Conference misery::feline_v1

    
    	Cindy..
    
    	That's the second one I've heard today.  Someone in FRIENDS
    	who lives in the Netherlands found his kitty shot this morning.
    	His kitty died though....
    
    	My best wishes to Jo and Laci.  I hope she pulls through and
    	is good as new in no time.
    
    	JJ
    

    I am so sorry to hear about Laci.
    
    Please keep us informed and I will say a prayer that Laci pulls
    through.
    
    What a sad thing to have happen!  :=(
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam
    

    We send kisses and hugs to Laci.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    Jo, Here's a long distance hug for Laci!  AND YOU.  If you ever
    find the person that did it, send them my way! grrrr 
    
    E.T.& all the kids

    Well, I only have a minute but I wanted to let you know what has
    happened.  Laci is an indoor only cat that has never been outside
    other than in her carrier on the way to shows or to the vet.  Either
    the screen was removed from one window by an intruder (it was laying
    nicely against the side of the wall outside), or it was pushed out
    from inside by one of the cats.  Usually, if a cat pushes out through
    the screen, it will be partially connected to the frame still, or
    it will be laying helter skelter on the ground.
    
    Anyway, all was well when Ken went to bed at a little after midnight.
    I had already gone to bed, and Laci was in the bedroom with me.
    Ken let her out of the bedroom when he went to bed.  I got up at
    6:00am and all seemed well.  At 7:30 I went into the kitchen to
    make a call and saw Kaisha in the backyard!  All my cats are indoor
    only.  I coaxed Kaisha back in and took a head count.  I found Winston
    and Tilly missing, so went out to find them.  I took another quick
    head count and then took off for work.
    
    Ken left for work too, and on the way there he realized that he
    had not seen Laci and that I didn't know that he had let her out
    of the bedroom.  I have been working alot and have been a zombie
    and didn't notice that she wasn't in the room that morning.  He
    headed back home to look for her.
    
    He was at the phone calling me to tell me that she was missing when
    she showed up at the back door.  She was breathing funny.  He picked
    her up and checked her over but couldn't find anything wrong.  He
    set her down and then noticed the blood all over his shirt.  He
    checked her again, coudln't find any wounds, and then called me
    back.  I told him to set her down and just watch her for a few minutes,
    that she would let him know where to look.  She did.  He found the
    wound, but didn't know how serious it was.  I told him to drop her
    off at the vet on his way to work.
    
    The vet called and told me that she had been shot, and that it was
    very serious.  She said that the BB (it was either from a pellet
    or BB gun) had penetrated her body and that it looked like it was
    embedded in her intestine.  She told me that she would do all that
    she could but that it didn't look good.
    
    The BB had actually gone through her kidney and had lodged there.
    They were able to remove it, and Laci woke up from the anesthesia
    late yesterday afternoon.  The vet says that the next 24 hours are
    critical.  Laci has made it now almost 24 hours after surgery. 
    There are still lots of unknowns.  There is the risk of peritonitis,
    and kidney failure.  Laci has a lot of blood in her urine, but the
    vet assures me that under the circumstances this is normal.  Laci
    is on massive antibiotics, and an IV.  They are doing their best
    to keep her going.  
    
    I don't know how long they will have to keep her, or how much this
    has cost.  There was no question when it came to whether or not
    to operate.  I am sure that whatever it cost, my vet will allow
    me to make payments to her.
    
    I filed a report with the police dept.  They said that this is the
    second case of an animal being shot in our neighborhood.  They are
    going to try and find the culprit and prosecute.  They told me that
    they already have some leads, and that in most cases like this the
    culprit will "brag" about it.
    
    Laci is a Grand Champion seal point Birman female.  This has not
    been a good year for her.  She is the one that had her first litter
    via C-section during the aftershocks that followed the 7.1 quake
    last October.  She then had to undergo a second abdominal surgery
    in January to correct the mistakes that the emergency vet made.
    She was just starting to get her health back, and look like her
    old self.
    
    Jo

    I just spoke with the vet.  She is going to let Laci come home 
    tonight!  She said that Laci is miserable, and that she feels that
    Laci would be less stressed at home.  I can give I.V.'s and inject
    antibiotics so she might as well be at home with me.  I think that
    she is going to recover fully, but I am afraid to get my hopes up. 
         
    Jo

Jo,

you and Laci are both tough enough to get through this...keep your hopes
up and I'll keep my fingers crossed (the kits will keep their toes crossed).

					Hang in there,

					      D

    I couldn't tell from your note -- Winston and Tilly did come
    back, didn't they?
    
