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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / May 2006Springtime with Betty
I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a few days ago when she started using her warm weather squirrel lookout spot again, which has gone dusty and unused all season. I never thought I'd see her there again: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Takayuki9z/BettySpring.jpg Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off chemotherapy last month. > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. Purring for Betty's comfort. MLB >Purring for Betty's comfort. MLB Thank you. Comfort is a hard issue. Looking at Betty, I can't possibly see how she could be comfortable. Her oncologist felt that it would be cruel to keep her alive - and that was last month. But Betty isn't giving me any sign that she's uncomfortable. It's puzzling, but I'm glad. >>Purring for Betty's comfort. MLB > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Betty isn't giving me any sign that she's uncomfortable. It's > puzzling, but I'm glad. I know it seemed like I kept my little poodle with me for way too long. She was deaf and blind and couldn't get around very well. She had to be carried outside and lifted onto the bed. But she was not in pain, her nose still worked and she used it, she still enjoyed her food, and she still liked to be close. You know her better than anyone. And you have both worked very hard even if it is just for one more spring, or one more day in the sun. Jo > >>Purring for Betty's comfort. MLB > > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > You know her better than anyone. And you have both worked very hard even if > it is just for one more spring, or one more day in the sun. It was much like that for Chatterley. As long as she was obviously cheerful, rubbing noses and purring, I was willing to groom her after she couldn't do it anymore -- and she loved being brushed. She lasted a couple of years, and the end came suddenly. She died in my arms, still having scarfed up tuna four hours before. >I know it seemed like I kept my little poodle with me for way too long. She >was deaf and blind and couldn't get around very well. She had to be carried [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >You know her better than anyone. And you have both worked very hard even if >it is just for one more spring, or one more day in the sun. She sounds wonderful - old and frail, but happy. I'm not always sure if I know Betty. Her oncologist told me that she must be in a lot of pain, but maybe hiding it. Her jaw looks like it must be painful - I wince just looking at it, but she acts like everything is perfectly normal. When she sleeps under the covers with me, there will usually be some blood on the sheets and on my pajama sleeve where she rests her head, but at the pace that her tumor is progressing, one of these mornings will be like a scene from The Godfather. My poor little baby. >>Purring for Betty's comfort. MLB > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Betty isn't giving me any sign that she's uncomfortable. It's > puzzling, but I'm glad. My heart goes out to you, Tak. I, too, have had to make this decision for a dog who had a cancer that affected his face. He was taken to a university vet hospital in Cambridge and had chemo. It didn't work for long. I loved him, and didn't want to let him go. His name was Count. His face started to ulcerate and bleed and I finally got it into my head that nothing more could be done. I took him for the most wonderful walk of his life in the woods and let him run free and threaten the local wildlife. Then we drove to the vet and said goodbye. I feel tearful telling you, but that's how I dealt with it. Tweed >My heart goes out to you, Tak. I, too, have had to make this decision for a >dog who had a cancer that affected his face. He was taken to a university [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >run free and threaten the local wildlife. Then we drove to the vet and said >goodbye. I feel tearful telling you, but that's how I dealt with it. That was such a nice, but very sad tale, and it made me cry. Yes, it is like that. > Thank you. Comfort is a hard issue. Looking at Betty, I can't > possibly see how she could be comfortable. Her oncologist felt that > it would be cruel to keep her alive - and that was last month. But > Betty isn't giving me any sign that she's uncomfortable. It's > puzzling, but I'm glad. I've been thinking a lot about life and how to go about living it lately. Maybe Betty is just perfectly enlightened -- she accepts the things she cannot change, so she doesn't rail against them and because of that has plenty of opportunity to enjoy those things she can enjoy. We could all learn a lot from Betty.  Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. She looks so sweet. {{{Tak and Betty}}} Still purring for you both. SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Stories and pics at http://koti.welho.com/mkurten/ Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki >She looks so sweet. {{{Tak and Betty}}} Still purring for you both. It might be a good thing that shot was from that angle. Looking at her jaw these days is almost enough to give me a heart attack. All my clothes have blood on them. Betty sometimes sprays me with blood when she shakes her head. It's out of a horror movie. Her regular TED looked at it on Tuesday, but all that they could do was clean and irrigate the area, prescribe antibiotics, and give me a brochure on a local pet cemetery. I remember how while I was waiting at the TED office, I kept hearing, "Is that Betty? Is Betty here? Betty!" I thought they had another pet in the back named Betty that they were playing with, but they told me they were just excited to see Betty. They told me that she was the sweetest cat. >> She looks so sweet. {{{Tak and Betty}}} Still purring for you both. > > It might be a good thing that shot was from that angle. Looking at > her jaw these days is almost enough to give me a heart attack. All my > clothes have blood on them. Betty sometimes sprays me with blood when > she shakes her head. It's out of a horror movie. I'm so sorry, Tak. Thankful though that you didn't take a picture from another angle. I admit I'm a coward and couldn't bear to look at it. It