Hello after a LONG break!
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Hello after a LONG break!
Hi everyone! It has been AGES since I have been on. Some of you will remember me, and I will still have the pleasure of meeting all the new members who joined since I was last on here.
This is a quick update for those who know me, and an introduction to those who don't!
Well, I moved house, got married (at the Dog's Trust in Dublin which was GREAT fun!) and have started my veterinary nursing course. Currently there are 36 cats resident here, not counting Big Mick who seems to live here also nowadays, much to the consternation of Indie the evil cat! Mick is HUGE, twice the size of Indie, but Indie still gets the upper paw so to speak, and often won't let Mick inside for his dinner
There were 4 kittens born during the Summer, but one was tiny and died within 24 hours. The vets said nothing could be done when he/she stopped suckling, and I tried, but to no avail. This mite weighed almost half of what the others weighed, so I think it just wasn't mean to be.
The other three, Duster, Octwvia and Aygo were in protective isolation in the bathroom 'till fully vaccinated. The STILL managed to get HAW syndrome, and once they had recovered from that, came down with Panleukopenia, DESPITE the vaccinations! They all made it thankfully, and are bouncing around now.
there have been some TERRIBLE tragedies also, but I will make a different post about them, as they make for upsetting reading to be honest, and still haunt me months later......
A few cats have passed on from natural causes..... Namely Rocket Dog (the one-eyed wonder) who slipped into a coma one night out of the blue, and never woke up. Robert Burns and Percy Shelly also passed away in their sleep, as did all of the kittens from that colony (The Walking Dead Poet's Society for those who remember!) bar Gallagher who is in great form. The other 3 kittens never grew and all had severe heart murmurs. I say kittens but the first to go was Rosie at about 10 months. Her two brothers lived for over a year. Rosie I found collapsed and had her PTS, but the boys died at home, during the night and I found their bodies cuddled by their friends in the cat room. Very sad, but their time had come and at least they never knew hunger or fear the entire time they were alive. Their mother, Lady Byron, is still here and still wild, but I can now touch her head sometimes. She is a real hunter, unfortunately for the rabbits here, and I'm not sure she ever eats much actual cat food at all.
My aunt passed away last year so I took on her 4 cats as her husband is unwell and he couldn't cope. One, Mama Puss, went out into the field one day, disappeared for 5 days, and returned limping. She had somehow managed to shatter her shoulder blade into utter smithereens! The leg had to go as there was no way to repair it (I got a free consult with a specialist, and I doubt even the Supervet could have fixed the shoulder to be honest!) so she now has only 2 front legs but is pretty amazing and can jump up to places that most of the cats cannot! he back legs must have compensated for the missing front one. The only real difficulty she has now is the mud on the lane..... She HATES it and finds it difficult to avoid walking in it. So Graham, her "Daddy" carries her around over the mud every evening, no matter how many shopping bags he has to lug with him! One evening recently we heard a weird cat meow at the window, so I opened it to see who was in trouble. In pops Mama with a dead mouse in her mouth! Her cries of pride were muffled by her mouse corpse...... Now how she did that with no front paw is beyond me to be honest, but she did!
Enough rambling. I hope everyone is well and their kitties too, and am looking forward to catching up with you all again, and to meeting all those who have joined during my absence!
Catherine xxx
This is a quick update for those who know me, and an introduction to those who don't!
Well, I moved house, got married (at the Dog's Trust in Dublin which was GREAT fun!) and have started my veterinary nursing course. Currently there are 36 cats resident here, not counting Big Mick who seems to live here also nowadays, much to the consternation of Indie the evil cat! Mick is HUGE, twice the size of Indie, but Indie still gets the upper paw so to speak, and often won't let Mick inside for his dinner
There were 4 kittens born during the Summer, but one was tiny and died within 24 hours. The vets said nothing could be done when he/she stopped suckling, and I tried, but to no avail. This mite weighed almost half of what the others weighed, so I think it just wasn't mean to be.
The other three, Duster, Octwvia and Aygo were in protective isolation in the bathroom 'till fully vaccinated. The STILL managed to get HAW syndrome, and once they had recovered from that, came down with Panleukopenia, DESPITE the vaccinations! They all made it thankfully, and are bouncing around now.
there have been some TERRIBLE tragedies also, but I will make a different post about them, as they make for upsetting reading to be honest, and still haunt me months later......
A few cats have passed on from natural causes..... Namely Rocket Dog (the one-eyed wonder) who slipped into a coma one night out of the blue, and never woke up. Robert Burns and Percy Shelly also passed away in their sleep, as did all of the kittens from that colony (The Walking Dead Poet's Society for those who remember!) bar Gallagher who is in great form. The other 3 kittens never grew and all had severe heart murmurs. I say kittens but the first to go was Rosie at about 10 months. Her two brothers lived for over a year. Rosie I found collapsed and had her PTS, but the boys died at home, during the night and I found their bodies cuddled by their friends in the cat room. Very sad, but their time had come and at least they never knew hunger or fear the entire time they were alive. Their mother, Lady Byron, is still here and still wild, but I can now touch her head sometimes. She is a real hunter, unfortunately for the rabbits here, and I'm not sure she ever eats much actual cat food at all.
