Conference misery::feline_v1

    I would love to take this cat only because you sound so sincere
    and desperate I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes...The only
    only thing stopping me is that I live in New Hampshire...3000 miles
    away.
    
    God bless this little guy...

    Oh, I hope you find a home for this kitten.  She sounds ADORABLE!!!
    Since she is in California, this sounds like a job for Karen Kolling!
    Karen, do you know of anyone who would want an adorable furrface???
    
    Holly
    
    

    In the meantime, I will offer to pay air fare and bail for the little
    guy for anybody who wants the kitten anywhere within the USA.  Lets
    see if we cant help the little guy out.
    
    Marion

    I can help with $$, too.  Please let me know.
    
    Jane

    Can we put the New Hampshire person and the money and my taking
    the cat to the airport together?  New Hampshire, can you actually
    take this cat?  I did tell a friend who recently lost her cat to
    kidney disease about this, but she is a great cat person, her husband
    is not, and they haven't settled between themselves what they will
    do, so I don't have much hope there.
    
    I'll ferry the cat or do what else I can to help, just let me know.
    work is (415)853-2117 home (415)325-6407.
    

    YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!
    
    Is it true?  Are there really other people who would go to any lengths
    to give a Good guy a break?  I cannot believe how truly wonderful
    all of your respective responses have been!  
    
    I went at lunchtime, again, today to see my furry friend.  I told
    him that i would do anything i could to expedite his release.  I
    told him that i Love him and i wanted, more than anything, to set
    him free.  I explained that he would, at least, be safe, dry, fed,
    and in clean surroundings, and that when i found a good home for
    him, i would come to take him out.  I petted him and scratched his
    furry ears for a while, and gave him his vitamins and some cat treats
    which i shared with the other cats and puppies in his cell block.  I 
    said i knew he was bored, and that if he could read i would have brought 
    a good book.  I did not bring a sock or a toy because i know the
    Humane Society checks the cages often and would just throw it away.
    
    He was glad to see me.  And i him.  And i asked my Higher Power for
    guidance.  Your responses warm my Heart and give me Hope.
    
    Please feel free to call me.  If the phone rings and there is no
    answer, (it happens when it's very busy) try again, later.  If i am 
    not there, leave a message.  I will most certainly return your call.
    
    With a higher degree of Respect for my fellows,
    
    sabonn pigott
    (daufin)
    

    What's the last day the humane society will keep him?
    

    I'll donate a carrier temporarily to fly him in, to wherever he
    can go.
    
    Dave McAllister
    

	Is it not the time for formation of

	**	DECAFFEINATE	**

	Digital Equipment Corporation Action Fund For Emergency Injections,
			Neutering And Transport Eventualities.


	Seriously folks, I'm sure that there are others like me who
	would like to help out, at least financially, at times like
	these and a central fund to help out in these tragic cases
	may be just the idea. I appreciate that shelters, hospitals,
	etc. are already being supported by you all but in these urgent
	type of cases the costs can be shared between us to give another
	little friend a special helping hand. The fund could also be used
	to help with the spaying/neutering/innoculation costs some of
	you are already incurring while obtaining homes for furries you
	have rescued, etc.

	If someone could organise a collecting point (or two, maybe one
	in the USA and one in the UK, to cut down on currency exchange costs)
	I for one have a cheque ready to send (would you prefer pounds,
	Deutschmarks or what?).

	Any thoughts (or addresses)

	Brian (who's very grateful that he's had the chance to meet you
		all even if it's just through this conference)

        Munich, West Germany

    	p.s. Hey girls, how do you get the tearstains out of shirts??
    

    
    O.k. let's get the show on the road here....  :^)
    
    Do we have yet someone to adopt the little one?  If not there is
    a 99% chance we have..  For those who remember the little one at
    the Pelham Pound with a broken leg (Karen Kolling you should), well
    his adoptive mom Conni is looking for a friend for Jake.  She wants
    me to find out what's what first and if the cat doesn't have a home
    yet well I think she'd love to take the cat.  Like she said Jake
    came to her in such a spectular way it only seems right...  
    
    To address another point that was made in 1266.9.  If we would like
    to do something like this I would be more then happy to volunteer
    to be a central point for something like that.  It is a very good
    idea as these emergencies do come up and alot of times it would
    be a great help for everyone involved.
    
    So if someone could update me on what's the latest stat on the kitty
    we'll take it from there.  I'll get in touch with the specific parties
    off line to keep the lines open.  I'll also be more then happy to
    donate some $$$'s for the plane ride and whatever.......  
    
                                                                kim
    
    p.s.   the tearstains will dry......  :^)

    You have made my day...
    
       If you do need financial assistance for this rescue mission,
    where do I send my donation?  
    
    Sue in Atlanta

    
    Would someone out there who has had some type of previous experience
    with the how's to of consolidating funds like this get in touch
    with me off-line for future reference as to what's the easiest way
    to do this, if it should be sent thru dec's mail or outside?  As
    for this instance I would think seeing Marion Daly has donated to
    pay such a bulk the extra should go to her....  I will get to her
    off line to talk about this.....
    
                                                                 kim
    
    

    As I said in the first reply to this conference, I would love to
    take this little guy.  I'm floored to see that there are such wonderful
    people out there that would actually spend the money to fly him
    out to New Hampshire.
    
    Actually, there are two more things stopping me from taking him
    and that's another cat and a dog.  My husband has politely asked
    me no more animals for a while...
    
    TPVAX3::ROBBINS - will Connie really take this cat???  Let me know
    if I can help...
    
    Laura
    

    Its times like this that I am SO grateful I found this notesfile..the
    people confering here are the best in my book!   If only more people
    felt the way we do about cats and animals in general.
    
    Kim, I would like to donate to this cause also...please let me know
    where I can send the money.
    
    Erin

    Me, too!!
    
    Regarding the general fund:  Do all sites have DCU facilities/access?
    If so, the central collector(s) could open a special fund at the
    DCU...Their savings accounts are compounded daily and thus earn
    more interest.  This way, the fund would stand on its own and be
    able to be withdrawn as necessary in the form of emergency money
    orders.  Once a good financial goal is reached, some of the money
    could be invested in a c.d. and earn even more interest for the
    fund.  Any financial analysts out there?  Just some thoughts...
    
    God and computers working together....Gotta love it.
    
    Maureen

    What we need is someone who can give this cat a home, then we can
    get his show on the road -- is there anyone out there?
        

    I'll pick him up at the airport. I'll drive him to his new home.
    I'll give money. Somebody PLEASE take him.
    
    Steve

    Karen, and all others concerned, he can stay at the Humane Society
    until the 20th of April.  Actually, the kennel fee there is cheaper
    than many other places, so we're better off keeping him in there
    than if we put him up in a long-term kennel.  The place is clean
    and well-tended (i don't know why i'm surprised about that, do you?)
    and for three dollars a day, it's not so bad.
    
    Also, i want you all to know that i will get him out **BEFORE**
    there is any risk of him being put to sleep.  There is NO WAY i
    will let him be put to sleep.  The H.S. provides vaccinations/shots
    etcetera and i will ask them to do this if it is appropriate.  
    
    If need be, i will take your suggestion and put him in the Palo Alto 
    shelter if time runs out.  Also, i am listed with Pets In Need for 
    referral.  Their kennels are full right now.
    
    This little guy has a sister, whom i also cared for and had spayed.
    She is a little grey and white bob-tail kitty.
    
    She was picked up one day before he was.  I got a call from Julia,
    who was referred to me by Pets In Need.  She wanted a Manx and i
    told her about the little girl.  She met me at the Humane Society 
    Monday with her daughter, took one look at her, and took her home.
    I was delighted that the little girl found a home.  Until i put
    the 1266 note together, i could not find a soul who seemed to care
    about the little boy kitty.
    
    When he used to come around to my patio door, he would sit up on
    his haunches, tilt his cute little face, and cross his paws over
    his head.  Don't tell my landlord, but when i let him in, he would
    dive into the floor, flip over, and let me rub his tummy and tickle
    his chin.  He squeaks just like a rubber ducky.
    
    A central funding for emergency situations like this is an excellent
    idea.  My dollars will most certainly go to such a cause.
    
    If Connie is interested, please have her call me.
    
    Thank you and you and each and every one of you and in Munich, too!
    
    
    P.S.  Does anyone know about a place in Campbell that offers guaranteed
    placement for animals?  Someone in my office mentioned the place
    but could not come up with the Name.
    
    sabonn                                                            
    

    Re: .18
    
    Be aware that the Palo Alto shelter is a "normal" shelter.  That
    is, I am not aware of any boarding service that they offer;  I think
    all of their animals are on death row.  I suggested it because they
    can generally keep cats a bit longer than other shelters in the area.
    
    Be VERY careful of guaranteed placement places.  There have been
    several scams out here where people offered guaranteed placement
    for a fee and then were found to be dumping the animals at a shelter.
                                              
    I posted a copy of your message on some other local newsgroups, maybe
    (cross fingers) someone will show up today.
    

    You are right.  A long-term kennel (even at a higher rate) will
    be much safer than the Palo Alto shelter.  My Parents live in Los
    Altos Hills and I could use their address to put a "hold" on him
    if i absolutely had to put him in there.  Be aware that i will only
    use this as a last resort to buy some time.
    
    sabonn

    The "ladies" and I would most certainly donate $$$ to whomever decides
    to give the little fellow a home.  Just let me know where to send
    the check!
    
    Mary-Michael, Niniane and Charm
    
    P.S.  As a "mom" who also adopted, I can't tell you how grateful
          these kitties can be, they just seem to know....every night
          I come home and sit on the couch and Charm climbs up onto
          my shoulder, tucks her head under my chin and purrs, and purrs.
          This is a ten pound cat, mind you.  I wouldn't trade it for
          world...             MM

    Hi,
    
    
       I'll be glad to take the kitten I have a a cat cuddles and a
    dog ziggy who would love to have a little brother also a five year
    old doughter who wants a kitty so if there are no other takers in
    your area as I too am from New Hampshire and if so many people would
    be willing to help with expenses then he's got a new home. Did any
    one check to see what the cost would be to send him accross country?
    we own our own home so there's no problem with landlords and plenty
    of other freinds in the area to play with.
    
    nancy 

    Sabonn, I think the place your friend is referring to is "Miller's
    Pet Adoption Center".  I got Bailey from them.  They have an annex
    at the Berryessa (SJ) Flea Market and when I was at the flea market
    I stopped by there.  They have animals of all ages that they are
    trying to place.  They all looked in good health/condition.  I ended
    up bringing Bailey home on one of my stops in there.  I kept walking
    away telling myself I can't have cats, I'm allergic to cats, I live
    in a no pets apartment.  I came home with a cat.
    
