Susan's Blog - December '08 entries
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Trials, tests, and results
December 1, 2008 : 11:03 PM
We sent An's Max to be fostered in Tokyo, and we were hoping that he'd
be able to bunk at Gucci's new place. However, the two didn't seem
happy at all to see each other, and there was concern about all of the
noise they were making while saying so. Another volunteer kindly went
and picked Max up, and will now provide foster care. Max had a hectic
day, but hopefully he'll settle in soon.
Moe has happily been chosen, and will go out to Tokyo soon. He's a
kitten with lots of personality! We had been worried about separating
him from his brother, but when Larry was lost for 4 days, he did fine.
He will love all of the new attention as he's incredibly affectionate.
Takako and Kaoru got Daisy's brother and sisters in for testing. All of
our poor little wildflowers tested FELV positive and Poppy also tested
FIV positive. After Daisy's positive test, it's as we expected (other
than the FIV), and we imagine this came from their mother who has
already been released. It's hard to know if testing their mother at her
spay would have made any difference, as they had already been nursing
from their mother for around a month, when they came in. It would
certainly have made a difference regarding Ewok, who we allowed to join
their group, and has now tragically tested positive as well. Testing is
always a contoversial issue. Medical professionals here don't think
testing before three months is reasonable, as it can be inaccurate, and
the tests are expensive to start with at around $50 per cat. This is
the first time any cats have ever tested FELV positive at our shelter.
Our policy had been to wait at least several days to see if there were
any developing symptoms before combining groups, when absolutely
necessary for space. With TNR, we haven't even been able to add the
cost of vaccines (also medically controversial, due to the cats'
weakened immune system at operation), let alone the cost of testing to
the ever difficult fund raising situation on any of the projects. These
kittens are the first from the park that tested positive for FELV, but
they may be the only kittens actually born there, as others rescued
were probably all abandoned at the park. If we resume trapping at the
park, we'll have to instruct volunteers to test any feral mother cats
with kittens, and we'll have to discuss what to do about the fact that
there may be many adult cats living there with FELV. The vet is
recommending retesting this group of kittens again in several months,
but as they're around 4 months old now, the test is probably not a
false positive. We have a small quarantine enclosure attached to an old
unused bathroom and hallway area, that we're considering moving them
into. They'd have access to fresh air and sunshine, with some space to
run around in. Their current living location is a large three level
cage, and though it's in a higher attention area, it's too small to
accommodate their increasing size. They have never had contact with any
of the other kittens in the shelter, and haven't had a chance to play
in the new kitten enclosure. We have to face the possibility that they
will never have a chance to leave the shelter, and we want to give them
the best possible life while they are here.
Comments
December 5, 2008 at 8:37 AM
posted by: japancatnet
Thanks!! i posted my questions on the forum--I had no idea it existed, but it looks like a great resource.
December 4, 2008 at 9:54 PM
posted by: missydog
Why don't you post these questions on the Feline Medicine Forum? Dr.
Muns, a veterinarian, will answer your questions and usually BF members
also post their ideas. Dr. Muns was very helpful when I posted a
question regarding my dog.
December 4, 2008 at 8:53 PM
posted by: japancatnet
Thanks for pointing out the problem with the link! I think I've fixed
it. Thanks also for the direction towards good information--hoping to
sift through it on my day off from teaching, this Sunday. I just packed
Ewok off to the vet, as she seems to have recurring URI symptoms, so
I'm thinking of separating her from the group. All of these kittens
came in with URIs but recovered after a couple of weeks of treatment.
What I'm wondering about is the chance of false FELV positives, since
all 5 had nursed from the same mother. Also, is it possible only some
of them are false positive? Though Ewok nursed from the mother, she
wasn't actually her kitten, so are her chances of getting the disease,
greater or less? I'm also wondering about whether we should try to
place any of these kittens in foster care, where they'd have access to
more focused attention. So many questions, and so many other kittens
and cats that need care, too, today. Luckily, we have the space to move
these FELV kittens into, and also several new foster care offers. If we
can decide on the best way to proceed with their FELV special needs
care, I think we'll be able to fit it all in to the busy schedule!
December 3, 2008 at 10:21 PM
posted by: missydog
I am so sorry the kittens tested positive for FELV, but I an happy they
are in a safe place. Spax has given you some good resources.
