the annual changing of the collars

Last night I changed everyone's iD tags to their new Beastie Bands collars, and Sully got his first collar ever. I haven't been able to put Persephone or Caliope's collars back on, but I think I might catch them tonight.

This is the first time evryone has their own design. I had a lot of fun picking out their collars.

Luna Moth: White & Yellow Butterflies on Black
Stella Blue: White & Green Mushrooms on Black
Penelope Jane: Pink Hearts w/White Crossbones on Black
Persephone May: White & Yellow Yin Yang Symbols on Black
Calliope Anne: Piano Keys
Anya Gray: Purple & Green Hummingbirds & Flowers on Black
Ambrose Gallifrey: Yellow & Green Celtic Knots on Black
Sullivan Boo: Red & White Devil Cats on Black

I'm the biggest fan of Beastie Bands and always get them from Robbins Pet Supply online. Yes, mini endorsement here, great prices, great service.

Random pics

Ambrose napping with me on the couch.
Stella under the desk lamp.
Calliope on the foot of the bed.

Anya's bladder looks like Miami Beach

So Anya went into work with me on Monday and her Doctor looked at her bladder with the ultrasound. The instant she put the probe on Anya's abdomen we both said, "Holy shit!" Poor little Anya, not even 2-years-old has a bladder half full of sediment. We took a sample of urine and the sediment is struvite crystals. If Anya had been a male cat she would have blocked by now. Treatment for her is a prescription diet called Urinary SO and making sure she drinks enough.

My poor baby sterling kitten.

Anya may be sick

Anya is the focus of Penelope and Calliope's aggression. As a result she started hiding and waiting a really long time to use the litterbox. She holds her urine so long it changes from acid to alkeline, allowing crystals to develope. Also, she holds it so long she has accidents. Generally these accidents happen on or near one of us.

This week Anya had urinated on or near one of us every day for the last four days. Tonight I saw her posturing while sitting next to me on the loveseat and I tried to get her to a box, she peed everywhere. I'm really concerned that she has a urinary tract infection from holding her urine. I have to take her into work first thing next week to see her doctor Melissa Stevans. I love this cat so much. I wish I could make her happier and more confident. I hate hate hate that's she's declawed.

Just to make the evening better, after getting peed on my Anya, I caught Luna's puke in my hand to keep it off the carpet. Darling Hubby gave me good mom points for that one.

Chinchillas Re-homed

Selma and Patti were adopted by Olivia, a very intelligent and sweet 12-year-old girl, and her mother Sara, this afternoon. They came by around 2:45PM and asked lots of questions, spent time with the girlies and apparently, Olivia fell for them.  Part of me is very sad to see them go but on the other hand, they are going to a wonderful critter filled home with three young children and a down to Earth mother who will make sure that they get the love and attention they deserve.  If all goes well Patti will more than likely be with Olivia through her college years. 

This is the first time in a very long time that we have only had cats as our inside animal companions.  Ever since 1999 I believe we've had rats or ferrets or fish or chickens or chinchillas sharing the space and attention with the felines.  We still have the fish in the pond, but only cats and ourselves inside.  Not that there is anything at all wrong with that of course, and there are EIGHT cats to share our lives with.  I just feel a little lost without a cage or aquarium somewhere. 

I'm going to have to be very careful to keep myself from trying to fill that void before the baby is born and settled.  I'm a sucker for a critter who needs a home.  Obviously. 

Chinchillas

A woman and her daughter are coming over on Sunday to meet the chinchillas and possibly adopt them.

Court

I'm going to an unemployment hearing on Tuesday regarding Aileen. She doesn't deserve unemployment after how she treated her job at the hospital. I'm still convinced she killed the kitten.


UPDATE: Got the notice 1/9/09 we won.

Pictures for the New Year

Happy New Year

I hope everyone has a better 2009 than 2008. I sure do hope that for us. All is okay in our zoo. My pregnancy seems to be progressing normally, but not comfortably. Even Anya is more social.

Best wishes for everyone, furry and not, in the coming year.