is now happy and healthy and playing at the Bridge, with my Pooh and Punkin and others. I am convinced that we will see our dear little kitties again someday -- sincerely, Michelle (the literate feline) ******* Hello Lauren, I am so sad to here of Mikey's passing but I know he felt all of the love you had for him. I lost my cat Christie a week before Christmas in 2004. She would have been 22 the following June. She was my 1st baby. She went through the end of my teenage years, my first marriage and my first divorce. The birth of my daughter when everyone told me I had to get rid of that cat with the new baby coming.....crazy people. She was my constant for many, many years so I feel your loss. This past June we adopted a little kitten she is grey and white just like Christie was and has the sweetest nature just like Christie had. When I adopted Christie from my Grandmother I was suppose to get the male kitten according to my parents but my Grandmother said take the girl she has such a great "personality" and she also said she would take the heat when they found out later. I am so glad I listened to her she was the best and it sounds like Mikey was the same. Remember we grieve for ourselves not for the one that has moved on from this world they are in a much better place without the pain they had here in their last days. But I know it still hurts a great deal. Take care. Wanda in SW PA (GBIC) ******* Message Lauren We send you are prayers. That is very sad. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to ask. Tony and Brenda ******* Lauren I am so sorry to hear of Mickens passing :( You and Jim were good parents to him and did everything you could. He knows that and will be waiting for you at the bridge. Love Jo (from ole hippies) ******* I'm so sorry about Mikey. I think of all your cats, he was my favorite. I know you will miss him, but rest assured that you gave him great care - the very best. I hope you are both doing well. The weather is so much better now. I've really had a bad week. My water line broke last Monday - last week, that is - and I finally got water this afternoon. In the meantime, I was using water from my neighbors, through a hose. It actually worked pretty well, but all the work in the meantime has been hectic. Again, so sorry about Mikey. Love, Mother (Ruth M) (Jim's Mom/my mother-in-law) ******* So glad to get a personall e-mail about Mikey too!! It was neat Jim was able to read "Rainbow Bridge" at the service for mIkey, and I am so glad that I contributed by sendinig it. Your Friend Always, Rurrs (Rose Mary) ******* You're very welcome! I was so glad to send "Rainbow Bridge" to you! It is so beautiful!! Your Friend Always, Rurrs ******* Well, but hi, Luris. (Her nickname for me) I just got your e-mail that you obviously sent to many regarding Mikey. I know he's feeling so much better now and it was nice that you got to sleepwith him the last night and that he was able to be at home when he went to Rainbow Bridge. I'm glad I was able to furnish Rainbow Bridge for you. I know how empty you must feel, and yet it is comforting to know Mikey is no longer suffering. Hope you'll write to Rurrs soon. I'm thankful God blessed you with Mikey for as long as you were able to have him, which was several years. Sounds like he was a VERY special cat. Your Friend Always, Rurrs ******* Laurie, I am sorry to hear of the loss of Mikey. It must be hard for you; because, I know what a great lover of cats you are. I suspect that God will send you another soon. God bless. Sincerely yours, The Constantly Barefooted, Ray ******* Hi Loren, I'm sorry about your loss. All the best. /s/ Bennett P (NFB WA) ******* I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your furry baby. I will keep your family in my prayers. Lizzie (GBIC) ******* I am so sorry to hear about your kitty! I know how that emptiness is; that's why I got two cats when Ivan died--so I'd never have to come home to that horrible feeling! I'll be thinking of you. Love, Jo P.S.: When Ivan died, my veterinarian sent me a card that said, in part: God created the pussy-cat so man could touch the lion. Isn't that a neat thought??? Jo ******* Hi Lauren, Jim and kitties, Thinking about you all as you grieve the loss of your furry friend, Mickey. Now he is on the other side of the Rainbow with many other cat friends (some you have known). May your sweet memories of him help sustain you during this time. The graveside memorial sounded wonderful. Thank you for sharing some of his story with me. Your friend, Karen F ******* Dear Lauren and Jim, I'm so sorry for your loss. They're all so special and leave such holes in our lives when they go. Kari (the literate feline) ******* So sorry to hear of your loss. I get attached too and it hurts when they leave us. Kat2 