What is DCIN?

Diabetic Cats in Need is a small, nonprofit rescue that helps diabetic cats and their people. We support diabetic cats in their original and adoptive homes, rehome unwanted diabetic cats, and help to educate caregivers on the appropriate treatment of diabetic cats. Look around our site. If you need help understanding how to treat your diabetic cat, please register and post on either or both the Feline Diabetes Message Board and Diabetic Cat Care. DCIN is also on Facebook and Yahoo Groups. If you need financial help keeping your diabetic cats, check out this page. If you are thinking about rehoming a diabetic cat, please see this page. DCIN does not have a shelter facility or an established network of foster homes, although some of the DCIN adoptable diabetic cats are sponsored in foster homes. DCIN works to match an adopter with an available cat. Many of our adoptions have been long distance. You may want to help our cause. If so, see our listing of adoptable diabetic cats here. See information about making a donation here, and our list of emergency and ongoing fundraising here. You can check out our Help Needed page here. (That page is sorely out of date, but it will help you see the kind of help we often need.) Want to see what we are doing and have done? See our video at the end of this post and our cats helped page here. If you don't see what you are looking for, or just want to talk, please contact me (Venita) at ennis93 @att.net (remove space).

Rest Peacefully, Doug

April 4, 2012--From Claudia: "No one ever inquired after him. He was happy and playful over the weekend. He is buried with his favorite catnip toy and a blanket. He’s in a better place."

You were home all this time, dear Doug. Godspeed and Angelwings.

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Update 12/20/10--From Claudia:

I need to try again to get a decent picture of Doug. He is all black, but my pictures show him as mahogany brown in color. Nothing has changed with him. A lower dose Lantus kitty that is a real good boy.

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Update May 20, 2010--New pictures of Doug, a lovely black, insulin-dependent diabetic cat fostering with Claudia. He is still available for adoption. **********************************************************************************


Update January 25, 2010--Doug has moved down to foster with Claudia in Middleboro, MA. (Claudia also is fostering Pewter Boy and Rusty.) He arrived on January 16. Claudia writes:

Doug spent a few days in my office. He is easy to test (after he settled down). This past weekend, he decided that he would eat from the communal bowls, instead of by himself in the office. Watching the adaptation dance with the other seven cats in the house was fun. He talks a lot and made a huge vocal fuss over a soft toy he found. He was carrying it all over making all kinds of "Siamese" like sounds. Next weekend I will curve him, and see if we have progress toward OTJ [off-the-juice--remission]. If someone will take another diabetic, I now have 3 ready to go. Five diabetics is certainly eating into my syringe stash (10 a day for them plus at least 4 for me).

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Connie and Em of the FDMB has a foster diabetic ready for adoption. Connie keeps a blog about her kitties, and these are the entries about Doug. Doug is owned by H.A.R.T. of Maine. This is what Connie wrote on the FDMB about Doug.

I am fostering Doug for a local shelter, so if you are interested, I can connect you up to them. I really believe Doug has some Siamese in him, as he has that longer face, and LOVES the sound of his own voice. He's also quite determined and strong of spirit like the other Siamese cats I know. He is adjusting well to being in the home. He probably could free roam in the home, but I'm just not ready to do that to my kids at this point. He's here for four more weeks, then he's headed down to Claudia's (cjleo) (in Massachusetts). He's currently eating raw (took to it very well - but does eat canned and was eating dry at the shelter) and is on Lanuts. He was on PZI but I think he needed TID dosing on PZI and I am not in a position to do that. He's still settling down on his dose, so he's not all that well regulated at this point, but I can see it happening. He was diagnosed with pancreatitis. But at this point we are simply dealing with the high BGs, and his catly attitude. He does love to sit and display his beauty. He also enjoys attention. He's not a jump up in your lap cat, but he doesn't mind one bit when I pick him up for attention, and is VERY good (and bleeds very well) for testing. My Ollie is a grumpy grumpy man, and doesn't really want Doug roaming around, so he's under strict supervision when he wanders, but as you can see from the videos that he gets along well with the attention of my other kitties.

In response to questions, Em said that Doug is 6 years old, currently has no behavior issues other then waking her up at 3am (which she thinks she has licked with a timed feeder to keep him distracted). He had pancreatitis, but that seems to be ok.