must be so hard to live with that (well, for Betty too, of course). Wish there was something I could do. > Her regular TED looked at it on Tuesday, but all that they could do > was clean and irrigate the area, prescribe antibiotics, and give me a [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > me they were just excited to see Betty. They told me that she was the > sweetest cat. Aaaww. It's so unfair. Just so unfair. SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Stories and pics at http://koti.welho.com/mkurten/ Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki >I'm so sorry, Tak. Thankful though that you didn't take a picture from >another angle. I admit I'm a coward and couldn't bear to look at it. It >must be so hard to live with that (well, for Betty too, of course). Wish >there was something I could do. Here's a picture of Betty's chin: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Takayuki9z/BettysChin.jpg Don't worry! It's safe to look at. This picture is from August 2005, right after Betty's biopsy. It shows her shaved chin and two stiches from her operation. You can see that her jaw was already pulling a little to the left. Things look a lot different there now. > Here's a picture of Betty's chin: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > from her operation. You can see that her jaw was already pulling a > little to the left. Things look a lot different there now. Hugs Tak. I'm so sorry that you and Betty are going through this, but glad that you have each other. I hope that this doesn't scare you off of cat ownership. There are a lot of deserving cats who could use a good staff like yourself. When you are ready, Betty will show you the way and probably send you a new owner or two. Pam S. crying for both of you > > Here's a picture of Betty's chin: > > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Pam S. crying for both of you You know, the other day, I was thinking, about Betty, about Pearl and how it's some kind of weird mixed blessing/curse to have a sick dependant. I think about how for some reason in the great scheme of things, *this is what we were supposed to do* at this time in our life. I guess because we can. If Pearl had stayed with my brother, no way would he have been able to afford treating her various illnesses, it is serioulsy crimping me. But also, I don't know that he would have had the...the whatever it takes to do it. Betty, Pearl, Lily...kitties that need help ending up with the people who can help them, even if just for a while...there must be a reason. It just doesn't seem possible it is entirely random. > > > Here's a picture of Betty's chin: > > > [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > can help them, even if just for a while...there must be a reason. It just > doesn't seem possible it is entirely random. I've thought that too, Karen -- I definitely see a correlation in our household between the people and critters who have special needs and guess that it is "because we can." hugs, Christine >Hugs Tak. I'm so sorry that you and Betty are going through this, but >glad that you have each other. I hope that this doesn't scare you off [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Pam S. crying for both of you I don't know how I am about cat ownership in general. All I've known is just Betty and me, and it's hard to imagine it any other way. I didn't know that having a cat could be so hard. But at the same time, in the beginning, I didn't know that it could be so easy, and so wonderful. But seeing cancer once is once too many times, as you probably know better than I do. I know I don't want to go through that a second time. >> Hugs Tak. I'm so sorry that you and Betty are going through this, but >> glad that you have each other. I hope that this doesn't scare you off [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > probably know better than I do. I know I don't want to go through > that a second time. Oh Tak. I hope Betty SENDS you someone then. You wouldn't dare refuse a gift from her and she will want you to know that it is not always so hard. You have a talk with her about it. I bet she would agree with me. She loves you. > I don't know how I am about cat ownership in general. All I've known > is just Betty and me, and it's hard to imagine it any other way. I [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > probably know better than I do. I know I don't want to go through > that a second time. Tak, I hope that Betty sends you a wonderful new owner after she's gone. Believe me, if you open your heart, Betty will make sure it runs over. After one of my neighbors murdered my sweet little Buddy, he sent us QC to help heal our hears. Yes, we had Tanada and Berfert, but Buddy knew that he was/is special and sent us a special cat who needed the love we can give. And QC lead to Merlin, who lead to Pine Cone, who led to the rescue and re-homed kitties who lead us to Squeakers who is ruling a family in Washington State, who led us who Huey, who led us to Sonya and Qui Gun Kit. Each of them is different and special and will probably keep us in cats after they leave us. Some times, I look at Tanada, my 13 1/2 year old grouchy girl and think that I would never have another cat after she goes. But you know, Tanada might have different ideas and make sure that we get adopted by another wonderful and totally different cat who needs our love as much as we will need to heal our sorrow over our loss. Pam S. >>Hugs Tak. I'm so sorry that you and Betty are going through this, but >>glad that you have each other. I hope that this doesn't scare you off [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > probably know better than I do. I know I don't want to go through > that a second time. Purring for brave little Betty......MLB >Purring for brave little Betty......MLB The brave die but once, but the coward dies a thousand deaths. Betty will die only once, but maybe soon. I've died a little each time I've seen Betty get worse. She is brave enough for both of us. I can't believe this is the little cat that's afraid of the vacuum cleaner. :) > The brave die but once, but the coward dies a thousand deaths. Betty > will die only once, but maybe soon. I've died a little each time I've > seen Betty get worse. She is brave enough for both of us. > > I can't believe this is the little cat