    I found that someone had tried to pry off a screen on my house
    just a couple of weeks ago, on a window where my cats have
    a perch.  I feel so lucky that they didn't get thru it.  Sweetie was
    really spooked for several days after that, so I think the person must
    have tried it when he was sleeping on the perch.
    
    Hang in there, Laci.
    

    
    Jo, thanks for the update.  I didn't want to start drilling you
    for details when we spoke earlier. Laci has been through alot,
    she's a strong girl. You both will make it through all of this.
    PLEASE take care of yourself.  She'll need everything that you 
    can give.
    
    

    Winston and Tilly were brought back in without any trouble.  Both
    of them were found close to the house.
    
    Laci is a toughy, that is true.  Every hour that she lives brings
    us that much closer to a recovery.
    
    Jo

    Jo, thanks for updating us.  It's all I could think about this last
    day.
    
    Laci has already proven herself a trooper, and she will come through
    this mishap with flying colors I am sure.  If they ever catch the SOB
    that did this, hold him for me so I can fly out to CA and put a few
    bullet holes in him/her, IT whatever!!
    
    Glad to hear Laci is holding on...
    
    --Roberta
    

    Jo,  I'd like to make a contribution to Laci's vet's bills.  I can't
    do anything about the ^&#% who shot her, but this will let me feel
    like I'm helping.  Please send me your address.
      Nancy DC

         All right, Laci!!  Keep up the good work!!
    
         Take care of yourself, Jo.  
    
         Sending feline hugs your way ...
    
    					- Andrea

    We send our love to Laci and family.  Please keep us posted.
    
    I know what I would like to do to the *&^% who shot her....hopefully
    the police will follow through!  
    
    Our prayers are with you.
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, and Barkley)
    

    What a cruel person (no, "IT" is not even worthy of being called a
    person!) to do such a hearless thing.  I do hope Laci pulls through.
    
    We'll be thinking of her...
    
    Karen (and Georgie)

    
    
    
    	 
    It has been such a tough year for you and Laci,  We are sending Prayers
    and good wishes your way.  (Also bad wished for the &*^% that did
    this.)
    
    Feline Hopeful for a full recovery, (for all of you)
                Sue & Panther & Spot
    
    
    
    
    

    We are ALL thinking about all of you - if you need us - call us!
    
    E.T.

    I didn't want to ask untill you mentioned it again, either.....
    sometimes I really wonder about this world, but I'm glad there
    are forums like Feline which proves this place ain't that bad.
    
    We're thinking of you as well, we hope Laci pull through.
    
    Michele & Nippa
    

    Jo,
    
    You know, my thoughts are with you.  Let me know if there's anything I
    can do.
    
    big hugs,
    cin
    

    Jo and Laci,
    
    we will all make sure that you two are in our prayers.  This "thing"
    that shot laci ought to be HUNG!!!
    
    please let us know if there is ANYTHING at all that we can do!
    
    Holly, Silver, seasea, sweetie, pita, tabitha, and Michaela.
    
    

    This world is full of sick people.  Why can't everyone be normal and
    decent.    Wishing the best for you and Laci.
    
    Pam, Chewy, Zula and Ziggy too.

    Benj and I send our very best to you and Laci.  What a horrible thing
    to go through.  Let's hope the perpetrator gets caught.  The poor
    little thing.
    
    

    I live in Massachusetts and apparantly the papers have articles about a
    number of break-ins in our area with 'someone' ripping open screens (in
    the middle of the night) on the first floor of dwellings and robbing
    the people while they sleep.  There are some REAL sicko's out there.
    
    I keep my place closed up tighter than a drum (getting a little
    claustrophobic about now) but there is no way I will jeopardize my
    daughter, my cats or myself.  
    
    My Sam is sick in the hospital - so I kind of understand what you are
    going through.  It sounds as though Laci is a fighter and I am sending
    you prayers (a gentle hug too) for her...and hope that she has a
    successful and 100% recovery.
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam
    
    P.S.  ....and I wish there were some criminal penalty for members of
          the human species that abuse and kill domestic animals!
    

    I hope Laci gets better soon! 
    
    Lisa plus Pookie and Rolf.
    

    We  will also remember all of you in our prayers..
    Kate, HRH, Happy and Preschie

    Dear Jo and Lace,
    
    This is such a terrible thing to have happen to the both of you after
    all you've been through.  It was hard for me to keep from crying
    reading all the above responses.  My heart goes out to you and to poor
    Laci.  When I have had bad things happen to the pets I've loved, it
    seems that it always brings us closer together and that much stronger.
    
    If you look hard enough, you may be able to find some good that will
    come out of this. Perhaps the thing that did it will have to work in a
    shelter changing litter boxes for the rest of his life!
    
