Conference misery::feline_v1

    Hi Maureen-
    
    Remember me from the Employment Group in Hudson?
    
    Good, Lord, your story brought tears to my eyes.  My parents live
    in the neighborhood behind the Framingham Animal Hospital (I believe
    you are talking about Edgell Road or Old Framingham Road).  Anyway,
    I keep thinking that it could have been one of THEIR cats.  Rest
    assured that the Framingham Animal Hospital is one of THE BEST around,
    in my opinion.  They really go above and beyond the call of duty,
    and I know for a fact that they are crazy about cats.
    
    Is there any way you can find out how the cat is doing?  If it is
    too painful a phone call for you to make, I will be happy to do it for
    you, as I have to call them anyway today about making an appointment
    for my two.
    
    Thank God you drove by when you did.  Don't know how or why "people"
    can keep on driving, but once I tailgated someone who had run over
    a dog, finally driving them off the road so I could give them a piece
    of my mind.  The dog went between the tires and ran away, but
    nevertheless, these "people" passed me because I saw the dog in
    the middle of the road and slowed down to avoid it.  They just couldn't
    wait until the dog got across.
    
    These kind of stories make my blood boil.  You are a very kindhearted
    person.
    
    Send me mail off-line, or call if you need to talk.  I'm on DTN
    268-3592.
    
    /Roberta
      

    Maureen--
    
    The same thing happened to me last year.  My finance and I were
    in our car, and saw it happen--we pulled over immediately.  I, too,
    felt as you do.  Pete saw actually saw the cat dart out in front
    of the car;  I just saw it get hit, and roll up into a fence.  (I
    have a note in here somewhere about it) 
    
    Fortunately the injuries were superficial, and this cat is still
    alive and well.  After I calmed down and we talked about it, Pete
    said that the way it happened, it looked like there was no way the
    driver could have seen the cat.  Also, it happened on a very hairy
    corner in our neighborhood--you're around the corner before you
    know it.  I would THINK the driver could at least hear or feel the
    impact, but maybe not.
    
    My point in telling you this is that as much as I hate to see ANY
    animal hit by a car, it is NOT always malicious.  In my own experiences,
    cats have run blithely out in front of my car, causing me to stand
    on my brakes, risking an accident behind me.  But the part that
    bothers me (and you too) is those who SEE the animal hurt and obviously
    alive and DON'T stop to help.  The "hit and run" can honestly be
    an accident, as terrible as it is;  but to pass by a suffering cat
    that needs help is pretty callous.
    
    Try to comfort yourself that you did the best you could for this
    kitty, and be glad you found someone else who cared as much as you
    did.  If you can, please keep us posted on this one.
    
    We're with you!
    
    Jane  

    
    Thank god for people like you and like the man that stopped.
    I had the same thing happen to me on that same road last year
    and I brought the cat to the Framingham Animal Hospital too.
    I have to retain my sanity by saying that maybe the person that
    hit him didn't know he had hit him (I know that is a long
    shot), BUT I can't understand how people can pass by a hurt 
    creature - yet it happens. It is incomprehensible - people
    can be so unfeeling. 
    
    The Framingham Animal Hospital will definately do what is best for
    the poor cat. Dr. Nord will be there today, and she is the Framingham
    Humane Society vet. She is so excellent - and has such compassion.
    
    Maureen you are special person. 
                                 
    Pat
    
     
    

    Maureen,
    
    I feel the same as the previous noters.... thank you for being such
    a caring person...I wish there were more people like you!   There's
    nothing like seeing someone hit a dog or cat and just keep going...
    I had it happen to our dog, she was hit by a truck in the morning,
    we all saw it happen and the driver didn't even stop!!!  I will
    never forgot how I felt... Thank God I was there and could take
    her to the vet.  To this day, if I see an animal on the side
    of the road I will stop and and see if I can help.  I had a bird
    fly into the side of my car and land on the road behind me...I
    slammed on my brakes and ran back and got the bird, just as I was
    picking it up, a woman came out of her house carrying a bird cage
    and said she would look after it!  I was amazed.
    
    Maybe there are more people like you and me (and my mother too,
    who has brought home many an injured animal found on the side of
    the road)  I hope so, because these poor helpless animals really
    do need our help sometimes.
    
    You will for sure have a special place in Heaven.
    
    Erin

    re.0 I'm so glad you stopped!!
    
    A similar thing happened to me one morning on my way to work [when
    I lived in Texas].  A German shepherd had been hit and was struggling
    almost off the side of the road. I stopped and was talking to her
    from a distance trying to flag down someone to go for assistance
    when she started struggling to get to me.  While I'm wary of a big
    dog in pain, she seemed to want to get close so I went and sat down
    with her.  Finally someone stopped and I gave him the dog's collar
    to go and get help.  I sat there crooning and stroking her for about
    twenty minutes until she stopped breathing.  The owner and the animal
    officer arrived about 10 minutes later.  So I went on in to work.
    [I was fairly useless, though].
    
    About ten days later, I got a call from the animal officer.  The
    owners wanted to talk to me, had had the police trace me through
    the DMV even, but the police wouldn't give out my number unless
    I said OK. To make a long story short, they were so grateful I hadn't
    left the dog to die alone by the side of the road, the adopted two
    of my 'orphans' -- a shepherd/lab & a siamese/something-orange.

    Please let us know how the cat is doing.
    

    Two years ago, the same happened to us.  My husband saw a cat lying
    on the side of the road pulling himself off the road by his front
    paws....my husband stopped immediately.....we got out and called
    the police at the nearby house (it was Sunday so police have a good
    idea which animal hospitals are open) another woman stopped as well.
    She got bit by the animal so this is where I say - BE CAREFUL...we
    found out the cat was a stray and we got it all wrapped up in a
    blanket and took it to Bedford Animal Hospital.  Personally I didn't
    care if we had to pay as long as the animal was looked at.  She
    was put to sleep and she had delivered babies and no one knew where
    to look for them because she was a stray.....the also had to cut
    her head off and send it to Concord to find out if she had Rabies
    because it bit the woman.....it's so sad!  I can not stand people
    who will not stop to help an injured animal.  If they don't stop
    for an animal they probably won't stop for a human either....makes
    you think huh?
    
