Goodbye Baby Girl

Our Camie was helped over the bridge today a little before 2 p.m. PST. In the last week, she stopped eating anything but our cat food, or boiled chicken and even then, she could not eat much. She had lost a lot of weight and she couldn't walk very well to go out to go potty. She also had lots of swelling under her chin from the tumor, so Mom made the agonizing decision to help her go. She went very peacefully, and the V-E-T told Mom that she had picked the perfect time to let her take her trip. Mom has been crying lots, but we are sitting on her and sleeping on her to help her feel better. We know we will see her again at the bridge. Goodbye our sweet baby girl Camie. You were a wonderful sister to us, and we will miss you very much.

Update

We are so sorry it has been so long since we have given you an update. Everything is about the same here. Camie is still doing really well. As you can see, her tumor is getting pretty big, but she is taking it in stride. These pictures were taken about a month ago. It really doesn't seem to be bothering her much. Mom is really hoping Camie will make it to her 13th birthday in June, which seems like a definite possibility.

As for the rest of us, Gracie Mae is becoming more of a lap kitty with Mom. When she is tired, she will come up and sleep on Mom. Mom says she is dead to the world then, and won't get up without a lot of prompting.

Cody is doing fine. He has finally started coming up on the bed again for treats. Mom has managed to get all three of us up on the bed at the same time for treats. Cody will run if Gracie moves from her treat spot. She likes to finish up the bits and pieces that Cody won't and sometimes gets overeager and runs him off.

As for me, I am starting to feel my age. I am sleeping a lot more, and am having a harder time getting up and down. Mom says I am looking a little arthritic. I feel fine, just a little creaky. I am almost 17, so I think I have earned the right to be creaky at times. There are times that I still love to play THOE, but they are getting shorter in length and fewer in frequency.

Mom stayed home with us this year over spring break instead of going to Washington DC with the eighth graders. She wanted to stay home with Camie and I think she just really needed a break from work and school. We took advantage of her being home to sleep on her a lot.

We are really sorry we haven't had a chance to visit most of you lately. We have been keeping up on our reader, but have not had any time to comment. We wish that Mom would quit her job so we could visit you all everyday, but since we still need her to buy our stinky goodness, we know she has to work. Thank you for continuing to stick by us as friends and inquire as to our well-being when we haven't posted in a while.

A Very Wet Thursday

As some of you may have heard, we are getting lots of rain here in "Sunny" Southern California. Today was one of the worst days of the three storms we are supposed to get. Mom took some pictures to show us how bad it was outside.

This is at Mom's work. An hour before this, the ground was wet, but it wasn't flooded like this. Mom has decided to call it Lake Ross. (The name of her school is Ross)

This is looking the other way from the door where she was standing. The campus has 4 long buildings that that face away from the admin building like fingers. This is between the first and second building. The top picture is between the second and third.

This is also between the first and second building.

This was on the drive home. Mom was stopped at a red light. If you look closely, you can see the water is up to almost the bottom of the doors on the sedans.

This is at our apartment building in the parking area. It is about 2-3 inches deep.

This is right outside our apartment. The first window on the left is our living room window. Fortunately, the apartments are up from the sidewalk, otherwise we would be under water. Our doorway is off to the left (out of the picture). It is higher ground than the sidewalk and under cover so it is only wet from foot prints.

This is Mom standing in the water so you can see how deep it is. She is nuts. Camie said that water is very cold.

This is what Gracie, Cody and I have been doing. We are staying warm and dry inside. Camie has mostly been doing that, but she does have to go outside sometimes.

And finally, here is an update of Camie. If you look closely at her neck, you can see the tumor. She is doing really well tho. She is eating better than ever and is enjoying being pampered. Mom says that we are going to keep on taking one day at a time and being happy with every moment we have with her.

Saying Goodbye is Hard & Thankful Thursday (and an update)

We were so very sorry to hear that our good friend LC has run off to the bridge to be with her brother. LC, you were a wonderful friend, and an even better sister. Even though you weren't thrilled to have first Ayla and then Iza join your family, you took them under your "wings" and taught them everything they needed. We will miss you very much.

In other news, here is an update on Camie...She is doing pretty well. For the most part, she is acting normally. Mom says she is a little bit slower on her walks, and doesn't want to go as far. Mom has noticed that she can no longer lift her head to look up. She can still look ahead of her and down, but she cannot raise her head to look up. Mom was trying to give her some treats, and she cried a bit when she raised her head to get them, but it's okay because Mom is making sure she doesn't have to look up. All of her treats are given at a comfortable level for her. Other than that one thing, Mom thinks she is doing great considering.