    I haven't been to their location in Campbell yet but I've been
    planning to go and take them a picture of Bailey.
    
    Miller's provides vet care and all they ask when you adopt a pet
    is a donation to cover the cost of medical care given to the pet.
    Bailey's fee was $3.00.  I didn't have any money on me nor did I
    have my purse with me at that time.  The woman told me if it was
    just the money holding me back to just go ahead and take Bailey home.
    
    One of these days I really am going to go back and make a donation;
    but I'm afraid I'll come home with another cat.
    
    Jan
            
    

    re:  1266.22 by CGVAX2::LYNCH and a few others
    
    Looks like we're on our way.  Will new owner CGVAX2::LYNCH and soon
    to be former owner please contact TPVAX3::ROBBINS.  She will
    co-ordinate things with you.  Then, when she gets info like your
    nearest airport and a good day for both of you, she can get 'hold
    of me.  I will contact the airlines and arrange for the flight.
    All of you folks that want to offer "help", lets hold off till the
    little guy is all scheduled.  Then we'll talk.
    
    Marion
    

    Just a note - the Manchester airport has alot of flights.  You might
    want to try to fly in there (since CGVAX3 is the MKO cluster).
    
    I just want to express (once again) the way I feel about this notes
    file.  I think it's wonderful what people will do for other people
    (and furfaces too).
    
    I don't want to sound cheap, I would love to donate some $$$, but
    my husband and I are closing on a home in a few weeks and we need
    all the $$$ we can scrape up.  But my best wishes and prayers are
    with you! 
    
    Good luck!
    
    anna/zildjian/paradiddle
    

    
    
    I think this is wonderful!  My furface, Jake, came to me in a special
    way, just like this one - through the love and caring of many people
    who don't let little things like thousands of miles get in their
    way!   And believe me, though all kitties are special, I think the
    ones that survive through ordeals like this are extra-special (geez,
    I'm not too biased, am I!).  I really think these 'kids' know that 
    there is a special someone out there, waiting just for them, and that's
    what keeps these kitties going.  
          
    Congratulations to the new mom-in-waiting, I know you've made a
    lot of people very very happy today, and please be sure to know that 
    if things don't work out in New Hampshire that there's always a home 
    in Ayer.
    
    Conni

    
    RE:  .25   RATTLE::LANDRY
    
    Closing on a new house, eh?  Sounds to me like you are going to
    have a lot more room for extra kitties real soon!
    
    Marion ;^D
    

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!	And best wishes to the new
    Mom-to-be!!!  I'm so happy I'll have to give the ladies
    extra hugs tonight!!!
    
    Just let know me know where to send that check!
    
    Mary-Michae, Niniane and Charm

    I am going to the Humane Society at lunch today and while i'm there
    i will ask the H.S. to provide me with a list of the available shots,
    vaccinations, etcetera and their fees.  I suspect that the airlines
    will require proof of ownership, registration, and vaccinations.
    Photocopies of receipts for any expenses incurred will be provided.  
    All who offer support are greatly appreciated.
    
    If you are calling the airport, you might ask exactly what they
    require for proper transport procedures and let me know.  We might
    as well take advantage of the time and resources that are there
    while he is incarcerated.
                             
    Nancy, thank you for your call; i had you mixed up with the first
    New Hampshire response.  Forgive me.  I would be happy to release
    him to your custody when we work all this out.
    
    For those willing to help and those who'd just like to say "Hello", 
    please feel free to call.
    
    sabonn
          

    This has really made my day!!!!!  YAHOOOOO!!!  I am soooo happy
    for the little furface.... I hadn't read all the responses till
    just a few minutes ago and had decided that if someone hadn't 
    already spoken for him, then I was going to.  I am so happy he
    found a home!!!!                                   
    
    Please let me know where to send some money to.
    
    We send our best to the little guy and his new family, God Bless!
    Erin, RumTum & McCafferty

    
    A friend of mine in this office, Diana Nunes, and i went to the Humane 
    Society today to visit Little Boy.  They provide rabies and distemper
    shots for $9.00 each shot.  I will have them give him those shots
    tomorrow.  He is in good health and spirits.  I told him about you
    all.
    
    I will go home tonight with a full Heart and Peace of Mind.
    
    sabonn
    

    You are the most special people!  Everytime I read a tearjerker
    like this, I always want to adopt another kitty.  Unfortunately,
    I live in a small condo (with a roommate who's allergic to cats),
    and two's the limit (the bylaws say one, but...).
    
    I know what you mean by "Special" Kitties.  I took Schnapps home
    from the Humane Society immediately when the person there said
    that she didn't have the best odds because of all the kittens,
    and because she had yet to be spayed.  Schnapps seems to look
    at me frequently, as if to be saying, "Yeah, Mom...I know.  And
    thanks."
    
    And it was because of this wonderful Notesfile that Schnapps found
    her buddy Tequila.
    
    God bless all of you and your little furfaces.  And new-Mom-to-be,
    you'll be rewarded many times over with affection from the Little
    Boy.
    
    P.S.  When are we all gonna meet?

    I appreciate all of the things you all are doing.  We're not yet
    there but the ball is rolling.  We just need to get confirmation
    on whether the airlines require a health certificate or whatever.
    
    He should be ready to go on or around the 20th.
    
    sabonn

    I just read this note from start to finish.  I started it with `fear'
    in my heart and ended it with `joy' in it.  I'm so glad for Little
    Boy.
    
    I know Nancy personally and she is indeed a WONDERFUL person.  And
    she also knows how to be patient when waiting to see a `SPECIAL
    LOVED ONE' from across the miles (Nance, how is Pamewa????).
    
    Little Boy is indeed very lucky.  Nancy and Pamewa will definitely
    spoil him.
    
    I am also available for help.
    
    Sandi  (Lightning & DejaVu's mom)
    
    

    I had the H.S. give Little Boy his rabies vaccination on Friday.
    Wednesday, i will have them give him his distemper vaccination.
    I will bail him out of the Humane Society Wednesday P.M. and take
    him to my vet (Crosbie's) where he will be kept for two nights.
    Dr. Crosbie will be in on Friday morning to examine him, issue a
    Health Certificate, and run a test for Leukemia.  I will have Dr.
    Crosbie prescribe a mild tranquilizer for Little Boy's flight. 
    I will also purchase a small caddy from Crosbie's and some warm
    bedding to keep him snuggly.
    
    I called the local TWA office to confirm his reservation for Flight
    754 leaving San Francisco at 8:55 am nonstop to arrive at Logan
    airport at about 5:23 pm. on Saturday, April 23, 1988.  Either i
    or my parents will keep him inside at home Friday night and i will
    be taking him to the airport on Saturday morning to see him off.
    When i get home i will call Nancy and let her know to expect him.
    (If i can talk through all the tears!)
    
    I will also send documentation for everything.  I will keep copies
    for anyone who wants to contribute.  I will miss him terribly, but
    i know he is going to a good home.
    
    sabonn

    This is one of the most heartening fantastic things that I have
    heard of in quite a while. God bless everyone involved.
    Keep us posted please.
    
     With tears of joy love...SPANKY and HARPO'S father
    

    For those of you who have been following the progress of Little
    Boy, i submit the following:
    
    He is in excellent condition, all of the arrangements have been
    made and he will be with his new mom on Saturday evening.
    
    I have watched a hopeless situation blossom into a wonderful solution
    and my Heart is swelling with Happiness.
    
    A few spectacular people have made it possible for Little Boy to
    continue to live a long, full and Loving life.  I would like to thank
    each and every one of you.  Your support has been gargantuan.
    
    sabonn

    This note makes me feel wonderful!
    

    Hi Everyone!
    
          This is from the anxious mom two more days to go I can't believe
    it. I still haven't told PJ and she keeps asking every morning if
    we can get a kitty I keep telling her we'll see but she does know
    we're going to the airport but she thinks we're picking up grandma.
    I can't wait to see her face I'm bring the camera so will have pictures
    to capture the moments. Gotta go for now Thanks to everyone for
    their graciousness and help.
    
    Nancy
    

    This note makes me feel so wonderful!  Make sure you make copies
    of those pictures and joint the picture exchange!  We all would
    LOVE to see what Little Boy looks like!
    
    Holly, Tabby, and Silver
    

    This is really great. Sounds like Eye Witness News should be present
    for this one. What a story.
    
    I'd still like to write someone a check to help defray costs, but
    I havn't seen arrangements for doing so. Did I miss something????
    
    
    Steve

    I have been taking pictures, also, of Little Boy in "Juvenile Hall",
    and will take some Friday night as well.  I have negatives and can
    make copies upon request.  We will definitely be spending Friday
    night at my Parent's home, where Little Boy will be celebrated by
    my Family.
    
    I have already bought several rolls of film and will get pictures
    of his last night in California.  Of course, he will be indoors,
    i do not want to take a chance of him missing his flight!  I also
    intend to get pictures of him boarding the plane and flying out.
    
    If i only knew all of this were going to happen, i would have taken
    pictures of him as a baby and all of the indescribably cute antics
    he used to display.  Isn't it amazing what we do for our furry friends?
    
    Nancy, he's a charmer!  I thank you for giving him a loving home!
    I would love to see pictures of his arrival in New Hampshire, i
    will be happy to pay for any reprints you could send!  I am putting
    an album together with as much memorabilia as i can scrape together.
    
    Maybe someday, soon, i will write a book.
    
    sabonn

    Sabonn,
    
    If you do write a book, I would like to purchase a copy!  Something
    to tell my friends about.
    
    Good luck to Little Boy!
    
    anna/zildjian/paradiddle
    

    I suggest that discussions as to methods of chipping in to
    defray expenses be postponed until after "L. B." is safe and
    sound with Nancy.
    
    Marion

    Is he home with Nancy yet?  How did it all go?  
    
    We are on the edge of our seats!  Please make this one book with
    a happy ending.
    