Pewter Boy in Middleboro MA

Update 12/20/10--From Claudia:

Pewter Boy has been with me since Easter of 2008. He was an owner surrender. The woman had raised him from a kitten, and she did not want him once he was diagnosed diabetic. My guess is that he was abused. He didn’t know how to play, and he cowered when approached. He has learned to trust me and learned to play and to relate well to some of the cats in the house. I’ve seen tremendous progress with Pewter Boy. He is a large cat, not fat, just tall and long. He is rather solitary and doesn’t take to strangers quickly. He’s quite vocal now, telling me when he wants food or attention. He likes bottle caps and catnip mice. He would make someone with a quiet home a nice pet. He just is not crazy about having 8 or more cats living in his home. His Lantus dose (2 u bid) has been very stable. And he is very meticulous about grooming his white fur.

************************************************************************* Update 10/17/10--Such a handsome cat, and no interest at all in him. Disappointing. From Claudia's recent update to me:

As he stays with me longer, Pewter Boy becomes more affectionate. And, he now talks when he wants food or attention. He is stable on 2 u of Lantus BID. We did a dental on him last year. His health is great other than the diabetes.

**************************************************************************** Original post, 12/9/09--Claudia (cjleo) fosters cat, I mean, she really fosters cats. She is known among her rescue group and local circles as the person who will foster feline diabetics. Pewter Boy is one of Claudia's FDs that she would like to find a home for. About PB, Claudia writes the following. You can trust what CJ says, and she wouldn't omit something important about a cat's behavior. She's had too many surprises herself.

Pewter Boy is a very quiet, well behaved, solitary cat. I think he would love a house with fewer cats. He waits for everyone else to eat before he goes to the food dishes. He is getting enough food as you can see. He came to me as a surrender. The woman who had him from a kitten was going to put him down because of the diabetes. I went and met her and took him. I think he may have been mistreated based on his behavior. It was months before he came to me to be petted. Now, he will crawl up in my lap when he wants attention. He is also medically up-to-date with a dental late in the spring of 2009. He is on Lantus 2u bid. He is a very good boy, but he doesn’t like change. Whoever takes him will need to have lots of patience. He is younger than Rusty (8, I think); but he will make a good companion for someone older – probably a couple. I think children would scare him. I need help to test him which is why I suggest a couple.

Rusty's Moving to Upstate NY!!

Update 11/17/10--Ella and Stu is adopting Rusty from Phoebe. Rusty want to be an only cat, and he will be at Ella's, and likely become King Russell. We are organizing his transport. The preliminary map for the transport is HERE. We would like to reduce the length of some of these legs. In particular, the leg from A to B, which Phoebe is driving, would have her on the road (and sitting in border crossings) for more than 10 hours. This is a two day transport. Transport from A to B will be done on Friday November 26 (the day after US Thanksgiving). Transport from B to D will be done on Saturday the 27th. Please let me know if you can help drive this transport, particularly the eastern parts of leg A-B and leg B-C in Ontario, CA. The parts we need help with are within Canada and won't require a border crossing. Rusty is neutered, up-to-date with shots, is FIV/FeLV negative, and will be traveling with an international health certificate and in a carrier. He is insulin dependent, but will not be given insulin on the morning of his travels. Thank you!! ********************************************************************************* Update 8-3-10--New photos of Rusty ... **************************************************************************** Update 7/14/10--In March, DCIN placed Rusty with Phoebe, and it is not working out between Rusty and her cats. At present, Phoebe and her husband have Rusty in a large cage, which he likes. Let me have Phoebe tell the story--

