Conference misery::feline

    Hi Heidi,
    
    We already spoke on the phone, but I'll repeat what I told you
    on the phone:
    
    I, too, had taken in a momcat and kittens from the PB shelter over
    a year ago, and that's when my problems with Mocha began.  She
    became stressed, developed upper respiratory, which turned into
    lower respiratory.  She completely stopped eating and dropped from
    9 1/2 lbs. to only 5.  When they did x-rays and detected fluid in
    her abdomen, they suspected FIP, which immediately put me in a 
    panic.  Since Mocha is an indoor kitty, the only way she could
    have gotten FIP was from the momcat and/or kittens.  FIP is a
    nightmare when it breaks out in shelters.  There's no way to
    test an incoming cat for FIP, so you never know.  I would think
    that if your new adoptee from the shelter has FIP, he would have 
    broken out with symptoms sooner than your resident cat did.
    
    The only way they positively diagnosed Mocha with fatty liver disease
    instead of FIP was an ultrasound and liver biopsy.  I was VERY relieved 
    to say the least.  The only way to treat fatty liver disease is to
    get the cat to eat - forcefeeding if necessary.  Don't deny your
    kitty anything - if he wants sardines swimming in tuna juice, then
    so be it.  Try EVERYTHING.  If that fails, make a mixture of baby
    food meat, canned milk and Gerber's baby rice cereal, and hand feed
    him.  If all else fails, the vets may choose to insert a stomach
    tube through his nose (a horrible thought, but if it will save his
    life...).  Fatty liver disease is VERY recoverable - Mocha is back
    to her old weight - and then some!  But if left untreated, it can
    be fatal.
    
    I think you said you have a biopsy scheduled - when will it be done?
    Keep us posted on the results.  Mocha and I (and I'm sure all the
    Feliners) are rooting for you.
    
    Pam

    I memory serves me correctly, there was a real good article on fatty
    liver disease in Cat Fancy a few months ago; does anyone remember the
    issue?
    
    Deb

    Heidi...Just want to send my best wishes your way!!  I saw Pam's kitty
    Mocha at her worst and I see her now and you would never know there 
    had been a problem.  Don't worry yourself sick over FIP...until
    they finish with all the tests. 
    
    WE also had a shelter cat that had this same disease and he was fed
    via a tube inplanted in his head.  Ugly sight...but the kitty is now
    eating on his own and doing great. 
    
    Please keep us posted....
    
    Sandy

    
    	I managed to get Tiggr to eat a few mouthfuls of baby food 
    	last night so I thought that would help. The sudden turn
    	for the worse has both of us concerned. The vet said he
    	literally spat out the food they tried to give him today.
    
    	He was scheduled for an ultrasound tomorrow, but the vet is 
    	requesting it today since he's worse. His pupils are very
    	dilated, he's ictic(sp?) and unresponsive. She asked me to 
    	come over and try to get him to eat, so I'm on my way as soon 
    	as I can clear my desk.
    
    	The new cat has respiratory symptoms and had diarrhea for the
    	first six weeks. They treated him for roundworms and parasites
    	and he got much better. The cough has still lingered but the
    	vet doesn't seem concerned - now this!
    
    	I'm trying to be optimistic, but Tiggr was NEVER sick until
    	I got Jebb. Though I know it's not Jebb's fault I find that
    	I'm having a hard time even being near him right now. I guess
    	we'll have to run a series of tests on him soon too.

    Heidi,  sorry to hear about Tiggr!  It's emotionally draining and
    the worrying is beyond words - but hang in there.
    
    Sending you a hug (to maintain your strength), wishing good luck 
    to the doctors (so Tiggr will survive this nightmare) and I'll 
    whisper a prayer for Tiggr to God ... so that he/she will take 
    good care of him - no matter what the outcome.
    
    Marilyn
    

    I know exactly how you're feeling.  Mocha wasn't sick at all
    the first three years I had her.  Then I do a wonderful thing
    and foster a momcat and kittens, and Mocha gets sick.  I felt
    such GUILT it wasn't funny.  
    
    Whatever happens - it wasn't your fault.  Cats get sick for
    countless reasons, and right now you're doing the very best
    you can.
    
    Hang in there - I know how draining this can be!  
    
    Pam

    Heidi,
    
    How is Tiggr doing?  Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you
    and hope you have some good news to report to us.
    
    Regards,
    
    
    Marilyn
    

    
    Thanks for all the concerm, well wishes and understanding ....
    