    Congratulations to both owner and ex owner.  Its great when something
    so positive comes out of this conference.  It would be nice to know
    how many cats have found homes because of it.
    
    Kate, Philip, Isis and Tarot

    Little Boy is all ready to take a plane on Saturday morning from
    S.F. to Logan airport.  He's not there, yet, but we will update
    you all on Monday.  I will call Nancy after the plane takes off
    Saturday morning, and Nancy will call me Sunday morning to let me
    know that he's safe and sound in New Hampshire.  I am sure this
    story will continue on a very high note!
    
    Your love is warmly welcomed!
    
    sabonn

    Well everyone Little Boy is home save and sound he landed at Logan
    at 5:25 but because we had to wait for the freight to come over
    to the cargo area I didn't get him till 6:30. He was nice and calm
    on the ride home. PJ sang to him and kept telling Bill & I to keep
    quite as Kitty was sleeping. She also told him all about his new
    home and that she told his new sister he was coming so they better
    fight cause that wouldn't be too nice. He made himself at home once
    we arrived (we put Cuddles out first for a couple hours until he
    got use to his new surroundings). When we finally let Cuddles in
    there was the usual hissing and growling. PJ say's Little Boy was
    just telling Cuddles about his trip but the rest of us knew better.
    the evening went well. I called Sabonn and let her know everything
    was fine and the adjustment was going well.
    
    Sunday morning went well except Little Boy was resting in Bill's
    closet next to oour bed and Cuddles walked in and it wasn't a pleasant
    sound to wake up to but at least they haven't gone after each other.
    Oh-yes Little Boy's new name is O'maley after Walt Disney's Aristocats
    as THis is PJ's new kitty and she wanted to name him herself. It's
    funny to as he responds to it and when I call him Little Boy he
    walks the other way. As for Cuddles and O'Maley they were actually
    being nice to one another last evening and were eating real nice
    this morning without any growling. We're keeping O'Maley in for
    a few days until he really gets use to us and the house. Although
    we have limited him to the down stairs as he thinks it's fun to
    claw the furniture but there's plenty of room to explore and windows
    to look out. Well gotta go for now. Again our thanks go to everyone
    that helped with the GREAT CONTINENTAL KITTY SWAP.
    
    THANKS AGAIN
    NANCY
    

    this is such a great story - so heart-warming. And the best part
    is that it is real!!!
       
    I think it should be passed on to CATS Magazine and would be happy
    to do so -if all parties involved agreed. I think it shows how people
    working together can achieve a happy ending to a seemingly impossible
    situation - and how a kitten found a home due to amazingly dedicated
    people. I think it is a story worth telling - all you people have
    done a terrific job. This story, and I think Maureen Roy's story
    with Touey, are two recent examples of humanity at its finest. People
    helping people, and in turn helping less fortunate creatures. I
    don't know about you but it sure renews my faith in people.
    
                 
    Pat
    

    Pat, 
    
    I think that is a great idea.  Both stories are SO wonderful.
    
    I am so happy to hear that O'maley is doing so well.  As I was driving
    home from the cat show yesterday, I was thinking about this cat
    and wondering how everything had gone.  It makes me feel good to
    be involved with such wonderful caring people.
    
    HOlly
    

    RE: 48,49
    
    As a matter of fact, I called the editor of Cat Fancy Magazine last
    Thursday. They are VERY interested. If someone is willing to write
    this up, they will most surely publish it.
    
    I was going to do it, but if my writting skills were that good,
    I would have written a book by now, SO, if someone is willing it's
    about 99% certain it will be published.
    
    
    Steve

    I suggest contacting DEC's public relations department before getting
    such a story published.  It may seem mercenary of me, but DEC could use
    all the good publicity possible.  I hope and trust that the PR
    department would allow a story in Cat Fancy, but they may not want Cat
    Fancy to have exclusive rights to the story.  That way, DEC could get
    additional PR in more widely read publications.  Besides, if DEC gets
    good feedback, the corporate charity people may decide to sponsor
    additional animal rights activities. 
    
       Gary

    If someone else does the legwork involved in making sure that
    we have the proper corporate blessings, I'll volunteer to actually
    write the story.
    
    Edd

    And I'll volunteer to  write the one about Touey if someone 
    would do the legwork.  I have no idea where to begin doing legwork
    on something like this.
    
    Holly
    
                           

    This reminds me, three cheers to DEC for matching charitable
    contributions to animal welfare organizations.  Xerox, where I worked
    before, did not (raspberry sound), although it matched contributions
    to orchestras and so on.
    

    I will volunteer to do the legwork - and will start with the
    P.R. department. When I get to work tomorrow I will make an
    appt with them.
    
    But before anything goes to the magazine, it should first
    go to Sabonn Pigott, Nancy Lynch, and Maureen Roy for their
    blessings of the articles. However, I guess it is assumed that
    they would be providing the writers - Edd and Holly? - with
    any additional info E & H  need. I am real excited about these
    articles because they are about human interest and INVOLVEMENT
    and CAREING. 
    
    I will start the legwork Tuesday - unless someone else wants to
    do it - in which case tell me first thing Tuesday please
    so we don't duplicate efforts.   
    
    Nancy Lynch can provide pictures, and I'll bet that Sabonn and Maureen
    have some of their own.
    
    I'll enter an update tomorrow (Tuesday).
    Pat
                         
    

    Re .55 (Pat):
    
    First, the people to contact are in the Corporate Information Group of
    Corporate Public Relations (Manager, Jeffrey Gibson; staff, Elizabeth
    Slattery, Mark Fredrickson, and Nikki Richardson).   
    
    The long story can be handled two ways:
    
    1) With a Digital component.  In this case, the full clearance is
    necessary.  Probably, the VAXnotes connection will have to be
    downplayed, for legal reasons.
    
    2) As a human-interest story with no mention of Digital.  This would
    make it a much weaker (possibly unacceptable) story, but would minimize
    the clearance.
    
    If the writer(s) opt for approach #1, _all_ clearances should be made
    prior to contacting the magazine.          
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
    Corporate Public relations
    [Product publicity side]

    If #1 is chosen, does the story have to revolve around a "Digital"
    theme? "DEC saves cat" or some such? That sounds like a story for
    an internal publication, not a cat magazine.
    
    If #2, can we make mention of a nameless computer bulletin board
    service?
    
    I'll write the story but I won't risk a violation of corporate policy
    to do so. Keep me posted...
    
    Edd

    Re .57 (Edd):
    
    >If #1 is chosen, does the story have to revolve around a "Digital"
    >theme?  ...  
    
    No.  But if the company or its resources are mentioned, it has to
    be cleared.
    
    >If #2, can we make mention of a nameless computer bulletin board
    >service?
     
    Probably.  Depends on how it's treated, of course.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    
    Nancy, thank you for giving O'Maley a good home.  Marion, thank
    you for funding, and ultimately making it possible for me to carry
    out the responsibilities necessary to get him there.  Jan, thank
    you for the offer of a place for the kitty to stay, temporarily,
    even at risk to yourself.  Karen, thank you for the offer to ferry 
    the kitty to the airport, although i really wanted to do it myself 
    and the warnings about the Adoption "scams", i had no idea!  Dave,
    thank you for offering to donate a carrier; we bought one so that
    we would not have to worry about how to get it back.  Kim, Brian in 
    West Germany, Jane, Sue in Atlanta, Erin, RumTum & McCafferty, Steve, 
    Mary-Michael, Niniane and Charm, thank you all for offers of financial
    assistance, you gave me the courage to attempt the impossible; have
    each of you contacted Marion - who actually sent me a Money Order
    to cover the costs?  Connie, Anna/Zildjian/Paradiddle, Maureen,
    Holly, and Laura, thank you all for the ideas and support.
    
    I will miss O'Maley.  I did get photos and will provide them to
    those of you who want them.  Also, i have documentation of the expenses
    which i will send to Marion.  Anyone contributing will be able to
    get copies from me upon request.
    
    sabonn

    How about including the story of Jake, Conni's kitty in with the
    other two....maybe make one big story out of it....I would think
    the impression would be bigger if we show three success in one story.
    
    What do you think???
    
    purrs
    cin
    

    Yeah!  Jake should be in there too!
    
    

    Can someone post the address of the magazine?
    
    When I was doing semi-pro photo work I learned the best thing you
    can have is the magazine's writing and photo guidelines. I'll send
    away for them if someone can provide the address.
    
    Edd

    This is what my copy says -- I can't tell which address you should
    use:
    
    Cat Fancy magazine is published monthly by
    Fancy Publications, Inc.
    #3 Burroughs
    Irvine, Calif. 92718
                                          
    Corporate headquarters are located at 2401 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles,
    Calif. 90057-0900.
    
    

    Can someone PLEASE point me to the Jake story?  I remember the name,
    I remember that there was a story about him, but can't for the life
    of me remember what the story was about.
    
    Holly (Who is getting senile in her old age.)
    

    Jake's note is 873.  Jake is the three-legged pussycat who,
    when last heard from, was reducing Conni's house to itty-bitty pieces.
    

    I said I would put in an update today so here goes ---
                    
    I talked with Steve Kallis and got some pertinent info on publishing
    pieces which may include references to DEC data systems and 
    equipment. At his suggestion I also contacted another person
    within the Corp. Public Relations world who had additional input.
    I then contacted Edd Cote and Holly Taylor, who are writing the articles
    about O'Mally and Touey, and passed on the info to them. The
    suggestions centered around using persons names, company names, 
    focuses of the stories, etc. The stories will have to pass thru
    DEC PR and DEC Legal before leaving the company. Any pictures used
    will also pass thru these two depts. 
    
    If a story is done on Jake, we can submit all three stories as
    a "Trilogy". Is there anyone out there who can write the Jake story?
    If so, please contact me and I will pass on all the details as related
    to me by public relations.
    
    Edd is getting the publishing requirements from the magazine
    and will forward those on to Holly, and to whomever is writing
    Jake's story.                                                   
    
    Any updates will be entered here so everyone will know where the
    stories are in their progress. 
    
    Pat
       

    How about Fran for Jake?  She volunteered a few replies ago.
    

    P.S. I hope our fledgling (oops -- wrong word for this conference)
    authors post their stories here, so we get to read them even if
    they don't see the light of day in Cat Fancy.
    