    Bobbi
    

    
    
    	I agree with all the previous noters.  What you did was warm
    and caring.  
    
    	I've been driving for years and have always braked for an
    animal on the side of the road if it looked like it was going to
    dart across the street, but last fall coming come from work at 6:00
    my worst fear happened.  I did not see the dog - it was black out,
    on a windy country road and the dog was black.  It darted out and
    I hit it.  I immediately pulled over, got out and went to the poor
    dog.  It was laying in the middle of the street, I was wearing a
    black suit and not thinking that cars couldn't see me either.  I
    did get the dog off the road, and put my coat over it, by this time,
    it was already dead.  It was dead immediately.  I just cried and
    felt awful.  A couple of folks came out and identified the owner
    for me.  I went immediately to the house and their son-in-law answered
    the door.  He said - I told them not to leave to leave the dog
    out all night running.  He took the body and left.  Believe me -
    I was more upset about the dog then he was.  I went home and cried
    and hugged my dog and cat.
    
    I guess what I am saying is that there are two sides to every story.
    I totally agree that no one should ever hit any animal and leave
    it, but sometimes the animals do dart out before you know what happens.
    

    I think I mentioned this in the otehr hit and run note but it's
    probably worth repeating.
    
    There is one very real reason for leaving and it's a product of
    today's gone_crazy_with_litigation society. You'll possibly
    get stuck with the vet bills, or worse, a lawsuit.
    
    I once hit a dog. I stopped, foolishly picked the dog up, (foolish
    in the sense that I know I shouldn't be messing with strange dogs)
    and rushed it to the nearest vet.
    
    To keep the story short, the owners of the dog went through all
    kinds of acrobatics to stick me with the bill.
    
    It's a sorry reason, but it's real. Be aware.
    
    (You'll all stop anyhow, woncha? Me too.....:^)  )
    
    Edd

    If I should ever hit someone's pet, I think I would
    feel obligated to pay the vet bills, assuming it was
    financially possible.  If not the whole amount then
    I would want to make some contribution to the bill.
    
    I realize that it would not be my fault, it's an 
    accident, but I think I would feel so guilty and
    would want to do 'something'.
    
    Donna

    But then we can look at it from the other end of the spectrum:
    
    Dogs should not be left to run loose on ANY road (in my opinion).
    Nothing infuriates me more than to see dogs (or cats) running astray on
    busy or semi-busy roads.  I have heard of dogs being hit on even the
    safest of roads.  My sister lost two of her cats on a dead-end street.
    Neither person stopped to help.
    
    If I ever hit an animal, I would no doubt stop to assist.  However,
    I would not take kindly to being asked to pay for vet expenses by
    the owner.  The owners are ultimately responsible for their pet's
    welfare.  It is up to us to use our better judgement and look out
    for their best interests at heart.
    
    Just my opinion,
    
    Roberta
    

    I just called the Framingham Animal Hospital and got the update
    on the hit kitty:
    
    He suffered severe head trauma and is in critical condition.  They
    are doing everything possible to stabilize his condition, but don't
    know at this point if he will pull through.  They believe he is
    a stray.  He is an unaltered male and was not wearing a collar or
    tags.  The Framingham Animal Humane Society have been going door-to
    door in the area where he was hit trying to locate the owner.
    
    He will have to stay at the hospital for at least another week or
    two if he comes out of shock.  If no one claims him, how about we
    post an adoption note right here in Feline.  I am sure the Humane
    Society will make room for him if/after he leaves the hospital.
    
    I'll call back tomorrow to check on his progress.
    
    /Roberta
    
    
    

    Roberta, I vehemently agree with you!   All dogs should
    be restrained, period.  Owners of outdoor cats also assume
    the risk and responsibility if their cat should get hit by
    a car.  I didn't mean to imply that I think people who do
    hit an animal are *responsible* for the vet bills.  It 
    would be a generous gesture on their part.
    
    Despite this, I still think I would want to assist with the
    vet bills, out of guilt and because I would want to do 
    something, anything, to help.
    
    Donna 

    Roberta, thanks again for making that phone call yesterday.  I couldn't
    believe he was still alive!  
    
    I stopped by the Framingham Animal Hospital on the way home yesterday
    afternoon to check on him.  He was still being stabilized in an
    incubator.  The Humane Society is paying for costs incurred at this
    point.  However, if someone would like to adopt him up front, they
    might be able to do more, i.e. x-rays to determine head damage and
    map out a course of recovery.  Any one interested?  I explained
    to the girl about this notes file, and that I *might* be able to
    find a taker.  (Their search for an owner brought forth a "feeder,"
    but she wasn't interested in taking him on as her own.)  I'd love
    to take him myself, but I still live under an adamant father's roof
    and have one very jealous dog and cat already.  They'll call me
    this morning for an update -- Let's first of all hope he made it
    through the night!
    
    Alright everyone, let's ask those co-workers.....
    
    Thanks, everyone, for your concern and input!
    
    Maureen 
    

    I cannot adopt him but would be more than willing to help with a
    donation to the hospital.  Please let me know if this will help
    and where to send the money.
    
    Suzanne

    I have been asked this question off-line and know that donations
    can be made to the Framingham Animal Humane Society to help with
    the medical bills.
    
    What I have to get is the exact address to send donations.  I have
    a call in to one of the more Senior volunteers and will post an
    address where donations can be forwarded.
    
    Thanks, everyone, for your generous offers of assistance.  There
    should be more people like us in this world!
    
    /Roberta
    

    Okay - I just spoke with the Dr. who is treating the cat.  She is
    WONDERFUL - take both my cats to her.
    