    Great News!!! Tiggr tested FIP negative! What a relief!
    
    The good/bad news is that they still suspect hepatic lipodosis
    (fatty liver disease). Poor guy had a REAL bad day yesterday.
    When I got there in the afternoon I still couldn't get him to 
    eat but he at least responded to my presence. I left for about 
    an hour and returned with his blanket to await the ultra sound.
    Poor guy was exhausted - when I put him on his blanket and
    began stroking his head he nodded off ... one eye would open
    slightly if I stopped ... just making sure I didn't leave. So
    he napped while I waited. The ultra sound again pointed to 
    fatty liver, but a biopsy would confirm it. When they shaved his
    belly for the biopsy Dr. Grobe found a condition (which I'm not
    even going to try to spell) which basically meant the liver is 
    destroying platelets and decreasing his clotting factor - explains
    the anemia ... bottom line - he could bleed to death as a result 
    of the biopsy. 
    
    So ... after a phone call to Tufts we drove over, with Tiggr
    sleeping contentedly wrapped in his blanket. I've got to say
    (and this is my personal opinion only) that I was NOT real
    happy with the treatment. Even though they knew we were on the
    way I was kept waiting for 1/2 hour before seeing one of the
    students. Then we played "50+ questions" cause she wouldn't
    look at the paperwork I had brought with me. An hour later, the
    vet finally came in and told me that she had been detained by an
    emrgency case that came in right after me .... like mine wasn't
    an emergency case. She then proceeded to tell me that they would
    wait until morning to perform the coagulation test and biopsy, and
    "if they biopsy was done early enough Friday morning I might have
    the results back, but more than likely it would be sometime Monday."
    She rambled off all sorts of medical terms/procedures tried to 
    explain the estimate then sent me out to the receptionist to assess
    the damages. Estimate - ~$1,100 - before stomach tube!
    
    I was too mentally exhausted to even fight it, I paid what I could 
    - not nearly the half deposit they were asking for, and left. This
    morning I called Dr. Grobe and have asked her to make arrangements
    to have Tiggr transferred back to Fallon Clinic tonight! Realizing
    Tufts was much more prepared for the biopsy, testing and transfusion
    I want him out of there as soon as possible. Tufts acounting dept.
    called me this morning looking for more $ - darn near drove me right
    over the edge. When I asked Dr. Grobe about current charges at
    Fallon she said, "let's get Tiggr feeling better and we'll work out
    payments then." My kind of CARING place!
    
    All in all, I'm pooped and Tiggr is exhausted. Poor little guy could
    barely keep his eyes open when we were at Tufts last night. They
    though he was lethargic due to the condition, but when I tried to
    leave he opened both eyes wide and tried to crawl towards me. Didn't
    make having to leave him any easier.....  I'm now awiting a call from
    Dr. Grobe (Fallon Clinic) to tell me how the tests went and what time
    I can pick Tiggr up. 
    
    Thanks for asking and thanks for listening. This disease apparently
    doesn't have much written on it cause no one seems to have a lot of
    information about it. My anxiety level is higher just cause I don't
    understand it.
    

    Heidi, thanks for posting the note and letting us know how Tiggr
    (and YOU) are doing.
    
    So sorry to hear that he is so sick but I am glad to hear he is
    back with his regular doctor.  Although I realize that any
    organization and/or business needs money in order to STAY in 
    business - I also feel there are ways to discuss financial 
    arrangements without adding stress to your already emotionally
    draining situation.
    
    As I am learning to deal with a critically ill cat I have discussed 
    her treatment, the cost, the testing and (to put her blunt) her
    fate.  Tufts was mentioned and although I didn't want to put a
    $ figure on her life ... the reality was (and still is) that I
    cannot afford to pay a bill of over $1,000.00 (in one lump sum).
      
    Furthermore, the only thing (as I look in retrospect) that would
    have been gained is that we would have gotten the test results 
    back quicker!  The care she is receiving - as well as the support
    and compassion I receive from the doctors and their staff (one on
    one) ... is helping to keep Abigail alive.  Also, it is far more
    valuable to me knowing how much they care about her.
    
    My thoughts are with you and I'll say a prayer that Tiggr gets 
    better fast!  Hugs to you too.
    
    Marilyn
      

    Heidi...well wishes still on it's way to you and your baby!!
    
    I know I have the Cat Fancy Magazine at home that contains the
    ariticle on this disease because I know I let Pam borrow it when
    she was going through the same thing with her Mocha.   If you'd
    like to borrow it give me a call this weekend (I live in Fitchburg
    and I'm in the book) or I could always mail you a copy which will
    take a little longer to get to you!!
    