Rusty is a very lovable cat, and has already made a place in our hearts, so this decision is extremely hard. Rusty is very friendly with people and loves cuddles and brushing. He likes to sleep on the bed with us, and doesn't hog the covers. Rusty is a big furry cat and easy to handle -- he doesn't mind the ear pokes for blood sugar tests, and just meows a bit at the insulin injection. He is currently well regulated on Levemir - getting 0.5u if his PS BG is 100 or less, and getting 1.0u if his PS BG is over 100. (if no insulin is given, he is up to 280-300, so he still needs the insulin) He is currently eating canned Wellness - chicken and turkey flavors, with snacks of low carb Fancy Feast or Friskies. He has an excellent appetite, and occasional hair balls since he is so furry. He uses the litter box very well, but he is a big boy used to living outdoors. He pees standing up, so we got plastic bins the size of footlockers for litter boxes. He uses the scratching post - we haven't seen him use the furniture inappropriately. Rusty loves to lay in windows or high places to watch the world go by. He loves to lay on the desk while you're on the computer, or put his arms around your neck and cuddle nose-to-nose in bed or on the couch. Unfortunately, Rusty just doesn't fit in with my 4 cats -- the most dominant one is OK but not happy, but the others are not OK to the point of endangering their health and well-being. My two shyest cats have been hiding for months -- not eating much, and not using the litter box anymore. They have gone from 11-12 lbs down to 7 lbs and very skinny. Our other diabetic cat, Tiggy, was on the receiving end of battles -- bitten and scratched, and we just found out that his cataracts have recently gotten worse to the point he is nearly blind. He couldn't see when Rusty was about to pounce! Unfortunately, Rusty is just not fitting in with my cats, and it breaks my heart, but we need to find him another home - preferably with no cats. --------------- I just had another appt with Dawn Allen about an hour ago. She confirmed that Tiggy is nearly blind -- can only see out of the corner of his eyes - not straight ahead. He can get around because he has our house memorized, having been with us ~15 months. She said that Rusty is relieved to be in the cage, and he agrees that he needs to live somewhere else - our home is too stressful. She confirmed that all the cats agree this is the right decision - finding Rusty a new home. I've been surprised at how comfortable Rusty is in the cage -- I thought I was being a very mean mom, but he doesn't complain (meowing to get out). When I do open the cage to give him some exercise, he stands there looking at me, like, "aren't you going to close the door again?" I thought perhaps Claudia kept him penned, but she said no - just occasional segregation to a room alone. I don't know if Rusty needs to be an ONLY cat, or if he just needs younger, bigger and braver companions. Rusty received a dental procedure yesterday. I can provide a litterbox, food, Levemir and supplies to get him started in his new home.

Phoebe and her husband have done everything appropriately to integrate Rusty. They do have a small place, so separate parts of the house are not possible. Yes Feliway, yes Rescue Remedy, yes Prozac. Phoebe is very sad to have to rehome Rusty. She feels like an adoption failure, but I don't see it that way, and neither does Claudia, who had fostered Rusty for more than a year. He's a beautiful Maine Coon that loves people, but is aggressive with other cats. Anyone need an "only" or otherwise feel they can deal with Rusty with other cats? ************************************************************************** Update 4/26/10--Rusty and two other diabetic shared a ride from the Boston area into Canada and Michigan on March 19 and 20, 2010. The details of the transport are here. On 4/19/10, Phoebe wrote on the FDMB:

Rusty is settling in well -- he considers that he is home. He is a great cuddler with the beans, but his confidence and big fluffy size are off-putting to my timid crew. Tiggy joined us a little over a year ago, and he settled in very well -- this was about 8 months after Norton crossed the bridge, and everyone was still feeling the hole he left in our lives. My original 3 cats are currently having problems -- they've led a pretty sheltered life for 10 years, and having these confident cats walk in has shaken them up. Anyway, the first 3 are being all scaredy-cat and cringing / hissing / running away -- and they are extending this treatment to Tiggy, poor guy! When they run away, Rusty chases -- sometimes in play and sometimes in irritation (it seems). Hence - the broken window on the porch. I had another session with Dawn Allen, animal communicator. I was worried that maybe Mauser and Rusty BOTH hit the window and Mauser had a wound on his neck that might have been a bite (it is not). Turns out that just Mauser hit the window in a panic when Rusty approached him. Anyway, at this point, I'm going to try either Feliway or calming collars. We're close but no cigar yet.

When asked how Rusty's diabetes treatment was going, Phoebe replied:

Rusty is doing well diabetically speaking -- we feed pretty much just Wellness Chicken and Turkey flavors which is a bit lower carb than Claudia feeds (she mixes several types for her 9 cats). He has adjusted well to Levemir and gets ~1u BID (below 100 PS, he gets 0.5u). This morning, his AMPS was 128. We're writing down his records -- need to start a spreadsheet. We have not done a full curve yet -- soon. He went on a social visit to the vet last week just to meet & greet and explore the office. The two FD cat juggle is getting easier - test-test shoot-shoot -- haven't mixed up their shots yet (*anti-jinx*) but they are similar in dose at least. Tiggy gets slightly less than Rusty. Just plugged in some Feliway last night -- no miracles yet though. This morning, Tiggy slinked by the bedroom door in "No-one can see me, I'm invisible" mode, and Rusty leaped off the bed and chased him -- so obviously Tiggy's invisibility cloak is defective.

