hyphenate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Oct-14-10 05:29 PMlink (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9318720&mesg_id=9318720)
Original message
Everyone: My kitty needs your help desperately.
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Edited on Fri Oct-15-10 11:17 AM by EarlG
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__________________
Hello everybody. Many old-timers here at DU will know several things about me right from the start. The first is how much I love animals. The second is how I am now disabled, and live on a fixed income from SS Disability. And the third is how I've lost 6 of my furkits over the past 7 years, as well as two best friends to death, and one to a major transition in her life.
But why I am writing this today is not because I need something from anyone, but because my eldest furkit Delenn needs your help. Delenn is the last of my old cats, of the original 6 I tried to bring back to Massachusetts. She is 15 now, and she suffers from hyperthyroidism. She is losing weight fast, and is hungry all the time. She is losing some hair around her feet and is starting to get scraggly.
She desperately needs to have the radio-iodine treatment in order to get well.
I tried putting her on Tapazole, but she knew a pill was awaiting her every day, and would disappear when it came time to take it. And with my own health in bad shape, I often didn't remember if I had given it to her every day. (I do have problems myself, as I frequently forget whether I have taken my insulin every day) In addition, I have chosen to rid myself of that vet, because of extremely coercive practices. They expected me to show up once a month for fresh bloodwork every month before they would give me the pills for her. A cost like that, every month for what could be years was something impossible to do. In addition, I found out I wasn't the only one who was treated in such a manner with that vet, which didn't surprise me one bit. Most vets go into practice because they love animals--others go into it for the love of money.
I have no money to get the treatment for her. I can try to save $100 a month, but when I reached the cost, it would be 13 months, and I don't think she will be alive 13 months from now, because she is exhibiting a very sharp decline now. In addition, enough of life's emergencies compel me to sometimes use that little bit of "discretionary" income for a miscellany of reasons. And I don't know anyone who would be able to loan me such a large sum of money.
Then, about three weeks ago, I had a dream. When I was in the dream, I saw myself doing exactly what I am doing now: asking for help from a group of people, some of who I have known for 9 years in one way or another, people who share many of the same ideals that I have. When I woke up, the dream was crystal clear in my mind, and I began to think about the viability of such a course.
The thing about DU is that people care. Whether we all get along or not, we all have some causes which remain the same, no matter what our backgrounds. And charity toward animals is one I have found significantly in so many voices.
And so I ask you now, to help me find a way to give Delenn, my furchild, the treatment she needs.
There is a company called Radiocat. They have 15 labs in all, spread out across the country. The pet is given the injection of the radioactive material, and is kept for five days. The reason the treatment costs so much is because after the pet has been given the injection, they remain radioactive for about two weeks afterward. With Radiocat, they allow you to take kitty home sooner, just to make sure she doesn't have continued exposure to other cats or to humans, because the radioactivity is still present, though in general it is a very weak dose. If people are interested. their website is at http://www.radiocat.com .
I have also investigated the possibility of the thyroidectomy, which is the middle course of treatment, but it scares me. The surgery is a bit iffy for senior cats, and a lot of cats are unable to have the anesthesia. It's also almost $1000, which is only slightly less money for the more complete, simple plan.
I know everyone is feeling the crunch, and I know there are a lot of people who could use more money instead of donating some to others. Been there, done that. That's why all I am asking is about the price of a good cup of coffee, or a TV dinner. I figure if more of you could give just that small amount, it would be priceless to me and Delenn.
I've talked with Lynn at Radiocat. The main offices are in Virginia. She told me I could have people send contributions to her at the office, or she would have people call for electronic donations. If anyone feels able to help, the address is
Radiocat
6651-F Backlick Rd.
Springfield, VA 22150
703-451-8900
Lynn will keep me updated. Once the goal is reached ($1315), IF the goal is reached, she won't be taking any more donations. And if you want to remain anonymous, she won't tell me any details of the transaction at all.
Listen guys, I really feel presumptuous in asking this of you all. I have never asked people for something like this, and if you find it tasteless, I apologize. I guess, for me, that asking for help is beyond my boundaries. But I have this small little being who curls up next to me in bed, purrs at just about everything, and who helps keep me sane sometimes, and it's for her sake that I ask.
Please email or PM me if I can give you any more information.
My greatest thanks to everyone.
Mary
What moron posts their address and phone number on the web for all to see? :hammer:
Catherina Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Oct-14-10 05:48 PM
Response to Original message
8. Sweetie. is that the right phone number? I called to donate but got
Grace Presbyterian Church, twice. Can you doublecheck please?
blondeatlast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu Oct-14-10 05:54 PM
Response to Reply #8
16. And the poor woman answering the phone is losing patience, for sure.
She has my sympathy.
