New Family Member

I have just adopted another kitty. Her name is Annie. (more on her name later) We have an animal menagerie - a revolving door of rehab critters and the residents: 2 horses, 3 dogs and two cats; Sophie the Queen – a Himalayan Ragdoll and Pica the Kid – found as an emaciated kitten hiding in the bushes at a 7-ll store. Three weeks ago, I had taken Pica to get her dates cancelled (aka spaying). The Vet is a good friend and we work together with rescue and release for small mammals and birds. We were in the back clinic and I saw a cat with an elaborate piece of wirework on her leg. It was a terrible story… Annie had been attacked by two pit bulls. Her leg was broken in three places and she was mauled badly. I guess the dogs were really out of control as police officers were called to the scene. Both dogs were so aggressive, that one was killed immediately. Annie was alive, barely, so the County took her to the closest vet – mine – to be humanely euthanized. The staff carefully cradled her as they examined her wounds and she responded by purring and snuggling deeper in their hands. Dr Monica decided that she would do everything possible to save her – she was just too precious to euthanize without trying.
The elaborate metal sculpture was pins holding her leg together. All of her internal and external puncture wounds and rips had healed – that was a miracle in itself. And the pins had done the job in keeping her leg together. Annie was almost ready for a new home – but one where she could be monitored closely. Monica knew I couldn’t resist. And…well --- what is one more cat? After all – just another litter box to scoop. My granddaughter, Abby, was with me and she had already fallen in love—it was mutual. We chose the name “Annie” due to the endless rounds of anesthesia she had had to endure for surgeries.
Last week, the main pin was removed and I could bring Annie home to meet the rest of the family. She and Pica are about the same age and became immediate playmates. Sophie doesn’t like her much yet, and my mini schnauzer, Ginny, hates all 3 of them. But they all co-exist and tolerate each other. The rest of Annie’s pins will come out in 2 weeks. She will always have a limp but she is alive and a happy kitty!

Back at Work!

I have been a bit “under the weather” these past few weeks. Interesting terminology – does that mean that if I’m feeling better, then I’m “over the weather”? Funny language we have. I am not a good patient – have no patience (heh heh) for being down. Some braniac inventor needs to design a high tech computer that reads my mind and will accomplish all that I cannot. That would be so awesome…a way to continue being productive while having to stay in bed.

My friend, Jan Harris and a wonderful 13yr old girl named Marissa, have just finished a marathon package stuffing for Asilomar. Our theme, By the Sea with Art & Soul was fun to work with…but also proposed a challenge. I have to remember that the special item after being altered/decorated needs to be easily packed for transport to the event. One year, I wanted to send umbrellas. I could visualize the hotel hallways covered with 100’s of hanging, artistic umbrellas ---that was until Cindy reminded me that the attendees would decorate them open – and how in the world would they bring them to the event. Oopsie. … I had to re-think that one. We fondly refer to the item as a “doodad” or “thingy” and try to keep it as much a secret as possible. It is always fun to receive an email from someone who has just opened their box and had no idea what to expect inside!

Now it's time to concentrate on the packets for Virginia. It is quite a task to assemble them and I am grateful to my friends who continue to help me. This is a photo of Lane Goodrich, Tammy Vail and Gloria Christensen -- 3 of the dedicated A&S worker bees.