My aunt passed away last year so I took on her 4 cats as her husband is unwell and he couldn't cope. One, Mama Puss, went out into the field one day, disappeared for 5 days, and returned limping. She had somehow managed to shatter her shoulder blade into utter smithereens! The leg had to go as there was no way to repair it (I got a free consult with a specialist, and I doubt even the Supervet could have fixed the shoulder to be honest!) so she now has only 2 front legs but is pretty amazing and can jump up to places that most of the cats cannot! he back legs must have compensated for the missing front one. The only real difficulty she has now is the mud on the lane..... She HATES it and finds it difficult to avoid walking in it. So Graham, her "Daddy" carries her around over the mud every evening, no matter how many shopping bags he has to lug with him! One evening recently we heard a weird cat meow at the window, so I opened it to see who was in trouble. In pops Mama with a dead mouse in her mouth! Her cries of pride were muffled by her mouse corpse...... Now how she did that with no front paw is beyond me to be honest, but she did!
Enough rambling. I hope everyone is well and their kitties too, and am looking forward to catching up with you all again, and to meeting all those who have joined during my absence!
Catherine xxx
- bobbys girl
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Hi cussypat,
My Bob is mssing a front leg (long story) but it doesn't slow him down one bit! A few days ago I had just finished 'mucking out the stable' (cleaning the house) and was coming back into the house with the empty recycling bin. I noticed feathers on my newly mopped floor. Turning the corner of the hall, there was Bob with a bird in his mouth. He trotted up to me and threw it at my feet. 'There you are mum, I brung you a pressie!' Feathers everywhere!Cussypat1974 wrote:One evening recently we heard a weird cat meow at the window, so I opened it to see who was in trouble. In pops Mama with a dead mouse in her mouth! Her cries of pride were muffled by her mouse corpse...... Now how she did that with no front paw is beyond me to be honest, but she did!
- Crewella
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Yay, nice to see you again - I've looked in on your FB page now and again. Glad you're settled into your place now.
Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Hi Catherine. I've missed you!!! Often think about you and how you're getting on. You've all been through so many ups and downs. Hope you're enjoying your veterinary nurse course. Definitely a job that's purrfect for you! Keep us updated.
Carol Xx
Carol Xx
- Walesgang
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Hello Catherine. Nice to see you back here, although of course I see your updates on FB
How's Carlos behaving in his new abode?
Val x
How's Carlos behaving in his new abode?
Val x
- meriad
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
welcome "back"
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Hi again guys! I have taken the day off college so have a bit of time to catch up! I have also closed my FB page for the moment as it is just too tempting when I have assignments galore!
Val, Carlos is worse than ever! (FYI, Carlos is a crazy rooster who has a big problem with anger issues!). I think Springtime is affecting his temper. Attacks me through the fence as I feed the chooks every morning, and he made a silent but deadly dash up the garden path as I was on my way to college at 7.30am and got me on the backside. Scared the life outta me! I reeled and walloped him with my punchbag (and thermos therein) which gave me time to get out the gate and RUN to the car. This weekend is operation coop-clean and run-move, which involves catching him in the dark, with husband distracting him while I sneak up behind him. He will spend the night in the shed so we can do the necessary the following morning. Then I may get my running shoes on again to let him out. He attacks even in the dark, and crows all night long. I should have let him take the final trip to the vets when it seemed like that was to be his fate eh? But I am very happy in the knowledge that he would give any fox a right run for his money, and reckon the ducks would still be here had Carlos been around at the time. If cock-fighting were legal I could make a fortune!
Bobby's girl, I was so so amazed at how Mama Puss coped. She amazes me every day. Se used to be a bit of a bully to some of the other cats, but has a harder time boxing them nowadays (which is no bad thing!). How is Bob's weight? mama was always round, but she is now VERY round! She can't run as fast as before obviously, and I actually rushed her to the emergency vet recently as she seemed to be straining at the litter tray and had a huge swollen tummy. She was hospitalised as the vet couldn't feel anything distinct, just a huge mass in her abdomen. Sedation, x-rays taken...... And she basically had a stuffed tummy and was full of poop! Flippin'drama queen that one eh? She likes it at the vets though..... Always happy to go visit them. Strange cat!!!!!!
Val, Carlos is worse than ever! (FYI, Carlos is a crazy rooster who has a big problem with anger issues!). I think Springtime is affecting his temper. Attacks me through the fence as I feed the chooks every morning, and he made a silent but deadly dash up the garden path as I was on my way to college at 7.30am and got me on the backside. Scared the life outta me! I reeled and walloped him with my punchbag (and thermos therein) which gave me time to get out the gate and RUN to the car. This weekend is operation coop-clean and run-move, which involves catching him in the dark, with husband distracting him while I sneak up behind him. He will spend the night in the shed so we can do the necessary the following morning. Then I may get my running shoes on again to let him out. He attacks even in the dark, and crows all night long. I should have let him take the final trip to the vets when it seemed like that was to be his fate eh? But I am very happy in the knowledge that he would give any fox a right run for his money, and reckon the ducks would still be here had Carlos been around at the time. If cock-fighting were legal I could make a fortune!
