Sylvester:  He went to my SIL's dad's condo last night since Melba is in
recovery.  He did the commando-cat slinking thing for about 6 minutes
and then turned into an exploring love-slut.  Settled right in.  They
called her dad later and Sylvester was all cuddled up on the couch with
him.  He did a weird thing a couple of times:  suddenly leaped up and
put his paws on her dad's shoulders and howled.  He did this twice and
then settled down.  ???????

Melba:  Isn't doing as well as she was when she first came home.  Not
eating very much and is under food watch.  She seems weak.  They are
freaked out.

Star:  I was worried about him yesterday - seemed to be losing his mojo
at the shelter.  He'd been there for 3 weeks by then and he had 5 more
days before the additional stress of surgery and a new home.  His coat
lacked luster and he wasn't as affectionate.  SO, I went again today and
sat with him for an hour to cheer him up.

As before, he sat on my lap happily and did his quiet purr.  He got down
and explored a couple of times just for a couple of minutes and then I
picked him up and put him back on my lap.  Neither of my boys would ever
have lasted an hour on my lap when I adopted them (they were also
younger) and I find it amazing that he had that tolerance.  Anyway, I
petted him for a long time and his fur seemed to get a little sleeker.
It's neat - its short hair but very dense and velveteen - maybe a winter
coat or something.  He came out of his litterbox hiding place when the
volunteer opened the door to get him out so that was something too.  I
think he'll be okay and I hope I can visit one more time before his
surgery.  They kept saying they could tell that I loved him ... yikes ;-)

Otis is bored, sad and needs more affection.  Follows me around always
eager for love but I just can't until bedtime very much.  He's taking
this out on Chester, who seems to really have suddenly slowed down.  He
seems a little stiffer and slower and sleeps noticeably more.  He is
very affectionate when Otis is out of the house and very self contained
when Otis is in.  Otis always gets like this in the winter when he can't
get out.  Don't know why since he just sleeps on his outside cat tower
all day in the summer.

AND it's Otis' 12th purrday today!

I've charged up the camera battery on my little camera and will post the
pictures of Star from yesterday in a little bit.

Susan M
Otis and Chester