Conference misery::feline_v1

    ..that is very sad news indeed..!!!!.. Hugs to all of you!!!!!
    Kate

    You poor baby.  All you need to remember is that you have to
    do what is right for you and you family.  No one else knows
    exactly what is just right for YOU.  I'm sure you did GOOD!
    
    Hugs to you and your babies!
    
    E.T.

    You are quite right, there is no right or wrong decision.  You have to
    do what is best for you and the other cats.  I am sure the vet will do
    what is best for Sam.                                                
    
    I can really feel for you on this one, Chuckie Cheese is still attacking
    my two older cats.  It's getting better (less) but it has certainly
    upset their lives and mine.  You can only do your best and you seem to
    have certainly done a lot toward helping cats.  
    
    All our best,
    
    Miss Moffet, Guido Tiggerini, (the now hated) Chuckie Cheese, and me.
    
    
    
    

    Marilyn, we are sorry for you and what you have gone through.  You
    shouldn't feel too bad,  you have done more for little Sam than anyone
    else ever has in his life.  He is obviously a very sick little kitty
    and that when one thing gets fixed, another thing goes wrong.  He has
    surely been  happier no matter what happens, than he ever was before you
    came along.
    
    Paw pats,
    Karen, the Roobster, Stinkus-Minkus, Woo-Woo Wing and Arthur
          

    OK, here's some criticism......don't be so hard on yourself!!!  That's
    it.  You have done the best you can do for you, Sam, and O&T.  It's
    never easy to make any decision about someone you love, especially when
    that someone can't talk to you.  Perhaps Sam's purrs were his way of
    letting you know he's OK and that he was thanking you for giving him
    the best life he could have hoped for. 
    
    You did what's right for you and yours, not what's right for all us
    busybody noters.  I hope that this notesfile is for all of us to have
    a shoulder to cry on and someone to sop up some tears with us.  After
    all, where else can you sit at your desk crying your eyes out over the
    loss of a cat you've never seen who belongs to someone you've  never
    met!  What a country....
    
    Bless you...
    
    Mary

    Marilyn,  how can anyone in their right mind critize you.  You
    have done so much for Poor Sam.  Just keep in your mind that he
    is a sick kitty and you showed him alot of love and affection
    during his stay with you.  I truly believe his negative behavior
    has to do with him being sick... a tumor is not a good sign considering
    what he has gone through.
                                                
    I feel so sorry for all of you...
    
    Sandy                         
    
    
    

    
    Marilyn,
    
    We all feel for you in the making of a very painful decision.  You did
    your best and that is all anyone can do.  Sam knows that, we know that,
    won't you please believe that too???  Or "YOU DONE GOOD!"  Sorry for
    shouting, but I know how hard it is not to keep a cat that has really
    touched your heart.  You were the best human Sam ever knew and he will
    not forget you.
    
    Feline Heart heavy whenever tough decisions must be made,
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
    

    
    	I agree with what the others have said, sometimes it just 
    	doesn't work out...However, in the meantime, you must take
    	care of Otis and Tiffany. Since she's not grooming, you might
    	try to renew her interest by grooming her yourself. Paying 
    	extra attention to your other babies might help you to feel
    	better...
    
    	Sherry

    
    	I'm sorry to hear about your situation with Sam.  Of course you
    care for all your babies, and there is no right or wrong way to go
    here.  In some cases, things just don't work out between the animals,
    and a parting of the ways is best for all involved.
    
    	You did your absolute best and shared your love and affection
    unselfishly with Sam.  You shouldn't feel bad about the way it turned
    out.  Our best to you amd Tiffany and (my favourite) Otis.
    