    Be strong and know that we all care and empathize with you.  We will be
    waiting to hear!
    Love,
    Karen, Ruby, Stinky, Wing
    

    Thank you all for your support.  It means alot to me.  This has
    been an awful week.  I just found out that I will have to work this
    weekend too.
    
    Laci is at home with us.  I wish I could say that she is doing well,
    but I don't think that she is.  I have a call into the vet and will
    talk it over with her.  It is so heartbreaking to see her.  On the
    way home from the vet's, she just layed in her carrier staring off
    into space.  I had to keep checking her to reassure myself that
    she was still breathing.  I didn't expect that.
    
    She has not eaten since we got her home.  She is swollen on her
    left front shoulder (wound side), and her face is a bit swollen.
    This may be from fluid accumulation.  She was on an IV all day
    yesterday and it could just be that her body hasn't processed all
    those fluids out yet.  She also has a great deal of blood in her
    urine.
    
    She cannot be moved, it is too painful for her.  She growls
    continually.  She can be pet, and seems to like being scratched
    under her chin, but she doesn't purr or show any outward signs of
    pleasure.  She just wants to be left alone.
    
    I hope that this tragedy doesn't cause a permanent change in her
    personality, but I fear that it will.
    
    No word from the police yet.
    
    Jo

    Jo, that poor baby girl.  Maybe when she feels a bit more secure
    in being home, and her body feels a bit more comfortable, she 
    will relax a little.  She probably has had more messing with
    than she could ever want.  Time usually helps - she sounds
    like a strong young lady!  We are all pulling for her and YOU.
    
    Take care,
    
    E.T.

    Jo, this is so sad.  I wish there was something we all could/do say to
    make everything well again.  I wish I had the money to help contribute
    toward her care.  I wish I could go to work for you so you can stay
    home with her.
    
    We know you will keep working with the police to ensure the "thing" is
    caught and brought to justice.  Keep us posted on that end.
    
    I am sure that Laci is happy being at home with you, even though she
    might be showing outward signs of it.  Sometimes being in familiar
    surroundings really does help the healing process.
    
    Our best to you,
    
    --Roberta and the Guys 

    Our thoughts are with you!  Keep us posted on Lacie!
    
    Get well soon, Lacie!
    
    Lynne, Casey, B.K., Rusty & Pepper

    I'm sure its a great comfort to Laci to be home.  We are
    all pulling for her.
    
    How is Sam doing?
    

    Jo,

    Perhaps it's still too soon after the trauma of the shooting and surgery
    for Laci to feel like purring.  Sending her some extra scratches under
    the chin and you my best wishes for the courage to get through this.

    Cindy

    RE:  .31
    
    Thanks for asking about Sam....sounds like he and Laci are having a
    hard time of it all.  Laci seems to be in a more life threatening 
    situation - I consider Sam (and myself) lucky!  
    
    I posted a note regarding Sam...see #3888
    
    Marilyn
    
    
    

    Oh Gosh, this is horrible!  It took me a while to read this whole note.
    What a horrible thing,  we'll all be saying our prayers for Laci.
    
    They just caught a guy in my town, that was breaking into houses while
    people slept by taking screens out.  It had me worried for a while,
    I'm glad we have an alarm system on the house!
    
              we will be praying for you, 
                                        Denise and the gang of 7

   Jo,

   I, too, would like to make a contribution to Laci's vet bills.  I'll
   include it with the one for Tripod.  Nancy, I can get you Jo's address.

   I'll be thinking of you and Laci this weekend.

   Gentle hugs and more scratches under Laci's chin.

   Cindy and Butterscotch

    jo...
    
    i first read that laci had been shot in the note about the siamese
    breeding.  (i've been gone several days).  i couldn't stop until i
    found this note, which i read in one sitting...
    
    how horrible for this to happen!  i just cannot find words to
    articulate how despicable some "people" can be.  i agree with marilyn,
    there should be severe criminal penalties for inflicting injuries on
    animals.
    
    laci will be in my thoughts as we go into this weekend.  hopefully, ken
    can be with her even though you must work?   take heart.   prenez
    courage!   it sounds like laci is made of stern stuff, and she is gonna
    need every ounce of strength.  she will make it!
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    Laci is doing pretty well, but she is still not eating.  We are
    giving her sub-q fluids, and I am force feeding her Nutrical, which
    is stressful for both of us.  I am getting really worried about
    her lack of appetite, since she has been home since Thursday night
    and it is now Sunday and she has yet to eat anything.
    
    Her attitude is great.  She can now get up and walk around, and
    she responds to being petted.  She even purrs every now and then.
    Saturday night, when I went to bed, she climbed up the side of the
    bed and joined me in the middle of the night.  I woke up this morning
    and found her curled up next to me.  It was a very happy moment.
    
