Hi Everyone,

Well, I only have one 8 year old Bunny named Spike, a 15 year old Cockateil named Syd, and a new Love Bird named Harpo. The little love bird was claimed by me after I looked after it for a friend. They didn't really want him, so I said I would keep him. hahaha I let them keep their hamster though. Gave them Spike's old Rabbit cage for the hamster. Their hamster is now in heaven with all that room to run around. Never kept the bunny in the cage anyway. If I wasn't allergic to dogs and cats, believe me, my home would be full of them.

The birds don't bother the dolls, BUT never leave a doll on the floor near the bunny. He loves to play with their hair. (hare?)

Have to find some more items for the Garage Sale. A girl I know just purchased 15 of my Barbies which were planned for the sale. There are plenty more items where they came from though. :-)

Take care Everyone,

Diane ----- Original Message ----- From: leanne To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 8:17 PM Subject: Pets, Anyone?

Hi there, Jan and gang! Not to get too off-topic but glad to see another fellow animal fanatic hereabouts. What sort of "fur babies" do you have and what are their names? We've got a houseful too. Take your 7 x 2 + 4 and you've got our count. My dolls aren't even on a high shelf anymore. They're in a separate room, with the door c-l-o-s-e-d tight! LOL More to protect them from the cats than the dogs. My felines would regard all the dollies and thier accessories as fabulous kitty toys, guaranteed. Who else has pets, what kind, and how many?

Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one." ----- Original Message ----- From: Jan To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 4:58 PM Subject: Re: Playing/pics

Hi Kathy,

I enjoyed all your pictures. I've been on the hunt for the new fa's myself. So far I have found 8. I know I'll never find them all.

I recently received my FR Fashion Plate Giftset and Exotica Adele. I just love them both. I haven't had much time to play as we just adopted another dog. That makes 5 cats and 2 dogs in the house. Have to put my dolls on a high shelf. LOL!!

My thanks to Suzanne as well for my dolls.

Jan

************************

Hi All, Here are some pics of my recent playing. LOL Well that sounds bad. Before I start, just a quick reminder. Don't forget to get your things ready for the Candichat garage sale. First weekend in Feb. Don't you wish we could all get together and have it in person?

Ok, here we go. I got a fantastic bunch of vintage fabrics this summer, but the pieces were very tiny, so I have been trying things with minimal amounts of fabric. Here is my latest.

http://users.frii.com/mroczko/temp/capri2.jpg

Couldn't decide which color pants to make, so I did both.

http://users.frii.com/mroczko/temp/capri3.jpg

The model is a ponytail I got at a thrift store a few weeks ago for $50.00. She was missing her bangs, but I was able to get a fantastic match for her hair, and I just finished her up yesterday.

Then my Exotica Adele that I just got from Suzanne ( thanks Suz!) got a look at that outfit, and decided it would be a little warmer than the bathing suit she was wearing, so she stole it.

http://users.frii.com/mroczko/temp/capri4.jpg

The bag and jewelry are hers orginally. Very cool doll. I just love her. I was surprised how closely their figures resemble the vintage Barbie ones. The clothes fit great.

I was also playing with some FAs I just got too. This years line is just darling. My number 3 is tired of the glamour life, and just wanted to relax, so she grabbed this.

http://users.frii.com/mroczko/temp/fun1.jpg

I just loved this outfit. Then I got this adorable little skirt and paired it with a pink sweater and accessories from the lime time set.

http://users.frii.com/mroczko/temp/fun2.jpg

You really have to pin the skirts and pants from the new FA to get them on the fashion models. Between the slim waist on the Fashion models and the big butts on the new body, they are really big. LOL

And last, this outfit straight out of the box, but it looks darling on a red head.

http://users.frii.com/mroczko/temp/fun3.jpg

Ok, I will stop for now. Talk to you all later.

Kathy M.

Frivolities Antiques & Fashion Dolls Ft. Collins, CO

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Hi, Jan! Try this web site and you stand an excellent (practically guaranteed) chance of finding a pet rescue organization who can find a good quality nurturing home for your new dog's "boyfriend." It's called www.petfinder.com Good luck!!

Leanne "Barbie Brat' :-) ;-) "The only ay to have afriend is to be one.' ----- Original Message ----- From: Jan To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 8:49 PM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Hi Leanne, I don't want to get in to much trouble being off topic. My cats are a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. One is part siamese, one is a calico, one a sleek black boy my daughter found at Taco Bell, a black and white girl I found in a grocery store parking lot, last one a multi colored long hair. Our dog was a stray who adopted us. She is german shephard/husky/wolf mix. The new dog is a german shepherd mix. Looks like she has a little doberman in her. She had a home but she wasn't treated properly so I asked if I could have her. Well, she's been with us a week. Now I need to find a home for her "boyfriend". Can't take him too. Wish I could.

My dolls are mostly in the computer room. I do have a few in my bedroom on a high shelf. My kitties like to eat hands and toes of my dolls. LOL!

It is so nice to meet other animal lovers.

Hi there, Jan and gang! Not to get too off-topic but glad to see another fellow animal fanatic hereabouts. What sort of "fur babies" do you have and what are their names? We've got a houseful too. Take your 7 x 2 + 4 and you've got our count. My dolls aren't even on a high shelf anymore. They're in a separate room, with the door c-l-o-s-e-d tight! LOL More to protect them from the cats than the dogs. My felines would regard all the dollies and thier accessories as fabulous kitty toys, guaranteed. Who else has pets, what kind, and how many?

Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

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Hi, Jan, Diane, Sherrie, Kevin, and everyone! Jan, don't worry about being off-topic from time to time. The list has been way too quiet for the last 1/2 of 2003 anyway and a little off-topic helps keep the flow going. <Wink> Sounds like we have a lot of pet lovers in this group and more to come, I'll bet. Mine are below.

Crackers is a 3 year-old female West Highland White Terrier mix and a light golden color. Milo is a 2 year-old male purebred standard long-haired dachshund and is black and tan. Rascal is a 1 year-old male 1/2 sheltie, 1/2 dachshund mix and is a rust color. Just finished obedience school last Wednesday on his way to training as an agility dog. I call them my blonde, my brunette, and my redhead. Each one was a rescue dog, Crackers right off the road where she had been dumped and was playing in traffic, and Milo and Rascal from pet rescue organizations. They are all awesome dogs!

Then we have what we affectionately refer to as "The Herd." LOL Those are our cats, 8 males and 7 females. We have a special fondness for tuxedo kitties so 3 of them(Sneakers, Spock, and Paladin) have those markings. The rest are gray, gray and white, cream, all black, black and white, calico, black and gray, and one lovely lynx point Siamese mix. Just about every color here except brown and tortoiseshell.