    Bob, Smoke & Sneakers
    
    

      We are all sorry for your situation.  But, don't feel guilty or think
    that anyone in this file will give you a hard time, because we won't!
    We understand, sometimes for various reasons things don't work out.
    That can happen in human/pet relationships just as it can in
    human/human relationships.  However, where he was possibly ill, maybe
    that was part of the problem.  I don't remember how old Sam is, but
    is it a possibility they could fix the problem? Maybe if is feeling 
    better, he would behave better.  Maybe he's been ill for a while, just
    not feeling "right", and acting the way anyone would act,  getting 
    grumbly!  
    
                         hope it works out for you........
    
                               Denise and gang of 8

    I was so upset Tuesday night that I literally flew out of the office
    and told them I would be by last night to sign the appropriate papers 
    and give them the $20 for boarding and feeding.
    
    My daughter went with me and got to hold Sam - as did I - and the
    assistant said that an elderly woman had had to put her cat down
    because of kidney failure and is looking to adopt an older cat
    (Sam is 12) whose preference is to be the 'only' pet.  
    
    Dr. Mulcahy did blood work on Sam and checked the lump on his neck
    and if the tests all come back negative then the woman will adopt
    him.  If, however, the tests come back that the tumor is malignant 
    and/or the blood tests show severe kidney disease or failure, then 
    he will have to be put down.
    
    They said he was 'feisty' and in his cage had jumped at a dog that 
    strolled by.  They all commented that he can definately take care 
    of himself.  He had been on on I.V. all day - no more signs of 
    vomiting or diahrea and should start eating solid food this morning.
    
    I felt better when I held him and the possibility of him going to
    a home where he will be the focus of someone's love and attention
    makes me feel a little better.
    
    Part of my being so upset was the idea of having him put down because
    of our not being able to keep him - I couldn't justify killing him
    (sorry for being so harsh with those words...but that is just how I
    was feeling) because of aggressive behavior.
    
    Tiffany was 'running' around the house last night - almost like a
    kitten again and Otis ate a small can of food...purring the whole
    time.  As soon as I left the area he would follow me, so I would
    go back into the kitchen and he would begin to eat again.  I gathered
    that he wanted me with him - he wasn't quite sure if it was going to
    be eaten by someone/thing else.
    
    Thanks for all your support - it means a great deal to me.  It's never
    easy saying goodbye to someone you love even though in your heart you
    know it's best.  When it's a human you can verbally communicate your
    reasoning and feelings but with an animal it's so very difficult.
    
    I will keep you posted as to the health of Sam and his (here's praying)
    adoption - and of Tiffany and Otis.
    
    Marilyn
    

    Let us know how it goes Marilyn.  I have had a few cats in my household
    who just didn't work out and I know you can tell when your other cats
    are really unhappy.  Its a very stressful situation and shouldn't be
    minimized.  
    
    Everyone else has said it, but I'll say it again, sometimes things
    just don't work out.  It doesn't mean you failed even tho you may
    feel that way.  Sometimes there just isn't a way to fix it.  You
    just have to accept.  What's hard is knowing when its one of those
    times.
    
    I hope that woman is able to take Sam.  Let us know.
      Nancy DC
    

    Marilyn,
    
    I'm in a similar situation right now.....one of the kittens,
    Rusty, I brought home a year ago has grown to be a very large cat.
    He is twice the size of the other three.  He has "chosen"
    B.K., one of my Korats, to pick on.  I came home one day
    to find a large section of hair missing from his shoulder,
    with bloody scratches from Rusty's teeth.  His brother,
    Pepper, also has small patches missing from his head and
    shoulders, and Casey had a patch missing off a hind leg.
    He's very aggressive toward the other cats, but an absolute
    sweetheart towards people.  The aggressiveness only comes
    out once in a while, usually caused by overexcitement.
    It leans toward sexual aggressiveness, even though all
    have been neutered.  When we catch Rusty in the act, he
    gets banished to the basement.  He now knows this behavior
    is unacceptable, and we are seeing it less and less.
    It is a very stressful situation for the other three,
    and I am monitoring it carefully....in case it causes any
    health problems with the others.
    I will be discussing this with the vet soon, to see what he
    suggests.....
                                    