    Jo

    
    oh, jo!  i am so happy that laci is perking up a bit.  (i'll just say
    "guarded optimism".)  maybe the fluids make her feel "full", so she
    doesn't want food.  i think the responsiveness is important, too.  in
    the meantime, she is getting nutrients from you, until she is ready to
    eat again.
    
    hang in there, laci!
    
    diane, stella & stanley                                         

    Good morning Jo....I was so happy to hear that Laci is up and about
    some and is looking for your comfort.  I do hear the caution in your
    voice, however, and I am praying for a full recovery for Laci.
    
    Hopefully each day will make her stronger and give her strength.
    
    Sending all our best,
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam
    

    Glad to hear Laci is doing better.  I remember last year when T.K.
    caught a *very bad* upper respiratory -- in fact, now that I look back
    I really believe he was bordering on pneumonia, and he didn't eat for
    almost a week!  Like you with Laci, I was force feeding him Nutrocal
    and getting fluids in him by mixing baby food with water and feeding it
    with a syringe.  He would just lay on the floor with his mouth open and
    several times I didn't think he would pull through -- but he did, and
    the vet feels it was the TLC and him being at home with familiar
    surroundings and people that greatly increased his chances of survival.
    
    Sounds like Laci is really happy being at home and from your previous
    entry, it sounds like she can only get better, not worse.
    
    Keep your spirits up.  We'll be thinking of you,
    
    
    -Roberta

    When I asked Jo about helping with the expenses for Tripod's surgery (the
    kitten that had its leg amputated after a fanbelt accident and that Jo 
    has offered to help place), she indicated that donations could be sent
    directly to Dr. Rue.  So, if anyone else is interested in helping defray
    the cost of Tripod's surgery, here is the address:

       Dr. Rue
       Irvington Pet Hospital
       3992 Washington Blvd.
       Fremont, CA 94538.

    Jo, I'll give my Butterscotch some extra scratches under the chin for
    Laci when I get home this evening.  Right now, I'll get the emergency
    recipe off to you (which Nancy DC kindly reminded me I had entered in
    note 3734.9).

    Cindy

    Well, Laci is back at the vet's this morning.  She was becoming
    debilitated by not eating, and she was very dehydrated, despite
    the fluids and her drinking quite a bit.  Doc Rue wanted her back
    in for bloodwork to check on her kidney function.  We won't know
    anything for several hours.  I have been force feeding her a mixture
    of baby food meat, Nutrical, and water through a syringe.  
    
    :^(
    
    Jo

         Doubling up on the healing vibes ...
    
    					- Andrea

    Jo and Laci....my heart is with both of you all the way.  Please
    Laci get better and keep fighting for mom!!
    
    Your in our prayers...
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, and Barkley)

    We will also continue praying for Laci..
    Kate, HRH, Happy, Preschie..

    Jo,
    
    I hope that all turns out well with the testing on Laci.  We will
    continue praying for her in the hopes that she will make a complete
    recovery.
    
    Nancy and her birman kids

    
    We all are still hoping and  praying and sending good wishes to the
    Kitty Angel for Laci and Jo and the whole family.
    
    Feline Hopeful,
    
    Sue & Princess Panther & Spot
    

    Keeping everything crossed for you....
    
    
    Lisa plus Pookie and Rolf.
    

    
    The poor baby.  And I can only imagine the pain you're going
    through also Jo.  We all send our best wishes and kitty prayers
    for Laci.
    
    	JJ and Cary..Brandi, Sasha and Chloe
    

    Oh Laci,
    
    Please!  Pull through this!!  We are all SO concerned for you and your
    mommy!  We're all praying that you get through this with just a bad
    memory.
    
    Holly, Tabitha, Pita, Silver, Michaela, Seasea and sweetie
    
    

    Jo,
    
      I've been out, so just read about Laci - I feel awful for you, what a
    terrible thing to have happen.  I will add my prayers to the rest that
    are being said and hope they can help in some small way.
    
    
    Heather + Muff,Oscar,Pandora + Cocoa

    Laci is hanging in there.  The blood work all came back normal,
    except for her BUN which was slightly elevated.  The vet feels that
    could be due to dehydration.  The vet thinks that Laci is giving
    up, and that there is little we can do about that except to keep
    trying to encourage her to get better.  Yesterday I was sure that
    we weren't going to be able to turn her around, today I feel a bit
    better.  She started to groom herself again this morning!  I take
    that as a very positive sign, even though she still has no interest
    whatsoever in eating.  
    
    We will keep up the fluids and the force feeding and try and keep
    her spirits up.  
    