that's afraid of the vacuum > cleaner. :) {{{Tak}}}} Purrs for you both. SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. Stories and pics at http://koti.welho.com/mkurten/ Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki >> Purring for brave little Betty......MLB > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > I can't believe this is the little cat that's afraid of the vacuum > cleaner. :) There is something to be said for living in the moment as our little companions do. I am constantly amazed that my cranky, mouthy, bitey Pearl is so acquiescent to puffing, poking and pilling. She doesn't lip off about any of it (except for an occassional "huff" during her shot which I believe is more to do with interfering with her pleasure of food consumption than anything else). She lets me wash her face after puffing. *I* finally got over that one day her little heart will probably just give out, but won't all hearts? We send purrs for you and Betty as always. >There is something to be said for living in the moment as our little >companions do. I am constantly amazed that my cranky, mouthy, bitey [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >probably just give out, but won't all hearts? We send purrs for you and >Betty as always. Wow, it's unbelievable that you two can effectively do three routes of administering her meds. They're little miracles. I wish they were just miraculous enough to stay with us forever. I wish they could hold on to this world as strongly as they hold on to our hearts. >>Purring for brave little Betty......MLB > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > I can't believe this is the little cat that's afraid of the vacuum > cleaner. :) Lots and lots of gentle hugs and purrs for Betty and you, Tak. You both are in our thoughts, Polonca and Soncek Tak, so sorry about Betty, but glad she got to see spring. We've had a nice one so far this year. Spicey still purrs for both of you. Suz&Spicey ((((((((((((TAK))))))))))))) She IS the sweetest cat. And very brave, as are you (I know you disagree). All I can say is I am thinking of you both deeply. Karen > >She looks so sweet. {{{Tak and Betty}}} Still purring for you both. > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > me they were just excited to see Betty. They told me that she was the > sweetest cat. >((((((((((((TAK))))))))))))) > >She IS the sweetest cat. And very brave, as are you (I know you disagree). >All I can say is I am thinking of you both deeply. One qualification is that our bravery is the forced bravery of a person walking the plank because someone is holding a scimitar at his back. :) > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. It's so good to see her at her old activities! Purrs that the beautiful Betty will be with for a good while yet. >It's so good to see her at her old activities! Purrs that the beautiful >Betty will be with for a good while yet. She's been undertaking all of her activities with a greater intensity than ever before. She's more vocal than before, more cuddly, and even a little more mischievous. She doesn't seem to want to waste a single minute of every day. Betty these days works hard at eating. It's amazing to me that she can still eat at all with that jaw. She tries so hard, but it's still difficult, so she flings food around a lot in a feeding frenzy. Earlier this week, she ran off with one of my chicken wings, and licked the tomato sauce off my spaghetti when I wasn't looking. Another new thing she does is paw at my nose while looking at me upside down, when she's on my chest. Often, it's a bloody paw, but the gesture is still awfully cute. >> It's so good to see her at her old activities! Purrs that the >> beautiful Betty will be with for a good while yet. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > upside down, when she's on my chest. Often, it's a bloody paw, but > the gesture is still awfully cute. Awwww! Persia taps me on the nose with her paw, which tells me she loves me. Betty is just saying "I love you" (or) "wake up and feed me!"; I'm betting it's the "I love you" one :) Jill Tak, I'm so glad that Betty is enjoying welcoming spring. It sounds like she is still very involved in this life, and since she seems to like her food, like being close, and isn't suffering then I'm sure she is happy. Purrs of comfort for Betty and purrs of encouragement for you. It is a difficult situation, but she is a very special cat entrusted to you and you are doing a wonderful job of caring for her. Debbie dberry@mitre.org > >It's so good to see her at her old activities! Purrs that the beautiful > >Betty will be with for a good while yet. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > upside down, when she's on my chest. Often, it's a bloody paw, but > the gesture is still awfully cute. >>It's so good to see her at her old activities! Purrs that the beautiful >>Betty will be with for a good while yet. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > upside down, when she's on my chest. Often, it's a bloody paw, but > the gesture is still awfully cute. I'm so glad Betty is enjoying her life to the fullest! She may have trouble eating, but that is not stopping her. Her attitude is just to be admired! We are thinking of Betty and you a lot, and we are sending lots and lots of purrs and hugs, Polonca and Soncek > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. It's a beautiful shot, Tak. I've been thinking about Betty recently. (((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))) >I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. Bless you both. May you & Betty enjoy each other's company for however long you have left. Only you & Betty will know when that time is finally - tragically - at an end. And until that time, treaure and savour every moment. She's beautiful, Tak. I"m glad she found you, even though I know she's breaking your heart at the same time. Life is just so cruel sometimes. Yowie > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a > few days ago when she started using her warm weather squirrel lookout > spot again, which has gone dusty and unused all season. I never > thought I'd see her there again: > http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Takayuki9z/BettySpring.jpg Thanks for posting, Tak. I'm so glad she's gotten to enjoy hanging out on her spot to watch