Disappointed Again

Ever have something that you just felted you need to share. Well here it goes. Last night I was watching a new episode of a TV series that recently started its second season here in the states. It is called “Rizzoli and Isles”, where Rizzoli is a police detective and Isles is the corner. Both good friends, and yes being male I think both are attractive (even if a bit too skinny and lacking in curves). While not surprised I am a bit disappointed at what happened in one of the side stories of last night's episode. I have 2 main bones of contention with what happened, and some minor ones.




Girl Kitty.



Part of the side story was that the detectives brother came home, just released from prison. In one scene it was brought up that her dog had been constantly licking its paws. She was not at all concerned with its behavior but her brother was (at least someone noticed). He wanted to take it to the vet to get checked, she could hardly be bothered. I felt that the pet owners lack of concern was bad.

Later in the show she received a call and had to run to intervene with what happened. Her brother had taken the dog to the vet. There being a bit of a hot head he was arguing with the vet, one issue was the price of the check up. After stopping the fight she offered to pay asking how much. When told $300 she started yelling at the vet.

There is several very good reasons why it costs so much. First being a litigious society here in the states, every one wants to sue. The new American dream get rich by suing some one, any idea of what malpractice rates are. Second school ain't cheap they have earned their degree like any other professional more so than some. Third pets are part of the family now, the care and equipment borders on what a human gets. When I took Girl in for her first visit she desperately needed to have several teeth removed. It cost me just over $600, they had to put her under. A charge for EKG (they have to pay for the machine somehow), anesthesiologist, and so on. Just the same as if I was put under for surgery. Disappointment # 1 no support for the fine veterinarians taking care of our loved ones.



Very rare moment. Girl at play.



The other part of the argument carried on through out the rest of the show. According to the brother the doctor called the dog crazy. He wanted to put it on Prozac for depression. They both thought it stupid that the dog might have emotional issues. Again a serious subject treated lightly. The only voice of reason, other than the vet was Isles the medical examiner. She brought up information and statistics on the issue.

 

Making a public appearance.

This is something I am very familiar with. Animals can have emotional issues, due to stress, neglect etc. Over grooming and other symptoms can be either physical or emotional and not to be taken lightly. Again I turn to Girl as my example. Girl is my special needs kitty. After listing to me describe the problem and a routine exam my vet agreed with me. We believe that Girl is having issues with stress. We both feel that is why she only uses the litter box to poo. I have found a way to deal with it, providing her with the help and support she needs.

This was disappointment # 2, that this common problem was taken so lightly. As I mentioned before the subject was mentioned a few more times through out the remainder of the show. Finally at the end, during a gathering of family and friends, another officer noticed that Rizzoli's mother was feeding the dog chicken. He asked if it was constantly licking its paws, then informed them that some smaller breeds have allergies to chicken.

Now while the dogs health issues were resolved, they missed out on the greater good that could have been achieved. A lot of animals are abused, abandoned and put down due to such issues. Many healthy pets that could be happy with the right care, treatment and love. Ones such as Girl who pees outside of the box, needs her own place to eat and who spends a lot of time hiding away from the others. Still she has lots of love to give. I just wish there was some way I could get this message to those involved with the show. At least I was able to get it off of my chest and share with you. Thank you for listening to me rant.



Room for me in the middle, sometimes.



On a different note something else I just have to share. During the night if I have to get up for any reason before I can get back into bed I have to turn on the light for a second. The reason for this is to make sure I do not lay down on top of a cat while I crawl back into bed. Sometimes they shift positions while I am gone. Last night when I did it this is what I saw. Normally I will have 3 maybe 4 in bed with me. What made this special is not only is Girl in bed but also Squirrel has joined us. With the usual 3 Pretty, Ugly, Martian already there TJ also joined in making 6 total. I just had to stumble out and find the camera. I know the bed is a mess etc, etc, what do ya want I am a bachelor after all.
 
 
     

Sleepy Sunday

                       Mittens taking the art of relaxation to the next level.

                       Girl just waking up. Sticking her tongue out at me.

                            Blackie found a spot on a crowded end table.

                                       Ugly sleeping like an angel.



Hoping you all had a nice sleepy weekend. Remember to get plenty of rest for the week ahead.
       
  

Playing Favorites



Girl & Tom sharing a feast.



Girl being my first kitty (after many years without a pet), as well as being the oldest (10 or 11) gets preferential treatment. Being somewhat concerned about recent changes in her fur, as well as appearing to lose weight, I decided to buy her can food to eat. All of them have been on a dry food only diet for the past several months. While Girl likes and eats the dry she is missing most of her teeth. When she first showed up most of her back teeth were bad and on the first vet visit it was decided to have them removed.



The crowd gathers around.



Being shy and timid she will not eat with the others, instead will hide when the others come around while she is eating. In fact most of the time she spends away from the others. I have always been a bit worried about her eating enough. I have decided to feed her a can a day to see if it helps. I have to close her in the bedroom to keep the others away. Also to encourage Tom to come around more I have been giving him her left overs (after she has had a couple of hours to eat it). This time I gave him his own can. Girl does not mind him being around ( I told you all the girls go crazy over him). If anything is left then the others get it.