    There used to be a TV show many moons ago called the Naked City.
    In the beginning of the program, they always used to start off by
    saying, "Theres a million stories in the Naked City, This is one
    of them".
    
    Likewise, there are many many stories in Feline. I do not wish to
    take anything away from any of them, however I feel that O'Mally's
    story is truly unique and should not be diluted by combinning it
    with others. Space is limited, and articles can only be so long.
    For the story to be told the way it should be, it should stand alone.
    
    There were also" several" people who volunteered to write. May I suggest
    that whoever wishes to take a shot, do so. Post your story here,
    and let the readers of Feline vote on the one they would most like
    to see published.
    
    Just my opinion.
    
    
    Steve 

    Re: .70
    
    I think I don't agree.  Either Cat Fancy or Cats magazine, I can't
    recall which one often does multiple stories in one.  I think both
    Touey and Jake were in more dire straits than O'Mally.  If the magazine
    wants just one story, the editors can scissor it up.
    

    RE .71
    Editors don't like to scissor things up, they want it done
    before hand by the author. Cat Fancy get aproximately 3,000
    submissions monthly, and because of the extensivenss of submissions
    they do a quit sort by staff editors to find the articles that
    require the least amount of revision. You most certainly can
    combine stories, however they must be in close relationship
    to each other with a clear topic of interest.
    

    I am thinking that the thread of the story is our working together
    to help these pusses, with three cases in point.  This is a unified
    story.  Perhaps others are viewing things from a different orientation?
    

    
    I agree that the stories should be separate but they can
    be submitted as a trilogy, tied together by a short initial
    paragraph. That way- each story can be told, with its own
    particular details of human/humane interaction. Each one has
    a wonderful uniqueness.
    
    There are particular guidelines for writing this type of story-
    especially if the company name is mentioned - as well as
    personal names. I have discussed this with the Public Relations
    Dept. and have relayed their responses to Edd and Holly. It
    is also understood that after the PR Dept. reviews the stories,
    that it must then go on to Legal. Nothing can be released to
    any magazine until both Depts have reviewed them. 
    
    By mentioning DEC in the articles, a dimension is unfolded showing
    big-business is not ALWAYS cold and unfeeling; that big-business
    CAN and DOES help people in ways not thought-of by people outside
    of this (DEC) company. To write it in this manner is definately
    more interesting than simply mentioning a generic computer company.
    Since these acts could only have been successful because of DEC
    equipment and systems, DEC should get some of the credit. But to
    do so, requires attention to legalities. 
    
    I had volunteered to do the legwork, and in discussions with PR 
    it was mutually decided that one person was needed as a conduit 
    between the PR Dept and those persons doing the writing. As I had 
    made the contacts, I agreed to be the conduit.
                                     
    Edd and Holly agreed to write the articles on O'Mally and Touey - 
    BTW - no one has officially agreed to do the writing of Jake's 
    story - and I think his story holds much merit as well as the other
    two. *** Who will do little Jake's story?***
    
    (Writing an article within legal and literary requirements is very
    time-consuming- especially since this is done in "spare time").
         
                                                                 
    Pat
    
    

    I nominate Karen Luby to write the Jake story.  Everyone knows we
    have all enjoyed her stories here in this notes file.
    
    Holly
    

    Fran already volunteered, didn't she?  Are you out there Fran?
    

    If no one else wants to do the story of Jake, I will.  I have the
    two key sources here, Marian Stronach, who originally let us know
    about Jake, and Conni Sandstrom, the mother Jake adopted.
    
    I usually only write technical documentation though!!!
    
    Purrs
    cin
    

    Before anyone starts writing, I suggest we wait until I get the
    guidelines from the magazine. They may have word limits or other
    factors that could render a fantastic story semi-worthless....
    
    Edd

    I'm not going to write anything until I get word from somebody.
    I would really prefer not to write a story, but if nobody else
    volunteers to write Jake's story, I will.
    
    cin
    

    Re .78 (Edd):
    
    >Before anyone starts writing, I suggest we wait until I get the
    >guidelines from the magazine. ...
     
    That's okay, but please don't _commit_ a story to editors at this
    stage.  If they've expressed an interest in such a story, that's
    fine.  If/when one's done, that's another matter. 
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    I have all the infromation needed up to date in my personal files
    of guidlines.
    I will probably get my whiskers chewed off for this but the system
    for writing this wonderful story is going around in circles.
    Corroboration on a story is fine if the parties can come together
    on the style, content etc. The genre of a story should be decided
    or there will be a mishmash of writing techniques which will
    lessen the chances of seeing the story in print ( this in no way
    implies that anyone's technique is superior or inferior to another
    it means, however that a corroborated story must look as if
    one person wrote it or it gets noticebly choppy in the reading.)
    And it is by close corroboration that a trilogy will fit the
    standards and stand by itself under one clear topic.
    That is just my two-cents worth and from here on I'll stay
    out of it.
    
    f.
    

    Fran - you seem to have brought up a good point. Maybe you can get
    together with Edd and Holly as co-authors and work out something.
    I will pass on to PR whatever I get as a first draft - 
    I hope we can keep this ball rolling tho - I still think these are
    stories which are worth telling to others; they are unique.  
                                                               
    Pat

    Where I was the one to call Cat Fancy, let me clarify what took
    place. The intent of the call was to relate the basics of the story
    and ask if they thought they would print something like that. They
    said that they would indeed print  a story like that, but also made
    it clear to me that "a story" had to be submitted. By "a story"
    I don't mean that a trilogy is out, only that there not going to
    do any writting, we have to, and that's where it ended. They are
    expecting nothing. From here on out, it's up to us.
    
    Regards,
    
    Steve

    I think this appears to be organized - or am I too naive.
    
    1) Edd will get the writing requirements from Cat  Fancy, and
       will work with Holly and anyone else involved in the writing.
       (including the personalities involved).    
    
    2) When that is completed I'll send it on to PR for review.
       PR will send on to Legal for review and Legal will pass back
       to me.
    
    3) Next I can pass it off to Steve Smith (if you are willing, Steve)
       to send it to your contact at Cat Fancy.
    
    4) We can make the "finished" copy available to all of us noters.
    
    Does that sound okay? Any suggestions are encouraged.
                                                         
    
    

    Re: Steve   - agreed
    
    Re: Fran    - Agreed also, a mishmash of styles is poor.
    
    Re:         - Corroboration. This may well be the best idea, but
                  in all honesty, I don't have the time to get involved
                  in a joint effort. (I need to be on another 'committee'
                  like I need a... you get the picture.) Working alone
                  would allow me to advance when I have the time.
    
                  I'd be glad (honored) to write one of these stories,
                  but if the other members feel a collective effort
                  would serve the purpose better, I'd like to politely
                  withdraw. Certainly, no offense would be taken by
                  me if I wasn't taken up on my offer. Likewise, I
                  trust none of you would feel I 'let you down' by
                  opting out of the group effort. There are plenty
                  of demands on my time already. I just couldn't give
                  the proper effort to a group project.
    
                  Whatever the conference likes is OK with me.
    
                  BUT LET'S JUST DECIDE!!!! Aja is driving me nuts!!
                  She wants me to teach her how to read so she can
                  eventually enjoy the article herself!!  :^)
    
    Edd

    In either Cat Fancy or Cats magazine, several stories have appeared
    in connection with a cat protection society in Ireland.  So, it's
    possible that three separate stories would be acceptable.
    

    I will gladly take the responsibility for sending the story into
    Cat Fancy.
    
    RE. Edd
    
    I'm not sure what the other writters have in mind as a time frame
    for completing the story or a time frame you think you could complete
    an individual story, but if you didn't mind some alterations to
    make your story fit with the other two, you could still do an 
    individual effort.
    
    
    Steve

    Re: .88     That's no problem with me. The goal is to tell the story,
                not to score a by-line, right?
    
                That's why I'd like everyone to see any guidelines firstly.
                Any editing can be kept to a minimum if you know the
                rules before-hand.
    
                Fran mentioned she had the guidelines on file. Any chance
                of saving time by having them posted?
    
    Edd
                

RE:  all of them

one teeny little idea....the REAL focus of these stories is the network of
cat lovers working across the country when necessary to save animals in
need.  I don't think you have three separate stories here, but ONE
story about YOU GUYS AND YOUR GENEROUS EFFORTS TO HELP...the story is
also about the generosity of DIGITAL in giving us the freedom to use
these notes files for "non-professional" purposes.  When the story is
written, a quick description of the notes file and its purpose and use
should be included, followed by the stories of the rescues.  I'm sure
that DIGITAL would approve a story like that, and I'm sure that Cat Fancy 
would publish a story like that.

Thats my comment...now I'll shut up and ask, "Where do i send money to
help defray the expenses of the last rescue?"  

    RE: .90  I agree.  This story (or these stories, which ever we decide)
    should generally focus on the generous efforts of the FELINE noters.
    
    The only problem I am running into is how do we explain a notes
    file to the outside world?
    
    Holly
    

    the notefile can be referred to as a company bulletin
    board, or an electronic bulletin board.
    

    One point, though: if this is to be a storey, as in article, it
    should be offered exclusively to a magazine.  Publishing ethics
    are such that it's inappropriate to send the same story to more
    than one magazine simultaneously (however, if the first magazine
    rejects it, it's okay to submit it afterwards to a second).
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    sorry about note # 93. Not very informative was it !!
    
    Re: note 92 - right, we should be offering it upon completion to
    only 1 magazine.
    
    To Steve Smith - we are only talking about Cat Fancy right now
    -aren't we? Just checking to be sure we are in synch.

    If we can only choose one, might be important to note that Cats
    Magazine has a much larger subscriber base than Cat Fancy.
    
    cin...who gets Cats Mag, but not Cat Fancy!
    

    At this time, to my knowledge, Cat Fancy is the only mag that has
    been contacted. Makes no difference to me where it gets published.
    I'll contact and send it off to whomever.
    
    
    Steve

    CAT FANCY has a long lead time in acceptance, it has in the past
    accepted simultaneous submissions it is only necessary to
    tell them in the cover letter that the story has been sent to
    another magazine as well.
    
    It is my own personal opinion to see that the story line be
    under one topic which is DEc employees pulling together by
    use of the notesfile etc.etc in which Omalley's story can be
    told.
    