spring unfold, with all those exciting kitty TV shows. :) Purrs for her to be comfortable for the remaining time she has, and to be able to savor her time with you. (And vice versa!) Purrs for you both. Joyce > But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a > few days ago when she started using her warm weather squirrel lookout > spot again, which has gone dusty and unused all season. A lovely photo! All that warm spring sunshine must be good for her well-being. She certainly looks like she is enjoying her lookout spot. Many purrs for Betty, and you - Deb. Signaturehttp://www.scientific-art.com "He looked a fierce and quarrelsome cat, but claw he never would; He only bit the ones he loved, because they tasted good." S. Greenfield > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. She's a testament to your devotion Tak. Jeanette > http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Takayuki9z/BettySpring.jpg It's hard to believe from that picture that she is sick. Lots of purrs. SignatureVictor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. Purrs for Betty to still enjoy life. Purrs for you to know when the time is right. SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy and Bagheera) Cats leave pawprints on your heart. http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk >I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. We're still purring for brave Betty. Why was she taken off chemo, Tak? Was it the end of the treatment, or was she having problems with it? What's her prognosis now? SignatureHugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ >> Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off >> chemotherapy last month. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Why was she taken off chemo, Tak? Was it the end of the treatment, or was >she having problems with it? What's her prognosis now? Betty getting taken off chemo was my fault. I told them to lower her dosage in February, and that combined with my getting sick in mid March and delaying her already lowered treatment by a week allowed the tumor to grow out of control. There were no other treatments they could recommend at that point for this kind of cancer. > Betty getting taken off chemo was my fault. I told them to lower > her dosage in February, and that combined with my getting sick in > mid March and delaying her already lowered treatment by a week > allowed the tumor to grow out of control. There were no other > treatments they could recommend at that point for this kind of > cancer. Please don't use the word "fault." It was a decision you made that seemed right with the information you had available at the time. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Betty getting taken off chemo was my fault. I told them to lower her > dosage in February, and that combined with my getting sick in mid > March and delaying her already lowered treatment by a week allowed the > tumor to grow out of control. There were no other treatments they > could recommend at that point for this kind of cancer. Tak, please don't blame yourself. Kitty Chemo is a new field of medicine and no one knows how any cat will react to what is going on. Besides, it's not like you asked to become ill yourself. If Betty doesn't blame you, and she doesn't, you shouldn't blame yourself. Pam S. who probably would have done the same thing >>> Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off >>> chemotherapy last month. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > tumor to grow out of control. There were no other treatments they > could recommend at that point for this kind of cancer. {{{{{{{{{{Tak and Betty}}}}}}}}}} Tak, it's not your "fault" - it's easy to second guess ourselves, and lord knows I'm usually the one to get out the hair whip, but none of us can know all the results of our actions. You did what you thought best for Betty - if she was becoming weak and losing quality of life from the chemo, then it *was* the right decision. Purrs are on the way for you both. SignatureHugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ >>>Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off >>>chemotherapy last month. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > tumor to grow out of control. There were no other treatments they > could recommend at that point for this kind of cancer. There is absolutely no one else with whom Betty would have better veterinary care than with you, Tak. You are doing everything possible for her and you are monitoring all the time whether the treatments are bothering her and you act accordingly. You are both in our thoughts, Polonca and Soncek > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. Betty is gorgeous as always. I'm so glad she's made it to this point with you, Tak. Really, she's a miracle kittie. Jill > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. I know it means a lot to you that she gets to see spring a little longer. Many purrs from us to you both. Christine Big hugs for you and Betty Tak. I'm glad she's comfortable and enjoying the squirrels. Susan M Otis and Chester >I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. Thank you for sharing that picture. I'm sure the sun must feel great on her fur. Many purrs for you and Betty. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> mlbriggs <mlbriggs@nospam.com> wrote: >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > Tweed >I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. Understood. Your time is better spent being with your precious Betty. We're always purring for both of you. >I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty >these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off >chemotherapy last month. She looks beautiful and happy. We're continuing to purr for her. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com Make Levees, Not War > I know I haven't been posting much. It's hard talking about Betty > these days. But she's made it to spring! I took a picture of her a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Betty's fur has filled out here, because she was taken off > chemotherapy last month. Great picture, Tak. Here's to many more comfortable days for Betty. Our purrs continue for you both. SignatureSam, closely supervised by Mistletoe
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