    Jo

    That's good news, Jo.  Does she have any kitty company with her.
    Maybe a baby or two or one of her buddies would perk her up a bit.
    Or, a can of people tuna or salmon - the salmon worked for a sickie
    of mine once.  Wouldn't eat a thing until I opened a can of salmon!
    Turned her around in minutes !!  Lil, who won't eat ANY canned food,
    WILL eat 9-Lives kitten dinners (Tuna flavor only).  Boy, does it
    stink !  
    
    We are all still pulling for you both !
    
    E.T.

    Jo,,,I had a real sick kitty once who would not eat...so we fed
    it Veg Beef Baby Food.... he would not eat it out of the jar or
    bowl...we had to hand feed him with a spoon.  Please try it...it
    worked for us.
    
    Still praying for all of you.
    
    Sandy
         

Also, Fancy Feast cat foods (tiny cans) have strong smell - even Picky Nicky
will take a generous snack of this stuff.  For some reason, the salmon flavor
and the beef dinner both perk his taste buds.

She may just need to feel better before she will have interest in eating...
I sympathize, my Nick goes anoretic anytime he gets stressed and it is so
hard...keep trying - Laci's come this far, and you can make it.

			D

    Believe me, I have tried everything.  I literally bought one of
    everything at the grocery store.  I have tried Sardines, Tuna, Salmon,
    Red Snapper, Prime Rib, yogurt, Liver, egg yolks, and every brand
    of cat food made to date.  
    
    Laci has Jouie to keep her company, and Limoges and the kids are
    in the birthing cage in the room too (they are not loose as Limoges
    is a very protective mother, even to her Auntie Laci).  Jouie has
    been taking great care of Laci, washing her face and stuff for her.
    
    We are going to try Cindy Fischer's recipe tonight, and I am also
    going to try some Kitten Milk (can't believe I didn't think of that
    earlier) and see what happens.  In the meantime, she still gets
    the baby food/Nutrical mixture at least three times a day, and 200cc's
    of fluids twice a day.
    
    Thanks for the good ideas and well wishes though.  It is making
    it easier to get through this knowing that I have your support.
    When I first found out about her being shot, I headed straight for
    Dian Wilde's office, knowing that I would find the kind of emotional
    support I needed with another Feliner.  :^)
    
    Jo

    Jo....you must be exhausted with worry and poor Laci sounds so
    depressed.  I haven't been able to read the latest notes...is she home
    with you again or still at the vets?
    
    I remember reading a note somewhere not to long ago about how many cats
    LOVE Gerber's creamed spinach (baby food).  I know I gave some to my Otis 
    and he licked the bowl clean.  I don't know how much nutitional value it has
    - or whether or not it would give Laci diarrhea (don't want to add
    insult to injury as far as the de-hydration goes) it is just a thought.
    
    We are all praying for Laci and hope that she doesn't give up.  If only
    she knew how many people care for her and are wishing her a speedy 
    recovery.
    
    All the best...
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam
    

    Marilyn,
    
    Laci is home with us again.  I have tried the spinach baby food
    too.  She wouldn't touch it.  Anyway, she already has diarrhea.
    Nutrical, when fed as a sole source of nutrition, produces a green
    alfalfa-like diarrhea.  Poor Laci, she hates that.
    
    I keep reminding her of what I used to tell her when I had to bathe
    her for shows, "Laci, I never said that life would be easy as a
    show cat in this house"  ;^)
    
    Jo

    Hi Jo,
    Still thinking of you!  When I had a cat dying of FIP she would still
    eat for me.  What I put together was a little bit of chicken broth,
    honey and either milk and/or egg.  Sometimes I would also put in a
    little bit of baby food chicken.  Sorry to say she didn't make it but
    she really seemed to go for this food.  I fed her with an eye dropper
    too.  The chicken broth seemed to be the most important part and, what
    the hey, it's good for anyone who's sick!
    Keep trying and don't let her give up!  Sometimes a fight is worth it.
    
    Karen, Ruby, Stinky, Wing
    
    

    
    	Often I have been able to get sick cats to eat tuna and liver,
    or kal kan Mealtime.
    
    	Hope everything works out O.K.!!!
    
    	Keeping fingers 'n' paws crossed
    
    			Kirk + 7
    

    Sounds disgusting, I know, but it was the last thing Hector would eat
    after he'd stopped eating anything else.
    
    Best wishes to you both.
    
    

    Hang in there Laci.  Where there's life, there's hope.
      Nancy DC & the putiput cats

    Good morning Jo, how is Laci doing...any better?
    
    You have probably had suggestions (for food) up to your eyeballs about
    now...but I will add another 2 cents here.  My kids will 'kill' for 
    cooked shrimp or lobster and LOVE turkey (freshly roasted of course) 
    breast meat!
    