********************************************************************* Update 2/15/10--It appears that Rusty will be moving to Detroit to live with Phoebe and her DH Charlie. The transport is scheduled for the weekend of March 19, 2010. Claudia will take Rusty as far as Rochester, NY, and we are working on finding folks to continue the transport to or around London Ontario on March 20, 2010. If you can help or know someone who can, please contact me through PM on the FDMB or email at ennis93 AT att DOT net. ***************************************************************** Claudia (cjleo) fosters cat, I mean, she really fosters cats. She is known among her rescue group and local circles as the person who will foster feline diabetics. Rusty is one of Claudia's FDs that she would like to find a home for. About Rusty, Claudia writes the following. You can trust what CJ says, and she wouldn't omit something important about a cat's behavior. She's had too many surprises herself.

Yes, he is a big boy. He free feeds and thinks it is all his. One of my nick names for him is Mr. Piggy Wiggy. He really could stand to lose a couple of pounds, but not in my multi-cat household. He is up-to-date medically, including a dental done in February. He’s on Lantus 1.5 bid. He is fine with testing. But, what a love. He crawls up on my lap and puts his paws around my neck and purrs and purrs. He plays with toys and is just a delight. He does, however, harass Sorianna no end. He has good taste, I must say. He seems to remember mating protocol although he is neutered. That behavior has diminished since I took Makita, another male. He and Makita seemed to have bonded over the last couple of months. So, Rusty is now leaving Sorianna alone. Rusty was found wandering the street of Plymouth Massachusetts in the fall of 2008. The pound picked him up, and they were going to put him down. A volunteer took him and started his diabetic treatment. He was harassing one of her females, so I took him. This one will be hard to see go. He will adapt anywhere.

Mr. Darcy Passed in Peace 11/1/10

Update 11/2/10--We lost Mr. Darcy yesterday, November 1, 2010. Jennifer wrote:

At 2pm Mr. Darcy left for the Bridge. He has had a Lymph node tumor for months that we kept draining. Two weeks ago was the last drain and the tumor came back even larger. It was wrapped around his trachea. He stopped eating Saturday night. Today palpation and X-ray showed a tumor in his abdomen that was larger than a grapefruit. This was not there before. He just had a urine done with the last lymph node drain, blood was done too and that was perfect. Today he was severely anemic, at 8%, vet said a transfusion wouldn't even help because the belly tumor would just make him anemic again tomorrow. He was in obvious pain, I had to let him go. I love him dearly and am heart broken to lose him.

Mr. came to Jennifer and Ron with that lump, although it was very small at the time. As it grew over this past spring and summer, Jennifer often took Mr. to the vet to have it drained. But recently, it had been growing very large and very quickly after being drained. Mr. Darcy is the first DCIN adoptee to pass, and I had the pleasure of visiting Jennifer and Ron's cats in their home this summer. I too am heartbroken over Mr. Darcy's passing. He was so incredibly happy with his new beans and furries. He had landed so softly, and he knew it. I know he would have stayed forever if it had been his choice to make. His life-before-Jennifer-and-Ron was so hard, but he did have a joyous almost eleven months in their home. I am betting that he completely forgot that he had been anywhere but with Jennifer and Ron. So I must say, that he had the best life ever. Thank you Jennifer and Ron for helping him pass in peace. For completing his cycle of life with joy, love, and peace. Fly free, most dear Mr. Darcy. You are sorely missed. ******************************************************************************** *************************************************************** Update 3/11/10--From a PM from Jennifer:

Mr. Darcy is doing well. He's eating all raw now, his choice, I give him canned too, but he only wants the raw food. He's very playful. Mr. Darcy is a very good kitty. I really can't tell you how much we love him. He is not DI though, the meds had no effect so we had to take him off of them. Still has increased urine and water intake, and the lymph node in his neck has swelled up again. We may never know what's wrong, but he's very happy, very cuddly, loves to sleep on me every night and we cuddle when we watch tv, so it's all good as far as Mr. Darcy is concerned.