    Just let me know....my heart and prayers are with you.
    
    Sandy

Heidi -

Boy, what a month! You sound like I feel. How is Tiggr doing this PM?

I lost two cats this month -- Ashley and Lucas -- and now _Mitzvah_ is sick.
He got jumped by something about a week ago and we found a huge abcess on his 
back several days ago. No big deal -- happens all the time. But after he had 
surgery, he got worse. Stopped eating and just lay on the floor. Our vet came
(she makes house calls) and Mitzie's temp was off the top of the thermometer
(goes to 106). She took him home, and so far:

Blood work showed all normal except for elevated bile level, but
fever stayed between 104 and 106, so lots of antibiotics and some aspirin, and
fever came down to normal, but
then went back up to 106, so more antibiotics and tests, and
tests came back positive for _both_ FIP and Toxoplasmosis, but
blood work _contradicts_ positive FIP, so vet is stumped and so is pathologist
(can't have FIP and normal blood chemistry at same time),
might be rabies (small chance), and
his fever has come down to 101-102, on toxo medicine, but
he still is hardly eating and is wobbly, and
Feline AIDS test results due back this PM

Bummer!

I've been going over to my vet's house and sitting with him, which seems to 
perk him up some, and I've gotten him to drink a fair amount of milk and nibble 
a little food, but he's still punk.

We've only had Mitzie for three months -- he needed a home, etc., so he may 
have brought FIP into the entire cat population (5 others still), which would
be an absoulte disaster. Vet now wants to recheck Lucas' test results to check 
for FIP-related fibroid growths around the heart vs. cardiomyopathy (apparently 
same symptoms).

Thus really s***ks.

And yes, Tufts is blazing new trails in insensitivity toward pet owners. After 
my $1000 experience in being ignored there with Lucas I wrote a long letter to 
Dr. Ross, hospital head there. No reply yet.

Anyway, good luck with Tiggr. We're pulling for you.

ken

    Heidi,
    
    Did your cat just suddenly stop eating (for no reason)? If Tiggr did,
    please have the vet check under Tiggr's tongue for any kind of mass. I
    recently lost my Sidney this way. 
    
    Deb

    
    Thanks again for the responses - PLEASE keep them coming, I'm
    grasping at straws and any suggestions/ideas are welcome.
    
    Finally got a hold of Tufts and doctor reported that Tiggr's platelet
    count is dangerously low (3K - should be about 150K) and PCV is only
    17. They couldn't do the biopsy, but other testing proved positive
    for hepatic lipodosis. He still has the internal bleeding so now we
    try to figure out why the platelet count is so low - first thought 
    was bone marrow disease, but blood test ruled that out (Thank God!) 
    - so he's either using massive amounts fighting the liver disease
    (I hope) or his body is actually destroying them (AIDS). She finally
    decided to place in a nasal-gastro tube and get some food in him ...
    about time I'd say. Tiggr will be getting a blood transfusion
    tonight so we wait until morning to see if his platelet count
    is better. As soon as it's safe to transport him I'm taking Tiggr 
    out of Tufts and back to Fallon. Dr. Grobe is waiting to re-admit
    him this weekend.
    
    BTW we did check for mouth sores, tumors, etc. and no signs of them.
    He really didn't stop eating until last weekend, but has been eating
    less and less over the past month. She said if it's AIDS it can
    actually be triggered by an allergic reaction to medication. When
    I took in my shelter cat he was riddled with roundworms so we had to
    treat both .... and Tiggr reacted badly to the medicine ... another
    guess, but maybe an explanation. I've almost given up trying to 
    understand how it started, and am just concentrating on making him
    better. 
    
    Sigh.... I just want my baby home......
    
    Heidi 
    

    Heidi,
    
    I wonder if Tiggr's illness is similar to Abigail's?  She too
    stopped eating, white blood cell count down to 1000 (she was
    given a transfusion), lethargic, etc.  
    
    Dr. Mulcahey is still looking for a definitive diagnosis (possibly
    Lupus) as it IS auto-immune but not AIDS and/or Feline leukemia.
    
    Isn't the "not knowing" frustrating?  
    
    Hope little Tiggr continues the fight to survive ... they are
    strong willed, aren't they?
    
    My thoughts are with you and I hope they find the source of the
    problem soon, so that they can get him back to the road of recovery.
    