Bobby's girl, I was so so amazed at how Mama Puss coped. She amazes me every day. Se used to be a bit of a bully to some of the other cats, but has a harder time boxing them nowadays (which is no bad thing!). How is Bob's weight? mama was always round, but she is now VERY round! She can't run as fast as before obviously, and I actually rushed her to the emergency vet recently as she seemed to be straining at the litter tray and had a huge swollen tummy. She was hospitalised as the vet couldn't feel anything distinct, just a huge mass in her abdomen. Sedation, x-rays taken...... And she basically had a stuffed tummy and was full of poop! Flippin'drama queen that one eh? She likes it at the vets though..... Always happy to go visit them. Strange cat!!!!!!
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Oh, and Carol, I am LOVING the course! It is all very basic this year as it is year one. I LOOOOVE microbiology this semester..... Looking at cells and bacteria under a microscope is just fascinating. I want a microscope from Santa now lol!
Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Really pleased the course is going so well. I knew you'd love it
Was reading Ghostie's story in catwork's FIV collection yesterday. It's amazing how well she's come along. Thank goodness she had you to save her.
Was reading Ghostie's story in catwork's FIV collection yesterday. It's amazing how well she's come along. Thank goodness she had you to save her.
- Mollysmummy
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
What's your facebook page?
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
It's Catherine Keating.... But I have deactivated it for e moment, as it was distracting me from study, and cleaning litter boxes lol! I'll get back to it eventually, but really found it too easy to use as an excuse not to do anything productive. I used to do a lot of rescue and TNR networking on there, but truly don't have the time now what with the animals here and college being so full on
- Mollysmummy
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
I wish I'd gone into veterinary nursing at college straight from school. I'm still working in healthcare but for humans; Id much prefer to be working with animals!
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
My mother was a human nurse! When I finished school I wanted to be a vet, but didn't make the cut. Tere were no nursing courses here in Ireland at the time. It has been my dream for YEARS...... And now, aged 40, I am finally doing it!
- Mollysmummy
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
I'm 30 so there's hope for me yet! There are courses near me, but I don't have the money!
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
You ARE me when I was 30. I wanted it then, but had not the money. Ten years changed my circumstances. I didn't win the lotto, but married a man who later inherited some money. As a joint decision we invested in my education as a vet nurse.
I would never have thought this possible when I was 30. My life just worked out this way. And now I am working my ass off to make this opportunity a success, because I fully realise how privileged I am.
I would never have thought this possible when I was 30. My life just worked out this way. And now I am working my ass off to make this opportunity a success, because I fully realise how privileged I am.
- Mollysmummy
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
I feel awful saying it, but inheritance is the only way I would be able to do it too!! I didn't really hVe much ambition at school, and I think because I didn't want to be a vet I dismissed working with animals. But I really wish Id have pursued it!
- Mollysmummy
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
Watching the new series of the supervet, Noel is a miracle worker!! It's the only thing that makes me think I couldn't be a vet nurse, it's so emotional!!
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Re: Hello after a LONG break!
I just re-read my last post and realise it sounds like we inherited millions ha ha! Far from that, we didn't even cover our mortgage, but managed to reduce it significantly. I worked at a boarding kennels last Summer to pay my first semester fees, doing 14-16 hour days. Second semester fees went on a credit card, and we are saving for the rest. The inheritance and mortgage reduction means we CAN save though..... Without that security, we would never manage it.bwe keep the credit card clear as far as possible, for emergencies and stuff. If a cat gets sick it is terrifying to be honest, as you never know where vet bills will end up eh?
Noel Fitzpatrick is my IDOL. I'd bed him before Johnny Depp ha ha ha! Hubby knows that too lol! Did you see him last week in the cage with the dog trying to get him to eat, and going "Om nom nom nom"? And telling the irritating Chelsea sobber that patience wasn't her strong point? He is just great. So charismatic, brave, pioneering......and above all, CARING. I just LOVE him!!!!!!!!
Of course the bit had to leave us and go to the UK where I can't go work for him!!!!!! GIT!!!!! Lol
Noel Fitzpatrick is my IDOL. I'd bed him before Johnny Depp ha ha ha! Hubby knows that too lol! Did you see him last week in the cage with the dog trying to get him to eat, and going "Om nom nom nom"? And telling the irritating Chelsea sobber that patience wasn't her strong point? He is just great. So charismatic, brave, pioneering......and above all, CARING. I just LOVE him!!!!!!!!
Of course the bit had to leave us and go to the UK where I can't go work for him!!!!!! GIT!!!!! Lol