    Edd and Holly's hearts have been in this since the beginning
    and maybe they could each write their own story their own way
    and one could send it to Cats and the other to Cat Fancy
    
    Fran
    
    

    Re .98 (Fran):
    
    Nonwithstanding that _Cat Fancy_ may accept simultaneous submissions,
    it's walking a fine line, journaltically, for this kind of story.
    According to _Writer's Market_, _Cat Fancy_ reports in 6 weeks after
    receipt; _Cats_ reports 3 months on manuscripts -- an even longer
    time.
    
    I wouldn't submit the manuscript simultaneously, in my opinion.
    Go for _Fancy_ first...
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    Did I miss the address that we can send donations to?
    
    Please point me to the reply, I'd like to help.
    
    ~ Janet
    

    Janet, you may wish to contact M. Daly off - line to discuss
    contributing.  As mentioned earlier, she has picked up the entire
    cost of the mission.  Anyone else who has contributed has done so
    privately through Marion.  Her node is SWSNOD::DALY.
    
    sabonn

    Just to change the pace a little here's an upadte on O'Maley He's
    doing fine the growling sessions between him and Cuddles arem lessoning
    We've kept him in all week as we wanted him to adjust to the house
    first and wanted to be home when we let him out for the first time.
    So if it's nice this week end we're going to try an outdoor adventure
    as he is going stir crazy inside all day and when we get home he
    runs all over the place. He's adapted real well to PJ in fact he's
    kinda helped me too as PJ loves to take her dinner in and watch
    TV but now she sits at the table as O'Maley steals her food. Well
    just thought I'd let everyone know how it was going. If I can be
    of any help with the stories let me know. 
    NANCY
    

    Nancy, thank you!  I didn't want to bother you too often and risk
    looking like the proverbial mother hen (even if i really am).  I
    really do miss him.  All i do is think about him.  I know he'll
    do real well with you.  I just have to get past the sorrow of letting
    go.  I read this conference every day so it's nice to hear from
    you.  Let me know if you need anything.
    
    Forever grateful,
    
    sabonn

    Sabonn do not fear I was even going to call you this weekend. He's
    really great. We took him out Saturday but he only made it as far
    as the garage he hide all afternoon behind PJ's pool the neighborhood
    cat's just sat there in my garage talking to one another and
    introducing themselves. It was kinda wet yesterday so we all stayed
    indoors. He's really getting use to PJ as he curled up beside he
    last night on the couch while we were watching TV. Don't worry you
    can contact me anytime. We still haven't used up all the film on
    the roll but as soon as we do I'll send you the copies. I got a
    good one yesterday of O'Maley & PJ taking a nap. Well gotta go will
    enter a note now & then to let you all know how's it's going.
    
    NANCY
    
      

    Let's just submit to Cat Fancy - for 3 reasons: 
    
    1) that is the magazine Edd is sending to for requirements;
    2) Steve Smith already has contacted them;
    2) it's getting too complicated -  and remember - this is all being
       done in "spare time", so the simplier the better.
                                      
    Pat
    

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get around to entering this reply.
The reason it did is twofold:  I was not sure just what the best approach would
be, and I have been very busy.  

A number of you have indicated to me that you would like to contribute to the
relocation of little O'Malley.  This was exactly my intent, too (except I
thought of it first :^P :^D).  When I volunteered, I realized that it would
be fairly expensive.  I took that as a given.  Therefore I would like to 
strongly state that I in no way *expect* that anybody should help.  In fact,
it is only due to the kind and persistent reminders of my fellow noters that
am even entering this reply.  It sort of makes me proud to be in the company
of such good people.  Lets face it, we're quite a group!

Back to the main subject.  Here is a break down of the expenses -


Humane Society "Pick up" Fee			$25.00
"	" kennel fee for 13 nights x 3.00/day	$39.00
Rabies Vaccination				$ 9.00
Distemper Vaccination				$ 9.00
Health Examination				$35.00
Health Certificate				$10.00
Leukemia Test					$17.50
Two Nights Stay at Dr. Crosbie's		$15.00
Airline Approved Caddy				$45.95
Air Fare                                        $79.38
---------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL					       $284.43

Since Nancy is buying the pet carrier from me, and I wish to contribute a 
minimum of $50 myself, the actual "surplus" (?) is $188.48.  Here is how
I suggest we do it.  I will accept "help" up to and including the "surplus".  
As I receive "help" I will post the amount in FELINE.  That way, the folks that 
contribute will be the "checks and balances".  Each posted contribution
will be deducted from the "surplus".  When that figure is reached, I will
return any additional offerings.

My address is -

Marion Daly
57 Maplewood Avenue
Marlboro, MA  01752


Thanks in advance.

Marion

                  -< Honey and Chauncey's mom comes through!! >-

                            -< YEAAAAYH  Mary Timar >_ 


Mary is the latest (and to be sure, one of the greatest) contributors to
the life, health, and welfare of little O'Malley.  She has contributed

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                              $50.00



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  MARY!!!


 
  188.48
-  50.00
---------
  138.48  to go


Thank You!
 

                         -< CY's Mom takes the plunge! >-

                            -< YEAAAAYH  Linda Allen >_ 


Linda is another fine noter that will be remembered throughout time as one
who has extended a helping hand (paw??  naah!) to little O'Malley.  Her
contribution tips the scales at 

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                              $10.00     (ooooh   aaaaah)



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  Linda!!!


 
  138.48
-  10.00
---------
  128.48  to go


Thank You!
 

    Marion, i still have all of the documentation for O'Maley's adventure.
    I have been so very busy at work and home; each time i thought to
    send it i was unable to do so, and each time i have had a few minutes
    to take care of it i forgot.  I'll put it in the mail to you tomorrow
    so that you'll have all of the paperwork in case the contributors
    request copies.  I will also send copies to Nancy for her records.
    
    My photos are developed, and i have some outrageous wonderful pictures
    of O'Maley.  Anyone who wants some can send me a message on VAXmail
    at TOLMNE::PIGOTT_SA or call me at (408)496-3176.
    
    What's up with the story?  Any new leads?  Is someone actually writing
    this story yet?  I mentioned that i'd like to write a book, and
    i will probably continue with this plan, but i'd like to know if
    those of you writing to magazines are successful.
    
    sabonn

    I received the text and photo guidelines from Fancy Publications
    yesterday. They are kind of long so I'll make copies for anyone
    requesting same, as opposed to typing them in here.
    
    Was any consensus reached on who was going to write what?????
    
    Edd

                     -< A Noter from Atlanta does her part >-

                            -< YEAAAAYH  Sue Wright >- 

A warm thank you goes out to you from everyone involved.  You're a
real peach of a person (get it?  Peach? ... Atlanta?).  And what a
contribution!


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                              $15.00     (oh my heavens!)



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  Sue!!!


 
  128.48
-  15.00
---------
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Thank You!
 

                     -< Yes!  You guessed it!  Another one!!! >-

                            -< YEAAAAYH  anonymous!!! >- 

This contribution is from a noter who wishes to remain anonymous.  I can't
tell you her name, but I can give you a hint.  Her middle name is Terrific!



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                              $25.00     (yikes!)



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  Terrific!!!


 
  113.48
-  25.00
---------
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Thank You!
 

                       -< Our first European contribution >-

                          -< YEAAAAYH  Brian Shipley!!! >- 


Wow!  All the way from Munich.  This sort of lends an international flavor
to O'Malley's rescue.  It just goes to show that caring and warm are
world wide.



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                              $50.00     (gasp!)



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  Brian!!!


 
   88.48
-  50.00
---------
   38.48  to go


Thank You!
 

                  -< And yet another wonderful contribution >-

                          -< YEAAAAYH  Kim Robbins!!! >- 


It seems that Kim has decided to dedicate more than just her time and her
creativity to this project.  She has also contributed . . .


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                              $25.00     (WOW!)



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  Kim!!!


 
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Thank You!
 

    just to let everyone one know  O'Malley's still doing fine had to
    have my neighbor get him for me though as once he went outside he
    didn't want to come back in so he had a few nights outside but it
    was warm and you'd see him around. I'd put food outside but with
    all the stray's in the neighborhood I wasn't sure if he was the
    one eating it. When I spoke to my neighbor she said she's been feeding
    him and he's spent nights at her house she just thought he was a
    new stay in the neighborhood. But anyway she brought him home to
    me. She's really up on cats and explained he should really stay
    inside for several months to get use to everything so inside he
    is and he doesn't even go near the door to go out. So that's O'Malley's
    new adventure. I still haven't got the pictures developed as there
    are still a few pictures left to take on the roll but as soon as
    I do I'll send copies to anyone that wants them. Just let me know.
    More updates later!
    
    Nancy
    
    

    I must have missed this in the previous replies - but who was going
    to write the piece about Jake? 
                           

    Cin Gerry has agreed to do the Jake story.  

    Oh, thank you Nancy!  I sure do miss the little guy.  Your friend
    was right about keeping him in.  He was used to travelling around
    the apartment complex (and who knows where else) at will.  He would
    show up at all different hours.  He does like the indoors, though,
    especially if it's cold outside.  He grew up with his sister and
    where he went, she went.  He might miss her and try to find her
    in your neighborhood for a while.  When i had them fixed, there
    was a period of a couple of days where they didn't see each other
    (i had to leave her at the vet's for a day and a half longer than
    him).  When i brought her home, he was there.  When they saw each
    other they ran up & touched their little noses together.  She is
    living in Cupertino, Calif. now in a safe, happy home, too. 
    
    Thank you for the update, i will always think about him and it's
    really great to read your input.  I hope he and P.J. are getting
    along.  Again, many thanks to you and everyone.  I'm glad to see
    so many people involved with helping Marion out financially.  It
    is such a pleasure to be in communication with so many wonderful
    people!
    
    sabonn

                        -< Last but certainly not least >-

                          -< YEAAAAYH  Janet Surette!!! >- 


Janet has just put the finishing touches on a classic happy ending.  This
concludes the donation phase of the story of little O'Malley.


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                              $13.48     (Taaa  Daaah!)



                                           YEAAAAAAAAYH  Janet!!!


 
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Thank You!


And now I'm going to re-read the story from the beginning note 1266.0.  You
know, I find it hard to express my feelings.  All I can say is that I am
very proud to be a part of the Feline noting community.  As with any family,
we have our spats, but when it comes to getting things done we sure come
through.