    Take care, and all cat paws are crossed for Sam!
    
    L-

    Marilyn,
    
    Reading your original note put tears in my eyes and a lump in
    my throat.
    
    When you give so much love, it seems that things just have to
    work out right because "love conquers all".  And, then when
    it doesn't, all kinds of sad feelings happen (hurt, feeling of
    failure, anger, guilt, you name it).
    
    As others have said, you gave Sam so very much--love, care
    and, with your decision, a chance to be a happier cat (since it
    sounds like he would be happier being an only cat).  And you
    did this at your own emotional expense!  You can't do much more
    than that!
    
    Prayers and love to you, Tracey, Tiffany and Otis.
    
    Barbara, Melody, Missy and Brittany
    
    

    Marilyn-
    
    I hope that Sam is healthy enough to be adopted by the other woman.
    Maybe it was your destiny to enjoy him before this woman was ready
    to take him into her heart and home.
    
    I know that you've done your best, and no one should expect any more.
    
    PLease let us know how this ends up, I'm real interested since I was 
    involved from the start........but whatever happens, it will be the 
    best decision all around.
    
    Michele & Nippa  
    

    It would be wonderful for Sam if the elderly lady could
    adopt him.  I am wondering if the tumor on his thyroid
    is a contributing factor to his problem?  Doesn't
    the thyroid being out of whack sometimes cause hyper-excitement
    and irritability?
    
    Also, my first cat Pussycat was helped a lot in the transition
    from feral to calm by a one-time shot of some female hormone
    whose name I forget.  I don'\t remember sam's health
    history, but this might be a possibility.
    
    

    RE:  16
    
    Karen,
    
    I believe the female horomone you are referring to is Ovaban.
    Sam had a couple of injections of that - in the very beginning -
    then he developed kidney problems - which (I could be wrong) is a
    side effect of Ovaban treatment.  Then, for poor Sam, it just
    steadily went down hill.  He was at the vets twice - for a week
    at a time - had vomiting and diahreah (never can remember how to
    spell that word) - had to have I.V.'s twice a week and then was put 
    on a very strict diet.  
    
    He finally got straightened out - kidney wise - but the aggressive
    behavior continued - in fact got worst.  A month ago there was no 
    lump on his neck in fact, Dr. Mulcahy had done a Thyroid scan as 
    part of the physical when he was really sick - and nothing showed 
    up.  Now, the lump is fairly large.
    
    I am hoping that his health is good - my daughter just called to
    say that she stopped in to see him and talked with Dr. Mulcahy
    and the tests results have not come back as of yet.  It would
    be wonderful for Sam to go to a loving home - where the woman
    could give him all her attention....that's the kind of cat he
    is.  
    
    I have a question and hope someone knows the answer.  How can 
    anyone tell if a cat is in pain - other than the cat screaming 
    when you touch it?  I know that might sound like a dumb question
    but I wonder if Sam (or any other sick cat) is in pain and we
    just don't know it.  I know humans have pain with kidney and
    bladder infections...do cats?  And, how does anyone know?
    
    Marilyn
    

    So happy to hear that if Sams health is fine this lady will
    adopt him.  How does a cat react to pain?  Well I believe one
    key is aggresiveness.  Before Barkley's abscess burst, which
    I'm sure was quite painful, he was very very aggresive to all
    my other babies.  He usually got along fine with them...but during
    that time he would chase to kill.  This was not the usual playtime. 
    
    Years ago I had another cat that was very sick (at that time we
    only had one cat) and during his sickness he was a complete loner.
    He didn't want to play, be patted, and if you went in the room he
    would walk out.  He constantly hid in a different area of the house
    at all times.
    
    You have been wonderful to Sam and we all hope for the best.
    
    Sandy (Barkley, Tamba, Poco)
    
    ps..so happy to hear Tiffany and Otis are comming around.