Hour later, still there.

With me in the room and the door closed the others gather around. You can see them after I walked over to get the camera. Mittens and TJ moved when I walked out. About an hour later they were still there wanting in. This started when I bought a bag of dry that had a coupon for a free can. Twelve cats only one can, who gets it. My favorite of course, she does get other special treatment. Such as me keeping the others away, extra attention, etc.  
 
      

Sleepy Sunday

I know it is mid day Sunday I am posting a bit late. I took a cue from the kitties and decided to sleep late. Then stayed lazy all morning. This week the cats are everywhere, with everyone spread out in a different part of the house.

                                 Ugly is staked out by the back door.

                           Mittens is on the counter. (Squirrel stopped by)

                                       Mittens moved to a new spot.

                                    The Martian was on my chair.

                           Found a new place after I made him get down.

                                        Lil' Bit next to the cat tree.

                     Pretty in her tunnel with Ugly checking out the camera.



Hope you all have a nice lazy Sunday. Remember to get plenty of cat naps in to recharge your self for the upcoming week.
 
     

A Plea for Votes

I have some updates and news to share, but first a plea for votes. Catster is having a contest on Face Book called “Hey Kitty, Strike a Pose”. I entered Squirrel in the contest, the prize is a flip camera. If I win I promise to post some movies of her striking some of her most interesting poses. Not only that I will also include some of Lil' Bit going wild tearing through the house, along with Girl using her paw to “eat” her milk. Now how can you pass that up, it is a win-win situation.

Winning entry.

All you have to do is click on the link find her picture and vote for her. I am using the above image of her in the contest. If everyone asks their friends and family to vote, then she is sure to win. 

Another pose.

As you may have noticed I now have a badge for a Face Book page. I recently joined FB and have already meet some of you there. If you would like you can friend me there. I am still learning all the ins and outs of it. 

I wish to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions in recent posts. I have taken the advice about creating a fund raiser, and asking for help. A few days ago I created a widget on chip-in which you can see on the side bar. Any one that wishes to post it on their blog I would appreciate it. I also created a page there with info about it http://bryanscats.chipin.com/help-keep-a-place-for-strays . I have been posting and sharing this on Face Book. I also created a page there http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bryans-Cats/107754762655335 that links to the chip-in page. I will also use the page to keep updates on the cats going forward. 

Girl on the Bed.

I don't know what is happening with Girl lately. I think she has lost some weight, she has always been skinny but appears more so. Also her hair is starting to mat, I am not sure if it is because she has lost interest in grooming or maybe something else. I am starting to get worried about her. 

 

Girl eating milk.

The rest of the kitties are still happy and healthy. With Blackie stopping by more now that it is getting hotter. Ugly and pretty are still sleeping with me. This morning I had an unusual group of companions, Lil' Bit, Squirrel and The Martian were in bed with me. Maybe they are starting to get used to him.

Lastly I wanted to mention that I have been having problems with Java working on my computer. Just noticed this so for the past couple of weeks some of my emails, comments and other communications have not been working. I will try to catch up over the next couple days.

  

    

Sleepy Sunday

Another lazy sleepy Sunday. Enjoy the pictures.

                                        TJ fell asleep while playing.

                                     The counter is a choice spot.

                            The twins passed out while I was cooking.

                                        Can you say comfortable?

I hope you all had a nice and restful weekend. Remember to take your cat nap.

    

Thomas Catticus

Stud.

Tom has been coming by for about 6 years now. He might have even showed up before Girl did. Every bit the tom cat he does not stay in very long when he does stop by. I don't know if he has another home or not, I like to think he has several spots to get a hand out.

Lately I have been trying to entice him to hang around more by giving him a catnip mouse to play with. I have also been using what is left of this stringed toy. At first he was afraid of it when I would swing it near him, causing him to run from it. As you can see now he will play with it. Being a rare treat when Tom will grace us with his presence I do my best to make him feel welcome.

All the girls think he is hot, they just will not leave him alone. I think he is a bit shy, or maybe more of a Casanova as he doesn't really like all the attention. He is mostly a loner and will not play with the ladies, and will hiss at the other toms.

I just had to get these pictures and share. They are not the best, try playing with a cat while taking a picture with the other hand. It is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I just wish I could get more of the others in action. Oh well enjoy Thomas Catticus at play.

      

Sleepy Sunday

Once again everyone is enjoying a day of rest.

                               Lil' Bit woke up as I took the picture.

                             Finally she was able to completely relax.

                                          Blackie came in for the day.

                                        Pretty in her favorite spot.

                                  Squirrel sleeps with one eye open.

                                        Mittens is totally relaxed.

                            TJ and Pretty are not sure what to make of Mittens.

Hope you all had a nice peaceful weekend.

