My buddy for over 18 years, Wart, has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. After many months of growing more and more tired, he just went to sleep and then left the building. All systems were active. He was just tired. He was closely monitored for signs of pain and distress. He chose to go naturally and peacefully.
Wart was always very tall and lanky, ate like a horse, and never had an extra gram of fat. His coat was impeccable. He put up with pettings, but never a belly rub, and chin skritches were accepted for as long as anyone kept offering them. Combing was out of the question. One of his nicknames became “The Fonz”. Others included BigMan, Two Ply, and Wartman.
Why would anyone name a cat Wart, you might ask. It was a name of honor, as Merlin chose that very nickname for King Arthur when he was a lad. But as Wart aged, it became apparent he was much more a wizard than a king. The older he got, the more kittenish he looked – just as wizards age backwards. My daily comment became, “You are the cutest old man I have ever seen”. He loved that.
Knowing he was not in pain, my biggest concern was that he was afraid. I could see it was coming and talked to him about death and assuring it was part of life and everything would be alright. Before leaving for BlogPaws, I had a little session with Fisher, asking her to help. I am quite sure she left her otherworld escapades and let him know he would be safe. I am also sure she stayed with him at the Bridge until he was happy there. I doubt that it took a lot of time. I just hope there are lots of cupboards and doors at Rainbow Bridge because he was a master at opening them and occupying the inner space. I am not sure if he loved his quiet time or the fact that I had to hunt to find him. It was all in good fun, either way.
As all pet people know, it is heart wrenching to say good-bye to such loving, non-judgmental beings as our pets. We get through it because we know the memories are with us forever and the love never goes away. Those who are so loved leave a little piece of their spirit with us to help us go forward and when the time is right, to go out and rescue another in need of a happy home.
I am leaving on a jet plane direct flight to BlogPaws today! So…I had to break the news to Scooter and Wart that they were not going, too.
They talked amongst themselves….
Wart was happy – he hates to travel. Scooter was a little PO’d. Then I had to make the announcement. In their place, I will take the Harris Cat Clan Representive.
This is Buster, representative. If you see him, you will likely see me.
We often read stories about pets written from their perspective or from the point of view of someone who knows them well. For animal lovers and pet owners, reading about the lives and circumstances of other animals is a wonderful pastime and often an educational adventure. The book, “The Richest Dog in Town” is no exception.
Book cover designed by Connie Gross. www.conniegross.com
“The Richest Dog in Town” is a collection of humorous stories about the life of rags to riches Hobo Hudson. It is a fun read, and if you happen to be human, you can learn a few things about business, both good and bad.
When Hobo Hudson finally found his forever family with writer Bruny Hudson, he began to train the Hudsons and their resident cats. You will learn some of his methods. Several of the animals Hobo interacts with have their say in their own stories.
Many of the animals in Hobo Hudson’s life fill the compilation of short stories with sage advice and reflections. Because they are short, it would ruin your pleasure to go into them in detail, but I can give you some clues:
If you are a sweet dog who gets into mischief occasionally, you will need to read how Hobo managed to get the blame switched to a stuffed animal.
Discover how a dog became a published writer of his own accord and managed to get more press than the human writer he lives with.
What does an EBay site have to do with Hobo Hudson expecting to become a millionaire?
Hobo Hudson is the “Richest Dog in Town” and you can find out why.
Author Bruny Hudson, a law graduate from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, and journalism graduate from the University of South Florida, is a freelance writer. She lives in Florida with her husband, Hobo and several cats. She maintains a website which has a link to Hobo’s latest stories. The book is available in paperback at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores as well as on Kindle.
Disclosure: Bruny Hudson sent me a copy of her book to review, at my request. We are acquainted through our connection as freelance writers for C.A.R.E., Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort, Ruskin, FL.
Durable – made entirely of a fluted PVC plastic, will not rot, mold, flake or peel, easy to clean, waterproof, and does not sustain fleas or ticks, odor resistant
Versatile – fits anywhere in your home, easily moved, can use for litter box shelters, feeding stations for messy eater pets, or your pet’s private relaxation station
Affordable – Prices ranges from $39.95 – $59.95, depending on size and model
Thanks to modern introductions through social networks – in this case LinkedIn, I met Mark Mihailoff, Founder/President of Pet Tuff Products Inc., Dallas, TX. We connected and he sent me an introduction to the Pet Tuff Products.
Since my two cats Scooter and Wart are a little “out of the box”, (pun intended) I was taken with the idea of the cat Cabana. Neither cat likes enclosed pet caves. Both cats prefer to sleep on hard surfaces. Pillows, beds, and most cat enclosures are not acceptable to them, and this is the first open enclosure I have seen. I contacted Mark and asked if I could write a review, and he agreed.
Assembly is just about as simple as putting a cardboard box together to ship something. Because of the the high quality and durability of the plastic used, it does take more strength to fold the corners and put the pins it, but it is definitely doable. The process took less than a half hour.
Once assembled, it was really fun deciding how the cats will use it. Since Wart is the Houdini of getting into cabinets and closets, he retired to…oh, I do not know where. Scooter was more than eager to choose the top of the Cabana as her own observation point and sleeping platform. She even overslept this morning!