On your website, the link to the newsletter is not working. I enjoyed
reading the news articles and they just reinforced my opinion of the
good work you are doing.
December 3, 2008 at 4:54 AM
posted by: Spax
I just quickly looked if I can find useful info on the network and
Marion from BF network just recommended this forum to someone:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/FeLVPositiveCats/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1
There's also the tab "Resources" that is a good overall info on the
home page of the network and www.felineleukemia.org looks like a very
informative website - there is a link to Cornell University that has
usually very good information on kitty diseases.
There are two different tests - the first one is often a false positive.
Andrea
December 3, 2008 at 4:20 AM
posted by: Spax
Our most favorite building to volunteer when Mike and I are at Best
Friends sanctuary is CalMar where the feline leukemia kitties live. It
is so clean one could eat off the floor! Of course they have great
caretakers and the budget to match.
There are a few kitties that have both FIV and leukemia and they live
at CalMar (there are two more rooms for FIV cats in another building).
One thing we've sadly learned is that young FELV kitties can crash at
around two years of age, it seems some kind of critical phase. Once
they pass that they mostly have long good quality life like any other
cat. They have a harder time fighting simple things because of their
weakened system.
I'm wondering if there's some kind of forum, like a yahoo group feline
leukemia cats you could join. For specific questions I can always ask
my local cat rescue group, they all have dealt with FELV issues.
Just email me over the BF network email.
Hope they will all have a long and good life, and even maybe find a
home one day. But in the meantime, they have a great place with you and
they are safe.
Fingers and paws crossed from us and our four kitties!
Andrea
December 2, 2008 at 3:09 AM
posted by: japancatnet
They all seem fine now...Ewok is snuggling on my lap as I write! But
we've noticed that they seem to be growing a bit more slowly, and there
is recently some diarrhea. The vet wanted us to separate Poppy (who
tested positive for FIV, also), but we just don't have the space, and
It seems like FIV transfer is low risk in this case...Poppy would be
heartbroken to be on her own. If their health continues to hold strong
for a while, I think they'll enjoy having the small enclosure, but it's
too inconvenient for treating chronically ill cats. It's in a low
traffic area of the shelter, and we generally use it for short term
quarantine. As I said, this is our first experience with FELV, so any
input would be much appreciated!
December 2, 2008 at 1:51 AM
posted by: Spax
Oh no...poor little babies...this is so tough. We helped relocate a
feral colony in July and a few kitties were also FELV positive. After
initially getting better with constant care and a cleaner environment,
three of them declined fast, it was so sad.
And I guess I was too fast with my previous comment hoping that Max could stay with Gucci!
Andrea
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Nonstop
December 5, 2008 : 9:09 AM
David and I were both busy nonstop today. He went out to Osaka to shop,
pick up one of our cages and litter boxes, then to teach after that. I
got a kitten to the vet (Ewok), prepped with some moms for Christmas
parties, went to the store for cat food/supplies, ran back to check on
kittens (and mails, as we're trying to help someone in Tokyo with a
very ill stray cat), did an interview with a local news reporter,
taught English classes, prepped for English classes tomorrow, walked
two bikes to the station, helped David get the stuff back to the
shelter, and posted our FELV questions on the Feline Medicine forum. I
still have laundry to do before bed.
Ewok was looking a little lethargic last night, and when I checked on
her at around 6:30 this morning, she was congested and hadn't moved
from their bed. After her two injections at the vet and some Peterna,
she seems a little better, but we'll have to keep an eye on her. The
vet gave us medicine for all 5 kittens in her group, since we don't
want to take any chances of the others developing upper respiratory
infections, given their current FELV status.
David is trying to make plans for a Tokyo trip, dropping off kittens to
new homes. We have a few adoptions in Tokyo still processing. We'd like
to finalize as many as possible, before going out there, since it's a
$200 trip. Of course we don't want to rush things for the sake of
convenience, but It's also nice for the kittens to start enjoying their
new lives in homes as soon as possible. Moe's new family can't wait to
meet him, and I know how much he will love having so much attention.
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Hot and cold and just right
December 7, 2008 : 10:04 AM
Today David went to Tokyo to take Moe to his new home and Larry along
to be fostered by the same couple. The two boys knew they'd found a
good thing and settled right in--apparently they're big fans of the
heated carpet! We received lots of nice pictures showing them playing
and relaxing, tonight. They are two very sweet boys, that love to be
held, and I'm so pleased that they can now enjoy life in a home. Last
spring they arrived at the shelter with their brother Curly, having
been abandoned at the park. Curly found a new home quickly, but Larry
and Moe have remained, except for their brief but adventurous fostering
experience. We are wishing the best for them in their new life in the
big city.
