A Face That Breaks My Heart

The sad reality of feral and stray cats. Those who know me, know I feel it is very important to give every feral or stray cat that I come across, a name. It gives them purpose, and makes them important. This is Oliver, I think the name suits him well.
He showed up a couple of months ago. Until recently all of my photos of him were taken in the dark and I was never able to see just how bad his eyes were.
He would come to eat in the shelter and on my patio after the other ferals ate first. He would always keep his distance from me until I was safely indoors where I can observe him through the window.
Each time I would set the traps out he wouldn't show. Then weeks would pass before I would see him again. Typical when you think a cat would be easy to trap, you watch their schedule, you plan, then they change their routine on you. It gets discouraging, but you don't give up.
Since last month, Oliver and I have built a relationship, with just a bit of trust. He now comes to eat with all the ferals, he sits and waits on the patio for me to bring the wet food treat they all get each evening. He even allows me to pet his head some while he is eating. The infection in his eyes is disturbing. His vision is very poor. I honestly can't imagine that he can see anything, except shadows in a fog.

I realized just how poor his vision was when I had the trap right in front of him and was hoping to have gained enough trust to just guide him in. His head was very wobbly, trying to focus. He knew something was there, within two feet from his face, but he couldn't focus, he was frightened and left the yard. I then realized each time he didn't show when I set the trap was because things were moved in the yard, the trap was a foreign object that he couldn't see well, so he kept his distance.
While watching him daily, and viewing the dozens of photos I have taken, he appears to have a growth on the inside of his left lower jaw. It could be a tooth abscess, but until he is vetted, I won't know for sure.

I am remaining positive in hopes that he has nothing contagious. His nose is clear, his weight is good, his breathing sounds normal. Perhaps the infection in his eyes is just from fighting, and the growth in his mouth is just a bad tooth.

I discovered tuna is the most tasty thing he goes absolutely crazy for. I am trapping again tomorrow night, and hoping the tuna, and the little bit of trust he is gaining with me will be promising.

I also hope and pray after vetting, he can be helped. Here again, is another big gray tomcat that has captured my heart.

Jeni

Jeni is over nine years old now, but age has not slowed her down. She will always be referred by us as our little energizer bunny. She is very good with Annie, and wants to play all the time, but will always be Bandit's best friend. If someone would ask us who is the most spoiled in our house, we would have to say Jeni is. I think they are all spoiled a bit, but honestly speaking, I think Jeni is just a tad more spoiled then the rest.

Little Miss Annie

It's been a very long time, too long since I have checked in on Blogger. It's time I get my act together and start catching up with everyone. I have so many updates, and am so far behind, I have decided to just post some photos for now, so I can get those all out of the way. So please bare with me over the next few days as I will be posting photos of my crew, to get everyone updated. Then I will be able to concentrate on letting everyone know all the happenings that have been going on in our world.

These next five photos were all taken last month. She cleans up nicely.

A couple months ago, as cute as can be.

These next few photos were also taken just a couple months ago.

She is so pretty.

She loves my outside feral cats, and they love her. She has a way about her that attracts all the cats. Cats that are not friendly to me, but love Annie. She is like a cat whisperer!

Photo taken last week. Silly girl!

I have an on going album titled "Annie Goes To School". Weekly I take a few photos of her interacting with the children in my daycare/preschool. I have so many great photos of her, reading with the kids, doing art projects with them, participating in show and tell, unfortunately I only share them on my Facebook page due to privacy issues, but I thought this one would be okay to share with all of you.
Thank you all for being patient with me, as I went missing, but I'm back, and will be catching up with everyone soon. Until then, enjoy the photos!

Hello My Friends

In case anyone is wondering, yes, I'm still alive! I have been very busy the past 2 months. I had a second surgery on February 14th for my broken shoulder. Any of you that does not know the details, you can read it in my previous posts here and here.

I spend a couple hours 3-4 days a week at Physical therapy. I have a CPM (continuous passive motion) therapy chair here at the house. It helps my range of motion. Per the doctor I need to sit in it for 1 hour, 4 times a day. I have several exercises I need to do at home, every hour of the day that I am awake. My life revolves around physical therapy, I should be getting paid for this!

I have improved quite a bit since the last time I posted. My hand is still numb and tingly all the time, but I have gotten use to the feeling. I am getting plenty of my independence back, and am able to do most things on my own again. I can only lift my arm a bit higher then my waist. I still have days that I get a bit discouraged, wondering if I will ever be able to do things that take two hands to do. I know with the significant nerve damage and all the breaks I encountered, it is just taking time. A slow process. But I will get there, I just have to remind myself these things take time. It has been 3 months since I fell, and the Doctor and Therapist both say I am not even at the half way point of my recovery. I can not wait to be able to do my hair with both hands!

The dogs and cats are all good. We have been busy with all of them, taking advantage of the cool weather. Annie is enjoying agility and obedience. We are going to be introducing her to some sheep in a couple of weeks and hope to start herding lessons with her soon after. That should be fun.

I hope everyone has had a healthy and safe winter, and are enjoying the beginning of Spring.

Some recent photos for all of you to enjoy!

March 12th, we celebrated Annie's first birthday.

She enjoyed her cake, and especially liked the icing.

I made dozens and dozens of healthy, all natural treats for her many canine friends for her birthday party. Carrot & Oatmeal, Peanut Butter & Banana, and Apple Cinnamon & Oatmeal. They were all a huge hit!

Sitting in my Physical Therapy chair. Think she's trying to tell me something?

Waiting for her agility class to start.