****************************************************************** Update 1/13/09--Mr. Darcy's Heart is Fine!! In a post on the FDMB, Jennifer wrote:

The cardiologist spent lots of time with Mr. Darcy. He listened and palpated and did all kinds of physical exam stuff. Blood pressure was taken on front and back paws. I don't know what to say, Mr. Darcy is fine. The cardio found nothing wrong with his heart. I'm so excited I think my heart is skipping some beats. It was determined that Mr. Darcy is the softest and most handsome kitty, but I really didn't need a specialist to tell me that ;-) The doctor said that cats have four different heart sounds, but normally only two are heard and it's possible that at the time Mr. Darcy was seen by my vet, she could have heard one of those other heart sounds. Thank you everyone who helped out and who sent prayers and well wishes. I'm looking forward to many years with this handsome little man in my life.

************************************************************** Update 1/9/10--Mr. Darcy is officially "Off the Juice"!! In a post on the FDMB Jennifer wrote:

Okay, I'm calling it...he is officially off the juice. Blood sugar this afternoon was 75, which is the highest it's been since he moved here in December. I do not plan to test his blood sugar unless he is actually showing any signs of FD, well signs other than increased drinking and urine because he drinks and pees buckets. He's not HyperT, been tested already and it was low end of normal. After the cardio visit I will ask my vet to start treatment for Diabetes Insipidus. I think the only way to test for it is water deprivation, but I also think we could just start the shots and see if he feels better. Maybe Carolynn or Dale Ann can correct me if I'm wrong in that regard. I believe that when Venita told the foster mom, Cheryl, to change (Frisky's) Mr. Darcy's diet, that is all he needed. Cheryl switched him to gluten free varieties of FF and my little man has been doing great. His coat is so soft, he feels like a bunny rabbit, he cuddles all night long choosing between me or Ron, probably spends half his time with each of us. Last night he did find Ron's head the most comfortable place to snuggle up on. Angel Kitty still is finding her way with Mr.Darcy, but Tucker, Sam and Gett have no issues and Sam is making efforts to befriend Mr. Darcy. Lilly Grace is still a sight that frightens Mr. Darcy, it's not every day that you see a kitty flip flopping around and falling out of her beds, but he'll get used to her. Thank you everyone who helped get Mr. Darcy up here, who are helping with his upcoming cardio visit, who helped with all the prayers and good vibes and Venita, there are no words, you're amazing.

************************************************************ 1/4/10 Update--Generous contributors on the FDMB were able to raise $800 for Mr. Darcy's appointment. I thank you, Jennifer and Ron thank you, Mr. Darcy thanks you. ***************************************************************** 12/29/09 Update--Mr. Darcy (formerly Frisky), who Jennifer (Tucker's Mom) adopted through FDMB Cats in Need, has a heart arrrhythmia and needs to see a cardiologist. Here is the post from the old Board. Mr. Darcy will be seeing Dr. Fenollosa January 13th at VCA Shoreline. He will be getting a consult and, if needed, an echocardiogram. It is highly likely an ECG will be done. Jennifer is fearful about Mr. Darcy's possible heart condition, because she and her DH have fallen madly in love with this sweetie, who is OTJ by the way. The FDMB Cats in Need Fund has a commitment to Mr. Darcy. Jennifer is at the end of her rope with vet bills right now and will accept our help, although that was a tough choice for her. (See Jennifer's response to the fundraising post here.) I am looking to raise $800 for Mr. Darcy. That is the top end of the estimate Jennifer got, and the fund is still $350 in the hole from Mr. Darcy's pre-adoption vetting in Virginia. Every little bit helps. And now you can donate knowing that your donation to Cats in Need can be claimed as an itemized deduction on US federal and state tax returns, thanks to Maureen's adopting Cats in Need as an affiliate of the OLM Catnip Cottage Not-for-profit. We have a little over two weeks to get this fundraising done, and I know we can do it. If you can't support Jennifer and Mr. Darcy financially, prayers and well wishes also are important currency. ********************************************************************** 12/23/09 Update--Mr. Darcy (formerly Frisky) is now fully entrenched in his new home. He certainly turned out to be the loving cat he promised me he would be. Jennifer's husband Ron has fallen hard for Mr. Darcy. Jennifer writes:

[The vet] said Mr. Darcy IS a [Jenn's family name] cat. He's laid back and friendly at the clinic, let them do everything without a fuss. She loved him. Mr. Darcy is such a wonderful little man. He is so sweet and so nice. But.. he has to learn not to get in the shower with me. He did that this morning, got himself soaked, it was hilarious. ...The lump on his neck is gone (it was a blood filled pocket that was aspirated), he actually lost a little weight which surprised me because he's not boney anymore, he's 8 pounds, 11 oz. Not bad I guess, I'd like to see another pound or two on him. I had thought he put on weight. His coat is really soft now too. Did I mention that he's wonderful?

Jennifer keeps photos of Mr. Darcy in this photobucket album. ********************************************************************* 12/12/09 Update--Frisky's journey from Manassas VA to Milford CT happens tomorrow, with the starring role played by buff-colored leading man Frisky (the buzz is he's getting a distinguished new name). Frisky will be supported by an ensemble cast comprising Cheryl (the current foster mom), Larry, Venita, Leslie, Wendy, and finally new Mom Jennifer (Tucker's Mom). The production starts at 8am eastern time. Although the weather calls for caution on the part of those involved, it doesn't look bad enough to pose a threat of cancellation. "I am thrilled to be able to give my adoring FDMB audience a Sunday morning and afternoon packed with edge-of-the-chair excitement and adventure," Frisky said to this entertainment reporter. Happy and safe transport all!! Note that fundraising is ongoing to cover an outrageously high bill to vet Frisky for his adoption. ********************************************************** 12/9/09 Update--Jennifer (Tucker' Mom) in CT is adopting Frisky, subject to him being FeLV negative. Frisky is being vetted today. The transport from VA to CT will happen Sunday, December 13, 2009. ********************************************************** I first heard about Frisky in mid-November 2009:

Hi, I had a friend that was going to euthanize a 13 year old cat that has diabetes. I told her I would foster it and try to find a home... Very sweet cat, not up to date on shots and is still being regulated on insulin. It is a very picky eater and will only eat non diabetic prescription food and canned chicken. It's on antibiotics as well just to clear up a bladder infection. I have 2 little kids and 4 other cats and a dog, if I didn't have that I would keep Frisky... I know Frisky is a special needs cat, I wondered if you had any ideas on where I could place him. If you could e-mail me back that would be great. Thanks, Cheryl.

Of course I emailed back. I had Cindy send Cheryl a newbie kit, which she did. I warned Cheryl about the Vetsulin issue, and sent her the link for the free Lantus, and visited Frisky at Cheryl's home when I took Socs south on a transport. During this time, Cheryl found out she is pregnant with her third child. I got this email today.

Venita, I hate to send you this e-mail... I love Frisky but he's going to have to go in the next couple months. I've hit my limit, I can't mentally or physically handle one more cat or anything for that matter! Between kids, being pregnant, and animals it's just too much. I have one cat that's not handling its roomates very well and is going to the bathroom everywhere! I understand if you can't find Frisky a home in the next two months, I'll start looking other places if you can't. Let me know what you're thinking and thanks again for all your time!

So it's time to find Frisky a home. I've been holding off because of the deluge of diabetic cats in more dire circumstances. However, Frisky's time has come. I understand from Cheryl that he's been shuttled among various homes for over a year. Frisky is an older cat, and underweight (bony actually as you can see on the video below), likely because of his diabetes. He seems otherwise in good shape, but we can have him fully vetted to make sure. Frisky walked well, he doesn't have the staggered gate of an older cat and he does not appear to have neuropathy. He is friendly with strangers. I loved him up and he sat close to me to be petted. Cheryl has been trying to get him converted to dry food, per her understanding of his needs, but he prefers wet food (yeah Frisky!). I gave Cheryl some cans of low-carb Fancy Feast. I ear tested Frisky's blood glucose, and he was very accepting of the test. I have asked Cheryl to join the FDMB so that she can plead his case and answer questions I might not be able to. I know it will take a special person to adopt Frisky. His age makes him less adoptable. But his medical condition--diabetes--makes him potentially adoptable to a very special group of people. I really don't want to have to talk to our members who are "sanctuaries" for less-adoptable diabetic cats. Please, let's find someone who is willing to take Frisky and love him like he's been in her/his home and heart for all of his 13 years. Frisky, it seems to me, is very willing to accept this role.