I love my cats, but would never EVER ask for donations to help out my cats. Not even from family. Fifteen years is a good run for cats. I think you're just delaying the inevitable at this point.
She described exactly what my childhood cat went through before we put him to sleep. He was 13-14 years old when we had to finally put him down. It was very sad. :(
I'm an animal person, we went into debt when my little 4 year old dog got sick, we signed up for Care Credit, and when my dog died 2 1/2 months later we were left with over $10,000 on that card, took us almost 5 years to pay it off, hubby said to me never again, he said he only went along with it because I was crying so much, but he said if we ever get a pet again we'll do what we can reasonably do but that's it. I feel bad for the woman with the cat so I get her desperation, but when times are hard and you see families out of work, people needing to go to food banks to survive, I think it's unreasonable to ask those hurting to help, which is why I asked kind of tongue in cheek why the rich regressives didn't step up and pay for the whole thing, and that proved a point, they're cheap when it comes to their money. Also there's a vet who posted in that thread, why didn't he arrange something with a vet in that woman's area free of charge? regressive only talk a big game I guess.
I'm an animal person, we went into debt when my little 4 year old dog got sick, we signed up for Care Credit, and when my dog died 2 1/2 months later we were left with over $10,000 on that card, took us almost 5 years to pay it off, hubby said to me never again, he said he only went along with it because I was crying so much, but he said if we ever get a pet again we'll do what we can reasonably do but that's it. I feel bad for the woman with the cat so I get her desperation, but when times are hard and you see families out of work, people needing to go to food banks to survive, I think it's unreasonable to ask those hurting to help, which is why I asked kind of tongue in cheek why the rich regressives didn't step up and pay for the whole thing, and that proved a point, they're cheap when it comes to their money. Also there's a vet who posted in that thread, why didn't he arrange something with a vet in that woman's area free of charge? regressive only talk a big game I guess.
We have a cat, Tiger, thats at end of life (he's 15). He's doing the same thing, starving, eating all the time and skinny as a rail (losing muscle mass). It's just how it is. We will care for him as long as he lasts. :(
My in-laws went through the same thing a few years before our dog got sick, they spent somewhere between $3,000-$5,000 for chemo for their dog and my FIL said never again.
I spent $1200 on a cat before. He was young and had kidney problems. I'd just lost a cat a few years before from the same thing. This one was savable so I did. He's still going strong and I'd do it again....for the next couple of years. Beyond that though he's gotten to old and this Death Panel will decide his future. :-)
Not to sound cold (I'm an animal lover BTW) but at 15 years old it might be best to put Kitty Kat to sleep.
CM, you have to remember . . . animals' lives mean as much as humans' lives to the DUmors.
hyphenate
She desperately needs to have the radio-iodine treatment in order to get well.
In addition, I have chosen to rid myself of that vet, because of extremely coercive practices.
Then, about three weeks ago, I had a dream. When I was in the dream, I saw myself doing exactly what I am doing now: asking for help from a group of people, some of who I have known for 9 years in one way or another, people who share many of the same ideals that I have. When I woke up, the dream was crystal clear in my mind, and I began to think about the viability of such a course.
The reason the treatment costs so much is because after the pet has been given the injection, they remain radioactive for about two weeks afterward.
Listen guys, I really feel presumptuous in asking this of you all.
We've spent upwards of $500-$600 on a cat...........................never again.................and I'm a cat person. Sometimes you just have to let go for the financial good of the family.
We have a cat, Tiger, thats at end of life (he's 15). He's doing the same thing, starving, eating all the time and skinny as a rail (losing muscle mass). It's just how it is. We will care for him as long as he lasts. :(
500-600 is nothing. I just dropped about 1200 on my dog's ear infection that blew up into a hematoma in her ear. To add insult to injury, the damn ear doesn't even stand up anymore. Do you know how dumb a German Shepherd looks with one ear flopped down?
500-600 is nothing. I just dropped about 1200 on my dog's ear infection that blew up into a hematoma in her ear. To add insult to injury, the damn ear doesn't even stand up anymore. Do you know how dumb a German Shepherd looks with one ear flopped down?