Marion

PS - If ever I need bail money, I know just where I'll come  ;^).

 

    Lest anyone think I forgot or lost interest, I started writing
    O'Malley's story this weekend. I The first pass should be done
    (hopefully) next weekend.
    
    Is there anyone who specifically does *NOT* want to be mentioned
    in the story? Obviously, not everyone will appear but there were
    a couple key players who's names I've mentioned.
    
    I believe a signed release will be needed from all those who's 
    names will appear in the story.
    
    Edd

    As an attachment to Edd's previous note, Holly Taylor is writing
    Touey's story, and Cin Gerry is writing Jake's story.
    Pat

    
    When the movie comes out, can Dolly Partons play me?
    
    8^D
    
    Marion

    I would like Kojak to play my part!
    
    sabonn

    On second thought, make it Arnold Schwartzeneggburger, better a
    Russian Ruffian with a big heart, than a greek bowling ball with
    a gold chain to play the part.
    
    sabonn

    Arnold is gonna come get you!  He's Austrian (from Graz), not Russian!
    He forgives you this once, but....well, have you seen The Terminator??
    
    Mary

    Uh, um, gee, like, you know I... (shuffles feet kinda embarrassed
    and looking very meek)...
    
    I gotta question, and I'm serious, for Sabonn. I may have made a
    silly assumption. Hopefully you can clear it up, because your
    choice of characters to play you in the movie has left me
    confused...
    
    All right, I'll just come out and ask. NO LAUGHING!!!!
    
    
    
    
    
                  Are you a man or a woman???
    
    
    
    
    Now stop laughing!!! I've never heard the name "Sabonn" before and
    I just assumed you were female. Um, are you? I've used all feminine
    references in the story (she, her, her's, etc.). 
    
    Do I have to re-write???
    
    Edd The Humble
    
    

    I love it!!
    
    The answer is ...Yes.
    
    I knew that would throw some of you.  The truth is...
    
                       
    ...
    
         
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    I am my mother's first-born daughter.  I look at life in a unique
    way; what can be seen through the eyes of a woman can also be seen
    through the heart of a man.  This conference is proof that many
    men are gentle, tender, and unselfish.  Before, i had my doubts.
    Now, i have great Hopes.  Edd, if you knew how much my faith in
    humanity has been elevated by this notesfile, my gender would be
    inconsequential.  I would say that if i were to choose a female actress
    to play my part, i would choose Kathleen Turner.  She is humorous,
    bright, and ALIVE!!  Sabonn is an American derivative of the French
    phrase "Cest' bon"; which means "so good".  Also, in Latin it's
    Sopon, which means soap.  In Irish, it's Siobahn, pronounced Shove-on.
    And in Swahili, it means the sun's about to come up.
    
    By the way, the redness in your face is adorable.
    
    sabonn
                                                

    You just saved me a ton of editing...
    
    Edd The Relieved
    
    P.S. I want my part played by Emo Phillips...

    Mary, i saw The Terminator, and it was a blast!  My newest favorite
    is The Predator!  Rant and Rave Reviews.  I loved it!  I have never
    seen such clarity in special effects for creating a believable alien.
    If you haven't seen it and you liked the previous movies, i suggest
    you do.  It's pure and real.
    
    Marion, Dolly?
    
    Edd, Emo?
    
    I want photos.
    
    Nancy, how's P.J., O'Maley, Ziggy and Cuddles?  How are you?
    
    sabonn

    Sabonn, 
    
    If you are to be played by Arnold Schwartzenegger, who will play
    O'Maley - Rin Tin Tin????
    
    Marion

    How about Marmaduke?
    
    Nancyyyyy, Nancyyyyyyyyy?  Are you out there?  How is everything?
    
    sabonn

    Sabonn,
    
         Yes I'm here! Sorry but do to my work load Have not been able
    to get into the notes file. Everyone is doing great. O'malley is
    still being keep indoors. Adjusting just fine to the routine of
    going downstairs during the day all you have to do is open the door
    and away he scoots. He'll go to PJ alot but is still kindof skittish
    around Bill & I. I have the photo's developed and promise to get
    them in an envelope to you this weekend. Also Marion I haven't forgot
    about you will try to remember to send the cash for the carrier
    also this weekend. PJ is doing fine not to happy when O'Malley decides
    to be friskie at 4am but we're adjusting. If we could just get him
    tosleep about an hour & a half longer we'd be just fine. Cuddles
    and him have their racing matches every so often up & down the hall
    & furniture but ar doing fine as brother & sister. Ziggy on the
    other hand is beeing a pain as he's discovered aware to escape his
    leash I still can't figure out how he does it. But when we come
    home at night he's in our neighbors driveway and the same thing
    in the morning. Thank God the neighbors adore him. My only worry
    is that the dog catcher will pick him up. She did once but his chain
    had broken so she didn't hit us with the full fine but this time
    he's figured someway to just get it slipped off his collar. Guess
    it's time for a new chain. Well gotta go for now again sorry for
    not writing sooner and will try to keep in touch more often.
    
    Nancy
    

    Thank you, Nancy!  I appreciate the time and effort more than you
    know.
    
    By the way, i found out the landlady at our apartments wasn't the
    one who caught the kittens.  We decided to tell her about O'Maley
    and his sister and she said she hasn't caught any animals since
    about February.  She's a neat person.  It's just that her job and
    a higher Landowner authority dictates that she has to capture the
    animals if the population becomes unbearable or if tenants complain.
    Nonetheless, i believe that she's telling the truth about not having
    been the one who trapped those kittens.  She doesn't remember doing
    it and now she's concerned that someone else is.
    
    Anyway, after hearing this story, she said that perhaps i had been 
    a bit extreme in the care and handling of the kittens for the rescue 
    mission however, if i was applying for sainthood, i have a lot more 
    work to do.
    
    Semper Fidelis
    
    sabonn

    Hi Sabonn,  I work in Santa Clara too and have just caught up with
    feline again after about a years absence.  I can't believe that
    all of this worked out okay.  I am so happy that it did.
    
    I got Winston from the Santa Clara Humane Society.  I had to trick
    them into giving him to me, they have very strict rules about adoption.
    I was a little suprised that they turned O'Malley over to you so
    easily.  I am curious as to how you got them to do this.  I have
    had alot of problem with adopting from them and have decided to
    take my efforts elsewhere.  We have a small humane society in Morgan
    Hill where I live and I find them to be easier to deal with.  Perhaps
    this is because they are smaller and don't have the huge quantity
    of animals coming in that SCHS has.  Anyway, I was just curious.
    
    It looks like O'Malley is adjusting well to his new home, what an
    ordeal he has been through.  I think you deserve alot of credit
    for having taken such good care of O'Malley and his sister.  Having
    them spayed and neutered was certainly above and beyond what most
    people would do for a stray animal.
    
    I am interested to know if anything else has come up with the articles
    for Cat Fancy?  Any news on that front?
    
    Jo
    

    Re: .135
    
    What kind of problem did you have with getting Winston from the
    Santa Clara Humane Society?  (The society is currently in an uproar,
    by the way, as the current board wants to stop using its funds
    to subsidize the shelter it runs for the county and concentrate
    on humane education programs and the like instead, and there is
    a rebellion going on from people who think the shelter is a must
    and the society can do both kinds of things.  I agree with the rebels.
    There is a vote for board members coming up this month, and I am
    wondering what the results will be.)
    
    

    .135
    
    The stories are almost done. Then they go to Public Relations and
    then to Legal and then to Cats magazine. We'll keep you updated.
    

    After they get approved by Legal and PR, I'll enter them so
    you can see ahead of time what is being forwarded to the magazines.
    It just takes time.

    Hi Jan,
    
    Thank you for the feedback!  I would certainly do it all over a
    hundred times again if needed.  The experience is a full and rich
    one, one I recommend to everyone.  It had it's downside - letting
    an animal that I grew to love go so far away, but I know he is in
    good hands, so the pain starts to heal after a while.
    
    The Humane Society let me put a 10-day hold on O'Malley because
    my driver's licence shows the same address that the kittys were
    brought in from.  I simply told them that I owned the cats.  They
    didn't ask for any other documentation proving that I was the owner,
    and I didn't volunteer.  I would have had to go through the entire
    adoption process if my home address was different than the address
    that the kitties got picked up from.
    
    Anyway, it's great to see that people are still reading this notesfile!
    
    Thanks again for the accolades!
    
    Sabonn

    Sabonn, if in 1266.139 you are replying to 1266.135, then my sister
    Jo Ann is the one you are replying to.  We just like to stir things
    up a bit here by having similar usernames.
    
    JULIET::CORDESBRO_JO  =  Jo Ann Cordes Brown
    
    SCRUZ:: CORDES_JA     =  Jan Cordes
    
    If you are replying to someone else named Jan then I apologize
    for correcting you and...please, disregard this note.
    
    In any case, Jo Ann is right, you do deserve alot of credit (as
    do several other concerned noters in this file) for everything
    you did.
    
    See ya on the "hotline"
    
    Jan

    HI EVERYONE!
    
    Justa a little note to let you all know O'Malley is doing fine he's
    become the hit of the neighborhood. Comes and goes as he pleases
    and is excellant with PJ. He's really gotten to be her cat to if
    I call him he just looks at me but if she calls he comes running.
    Just thought I'd drop you a few lines as I don't get in here to
    often anymore. Will write more when I can.
    
    Nancy
    

    Sorry, sorry, sorry!  I did mean Jo Ann, but Hi, Jan, anyway.  Thanks
    for the update, Nancy!  Give my best to P.J. and all!
    
    Sabonn

    Sabonn,
    
    The story of Winston and the SC Humane society is kinda long...I
    will try to be brief.
    
    Four years ago a friend of mine broke up with her boyfriend and
    moved out to an apartment by herself.  She got lonely and wanted
    a cat.  She would spend lots of time at my house with all of mine
    (about 12 at the time!)  Her apartment was no pets.
    
    She and I went to the humane society and picked out Winston.  He
    was in a litter of longhair tabbies that were still with their mother.
    They were on their last few days at the shelter (if you get my drift).
    Lorraine picked Winston and went to her adoption interview.  They
    told her that since she lived in a rental she would have to provide
    a letter from her landlord saying that she could have a cat.  That
    wasn't possible.  It was nearing five o'clock and the shelter would
    be closed.  Winston was due to be put down if he wasn't adopted
    by five o'clock the next day.  
    