As for our Thankful Thursday, we are thankful that Camie is doing so well. We are continuing to take each day as it comes and be thankful for the time we have with her. Cody is still sleeping with her every night, and we continue to bathe her and love on her.

LC, we will see you at the bridge. We will miss you very much.

Thankful Thursday

Because the last couple of days have been so sucky for us and for Mom (those whose beans are on facebook know what's been going on), we decided that we needed to focus on some positive stuff. So, we are thankful that Camie is such a wonderful woofie sister, and that she loves to snuggle with us. We are also thankful we have such wonderful friends. Thank you all for your purrs and words of encouragement. Some of the comments made Mom's eyes leak. We are so, so grateful to have friends like all of you!

News about Camie

Mom finally got the news about Camie and it isn't good. She took Camie to a surgical vet specialist today, and he basically said the tumor in her neck is inoperable. They did x-rays to see if it had spread to her lungs or chest and it hadn't. So then then did an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that the tumor was very vascular and that it she must have torn a blood vessel or something and that was lead to her huge amount of swelling a week ago. The ultrasound also showed that the tumor has either started to spread down to her chest, or it was a bloodclot.

Mom asked the vet if Camie was any pain and he assured her she was not. He said that if the tumor bleeds again, it probably wouldn't be good. When Mom asked him how much time Camie had left, he said it all depended on whether the tumor bleeds or not. It could be a week or a month. We are going to take each day as it comes and spend as much time with our Camie as we can.

We want to thank everyone for all of the purrs lately. We know we have been very bad at leaving comments. We have tried to visit as many of you as we can each day, but Mom doesn't always give us time to comment. Thank you all for continuing to be our friends.

It's a New Year - but we still have some of the same problems

Well, yesterday was day two of Camie's neck mystery. The V-E-T called yesterday morning with her lab results and said that the only thing he could see on the report that was abnormal was her protein level was low - but he attributed that to the bleeding into her neck. He wants to check her again on Saturday. He thinks that she might have a tumor that has a lot of blood vessels in and around it and that it might have started to bleed and all the blood poured into the surrounding tissues and caused the massive swelling. She doesn't seem to be in too much discomfort unless Mom tries to put her collar on or she moves her head wrong. She has more energy than she did the first day, but still gets worn out much too fast. Here are some pictures of her neck as of last night/this morning about 1:00 am.

This first picture is what her neck looks like when she is standing/walking. Mom says she looks like she has a turkey wattle. It's kind of hard to tell in the picture, but it is mostly dangling skin with just a little bit of swelling in it. The prednisone shot the V-E-T gave her is helping a lot with the swelling, but Mom says it is making her drink a lot and use the potty a lot - even when she sleeps. Mom doesn't care tho.

Here she is laying down. As you can see, I was trying to give her some purr therapy, but Mom wouldn't let me in the picture (I snuck part of myself in tho).

This is the bruising that is on her neck area. The V-E-T assured Mom that it was because of the blood he took yesterday, but Mom isn't so sure. It's really a large bruised area.

Some of the bruising and swelling has migrated to her chest/underarm area. Mom is lifting up her leg so you can see it better.

Finally Mom let me in to do some purr therapy. I really love my sister and hope she is better soon. Thank you all for the purrs, prayers, woofs, tail wags, etc. They mean a lot to us and we know the power it has in helping her get well. Mom has promised us she is going to get caught up on visiting everyone before she has to go back to school on Monday. We will give you all an update after Camie gets back from her V-E-T visit tomorrow.

Camie (and Gracie)

We don't often post pictures of Camie because this is our blog, but she had to go to the V-E-T on an emergency yesterday, so we thought we would ask our friends for some purrs for her.

About a month ago, she got a lump on her neck, so Mom took her to the V-E-T then and they did a needle biopsy, but it came back just showing blood cells. The V-E-T assumed she had an edema and told Mom to keep an eye on it.

Well, yesterday when Mom got up, she took Camie out for a walk and she was fine. About 15 minutes after she came in, Camie was panting in the kitchen, and wouldn't come lay down. Mom finally got her into the living room to lay down, and noticed that her neck was starting to swell up. Mom thought it was an allergic reaction, so she drove to Target to get some antihistimine medicine. She gave her a pill, but realized almost immediately that the swelling was a lot worse, and that it would be best to take her in to the V-E-T.