I just wanted to add that I would pay whatever I could afford, and probably what I couldn't, to keep my pets alive if they wouldn't be suffering and could live a happy pet life. I would not go online though and ask for money. I have shelled out way more than I am happy to admit on my pets and will surely do so again since I plan to always have pets. But, I will not have a pet if I can't afford it. Just the regular care for a pet is high. We never know what we are getting when we get our pets. I had one with bad allergies. I had one with a heart and lung condition. Both cost me a whole lot. I scrounged up my own money to pay for it though. I have no problem with helping others and their pets, but I couldn't ask a bunch of strangers for help knowing many of them are struggling just to keep a roof and food. That's me. I don't say just put it down though. If the animal can live a happy life after treatment, then I just can't say that. I'd go about helping my animal in another way. My vet would work with me on the payments. Good vets usually will (if they know you are good for it).
500-600 is nothing. I just dropped about 1200 on my dog's ear infection that blew up into a hematoma in her ear. To add insult to injury, the damn ear doesn't even stand up anymore. Do you know how dumb a German Shepherd looks with one ear flopped down?
CM, you have to remember . . . animals' lives mean as much as humans' lives to the DUmors.Unlike actual unborn human babies...just throw them in the trash. Their animals are so much more important!
The cat is 15 ? No ethical vet would prolong that poor kitties life beyond quality of life especially if it's a financial burden to the owner :( For shame DU admin is even allowing such a thread.If it were a dog, I may agree, but cats can live happy lives for a good bit longer. I've known of many cats to live to 23 (happy and not in pain). But asking DU for donations is something I'd certainly never do. Or ask anyone to do for that matter (ok, except my parents--maybe).
I got a bitch-slap for my last post in this thread. I know who gave it...Typical.... ::)
You only have two. Quit yer bitchin. :-):innocent:
I got a bitch-slap for my last post in this thread. I know who gave it...Typical.... ::)
I'm allergic to cats so I've always had dogs, but after losing my little 1 and then 6 months later losing my older dog, I'm hesitant to get another dog, hubby's saying we'll never put out that kind of money again for an animal has kind of stuck with me, what if the animal gets sick? I can't just say oh well and put them down, I'd have to do something, and I'm scared of incurring debt again because an animal might get sick.
If you think about getting a dog, you could check out the insurance costs, and it'd probably be economically feasible. Pet healthcare is becoming more popular, AND apparently it covers alot of expenses.
Thanks! I forgot about Pet Insurance.
I looked into it for my pets, but with four (now three :bawl:) dogs and eight cats, it would have been between 300 and 400 a month. For one or two pets though, I'd definitely go for it!
I looked into it for my pets, but with four (now three :bawl:) dogs and eight cats, it would have been between 300 and 400 a month. For one or two pets though, I'd definitely go for it!
If you think about getting a dog, you could check out the insurance costs, and it'd probably be economically feasible. Pet healthcare is becoming more popular, AND apparently it covers alot of expenses.
The old lady and I have just such a plan for our Saint Bernard, Harley. Worth every penny, and it really saved our asses after he got into a late night fight with a coyote last summer. :bow:
Got a link to the type you use? I'm thinking of asking the vets office workers if they know a good one.
We use the PurinaCare Plus (http://www.purinacare.com/plan_overview.aspx#p1) plan, primarily because Saint Bernards (and other giant breed dogs) are particularly susceptible to dysplasia and any number of other issues. In addition, I really like the accident coverage. Harley's a real sweetheart, but at 180 lbs, he isn't always able to get out of his own way, unless of course a coyote makes the mistake of coming into our yard at night. :banghead:
We use the PurinaCare Plus (http://www.purinacare.com/plan_overview.aspx#p1) plan, primarily because Saint Bernards (and other giant breed dogs) are particularly susceptible to dysplasia and any number of other issues. In addition, I really like the accident coverage. Harley's a real sweetheart, but at 180 lbs, he isn't always able to get out of his own way, unless of course a coyote makes the mistake of coming into our yard at night. :banghead:
What did he outweight the 'yote by--six, seven times?
Fair fight to me.
We use the PurinaCare Plus (http://www.purinacare.com/plan_overview.aspx#p1) plan, primarily because Saint Bernards (and other giant breed dogs) are particularly susceptible to dysplasia and any number of other issues. In addition, I really like the accident coverage. Harley's a real sweetheart, but at 180 lbs, he isn't always able to get out of his own way, unless of course a coyote makes the mistake of coming into our yard at night. :banghead:
We use the PurinaCare Plus (http://www.purinacare.com/plan_overview.aspx#p1) plan, primarily because Saint Bernards (and other giant breed dogs) are particularly susceptible to dysplasia and any number of other issues. In addition, I really like the accident coverage. Harley's a real sweetheart, but at 180 lbs, he isn't always able to get out of his own way, unless of course a coyote makes the mistake of coming into our yard at night. :banghead:
Good grief!!!!!!
