I keep finding myself checking out the rescued cats that the ASPCA places in the local pet stores. Some of them are so appealing but I haven't seen the perfect one yet for Ginger. Also I remember the knot in my stomach when I added up the first bills from the vet and they were over a thousand dollars. I think I will hold off for a little while if possible. Maybe Ginger will get a late Xmas present from the ones that were gifts for some one who decided they were not meant to have pets. I know some of you are dead set against indoor/outdoor cats. I know in most cases it is for the best if they are strictly indoor cats but Ginger was a stray and short of a miracle I don't think I can change that. So far she has observed our property line except for one case recently when she got curious about the noises going on in a neighbor's house. She took only a quick peek and came back quickly. She spends a lot of time lounging on the brick wall in front of the house watching the kids at play across the street. She is always there when the High School a block away lets out for the day and she watches all the big kids go by. Ditto for the runners and dog walkers. She seems to have favorites although she doesn't let them too close. Pookie used to do that. Yesterday, I was watching her waiting for the school bell. She suddenly was looking up in the trees for some reason and it quickly became apparent why when she started ducking the hickory nuts being thrown at her. The squirrels wanted her GONE! She was interrupting their search for food to store for the winter. She tries to ambush them but they are too quick and there are too many to keep watch for her. The number of squirrels, moles, chippers and rabbits is terrible here. They do a lot of damage. Our driveway partly collapsed because the chippers dug out so many tunnels and nurseries under it. I hope they don't all figure out she only wants to play catch and release. Perhaps they will look for less threatening territory. I do keep things as safe as possible for her and the vet is becoming used to my precautions. The worst worry is the raccoons. As amusing as they are, I would wish them gone. They don't have the good manners of the ones in Wisconsin and I worry about diseases. I haven't noticed any sick ones, but they seem to be prime vectors when something is going around.I keep trying to educate the neighbors about the raccoons but they still keep putting their dogs out at night and you can tell when the raccoons go through because of the dogs barking. Sandy

Bonnie ... you already know that you and I share the same type of bond with our fur babies :o) I have been finding it so hard to understand how from month to month the levels change for both my little dog Tara and Taz. Taz is looking great but I still have him on the fortacore and his levels continue to be "normal". The vets are amazed at Tara's levels .. she went from 338 on her creatin .. down to "normal" I really dont get it. But now that Tara's levels are at normal Bill isnt so nervous and has let her fluids slide. I keep telling him that they need to be done and he keeps saying that I need to remind him. Well, its horrible to say but I have more responsibility caring for the 6+ foster babies .. seven cats, our other dog and the fish. Not to mention the foster kids and the house, garden etc. I refuse to do her fluids after 7 as she has had some difficulty holding it and has piddled on the carpet more times than I would like to recall .. sometimes right in front of me. She also lost control in bed one evening when we did her fluids too late at night ..not fun. I keep telling Bill that the subq is like giving a small child a huge glass of water just before bed :o) I think I will have to go back to having my friends help me out with her fluids other wise she may crash again .. and I dont want to have to go through that because of inconsistancy :o( BUT Bill also has to take some ownership for this whole issue also. Taz has really been enjoying the weather all year. He much prefers to use my garden than the litter box .. and thats fine with me .. I just water that area really really well on a daily basis. I think I might set up a litter box full of soil outside for him to use and see if that might get him to change locations :o) Taz also has his favorite spots in the garden .. under the cedar trees where he can watch the birds and other critters while in hidding. He tries so hard to be a hunter :o) And with his wobbly pop legs he isnt very successful but he is such a joy to watch. My first set of babies have left home and all have found new families. Two went to the same home so Im sure they are doing well. I went to the shelter today with full intentions on returning with my baby Sweedles .. just a little momma day gift for myself .. but when I got there a couple came in and fell in love with her. When I saw her try to suckle her neck I knew she would be fine with them. I was at least able to say good bye. Now I have two stinky little guys that I have had for about 4 weeks and 4 new ferral kittens .. they are about 6 weeks and really only need to be socialized :o) They are so terrified right now so there are lots and lots of snuggles going around. Anywho .. Im rambling ... take care of the Ham and give him a big snuggle from me. Laura

camarogirl219, I am so very sorry for your loss. That's a lot of years for you to pack into a single goodbye, I know. My heart aches for you and Daisy, who must be traumatized and disoriented by the loss of her bud. I suspect that the addition of a new feline might be a difficult adjustment for her, but I do think it would be best for her in the long run. I would NOT, however, recommend adopting a male feline UNLESS you find an older adult who is known to be laid back and to live peacefully with other cats. Male kittens and young adults tend to be VERY rowdy, demanding, and rough and relentless in their play. I think that might be completely overwhelming for Daisy. But an older, mellow, well socialized boy might make a wonderful companion for her after the initial adjustment period. A young female kitten might also be a good choice of companion, as they don't tend to be nearly as overwhelming as males. And Daisy might find it easier to accept a young kitten, since she will not see the kitten as either a territorial or physical threat. An adult female probably isn't the best choice, though, as they tend not to bond with other adult females with whom they have not been raised. That's my experience after having integrated many felines of both genders and all ages into my household over the decades. I wish you a peaceful grief and happy future with Daisy et al. Laurie

The kitty will take care of those nasty centipedes...and you'll never have to deal with them again!! My first cat found me about 20 years ago, and I can't imagine not having one now. I was strictly a dog person at the time. I have four. The first one has been gone for several years now, but we have another that also showed up in the backyard. And the one we adopted to keep the first one company. Then the two my husband brought home from work as 3 week old kittens. They can be as loving as dogs - just on their terms. I've trained them to all sit up and beg for treats.