    First, an update direct from Dr. Nord:
    
    Kitty will need surgery.  His left eye popped out during the accident,
    and will probably have to be removed (but not sure yet).  Right
    now, as Maureen stated earlier, he is in an incubater and is on
    antibiotics in order to fight infection.  They have spent a great
    deal of money already, and would appreciate any donations, no matter
    how small.  Please send them to:
    
    Dr. Terri Nord
    Framingham Animal Hospital
    1415 Edgell Road
    Framingham, MA 01701
    
    Dr. Nord thanks you for your concern and help.
    
    /Roberta
    

    Hey folks,
    
    I just spoke with Dr. Nord at F.A.H. -- She thinks he's going to
    make it!  He's pretty banged up and may yet lose his left eye, but
    who doesn't love a one-eyed cat all the more (Not as a matter of
    preference, you understand, but as a matter of compassion).  I told
    her about this NOTES file -- she knew about it from some friends
    at DEC (She might mean you, Roberta).  
    
    The cat (Shall we name him yet?) is from the big farmhouse at the
    corner of Edgell and Old Framingham streets (right where the accident
    occured), but I guess they don't want to bother with him.  
    
    So, anyone up for it?  You can call the Framingham Animal Hospital
    at:
    
                     ***  877 - 0900  ***
    
    Ask for Dr. Nord.
    
    
    He'll need alot of care, you must understand.  She doesn't want
    to keep him there indefinitely.  He'll need lots of rest and 
    recuperation, not to mention love and encouragement.
    
    I told her that if no one did claim him, I ultimately would.  So,
    my dog and cat will hate me and Dad will yell for three days and
    not talk to me for weeks, but *%$#@! him!    ;-)
    
    Maureen

    re: .20
    
    don't feel silly..... I'm doing the same thing!!  
    
    Maureen,  bless you if you take him in!  I will be sending a
    donation to the vet, but if you still need more help with the bills,
    please let me know.                                           
    
    Erin

    Me, too!
    
    I just called (poor people--they are so patient with us all calling!),
    the kitty's stable so far, and seems good.  I asked her what they'd
    need in the way of donations to help out.  She said "You people
    are all so terrific for caring!"--anything will help.  I've not
    dealt with these folks before, but it sounds like they would never
    turn away any hurt or sick animal.
    
    Maureen--if you do take him, let us know.
    
    Let's pray!
    
    Jane

    he needs a name, for now anyway.
    
    If he's a one-eyed kitty he *must* be named GROWLTIGER [aka GUS
    which is short for ASPARAGUS 'cause it's such a fuss to pronounce...]
    
    [if he were a she, it would have to be BELLA, short for GRIZABELLA...
    well you get the drift]
    
    Seriously...
    
    I am ecstatic that our latest prayer-chain-case is doing so well!!!
    I'm also glad that he would seem to have a home, as I was in quite
    a quandary.
    
    I did speak to Maggie and Milo last night about adopting him, but
    I'll have to give it a miss for now.  Milo was all for eventually
    having a new playmate, but I would have to promise _never_ to pet
    or cuddle the new boy [which would be roughly equivalent to asking 
    me not to breath, sleep, or eat] -- Milo is extremely jealous. 
    Maggie looked at me as if I had suggested shaving off her glorious
    orange fur just before a cat show [the last time I mentioned boy-cat
    to her Milo came to live with us] -- Maggie says enough is enough.
    
    	Annie

    Maureen-
    
    If you feel that maybe you really cannot adopt the cat, the
    Framingham Humane Society will take responsibility for  him
    and you can be assured he will continue to receive excellent 
    care and will find a good home. (However, I am the first 
    to admit that we sometimes acquire prized and beloved possessions 
    under the most bizarre of circumstances.) 
    
    I know the Humane society will be most grateful for all contributions
    to this kitty's care, as last month their vet bill ran over
    $ 3500 - and that was at "at cost"  medication and alot
    of the services provided by Dr. Nord for free to the Society.
    She donates so much of her time to stray and unclaimed injured cats 
    - before work, after the clinic closes in the evening, on her days
    off. She is so dedicated! (the way it generally works is that 
    Fram. Animal Hos. tends to ALL the injured humane society cats/kitten
    brought to the clinic, to all cats in the shelter and to those in
    foster homes.  Fram. An. Hos. also treats some of the injured dogs, 
    but most of the dogs are treated by Slade Vet. Clinic. However, the 
    number of cats FAR EXCEEDS the number of dogs, probably by 40::1. 
    Both clinics are good, this is just the way that the services are 
    rendered).
                                                                         
    I am sooo happy to hear that he will make it. Maureen - that is
    due to you (and to his fine vet). A kitty like this will make such
    a good companion- they always seem so greatful - whomever adopts him 
    will be a lucky person. If you do adopt him, you will have a
    super friend.
    
    Pat                      
    
              

    What's is the state of things in terms of surgery?  Are they planning
    to do it shortly?  Will someone please keep us up to date on what's
    happening medically?  Thanks.
    

    How about.............. "POPEYE"

    Any updates on the kitty today?  I hope he/she is doing well.  Have
    we agreed on a name yet?  Gus or Bella sound good to me.... is that
    from the play "CATS" by any chance?  

    Just spoke with Dr. Nord...(the poor woman was in the middle of
    attending to a stray rabbit)...Kitty's holding his own.  She says
    he purrs and shows affection, despite what he's going through. 
    He won't eat, however, and is on I.V. to keep his strength (his
    mouth is sore).  He won't be able to come home with me this weekend 
    afterall.  He will have to have his left eye surgically removed,
    but she didn't have time to give me a medical timeframe.  I'm afraid
    the wait will seem forever, now that I'm geared up for it.
    
    Maureen

    God bless you, Maureen!!
    
    As someone already said, who couldn't help but love a big one-eyed
    lug?  I'm glad he's getting the help he needs, and that you are
    there for him.
    
    Keep us posted,
    
    Jane

    re.28 yes, the names are from CATS.
    
    		Gus was the theatre cat -- one of his more famous roles
    		    was Growltiger, a one-eyed pirate-cat with a manly
    		    baritone
                    
    		Grizabella used to be the glamour cat, but had a hard
    		    life. One of her injuries caused her eye 'twist
    		    like a broken pin.'
    