When they got to the V-E-T, he decided that it didn't feel like an allergic reaction, so he took a couple of x-rays. Fortunately, they showed that her airway wasn't closed at all and that the swelling was all on the outside of her neck area. He still isn't quite sure what the problem is, but he kept her for the day, and gave her a steroid shot to help with the swelling and some antibiotics for her to take in case it is an infection of some kind. He also took bloodwork to send away to the lab and we should have the results later in the day today.

Here is what her neck looked like last night - about 12 hour after Mom first noticed the swelling. We are sorry the pictures aren't that great, but Mom still hasn't found the camera so she used her cell phone. (The bruising is from the bloodwork they took - not an injury)

Here is a bonus picture of Gracie playing with a flashlight spot. She isn't smart enough to realize that the light comes from Mom and you can't ever catch it.

PS - We also want to wish everyone a very happy New Year. We hope everycats' beans are safe tonight.

Formerly Feral Friday

This is where I've been sleeping every night. Mom puts a blanket over Camie, and I get up there and snuggle with her. It's quite warm. And it allows me to see when Mom starts to move so I can start to demand either treats or food.

Tuesday Tune Up

On Saturday, we told you that there had been a change in our living arrangements. As many of you know, Miss Jade has some tummy trouble, and every once in a while, doesn't make it to the litterbox. She spends a lot of time either on the bed, or under it, so Mom put a litterbox under the bed for her. She still doesn't manage to make it all the time, so Mom was constantly having to move the bed, and then scrubbing the floor. Mom decided to make it easier on herself and the following pictures are what she decided to do.

First, Mom got 2 shower curtains and taped them down to the floor and all around the base board. She did this so that if Miss Jade misses the box, it won't ruin the hardwood floors.

Next Mom taped down plastic trashbags so that if an accident occurs, she can easily replace the bags, and cleanup will be easier. This, unfortunately didn't work well, but Mom plans to use stronger tape and try again.

Next, Mom put a cardboard box across one end of the bed on the support beams. She did this to make a bed for Cody and Miss Jade since they spend most of the time down there. She eventually wants to get a thin piece of plywood or particle board to put down, but in the meantime, this works.

Finally, Mom put a blanket down on the cardboard to make a soft place to sleep. She felt bad that Cody and Miss Jade didn't have anywhere soft to sleep when they hang out down there, and now hopefully, they will use it to sleep. Mom's boxspring doesn't have the dust cover on the bottom of it because we long ago ripped holes in it and Mom just tore the rest off, so there is a nice open area above the cardboard box for a nice little tree house bed.

Finally, we have pictures of where Cody has been spending his nights. We are sorry this first shot is so dark, but it was the middle of the night when Mom caught him sharing Camie's bed with her. Mom grabbed the camera and took a few pictures before she scared him off - back under the bed.

Thankful Thursday

We are thankful that we have a Mom who gives us nommy treats.

Camie eating a home made Woofie Ice Cream - plain yoghurt mixed with creamy peanut butter and then frozen. She loves it!

Me eating my dish of yoghurt.

Mom can't stand yoghurt, but she bought some just for us. We are well and truely spoiled!

Friday Flashback

This was one of the first posts we did way back on December 16, 2007. It was originally an Easy Like Sunday Morning post. Camie's Favorite Sleeping Position

Wow, so much has changed since then.

Meezer Monday

This is how I spent most of the weekend. I did steal some of Mom's pizza crust tho. It was yummy. It is lots of fun to bite off chunks too and drop them all over the floor.

I also want to wish a very happy birthday to my bestest woofie sister Camie. She is 12-years-old today, and my 16th birthday is on Thursday. Mom says we might see about having a Chatzy party in July to help celebrate Miss Jade's gotcha day too.

A Gracie Thursday

Me Gracie. Me finded new toy. Its fun to chase. It goes away too soon. It's funny red dot. Me chase and chase, but me never catch. Why does it go 'way?

A friend asked for a picture of Camie. Her nice woofie. Her take naps with me. Her like to sleep lots.

We got this award from Marley and Reggie. Thank you boys!

So, here are the "rules" of this award:“When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows who he or she is.
Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including ones who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends.Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.List at least ten honest things about yourself, as well as an Honest Photo...Then, pass it on!"

Since there are currently 5 of us, we are each going to say 2 honest things about ourselves.