Beasley has Gone Ahead

July 18, 2012--Mr. Beasley enjoys the last of his time on Earth before moving on to his next incredible journey.

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The bonded Boyz.

July 14, 2012--Dian took Beasley to the emergency clinic today. Based on exam, bloodwork, and X-rays, the vet says that Mr. B has metastatic cancer, probably liver-origin cancer. It is wide-spread, including throughout his lungs. The vet said he might have a week.

Beasley will go to the bridge tomorrow.

Dian said that even though the end result will be the same, she is comforted that it is not FIP. I think she also seems comforted that she was able to get more-thorough and definitive diagnostics done, thanks to generous donations from those who love her and The Boyz. With the answers from emergency vetting, and even though it still hurts incredibly to lose him, dian hopefully will have no doubt that she is doing the right thing by her beloved Mr. B.

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July 13, 2012--Beasley has been unwell for a couple weeks. He went again to the local vet on Wednesday and that vet said that the differential diagnosis (ddx) (the possible diagnoses when alternatives are possible) is cancer and FIP. We had an initial misunderstanding that FIP was her conclusive diagnosis and we announced that. We also found out that Beasley is FIV+.

Using the local vet's guidance, Dian started Mr. Beasley on a palliative dose of prednisolone. He immediately responded. Dian and I also have done some Internet research about FIP.

What Dian and I have decided is to have her take Beasley to a veterinary specialty hospital for more thorough diagnostics. The local vet is sending the referral today, and Beasley will likely start with an internal medicine specialist, moving onto an oncologist if that is the appropriate track. Thankfully, Dian has all of next week off work and will be able to take Beasley where he needs to be when he needs to be there.

I expect that the initial diagnostic workup by the specialist will involve imaging (probably an ultrasound) and the removal and evaluation of Beasley's abdominal effluent. I expect the initial treatment plan to involve removal of the abdominal effluent, continued predisolone, and broad spectrum antibiotics. Perhaps also pain medications as needed.

Dian and I will do our best to keep you all informed of the diagnostic steps and treatment plans. I know that many care deeply for the charismatic Mr. Beasley, and may have personal experience with similar symptoms that could help the veterinary specialists, Dian, and me decide what to do.

Also, unfortunately, I have to ask Mr. Beasley's friends to help DCIN pay for these diagnostics/treatment. These are PayPal buttons for that purpose.

Payment Options

Option 1 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $10.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $15.00 USD - monthly Option 4 : $20.00 USD - monthly Option 5 : $25.00 USD - monthly