    Both Gus & Bella had hard times, but happy endings...
    
    	...which is what we're all hoping for for our 'kitty'
    
    
    ----------
    
    so, he's purring now and affectionate?...that's when we knew Aslan
    was going to stay with us...and he did for 9 more years.
    
    Hold the good thought!
    
      Annie

    What's going on with the head xrays?  Are they still advisable/planned?
    Poor puss, I'd like to give him a kiss on some undamaged portion
    of his brave little body.  He sounds a little like my next door
    cat Jasper, also a very fluffy cat, who was badly hurt by a car
    which didn't stop.  Jasper is now healthy and happy and magnificent
    as ever.
    

    
    Samantha,Budd,and Angel all agreed to send a donation for the poor
    kitty. We're all pulling for him and for you too.
    
    Whenever I see or hear of this happening to animals I just want
    to scream. And cannot help but think back to when or Snowball was
    lost to the inconsiderate jerk that took her life. And to the look
    on my little girls face as she watched the poor kitty roll to the
    side of the road and the car speed off into the sunset. Try to explain
    this to a 6 year old.......

    Is it true that if you brake for an animal darting in front and
    someone rear ends you because of it that the insurance company will
    say it's your fault?  That's what I've been told, has anyone heard
    one way or another on it?
    
    

    According to my insurance company...
    
    It is the responsibility of the person behind you to be traveling at a
    far enough distance from you such that if you must brake quickly for
    any reason (red light, pedestrian, biker, animal, or any other
    unforseen emergency) that they may stop in time. 
    
    In other words it is almost always the fault of the person who hit
    you from behind.
    
    

    RE: .35:
    
    FINALLY, something that makes sense in the worldly world of insurance!
    
    Thank you, everyone, for your generosity of heart and purse -- I
    had all but given up on people as a species.
    
    I visited our little friend last night -- he was so glad to be made
    of.  I rather doubt he "remembered" me, but he took to me right
    away.  I want him to know me when he comes home -- things will be
    unfamiliar enough for him as it is, although that's the least of
    his trauma.  I pray that he looks worse than he feels -- the car really
    did a number on him.  At least vanity is not a concern of his!
    
    I hesitate to name him just yet on two accounts.  1) He's not
    completely out of the woods yet, and 2) I want to get to know his
    personality in order to give him a truly befitting name (not one
    drawing attention to his plight).
    
    When I spoke with Dr. Nord by phone yesterday afternoon, she was
    concerned that he hadn't eaten, as I mentioned previously.
    Fortunately, he HAD eaten a little by the time I visited.  The concern
    is that there may be a painful jaw fracture yet undetected (They've
    thus far concentrated their efforts on the obvious vs. the hidden
    -- first things first, I guess).  His breathing is labored, but
    the oxygen gets in.  And he YAWNED before trying to sleep in my
    arms!  A strong little guy -- Keep those PRAYERS coming.  Hopefully
    he can come home with me mid/late next week.  I'll visit again tonight
    and Saturday so he'll get the idea that I'm for him.
    
    [You should've seen Gunther and Pepper (my dog and cat) smelling
    me when I got home!  Hey, guys, life is rough ;-) ]
    
    God Bless you all --
    
    Maureen

    Maureen - you are a wonderful and caring person. I am glad I know
    you even if it is only thru the Notes file.
    
    Dr. Nord had to remove an eye from one of my cats -
    Houdini. Dini doesn't go out anymore because of his limited depth
    perception - but he is real happy to stay inside, play with
    my other cats and dog, and enjoy the "good" life. At first he had a 
    difficult time judging how high the counters, beds, couches, etc. 
    were - and how wide as well, but he does very well now - he knows
    everything about every little space in the house.
    
    Also - don't be too sure that your little fellow doesn't 
    recognize you from the first day - cats are pretty amazing. 
    But for sure- he knows you care about him. Lucky him - and you!
    
    Pat
                     

    I just got back from a seminar and have been trying to catch up
    on the notes.
    
    I just finished reading this one from start to finish.
    
    I'm with Karen on the `stupid' grin and the tears.
    
    I'm so glad kitty has a home ready for him.  He is just going to
    be the `most loved kitty' in the world.  I already see that.
    
    
    Sandi (Lightning's & DejaVu's mom
    
    

        Any updates?
        
    PAT
    

    I want to thank everyone who has donated on behalf of the kitty
    to the Framingham Animal Hospital -- You've really amazed them (and
    me)!
    
    Kitty (still not committing to a name -- HE'll tell me) looked much
    better on Saturday.  Much of the swelling has subsided.  His eye
    surgery had not yet been scheduled, but I should know tonight. Despite
    the little cast on his right front leg, he got around just fine
    on the floor of the little room I visit him in -- He was in and
    out of my lap (I know - I know, not very hygienic to be sitting
    and moving about on the floor of an animal hospital, but he loved
    it).
    
    I'll keep you posted.....
    
    
    Maureen
    

    He looked even better last night.  They are waiting until his little
    body heals itself as much as it's going to before proceding with
    surgical corrections.  She wants to do everything at once so he
    only undergoes anesthesia once for eye removal, possible second
    lid removal of the good (right) eye, possible jaw/bite adjustment,
    and of course neutering.  His bite seems to be slowly edging back
    to pseudo-normal already.  He'll be there the course of the week,
    anyway -- as long as they don't mind.
    
    A side story -- when I was there, Dr. Nord got a call from a local
    newspaper reporter -- he wanted to interview her regarding a litter
    of puppies that was found in a dumpster.  (I assumed/hope alive,
    but am now unsure.)  Just goes to show you that it never ends...Your
    efforts on behalf of the kitty will also help their new shelter
    fund, as will, hopefully, this sad puppy story when it hits the
    press.   