1) I love to bang on the bedroom door at night trying to get out and patrol the rest of the house. Mom gets mad at me for doing this because she finds it hard to sleep. (Tavi)

2) After almost 16 years of being an inside only cat, I still try to get outside every chance I get. Mom still gets upset with me about this. I have always only been indoors, but I long to be outside. (Tavi)

3) I am slooooooooooowly starting to trust Mom more. She has been able to run her hand down my back for a few seconds about 10 times now. (Cody)

4) I will tolerate Mom trying to pet me as long as I am getting treats at the same time. I will do almost anything for treats. (Cody)

5) I have been very upset with Gracie and having to go to the V-E-T last week. I have been spending most of the time hiding under the bed. (Miss Jade)

6) When Mom got really concerned about me a couple of days ago, and basically pushed/shoved me out to grab me, I got so upset I pooped on myself again. It did get me a jar of baby food tho. (Miss Jade)

7) I am a bit afraid of the dog that lives here. Mom makes sure she is always between me and her. She barks at Mom and me A LOT! (Camie)

8) I hate using our own yard to got potty. I always want to go to the neighbors' yards. Mom always makes sure that she cleans up after me. (Camie)

9) Gracie doesn't like the Cody cat - me growl and scream at him. Two-legged person get mad when me do that. She says me bullying him. (Gracie)

10) Gracie would be happiest if me had Two-legged thing allllllll to me. Me jealous of Tavi cat, Jay cat and Cody cat. Me doesn't mind Camie cat. (Gracie)

11) I hate when Camie whines in the morning to go out. I am not a morning person and she definately is, and wakes me up way to early on the weekends. (Mom)

12) I don't think I am cut out to be a foster mom to kitties. I am having a hard time trying to find a new home for Gracie - she is/was supposed to only be a foster until I could find a good home for her. I don't know that any home will be good enough, but if she doesn't stop growling/screaming at the others (mostly Cody) I will have to find a new home for her. We are trying feliway and rescue remedy. She only seems to do it when I am around. I think she really is jealous of the others. (Mom)

We are supposed to pass it on to 7 other blogs. We are going to bend the rules a bit, and offer the award to anyone who wants it.

Meezer Rule Wednesday

As we reported a couple of weeks ago, Camie got a new bed. My rule for today: When your woofie gets a new bed, make her share it with you. (Its very comfy)

Finally Friday

I am so tired and ready for the weekend that I can't even stick my tongue back in my mouth.

And Camie has been testing out her new bed. She has a hammock now too. Hers has a hard bottom tho, so Mom put her other bed in the bottom. She really likes it.

Thankful Thursday

We are thankful that we have a woofie that keeps us entertained with her funny sleeping positions.

Tabby Tuesday

Here I am doing what I always do...begging for treats. I always beg for treats...and I always get them. Camie is in the background trying to sleep (but she is hoping for some treats too).

Stroller Time

When Mom came home from work last night, she took me out in my stroller while she walked Camie. Here I am seeing where we are going.
This was our eventual destination. We went to Papa's (Mom's dad's) house. Mom had to pick up mail from Papa, so she wheeled me up to the door, and then unzipped the stroller and picked me up and let me in. I was so surprised to be back in my old house. I got to explore and Papa pet me.

After we got done at Papa's, I got put back in my stroller and off we went home. Now, I am watching where we were instead of where we were going. Papa is only a couple of houses from Mom, so she and Camie get to go there all the time, but this is only the second time I've been back.

And, there is our destination ahead.. It is a weird angle because the wall and fence you see belong to our neighbor, but you see all of our house, and Mom's car in the driveway.

Once we got home and Mom put my stroller away, she let me out for a few seconds to do a bit of exploring. Not that I could do much, because as you can see, Camie stuck to me like glue to make sure I didn't go anywhere.
(Dumb sisters)

Here is Camie right before we went in. Mom is doing a no-no here. Camie should be on a leash. When a greyhound is walked, they should always be on a leash because if they see something fluttering at the end of the block, or from the corner of their eye, they could (potentially) take off after it, and be lost before they know it. Greys don't see details when they run, they only see the object they are chasing, so they could be a mile away quickly without any clue as to how they got there. That being said, Camie just doesn't give a darn about anything but Mom, us cats and her bed. She doesn't seem to notice anything while she is outside, except for where Mom is going, so Mom felt comfortable enough to take off her leash before we went in the door but it is only with Camie that Mom would do that. Our first Grey, Hunter, had his leash on before he left the house, and it wasn't until he was back safely inside that it was taken off.

And finally, here I am recovering from my big adventure.