Put the poor sufferin' animal outa her misery, ya selfish, sadistic POS!
Just like a DUmmie! Make the cat suffer, so it doesn't have to face reality! The cat is 15 years old for cripes sakes!
ETA:
I had to put one of my granddaughter's horses down last week! I coulda spent a coupla thou tryin' to make a lame horse sound again, but it has been my experience, even after ya spend all that money, they never get sound enough to ride and are in constant pain. This DUmmie gets no sympathy from me. I'm the terminator/mortician/grave digger around here. When this DUmmie has to put their own animal down, then perhaps we can talk!
Over the years I've put down some of my best friends from the animal kingdom! The worst one was my wolf hybrid that developed liver cancer. She was my "partner in crime' for 13 years! Another was an old mare that you could put a 2 year old on her back and just walk away! She was a helluva baby sitter! It ****in' sucks, but I would rather it was me, than some stranger they have no relationship with. That, to me, is just cruel!
15 isn't all that ancient for a cat though. Many can and do live another 7-8 years happily.
I can personally attest to the veracity of this statement. My mother used to run a cattery (like a kennel, only with cats). 15 years for a cat is nothing. My current crop are aged 3, 3, 11, and 20.
Cats can hang on! My husband's cat growing up was 24 when he finally died. He was Heathcliff of the neighborhood. But he was happy until the end. Or so he seemed to be.
We raised dogs at the same time (keeshounds), and always had to watch the cats more for ailments; not because they were weaker, but because they had a tendency to hide any problems much more than the dogs. I'm sure it has something to do with their independent nature.
I don't even wanna know how much it would be for our 4 mules, 12 horses, a Mammoth Jack, 2 steers, 4 dogs, and 3 cats!!!!
I'd have to get a loan from Bill Gates!
We need to check on it soon for our puppy. We had to have her treated for Parvo the first week, and it cost over $900. That was just two weeks after paying over $800 to have our last dog diagnosed, and then put to sleep two weeks before.
I remember, poor Missy. :bawl: Parvo is a horrible disease, so I hope your puppy will make a full recovery.
15 isn't all that ancient for a cat though. Many can and do live another 7-8 years happily.
Oh I understand that, however, $600 for a cat??????????
Sorry, my cats have the run of the place inside and out. They rarely make it 15 years. I have read, if a cat is locked indoors away from the evil outdoors, they can live to be 30!
Keeping a cat indoors is cruel! They are natural born hunters! You deprive them of the life they were intended if you lock them indoors. Would you like to be locked up in the same set of rooms for life? Just sayin'.........
I don't have cats, but if I did, I would keep them indoors. I wouldn't want them to be run over or terrorizing the neighborhood. Dogs are natural born pack animals, but I don't think it is cruel to have just 1 dog.
I've spent far more than $600 on my pets though. And would do it again.
Ya didn't answer my question about bein' locked in the same set of rooms for life, did ya?
Well that is an obvious answer. Just because you keep your pet indoors doesn't mean you can't get out with them daily. I walk my dog daily. He enjoys it.
Typical. ya still didn't answer the question. Ya ever tried to walk a cat on a leash? They don't like it much. As a matter fact, it's worse than locking them up indoors permanently!
My mama kitty routinely crosses the highway out front! I've watched her do it! She watches both ways, and will not cross if there is so much as the faint noise of a vehicle off in the distance!
She then scampers across like her tail is on fire when it's clear! Comes back the same way.
My dogs won't even go near the highway! I taught them when they were young it was frikkin' dangerous and they accepted it! The cat, no way! She has a mind of her own!
She's the only cat that crosses. The other two would rather not take the chance, I guess.
Survival counts on many things in life! If intelligence is passed on, it's better for the whole of the species! I for one, will not interfere! Seems to work just fine that way! Oh, BTW, I had her fixed after her first litter. Another thing I take seriously.
I find it hard to deny my animals the experience of having off spring, but once is enough. Around here, a good farm cat is in demand, so we had no trouble givin' them away to our neighbors.
No way I'm goin' to lock a cat up! No if's and's or but's! It's cruelty IMHO!
ETA:
Another thing, if your dog could talk, he/she would probably ask ya to take her/him out somewhere and leave the leash at home so they could be free for a few minutes!
Well, as long as your cats are happy. I won't tell you how to be a pet owner as long as you give your pets love, food, and shelter.
