Admiring the flowers??

Meet Nik-Nac

Introducing Nik

Nik came way of luck, though he has had a bit of hard luck along the way. However he is one smart cat. He and the gang are on diets, but as you can see that doesn't seem to stop him

Bath Day, Updates, and Donya

It was time for Hermione's monthly bath. It was a cold ugly day for a bath. She got bathed, but on days like today, it is a bear to try and get her dry, even with the hair dryer at the salon. I had to leave with a semi-damp dog, who, thankfully. smelled good. She did eventually dry some 5 hours later. UGH!

Our volunteering is going great! The pet therapy team is planning to do some visits to libraries on the area. I am also planning to get involved with the hospital in town. I am waiting to start in July, because Hermione is required to get another fecal test for the first hospital then, so why do one earlier. trying to be cost effective.

On the Donya front, it seems that after every thing, she has feline asthma. Now to do all the environmental changes. OK, lets be honest, me allergy queen, have all ready lessened that area. Though, I have to change from the scented litter to the unscented. Dust-free litter is more money, so we will continue with dusty litter. Air purifier, hmmmm, not sure that will work orthe cost.

I have not decided to start any medications, I want to chart her coughing progress. I know I will chose the inhaler for her. But I want see how frequent her spells are.

Hermione's Second visit to school

Yesterday, one of my student's earned a visit from Hermione. He had to ask our principal if Hermione could come to class. It was cool. My student got to walk Hermione around the track and have a bit a private time. Hermione really enjoys visiting.

What a likeness...

Want a likeness of your animal.... Click here!

And people think I have a lotta of time!

The Thousand Dollar Cat

(cue in six million dollar man sound effects)

At this point, we are not 100% sure what is up with Donya. Her white cell count came back ok, but there was an oddity, that could indicate allergies/asthma or an infection. The vet could not see her lungs on the x-ray I got from the other vet. Ok, so I gave in and tomorrow I drop her off to get her x-rayed AGAIN! Let's not talk costs. (oh yeah, the title is giving a clue to where we are heading.)

Thankfully my principal has been thru this with Rocket, her daughter's cat. Thus the great understanding about the whole thing.

Lazy Sunday

Hysterical!

I swear she is plotting something.
Quietly hiding.

Vet visit

I took Donya and Nik in for a vet appointment. We didn't have to wait too long. The vet had to do another procedure, while we were there so she was in and out.

I have been worried about Donya's strange cough. I finally decided to have Hermione's vet check her out. Her staff, which is always great, got records from the initial vet who saw her back in January. There was an issue with getting the lab results. They did finally get them. The vet was more concerned about the high white blood cell count fromthe last labs and suggested another blood test. I agreed. She wanted to rule out infection. There may be a good chance that Donya has feline asthma. The doctor is not thrilled with giving pills or liquids as a way to help the calm breathing. We talked briefly about the use of an inhaler. The vet needed to see the x-rays from the other doctor. I got them as quickly as I could. I do have to note the other place wasn't very nice about faxing labs and were not thrilled I asked for the x-rays. Whatever! I should know more by Monday.

The vet gave me a few things to do. She told me about a few thing that may make Donya's breathing worse. Smoke, none here. Perfumes, plug-ins, air fresheners. Rarely, don't want to burn down my house and I get hives so they are all out. I let the vet know I suffer from severe allergies so much of what she said was not a factor. She suggested a air purifier, for the both of us. (FUNNY, LOL) The other thing was to uncover the litter boxes, since the dust may contribute to her symptoms. (UGH! Have you ever seen Fog cover his stuff...) She also suggested dustless litter. (I have to draw the line at some things. Dustless litter...)

As for Nik, he didn't have much in the way of any thing. Temperature normal. Though, the vet gave me the meds, which I would have to mix up and can return if I don't open it, if something transpires over the weekend. Just a precaution. She highly suggested I save up to get Nik some dental work. His gums are red and starting to get irritated which can lead to bigger issues. I have to ask the price on that.

For both cats, I spent less then $200, ok slightly less, but I feel better that I am taking care of it.

By the way, Hermione went along for a weigh in and moral support for Nik and Donya. The last time I had her weighed she was 36 pounds. I like her at 40. She was 40.6. Now I have to work on my weight.

Pending Vet visit

Donya's wicked cough... well she still has it.

Nik is quite and looks like he does not feel to well.

All this means is I have to take then Friday at 3:50 to Hermione's vet. They will get the records from the other guy we saw.

Hope this is nothing too serious... or worst of all EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!

Charlotte is home

Charlotte left to head home with her mom. Hermione looked a bit sad. She was right next to me again in the bed. I did really like being able to move around the last few days.

Street Fair... well sort of

There was a street fair today. I have attended the last 2 years with Hermione. I decided that I would go with Hermione and Charlotte. Yes, this was the decision I made with the realization that it would be a tad difficult, but it was more then worth it. Charlotte does pull on her lead, but I won that battle.

I loaded the girls in the truck. We set out, found parking, and unloaded.

Since Hermione is a therapy dog, I encourage people to interact with her. I did the same with Charlotte. Charlotte was in HEAVEN. We walked and talked. People loved and commented on now wonderful the dogs were and how lovely. (I really feel Charlotte would make a GREAT therapy dog.)

One thing, I had to be somewhere at noon, so we managed to get only, hmmmm a forth of the way on one side of the street fair before we had to leave. Ah, well, the girls made people happy with there appearance... so I didn't miss out on much.

1 smart Cookie

I wasn't feeling well after work, so I came home to rest a bit before returning to the classroom to prep for my jury duty experience tomorrow. I came home and found a Ziploc baggie tore to shreds in the living room. I glanced over and there was a Tupperware bowl upside down with the lid off. It took a minute to realize that "The Girls" ate the entire bowl of chocolate chip cookies. I know Charlotte was the mastermind and Hermione, her accomplice. I was angry at first, then laughed and laughed. That Charlotte is one smart Cookie. She is tall enough to place her paws on the counter and use her nose to move whatever she wants to the floor. I bet they had a FEAST!!!
There is no use being angry with either one of them. I just have to be more careful when "they" are together.



After a bit of rest, "The Girls" and I headed to school so I could finish up what I started before I didn't feel too well. I had my viscious body guards... I bet you are shaking in your flip flops as I type....

S-P-O-I-L-E-D-!-!

Life is good!

Yes, life is good!
We walked, now I demand a ride in the truck!

I ain't going NO WHERE!
WOW! That was an AWESOME ride!

Slumber Party

The WELCOMING committee

I can really like this!
YIPPPPEEEE!!
Hermione is having a slumber party. Yes, her friend, Charlotte is here for a few days while her Mom is in NY for a graduation.

Lauri brought over Charlotte this morning. Hermione was CRAZY excited. She wanted to play. I swear she had a HUGE AD/HD attack running like a bat out of hell. Charlotte seemed just as happy to be here.

I had to leave the girls in the house for the day. I rushed home between jobs, to let them out to just frolic in the yard.

I swear Charlotte was in heaven being able to stretch as she pleased.

At the moment they are lounging outside resting and occasional barking at stuff. Nothing annoying, they are just acting like DOGS!!!

It is going to be a FUN week!

The Pride

A rare event, kitties on the bed all at once.

Conejo Valley Days Parade

Hermione participated in her first (and maybe last) parade. We had a fun time. The wait was a bit long for not only the dogs. We made the best of it. All in all a fun day.

Meet Donya

Introducing Donya

This is the lady of the house. She is quite a loving little girl. Though, I think she has some asthma thing going, since when I took her to the vet and he could not figured out where the cough was coming from.