    Marilyn
    

    Dr. Breitman examined Mitzvah again this weekend -- fever still spiking
    106, not eating, etc., and found _another_ nasty bite wound on a leg --
    looks like it went right down to the bone. She opened and cleaned it.
    Guess he's had it for a week, festering along undetected, along with
    the bad bites on his back, which she did find last week.
    We're keeping our fingers crossed that this is the cause of the mystery
    fever. Mitzie's still at Dr. B's so she can keep a check on the fever.
    He's had every antibiotic known to man at this point. She is really a
    super vet -- spending time every day taking to Mitzie and trying to get
    him to eat and get the fever down. Here's hoping he's better this
    evening ...
    
    Keep us posted on Tiggr, please. 
    
    ken
    

    Ken,
    
    Fingers and paws crossed that Mitzvah's fever has gone down and will
    stay down.  Love that name.  Did you do her a good turn by adopting
    her, or did Mitzie did you the good turn by adopting you?
    
    Steffi + 4

    
    	This chapter has ended ..... and the hepatic lipidosis won
    	... Tiggr just wasn't strong enough to fight it and he
    	passed away yesterday around noontime.
    
    	The entire team at Fallon Animal Clinic in Lunenburg is to be
    	commended. They all pitched in with constant care and open
    	communications and did absolutely everything in their power.
    	Bottom line .... Tiggr had the biggest battle and just wasn't
    	up to it, the disease had taken hold much too hard.
    
    	I'll enter the article from CAT FANCY magazine about this
    	devastating disease in a few days - big thanks to Sandy for
    	gettign this to me! Of course hindsight can lead to an
    	awful cause of guilt right now, but I do wish I'd known 
    	more about this disease and the symptoms.
    
    	I urge everybody to watch for: rapid weight loss, change in 
    	eating (less or stopping altogether) even for a day or so,
    	drinking more water, becoming more reclusive, depression,
    	change in body temp (usually cooler). These need not be in
    	any combination! Just one symptom is enough to herald the
    	onset of the disease. Overweight cats between 4-7 years are 
    	at highest risk. The disease comes on slowly and VERY subtley, 
    	then deteriorates rapidly. 
    
    	Though I noted some of these symptoms myself I chaulked them 
    	up to the awful hot weather we had and the adjustment to a new 
    	cat in the house - I had no idea that hepatic lipidosis was just 
    	waiting to happen. It's an awful thing to watch, and worse for
    	the cat to have to go through. My baby is gone, but I have 
    	another little guy at home who needs my attention now so life
    	must go on ..... big THANKS for all the caring and support from
    	fellow feliners - you're all wonderful
    
    	Heidi
    
    	
    	

    Heidi,
    
    I am so sorry to hear about Tiggr's passing.  May your memories of him
    help ease your pain, and pave the way for happier times ahead.
    
    Big hugs,
    Roberta
    

    Heidi...so sorry to hear Tiggr lost the battle.   My heart reaches
    out to you and my prayers are with you.   
    
    Our little feline friends have a way of hiding pain and sickness...
    and it is very difficult for vets to diagnose something..so it is
    almost impossible for us to idenitfy those small symptoms.  You
    did all you could for Tiggr and may your wonderful memories of him
    stay close to your heart.
    
    Sandy

    Heidi,
    
     I'm also very sorry your Tiggr lost his battle. I'm sitting here in
    tears yet again, but I now he is a rest now, and has no more pain. Hold
    hin close to yor heart and he will always be with you.
    
     Tiggr has been added to the Silver lining Memorial.
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee

    Heidi,
    
    I was hoping Tiggr would pull through.  At the moment I am speechless
    as I can only imagine the pain and sadness you are experiencing.
    
    Please take care of yourself and know that you are in my prayers.
    
    Hugs,
    
    Marilyn
    

    I am so sorry that Tiggr lost his battle.  You did everything possible
    for him and he knew how much you love him.
    
    Take care of yourself and remember the good times.
    
    Steffi

    Damn! I was really hoping for a happy ending with Tiggr. My sympathies.
    Really lousy month for cat people here.
    
    
    
    Update on Mitzvah next reply, if interested.
    
    ken

    As of last night, Mitzie's fever was relatively steady 102-104. Very
    listless and tired. Needed another drain in infected leg, and needs
    *another* one today. Infection just keeps spreading down leg. What kind
    of infection does not respond to every known antibiotic? The poor
    little guy -- his leg looks like it's been in a microwave, all red and
    grey and bald, with drain tubes poking out of 4 different places. He
    has to be force-fed. Vet thought he might lose the leg -- still might.
    Says a cat does OK on 3 (!!). But -- how much should I put the little
    guy through before I am not being kind any more? I just don't know.
    Don't want to pull the plug if there's any hope left. Damn mystery
    infection!!!
    