My dog does get to run free. We have a fenced in backyard that he plays in. We take him to the country sometimes so he can run wherever he wants. He usually stays close by. I live in a neighborhood. There are laws to follow regarding any pet. Cats that were allowed to roam free were killed in my backyard by one of my dogs. They shouldn't have been in my yard.
See, survival of the fittest!
Even works in some God forsaken Dem run city! If the cat is too stoooopid to know the danger, might as well take it outa the gene pool!
Good to see ya take the dog out and let him run once in a while! Dogs have that nose for a reason! The things they discover with it and you never know about, is beyond your wildest imagination! To them, it's a new adventure every time!
ETA:
and ya still didn't answer the question!
No, I wouldn't like to be confined all day every day. That is why good pet owners get their animals out of the house.
I've been watching this like a hawk.
The "goal" of $1315 was raised by circa 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
It was a pain, because unlike other fund-raisers--those by Doug's stupid ex-wife and those by Fat Che--the begging primitive didn't post a thermometer or chart showing the progress.
I hope the next time a primitive has a fund-raiser on Skins's island, a thermometer or chart's included.
I have also investigated the possibility of the thyroidectomy, which is the middle course of treatment, but it scares me. The surgery is a bit iffy for senior cats, and a lot of cats are unable to have the anesthesia. It's also almost $1000, which is only slightly less money for the more complete, simple plan.
$1315? Wow. I wonder who won the funding requests this week? The kitty or Alan Grayson?
I don't even wanna know how much it would be for our 4 mules, 12 horses, a Mammoth Jack, 2 steers, 4 dogs, and 3 cats!!!!
I'd have to get a loan from Bill Gates!
Rookie.
22 horses, 7 dogs, 2 parrots, 3 barn cats, 1 lizard and whatever the kids hide in their rooms.
Well, I do have 30 more steers every spring! I ship them to auction usually the week before Labor Day, before the price of beef falls! I waited one year until a week after Labor Day, and the price dropped like a rock! I lost my butt on that one!I like the way you like your Bubba. You posted his pic before. He must like you too. I bet he does! :cheersmate:
This next year I'm goin' to buy heifers and put my Bull in with them. It's a lot more work but I've been told pregnant heifers are in great demand! Our bull is currently on loan to guy who has a few hundred head, we make a pretty good chunk of change that way, but I'm thinkin' I could do better by impregnating some 3 year olds and then sendin' them to market. Kinda like, buy one, get one for half price! And, I don't have to winter them or go thru the birthing. I'm gettin' too old for that, anyway!
ETA:
This is Bubba from a coupla years ago......... He was 4 then......(http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/bruceptt/pic/Bubba1.jpg)
I like the way you like your Bubba. You posted his pic before. He must like you too. I bet he does! :cheersmate:
He only has one bad habit! He likes to lick me like the my dogs do! Ya ever been licked by a bull's tongue? It's like sandpaper!!!!! If ya let him go too long, he'd take yer skin right off!!!!I've been licked by cows but never by a bull! :rotf:
But he's a character, no doubt! he follows me around like a big puppy! A REAL big puppy, to say the least!
I've been licked by cows but never by a bull! :rotf:
ETA:
I really meant actual Dairy Cows. :-)
I think their tongues are pretty much the same. They seem to get rougher the older they get! His, I swear, could take the paint off my truck, and he's only 6! Not sure how old dairy cows are, but don't they keep them longer than that?
I've raised Bubba since he was born, I swear he thinks he's just a big dog!
I've raised Bubba since he was born, I swear he thinks he's just a big dog!
Well, I do have 30 more steers every spring! I ship them to auction usually the week before Labor Day, before the price of beef falls! I waited one year until a week after Labor Day, and the price dropped like a rock! I lost my butt on that one!
This next year I'm goin' to buy heifers and put my Bull in with them. It's a lot more work but I've been told pregnant heifers are in great demand! Our bull is currently on loan to guy who has a few hundred head, we make a pretty good chunk of change that way, but I'm thinkin' I could do better by impregnating some 3 year olds and then sendin' them to market. Kinda like, buy one, get one for half price! And, I don't have to winter them or go thru the birthing. I'm gettin' too old for that, anyway!
ETA:
This is Bubba from a coupla years ago......... He was 4 then......(http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/bruceptt/pic/Bubba1.jpg)
My money's on the cat . . . :fuelfire:
ETA:
This is Bubba from a coupla years ago......... He was 4 then......(http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/bruceptt/pic/Bubba1.jpg)
(http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/bruceptt/pic/Bubba1.jpg)