    Hope her spirits are picking up.  Glad to hear she is home!
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam
    
    P.S.  ...and there is always potatoe stix - Tiffany's favorite food in
          all the world.
    

    Thanks for all the food suggestions.  I had tried shrimp, but not
    lobster (can't afford that).  Anyway, good news...
    
    Laci ate some tuna last night!  She only had a few bites, but it
    is a start.  This morning she ate a few more bites of tuna, and
    then took a couple of bites of dry food.  Hey, she isn't eating
    much, but it's a start!  I am totally convinced that she will recover
    now. :^) :^) :^)
    
    I am hanging in there.  I have been so consumed with worry that
    I am exhausted.  Plus, I am getting up every three hours to nurse
    the little stray baby.  I really need to find him a home, or find
    a surrogate mom for one week.  I go on vacation to Medina next week,
    and can't take him with me.  He needs to be nursed every 3-4 hours,
    round the clock.  
    
    Laci's mother-in-law, Hilde, is a pediatrician and sent us a wonderful
    care package last night.  It was full of needles, syringes, butterfly
    needles, tubing, a bag of Dextrose, and another bag of Ringers.
    All these things are making it easier for me to give her the fluids
    that she needs.  Hilde is very thoughtful.  When Laci granded, Hilde 
    sent her a bouquet of roses with a card from her sire, Hamlet. :^)
                       
    Jo

    That's wonderful news about Laci, Jo!  Let's hope she'll really be out
    of the woods by the time you leave for Medina so that you can enjoy
    your time there.  (But what are we going to do without your updates 
    while you're gone?! ;-))  BTW, it was tuna that turned Butterscotch
    around when she got sick last spring.

    I know it's a long shot, but I can check with my friends north of San
    Francisco to see if they can help out with the stray baby.  Will get 
    back to you on that tomorrow.

    Cindy

    I wish I could take him Jo, Halie is still nursing the babies tho
    less frequently now.
    

    Melissa, my partner in crime at the vet's office, has agreed to
    take the stray baby for the week that I am in Medina.  I will drop
    him off to her when I take Moody in for his health certificate,
    and then pick him up on the 28th.  She is a live saver (literally!).
    
    Jo

    
    hallelujah! on both accounts.  so glad to hear laci is feeling well
    enough to nibble a bit.  it has *gotta* go up from here...
    
    d, s, s
    

    That is fantastic about lacie!!!  HOORAY!!!
    
    I'm sure you're sick of food suggestions, but here's another one
    anyway.
    
    You said that the babyfood and nutrical is giving lacie diahriea (sp?). 
    what we have done for sick babies is give them meat flavored babyfood
    (their favorite flavoe) mixed with the small curd cottage cheese. 
    Usually strait babyfood with give them Diahriea but the cottage cheese
    will bind them up.  
    
    just another suggestion.  I'm glad that Lacie is doing better.
    
    holly
    

    That is great news!!!!!!!
    Love Kate, Happy and Preschie..

    
    
    Jo:
    
    i just got done reading this note --- i can't believe there are so
    many sick people/things out there.
    
    am glad to hear that laci is doing better. each day she will start
    to eat more and more --- just keep thinking positive and saying
    postive things to her. i'm sure you are giving her lots of love.
    don't give up and try to keep you're chin up. we are praying for
    you and laci.
    
    try to have a good vaction too,....
    
    
    cindi - magen & cinnamon
    

    jo.
    
    How is Laci doing?  Has she been eating any better?  Please give
    us an update!!  Our prayers are still with you.
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, and Barkley)
    
    

    I can finally say that Laci is out of the woods.  She gets better
    and stronger everyday.  She has commenced eating on her own, but
    I still have to give her fluids every now and then to combat some
    dehydration.  She is back to her pesky self, nudging me with her
    head, licking my nose, biting my fingers, etc.  I never would have
    thought I would look forward to those things. :^)
    
    I can go on my trip without worrying about her now.  She shouldn't
    need the fluids for much longer, and if she does, my husband can
    give them to her.
    
    Thanks to all of you who sent cards.  It was very nice to know that
    others were thinking of our Laci.
    
    Jo

    So Happy to hear about Laci.  You must be so happy that she is
    getting back to normal and being a complete pest...I bet you 
    won't complain about her being around your face, feet, etc.
    
    Have a very good vacation...and I'm so happy everything worked out
    okay.
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, and Barkley  

    That is wonderful news..!!!!!!!
    Kate, Happy, Preschie

    Jo, what wonderful news.  Now you can sleep, right?  Isn't it amazing
    that when they are sick we have our ears tuned in for any sound that
    may warn us of something 'wrong'.
    
    Have a wonderful vacation and give Laci a gentle kiss on her head from
    us....
    