    Miserable, s***y month!!!
    
    
    ken
    

    Ken, poor little guy.
    
    I wondered many times if I should let Abigail suffer anymore ... 
    a horrible dilemma to have to face on a daily basis.  They can't
    talk and let you know how/why they hurt ... or if they are in any
    pain.
    
    Thank God I didn't do what *some* people had suggested I do.  I
    listened to my gut and Dr(s) Moss, Mulcahey and Butler.  They
    found the illness, are treating her successfully and she is 
    really doing much better.
    
    I'll say a prayer for Mitzie.
    
    

    Ken.
    
    Prayers to your little guy.  My friends owned a three legged kitty...
    and you would not even know this cat was missing a leg.  He did
    great...
    
    Sandy

    Ken,
    
    If it should come down to it, just wanted to say that my vet's office
    adopted a stray who lost a leg. He gets along great - maybe a little
    more careful when he leaps (for balance purposes), but he's happy and
    healthy and beautiful. They adapt amazingly well. 
    
    Will be praying for Mitzie's full recovery.
    
    Rebecca

    Ken,
    
     I hope Mitzie improves quickly. I will state though, that a cat can
    get along on three legs very well. We have a shelter kitty (Thumper,
    can you stand it?) that is missing a back leg, and she does just fine.
    
     Here's hoping it won't come to that though! Maybe now that all the
    drains are in place, the fever and stuff will start improving rapidly!
    
     You and yours are in my prayers!
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee

    
    	Ken,
    
    	The Fallon Clinic has a three-legged kitty as one of their
    	mascots, and you should see him scoot around that place!
    	Hopefully it won't come to that though. 
    
    	I too battled with "is all this in vain, am I making my
    	cat suffer needlessly?"... but by Tiggr holding his own
    	day-to-day I felt I had to give him the chance to decide.
    	When a cat has had enough, they'll make the choice. It's
    	just as easy for them to give up, but they don't. Yes,
    	it's very unpleasant to watch and totally frustrating not
    	being able to do more ... just love Mitzie, she'll know
    	you're there doing your best.
    
    	We're all pulling for you and your family.
    
    	Heidi
    

    Heidi,
    
    I too wish to offer my condolences on the loss of your cat.  It is
    difficult but the love you and your cat shared you will remember
    forever.  Keep your chin up.
    
    Nancy

    Mitzie update, if interested.
    
    
    Well, it's a bit soon to know, but he may have turned the corner.
    
    Dr. B. indicates that his fever is steady at 103, down from 106+, and
    that he is showing some interest in food and now trying to jump up on
    top of his carrier and some furniture. If he _is_ recovering, the next
    problem will be sealing the wound in his leg. It is huge because of the
    flesh and skin die-off, and will require some plastic surgery to close
    the holes. This may be relatively minor by sliding some other skin down
    over the openings, or it may require relatively extensive surgery, such
    as making an incision in the abdomen, sliding his leg inside until some
    new skin forms, then removing the leg with the new skin, etc. (do they
    have a Shriner's Institute for cats?) I've already decided I'll just
    work every weekend at my second job for as long as I have to to pay 
    for all this.
    
    Breathing a small, tentative sigh of semi-relief ...
    
    
    ken
    
                                        

    Glad to hear Mitzie is coming along; sorry to hear about the surgery,
    though!
    
    Dr. B. is great, and she has always been amenable to working out a
    payment plan for stuff over and above the usual.. not that I want to
    take her up on it soon but it is nice to know she is willing!  Hope you
    don't have to work too long at that second job.
    
    Here's hoping Mitzie continues to improve and back to his old self real
    soon!!
    

    Well, Mitzie came home last night after two week's with Dr. B., who is
    now the second lessor on my home mortgage. All of the skin on Mitzie's
    left rear leg is gone, from the ankle to his rump. The leg sort of
    looks like a piece of skinless microwaved chicken. So ... twice a day 
    we are giving him antibiotics and changing an elaborate dressing that 
    has four layers pf gauze over some more antibiotics. He's a tough
    little spud! I made an elaborate bed for him in the spare room but he
    wanted no part of it -- he lurched back down stairs and jumped up on
    his old beat-up afghan couch, next to "his" dog, who only tolerates
    Mitzie and one other cat on his couch. And this morning he ate nearly
    an entire can of cat food, which is really great news because until he
    came home yesterday the vet had to force-feed him twice a day. It seems
    that coming home has greatly improved his spirits and appetite.
    