    This called for drastic measures.  I went to adopt Winston for
    Lorraine.  They wouldn't give him to me because I had an unspayed
    female at home (she was only 7 months old and the vet said that
    since she was small he wanted to wait - the humane society was not
    interested in a letter from my vet.)  I was very upset that they
    would rather put him to sleep than let me have him.
    
    I went home and changed my clothes and took all my makeup off. 
    I forged a note from "my mommy".  I called mom to let her in on
    the scam.  She is also an animal lover and at that time had only
    one cat (who she was still calling a stray).  The note said "please
    let my daughter choose a kitten from your shelter.  I think that
    she is ready to learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
    I can be reached at XXX_XXXX if you would like to discuss this with
    me.  Thank you, Marilyn L. Cordes"
    
    I went back to the shelter and tried to look as young as possible.
    My heart was beating furiously,  I was scared to death.  Perhaps
    that made me appear even younger.  I went through the interview
    and things went very well.  They called my mom and she said all
    of the right things.  Next thing I new, I had Winston in a carrier
    and we were making a break for the door (and freedom!).  I half
    expected someone to come running after us and we got into our car.
    
    At the time of the great escape, I was 24 and married but I guess
    I was able to pass for a minor.
    
    Now, you are probably wondering how I ended up with Winston since
    he was intended for Lorraine.  Well, Lorraine turned out to be not
    so good of a kitty mommy.  Shortly after I handed Winston over to
    her, she called and said that she couldn't afford to live alone
    and was going to be looking for a new place.  She asked me to take
    Winston in for a few days since her landlord wanted to show her
    apartment.  I agreed to take him in until she was settled.
    
    I had him for three months before I heard from her again.  She hadn't
    even named him when we took him in so we did it.  She said she had
    moved in with a roommate who hated cats and so she couldn't take
    him back.  I guess that she thought that since I already had 12,
    I wouldn't notice that she had abandoned him at my place.  That
    was the end of our friendship.  I was quite attached to Winston
    by then and so was Ken.  We decided to keep him.
    
    A few weeks after that she called us and said that she had given
    Winston to some people and that they would be by to get him in a
    few days.  The nerve!!!
    
    I haven't set foot in that humane society since that dreadful day
    that I stole Winston.  The society did call me to find out if he
    had been neutered, so I praise them for their follow through.
    
    I am very happy that it worked out the way it did.  Winston was
    my very first "show cat".  He is a Morris Award winner and participated
    in the National Morris Award competition last year.  He is very
    sweet and loving, has the most adorable little meow.  He is a
    longhaired blue classic tabby with white feet, chest and belly.
    He favorite thing is to ride around on my shoulders while I do
    housework.
    
    End of story.
    
    Jo

    Hurray, Jo!  Did the people Lorraine "gave" Winston to ever show
    up?  What did you say to them? :-) 
    

    Winston?  Winston who?
    
    Jo

    
    
         YEAH!!  I just love a story about someone beating the system
    (and so ingeniously!!!)  Pat on the back for you that was great!!!
    And of course lucky lucky Winston....  :^)
    
                                                        kim

    Go Jo, Go!!!  Well done!!
    
    E.T.

      How do they know (Humane Society/others) whether you have
    a spayed or unspayed animal at home when you go to look
    for another one at the pound??
    
      Ken and lucky  who if asked would have to answer with the same
                     answer!  Ya got a 50/50 chance!! ;^) ;-)

    They have a questionaire that you have to fill out before you can
    have an adoption interview.  It asks if you have cats already, how
    many, how old, spayed or neutered.  I was dumb enough to tell the
    truth (once).
    
    Jo

    Hello, all!  Any new news in September?  How is everyone?
    What's new with Cat Fancy?  Has the story been submitted
    yet?  How are you Nancy?  How's P.J.?  How's O'Malley?
    Give my love to all!
    
    Sabonn

    HI--- here's what is happening with the stories:
    they just got sent off to Public Relations for
    P.R. review (adds/deletes/changes) and then P.R.
    will forward them on to Legal for its input.
    Edd wrote O'Malley's story and I wrote Touey's.
    (If a third story is submitted to me before these
    go off to the magazine then I will pass it by P.R.
    /Legal and include it with O'Malley's and Touey's.
    Otherwise it can go separately. No problem.)
    
    The magazine is rather strict concerning photos
    - it wants only professional type photos (not
    snapshots). It would be good if we had photos to
    submit but if we don't have them that's okay too.
    
    After all the channels (P.R./Legal) give input, and 
    the stories get finalized, then I will put them
    on this system so the noters can see ahead of time
    what is submitted to the magazine. I will do that
    as soon as I get them back from those Departments.
    Don't know how long that will take but just as soon
    as they are finished --- they will appear here.  
                                 
    
    Pat

    Pat,
    
    I have several quality black & white photographs of O'Malley and
    myself.  I would like to send them to you.  What is your
    mailstop/address?
    
    I can get you the negatives, too, if that helps.
    
    Sabonn

    Hi Sabonn,
    
    My Mailstop is:
    
    WJO2-1/A08
    Thanks, the pictures will be great. Maureen is getting some of 
    Touey too. I haven't heard anything from P.R. yet but it is
    too soon I believe to get a response but will keep everyone
    updated tho. 
    
    (Did you get my vaxmail note to you ??)
                                             
    Pat
    
                
    
    

    Pat, I haven't seen a vaxmail note from you.  Did you send one to
    ME?  I'm going to Hawaii tomorrow to visit my grandmother.  I'll
    be back on Tuesday morning, but I'll be stopping by the Hawaii office
    on Friday morning to meet a girl I've been talking to for 1 1/2
    years over the phone but have never met yet.  I'll log in while I'm
    there to check my notes so if you were trying to send something via 
    vaxmail to me you might try resending it if you can.  If not, 
    no problem.  You can call me on Tuesday at (408)496-3176 or 
    DTN 521-3176.  I'll get the photos together to send to you by
    Wednesday Sept. 21.
    
    Also, rumor has it that I'll be going to Mass. in November for a
    week for training.  Don't know the particulars yet, but I'll keep
    you posted.
    
    Sabonn

    Sabonn, You're going to be in MA in November?  That's great!  I
    think this calls for a party.  (Now if we could only get Karen Colling
    to come to MA, too!)
    
    Holly

    Hi Sabonn-
    
    I sent a vaxmail last week to TOLMNE. That was the right one wasn't
    it?  Anyway, I'll try again right after I get out of the notesfile.
    Please tell me if you don't get it.
    
    About the vaxmail - must be something with MY system because I 
    think alot of my messages didn't go anywhere last week. Maybe I'll
    have better luck today.
    
    Let us know the dates you're coming to to MA. That would be great.
    Have fun in Hawaii.
    
    Pat                      
    
    

    Re:154
    
    Sabonn, if you are in MA in November, maybe you will be able to
    make the Central Mass cat show on the 12th.  It would be fun to
    meet you!  Let us know the dates you will be here!  Maybe you
    could stay on for a bit..
    
    Elaine

    Well, Hawaii was beautiful!  I had a good time.  The girl I was
    going to meet there called in on Friday so I didn't get a chance
    to meet her but the rest of the trip was really nice.  It was good
    to see my grandmother again.  They have 5 dogs and 7 cats.  I love
    people who love animals.
    
    I still don't know the dates yet but I'll keep everyone posted.
    I may reconsider, since the flight back from Hawaii scared me into
    tears.  I don't know if I can stand to fly again.  I may lose my
    job if I refuse to fly, but what's really important?  My life? 
    You bet.  If I do come, I'll let you all know.
    
    Wish me luck.

    What happened!! I fly alot and would like to hear about it if you
    don't mind telling.
    
    Jo

    
    Please tell us.
    

    just an update on the stories----  the P.R. person wrote me today
    that she was on vacation - this is her first day back after a
    couple weeks away; that she will review them and get back to me
    as soon as possible.
    Pat
    

    This is going to be interesting to explain.  My Mom and sister and
    I left San Francisco on Thursday afternoon.  We took a DC-10 which
    has 9 seats across: two on each side and five in the middle.  We
    made reservations for bulkhead seats, directly behind first class.
    My sister, Liz and I sat on the aisle and the next seat in in the
    middle section and my Mom sat in the aisle seat in the row directly
    behind us.  While we were boarding this woman approached Liz and
    I and asked us if we would take her seat in the middle and let her
    have our aisle seat.  My first impression was that this woman was
    pushy and manipulative, but I disregarded it, since I have an unusually
    trusting nature.  We relinquished the aisle seat to her and sat
    in the two middle seats.  No big deal.
    
    She started talking to us and after about an hour, Liz and I were
    growing very irritated at her.  All she did was brag about herself,
    her fiancee, her daughter, her home in Kona, the fact that she flys
    to the mainland twice a year to visit her mother, all the gifts
    she buys for her daughter, all of the men who have attacked her
    and that she beat up, etc., etc., ad barf.  In between bragging
    she was tearing down everyone else, very hateful, very racist, and
    stereotyping statements.  Liz and I are very nice people; we didn't
    call her on any of this because we figured that if she has a
    personality disorder, it's just none of our business.  Nonetheless,
    she droned on and on and we started trying to ignore her.  By the
    time lunch was served she had drank two bottles of wine.  (You know,
    the airline sized bottles).  About halfway through our lunch she
    had the stewardess take away her tray.  Liz and I weren't done eating
    yet, so this woman strikes up a conversation with me.  She looks
    at my Mom sitting behind her and turns to me and says "You're mom
    picks at her food, doesn't she?".  I glared at her and said "My
    Mother does NOT pick at her food, she eats slowly and gracefully!".
    This was a personal attack and I wasn't going to sit there and let
    her start tearing down my family.  She shut up for a minute and
    then she said rather snobbily "You're right, she doesn't eat; she
    dines."  I let that slide.
    