in IL (GBIC) ******* Hi Lauren, I gave my kitty, Auggie, some extra loving today (like I don't give her enough all day long when I work) after reading about Mikey. It's so hard when we lose our dearly beloved pets. Each one has a special place in our hearts. I'm sure you gave Mikey the best home he could have! My thoughts are with you & your family. I know what you're going through!!!! Hugs, Hilly (GBIC) ******* Dear Lauren, I am sorry that you had to experience this part of life-especiually when you tried so hard to help Mickey. He'll be missed I'm sure! I didn;t realize you had him 6 years or more. It's funny how cats know these things (speaking of Jaspur and the rest). They'll miss him too, I am sure. One Love! Lopeti (ole hippies) ******* I'm so sorry, Laurie. Mikey sounds like quite a cat! My heart is with you and Jim and the kitties. clea (the literate feline) ******* awe.... >From one cat lover to another, I'm sorry for your loss. Jessiaca (NFB of WA) ******* Ok I'm crying now and I.m so so sorry. The last few years I too have had my share of loses. My thought and prayers are with you. RIP sweet boy. Deb W (GBIC) ******* My condolences, Lauren. So many of us have had that experience and it is so sad and painful. But you were chosen to have Mikey because you would give him the best care and love. I am so sorry, Barbara (the literate feline) ******* Message O h, I'm so sorry.... It sounds like he was very much loved and loved both of you in return, even if the time was too short... My condolences and also a celebration for a really sweet little kitty guy... Marva M (the literate feline) ******* Hey Lauren, To you and Jim, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your sweet Mikey. I wish you had more time with him when he was healthy, but this is the way it was meant to be. He gave a lot of love in his short life and in return you adored him as he deserved. Sleep well, sweet kitty. Maria (the meow club) ******* As you described poor Mikey's suffering.. You know.. Kidney failure can be systemic along with other vital organs going into failure, or...cancer can be in kidneys also. Love and Light and more love to you, Mikey and Jim. Marilyn M ******* I just briefly scanned the posts and saw that Lauren lost her beloved Mikey. I am so sorry, Lauren. It is so hard when we lose someone we lost, be it 2 or 4 legged. I have a dog who is getting old quick and I know she won't be around too much longer. I hope you have many good memories to think back on to help you thru this. Michele and T F H (the furry herd) (ole hippies) Hi Lauren... I had a feeling the kidneys were involved... I am very sorry for your loss because I know how much he meant to you (((hugs)))... Iva (the meow club) ******* I'm sorry Lauren. Jackie View my online photos at http://photos.yahoo.com/yarntoy (the meow club) ******* from pat: I'm so sorry, Lauren. We all know how hard this is. I'm sure it comforts you to know that you're great little guy has gone home and is not suffering. Take care and treasure your memories. (the meow club) ******* Dears: Since we really didn't know Mikey, our tears are more for you two. We really are sorry and sad for Mikey too. He doesn't get to be with you in earthly form anymore, but he is in your heart and was certainly valuable to you and loved by you. He couldn't have been happy to be living and so sick, he is in a better place. God made kitties, so they are good. I think we will see them again in heaven. He would have been sick at the end no matter who he lived with, so wasn't he a lucky kitty to be with you two and his 3 pals! He wouldn't have wanted it any other way. We are sorry and we love you. Mom and Dad ******* 08/05/06 (To Mom And Dad): Wish you could have known him. Mikey was the sweetest kitty! He would get on the back of my chair, then on the arm, then on me. he would get up on usually my right shoulder and flatten himself to the side of my head and he'd purrrrrrr so I could hear it right in my ear. He would lick my face and hair and even in my ear (it tickled.) Sometimes he'd do the left side, but was usually the right. He would meow to be picked up when we came home, even before eating; he had to be picked up and held first. He was so laid-back and never complained, and was just such a sweetie! He did some ornery things too. He would get on Jaspur's back when Jaspur tried to get out. He sneaked out of our house twice in one night when we moved and the screens were not on tight. Thank goodness Lynden was visiting us then, so she was able to get him--twice, in the middle of the night. He was sneakier about getting out than Jaspur, who lets everyone know what he's up to. They've all been quieter since Mickens left, and Maryah keeps wanting to be petted and really meows about it. I think they all feel sad, too, as we both are. But at least we didn't have to take him in and stuff. He was right where he wanted to be, on the bed with Jaspur and me. We rode around tonight while the Mariners got beatten but it was nice out. ******* Laurie and Jim, I am so sad to hear about Mikey. The tears are falling as I write this email. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved kitty. I still think about my Pepper, but I believe she is at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for me and that someday I will be with her. It is indeed a blessing to have wonderful cats in our lives, as my Snooper and Tammy have been true blessings. May you keep all your wonderful memories of Mikey and may he still live in your hearts. Your friend and fellow cat person, Cheryl L ******* 08/06/06 We still have some of the fish-flavored food left that Mikey loved so well. The others will eat it up, I'm sure. Just the smell of it reminds me of Mickens. Whenever I eat seafood, I'll think of how much he would have liked eating it. We were in the midst of confirming our flight and room for the Hemingway group (E-Publishing Marketing Master Mind) when Mikey died. Knowing we had a trip at the end of the month helped us deal with the sadness at home. Now last night I received an email saying the seminar has been canceled. now we're at a loss because our airline tickets cannot be refunded. Will we use them to attend the Cat Writers' Convention? Will we just keep our travel plans as they are and ride around in Kansas City and go up to Nebraska to visit the family? I wrote in to the group suggesting that those of us who plan to attend ought to just show up anyway and have our own little seminar or reunion, however it turns out. We have a year to use the tickets, so plans are still up in the air, pun intended! ******* 08/08/06 Dear Lauren, Please accept my condolences for your dear Mikey. He had a good life with you, and that was a blessing for you as well as for him. If I can be of any help, don't hesitate to let me know. Stay in touch, and keep me posted how everyone is doing. Warmly, Dr. Wallace Sife APLB ******* The scrapbook idea is a great idea, ewspecially with his meows on tape! TWorking on that with a happiness in your heart that you have all those great memories of him might help ease the feeling of loss...trying to focus on the positive is a step in the right direction! One Love! Lopeti ******* Dear Lauren, I am sorry that it has taken me so long to send my sorrows on your loss of Mikey. The recent senseless death of my wonderful Alley was just too fresh. Know that my thoughts and prayers have been with you and are still. Be comforted that he knew he was loved and stayed as long as he could to give you time. The call from the Bridge was just too strong. Thank you Mikey for finally giving me the release of tears for Alley and you two have fun, be well. Until we all meet again. Kathy ******* 08/10/06 What do you say to someone when their biggest hangup is that love didn't seem to be enough to cure or save a family animal? I am having problems with that issue and someone asked me today what we are trained to tell people and I am at a loss; it is too close to home. I know that many people believe the animal is still here in spirit, but some people don't have that belief, so what do we tell them? Jim and I are feeling such an emptiness even with our other three sweet kitties here. Our Mikey was the most affectionate kitty we ever knew and we miss that affection and being able to pick him up (the others aren't as much into being picked up.) thanks Lauren Merryfield ******* Hi Lauren, As we both know, bereavement for a loved one can cause a temporary impairment of some logic. The emotions run so high, especially at first, that this is not so surprising. But if this persists, then there is always something else fueling it. That is almost assuredly the "emotional baggage" we all carry. Of course, it varies so widely. If anyone's "biggest hangup" at this time is "that love didn't seem to be enough to cure or save a family animal" that person is relatively fortunate, and well-off. There are so much worse scenarios that might grow out of this. Love could never cure or magically save anyone. Unfortunately, that is the reality. All we can do is live our lives as best as we can, and accept our inability to be perfect -- especially during traumatic situations. And in answer to your other question, if a person does not believe that his/her loved ones live on in spirit, that can be shifted to how they live on in us, in our hearts. And if we allow their love to teach us anything, we are better people because of them. We celebrate their memory in ourselves. Again, please accept my condolences for your loss of Mikey. Warmly, Dr. Wallace Sife APLB *******