    I just got back to work today from a recent Hospital visit and just
    got a chance to catch up on this note.  I am sitting here with tears
    in my eyes.  Maureen, God bless you for taking in this poor kitty.
     I am so glad that he is doing much better.  The name that comes
    to my mind for him is "Lucky" because he is so lucky to have people
    like all of you.
    
    Holly
    

    Tell me more about the second lid removal for the good eye?  How
    does that leave the eye able to be protected, kept from drying out,
    and so forth?  Is the "second eyelid" the one that comes down when
    a cat is sick?  (Why do I have it in my brain that that's called
    the "third eyelid"...)
    

    I don't know too much about it to tell you the truth...I assume
    the lids came down to encase the eyeballs following the impact of
    the car as his body's natural measure of protection, but I'm no
    expert on animal biology (Disecting a pre-packaged frog was my limit).
    They are keeping the eyes moist, so I presume he may have lost this
    ability on his own.  She (Dr. Nord) didn't seem overly concerned
    about this point, so I didn't ask her to explain it -- Yet. ;-)
    
    Maureen

    I don't know alot about 3rd eyelids in cats but I know we had a horse
    who had his 3rd lid removed, and had absolutely no problems
    afterwards. So I wouldn't worry.               

    update on puppy story.
    
    Both mother and pups are fine.  They are at a Humane Society right
    now.
    
    Sandi  (Lightning & DejaVu's mom)
    
    

    
    
    Any more news on that kitty . . .
    

    Hi folks...Haven't even been able to use my own account in a day
    or so (we use work accounts for "work").
    
    The kitty, who we've taken to calling "Touey" somehow, came home
    with me Friday evening.  He was MEOWING by Saturday (the first I'd
    heard him) and EATING BY HIMSELF (vs. my fingers) by Sunday.  Dr.
    Nord sounded thrilled by his progress -- she was nice enough to
    call us Saturday evening on her own time to check up on him.
    
    Although he'll be uncomforatable for quite some time, he seems happy
    as a clam and quite grateful to be a house cat.  He LOVES my huge
    furry black dog, Gunther, although poor Guntie isn't quite sure
    what to make of HIM yet.
    
    Touey checks in with FAH on Thursday evening...The poor creature
    will think he's being deserted again, but this whole time will soon
    dissipate into memory, a bad dream....
    
    Gotta log off -- my terminal is going 'confluky' again...
    
    Maureen

    A big hug for Touey!  Is his Thursday visit for surgery?  Please
    keep us up to date.
    

    Touey is a very cute name, I'm curious as to how you came by
    naming the little fellow that.
    
    Fran
    

    Hi Karen...Thursday night is just for a checkup.  They want to hold
    off as long as possible to ensure that nothing else 'needs fixing.'
    When he DOES finally have his surgery, he'll probably just be having
    his left eye removed and 'his privates altered.'  His jaw looks
    better all the time, though the nerve damage seems to frustrate
    him.  Not much they can do about that.  As soon as I know for sure
    when it's scheduled for, I'll let you know.
    
    Glad you like the name, Fran.  We just started trying all kinds
    of names and sounds on him Saturday morning, and Touey got the popular
    vote.  ["Touey" is short for "Toussaint", after ALL of you SAINTS
    (French).]  He could have been a "Boots," after his black leggings,
    or "Magellan" since he likes to explore every nook and cranny of
    the house.  But a sound like "Touey" is easier to get a cats attention
    with.
    
    Correction to base note:  His tortoise-type fur, which is black
    beneath and kind of a frosted tan on the tips, gave the illusion
    upon first impression/recall of greyishness.  The only white is
    around his mouth.  I still think he looks like a coon cat (we had
    one for 13 years), but they say that cats left to breed in the wild
    tend to adapt that look.  Who knows! (Who cares!)  He's lovable
    just as he is..........
    
    Maureen

    Re: .52
    
    What's the nerve damage with his jaw?  What are the symptoms, I
    mean?
    

    I'm so glad to hear he's doing much better and home with you at
    last!  I was on vacation last week and was thinking about him and
    hoping things had turned out well.  I'm soooo happy to hear that
    they did.:-)
    
    Best of luck to you and your new little furball!
    Please keep us updated on his progress.
    
    Erin, RumTum and McCafferty

    Well, I waited just as long as I could...
    
    SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY

       Now you'll have someone else to keep an eye out for you.

    SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY - SORRY
    
    What can you expect from a MPFC fan? But seriously, you should be
    commended for your actions. I'd like to think I would do the same,
    but I hope I never have to. 
    
    Has it ever occurred to anyone reading this conference how much better 
    the world would be if everyone treated people the way cat persons
    treat their pals? I hated cats until I was about 24 (due to an errant 
    claw left in my finger - probably my own fault - when I was 7). Since 
    then, which was when I was coerced into having one, I wouldn't be
    without them. Now 23 years have a way of mellowing you, but the kits
    do a good job of that on their own!
    
    Good luck with "Mr. T"
    
    Gary

Maureen - I have a 6:00 appt Thursday with Dr. Nord - what time
    is your appt? I'd love to meet you and Touey.
    
    Pat
     

    RE:53
    
    According to Dr. Nord, Touey incurred fairly extensive nerve damage
    to the left side of his head, affecting everything from his lost
    eye to his mouth and jaw on that side.  This makes it difficult
    for him to chew, yawn, etc. normally, but he manages.  He just seems
    "put off" by his new inabilities, and tries to make this lack of
    sensation/neuromuscular control "go away" by shaking his head to
    the left.  I would think this is good, since it gives him a form
    of self-induced physical therapy, so to speak.  His nerves twinge
    at times, but that aspect doesn't seem to bother him.
    
    RE:.54/.55
    
    Thanks, Erin and Gary, for your good wishes and thoughts.  I'm
    convinced that the combined energies of everyone's prayers and kind
    thoughts have touched that cat in a healing way -- his progress
    has been that remarkable.  You're right, Gary, if only people would
    treat other people as well as pet lovers care for their wards and
    other animals....
    
    RE:.56
    
    I was told to show up around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Pat, so I'm
    sure I'll be seeing you there!  Looking forward to meeting you......
    