I stayed back and worked on making a warm place for the kittens to
relax in, out in the kitten enclosure. It's gotten very cold out the
last few days, and there is no doubt that winter has come! The kittens
still enjoy going out to play, but we want them to have access to a
warm space, and we can't let them come in and out of their room like
the other enclosure cats do. When in the room, they live in separate
cages, and the room is not set up for lots of running around and
jumping on things. I decided to buy a large shelving unit and back it
with foam sheet insulation, then cover it with clear vinyl so that they
can still look outside. It doesn't look very stylish, but it's warm and
it has soft cushions and warm cube beds. They were all very happy to
help me put it together, and loved the cardboard box it came in, the
best of all!
Haven't had the time to really cook, in quite a while, but the cold
made me think that it was time to make a gigantic pot of mulligatawny
soup, so that we could freeze it and eat it for weeks to come. Our old
Japanese house is not centrally heated, however it IS centrally
ventilated. We manage to keep one room warm for us, and heat small
areas of the cat group living spaces. Everything else--kitchen, toilet,
bath, entry area--stays very cold. As our friends in Japan know, this
is actually not such a strange way to live here. There's a whole
industry built around keeping people warm in poorly heated houses.
There are thick puffy house jackets to wear, long underwear, heavy soft
blankets, metal hot water bottles, and low tables with little heaters
under them. My friend Matt used to say that he had to be sure to put
the ice cream away, because if he left it out on the kitchen table, it
got too hard to eat! So, a bubbling pot of soup provides a little added
warmth to the kitchen, as well as our stomachs!
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Christmas Cookie
December 16, 2008 : 9:12 AM
It's been one of those weeks where we don't know which end is up. Last
Thursday, Ewok suddenly developed breathing problems, and I took the
day off classes to get her to the clinic right away. She is staying at
the vet's now, and he thinks there is some kind of abscess in her
throat, causing a blockage. It's hard not to worry, but I know that
she's receiving the best of care.
We heard back from the owner of the property we were hoping to buy,
that we wouldn't be able to use the property for the NPO office. He's
worried that as it involves some amount of cats being kept on the
premises, we would be a nuisance to neighbors and he would be held
responsible for bringing us into the neighborhood. So we've been out
and about looking at other places. We will eventually need to find a
bigger place out in the countryside, for a sanctuary, and a place near
a train station for the office. We have a couple of new leads, so
fingers crossed.
English class Christmas parties have started, and we are preparing for
our end of the year meeting with volunteers to map out next year's
goals. Margaret is coming out for the meeting, and will bring kittens
back to be fostered by Valerie-Anne in Tokyo. Choco and Cookie are
improving everyday, and will love having the space to stretch their new
energetic legs! They and Sylvie have all tested FELV/FIV negative, and
are now out of their cages for about an hour a day to play together.
They've become good friends, with Sylvie being thrilled with the new
company.
Comments
December 17, 2008 at 4:40 AM
posted by: japancatnet
I feel the same way about the property! I think we'll find the place
that we're meant to be. I'll post a picture of fantasia today! Thank
you for praying for Ewok...I need to write the vet to check on her
tonight.
December 16, 2008 at 7:58 PM
posted by: missydog
Choco and Cookie don't look like the same cats. They must be so happy
to feel better and not have to look through all that eye discharge.
Ewok is such a cute little girl. I am praying for her to overcome her
illness. How is Fantasia? I am sure you will find a much more suitable
location for your shelter. Buying that property wasn't meant to be.
It's good you discovered you might not be welcomed by the neighbors
before you purchased the property.
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Fantasia steps out
December 17, 2008 : 4:58 AM
Fantasia looks a little worse for wear, but she's actually doing much
better. We've cut off some of the bad fur (and some has just fallen
out!), but are having more difficulty getting to the fur-balls along
her legs, as she's sensitive about that. Still dealing with the abscess
on her chest, that she had when she arrived--the vet says it's in a
hard area to clear up completely. She eats so much, but remains small
for her 5 years, not any bigger than most of the kittens. Since we've
cleared her scabies up, she's been able to venture out into the kitten
enclosure for a short time everyday. She seems to enjoy the sunshine
and fresh air, but it's too cold now, for her to spend much time out
there comfortably. She loves her hot water bottle, and perches on it in
her cage most of the time. She also loves to come out to be held by
David, and she buries her head in the crook of his arm. Like Cookie and
Choco, she's been so far down she needs some time to climb back up.