Patches Nina The next 4 came with the new house we bought 2 and 1/2 years ago when the former owner abandoned them. Grrrr,,,, some people! Irma (She came with 2 sons, Gadget and Gizmo.Their sister Liberty was adopted by one of our best friends.) Gadget Gizmo Onyx Spock (He had big ears as a kitten, hence the name.) Sneakers, Jr. (He's got the same name as our Sneakers, Sr, that we lost in November of 2001 and is Spock's brother.) Gidget Brat (Boy, is she one too! But she's also one of the most beautiful cats we have ever seen, dark smokey gray with not an iota of another color on her and deep blue sapphire eyes, long-haired too, just like a wisp of liquid smoke.) Samba J.J. (We probably should have named him J.F.K., short for just another frigging kitten!) Jigsaw (She has markings like pieces of a puzzle) Paladin (Came from the Humane Society with this moniker, not our choice for a name but it fit him somehow and he answered to it so what the hay.) Bandit, Jr. (Same name and a dead ringer in looks and personality for Bandit, Sr, who we lost to cancer last April at age 17.)

We have ties now with some quality pet rescue organizations in the area which is a good thing for we have plenty of our own to care for now and it's good to be able to get any in need now to a place where they'll get good safe indoor homes. Just took a stray cat (abandoned when a neighbor moved) to them a week ago. Of course, that can have another side to it too as that's where Bill discovered our newest Bandit. He's such a softie though so when he saw a cat that looked just like his old boy, he just felt we had to make an exception for this particular one. It's worked out well as Bandit has fit in well and acts like he's lived here for years instead of only 9 days. They are all spayed/neutered, live indoors, and have lots of cat condos, claw posts, beds, and toys to play with and lounge around in and on. The cats are so quiet and sleep so much that you never actually see them all at once. Unless it's breakfast or dinner time. Then they come a'running! There's definitely always someone to pet around here, no doubt about that. We love all of them and really enjoy all the fun and joy they bring into our lives! Our family and friends refer to our place as "Wild Kingdom" cause there's always an animal on the prowl. LOL

Leanne "Barbie Brat' :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

----- Original Message ----- From: Jan To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 8:49 PM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Hi Leanne, I don't want to get in to much trouble being off topic. My cats are a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. One is part siamese, one is a calico, one a sleek black boy my daughter found at Taco Bell, a black and white girl I found in a grocery store parking lot, last one a multi colored long hair. Our dog was a stray who adopted us. She is german shephard/husky/wolf mix. The new dog is a german shepherd mix. Looks like she has a little doberman in her. She had a home but she wasn't treated properly so I asked if I could have her. Well, she's been with us a week. Now I need to find a home for her "boyfriend". Can't take him too. Wish I could.

My dolls are mostly in the computer room. I do have a few in my bedroom on a high shelf. My kitties like to eat hands and toes of my dolls. LOL!

It is so nice to meet other animal lovers.

Hi there, Jan and gang! Not to get too off-topic but glad to see another fellow animal fanatic hereabouts. What sort of "fur babies" do you have and what are their names? We've got a houseful too. Take your 7 x 2 + 4 and you've got our count. My dolls aren't even on a high shelf anymore. They're in a separate room, with the door c-l-o-s-e-d tight! LOL More to protect them from the cats than the dogs. My felines would regard all the dollies and thier accessories as fabulous kitty toys, guaranteed. Who else has pets, what kind, and how many?

Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

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Leanne - I'm exhausted reading about all your pets. LOL!! They all sound so wonderful, especially Brat. Those eyes sound amazing. It is so nice to meet other people who rescue animals. I'm going to read your email to my hubby. He'll get a kick out of it. Good luck with the "Wild Kingdom". LOL!! Jan *******************

Hi, Jan, Diane, Sherrie, Kevin, and everyone! Jan, don't worry about being off-topic from time to time. The list has been way too quiet for the last 1/2 of 2003 anyway and a little off-topic helps keep the flow going. <Wink> Sounds like we have a lot of pet lovers in this group and more to come, I'll bet. Mine are below.

Crackers is a 3 year-old female West Highland White Terrier mix and a light golden color. Milo is a 2 year-old male purebred standard long-haired dachshund and is black and tan. Rascal is a 1 year-old male 1/2 sheltie, 1/2 dachshund mix and is a rust color. Just finished obedience school last Wednesday on his way to training as an agility dog. I call them my blonde, my brunette, and my redhead. Each one was a rescue dog, Crackers right off the road where she had been dumped and was playing in traffic, and Milo and Rascal from pet rescue organizations. They are all awesome dogs!

Then we have what we affectionately refer to as "The Herd." LOL Those are our cats, 8 males and 7 females. We have a special fondness for tuxedo kitties so 3 of them(Sneakers, Spock, and Paladin) have those markings. The rest are gray, gray and white, cream, all black, black and white, calico, black and gray, and one lovely lynx point Siamese mix. Just about every color here except brown and tortoiseshell.

Patches Nina The next 4 came with the new house we bought 2 and 1/2 years ago when the former owner abandoned them. Grrrr,,,, some people! Irma (She came with 2 sons, Gadget and Gizmo.Their sister Liberty was adopted by one of our best friends.) Gadget Gizmo Onyx Spock (He had big ears as a kitten, hence the name.) Sneakers, Jr. (He's got the same name as our Sneakers, Sr, that we lost in November of 2001 and is Spock's brother.) Gidget Brat (Boy, is she one too! But she's also one of the most beautiful cats we have ever seen, dark smokey gray with not an iota of another color on her and deep blue sapphire eyes, long-haired too, just like a wisp of liquid smoke.) Samba J.J. (We probably should have named him J.F.K., short for just another frigging kitten!) Jigsaw (She has markings like pieces of a puzzle) Paladin (Came from the Humane Society with this moniker, not our choice for a name but it fit him somehow and he answered to it so what the hay.) Bandit, Jr. (Same name and a dead ringer in looks and personality for Bandit, Sr, who we lost to cancer last April at age 17.)

We have ties now with some quality pet rescue organizations in the area which is a good thing for we have plenty of our own to care for now and it's good to be able to get any in need now to a place where they'll get good safe indoor homes. Just took a stray cat (abandoned when a neighbor moved) to them a week ago. Of course, that can have another side to it too as that's where Bill discovered our newest Bandit. He's such a softie though so when he saw a cat that looked just like his old boy, he just felt we had to make an exception for this particular one. It's worked out well as Bandit has fit in well and acts like he's lived here for years instead of only 9 days. They are all spayed/neutered, live indoors, and have lots of cat condos, claw posts, beds, and toys to play with and lounge around in and on. The cats are so quiet and sleep so much that you never actually see them all at once. Unless it's breakfast or dinner time. Then they come a'running! There's definitely always someone to pet around here, no doubt about that. We love all of them and really enjoy all the fun and joy they bring into our lives! Our family and friends refer to our place as "Wild Kingdom" cause there's always an animal on the prowl. LOL

Leanne "Barbie Brat' :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

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Sherrie - I'm more of a cat lover myself. However, Sheba adopted us 3 years ago. Never thought I would have such a large dog. We had a poodle at one point, but she passed away about 5 years ago. Boy I miss her. I never let my cats outside. I want them inside where I can keep them safe. Now we have adopted a female dog who is in heat. Boy what a mess!! She started peeing in the house yesterday. The vet said that is because she is in heat. Hope it ends soon as they can't spay her until the beginning of Feb. Now we are trying to find a home for her sweet little boyfriend.