    Maureen

    Poor baby.  I seem to recall an article Sandy Duncan wrote after
    she lost her sight in one eye, in which she said it took awhile
    before her depth perception and so forth came back (yes, it does
    work with just one eye), but I can't recall the time interval. 
    I would hope that in some weeks or a few months Touey will be adjusted
    and maybe also there might be some nerve regeneration.  Kisses and
    hugs to Touey.
    

    Maureen - I'll be there w/two cats - Houdini (the cat with
    one missing eye) and Dory (the cat who had operations on her knees).
    Dory used to have leg twitches ALOT of the time. They have
    since stopped but it took literally months before they completely
    disappeared. Also, Dory used to stop mid-motion and stiffen up her
    neck and turn it sideways and upwards in a weird manner.
    That has also stopped but that took even longer to disappear than the
    twitches. 
    
    Time does heal many ailments. I cried the first time I saw Dory
    after her operation because she had lost feeling in one of her
    legs due to throwing a blood clot during the operation. But Dr.
    Nord asked me to give her "time". I had my doubts that Dory would
    ever be anywhere near normal but I was WRONG. She runs funny - front
    legs run, back legs hop - but she adjusted. And no pain. I am
    ever so grateful. 
    
    See you tomorrow.
               
    Pat

    I just read all of the 58 replys on this conference.  I am sitting
    here with little wet spots all over my blouse...(It's 5:00 and I'm
    to embarassed to leave my office!!)        
                                                            
    This was better than any Walt Disney movie ever made!!  My faith
    in mankind has truly been restored...Thank you 
    
      
                                       

    This past week, I've seen three more hit cats on my commute to work,
    but it was too late for all of them...I still cringe, but now I
    also thank God that Touey was still alive and has come through it
    all...He's so loving.
    
    See you tonight, Pat, along with Houdini and Dory!
    
    Maureen

    I have to tell you noters that I met Maureen, her mother, and
    of course -Touey. He is EVERYTHING Maureen said he is -  beautiful,
    absolutely loveable and SO TRUSTING of Maureen. He just lay in her
    arms totally hers. He was just as sweet when I held him.
    
    I think Touey knows what happened and that Maureen is indeed his
    "Mom". If you think you had tears in your eyes reading the notes
    about him - you would have them if you could see how attached he
    is to her!! Touey is one grateful kitty - cats that go thru 
    experiences like these, most times are that way. He's going to
    be a super friend - I know  he already is.
    
    By the way, Dr. Nord really likes that little guy. In fact, she 
    called him "a great little guy who is super sweet with a wonderful
    personality."  Maureen - he has a place in Dr. Nord's heart too
    - he'll always be a special kitty to her.
                                              
    I can somewhat identify with your feelings - that is the way
    my leukemic cat, Francis, is. When I found him - he was in a
    very bad way physically - infections everywhere on his body,
    The advice was to put him down (especially because of the FeLv +). 
    But I chose a different route - I kept him. He is still with me today, 
    and is the most loveable of all my cats. Meets me at the door when
    I come home, sits with me on the couch, sleeps with me,  - I think 
    he knows how close to death he was, and how much he is loved now. 
                                     
    Can't they impact our lives!! And aren't we all lucky.
    (Maureen - aren't you fortunate you stopped for that unknown, hurting
    little cat that day! What a reward!)   
    
    Pat
    
                                     
    

    How was the check up on the little guy last nite?  I hope all is
    well or well on its way to being well.
    
    We're still thinking about you and your new little friend.
    
    Erin, RumTum and McCafferty

    Dr. Nord and the nurse were quite pleased with Touey's progress
    last Thursday.  After another comfortable weekend at home, Touey
    is eating heartily, using his litterbox, sleeping through the night
    and enjoying his new home and family (with the exception of Pepper,
    our 13 year-old half Persian female).  His surgery is slated for
    this Friday, at which time he'll have his eye removed (the white
    tumor is growing) and he'll of course be fixed.  I'm going to HATE
    Friday morning (I'm dropping him off on my way to work)...The poor
    little guy will think....well, you know.
    
    Although his jaw and bite are still somewhat off,  they're going
    to leave it for now and let nature do its best.  It's almost there,
    so... 

    A big hug for Touey, and we'll have him in our thoughts on Friday.
     (The tumor is a result of the accident, right, not something like
    a "real" tumor....?)  keep us up to date, please...
    

    Best of luck for this Friday!  We'll all be thinking of you and
    Touey with love and prayers.
    
    Re: Touey thinking you're "leaving" him---PEE-SHAW!  He sounds like
    a smart kitty;  he'll know his mom wouldn't leave him.  He probably
    knows the Dr. pretty well by now and will trust her.  Sounds like
    he's mending beautifully and responding to all that love and affection.
    
    Good for you and Touey!  I just love a happy ending.  Keep us posted
    on this special guy.
    
    Jane

    Thanks for the wishes...I'll pass them on to Touey so he'll at least
    hear your names.
    
    (Yes, the tumor is just the natural method of decay for the eye,
    from what I understand...it's self-contained and won't harm him.
    Except for those quick side glances in the mirror, he won't even
    miss it!)  -- Can cats see in mirrors?  I've always noticed my animals
    (both dogs and cats) looking at ME in the mirror, but it's hard
    to tell if they can see THEMSELVES.  Any consensus, or should I
    start a new category (or has this already been hit upon?)
    
    Thanks,
    
    Maureen

    S&H are very interested in mirrors.  Some note is discussing pussycat
    rituals -- every morning after I stumble out of bed, Holly leaps
    up on my shoulders, and she admires herself in the bathroom mirror
    while I'm peering into it trying to see if I'm still there today.
    

    Pip *LOVES* looking at herself in the mirror. And I know that she
    is looking at herself because she rubs up against it, grooms her
    fur into place while looking at her self and purrs real loud.
    