    Then, she asks my sister (who was still eating) if she could empty
    her ashtray.  My sister said "Fine with me" and the woman dumped
    her ashtray in Liz's salad plate.  A minute later Liz leans over
    to me and says "She just dumped her ashtray in my plate!!"  I had
    seen it happen but thought that Liz had known the woman meant she
    was going to dump it in Liz's plate.  I told Liz that she should
    never let someone do that to her and get away with it.  She should
    have said something to the woman, but Liz said that it was no big
    deal and that she wasn't that hungry anyway.  I was ready to hit
    that woman by now, but since Liz didn't want to take any action
    against her, I didn't.
    
    After the meal was over I asked this woman if she would trade seats
    with my Mom so that we could talk to her.  She did.  Then she
    started kicking the back of the seat my Mom was sitting in.  She
    kept apologizing and saying that her legs were too long, but she
    kept kicking the seat anyway.  By now she had drank a total of four
    bottles of wine.  She taps my Mom on the shoulder and tries to sell
    her some trinkets she bought in a gift shop before she got on the
    plane.  My Mom refused politely and then gets up to go to the restroom.
    This woman gets up and comes back up to sit where my Mom was sitting.
    She leans over to my sister and starts whispering something to her.
    Liz leans over to me and tells me that the woman just asked her
    for three dollars and that she was going to hit my Mom up for some
    money when she got back.  While Liz is telling me all of this my
    Mom shows up and the woman asks her for three dollars.  You could
    see my Mom was embarrassed but she's such a class act that she handled
    it with tact and finesse.  She says to the woman "No, and I'm starting
    to worry about you!".  The woman sits there for a moment and pouts
    and then gets up and leaves the seat.  A few minutes later the woman
    had managed to beg three dollars from a man who was sitting toward
    the rear of the plane with his wife.  Persistent!  By then it was
    last call for alcohol and the stewardesses wouldn't serve her anyway.
    She must have asked my Mom four different times what she meant when
    she said she was worried about her.  My Mom just told her gently
    that she noticed she was drinking too much and that she looked ill
    and that it seemed to my Mom like there was something very wrong
    with the woman.  I bet she thinks about that for the rest of her
    life!
    
    The last thing she did before we landed was stand in the aisle over
    my Mom and say "Well, Sheila, I'd like to have my seat back now."
    I looked at her and said, LOUDLY "Cookie, this is not your seat,
    this is Sheila's seat, and if you insist in sitting up here you
    will sit in the middle seat that was originally assigned to you." 
    She did. I sat between her and my Mom and Liz moved to the aisle
    seat behind my Mom.  The woman got a blanket and covered up her
    head with a blanket for the rest of the trip.
    
    Now I know why people get filthy rich and buy Gates and Lears!!
    
    She was sitting up when we disembarked and I looked at the woman and 
    told her to "Have a nice Life!".  Next time I'll pay the extra money
    to fly first class.
    
    On the flight back from Hawaii, when the plane was taking off I
    was alone (my Mom and sister stayed a few more days) and very scared.
    All of the stories I've heard about commercial flights crashing
    because of pilot error or lack of the structural integrity of the
    vessel etcetera, have made flying more stressful for me than ever
    before.  Thank God, the psycho bi--- from hell wasn't on board.
    Then, again, I could have puked in her convenient lap. 
    
    Sabonn

    Re .162 (Sabonne):
    
    An interesting and rather sad story, but I'm not quite sure what
    it's doing in FELINE.
    
    >On the flight back from Hawaii, when the plane was taking off I
    >was alone (my Mom and sister stayed a few more days) and very scared.
    >All of the stories I've heard about commercial flights crashing
    >because of pilot error or lack of the structural integrity of the
    >vessel etcetera, have made flying more stressful for me than ever
    >before.  Thank God, the psycho bi--- from hell wasn't on board.
     
    Well, frankly, and speaking as a licensed pilot, things aren't _that_
    bad.  I'm not too keen on DC-10s, and thus will not ride on them,
    but that's yet another matter.
    
    To bring this back to FELINE considerations, it's important to
    determine, if letting a kitty travel by air, that the airline will
    provide heat and pressure for them.  Some airlines allow kitties
    in the cabin if they can be put into carriers that are both DOT
    (department of Transportation) approved _and_ will fit beneath the
    airline seats.  If the kitty has to travel in the cargo area (also
    in a DOT-approved enclosure), and you're traveling in the winter,
    check with your vet before attempting to sedate your "kid."  Especially
    on connecting flights, the carrier may be left out on the tarmac
    too long, and a lot of tranquilizers lower body temperatures.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    You might consider re-reading this entire notesfile carefully, Steve.
    Have a nice day, buddy.

    That was not very nice. Continue any bickering off line.
    
    Deb
    Comoderator

    God, what an awful experience.  Bet you were fuming for ages.
    It's not a usual experience though - don't let it put you off flying.
    Your Mum sounds a really nice lady, hope it didn't upset her too
    much.
    
    Kate

    In case noters are still looking for the Cat Fancy stories - here
    is what has transpired so far. The stories went thru Digital P.R.
    and changes made according to P.R. suggestions. Then the stories
    went to Cat Fancy in October. They were returned with a positive
    reply requesting that we make some revisions and give more information
    about Digital, and then return the story to them. This was done
    and again prior to returning them to Cat Fancy, they have to go
    thru Digital P.R. and possibly Digital Legal.  The stories must
    mention Digital in order to be effective - as the notesfile played
    a key role - and in order to keep from becoming entangled in
    legalities, everything must be approved by Digital. This takes
    more time than an ordinary human interest story submitted to the
    magazine.
    
    Right now things are really busy in P.R. but they will review the
    new version as soon as they can. The contact in P.R. has been extremely
    helpful and would like to see this published too. I will keep
    you updated.

    did this story ever get published in Cat Fancy?
    

    This is the long long story... It went to the publisher in November
    but was returned with comments- they wanted to know more about
    Digital. So I rewrote it, sent it thru Digital's P.R. group again
    for the "Okay" and sent it back to Cat Fancy in early Jan. Didn't hear
    anything for a couple months so I made called out to California
    to find out what was happening. Well, it seems that the Cat Fancy
    editor moved over to Dog Fancy and the new Cat Fancy editor was
    behind in reading submittals, and when she did read it finally she
    decided there was too much about Digital so she asked that it be
    revised once more- but they did like the human interest expressed
    in the stories.
    
    So once more I revised it, and had to run it thru Digital's P.R.,
    which was last week. I was told by P.R. that because of the state
    of business it would be best if Digital's name were removed from
    the story altogether. Altho I referenced the notesfile as an
    electronic bulletin board used by employees in off-hours, P.R. believed
    that it might be misinterpreted by the public as something that all 
    employees are doing during work hours--- and why aren't they off selling,
    or manufacturing or whatever, thus causing Digital to look bad in
    the public eye. I can understand that -  since the wage freeze.
    
    So I re-wrote it once more and it is now in my briefcase waiting
    to be mailed. This time I plan on sending it to a couple magazines
    -if I can get the addresses such as Cats Magazine, and Reader's
    Digest. 
    
    Because so much time and effort has been put into this article,
    I am determined to get it published. Actually, now that it is
    a story focussed on cats, and people involved with them, and not
    alluding to a particular company, I think it sounds even better.
    However, I would have liked Digital to get some press in this effort.
    
    I guess I will mail it in the morning because I need to get it 
    weighed and the post offices aren't open when I leave here.
    
    Pat
             

    Re .170 (Pat):
    
    >So I re-wrote it once more and it is now in my briefcase waiting
    >to be mailed. This time I plan on sending it to a couple magazines
    >-if I can get the addresses such as Cats Magazine, and Reader's
    >Digest. 
     
    Writers' ettiquite is that such a story be offered exclusively to
    only one magazine.  Thus, if the first publisher (Cat Fancy) is no longer
    interested in it, it's then appropriate to send it to another. 
    Otherwise, two _might_ accept it, each thinking it's getting an
    exclusive.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
    
    

    thanks for your input. I sent it to Cat Fancy yesterday afternoon and
    had planned to send it to CATS today. I will now wait until I get word
    back from Cat Fancy before sending it elsewhere. 
                                            
    Thanks again.
    Pat
    

    Hi Steve, didn't know you wuz a cat type person as well as a movie
    type...  :)
    
    Re 172.  Actually, if you have a Writer's Market book, it will list
    what markets will accept simultaneous submissions, as long as they
    are told so.  I have noticed that more and more markets WILL accept
    them, but that depends on each publisher.  I wish I had my book
    with me, I could let you know.  It is important, however, even if
    the  it's simultaneous.
    
    FWIW...  Good luck anyway!  Let us know when you join the ranks
    of the published!
    
    kim

    It's been a while since this all happened.  Nancy, are you there?
    How's O'Malley?  How's P.J.?  Hope you all are doing well.  I have
    a new kitty, now, named Nikita.  He, too, is a stray.  Now, because
    we have moved, we can keep him.  He's somewhere around 6 months
    old.  He showed up at our patio door about 3 or 4 weeks ago and
    he's already become the household Premier.  He is a very playful
    kitty and we are often spectators of Sprint-Cat Races.  We are so
    glad to be able to have a kitty that this guy gets spoiled rotten.
    
    Sabonn

    Pat,
    
    I thought you were going to put the article in this notes file so we
    could all read it!  I've just spent the last two days reading this
    ENTIRE notes (yup, all 174 replies!!) and I can't believe that I
    haven't seen the submitted copy....  what a disappointment to a
    WONDERFUL story.
    
    When you have the time, could you please put the article in here????? 
    Some of us don't subscribe to Cat Fancy or Cats Magazine and may never
    have a chance to see the finished product.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Kelley

    I think that the story is still being written.  It needed some rewrites
    and then had to be approved again.
    
    I am sure that she will post it when it is finished.
    
    Jo

    well I re-submitted it for the 3rd time two weeks ago. This last
    submission I eliminated all references to Digital at the suggestion
    of Digital's P.R. group. This was for the best because the editor
    was asking for alot more detail around the notes files than should
    be published - and it gave the idea that alot of Digital employees
    are into the files during work hours. Now whether or not that is
    true, it could cause alot of questions with the public such as-
    well if Digital's profits are not as high as expected, and if they
    are having a wage freeze, then what are these employees doing in
    the files so much rather than working. So it was carefully re-worded.
    The people involved still are named - just Digital is not referenced.
    Now if Cat Fancy doesn't accept it then it will go to Cat Magazine-
    but again without mentioning any company specifically. I'll keep
    you posted.