    Marilyn, Otis, Tiffany and Sam (Toonces)
    

    
    	That's wonderful news Jo....glad to hear Laci is well
    	on the way to being herself again.
    
    	JJ and Cary, Brandi, Sasha and Chloe
    

    Now we can all breath a sigh of relief! We are so happy for you, the
    kitty prayers must have worked.  I know Ruby will be glad to hear it.
    Karen, Ruby, Stinky, Wing
    

    Wonderful news!  Now you can really enjoy Medina!  I want a full report
    when you return via E-Mail!!
    
    --Roberta (who will be there in spirit cheering on the Birman folks!!)
    

    
    Great to hear that Laci is doing better.  Good luck at the show, too.
    
    Sandy, Smudge, Tas, Jenn, C.C. and Beau
    

    hallelujah for mom and baby!  soooo glad to hear the good news.
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    Great news about Laci. ( I have been on a few days vacations now
    trying to catch up on the notes. After Kates this one help take the
    tears away.
    
    Enjoy Medina, and is there any possiblity of  a report while you are
    gone?
    
    Barbara

    Whew!!!!!!!!!!    That feels good.  So glad she's better, Jo.
    

    
    Oh Yay and WHEW, and MANY THANKS to the Kitty Angel!!
    
    Way to go Laci and Jo and Family,
    
    We are all Feline Happy for you!!
    
    Sue & Princess Panther & Spots
    

Glad to hear the good news about Laci doing better!  Now you
can relax a bit.  Good luck at the show in Medina.  We'll
still keep fingers and paws crossed for that.

Take care!
Diane, Candy, Scottie, and Alex

    Jo, I'm so glad!  You did GOOD!  Give her a scratch from all of us!
    
    E.T.

    YEAH!  Now THAT'S the way to start a morning!  Finding out that Laci is
    doing MUCH better.
    
    I am SO glad that Laci is doing better!
    
    Holly and the five purrpots.
    

    Hi Jo,
    
    I've just returned from vacation and was shocked to hear about Laci.
    
    But I'm sooooo glad she is doing better!!!!  Hears to a 100% recovery
    for her....!  Thank goodness she has such a wonderful Mom.
    
    Judie & Louie (Glad to read this whole note and find a happy ending)

    Jo, so glad to hear that Laci's doing better. Just returned from 2
    weeks vacation only to be faced with 749 entries in Feline, so it takes
    awhile to catch up.
    
    Chuck, Jane, Peaches, Cassandra and Purrkins.
    

    Wanted to let you all know that there has been some new information
    in Laci's case.  She is doing fine now, but is still very thin and
    a bit skittish.  The developments are in the area of who done it.
    
    A few weeks ago a neighbor let her cat outside early one morning,
    and then decided to go out and get her newspaper.  She was in her
    front yard bending over to pick up the paper when she heard shots
    a few houses down.  She looked up and saw one of our neighbors shooting
    at her cat with a pellet gun.  She went in and called the police,
    then ran over to the guy and started telling him off.  Luckily for
    her, her cat was quick and got away without a scratch.  The police
    came and took a report, and they are prosecuting the man.  It is
    very likely that this man is the same one that shot Laci.
    
    We don't have any proof that he shot Laci, but he fits in with what
    we had thought happened.  Laci had never been outside, and we had
    guessed that she hadn't traveled far from our house; this man lives
    two houses down.  Due to the fact that Laci was able to make it
    back to our house after being shot, we figured that she was probably
    shot on our side of the street.  All the houses have a common backyard
    fence, since we are all on a retaining wall.  The field behind our
    house is about 15 ft below.  It is unlikely that Laci would have
    been able to jump that far to get back into our yard (where we found
    her after being shot).  We had assumed that who ever shot her lived
    on our side of the street; this man lives on our side of the street.
    
    According to the neighbor, when she confronted him he admitted to
    shooting three other cats this year, Laci included.  Unfortunately,
    that is not enough for us to prosecute him on.  The police have
    said that we could try taking him to small claims court for our
    vet bills, but they didn't think we had enough evidence.
    
    The neighbor caught the man red-handed with the gun.  She is
    prosecuting him and hopefully he will have a hefty fine *and* have
    to serve some time in jail.  This man is a Junior High School teacher!
    If nothing else, maybe it will teach him a lesson.  I had expected
    that the person that shot Laci was probably some kid out trying
    to get his kicks, not an adult.
    
    BTW - I had warned this neighbor to keep her cat inside after Laci
    was shot and she didn't.  I am just glad that the cat wasn't hurt.
                                                                      
    Jo

    How about a letter of complaint to the school?  Should this person
    be guiding the lives of children?
    