    Deb

    I dropped the little guy off on the way to work this morning.  
    Unfortunately, Dr. Nord was beset with a rather gruesome emergency
    and wasn't able to do Touey's operation.  Soooo, he'll be there
    waiting overnight for the good Doctor to take care of him tomorrow.
    I hope I can pick him up on Sunday.  Otherwise, he'll have to wait
    until I get out of work Monday evening.  Well, at least my dog will
    have me all to himself for the weekend.  (Pepper, our other kitty,
    pretty much keeps to herself lest her meal bell tolls.) 
    
    Maureen

    maureen - how's Touey doing??  
    
    Pat
    

    Hi, Pat -- you took the words right out of my mouth...
    
    Touey will need another night at FAH as he's running a temperature
    and not yet eating.  That means he HOPEFULLY will be coming home
    with me tomorrow evening.  The operation (eye removal, teeth filing
    to reduce discomfort, and castration) went well.  However, when
    Dr. Nord removed the eye, she noticed that his skull is fractured
    (!)...Since he's young, it will eventually heal...This is the guy
    who was bed hopping and jumping from counters which I will now
    disallow (he'll need a real close eye kept on him I guess)...
    
    I'll update tomorrow again.  Thanks.
    
    Maureen

    Poor Touey.  I wouldn't be eating either for awhile if I'd gone
    thru all that.  Hope he gets a good rest today and is soon home
    safe and sound.
     

    Poor, poor touey.  Our prayers are with him that he will soon be
    well again.  
    
    Holly, Tabbatha and Silver
    

    Poor Touey has certainly had a hard time of it BUT you know
    you have the very best of medical care for him. It's not surprising 
    that he has a temperature - his little body is recovering from alot of
    trama. Touey won't miss his eye - and it will look like he is winking
    at you. What a charmer he is now - and will be even more so with a
    perpetual "wink"!! I was so happy to see the little guy that night
    at the vets - he is so darn cute! 
    
    Well, he will be released just as soon as he can be, but in the
    meantime you know he is getting alot of  attention from everyone
    in there. I am sure Dr. Nord told YOU how much she liked him but
    when a vet says it to another client you can be SURE she REALLY
    IS VERY FOND OF TOUEY!!! What were her words - great personality;
    really sweet; and there were some other superlatives from her about
    him.
                                            
    Please let us know how he is on Tuesday - if you can.
    Pat
    
    
    
                                      

    after all this a fractured skull too ????  Boy,  this really is
    a WONDER CAT.  It's a wonder he is still alive at all.
    
    I'm so glad to hear he is doing so well.  The infection will go
    away and he will be able to go home (where he truly belongs).
    
    I'm also so glad that you two found each other.
    
    Sandi (Lightning's and DejaVu's mom)
    
    

    Maureen,  
    
    If you wouldn't mind, RumTum, McCafferty and I would love to have
    a picture of Touey, your wonder cat.  We hear he is just
    gorgeous!
    
    We send our love to him during his recovery.
    
    Erin, RumTum & McCafferty
    
    p.s. if you do have an extra pic, my mailstop is MRO3-3/J19.

    Me too, we would love a picture.  Why don't you register Touey in
    the picture exchange note?  I am putting the FELINE pusses' pix
    in a photograph album and it is really gorgeous.
    

    Hi folks --
    
    I was out yesterday so wasn't able to update.
    
    Touey came home with me yesterday afternoon.  Dr. Nord was really
    worried about his not eating, but I phoned her soon after I got
    him home -- Once home, he was eating in no time.  He purred all
    afternoon and evening, drinking fresh chicken liver juice and eating
    Gerber Junior Chicken at frequent intervals.  He's a riot -- he
    follows us all around the house, including our dog.  He remembered
    where his litter box is, too, thankfully.  (Our other cat, Pepper,
    has been rebelling against having her room painted by using the
    dining room for facilities, so we were dreading certain
    probabilities...)
    
    I'd love to send out photos of Touey...We haven't taken any yet
    because we'd rather the "This too shall pass" route...We want him
    fully restored and healed before we forever chronicle his image
    in the annals of time :-).  His eye looks pretty sore right now
    -- His stitches come out on May 9th, or sooner if he tries to get
    at it once the itching sets in (Friday the 6th is 10 days from
    yesterday, so maybe that might be better if I can get a slot --
    we'll see).  
    
    BTW -- On top of all the other revelations, Dr. Nord thinks his
    nose was broken in small pieces.  Once he works out all of the dried
    blood everywhere, he'll be able to smell somewhat again.
    
    In a way, it's ironic;  this cat is ME in feline form -- blind in
    one eye with sinus problems! :-)
    
    Maureen

    So, sooo happy to hear he's home and eating.
     
    A broken nose too - what more could have happened to the little
    guy???
    
    He was destined to belong to you, you know ( or should that read
    - "you were destined to belong to Touey").Either way, you will
    be wonderful companions. It's great!!!
    
    Pat
          

    It's a lucky thing he's eating, if he actually can't smell, since
    so much of the sense of taste depends on smell.  He's really a
    strong-hearted little baby.  Good luck, Touey, and please keep us
    up to date with bulletins.
    

    Yay, Touey!!
    
    So glad to hear he's home, eating, and purring.  That's wonderful;
    please keep us all posted.  I don't know about the rest of you,
    but Maureen and Touey have been an inspiration to me.  Whenever
    things look bad to me, I think of them and feel better right away!
    
    Isn't it great to know you can make a difference?  
    
    Jane

    How about a Touey update?
    

    Touey's doing fine...He wants to eat all day long, which is a good
    sign but drives my family crazy because he meows for food from 5
    a.m. until 11 p.m.  And Dr. Nord was worried about him eating! 
    Once he knows he's here to stay and the food supply is not going
    to whither, I imagine he'll settle down to a normal cat eating
    schedule.
    
    The "non-eye" looks sore, but doesn't seem to bother him too much...I
    was worried about it getting to the itching stage, but he hasn't
    tried to scratch it yet.  If he does, I'll call to make an earlier
    appointment to have the stitches removed.  The only time he seemed
    in pain was when our big doggem' Guntie quite accidentally hit Touey's
    head with his hind leg while walking past him...Touey meowed and
    cringed while poor Guntie got all upset and tried to lap Touey's
    head to "make it all better..."  I'm so glad they get along.
     