Now, about dolls. LOL!! I just received my Flame Rogue from Rudi today. Did anybody else get her? Oh my!! She is amazing!

Jan **********************

"J. & S. Hardin" jimgalaxy@netzero.net wrote: Wow, I thought I was the only person with tons of cats. I used to live in an area where every week, there was a cat dropped off. Now we live in an area where we are out in the country so that we are not adopting any regularly. I just love my cats. However, since my son was born, I don't have near the time I used to have to spend with them. They don't live in the house. I used to have several in doors, but once we moved to our 4 acres, I let them have the run of the yard:) They seem much happier here.I have a big soft spot for animals. Best wishes, Sherrie:)

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Sherrie - I can't even imagine having 31 cats. I guess I'd have them outside too. LOL!! I know of a gal who has 17 inside cats. That's to much for me too. I don't think I've had more than 6 at one time. I've never had 2 dogs at a time either, and now I know why. LOL!! Boy is this new dog a lot of work. I don't have any time to play with my dolls. Boohoo!! Jan ********************

"J. & S. Hardin" jimgalaxy@netzero.net wrote: Jan, I really understand about keeping the cats inside. When we lived in a trailer park, I kept most of my cats inside, and the rest stayed in a pen outside. However, when we moved, I had a baby. So I put all the cats outside. This has been very hard for me. However, I have two big buildings set up outside with a deck the back of my house. I now have 31 cats. I just can't keep them all inside. I have everyone of them named, and people think I am weird when they hear how many I have. I just can't take them to the pound. I love them all. some of them I have even bottle fed when they were kittens. My oldest is Mickey, who actually adopted me and my husband. She is so sweet. We have some really nice woods now where the cats can "relax and max"! My vet is a wonderful lady who works with me and my high volume of pets! She is a blessing. I have really enjoyed reading about all of the love all of you have for animals. It does a soul good to know that "Hey! I am not the only one who cares!" Love, Sherrie:)

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I'm having a terrible time training Bailey. Just went upstairs and she had pooped in the family room. We usually have it closed off so she can't get up there. Somehow we forgot to put the gate back up. Good thing I love this little dog. Jan ***********************

Before being down to the 2 cats & 2 dogs...we had 4 dogs, all old. My husband laughed that we had a nursing home for old dogs. 2 died last year . our 16 yr. old Rat Terrior , Trixie, of cancer & a n elderly stray Cockapoo, Snowball, who had congestive heart failure ( you know that a cockapoo is part Cocker Spaniel/poodle...my husband thought I was taking in a bird when he 1st hear this word) Pat Hawkins

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The dogs had there first big fight today. I had given them each a treat. Bailey ate her's, and went after Sheba's. Well, Sheba attacked her. Grabbed her by the neck and started to beat the crap out of her. Thank goodness hubby was home. He told me to leave them alone as Bailey had to learn that Sheba was the boss. So, I just stood there and cried. Bailey was so scared and has been following me around the house ever since. I've never had 2 dogs at a time, so I don't know how to handle this.

Well, I got some 16" dolls and outfits today, so that made me feel better. LOL!!

Jan ********************

leanne collectimaniac@earthlink.net wrote: I know what you mean. Crackers was no problem and Milo was great after 1 week or so but Rascal's been a real challenge, lemme tell ya. He's almost perfect now though so hang in there and Bailey will get it too. Good luck, Jan!

Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one." ----- Original Message ----- From: Jan To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 5:27 PM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

I'm having a terrible time training Bailey. Just went upstairs and she had pooped in the family room. We usually have it closed off so she can't get up there. Somehow we forgot to put the gate back up. Good thing I love this little dog. Jan ***********************

Before being down to the 2 cats & 2 dogs...we had 4 dogs, all old. My husband laughed that we had a nursing home for old dogs. 2 died last year . our 16 yr. old Rat Terrior , Trixie, of cancer & a n elderly stray Cockapoo, Snowball, who had congestive heart failure ( you know that a cockapoo is part Cocker Spaniel/poodle...my husband thought I was taking in a bird when he 1st hear this word) Pat Hawkins

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I guess this would work but it's kind of like throwing a child in a creek & telling them to swim..and set there watching them struggle. If the attacking animal is much bigger then the other animal , I'd think it might shake the one to death when it grabs it by the neck. However, I've always been told, even by the animal lovers in the various animal societies..to never step in between fighting dogs. I once grabbed my cat who was about to attack another cat & ended up in the ER from all the bites & scratches. I should have thrown a blanket over her 1st. On Wednesday, January 28, 2004, at 04:53 PM, Jan wrote:

The dogs had there first big fight today.  I had given them each a treat.  Bailey ate her's, and went after Sheba's.  Well, Sheba attacked her.  Grabbed her by the neck and started to beat the crap out of her.  Thank goodness hubby was home.  He told me to leave them alone as Bailey had to learn that Sheba was the boss.  So, I just stood there and cried.  Bailey was so scared and has been following me around the house ever since.  I've never had 2 dogs at a time, so I don't know how to handle this.    Well, I got some 16" dolls and outfits today, so that made me feel better. LOL!!   Jan

---

leanne collectimaniac@earthlink.net wrote:

I know what you mean. Crackers was no problem and Milo was great after 1 week or so but Rascal's been a real challenge, lemme tell ya. He's almost perfect now though so hang in there and Bailey will get it too. Good luck, Jan!   Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

----- Original Message ----- From: Jan To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 5:27 PM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

I'm having a terrible time training Bailey.  Just went upstairs and she had pooped in the family room.  We usually have it closed off so she can't get up there.  Somehow we forgot to put the gate back up.  Good thing I love this little dog. Jan

---

Before being down to the 2 cats & 2 dogs...we had 4 dogs, all old. My husband laughed that we had a nursing home for old dogs. 2 died last year . our 16 yr. old Rat Terrior , Trixie, of cancer & a n elderly stray Cockapoo, Snowball, who had congestive heart failure ( you know that a cockapoo is part Cocker Spaniel/poodle...my husband thought I was taking in a bird when he 1st hear this word) Pat Hawkins

<image.tiff>

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<image.tiff>

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Unfortunately, as much as I love my darling Bob and my Sassie, they do not share a love of each other. Ever since they've been brought to my house as a couple of rescue kitties, the two of them would rather have been only cats. Bob came first as the rescue lady knew I wanted an adult female, but came across Bob and thought I'd like him. About three weeks later, she found a stray female at the county pound on one of her regular visitis to rescue cats from the kill shelters. Bob is older than Sassie but age is not the issue with these two cats: dominance is.

Within the first 6 weeks of these two coming home they were having major cat fights. On one occasion, Sassie gouged flesh out of of the front of Bob's head near his ear. This pretty much told Bob she was able to use her back claws very efficiently and he had better respect her space. I tried the squirt bottle and that did not deter them in their fighting. I used a broom to scoot Sassie out of the skirmish which made her angry at the broom and took her attention off of Bob. But the best method I ever found to break the two of them up has been a towel or blanket and throwing it over Sassie's head. It immobilizes her and gives Bob time to leave the area. Or it gives them both some cooling off and once one of them is out of sight of the other, their anger seems to be diffused.

I can't say the method would work with dogs, but I would not feel letting the animals duke it out with each other is healthy for either of them either. I let that happen the one time with Sassie rooking Bob. (Then again, I know as a human, getting involved in an animals' fight might not be healthy for me as they might turn their aggression on me.) And while it did kind of teach him a lesson, cat's don't retain lessons for long unless the lesson is reinforced. Maybe that's the part of the lesson that has stuck with Bob, which is that Sassie is not a wuss and will take care of herself when backed into a corner.

Since Bob has come home from his surgery, Sassie now is in the regular business of stalking Bob and they have extensive yowling discussions. Bob snorts and yowls while Sassie hisses and her tail bushes out. This noise goes on until my husband or I put a blanket between the two like a wall. The noise stops and they go off to their respective destinations. In the past, both cats had free roam of the house at night, but since Bob is home, the minute either of them stir, they are both snorting and yowling so Sassie now is put in the kitchen at night and Bob has the house. During the day, they are less interested in each other and both can go wherever they want and they don't bug each other. Until Sassie can corner Bob at the base of the basement stairs after he's been to visit the litter box. She waits like a hunter hoping to attack her quarry. He's gotten a lot more timid about wanting to fight or be fought since his surgery has left him somewhat altered. Unfortunately, cats know when something is different and another cat is compromised. Some ignore the change, but Sassie is repulsed by "sick" things. She was unrelenting in her pursuit of Bubba, who died last March from lymphoma. She could smell his sickness and hated him.

Gadzooks! With as complicated as the personalities of just my two cats, I can't fathom what it's like to have 30! Regards, pat Brown ----- Original Message ----- From: J. & S. Hardin To: John Hawkins ; Jan Cc: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2004 11:32 PM Subject: Dogs Fighting

Sometimes a spray bottle of water or a running water hose will help, if they are convenient. I have stopped cat fights and dog fights that way. I don't mean use hot water. I just use room temp or whatever is in the hose:) Of course it may not always work, but both cats & dogs don't like getting sprayed:) Best wishes, Sherrie:) -----Original Message----- From: John Hawkins [mailto:jhawkins1320@charter.net] Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2004 12:48 PM To: Jan Cc: candichat@dolls.de Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

I guess this would work but it's kind of like throwing a child in a creek & telling them to swim..and set there watching them struggle. If the attacking animal is much bigger then the other animal , I'd think it might shake the one to death when it grabs it by the neck. However, I've always been told, even by the animal lovers in the various animal societies..to never step in between fighting dogs. I once grabbed my cat who was about to attack another cat & ended up in the ER from all the bites & scratches. I should have thrown a blanket over her 1st. On Wednesday, January 28, 2004, at 04:53 PM, Jan wrote:

The dogs had there first big fight today. I had given them each a treat. Bailey ate her's, and went after Sheba's. Well, Sheba attacked her. Grabbed her by the neck and started to beat the crap out of her. Thank goodness hubby was home. He told me to leave them alone as Bailey had to learn that Sheba was the boss. So, I just stood there and cried. Bailey was so scared and has been following me around the house ever since. I've never had 2 dogs at a time, so I don't know how to handle this.

Well, I got some 16" dolls and outfits today, so that made me feel better. LOL!!

Jan ********************

leanne collectimaniac@earthlink.net wrote:

I know what you mean. Crackers was no problem and Milo was great after 1 week or so but Rascal's been a real challenge, lemme tell ya. He's almost perfect now though so hang in there and Bailey will get it too. Good luck, Jan!

Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

----- Original Message ----- From: Jan To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 5:27 PM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

I'm having a terrible time training Bailey. Just went upstairs and she had pooped in the family room. We usually have it closed off so she can't get up there. Somehow we forgot to put the gate back up. Good thing I love this little dog. Jan ***********************

Before being down to the 2 cats & 2 dogs...we had 4 dogs, all old. My husband laughed that we had a nursing home for old dogs. 2 died last year . our 16 yr. old Rat Terrior , Trixie, of cancer & a n elderly stray Cockapoo, Snowball, who had congestive heart failure ( you know that a cockapoo is part Cocker Spaniel/poodle...my husband thought I was taking in a bird when he 1st hear this word) Pat Hawkins

<image.tiff>

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Would you consider yourself in the business of cat rescue? Do you get cats deposited in the night on your doorstep or in your mailbox?

I live in Stafford County Virginia and in November I was put in the last-minute position of trying to find a home for my 16-year-old neighbor friend's male cat, named Mickey. About the first of November he stopped using the Litter Maid litter box downstairs in the child's home and found a new spot on the outside, screened-in porch carpeting. The child's guardian had already had to spend $260 several months earlier for the cat when he started having blood in his stools and was not too pleased with the expense of this cat. So when he started eliminating in the wrong places, his days in the house were numbered, which is why the 16-year-old called me to find Mickey a new home.

While he did get a reprieve of about 2 and half weeks, I had no luck finding a new home with the local SPCA and they couldn't recommend any other facility or rescue that could help me. They told me to look in the back section of Around the Area, a weekly insert in the newspaper. What I was not expecting was that the guardian was going to do next. The weekend before Thanksgiving, she got pissed off at the cat for eliminating outside the litter box one more time and throwing up a hairball. She took the cat to the county pound and that day he was executed. The child is still mourning.

I learned that when a cat is owner-surrendered to a county pound it can be euthanized immediately. The animal can be euthanized especially if there is any hint of illness. Unfortunately for Mickey, he was riddled with flea bites and around his neck he lots of bumps from the bites which, according to the pound, was their rationale for killing him the day he was brought in by the owner-guardian. I also learned that there is no such thing as a 7-10-day grace period for animals brought to a pound except for animals that are lost. Again, those that are owner-surrendered are kept at the discretion of the pound. Not knowing there wasn't a grace period, I did get the Around the Area section and did find 2 cat rescue people who were willing to take Mickey and find him a home. In spite of the soiling outside of the litter box. I felt strongly that he was miserable from the flea bites and he need some serious grooming as he was long-haired cat, and he had definitely sent messages before that he did not like the automatic Litter Maid and preferred the old-fashioned litter boxes.

Both of the cat rescue women are so dedicated to their mission to save lives of animals that have no voice. They might be considered nuts, too, but they both gave me the time of day and talked to me about saving Mickey--the SPCA kind of let me down. I know it's a tough place to be in, but both the rescue ladies felt strongly that there was no good reason for not taking in a cat. The one lady is very involved in TNR and has a non-profit status and the other lady is awaiting her non-profit status for her cat rescue.

I'm personally still reeling from this experience with Mickey. I can tell you the 16-year-old is still crying and feels like she's to blame. She's especially sensitive now because I have had a sick cat with feline lower urinary tract disease and in 6 months, my boy has had to be catheteraized 7 times for blockages. This month, he finally got relief, though. My husband and I took him to Blacksburg to the Virginia-Maryland Veterinary Referral Hospital and he had surgery to reroute his defective urethra to a new exit. I know, some would think my husband I were nuts, but the expense of the blockages were more excessive the corrective surgery. But we don't have kids, and I believe when I take a cat into my home, they stay for life. I have my little kitty medical savings account so Bob and Sassie have the right health care. My friend has been involved with Bob's illness and amazed that her cat with a bad case of fleas could be killed and the cat next door could be saved to the tune of "lots of money." We've had long discussions about choices that people make and why and how they can make them. At this stage of her ordeal with her cat's death and my cat's extended life (and he's back to his usual kitty self, by the way). she thinks she wants to make a contribution to animals by becoming a veterinary assistant. We'll see. She's interested right now in trying her hand at volunteering at the SPCA. Even though I'm kind of mad at them. they do what they can with what they've got to work with. Maybe they can give direction to this potential animal welfare activist.

Did anyone get to the end of this story? I'm testing out drafts because I'm interested in writing a story about Bob's surgery to submit to the local paper. TTYL, Pat Brown

----- Original Message ----- From: J. & S. Hardin To: Jan ; candichat@dolls.de Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:06 AM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Jan, I really understand about keeping the cats inside. When we lived in a trailer park, I kept most of my cats inside, and the rest stayed in a pen outside. However, when we moved, I had a baby. So I put all the cats outside. This has been very hard for me. However, I have two big buildings set up outside with a deck the back of my house. I now have 31 cats. I just can't keep them all inside. I have everyone of them named, and people think I am weird when they hear how many I have. I just can't take them to the pound. I love them all. some of them I have even bottle fed when they were kittens. My oldest is Mickey, who actually adopted me and my husband. She is so sweet. We have some really nice woods now where the cats can "relax and max"! My vet is a wonderful lady who works with me and my high volume of pets! She is a blessing. I have really enjoyed reading about all of the love all of you have for animals. It does a soul good to know that "Hey! I am not the only one who cares!" Love, Sherrie:)

-----Original Message----- From: Jan [mailto:janeecat1944@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 7:34 PM To: candichat@dolls.de Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Sherrie - I'm more of a cat lover myself. However, Sheba adopted us 3 years ago. Never thought I would have such a large dog. We had a poodle at one point, but she passed away about 5 years ago. Boy I miss her. I never let my cats outside. I want them inside where I can keep them safe. Now we have adopted a female dog who is in heat. Boy what a mess!! She started peeing in the house yesterday. The vet said that is because she is in heat. Hope it ends soon as they can't spay her until the beginning of Feb. Now we are trying to find a home for her sweet little boyfriend.

Now, about dolls. LOL!! I just received my Flame Rogue from Rudi today. Did anybody else get her? Oh my!! She is amazing!

Jan **********************

"J. & S. Hardin" jimgalaxy@netzero.net wrote: Wow, I thought I was the only person with tons of cats. I used to live in an area where every week, there was a cat dropped off. Now we live in an area where we are out in the country so that we are not adopting any regularly. I just love my cats. However, since my son was born, I don't have near the time I used to have to spend with them. They don't live in the house. I used to have several in doors, but once we moved to our 4 acres, I let them have the run of the yard:) They seem much happier here.I have a big soft spot for animals. Best wishes, Sherrie:)

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Mickey's story, I'm sorry to say, is far too controversial to write about because many, many people in my area still believe animals are huntable and disposable and simply property. It's a feature of an area that is still somewhat rural in spite of the creeping Northern influence. Mostly, those moving into our area are interested in cheap housing prices because there's nothing left in Norther Virginia. And the other reason this area is booming is because of the schools--children's welfare is a big deal here: I am certain animals do not and will not fair so well.

The one lady who does trap and release and all animal rescues without question, said that there were times a few years ago that her humane association would set up a table in front of our Wal-mart informing the public of spaying and neutering and taking donations. The volunteers were often insulted and jeered at by Wal-mart customers because of the message of animal welfare instead children's welfare and saving babies rather than whales. You know the bumper sticker...The Rappahannock Humane Society basically stopped public functions because the hostility was more than they bargained for so they now do their work silently. Probably that's why I wouldn't've heard about them from the SPCA because they wouldn't know the group of volunteers was still around.

I don't know what makes some of us more acutely aware of animals and the care to which they are entitled. I would submit that if, as a youngster you have had an attachment to an animal and it is taken from you--for whatever reason--the sorrow of such a loss never leaves. As a youngster, my mother was not an animal lover and once got me a kitten which, by week's end, decided to get rid of it because she was not satisfied with my 9-year-old responsiveness to cleaning out the litter box. I woke up Saturday morning and went looking for my kitten to find out that my mom claimed she had given it away. I'll never know because I did not see the people pick the cat up as I was asleep. I went into a rage and have never forgotten my anger for what she did to me. Watching my 16-year-old friend get through her loss is like reliving my own. So, yeah, maybe now I've gone off the deep end with my passion for animal welfare. And maybe I'm watching my friend develop her own passion out of a tragedy and wanting to never have an animal suffer as her cat did.

I think I can write a much more uplifting story about Bob's survival than I can a story that will make people rethink their values about companion animals. Regards, Pat Brown

----- Original Message ----- From: "sisu" sisupygmies@yahoo.com To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:02 PM Subject: Re: A story related to the demise of a cat

...

Did anyone get to the end of this story? I'm testing out drafts because I'm interested in writing a story about Bob's surgery to submit to the local paper. TTYL, Pat Brown

I got to the end of the story! I am so very sorry for Mickey, may he find peace at The Bridge. I just hope that some good can come from this awful situation and the end of Mickey's too short life. Perhaps your young neighbor will spend a lifetime advancing the betterment of all 4leggeds. I am sure your example will stay with her a lifetime. She's is a very caring young lady.

Will you also include Mickey's story to the paper? Quite a contrast to Bob's life.

I've volunteered at 2 animal shelters and do rescue work, if those ladies doing rescue are "nuts", I'm proud to be in their asylum.

sisu and 7 indoor cats, 4 pygmy goats and 4 dogs one dog who was diagnosed with bone cancer this fall, had his front leg amputated and has undergone months of chemotherapy

---

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Seems as if there are basically 3 schools of thought (at least in this country and many other Western cultures, don't even get me started on the Eastern attitudes towards our furry friends or we'll be here all night) when it comes to animals who we have as pets.

School #1: They're property, not real life that matters in any significant way and as disposable as inanimate objects. These are also the scumbags who think nothing of abusing animals whether it's beating them or neglecting to give them proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Their animals (I can't bring myself to call theirs pets) are always infested and crawling with fleas, ticks, and other parasites. These are also the ones who never spay and neuter and who let their dogs and cats run loose through the neighborhoods, breeeding at will and adding to the pet overpopulation problem that we all have to deal with in one way or another at times. If the dog is kept on property at all, many times it's chained or roped to an object in the yard like a tree or post. These are the poor creatures that we all see flattened on the roads all the time. If the animal requires vet care, they put it down, many times after it's already suffered with the wound or illness for quite some time. These people make me seethe with disgust. I loathe them and always wonder how they'd like to live a life like the one they inflict on their animals. Why they even get a dog or cat is beyond normal comprehension. If I don't like lima beans, I don't buy them but try getting that concept across to some moron who thinks he/she is "entitled" to own an animal so that they can then proceed to make it miserable. This is why you always see a section of any adoption form whether it be the local pound, ASPCA, Humane Society, or rescue organization that asks if the new potential owner realizes the average lifespan of a dog or cat and what the level of committment is to provide for (not just merely acquire and own but provide for) the animal during its lifetime. Just a note of interest. The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is 3 years. The average lifetime of an indoor cat is 14. I rest my case.

School #2: These are what I term the average decent owners. They would never hurt an animal, have true affection for their pet, and always provide the basic needs of food and water as well as shelter but in some cases that shelter may not be inside. If they're dogs, it can be a doghouse or if it's cats, they may be allowed to roam freely outside at some or all times. If the animal starts to require any sort of vet care beyond spay/neuter and vaccines, they may put the animal down. This can be due either to actual budget constraints or just lack of priorities if money is not a consideration.

School #3: These are the people that animals really like to belong to. They truly love their animals and provide not just the basic needs but actually make the dog or cat a treasured member of the family. They may even spoil their fur babies with the best of pet food as well as special treats, toys, and other things. If the dog or cat requires vet care, they will go to any financial responsibility lengths that they can legitimately afford to get the animal what it needs to continue to live a quality life. Euthanasia is always a last choice and usually made only if the animal is truly suffering. Some people make fun of people who are huge animal lovers but I think that is wrong. We all have a choice when it comes to where we spend our time, money, and energy and if some of us want to spend some of it on our pets, it's no one else's business. Certainly it can be better and many times more fulfilling to spend it there than on many other things people squander their resources on nowadays.

So, no, Pat, you most certainly have not "gone off the deep end with your passion for animal welfare." You just belong to that final school of thought which I will always believe is the best school of thought. Don't ever change! <Wink> Take care and keep on doing and being exactly the way you are!

Leanne "Barbie Brat" :-) ;-) "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

----- Original Message ----- From: "pat brown" nqsqurtz@mail.staffnet.com To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:38 PM Subject: Re: A story related to the demise of a cat

Mickey's story, I'm sorry to say, is far too controversial to write about because many, many people in my area still believe animals are huntable

and

disposable and simply property. It's a feature of an area that is still somewhat rural in spite of the creeping Northern influence. Mostly, those moving into our area are interested in cheap housing prices because

there's

nothing left in Norther Virginia. And the other reason this area is

booming

is because of the schools--children's welfare is a big deal here: I am certain animals do not and will not fair so well.

The one lady who does trap and release and all animal rescues without question, said that there were times a few years ago that her humane association would set up a table in front of our Wal-mart informing the public of spaying and neutering and taking donations. The volunteers were often insulted and jeered at by Wal-mart customers because of the message

of

animal welfare instead children's welfare and saving babies rather than whales. You know the bumper sticker...The Rappahannock Humane Society basically stopped public functions because the hostility was more than

they

bargained for so they now do their work silently. Probably that's why I wouldn't've heard about them from the SPCA because they wouldn't know the group of volunteers was still around.

I don't know what makes some of us more acutely aware of animals and the care to which they are entitled. I would submit that if, as a youngster

you

have had an attachment to an animal and it is taken from you--for whatever reason--the sorrow of such a loss never leaves. As a youngster, my mother was not an animal lover and once got me a kitten which, by week's end, decided to get rid of it because she was not satisfied with my 9-year-old responsiveness to cleaning out the litter box. I woke up Saturday morning and went looking for my kitten to find out that my mom claimed she had

given

it away. I'll never know because I did not see the people pick the cat up as I was asleep. I went into a rage and have never forgotten my anger for what she did to me. Watching my 16-year-old friend get through her loss

is

like reliving my own. So, yeah, maybe now I've gone off the deep end with my passion for animal welfare. And maybe I'm watching my friend develop

her

own passion out of a tragedy and wanting to never have an animal suffer as her cat did.

I think I can write a much more uplifting story about Bob's survival than

I

can a story that will make people rethink their values about companion animals. Regards, Pat Brown

----- Original Message ----- From: "sisu" sisupygmies@yahoo.com To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:02 PM Subject: Re: A story related to the demise of a cat

...

...

Did anyone get to the end of this story? I'm testing out drafts because I'm interested in writing a story about Bob's surgery to submit to the local paper. TTYL, Pat Brown

I got to the end of the story! I am so very sorry for Mickey, may he find peace at The Bridge. I just hope that some good can come from this awful situation and the end of Mickey's too short life. Perhaps your young neighbor will spend a lifetime advancing the betterment of all 4leggeds. I am sure your example will stay with her a lifetime. She's is a very caring young lady.

Will you also include Mickey's story to the paper? Quite a contrast to Bob's life.

I've volunteered at 2 animal shelters and do rescue work, if those ladies doing rescue are "nuts", I'm proud to be in their asylum.

sisu and 7 indoor cats, 4 pygmy goats and 4 dogs one dog who was diagnosed with bone cancer this fall, had his front leg amputated and has undergone months of chemotherapy

---

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Mickey's story, I'm sorry to say, is far too controversial to write about because many, many people in my area still believe animals are huntable and disposable and simply property. It's a feature of an area that is still somewhat rural in spite of the creeping Northern influence. Mostly, those moving into our area are interested in cheap housing prices because there's nothing left in Norther Virginia. And the other reason this area is booming is because of the schools--children's welfare is a big deal here: I am certain animals do not and will not fair so well.

The one lady who does trap and release and all animal rescues without question, said that there were times a few years ago that her humane association would set up a table in front of our Wal-mart informing the public of spaying and neutering and taking donations. The volunteers were often insulted and jeered at by Wal-mart customers because of the message of animal welfare instead children's welfare and saving babies rather than whales. You know the bumper sticker...The Rappahannock Humane Society basically stopped public functions because the hostility was more than they bargained for so they now do their work silently. Probably that's why I wouldn't've heard about them from the SPCA because they wouldn't know the group of volunteers was still around.

I don't know what makes some of us more acutely aware of animals and the care to which they are entitled. I would submit that if, as a youngster you have had an attachment to an animal and it is taken from you--for whatever reason--the sorrow of such a loss never leaves. As a youngster, my mother was not an animal lover and once got me a kitten which, by week's end, decided to get rid of it because she was not satisfied with my 9-year-old responsiveness to cleaning out the litter box. I woke up Saturday morning and went looking for my kitten to find out that my mom claimed she had given it away. I'll never know because I did not see the people pick the cat up as I was asleep. I went into a rage and have never forgotten my anger for what she did to me. Watching my 16-year-old friend get through her loss is like reliving my own. So, yeah, maybe now I've gone off the deep end with my passion for animal welfare. And maybe I'm watching my friend develop her own passion out of a tragedy and wanting to never have an animal suffer as her cat did.

I think I can write a much more uplifting story about Bob's survival than I can a story that will make people rethink their values about companion animals. Regards, Pat Brown

----- Original Message ----- From: "sisu" sisupygmies@yahoo.com To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:02 PM Subject: Re: A story related to the demise of a cat

...

Did anyone get to the end of this story? I'm testing out drafts because I'm interested in writing a story about Bob's surgery to submit to the local paper. TTYL, Pat Brown

I got to the end of the story! I am so very sorry for Mickey, may he find peace at The Bridge. I just hope that some good can come from this awful situation and the end of Mickey's too short life. Perhaps your young neighbor will spend a lifetime advancing the betterment of all 4leggeds. I am sure your example will stay with her a lifetime. She's is a very caring young lady.

Will you also include Mickey's story to the paper? Quite a contrast to Bob's life.

I've volunteered at 2 animal shelters and do rescue work, if those ladies doing rescue are "nuts", I'm proud to be in their asylum.

sisu and 7 indoor cats, 4 pygmy goats and 4 dogs one dog who was diagnosed with bone cancer this fall, had his front leg amputated and has undergone months of chemotherapy

---

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Correction, please! The SPCA is a no-kill organization. But many of the no-kill shelters are overwhelmed with animals, especially unwanted cats and kittens and can't accept them. Ones that are pets being surrendered have to be put on a waiting list for surrender at our local SPCA. In the case of Mickey, his time was running out and a waiting list was out of the question. I just didn't know HOW out of the question. I had no idea the child's guardian was going to do what she did. And she knew the child had been in touch with me and that I would've found the cat a foster home if I were given the time. The SPCA is always the stop of first resort, but the business of surrendered animals finding no place to go is the number one killer of companion animals in this country. I am grateful that our community has a local SPCA--I wish they could do more for all of the animals that need homes.

It's the policy of my surrounding county animal shelters to euthanize owner-surrendered animals at their discretion. And here's another little tidbit: turns out that not all county animal shelters will even accept cats. Two surrounding county pounds send all of their unwanted cats to our pound and a couple of others. So when you have a shelter not even willing to do its job of accepting a particular animal and unloading their responsibility on other shelters, well, you can see that poor little Mickey was just a blip. I'm only speaking from my experience with my local shelter and the cat rescue situation in my area. It may be different elsewhere, but what I took for granted as a 7-day grace period for a turened-in animal at our county shelter was a myth. This may be true in other localities so be forewarned. Pat

----- Original Message ----- From: "Elizabeth ~dolls4emma~" biz000art@yahoo.com To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 11:12 AM Subject: Re: A story related to the demise of a cat

That is a really sad story though, Pat. I feel for your neighbour (the daughter--not the nasty parent, of course!) There are too many people who adopt pets with an attitude of them being disposable. I had no idea about the SPCA's policies on owner brought-in pets, as have never taken a cat there myself. Throughout the years, if ever I found a cat, I took it in and kept it...raised it as my own.

Pat - I read the whole thing. It was very interesting and very touching. Poor Mickey. Jan *******************

Would you consider yourself in the business of cat rescue? Do you get cats deposited in the night on your doorstep or in your mailbox?

I live in Stafford County Virginia and in November I was put in the last-minute position of trying to find a home for my 16-year-old neighbor friend's male cat, named Mickey. About the first of November he stopped using the Litter Maid litter box downstairs in the child's home and found a new spot on the outside, screened-in porch carpeting. The child's guardian had already had to spend $260 several months earlier for the cat when he started having blood in his stools and was not too pleased with the expense of this cat. So when he started eliminating in the wrong places, his days in the house were numbered, which is why the 16-year-old called me to find Mickey a new home.

While he did get a reprieve of about 2 and half weeks, I had no luck finding a new home with the local SPCA and they couldn't recommend any other facility or rescue that could help me. They told me to look in the back section of Around the Area, a weekly insert in the newspaper. What I was not expecting was that the guardian was going to do next. The weekend before Thanksgiving, she got pissed off at the cat for eliminating outside the litter box one more time and throwing up a hairball. She took the cat to the county pound and that day he was executed. The child is still mourning.

I learned that when a cat is owner-surrendered to a county pound it can be euthanized immediately. The animal can be euthanized especially if there is any hint of illness. Unfortunately for Mickey, he was riddled with flea bites and around his neck he lots of bumps from the bites which, according to the pound, was their rationale for killing him the day he was brought in by the owner-guardian. I also learned that there is no such thing as a 7-10-day grace period for animals brought to a pound except for animals that are lost. Again, those that are owner-surrendered are kept at the discretion of the pound. Not knowing there wasn't a grace period, I did get the Around the Area section and did find 2 cat rescue people who were willing to take Mickey and find him a home. In spite of the soiling outside of the litter box. I felt strongly that he was miserable from the flea bites and he need some serious grooming as he was long-haired cat, and he had definitely sent messages before that he did not like the automatic Litter Maid and preferred the old-fashioned litter boxes.

Both of the cat rescue women are so dedicated to their mission to save lives of animals that have no voice. They might be considered nuts, too, but they both gave me the time of day and talked to me about saving Mickey--the SPCA kind of let me down. I know it's a tough place to be in, but both the rescue ladies felt strongly that there was no good reason for not taking in a cat. The one lady is very involved in TNR and has a non-profit status and the other lady is awaiting her non-profit status for her cat rescue.

I'm personally still reeling from this experience with Mickey. I can tell you the 16-year-old is still crying and feels like she's to blame. She's especially sensitive now because I have had a sick cat with feline lower urinary tract disease and in 6 months, my boy has had to be catheteraized 7 times for blockages. This month, he finally got relief, though. My husband and I took him to Blacksburg to the Virginia-Maryland Veterinary Referral Hospital and he had surgery to reroute his defective urethra to a new exit. I know, some would think my husband I were nuts, but the expense of the blockages were more excessive the corrective surgery. But we don't have kids, and I believe when I take a cat into my home, they stay for life. I have my little kitty medical savings account so Bob and Sassie have the right health care. My friend has been involved with Bob's illness and amazed that her cat with a bad case of fleas could be killed and the cat next door could be saved to the tune of "lots of money." We've had long discussions about choices that people make and why and how they can make them. At this stage of her ordeal with her cat's death and my cat's extended life (and he's back to his usual kitty self, by the way). she thinks she wants to make a contribution to animals by becoming a veterinary assistant. We'll see. She's interested right now in trying her hand at volunteering at the SPCA. Even though I'm kind of mad at them. they do what they can with what they've got to work with. Maybe they can give direction to this potential animal welfare activist.

Did anyone get to the end of this story? I'm testing out drafts because I'm interested in writing a story about Bob's surgery to submit to the local paper. TTYL, Pat Brown

----- Original Message ----- From: J. & S. Hardin To: Jan ; candichat@dolls.de Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:06 AM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Jan, I really understand about keeping the cats inside. When we lived in a trailer park, I kept most of my cats inside, and the rest stayed in a pen outside. However, when we moved, I had a baby. So I put all the cats outside. This has been very hard for me. However, I have two big buildings set up outside with a deck the back of my house. I now have 31 cats. I just can't keep them all inside. I have everyone of them named, and people think I am weird when they hear how many I have. I just can't take them to the pound. I love them all. some of them I have even bottle fed when they were kittens. My oldest is Mickey, who actually adopted me and my husband. She is so sweet. We have some really nice woods now where the cats can "relax and max"! My vet is a wonderful lady who works with me and my high volume of pets! She is a blessing. I have really enjoyed reading about all of the love all of you have for animals. It does a soul good to know that "Hey! I am not the only one who cares!" Love, Sherrie:)

-----Original Message----- From: Jan [mailto:janeecat1944@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 7:34 PM To: candichat@dolls.de Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Sherrie - I'm more of a cat lover myself. However, Sheba adopted us 3 years ago. Never thought I would have such a large dog. We had a poodle at one point, but she passed away about 5 years ago. Boy I miss her. I never let my cats outside. I want them inside where I can keep them safe. Now we have adopted a female dog who is in heat. Boy what a mess!! She started peeing in the house yesterday. The vet said that is because she is in heat. Hope it ends soon as they can't spay her until the beginning of Feb. Now we are trying to find a home for her sweet little boyfriend.

Now, about dolls. LOL!! I just received my Flame Rogue from Rudi today. Did anybody else get her? Oh my!! She is amazing!

Jan **********************

"J. & S. Hardin" jimgalaxy@netzero.net wrote: Wow, I thought I was the only person with tons of cats. I used to live in an area where every week, there was a cat dropped off. Now we live in an area where we are out in the country so that we are not adopting any regularly. I just love my cats. However, since my son was born, I don't have near the time I used to have to spend with them. They don't live in the house. I used to have several in doors, but once we moved to our 4 acres, I let them have the run of the yard:) They seem much happier here.I have a big soft spot for animals. Best wishes, Sherrie:)

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Nice to know there are so many cat lovers on this list!

We moved to a pet-free/allergy-free building this June, so we had to give up our one cat, "Misty". That was hard, but he's (yes, "Misty" is a male...I didn't name him) gone back to his original owner, and I get to visit him from time to time.

We now have a Japanese fighting fish (gift from a friend, for my daughter Emma) and a very new addition, our first Hamster, "Smartie". Not as much fun as a cat, but a pet nonetheless.

Elizabeth

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Wow it's great to hear about everyones pets, so I think I'll share. We have three indoor cats named Josephine Baker, Norma Jean and Anastasia (her close friends call her Annie). We also feed a a core group of 6 neighborhood cats. Of course we've named them as well. They are Princess, Patches, Fuzzy, Emily, Red, and G.E. (Golden Eyes). Periodically we are blessed by the appearances of Bozo, Big Silver and Baxter. Almost all of the cats have been fixed. We also have an aviary attached to the side of our garage. Housed there are 5 doves, 1 pigeon (Anderson is her name) and our chickens. The chickens are all related (not by marriage). The alpha group consist of Thurston, Ginger, Spearmint and Peppermint. The beta group consists of 3 roosters (two named Thurston) and 2 hens. The yougsters and largerest chickens of the group are two silky mixes; one rooster and one hen. We have a koi pond with goldfish and a couple of koi. The pond is visited in the spring and fall by a heron who tries to feed. So we stock feeder goldfish in the pond to feed it. Since we don't know the sex of that bird we have named it Chris Heron.

Shani-boy Elizabeth ~dolls4emma~ biz000art@yahoo.com wrote: Nice to know there are so many cat lovers on this list!

We moved to a pet-free/allergy-free building this June, so we had to give up our one cat, "Misty". That was hard, but he's (yes, "Misty" is a male...I didn't name him) gone back to his original owner, and I get to visit him from time to time.

We now have a Japanese fighting fish (gift from a friend, for my daughter Emma) and a very new addition, our first Hamster, "Smartie". Not as much fun as a cat, but a pet nonetheless.

Elizabeth

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I think cats are a dominant species unto themselves,beingthat there are so many of them.We have two inside cats,named Sami and Q.Sami is a 10 yr old black female who is as large as an elephant.She had been fixed when she was six monthes old,and Q is a black male who is a year old.He's the little skinny dude,but he can sure take care of himself.He was named after the character made infamous by John De Lancie in the Star Trek series,and he certainly does him proud.We also have fifteen feral cats outside which we feed,and named a few.There is Big Mama,Blue-eyes,Little Mama,Big Daddy,Tuxedo,Spot(identical twin to Tuxedo except for a white spot onthe upper lip)Bandit,Stripe,Cloud,Buffy,Taz,and there a few more but they haven't showed themselves long enough for us to get their personalities down. Dena

Dena

Re: pets We have 2 dogs , A old Schnauzer,Buster, with teeth so bad the Vet can't do anything about it...he also has seizures & we give him meds for it. We don't know how old he is as he was a stray & in trying to find his home were told that the people who owned him just moved away & left him behind. H e Can't hardly see, hear, or smell. Another old dog, Sammy , part Austrailan shepherd , who's a Humane society special & partially blind in one eye. 2 cats once owned by our neighbor who had no intention of getting them neutered or 'shots' for them ( they couldn't 'afford' to do so , yet they have a car for every member of the family -4)...so I asked if we could & after we did all that ,they said we may as well keep them, so we did. They are a male yellow tabby, Tomtom very sweet & laid back ...& a female feisty Lucy , who I made the mistake of getting between her & a cat she was about to fight with & ended up in the ER to get shots for bad bites & clawing ..they are about 8 now. Pat H.

Because these people think animals are property and disposable. Pat Brown ----- Original Message ----- From: leanne To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 5:31 PM Subject: Re: Pets, Anyone?

Why do people get animals for pets if they don't want to take proper care of them?