    Jo,
    
    I'm glad that you found out who did it, and I hope that you neighbor
    does press charges and this guy gets some form of crative alternative
    sentence. If nothing else, at least you know what kind of a person that
    he is. *WHY* was he shooting cats? Just because they were on his
    property? 
    
    It is people like this that give the rest of us gun owners a bad name.
    
    Deb (who blasts paper targets, not living beings)

    I agree with .92.  Perhaps a letter to the school concerning this
    man's mental stability and character!  
      Nancy DC (who doesn't believe in guns, period)

    I hadn't thought of a letter to the school.  I think that I would
    have to wait until the man is prosecuted for that though.  Also,
    maybe a letter to the editor of the local paper.
    
    The man said that he shoots any cat that comes onto his property
    (the neighbor told me that he said this), and he did shoot Laci.
    He also told her that he would continue to shoot cats.  That is what
    made her decide to prosecute.
                    
    Jo

    
    	Gee does he shoot kids that come on to his property too?
    
    	Fuming,
    
    	JJ
    

    I suggest letters everywhere.  To the School Board, Mayor, 
    Representatives, and a nice long letter to the editor of the
    newspaper.   If he doesn't get prosecuted by our legal system...
    you can prosecute him by ruining his name.
    
    I wouldn't want my kids learning from this guy!  And to imagine
    he said he would continute to do it.   Off with his ____s?
    
    Sandy

    re: .last several
    
    	This is unbelieveable!  A teacher taking pot shots at family pets? 
    Where does this guy get off?!?!?  I hope someone reports him to the
    school system.  A person like that certainly should not have influence
    over children.  I know how I'd feel if someone was shooting at my cats. 
    I'd be livid.  I hope this person gets what's coming to him.
    
    Bob_who_also_shoots_only_paper_targets_except_when_fishing_and_the_
    water_moccasins_come_out_then_the_old_20_guage_has_its_uses,
    
    Smoke & Sneakers
    

    Jo, You might want to contact the local SPCA.  They often prosecute
    cases of animal cruelty and could probably advise you and your 
    neighbor as to the most effective courses of action.
      Nancy

    Jo when Laci was operated on didn't you keep the pellet/bullet
    the vet took out of her, and wouldn't it match others that come
    from this man's gun?  As I remember weren't the police active in
    the investigation when it happened? Have they cooled off now?
    
    Once upon a time we had a neighbor who was a vice principal in a 
    Junior high and it took years of his loosing animals until a neighbor
    saw him break the neck of a beautiful goat that didn't respond to
    his command!! He had lost other goats, sheep, cats, ducks and chickens.
    Needless to say the neighborhood was alerted. Over time more animals
    showed up dead and the police/SPCA were called in and all the animls
    were taken from the property. (A gentlemens farm that was so beautiful
    it could have been in any home magazine) Charges were bought and he
    ended up loosing his job and couldn't find work anywhere and moved.
    
    Sad story of a sad person who needed professional help. 
    
    I hope your situation with your neighbor clears up for everyone's
    benefit.
    
    Hug for Laci
    
    Barbara and my 3M's

    Unfortunately, a BB can't be traced back to a particular gun like
    a bullet can.  I still have the BB, but the police said that that
    doesn't matter.  I will pursue this with the SPCA though.
    
    The letter writing campaign can't begin until the man is prosecuted.
    You know, innocent until proven guilty and all.  I don't want to
    end up being arrested for libel, slander, etc. 
    
    At least now we know who is responsible (even if the police say
    that this guy may not be the one that shot Laci, I still think that
    it was him).
    
    Jo

>    I agree with .92.  Perhaps a letter to the school concerning this
>    man's mental stability and character!  
>      Nancy DC (who doesn't believe in guns, period)

without legal "proof", as in a court decision, you could be sued for libel
if you write a letter to the school.  I would, however, confront the man
(with others present) and inform him that you know he has tried to kill cats
and if he EVER brings a gun outside his home while living in a populated area
that you observe, you will immediately call the police as he is endangering
children as well as pets by firing that damned gun.  Pellets kill children
too.

In the event that he is found guilty - as I am sure he will be if your
neighbor pursues her claim - then you can send the information to the school
PTA with the note that this person should not be teaching his intolerance
and lack of reason to children.

One sad comment on this:  many otherwise sane folks get really, really angry
when they see their neighbors' cats kill birds, tear up their gardens, 
destroy their potted plants and leave messes in their yards....some get
angry enough to commit vicious, stupid acts like this.  When I catch the 
neighbor's cat killing the birds I feed- AGAIN- a small part of me can 
ALMOST understand what drove him over the edge...

    Yes - it makes sense to hold off contacting the school.  When I
    heard the comment about waiting until the trial etc, I realized the
    error in my judgement.
    
    Keep us posted.