    The stitches were removed last night, and the doctor thinks the
    patient is doing just fine (He's already gained over a pound).
    He'll be on antibiotics for another week to clear up a small tongue
    ulcer caused by the nasal draining (I'd thought he was biting his
    tongue at first due to his lack of feeling on that side).
    
    He sure was glad his FAH visit was a ROUNDTRIP! ;-)
    
    Maureen
    

    Me too!  It's about time he can get around to a normal life (again).
    Boy, the stories he could tell his grandkittens (if he had any).
    
    Three cheers for you both.
    
    Gary

    Since so many of you helped the little guy fend for himself
    financially, I feel obliged ;-) to let you know what's up with him.
    
    He's finished with his antibiotics, but still may require having
    some necrotic tongue tissue cut off next Thursday.  His breath has
    improved at least.  
    
    We finally figured out why he's "starving" all the time -- good
    ol' WORMS.  Since he'd never been properly cared for, he hadn't
    been in the best of health.  But the anti-worm medication should
    take care of that bother in the next several weeks.  He's also losing
    his old "unhealthy" fur in favor of lush new growth.
    
    Although he's indoor-only, he could possibly catch fleas from our
    dog or other cat (she goes out for 15 minutes after dark once or
    twice a week, but we don't worry since she rarely ventures past
    the back porch).  Touey's not supposed to wear a chemical flea collar
    due to open mouth, healing areas and so forth.  Does anyone know
    of any herbal or natural flea collars/solutions that you would
    recommend?  I know the electronic ones are pretty effective, but
    that ticking must drive the animals crazy (Gunther hates it).
    

    This may not be quite the right place for this but it's close...
    
    I do a lot of bicycling. In the past week I've seen 4 dead cats
    along the 12.6 mile route I ride after work. This is a rural area,
    not a heavily traveled road.
    
    If you live near a street, watch your cats please...
                                
    Edd

    You might try Loveland products - shampoos - Blue Seal Feeds 
    carry them or some of the cat shows or try Hadleigh House.
    Martha had their products at the Springfield show.  They
    are very mild but effective.
    
    E.T.

    Sweetie and Holly don't go outdoors, but they have an occasional
    flea problem because of the kitchen door being open when I'm at
    home (the screen door is closed).  Combing them with a finetooth
    comb and throwing out the vacuum cleaner bag immediately after I
    vacuum the house seems to be sufficient;  t's gotten rid of the
    last three infestations.  If Touey doesn't have a problem yet, no
    need to treat it.  Give him a kiss for me on top of his furry little
    head.
    

    I remember how I followed this note when it first got entered. I
    followed it daily to hear about the status, and it cheered me up
    everytime there was progress. Well, this weekend, I had a similar
    situation that didn't end up so happy.
    
    I was visiting my mother's house in Ohio. The area in which she
    lives is agricultural, but the road she lives off of is the main
    traffic route, especially for trucks.
    
    Anyhow, I was driving home from the mall and passed a landscape
    business and saw a cat laying near the road in the weeds (legs curled
    under him, facing towards the road). I thought that was rather
    peculiar, and as I got about 1/4 mile down the road, decided to
    turn around and go back. Several cars had already gone by, so I
    was hoping they didn't hurt him. 
    
    When I got back the cat was lying on its side, a little bit into
    the road. I stopped at a residential driveway, where the cat had
    been nearest, and went to his aid. He was still breathing, but barely.
    I was afraid to pick him up, but if I didn't, he was sure to be
    killed by an 18 wheeler. As I gently picked him up, he was crying
    very gently, and wheezing. My heart just sunk. I went up on the
    peoples yard and put the cat under a tree. His mouth was open, and
    his eyes were dull. I couldn't see any external injuries except
    for a cut on his leg. He then just stopped breathing. I was sick.
    I left him under the tree, and went up to the house, but no one
    was there. I didn't have a stitch of paper in my whole car (I had
    just cleaned it at the car wash) to leave them a note.
    
    I did go back a few hours later and the cat was gone. Again, no
    one was home. 
    
    I have never had the opportunity to try and rescue a cat - and I
    never would have expected it to die right in front of me. It hurt
    severely. Then I started getting angry. People in that area don't
    get attached to their cats -- it's just another animal on the farm,
    or just another animal in the yard. This cat had no collar - NOTHING!
    I'm not against cats being totally outdoor, nor do I think they
    should all be kept indoor, but I think (only my opinion) that if
    you're going to have an animal, that you should take proper care
    of it! AT LEAST A collar with a tag, and distemper, rabies, feline
    leuk shots. But in that area, cats are expendable, and easily replaced.
    Maybe I've just grown too close to my cats, but I could never feel
    that way about mine!
    
    Cheryl, Shanti and Charlie
    

    Cheryl, my heart goes out to you....I can understand how you felt...
    it is exactly why for those reasons that I keep my cats safe inside
    at all times (I don't feel like they are missing anything by being
    inside all the time, I feel they are MUCH safer indoors with me).
    Its just too bad you had to go thru that kind of experience.  Its
    so very hard and sad to see an animal die that way.
                                         

    Sorry to read about your experience, Cheryl, but at least you stopped.
    Had someone else done so ten minutes sooner, they might have gotten
    to him before shock set in irreversably.  At least he wasn't alone,
    and left the world knowing that someone cared. [I thank God all
    the time that I didn't assume that Touey was a gonner, that "something"
    made me stop, late for work (as usual) or not.]
    
    Thanks for the anti-flea advice, folks.  I haven't noticed any
    unwelcome critters on him yet...
    
    The ulcer on his tongue was removed, and the incision has healed
    wonderfully.  Next step:  Cordizone injections for excema. Yey.
    Touey's starting to remind me of "The Six Million Dollar Man" --
    hope he doesn't start leaping on the roof ;-)
    
    Maureen