We all know how notional cats can be and sometimes they just want a change and will no longer pay attention to a toy, a bed, or a scratching post. In the case of Pet Tuff Products, if they tire of using in one way, you can get creative and think up another way. I love the versatility of the products!
We are holding a Giveaway!
To enter the random drawing, just leave a comment with your choice of product. I would love to hear why your cat (or you) would like to have the product you chose. I will need a way to notify you if your entry is chosen. Contest is open May 8 thru May 25, 2013 at Midnight. I will notify the winner on Monday, May 27, 2013. Here are your choices:
The Cabana
The Cabana is designed for the pet that does not like confined spaces. This is a perfect napping area or open playhouse for a timid pet. If this is your choice, the product will be sent in the color pattern shown if you win the raffle.
The Tuff Den – Color: Leopard or Paw
The Tuff Den 18 x24 x18 Rectangle shape is the perfect place to contain your unsightly litter box. It fits a multi- cat litter box. Ideal home for any small pet (under 35 lbs.). Easy to clean using disinfectant, Antibacterial or bleach wipes.
The Snoozer Square – Color: Leopard
The Snoozer Square is the perfect square, 18”x18”x18”, for your pet to sleep or play. This model is designed for small pets and can be placed anywhere in your home or apartment. Cats and small are able to sleep comfortably and securely. Use as a feeding spot for your pets who are messy eaters.
The Korner Kubby – Color: Paw Prints
The Korner Kubby 32×16.5×18 triangle. Perfect spot for your pet to enjoy their time. Designed to fit the corner of a room. Idea for small pets (20lbs or under). Easy to clean using disinfectant, Antibacterial or bleach wipes.
Please take a look at the Pet Tuff Products for more information on the products and the fun interactions you can have on their site.
Disclosure: I was sent the Cabana in order to review the product per my request. Great idea by me – Scooter loves it!
We are Barnum and Bailey. I am Bailey, the tuxedo cat. I know our pawrents love us a lot, but my problem is that Barnum is a talker and always get more attention. I am very quiet because I think that is proper behavior for a cat.
I suppose I can whine and carry on like Barnum, but it just isn’t in my nature. I swear to you he outright screams. I don’t think that’s very nice. If he’s sleeping and I want something, they have no idea because they don’t understand my quiet ways. How can I get my point across without being an irritating nag like Barnum? Thank you for advising me.
Bailey
Dear Bailey,
Cat parents often tune in to the needs of their cats – but not always. When there are two cats in the house, and one is particularly vociferous, that cat gets the most attention. It does not mean Barnum is favored. The attention he gets is simply to shut him up.
I will give you a few pointers on using silence. Think eyes, ears, and tail. It is called non-verbal communication. If you stick to the plan, it will work for you. Let us take each one at a time:
Ears: These ear positions are instinctive, but spelling it out will be helpful to you.
• When angry, your ears are flat against your head and you are in a defensive mode.
• If you decide to attack, your ears will lie flat, but with a twist so the tips of the backs of the ears are seen from the front. You likely communicate this naturally when you are fed up with the cacophony.
• When interested or paying attention, your ears point forward. Do this more often for extra points because it lets everyone know you care, and it makes you look more adorable.
Eyes: Many people believe the eyes are the window to the soul. Your eyes can tell stories about your feelings if those around you are aware of it.
• Dilated pupils show you may be expecting an attack, and will increase your peripheral vision to help judge the situation, but they also show fear. On the other hand, you could just be in bad lighting.
• If you are fed up and ready to attack, your pupils will narrow, giving you better depth perception. Narrow pupils also help you decide where to attack.
• Blinking of the eyes, very slowly, is a beautiful way to show love for those around you. A wise pawrent will blink back, or even initiate the love fest.
Tail: The tail is the easiest way to get your thoughts across to others, probably because it is bigger. You likely have it mastered by now, but it is no help if no one else gets it.
• Your tail is straight up, in full length, when you are greeting friendly pets and people. It can also be an invitation for skritches, or a request for food.
• If you drop your tail straight down and fluffy, you have decided to attack. Watch out Barnum!
• Wrapping your tail around your body when lying down shows you feel content and all is well in your world.
While most of this is natural to you, it is important your pawrents get the information so they understand you better. When you get my letter, take your little claws, and cut off the top and bottom, leaving just the information they need. Find some tape and attach it to the refrigerator door. Point taken!
Join the fun and speak your mind.
In the interest of animal decency,
please keep content clean - there
are kittens and puppies, ponies and
lambs out there, too, you know!
Your privacy is protected.
Writing Letters? Don't have time?
Just send your question to
Ask Fisher. Get Advice!
My buddy for over 18 years, Wart, has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. After many months of growing more and more tired, he just went to sleep and then left the building. All systems were active. He was just tired. He was closely monitored for signs of pain and distress. He chose to go naturally and peacefully.
The Cabana
The Tuff Den – Color: Leopard or Paw
The Snoozer Square – Color: Leopard
The Korner Kubby – Color: Paw Prints
We are Barnum and Bailey. I am Bailey, the tuxedo cat. I know our pawrents love us a lot, but my problem is that Barnum is a talker and always get more attention. I am very quiet because I think that is proper behavior for a cat.