Unlike them, she's a little older and the going is slower. But she
looks much more comfortable now, and it's a real joy to see her curled
up on the enclosure shelf, in the sunshine.
Comments
December 18, 2008 at 5:04 AM
posted by: catmominme
That's a good idea! Maybe after awhile when its time to spay here, if
she hasn't let you cut them by then, maybe he could gently try to
remove them at that time!
I definitely wouldn't do it now, she needs to gain more weight and
stabilize a bit more....but I'm sure she is still happier than she has
been in a long time.
Merry Christmas! To you and your "fuzzy family"
December 18, 2008 at 12:13 AM
posted by: japancatnet
Her skin is really delicate, probably from the long term scabies--the
vet said he thinks she had the condition for a very long time, but had
developed some way to cope with it. He didn't even want to use a shaver
on her, for fear of cutting her skin, so we're nervous about any hair
cutting that we do. I hadn't thought about seeing if the vet can
anesthetize her, when she's stronger--she'll need to be spayed, but he
still seems concerned about her general health. I'm relieved to see her
get a little bounce into her step, and it's true that the light seems
to have come back on, in her eyes. I do wonder if she has ever lived
outside a cage, and hope we'll be able to make that happen for her in
the future!
December 17, 2008 at 8:06 PM
posted by: missydog
Wow, there was a cat inside that tangle of hair. Now you can see her
cute little face. Perhaps, if she needs to be spayed, she can have her
mats clipped at that time. Prayers and healing thoughts are being sent
to Fantasia to soon be healthy and abcess free.
Any Ewok news?
December 17, 2008 at 6:52 PM
posted by: catmominme
Ps. I have a 2 year old that is half the size of my other cats. Some cats remain small....
December 17, 2008 at 6:51 PM
posted by: catmominme
Well, its so good to see her! She does look like she's had a really
rough life, but you can see the light in her eyes that shows that she
is on the mend!!!
Those hair balls may be painful for her, which is why she doesn't want
them "messed with". When she is stronger, you may want to have her
sedated and have them removed. Bad matts cause painful pulls on skin.
Poor little mite!
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Party Hearty
December 19, 2008 : 10:51 AM
Last English class Christmas parties tomorrow, and our year end meeting
with volunteers, so we're dashing (luckily, not through the snow!) to
get everything prepared. I cut out 66 calendar sets for the handcraft,
and will put candies in party bags tomorrow. I have been rehearsing the
Hokey Cokey (like the Hokey Pokey, but this is a Christmas version),
which seems much too fast, but I'm guessing the children will love it.
Grown up parties next week, with a small JCN Bonenkai (end of the year
party) Monday evening, and Christmas day with Elizabeth and other
friends out at ARK.
Also talked with someone interested in adopting Sylvie, so it looks
like he won't be spending much time in foster care, once he gets to
Tokyo tomorrow night. I'll really miss him, but as always, I am so
happy he's found his place.
Waiting to hear back from the vet on Ewok's progress...hoping that no
news is good news. The 4 wildflowers are currently doing well, and have
become more friendly, with Daisy actually wanting me to hold her, and
Poppy tapping me through the cage. Rose and Clover are still the hard
sells, but have stopped cringing when I reach in to pet them, and even
purr sometimes. We haven't moved them to the quarantine area, as we
were concerned about the cold temperature back there. Their current
location is in a tri- level cage, just outside the only heated room,
and is much warmer for them. We don't know what caused Ewok's troubles,
and thought maybe the rest would fall sick too, as they were staying
together at the time. But the others have stayed well, except for the
occasional sneeze, so perhaps they were separated just in time. Now
that most classes are going on break, we'll have some time to shift
things and explore other options for getting them more living space.
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Hanging in there
December 20, 2008 : 11:58 AM
A long day...general NPO meeting, kittens leaving for Tokyo, children's
parties. Heard from the vet that Ewok's condition continues to go up
and down. An X-ray showed a swollen lymph node, and a mass near the
larynx, which was causing respiratory distress--if I understand
correctly. He's had her on an IV and oxygen, as well as other meds.