    In a few weeks we have to decide on plastic surgery since his leg will
    never regrow hair over granulated scar tissue.
    
    So, so far, so good ...
    
    ken                                                                   
    
    

Mitzie had to be put down today. Last night he seemed on the mend -- eating 
well, crying to go outside. This morning we found him coughing-up foam. Dr. B. 
was out so once again I raced to Tufts, where they found he had tears or holes 
in his esophogas and trachea, through which fluids and air were leaking in his 
chest. He also had some sort of sub-skin infection developing, plus his leg 
looked like it was developing gangrene. It was time to put the little guy down.

Three cats dead in one month. I can't believe it. We buried him in the garden 
with Ashley, Lucas, and W.C. Cat and cried some more.

Heartfelt thanks to all who have been so supportive. Heaven is filling-up with 
our cats lately.

ken

    Gee Ken I thought Mitzie was going to pull through......my heart
    goes out to you and your family.
    
    Keep those wonderful memories close to your heart.
    
    Sandy

    
    Ken, this must be so hard , my deepest sympathies to you and your
    family. 
    
    Shaw

    
    	My god Ken, I can't even imagine what you must be feeling
    	right now ...... though the numbness lasts awhile. It's
    	only been a week since Tiggr died and I still can't allow
    	myself to think about it for too long.
    
    	It sounds a bit crazy, but the first thing I did was get
    	another cat. Whitney came from Fallon Clinic, the same folks
    	who did so much to save Tiggr. There will NEVER be a replacement
    	and I'm not even going to try, but I'm a cat lover, she 
    	needed a good home, and ....... 
    
    	My two little kitties provide many hours of entertainment and
    	enjoyment. Tiggr remains in my heart, but Jebb and Whitney
    	are in my home and lap.
    
    	You're in my thoughts, and I'm just a call away of you want 
    	to chat...
    
    	Heidi 

    Ken,
    
     I'm so sorry about Mitzie. He is being added to the list with Lucas
    and Ashley. I can't imagine what you must be going through. I'm sure
    Mitzie appreciated all you did for him, and knew he was loved. I'm glad
    he got a chance to go home and see his buddies before he left though.
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    Ken,
    
    My condolensces as well.  I have also lost several cats within a short
    timespan, and know the devastation you are feeling.  Time is the best
    healer.
    
    Hang in there,
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    There are no words for what this must be like.  Oh how I wish things
    were otherwise, or that there was something I or any of us could do
    to undo the past month.
    
    len.
    

    Ken,
    
    How awful for you and your family.  You are living the unthinkable and
    I feel so badly for all of you.
    
    Please accept my sincere sympathy!
    
    Marilyn
    

    Ken,
    
         I am really, really sorry.  I know how hard it is to lose one, but
    three?  Gosh, I don't know how well I'd be able to hold up.
    
    					- Andrea

    Ken,
    
    I'm so sorry.
    
    Rebecca

    Ken, 
    
    I don't know how to express the sorrow, and sympathy.  My sincere
    condonlences.  I can only imagine how bad you feel.  Take time to 
    grieve, and hold the good memories close.  
    
    Linda

    Ken,
    
    My deepest sympathies to you and your family.  This month has just been
    devastating for you.  I wish there was something we all could do to
    make things right again, but of course we can't.  Try to be good to
    yourselves and know that your kitties knew how much you love them.
    
    Steffi

    A coworker of my wife had three kittens to place, so ...
    
    We now have a new, 7 week old kittie who has the same markings as
    Lukie. No name yet; he is busy tearing around the house, terrorizing
    the other cats (amazing how such a small kitten can scare full-grown
    cats!) And Spock the Dog lets him sleep with him! I guess he has a
    paternal streak we never noticed before.
    
                          

    Ken,
    
     I'm so glad you took a new furface into your home! No replecements I
    know, but one kitten can fill up a lot of empty space, even as little
    as they are! 
    
     I have to laugh at the adult cats at our shelter when a kitten is out.
    They act like it's some horrid unknown creature and head for the hills!
    
    Please keep us informed with the new kitty stories too! Congrats on
    being owned by yet another kitty!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee