Feeling catty

Sick cats don't always say ouch

By Denise Flaim/Newsday

Cats are subtle.

This, of course, is the whole point, say their fawning humans. Disdainful of the panting, pawing, woofing neediness of that other species with which they often share domiciles, cats are the proverbial still streams.
But when they are sick, these consummate stoics also can lead lives of quiet desperation that go unnoticed by all but the most attentive human.

"Cats are like snowflakes - they're all similar, but different," says veterinarian James R. Richards, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca. The one thing they do share is an all-too-deft ability to hide illness and pain. "If people would become cat watchers - an act that I find joyful, because they're such a hoot to observe - we might discover really significant illness that may not have manifested yet."

The key, says Richards, is learning to recognize what is normal behavior for your particular cat, so that deviations from it become readily apparent. In addition, schedule twice-a-year wellness checks, instead of annual ones, to pick up any physical or metabolic changes.

Being the reserved, majestic creatures that they are, cats have a relatively limited repertoire of ways to communicate that there is something wrong, Richards says. Among the signs that might get you dialing the vet:

Changes in behavior. Cats are creatures of habit, so watch for a break in routine, however subtle - such as not greeting you when you arrive home, or hiding more than usual under furniture.

Another warning sign might be a cat that routinely sleeps on top of the counter but now has abandoned that post for a different one, or is sleeping for more hours, or during different hours.

"They're not the kind of jab-you-in-the-rib changes that sometimes we'll see with dogs," Richard says, but they might be cause for concern.

Increased activity isn't always a good thing, either. "If your cat's acting like he's had five cups of Starbucks, don't just dismiss it as 'My old cat's feeling frisky,'" he warns. It could be something more serious, such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

Inappropriate elimination. Litterbox woes are a common theme among cat owners. Often they are caused by emotional turbulence in a cat's environment - the arrival of a new animal, a change in human residents, an impending divorce or other life events.

A change to the litterbox itself also can disrupt potty patterns: A new lid on the box or a switch in brands of litter is sometimes all it takes for a kitty to go AWOL.

But a physical problem may be the culprit. If urinating causes pain, a cat may associate it with the box and so might avoid it. Some intestinal problems or diabetes can cause increased eliminations and more "misses."

"Sometimes you have to be a detective to figure out what's going on," says Richards, who suggests scrutinizing the litterbox to see if there is any change in the volume or consistency of stool, or the wetness of the litter itself.

Changes in appetite. In multi-cat households where cats are free-fed, monitoring eating patterns can be a challenge. Loss of appetite is an obvious red flag, but overeating can point to an underlying physical problem, too.

Changes in odor. In cats, bad breath is more than just a turn-off; it can be a sign of periodontal disease. Oral cancers also can go unnoticed - when was the last time your cat willingly opened wide, or let you peek under its tongue?

Changes in grooming. If you're feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is get all dolled up. So look more closely at that cat with an unkempt coat. Watch for bare spots or a difference in fur texture.

"Grooming behavior takes up a good part of a cat's day," says Richard. "Cats may stop if they don't feel well, or if it's painful to groom - if they have severe arthritis, maybe it's hard to get their tongue to certain parts of their body."

Also, "because cats are basically covered in dry cat spit," Richards says, a "yucky" coat can point to mouth problems.

Changes in vocalization. As much as you may relish the silence, pay attention to the talkative cat who now is quiet as a church mouse.

Conversely, pumping up the volume is a typical sign of hyperthyroidism, as well as cognitive dysfunction, or senility.

Write to Denise Flaim, c/o Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250; or e-mail denise.flaim@ newsday.com. Visit her blog at newsday.com/animalhouse.

Email: denise.flaim@newsday.com

Comments

[Sedona]

Do not buy fur products from China. They are selling cat and dog fur and 40% of all sales are made to the US. They also skin these animals alive to make a profit and stuff them on top of each other in cages. In the U.S. any item sold for less than $150 does not have to list the type of fur used, and then too if listed, the manufactures lie about it.

This practice is so horrible - close your eyes and imagine your little lovie being skinned alive or your little sweetheart piled in small cage with 5 or 6 other pets - waiting to be made into some stupid $10 item to be sold in our pet stores or in our toy stores or in service stations. Please refuse to buy anything made in China.

[Rosa]

SEDONA: PLEASE stop with the horrific details. We know by now what goes on. We are trying to help the situation with petitions and such. We can keep supporting to ban some of these products and keep try to help in anyway we can. I learned of this tragedy 5 yrs ago, and IT HAUNTS ME to this day!

I realize some things need to be brought to our attention, and that is fine. All I am trying to say without you taking offense here, is PLEASE STOP WITH THE HORRIFIC DETAIS. It's getting hard to just scroll past it all.
Thanks Rosa

[Sedona]

Rosa, I am not bringing it to your attention. And I'm sorry that it bothers you so very much. I am bringing it to the attention of the people that read the blog and don't post that simply must be told the truth of this horror. I told my sister-in-law and she didn't know anything about it. So people don't know and the blog is greater than a few people who post here regularly.

I'm sorry it bothers you, but it should bother all of us so very much that we riot in the streets to stop it. I'm posting here so people will write their government reps and write Ralph Lauren and DKNY and all the others that make items in China and too those that import these fur items. This simply must be stopped and I believe in my heart and soul that all of us united can really help. Otherwise, it is foolish for me to nag about this - and I am not a fool.

[Marty]

I think Sedona is enjoying Rosa. She's evil like that.

[Pam in MN]

Rosa - is there any news on Annie? Has the pooch been spotted lately?

[Rosa]

SEDONA, WHATEVER!

[Rosa]

Yes Pam, Annie was spotted yesturday at around noon, and there are some good people and good plans bieng implimented as I type this. I am looking forward to reporting a rescue soon!
Thanks for asking.

[Rosa]

MARTY: It must be 5:00 somewhere, right? lol

[Kathleen Stephenson]

Here is hoping for a rescue for Annie and all the others too. Thanks for the update Rosa.

[Pam in MN]

I'll join you in that 5:00 o'clock somewhere thought.

[Marty]

Yes Rosa.

[Rosa]

CHEERS PAM!

[Pam in MN]

RIGHT BACK AT YOU!!!

[Marty]

Hoping and praying for a rescue today Rosa.

Gail, Anything on Hopey?

[Rosa]

HEADS UP MARTY AND PAM, Wine corks a fly'n! lol

[Marty]

Yippie.

[Pam in MN]

I'll keep my eyes open for any low-flying objects overhead!!lol.

[ruby]

~ I want to say, the dog fur thing is nothing new, it just takes SOME people longer than others to find out about it. I'm with you Rosa, no need to post the gore about it. People can work silently objecting to these type actions. ~

[ruby]

P.S. By "work silently" I mean, you don't have to post the GORE. It's hard to work silently and let people know about whats going on I realize........petitions etc. would be welcome I would think. ~

[Sedona]

The blog can be a wonderful tool for change to bring this issue to the attention of those that do not know about it. You have to put some details about it otherwise, it is just passed over. Believe me, I am not evil for bringing it up - it is wrong to ignore it or to not want as many people to know as possible. But I expect to be attacked for putting this here and that's okay. I will take the attack and ugly comments but I can and will be happy that maybe a few hundred people know about this and will tell their friends and maybe we can help stop the suffering of God's creatures in China.

[Sedona]

I don't believe I posted gore needlessly or to harm anyone.

Kathy of Colorado mentioned the horses being crammed in the box cars, no food, no water, no room, terrified.

So, the little cats and dogs, crammed on top of each other, no food, no water, terrified, and then skinned alive - to die in agony. I bet the horses are not killed humanely either. I see no difference. So, blog readers out there please don't buy goods from China and demand cat and dog fur products removed from the shelves. I will post more on how to be most effective in this effort later. Thank you.

[Kathy in Colorado]

Sedona - there is a lot of difference when you mention the word SKINNED ALIVE - a bit gorier than being crammed into trailers without food or water. I could have described the process after they arrive at the sh but I didn't - now that's gore

[Bella]

Sedona,

Give it a break. Intelligent women reside here. We don't need your personal help to fight animal cruelty. Folks know how to fight this battle already ... nor do we need your hurtful gory descriptions!

[Sedona]

Well, somehow I think we can take the truth of it. Maybe we need to look at the truth of their misery and maybe that truth will motivate people to not buy fur products or any products made in China. And maybe the truth of the horses and how the horses from the remake of Flicka died needs to be discussed so as to motivate us to action. Hot and thirsty is pretty horrific if you ask me - but then again maybe we don't really know how horrific go without water for days ......no food, no water, no love, pretty bad stuff.....

[Sedona]

I don't expect you to like it. I write for those that don't know. How can I possibly be writing for all you well-educated and knowing people? I bet there are many people who read this that don't know. It's okay with me that you don't like it. I dislike what China is doing more that I dislike your dislike of what I am writing.

[Pam in MN]

That fact that you are bringing this to everyone's attention is wonderful, Sedona. But you do not have to mention the gory details. The horses that Kathy in CO talks about in the slaughterhouses come to a horrible ending, too, but she does not mention the details. They weren't necessary. She brought this to our attention and now we can try to do something about it. The same applies to the China situation.

[Sedona]

I will not keep putting in about their horrible death over and over. But I will mention it now and again for the readers that don't know.

I do believe that this is important and I truly believe the blog has readers that don't know and they need to know.

[Kathy in Colorado]

Sedona - every day I post the names of representatives for people to call and ask them to please vote yes to pass the anti-slaughter act and bills that are coming before Congress and the House - that is how I try to better that situation - asking these good friends to call or email or fax their letters is all I do - I post the names and numbers - I don't give them step by step details of what happens.

Perhaps if you want to post your gory details, you can take it to the site where you post your visions Sedona - that way those that want to read and don't know will find out.

[Kathy in Colorado]

Wanted to let everyone know that I talked to Heather at LCC (Last Chance Corral) - she works with Victoria - asked her if she had a count yet of all the money that Team Vivi had donated and she promised she would round it up and get back with me tomorrow - they just adopted 8 foals out to a rescue group that is with the Friends of Barbaro so that was a big group. I think I had mentioned earlier that they had viral pneumonia go thru their shelter - they lost two foals from that - cocopop and another little foal that never even got posted. I asked if the pictures were not up there any longer, if that meant that they had been adopted and she said yes - so it looks like the ones that were named for Vivi have found new forever homes. Congratulations girls - will let you know how much we contributed as soon as I hear. www.lastchancecorral.org/foal_rescue/LCCNurseMareFoalRescue.php

[Rosa]

I will be posting my visions of WINE, CHOCOLATE AND BEER FOR those interested on the next thread.
WARNING: DIETERS BEWARE!

[Kathy in Colorado]

that black kitty looks like my little lost Bowdee kitty

[Sedona]

Kathy, really - it is not that gory - would it be better if I said their death is painful and agonizing and people in civilized countries should and need to object? I can do that and I will do that, but I think the truth somehow is better and difficult too, yes it is difficult.

[Pam in MN]

So that means Bowdee's a handsome little devil.

[Sedona]

It would be nice to hear some positive suggestions on how one might go about changing this situation especially with the Olympics being held in China soon.

Instead of being upset with me, I'd think all you highly intelligent people would be upset at China and the American Importers and Manufactures who order and manufacture from China.

[Sedona]

Look at the picture of the link I posted below - look into their sad eyes, and tell me you are not moved to do something. And tell me it isn't okay to post about it here in the hopes that more people will read about it and do something. People act when their hearts are touched - people march in streets when the truth needs to be known - and at least for me, the truth of this situation must be made as public as possible, and if you can't look at the link and understand then understand by my plea alone that this is so important that you should suffer discomfort in order to help them:

Link to Pet mistreatment in China: 40% of all animal (pet) fur is shipped to the United States. Only for the strong minded and strong willed soul:

http://nycanimalrights.com/dog%20and%20cat%20fur.htm

Posted by: Sedona | March 12, 2007 at 01:54 PM

And for those that have looked and will write their gov. reps. and the retailers thank you so very much.

[Rosa]

Send it away: "Ridiculous stuff" is not using your real name to post. NOT MY CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN! lol
you need a little sweet in your life, not BITTERNESS!

[Elizabeth]

Sedona, you are correct. The United States receives the most fur from China. I don't think very many Americans know that. I don't think very many people reading this blog even knew that. When you see anything generic, made of fur -- even if it says "faux fur" -- there's a pretty good chance it came from an animal in China that suffered miserably its entire life. I, for one, appreciate your persistence. I've worked on this issue for five years, and find that most people simply don't want to hear about it. You, however, not only were brave enough to listen, but are motivated to try and institute change.

[Sedona]

What you said Elizabeth about the pets - the words like an arrow that went straight through my heart and I dared look at the link - the sad lonely eyes compelled me to write about it here in the hopes that some that don't know will do something about it too.

My God grant mercy of the animals in China and may God seek justice for their misery, and whatever God does to those that know and buy the products - well that is in God's hands - may he at least enlighten them.

[Sedona]

For all those that have been reading about this issue today, would you pleas write your Senators and all governmental officials locally, statewide, and Federal, and ask your friends who are like minded to write seeking a law that will prevent the use of cat and dog hair on products sold in the U.S., and also remember not to buy anything that even looks like fur or leather from China, and better still - don't buy products made in China.

Thank you all for caring to listen and for caring to write.

[Martha Miller]

Sedona We will not buy fur things from China--they are brutal. OKay?? We Promise. Now settle down and think about sweet Woody!! I bet he is full and warm today.

[Sedona]

For all that don't buy goods from China - wonderful, for all that will not buy from this day on out - wonderful.

But we do need to know and we do need to look and we do need to hear. Then change will happen. And for our hurting hearts, and for the images that never leave our minds, thank God - this means you are human and this means you have a soul.

[Rosa]

Send it Away: WHERE IN MY POST DID I SAY "WHY BOTHER TO CARE"??????
I CARE, AND I SUPPORT NOT BUYING ANY THING TRIMMED WITH FUR. SO DON'T PUT WORDS IN MY MOUTH.
Forget chocolate or sweetness in your life YOU NEED MEDS! ASAP CALL YOUR DR. NO!!!!!!

[Sedona]

Martha Miller - it's sweet Moses - he got his stiches out today and is doing so much better. And to report, so is Mercy. I am very thankful for this. Cindy's tail is healing.

Thank you for your kind reassurances about the fur. God bless you.

[Rosa]

SEND IT AWAY: WHY DON'T YOU USE YOUR REAL NAME?

[Rosa]

SEND IT AWAY: If you use your real name I'll have a nice box of chocolates sent to you. LOL

[Rosa]

So Sorry Send it Away, I don't think your Dr. has enough meds for your problem.

[Rosa]

That doesn't answer my question, why don't you use your real name? still waiting...
I think we have the same opinion on this, all I asked was to ease up on the gore. Like I said in an earlier post.
We feel the same about the animals in China. So what is the real problem with you?

[ruby]

Kathy,
I was thinking the black cat in the window looks like my cat Dino and also another one I had..Strange how so
many black cats look alike isn't it? Both of my boys had gold eyes.

[Elizabeth]

Rosa, there are lots of folk who post here without using their name -- I can think of "tired" "blable" and "McBragal" off the top of my head. Why aren't you critical of them, as well?

Sedona feels passionate about an issue that involves animal cruelty. She feels like she wants to do something about it. What I don't understand is why you all aren't supportive of that?

[Rosa]

Beth, Why is me suggesting to just ease up on the gore touched so many buttons?
and why are you bieng so critical of me? there has been alot worse said here, then my suggesting of easing up on the "Gore". GIVE ME A BREAK!

[Rosa]

Send it Away: I am only the Arbiter of Chocolate and Wine discussions. When you use your real name, when asking me a question, I'll give you a real answer COWARD!

[Sedona]

I didn't think my comments were filled with unacceptable details - aka - gore.

Gore is something different - I thought I was more factual and then light handed on it at that. But enough information needs to be printed so as to move people to respond or to take action. I didn't go about to offend, and if I offended then forgive my offense, but still I wrote to move the heart and to motivate readers so that they too would feel the burden and take action. In that light, I believe I did what was necessary.

[Rosa]

BETH: WHO SAID WE AREN't SUPPORTIVE? I SAW PROGRAM ON THIS 5YRS AGO, I KNOW WHAT GOES ON! JUST BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE TO KEEP READING ABOUT IT, DOESN'T MEAN I DONT' CARE, GET IT THROUGH YOU THICK CRITICAL HEAD!!!!

[Sedona]

Oh, now I understand Rosa. My words are so real to you - because you too know the truth.

Probably any mention of it will bring up these images - they haunt me too and I just learned about it. Some don't even care, like my sister-in-law who says that's China's problem.

I will just accept the pain for now. Because it hurts me too as I write about it and think about it and gaze into my pets - it hurts deeply. And I think because it hurts so much, that means we love so much, so deeply our pets. I don't fight my pain or my hurt - I see it as something beautiful that God is perfecting. May he perfect us all to stop this horrific practice.

[Elizabeth]

Oh, while you're yelling at everyone on the blog, and screaming at Send It Away, and instructing Sedona to stop posting things that you don't want to hear, I'M the critical one? That is pretty hilarious. Listen to yourself.

[Rosa]

Yelling at the blog? just at you and Send it Away. I didn't yell at Sedona, when I asked her kindly if she could ease up on the details.
AT Least this is the FIRST TIME of me yelling at the "BLOG" Beth. How many times have you YELLED at the blog?

[Elizabeth]

Rosa, I would think you would commend Sedona, not condemn her.

[Rosa]

Beth: Where did I condemn Sedona? by just asking her to leave out some details?

[Sedona]

I will try to be considerate and to put down just the right words - words that will motivate and not hurt - but finding the right ones will probably be difficult - since what is happening in China is by definition so hurtful and horrific, but maybe I can think of something that will not bring up those horrible images - what I do not know. The perfect may not exist but I will try to think of something creative and effective.

Good night all!

[Elizabeth]

Okay, Rosa. Maybe you just make fun of Sedona:

"I will be posting my visions of WINE, CHOCOLATE AND BEER FOR those interested on the next thread."

[Rosa]

SUE ME BETH!

[ruby]

Rosa, I commend you for your words! I guess you've read CATCHER IN THE RYE AND LORD OF THE BUZZIES? Do you have any extra chocolate? I'll trade you some vanilla vodka for a little chocolate and a third eye I was trying to grow, but gave up on..

[ruby]

Tapping my foooot, and waiting and waiting for a zinger!

[Rosa]

Ruby, Sounds good to me, YOUR ON!

[Elizabeth]

Lame reply, Rosa. Is that the best you could come up with?

[Rosa]

WHY are you a lawyer?

[Elizabeth]

WHY are you a whiner?

[Rosa]

Somtimes....when I don't have my chocolate. What about you, are you a whiner?

[Mila]

Rosa, Ruby! Chocolate is my favorite, second only to spaghetti! Plz send the sweets and the beverages my way, too!!
Rosa, have any sightings of Annie been reported for today? I know you will report the latest info as soon as you get it, but waiting is so hard. Sounds like there is a great group out looking for her. May they snag that babe and tonight would be perfect!

[Elizabeth]

I asked you WHY you are a whiner, not WHETHER you are a whiner. We all know that you are a whiner.

[Rosa]

I take that as a compliment Beth. Id rather be a WHINER than an ACCUSER. Thank you!

[Rosa]

Mila: Yes Annie was sighted yestuday afternoon. She is still out there. EARS group is till helping out, I am hoping to get good news soon. Thanks for asking. Rosa

[Mila]

Kathy, I thought of little Bowdee as soon as I saw the photo of the black kitty in the window posted above. Such a beautiful boy your Bowdee is!!

[Sharon (MI)]

Mentioning animal cruelty, and then giving us a petition to sign, or some constructive way in which we can prevent it from happening again is worth the report. Even when we were talking about safe and unsafe shredder practices, it was a wake up call to the problems which occur. Bringing up animal cruelty just to discuss the details is IMHO being cruel to the readers here. I agree with Rosa,and sometimes I feel we are playing can you top this. I know one of the major reasons I got involved here was that Vivi was more than a tragic story to read, it was a way that we who love animals could get involved and help.
SIA your "liguistic signature" is very similar to Sure's.

[Mila]

Rosa, was Annie sighted yesterday in the same vicinity of the previous sightings or was she actually 5 miles away?

[Sharon (MI)]

Kathy,
Now I will have a beautiful visual of Bowdee when I pray for him. This kitty reminds me of my sister's black Persian Clancy who is also a "window sitter".

[Rosa]

Mila I was told it was more like 2 miles away from her previous sighting. She is in an open area there that is considered a "Bird Sanctuary".

[Linda Speranza]

Guys! Lighten Up!
Sodena, I feel your pain, I once saw a documentary about what goes on in China.. They are terrible people..
But that is not the only place that all this slaughter goes on.
It happens right here in the USA. If we can stop Horse slaughter here then we can go to other countries..
I have been going on the Tom Wooley web site.
I have read about such wonderful people. These people pull the horses from slaughter everyday ..
I am in awe of what these people do eveyday..
I have read story about a horse that was abused & they tried to save him. But it did not make it..
Nobody ever wants any animal, to suffer..
I always ask myself why, does God let this happen..
But in my heart I know that all these people, that hurt animals, will one day pay the price.. We may never know, but they will..

[Sharon (MI)]

Rosa,
Thank you for offering to post for Missy--I just got the e-mail. I'm trying to get them to send me a picture or a flyer. I hope they have used the right e-mail. (School's e-mail is down because of a time change problem. Some of the Michigan system's are calling it a mini Y2k.)
I have placed an ad with Petfinder, and they are working with the police. I'm also watching shelter lists.

[Linda Speranza]

Rosa,
If Annie is in a Bird Santuary that may be a good thing..
Maybe she will hang around, if she is one for chasing birds...

[Rosa]

Sharon, Please send the flyer to me when you get it. I would love to post for Missy.

Linda: Yes, Annie is safe there. They are concerned that it backs up to a big highway. They had people on foot today trying to make noise to make her back track towards the condo complex. They are doing their best. I hope she is catching something to eat.

[ruby]

If my Lilly was where Annie is, I would fear for the birds.......She's a bird killer, sad, but true. She also chases squirrels, cats, and anything that moves including her sib, Satchel...This morning it was an unknown critter that she chased over the fence. It all happened so fast I didn't see what got over the fence..I hate it, but thats the life of some sight hounds, they see, they try to conquer.
P.S. She's very, very afraid of any buzzing insect!

[Linda Speranza]

Rosa,
I pray they find her soon......

[Karen (VA)]

Woody looks like a Leonberger to me

[Karen (VA)]

http://www.leonberger-rescue.org/pictures.html

[Cherita]

I agree Karen, he does look like a Leonberger. He should get a forever home real quick.
Keeping the faith for VIVI and all

[Diane Kowalchyk-Morris]

Won't have to worry about "gore" or much of anything else if we don't start listening to Al Gore. Our planet is dying folks. The update to "An Inconvenient Truth" was on Showtime last night and there's no denying that time is running out to save our planet. We all need to do all we can to reverse the trend.
Please think green, act green NOW!

[Karen (VA)]

A Leon X anyway. I'm thinking

[Kathy in Colorado]

Linda - WE PULLED HORSES FROM SLAUGHTGER!!!! Each and every one of you that donated to the nursremare foals did just that - that is where those precious day old babies were headed and WE SAVED THEM - sure it was a few in the many that needs saving but we can rescue all of them - but we can try to stop the inhumanity that is tossed their way.

Sedona - I realize you are passionate about the dog and cats of china - just as I am for the dogs, cats, horses - all animals here in the US that are mistreated and abused - that is what drives this blog - our passion - it has been stated what happens in China to these animals - so lets move on and try to stop it - we can stop it by writing letters, calling and faxing - NOT FIGHTING ON THE BLOG WITH EACH OTHER. The atrocities have been stated - now lets move on - it doesn't need to be hashed and re-hashed over and over again.

Thank you all for your comments on my Bowdee kitty - yes - it is amazing how much black cats look alike - believe me - going to the shelter I was almost tricked many times thinking I had found my boy. Bowdee had the most beautiful eyes - sometimes the coolest green and at other times a beautiful gold. And he was my lap kitty - always in my lap as soon as I sat down. How I wish he was around to sit in my lap instead of this stupid laptop I'm on.

Sedona - glad Mercy and Moses are doing better.

[Sharon (MI)]

Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from Beliefnet)
Father Creator,Help us to channel our passion for animals in a constructive way. Don't let us become discouraged or, overwhelmed by the horrifying things people do with Your creation. We thank You for Team Vivi, and thank you for using them to bring in so many animals; like Saturday's "Woody". We continue to hope that You will send Vivi back to us, and then to her family. Keep Vivi, Annie, Hopey, Missy, and all of our lost ones warm, fed, watered, and away from all harm! Lay you hands on Madison, Tommy, Spit, Cubby, Dante, Scrappy and all who are ill. We ask all of our prayers in confidence, and in Jesus' name...

Father,continue Your watch over Vivi,Missy,Annie,Max,Hopey,Axel,Bowdee,Saffie,Zoey,Vern, the show babies, Biggie,and Sniffles.Show them to the volunteer of Your choice so that they may return to their earthly families. Surprise us by sending Vivi home to a volunteer (Kathy from Bayside,Rosa,Tina,Gail T,Bonnie,Diane T.,Diane K-M,Darlene,Debbie,Monica,Lois T.,Nancy M,Barbara Jean,Linda S. and her husband Mike, or Renee? Margot or Irene?)
Many of us also have animals which need Your healing touch.Great Physician we lift to you for your healing Scrappy, Homer, Mercy,Spit, Dante, Terrie's dog Cubby,Moses, Briar, Skittles, Barney, Tara,Joey,Meeko,Skeeter,Andi,Sparky,Scout,Dodge, Auggie,Billy,Ezme,Clarus,Star,Doogie, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie,Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan,Tucker, Brandy, Lexie, Isabella, Twin Kittens, Bowen, and Heather.Enfold all of us in Your healing embrace.
We thank you for healing Maureen, and Zipper!! Thank Your for the improvement in Gail's Dude.Thank You for Isabella's improving health!Thank You for McGee's weight gain.
We are frail Father and many of us need Your healing so that we can serve the purpose for which You have created us.
We lift up the following people in need of Your healing:Madison,"J"., Kathleen,,Terrie,Amanda, Rosa C. Kathleen's Mom Mary, Renee, Pam,Millicent, Jacque, JL, Lance, Chris,and Abby.
God of Power, stand behind Tammie and Doogie, Duke and Denise, and Otis' followers,and now Boston, as they have stood behind these animals, until justice is done.Thank you for Ruby, and all the bloggers who bring these animals to our attention. Take gentle care with Anne who has Alzheimers, and was the doxie's former mom.
Welcome all those who make the journey to Paradise, tonight. Let their animal companions greet them at the gates of Heaven. Hold both people and animals in your arms.
Give blessings to all who have done Your work.(We specially thank You for the success of Woody's rescuers!! Reward our faithful animal companions who have gone ahead. Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too.
Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels. These NYC volunteers, and their leaders;Tina,Rosa,and Bonnie, serve as Your compassionate presence on earth. Don't let them become discouraged. Let them know that prayer wise "we've got their back"!
regardless of its expression,Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles?
http://www.gratefulness.org
GOD INHABITS THE PRAISE OF HIS PEOPLE!!!

[jfovpahjovn]

poop. Amen.

[Susan Lorinsky]

I posted this on the Team Vivi update and a couple people thought it was worth considering.
When other dogs or puppies have been stolen recently, there has been a plea to drop them off at a certain home doorstep or shelter. Should that be announced that if someone does have Vivi to drop her off at a certain location like Bobbi and the Strays or Sean Casey's. And a reminder that it's against the law to keep someone elses' pet. Just wondering if this would bring more responses. Could recover others' missing pets. On a happy note, the story about Ruthie,the doxie who was found 17 mths later was in our local paper. Miracles happen all the time.

[Sharon (MI)]

Attracted to prayer like a moth to a flame...
Take note Betty.

[Betty Layne]

I DID SHARON. She can't stay away, can she? Isn't it amazing how God's power is so strong, that just one prayer will reach into the deepest part of a person? If you want to know the power of God, and the power in the name of His Son Jesus, just use it and watch the miracles happen in some and the sparks fly in others. His power is AWESOME!! NO ONE is left unaffected.

[Betty Layne]

Posted by Betty and Michael. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 'HOLY IS HE!"

Psalm 27:5
In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavillion; in the secret of His tabernacle, shall He hide me.

Good morning Daddy God. We thank you for your mercy and grace. We thank you as we move into spring that Vivi will come out of the shelter you provided for her and be seen again. We thank you for protecting her. What miracles you have done to protect her and keep her in your perfect provision. We need her to come home Daddy. Our hearts ache for her safe return. Within each one of our hearts, you know and feel our yearning for this glorious day to come to pass. Forgive us for all sin Holy Jesus. Bring your peace to us and on this blog as we wrestle with some who just want to cause strife. They will not move us Daddy God, for our faith is in you. We thank you in advance for Vivi's deliverance and rescue, for Bowdee being returned home, For Missy, Madison, Annie, Dante and for all the wonderful miracles and acts of love and kindness you are about to do. How we love to see your work. The world is full of darkness. Let your light shine through us, so that others will see and turn to you. We bind all evil, principalities and powers of darkness away from Vivi, all your precious creatures and from Israel. Please fill America with your Spirit once again, as so many have turned away from you. We stand in you and you alone. Make us stronger with each passing day. We praise you!!! And we Glorify your blessed Name!!!
Luke 15:4
What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness; and go after that which is lost until he find it?
Daddy God, continue to speak to and lead all we have brought to your throne to the safety and love of home with their families. Help us to find them Daddy God. Vivi, Biggie, Sniffles, Rags, Faithful, Little Aussie, Mommy, Daddy and Baby Girl pup, Apple Riley, Holly, (bring her out of the desert to safety) , Precious Hosanna, Buddy, Annie, African Grey, Patterson, pointer, Jack Russel, Grey Tabby, Bowdee, Yorkie, Shimi, the cemetary strays Buttons , Black Afghan Hound, Lola, Vern, Zoey, Saffie, Axel, Brewster, Hopey, Max, and Missy. Bring them home to their families filled with love, joy and warmth.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed.
Holy Jesus, continue to touch our little ones with your precious healing power, CJ, Dante, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie, Barbaro, Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan, Little Andi, Nicki, Dude, Brandy, Tucker, Lexie, Isabella,Twin Kittens, Bowen, Heather, Doogie, Clarus, Prince, Star, Skeeter, Scout, Tigger , Ezmeralda, New Foundland, Tank , Billy, Lilly, Auggie, Sparky, Meeko, Barney. Joey, Skittles, Zoey, Diva, Merlin, Magic, Briar, Fluffy, Cubby, Awmee, injured bird, Trevor, little Rachael who has stomach upsets like little McGee used to have before you touched him, Piper, Winnie, Mercy ,Rocket Spit McGee and Scrappy. Continue your miraculous healing grace in our brothers and sisters, Madison, Gina, Baby Girl, JL, Lance, Pam, Chris, Pat, Jacque, Darlene, Kim, BJ, Rose, Mary Ann, Kathleen, Abby, Renee, Renee's uncle and cousin, Lois, Millicent , Gail T. Button's owner, Joyce, Gail's mom, Julie, Sabina, Kathy, Amanda, Ann, Pam, Chrissy Sharon's dear friend, Jill, little Rachael, Irene, Sharon's mom, Cindy and Tara. Continue to protect beloved Israel and America as they battle terrorism to keep us free. Shelter them and give them victory. Protect the innocent and lead them to safety and provision. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Bring justice for Otis, Otto, and Boxer Puppy. Bring Freedom and deliverance for Duke. Give them righteous Judges who will honor your creatures Daddy God and bring Duke home to his mommy where he is meant to be. Help us to raise all the funds that are needed, for you are our provider. Help those who are looking for employment to find the place you want their light to shine. Increase and bless them Daddy. Fill our lives with your glory as we work and watch for your Son Jesus, our Savior. Flood this earth with your glory and power for all to see. Bring Vivi home Daddy God. Let this be the day Daddy God....Let this be the day INDEED...In Jesus's Name we pray....Amen

The world should be turning to Christianity instead of Christianity turning to the world....Michael

[darlene osullivan]

well, i guess it was pick on Rosa day yesterday, huh? why don't you guys just lay off and instead of your harsh comments here, start sending your emails and letters concerning Chinese torture to the proper people!!! Instead of listing the DISGUSTING things that happen, give us people to contact - name, fax numbers, addresses, etc. LIKE KATHY DID. i was one of many to politely ask you to stop posting that stuff - we don't want the graphic material please. WE KNOW IT'S HAPPENING so why continue upsetting people who are willing to help you??? Rosa - anything you need or hear on Annie, please let me know. Sharon, long distance help is still available here for Missy also, darling!!! those are important things to try to help with. I am as far as the West Coast people are - i haven't read one time of any of you offering to help those who i thought by now, you would consider friends or "sisters." Instead, we are playing who can be the most outrageous and most offensive here. i think it's deplorable. these girls are already upset and turn to this place for some sort of comfort and here you are - acting like fools. Sharon and Rosa have been here a very long time and they are missing 2 babies who are very very important to them. I think your priorities suck. You must like upsetting people and having Denise babysit this blog like we are all 3 yr. olds. EVERYONE WRITE THEIR LETTERS FOR DUKE??? EVERYONE???? now, this is a time sensitive matter that Denise Menendez needs help on right away. have YOU given her any help? doubt it. the time spent slamming and insulting on here could have been used to write a letter for Socks and Duke and that will make an IMMEDIATE difference - or would you like the New Yorkers to do all of that ourselves too?
ON A MUCH HAPPIER NOTE (For those who aren't into a downward spiral of mass depression):
WOODY (AKA: ROCKY) HAS GONE HOME!!!!!!!
his owners were missing the daylights out of him and Bonnie spooted a flyer and called both me and Monica. I called the owners - very sweet and LOVING people who had contacted Sean. When i called them last night, Woody (that's who he will always be to me) was napping on the couch and glad to be back home. Although, he did have an ear infections, he was under treatment and Sean had the owners bring evidence of just that before releasing him. He is 11 years old - older than what we had thought and once the ears cleared up, his owner said he was scheduled for the groomer. i specifically asked about the long mats hanging and she emphatically told me that she loves her boy very much and he is getting a bit cranky in his old age and with the ear infection was not in the mood to be groomed. It wasn't my business to know details but she was more than willing to share his whole lifestyle with me. she was unbelieveably grateful and thanked me and the girls a thousand times for finding him and caring enough to help him. he was let out of the backyard Friday when contractors left the gate open. she let him out to do his business as usual and when returning to the door, the gate was open. he was wandering since Friday afternoon and she was searching and posting flyers (none of which i saw but i was like a lunatic anyway) until 2:00 am Sat. morning. so, good news on our big loving boy. FYI: he's a golden/shepherd mix - i asked that much about him as he was just SO big.
another successful homecoming!!!! I will always love our Woody.

[Susan Lorinsky]

Darlene, thanks to you and the gals, another happy ending for a precious pet. You girls rock!

[Gail]

Stolen from pasture at 17720 SE 294th Court Road, Umatilla, FL 32784

Upon returning home Monday, March 12, 2007 at 6pm. We arrived to find our 2 registered miniature mares stolen. One had given birth to a palamino pinto filly earlier in the day. The foal was left and did not survive without her mother. Two other horses were in the same paddock and were untouched. The individuals who took these mares had to come though our main gate and take the mares out of their paddock through another gate. All of our other gates have Padlocks on them.

Missing: Pepper Ridge Esprit (Esprit) - AMHA/AMHR in foal for a summer baby. 11 yo bay with no unusual markings. Currently has winter Coat

Missing: Pepper Ridge Sausalito (Saucy) - AMHA/AMHR 16yo chocolate palamino...flaxen mane and tail...white eye lashes with several unusual white marks in the middle of her back. Currently has winter Coat.

G. Ellen McGee
Reflection Arabians
17720 S. E. 294th Court Road
Umatilla, FL 32784
321-228-3381 mobile phone

[Linda Speranza]

Darlene,
Great news that Rocky(woody) was returned home to his family...

way to go girl....

[Elizabeth]

Article just released today on the dog fur issue:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17584385/

[Pam in MN]

I'm so glad that Woody and his family were reunited.
You searchers are the greatest!!!

[darlene osullivan]

Gail, that's so sad!!!!!!!!!! i could kill people.
Sean Casey just emailed me and told me that our old boy went nuts when Mom and Dad came to pick him up. he said it was quite a sight to see. i wish we could have been there. the donation we gave will now be used to help a pitbull (who Monica fell in LOVE with). this poor little boy has a crushed skull. Monica was brave enough to go inside and see that little angel - me? no way. he would have been #7 for sure. needless to say, he ripped Monica's heart out. so, not only is Rocky home but now Ed, that's the pitbull, will get a very nice amount of money badly needed to help him heal. :) yeah!!!!!! sharon and betty - please put Ed in your prayers too. his guy needs a great and loving home and to heal quietly and quickly please.

[Gail]

Click here: http://www.Equusite.com - Daily Horse Pictures - Vote for your favorite pictures, Hundred of horse pictures Please vote for Silver Ghost!! Picture of the Day Contest (3/13) Thanks!

Siver Ghost is owned by Hopey's mom. On the left hand side click on Todays Pictures

[Pam in MN]

Silver Ghost got my vote. That picture was great.

[Linda Speranza]

Kathy in Colorodo,
I admire all the work done to save foal's.

But I have a thought, I am wondering as a team eveyone here.
Maybe! a standard letter can be drawn up to appeal to stop horse slaughter & stop the China fur trade & all the other injustice that goes on with animals in this country & around the world.
And being that Vivi has been so widely Publiced.

As a group, I am wondering if it would hold more weight..

Everyone has done so much good here...

[Kathy in Colorado]

Hi Everyone - here is the call list for today - hope you guys can help me out by calling/writing/faxing - for those of you in Texas (or those that want to pretend you're from Texas) there is a request at the bottom to try to stop the lastest appeal that the sh is trying to do to stay open. Thanks for all of you and your help.

Here is the “Call List” for Tuesday, March 13

COMMERCE, SCIENCE & TRANSPORTATION (S.311)

Byron Dorgan (ND)
Phone: 202-224-2551
Fax: 202-224-1193

Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)
Phone: 202-224-5922
Fax: 202-224-0776

Amy Klobuchar (MN)
Phone: 202-224-3244

Gordan H. Smith (OR)
Phone: 202-224-3753
Fax: 202-228-3997

John E. Sununu (NH)
Phone: 202- 224-2841
FAX: (202)- 228-4131

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO TEXAS FOB’S……YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO DEFEAT NEW LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO MAKE HORSE SLAUGHTER LEGAL IN TEXAS.
You can also find a link to that information in Alex’s Blue Navigation that will tell you what you can do to help!!
Please, reach out to everyone you know in Texas and get them involved. This is crucial!!!!

[darlene osullivan]

anyone have suggestions on an example of a letter? these are getting to be alot for these poor horses and my original is gone as of yesterday. Kathy - maybe you have one? i will emulate some of your thoughts, ok? i almost lost Duke's letter too. ugh!!!!!

[Kathy in Colorado]

We also need to get our vets supporting the anti-slaughter bill - here is a link to a letter to send your vets - or all vets in the area. Those of you that are faxing vets for Vivi - if you already have the numbers, could you also fax this letter and request that they sign and fax the letter on. Thanks again for all that you do for Vivi and for the horses of America. Kathy

it is critical to get as many vets on this vet support letter: http://www.horse-protection.org/pdf/vetsupport.pdf. Please have everyone you know reach out to every vet in every state urging them to sign and fax the attached form back.

[Kathy in Colorado]

If the link didn't work, try this one:
http://www.horse-protection.org/pdf/vetsupport.pdf

[Martha Miller]

testing

[Kathy in Colorado]

Darlene - I'm looking for a sample letter

[Sedona]

I am offering constructive insight - don't buy anything with fur on it (fake or otherwise) and tell all your friends and ask them to tell their friends etc. And I would think that no one here would mind me stating this and all would want as many readers as possible to know.

The Today Show this morning did a wonderful piece on this fur trade from China and showed film and the Humane Society tested garments sold in Pennys, Nordstrom, DKNY, and Tommy Hilifiger (sp?) etc. and even the fake fur was real dog (domestic) fur from China. Pennys altered the labels so as to sell the coats, Tommy Hilifiger said he would never sell or make another item with fur on it fake or otherwise. Good for him.

I will post more information about how to help later today after I research what the Humane Society is doing and the Fair Trade Commission - a law suit I believe is being filed. But the real punch is when the public knows and won't buy these goods and writes letters to these companies and their sales drop. The bottom line is always the almighty dollar.

The Today show even mentioned the methods they used to kill the animals and the horror of it - so horrible. Hats off to them for helping to get this message out.

[Sedona]

Link to MSNBC headlines about the dog fur trade:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17584385/

[ruby]

Darlene! How is little Jose? You didn't mention the boy today and I sooooo miss hearing about him! Be sure to give us the latest. I know he's getting ready for a trip to the WEST according to Debbie!

[Linda Speranza]

Believe it or not some, of the designers do not know about the Fake Faux.. Especially the bigger designers... They are not always hands on of design & production...

I work in the garment enter in New York.
This is done with the production dept. of these companies & the agents that they use over seas...

So thumbs up for Tommy Hilifiger..

[Kathy in Colorado]

I agree - GREYT FOR TOMMY - I don't buy clothes with fur on them anyway but good to hear the designers are starting to realize this is going on.

[Sedona]

I have a jacket from Nordstoms with a fake fur collar and cuffs - tonight I will remove the dog fur (or whatever it is) and destroy the jacket and hold a ceremony to honor the life of the animal that suffered for this stupid item.

Yes, wonderful for Tommy Hilifiger - he needs a thank you note for his kind and generous heart.

[Elizabeth]

Heather Mills McCarthy is active in this issue, as well. She has a website that is pretty graphic and hard to look at. She also has a list of things you can do:

What You Can Do....

Avoid all fur products. Without extensive testing, it is impossible to be sure whether a fur product is made from dog or cat fur. Furthermore, the trade in fur—whether it be cat, dog, or any animal—is cruel.

Tell everyone you know about the trade in dog and cat fur. Once people understand that these garments, trims, and figurines are the product of the brutal slaughtering of dogs and cats, they won't want to buy them. If the market disappears, manufacturers will stop making the products. Distribute Betrayal of Trust brochures.

Raise awareness at department stores and gift shops. A store manager may not know that some of their merchandise may be made of dog or cat fur. Tell store managers about the global trade in dog and cat fur and about the ban on dog and cat fur products in the United States, Australia and parts of Europe. Ask them to discontinue the sale of all fur items in their stores. Provide the store with some background on the issue

Bring attention to the sale of these products in your community. Write letters to the editor of the local paper. Contact your local television news station and ask them to do an investigative report.

Write to your representatives

Writing letters does seem boring but it really does work by cumulative effect. We have drafted two important letters for you to download and send. Please do not send emails as they flood and crash the system.

[Sharon (MI)]

If someone has written a letter for Duke, or in the horse cases, could you share it with the rest of us?
Please use the e-mail address I post on. I've given in to this flu thing, and I'm at home. Thanks.

[Pam in MN]

Include me in with Sharon's request. I'd like a copy, too, if anyone cares to share.

[Sedona]

Thank you Elizabeth for the information about the Heather Mills McCarthy website. Yes, I believe there's so much we can do to stop this fur trade - and when the Today show this morning showed what looked like a German Shepherd with confused eyes while being stuffed into a burlap sack - then I knew, regardless of the harsh critics and ridicule on this blog about me, what we are doing here is helping to get the word out and our help is necessary and important.

A proposed letter:

Dear Representative,

Very few Americans are aware of the extensive fur trade from China, involving products that range from clothes to toys and figurines. Most fur identified as "faux fur" is, in fact, the fur of cats or dogs that suffered tragically during their short lives. More than 40 percent of China's fur trade is exported to this country. I believe that if more Americans realized that fur is often t