She's currently improved a bit, and he sent the above photo. I know
that the vet's wife, who works with him in the clinic as a technician,
has the most amazing ability to soothe any animal in distress. It is
the best place possible for Ewok, now, and I hope that she can recover
soon!
Comments
December 21, 2008 at 12:05 AM
posted by: missydog
Thank you for the update on Ewok. In the photo, she looks good and I
pray that her recovery will continue. It is commendable, the time and
money you spend on these poor kittens who wouldn't have a chance
without you. They do deserve a good quality of life in a happy home.
You and David are very special people.
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White Christmas!
December 27, 2008 : 12:23 AM
Spent a very nice Christmas with our friends who run shelters in other
parts of Japan. We even enjoyed a real English Christmas pudding for
desert, fire and all! Conversation centered on ideas for improving our
programs in the coming year, but also looking back on the rockier
points of the past year. We don't stay in touch as much as we'd like,
but it's always nice knowing there is someone to call for advice or
encouragement, when things get rough. David came back early to take
care of all the kitties, but I stayed overnight, and went out to see
how the land is being cleared for ARK's new facility. The countryside
there is so beautiful and peaceful! Everything is still in the planning
stages, and funding continues to be an issue, but I think that they
have the basic design finished and will probably start part of the
building this summer. It is going to be an inspiration for everyone
working to build shelters throughout Japan, seeing a real state of the
art facility go up here. Elizabeth gave us a copy of their new book,
which is a lovely account of what ARK has been able to accomplish in
improving the lives of Japan's abused and abandoned animals. It's
filled with touching and artistic photos, telling some of these
animals' rescue stories, and showing how one determined woman motivated
a group of dedicated people to make such a difference. See it on ARK's website...
I came back to find our little town completely covered in snow! David
met me at the station to help get the large box of cat food that I
brought back, home through the snowy road. Later in the evening Takako
brought a new rescue in, and an update on Ewok, having taken the newbie
to the vet. Ewok spent Christmas at the vet's clinic, but she looks
cheerful! The vet says that her condition continues to go up and down,
so he doesn't know when she can be released. I'm thankful that she's
comfortable, and loved there. I'll introduce our newest rescue
tomorrow! More photos from Christmas...
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That's Michael
December 27, 2008 : 8:44 PM
Michael was found outside in the snow, the day after Christmas. Takako
could see that he had a problem with one of his eyes, was friendly, but
had nowhere to go, so she took him to the vet and then brought him to
the shelter. His eye had probably become infected some time ago, and
without proper treatment, had shrunken. He won't be able to see with
that eye, now. He also has an upper respiratory infection, but nothing
has stopped him from being a happy, hungry guest. He settled right into
his cage, eating his dish of food, having a drink and jumping into his
bed for a long sleep. Not a peep out of him, or any sign of discontent
whatsoever. He enjoys being petted, and purrs when we reach into the
cage. Named for a famous Japanese comic series called "What's Michael",
he is a lovely long-haired ginger tabby, and we feel sure that we can
find that special someone to see past his disability.
Comments
December 28, 2008 at 9:28 AM
posted by: japancatnet
I haven't talked with the vet about Michael's condition myself yet, and
he's off for the New Year's holiday this week. We have some eye drops
to give him, and some powdered medicine, as well. We'll need to go back
in for a check up after a week. To be honest, I'm not even sure how
well he can see out of his other eye, as he doesn't seem to focus on
movement. His URI symptoms aren't that bad, compared to other new
arrivals. I do think he was either recently abandoned or receiving some
amount of food on a fairly regular basis. His condition, though
indicating a lack of attentive care, is not as desperate as it could
be. However, it's dangerous for a sight impaired (even partially) cat
to be living outside, and he was found near a big road, so I'm glad
that Takako found him sooner rather than later.
December 28, 2008 at 6:11 AM
posted by: catmominme
I'm surprised the vet didn't suggest that they remove the eye?! I hope it doesn't cause any other infections by leaving it in?
But boy, what a beautiful cat!!!
December 27, 2008 at 9:25 PM
posted by: missydog
Even with just one eye, Michael is a handsome cat. I love all cats, but
I am partial to the red cats. He must be so happy to be inside, out of
the snow, with a soft bed and a full tummy. It sounds like he may have
had a family at one time. Bless Takako for rescuing him.