      

Don't Mess with your kitty

My good friend Mr Puddy asked to hear stories about kitties giving pay back. He also provided this really cool badge to use. If you have not visited him yet I urge you to do so. I also ask that you vote for him as he is up for a blog award. You can click here to vote. Remember to vote often and daily.

I don't have any pictures to share as this was back in the early 90's and did not have a camera at the time. I had a pair of cats that I adopted. I went out to work one morning and they were at my door, barely weened, covered in fleas. One had scratched most of the fur off of her neck. They were named Frick 'n' Frack. (Frick-is-he Frack-is-she). When they were about 6 months old I caught a 3-4 month kitten that was wondering around wild, Socrates, a tuxedo cat.

Best Friends!!

With my job at the time, about twice a week I had to work a double shift. Sometimes I had to just work a few extra hours. I am not sure who but I suspect the first two were responsible. They did not like it when I was not home in time to feed and play with them. Every time I was late I knew what to expect.

I had a niche cutout in one wall with a shelf on it that I placed my phone. On one side was a trash can. When I got home the phone would be in the garbage. Never failed to miss the can, they were good shots. The second thing they did was to completely remove all the toilet paper off of the roll and spread it all over the bathroom. I learned to close the bathroom door, but did not always remember. 

They were always perfect angels, with one sleeping at my feet. Another by my shoulder and the third by my head. I never had to call them to bed. They never got into mischief. They just let me know that I was late and should have been home taking care of them.

     


 

Untitled

I would like to thank you all for your support and encouragement. It feels good to know that there are some people out there that care. After having spent so much time by my self it is hard just opening up trying to get to know people. Part of the reason for the blog, that and sharing about the kitties.




Mittens near the computer.



Being a man it is even harder to reach, out especially to ask for help. I have always had to be self sufficient, not having much in the way of family or friends to lean on. It is hard for me for two reasons, it does feel like begging, I hate asking for help. Second I see so many cats that need help for medical reasons, I would feel that I would be taking money away from them. I guess I need to get over that, because if something happened, and I had to move who would take care of these cats. They have no where to go, Girl would not survive in a shelter.



Girl



I don't know how else to do it, to try to raise emergency funds. I did get a Paypal button posted, and if anyone wishes to help out it would be greatly appreciated. I have had a Paypal account for a while, I use it for my Ebay auctions. I have been putting items up for sale, trying to raise some extra cash. If anyone is interested in checking my auctions out you can go to Ebay and search for my listings. Next to the search button click on advanced then on the left click by seller. In the box for sellers ID put cum4tlynum, it will give you a list of what I have for sale.



 

I think she has allergies.



I do promise to pay back any help received. The same way I ask others to when I help. That is to pass it forward, by helping others out when they need it.

I don't have a lot posted right now, a few items might be a bit high. That is because most items only get one bid, if I have to sell them then I put the lowest I would take (especially on the pictures) I also have a couple of stores at Zazzle one is “Cats Castle” which I have linked on here before the other is “Ponderings, Quotes and Sayings”. I also have some Cafe Press sites, there each design is a different store I have most of them linked to each other. Mostly the same designs on each with a few exceptions. You can try this link and this one. I need to spend some more time getting new designs made and posted. Have only had one shirt sell at Cafe Press after having the site over a year. Had several items sell at Zazzle, only opened it this year. I think due to less competition. Some people actually make a living with these two.



Mizz Purrzzy



I have been trying to find ways to make some extra on line. I did start a blog at Wordpress which I linked to my none cat related stores. I have let it fall behind and need to get back at it. I also have Google Adsence and Amazon affiliate. You have seen their links on this blog. None of these pay out unless you make at least $20 which is hard to do.



Mizz Purrzzy's babies.



As to doing a search to earn money on line, most of the results are scams (I have checked some of them out). Wanting money up front. Similar to those preweb adds in newspapers “make money stuffing envelopes”. However I have run across a couple of places (did not search for them) that pay for articles, being a bit unsure of my writing style have not yet submitted anything. Although there are a few subjects I could write about. There is also a web site that if you have an idea they will help to get it produced and sold. What is nice is anyone can join. Those that participate by offering suggestions helping improve others ideas can also earn money. I keep putting off joining, due partly I think to being a bit down.



Can never get a good pic of his face.



I mention these to let you all know about them so you can use them too. Also to promote my sites to encourage visitors. I did join Face Book recently, I post links to my stores there to promote them. If anyone wants to friend me search for “Bryan Buckner” you will see Squirrel's pic as my profile pic. Not very good at setting up this web page so do not have all the links I would like on here.



My profile pic.



Again thanks for your support, if anyone knows anything else I could do or wants to help me set something up I would greatly appreciate it. I hate to admit it but trying to keep everything going I have gotten several hundred behind. Not only behind in electric bill but rent also, that is why I was going to let it go. At least until I got rent caught up. It is hard catching up after having been unemployed for so long. Oh well things can only get better, right.