    Hi dear frinds...
    
    I called Dr. Mulcahy's office Saturday and they said that Sam was
    doing fine.  My daughter spoke to the receptionist and we got
    confusing information.  So, I called first thing this morning to
    find out how everything really is.
    
    Sam has a hyper-active thyroid which causes him to eat constantly,
    lose weight, and his stomach growl (loudly I might add) and act
    extremely aggressive...he will be on daily medication for the rest
    of his life.  On Saturday I was told that he had a tumor on his
    thyroid (benign) but this morning they said no tumor.  So, I am
    not quite sure about that information - although I am inclined to
    believe that he does not.  When I go in on Thursday I will speak
    to Dr. Mulcahy directly and find out for sure.
    
    The unfortunate and sad thing is that the woman who was to adopt
    Sam - died.  I couldn't believe it.  I don't know anymore about
    what happened to her but isn't that SO sad?
    
    Dr. Mulcahy is still looking for an owner for Sam - as is the other
    people in the office.  What loving and caring people.  
    
    As for Tiffany and Otis - well Tiffany is ascerting her new freedom 
    and independence and 'flies' all over the house.  She still has
    moments of fear - especially when the door inadvertantly slams shut
    (the wind) or we drop something - but she is slowly getting away from 
    that.  She is grooming herself (nice shiny coat now) lets us hold her
    and she kisses us again and will sit for hours in front of the deck
    watching the birds.  Otis tries to 'play' with her and from time to 
    time she growls and runs away - I guess she still associates wrestling
    with attacking.  But, she is trusting Otis more and more.
    
    Otis sleeps right next to me every night - and is so loveable and
    affectionate.  He NEVER was that affectionate.  Don't know if it 
    will last - but I am taking advantage of it.  He eats better but
    still not up to par - but he isn't starving either.
    
    I am still praying that we/they can find a home for Sam.  He needs
    a place with no other animals (accept us human's)!  I am lucky
    though, that Dr. Mulcahy and her staff is taking the time to help
    work this out with me - I can't say enough good things about her.
    
    I will keep you all posted and thanks again for all your well-wishes 
    and support.
    
    Marilyn, Otis and Tiffany
    Sam...thanks you too!
        

    Poor Sam.  I hope things go better for him.
    

    re: tumor on thyroid.  I believe that an enlarged  thyroid, called a
    goiter (a chronic, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland,
    visible as a swelling in the front of the neck) is associated with
    hyperthyroidism.
    
    That would explain the discrepancy in your information.
    

    marilyn...
    
    i remember all this with sam from the beginning.  you certainly went
    "above and beyond the call" and have no reason to fault yourself.  how
    sad that the prospective owner died!  i am wondering if she lost her
    will to live when she had to put down her own cat?  (i knew a woman to
    whom this happened.)
    
    sam was obviously meant to be an "only cat", and we are praying it
    works out.  take care...
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    Here is the latest on Sam:
    
    Tracey went to visit him Monday and he is doing better.  Dr. Mulcahy
    removed his thyroid (she said he has a long scar on his neck/throat)
    I guess it was getting too big and he was getting more aggressive.  I
    have been out sick for two weeks and wasn't able to see him but plan
    on visiting him tomorrow night.
    
    They still have not been able to find a home for him - his age seems
    to be the biggest deterent...which is so sad.  I have considered
    bringing him back home but even the Dr. feels that there was so much
    trauma involved that Otis and Tiffany will never accept him. 
    
    My heart is breaking for him.  I feel right now that the one good
    thing going for Sam is that Dr. Mulcahy - and everyone else in her
    office - love him so much that they will continue to keep him.  For
    how long, however, I do not know.
    
    If anyone out there nows of ANYONE who wants a beautiful loving cat
    (who belongs in a family with no other animals) please let me know.
    I am still so upset about this whole situation.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Marilyn