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Home away from home for the holidays
December 29, 2008 : 3:47 AM
Teddy and Kuchi (formerly Larry and Moe) have come back for a visit,
while their new owners visit relatives for the New Year's holiday. We
put them out in the kitten enclosure with the rest of the gang today,
and they settled right in, as if they'd never been away. However, when
I reached out to pick either of them up, they backed up a bit as if
they didn't know me! I guess they have attached themselves to new
"people" now, which is exactly as it should be. I love seeing them
again, looking so healthy and shiny, and I can see Tracey has been
taking excellent care of them. They didn't know what to make of the
snowy cold, though, and after a bit of exploring, they settled into one
of the beds together.
Michael is staying inside, in his bed, while we give him medicine and
wait for testing. He doesn't seem to mind his new life in a cage at
all, now, but he'll probably start getting a little antsy as he
recovers. Still concerned about both of his eyes, and I'm hoping that
he won't have lost his sight completely.
Comments
December 31, 2008 at 7:21 AM
posted by: japancatnet
Sylvie quickly became a favorite of mine, as he really reminded me of a
much loved cat we rescued years ago. Jumbo had FIV and had health
problems that made him impossible to rehome. So, he lived out his life
here at the shelter, and he ended up being "My cat." Of course, Sylvie
was destined for life in a home. I was waiting eagerly, to hear from
his new owners--just heard today, and posted some info about that on
the blog, but still waiting for pictures.
December 29, 2008 at 9:43 PM
posted by: missydog
Oh, I'm so happy to hear this! Now I'm waiting for the update on
Sylvie. Yes, I do read your website and I read the teaser about Sylvie.
December 29, 2008 at 9:18 PM
posted by: japancatnet
Yes, they've decided to adopt both! We were really pleased, too. I
think their only concern with keeping both was a typically small
Japanese apartment. They really like both of the boys, now, though, and
have already called to make sure they're doing OK!
December 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM
posted by: missydog
Did they adopt Larry or is he being fostered? These two brothers belong
together and I have been hoping Moe's adopters would realize this and
decide to adopt Larry also. Changing Larry's name sounds permanent to
me.
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Suki desu (It's liked!)
December 30, 2008 : 8:52 AM
A couple came out from Nagoya to choose an older kitten for fostering,
and they chose Judy. We had to keep telling Teddy and Kuchi (Larry and
Moe) to stop being so cute, as they were NOT available anymore. Judy is
our little spark. She arrived all by herself, having been left in a
small cardboard box in the park, at under a week old. When I went to
meet the volunteer at a train station, to pick her up, I brought a warm
bottle of kitten milk. We always do that, but the really little ones
never take it right away, and seem to need some time to adjust to the
idea of drinking from a bottle. Not so with Judy, who gave a few
powerful sucks, filling her small belly, and then fell fast asleep. She
joined the Jetsons group, since they had also just come in, and hasn't
stopped since. We're happy to see her get into a home, since she's
never liked spending nights in the cage, and is the only one that
paces. She loves attention, and cannot get enough hugs. I think she's
in for a real treat in her new placement, as they seem very eager to
give a cat a loving home. Her arrival had her a bit nervous at first,
and she's staying in her carrier for the time being. Knowing Judy, who
will be called Suki, she'll be out and onto a lap in no time!
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New year, new home
December 31, 2008 : 7:05 AM
Heard from Sylvie's new owners today that he has settled in well. He
had some difficulty settling into his foster home when he first
arrived, and spent a couple of days hiding out under their sofa. That
really surprised us, because he had been so very friendly when he
stayed here at the shelter, but we think that he may find changing
living situations more traumatic than most, due to his first bad
experience with that. Anyway, they tell us that he's sleeping with them
and playing everyday, so it sounds like he feels comfortable there. He
is such an adorable and affectionate kitten, and I'm really glad that
he's put his scary past behind him--though I have to admit I still miss
him! No pictures from his new home yet, but this is a picture from his
foster home, where they also came to love him very much.
Bad weather today kept most of the kittens snuggled into their beds,
but we brought them out, off and on, for a run around the enclosure. No
New Year's party for us, but we braved the snow to ride our bikes out
to the grocery for some pasta and bread to make a nice dinner at home
tonight. Wishing everyone a happy and meaningful New Year!
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