Also, I ask anyone with excess medications that they think might be part of Beasley's treatment protocol (which right now we know for sure is predisolone, and which might involve a broad-spectrum antibiotic and pain meds), to please contact me at Venita@dcin.info. If the meds you have to donate are appropriate, I will ask you to ship them to dian. Mr. Beasley is not presently at risk of PTS. Dian and I have to talk about her philosophies for end of life care. All that is certain at this time is that Beasley will be seeing one or more veterinary specialists, and he will be traveling with Dian this Sunday to WV to spend some time with Dian's friend who has a gift of talking with animals so that Dian can get a better understanding of how Beasley is feeling, physically and emotionally. Thank you all so much for caring for Dian and Mr. Beasley. This has been an incredible hard couple of days on Dian. I also am very upset as the Orinch Boyz were DCIN's very first foster cats. But we will do our best to let you know what we know as we know it. ************************************************************************************ July 12, 2012--There are so many tears being shed by so many. Mr. Beasley has not been feeling well since June 23--feverish, not eating, lethargic, anemic. At yesterday's visit, the vet diagnosed him with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), an always fatal mutation of the common feline coronavirus. Mom Dian will be giving Beasley medications to reduce the inflammation and keep him comfortable. On Sunday, July 15, Dian will take Beasley to a dear friend of hers, who will facilitate communication between Dian and Beasley, and then help Beasley pass to the next step of his journey. This is such a sad milestone for DCIN. Beasley and Twinkie were DCIN's first foster cats, going to live with Dian in 2009 just as DCIN was becoming an organization. Fly free, dearest Beasley. Your Mom's heart is breaking for the loss of the strong, vibrant, healthy, happy, smart boy that is you. ~Venita *********************************************************************************** May 13, 2012, Mother's Day-- --Wake up, Twinkie. Today is a very special day. --What's so special about today? It's just another Sunday, Beasley. --Oh no, Twink. It's special for two reasons. Today is the day that beans and critters celebrate the love they have for their Mothers. And today is the day that we have a furever home together and a furever Mom. --What, we have to leave? I can't do that Beasley. I had such a hard time where we used to have a furever Mom. Dad hurt her and didn't like me and I'm not so sure that a furever home is a good place to be. --I know, Twink. It was hard for you there. But don't you like it here with Dian? --I love Dian, Beasley, and I don't want to leave her. I know she is just our foster Mom, but I want to stay here with you and Dian and Grandma and all the other kitties. I like being here. Is she sending us away because I get sick all the time? I can't help it. I want to feel better but the FIV disease makes me sick a lot. --That is the best part, my orinch brother. Dian is going to be our furever Mom. We've been here two and a half years, and the people at DCIN know that we are home and want to make it official. They asked Dian and she said that she wanted us to stay furever. --Really, Beasley? Are you teasing me? Is this really true? --Yes, Twinkie. It is really true. Dian is now our furever Mom and we get to stay with her and stay together furever. So do you want to go find Mom and wish her a happy Mother's Day? --Oh yes, Beasley. If I could cry, I would. I am so happy. I want to thank Mom for saving us and being our Mom furever. ++++ DCIN is pleased to wish a Happy Mother's Day to Dian, Beasley, and Twinkie as they celebrate their first official day together on the road to furever. Mother's Day, regardless of the date, will always in our memory be the Gotcha Day for the Boyz. The Boyz were rescued from a domestic abuse situation that sent them to a shelter with only one way out--an immediate death. However, a very kind police officer contacted Jennifer J (not with DCIN at the time), who found the Boyz a foster home with Dian. DCIN, just in start-up mode at the time, coordinated the transport and recognized Beasley and Twinkie as its first foster diabetic cats. DCIN has tried various ways to get the Boyz adopted. We offered financial assistance with vetting (which is now common in our rescue as the Welcome to the Vet visits) and we offered to split the Boyz up. However as time went on, I think DCIN's friends came to understand that the Boyz were in the best place they could be. DCIN will continue to support the Boyz financially in the same manner it had when they were under foster care. For that reason, we will continue to ask for donations and sponsorships for Beasley and Twinkie. The PayPal button for those purposes are directly below. Happy Mother's Day to all. ~Venita **************************************************************************** February 28, 2012--Through most 2010 and all of 2011, the Orinch Boyz had their own blog pages. (Beasley here and Twinkie here.) We thought they would have a better chance at permanent homes if we offered them separately. However, that strategy certainly didn't work and foster Mom Dian has found that the Boyz have become very strongly bonded, and she doesn't want to separate them. Fair enough! These two boyz charm everyone who meets them. They are extremely well regulated on small doses of Lantus insulin. Twinkie has some health issues. His FIV+ status makes him susceptible to opportunistic infections. He has one now at the base of his ear (pinnae) apparently from some sort of skin break. In the past, due to stress, he overgroomed to the point of open wounds, but that is well controlled now. DCIN is creating PayPal donation and sponsorship buttons for all of its foster cats. These are the buttons for Beasley and Twinkie.

Payment Options

Option 1 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $10.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $15.00 USD - monthly Option 4 : $20.00 USD - monthly Option 5 : $25.00 USD - monthly

*********************************************************************** Update 4/16/10-- Twinkie now also has his own page. ************************************************************* Update 3/15/10--The Boyz have been with dian for 3 months now, with not a nibble on finding them a furever home. Sadly, we have decided that a dual adoption is likely standing in the way of them finding a new home and heart. So DCIN is going to start promoting separate adoptions. I am, in time, going to have a separate post for each of them, but I am starting with the very outgoing Mr. Beasley. His new page is here. ************************************************************* Update 3/5/10--Both Boyz, but Twinkie mostly, have been having problems with hot spots. Dian writes:

They both have e-collars on. They have been and still are on Zyrtec [a second generation antihistamine]. Increased to 5mg/day. Stopped the anti-itch cream because with e-collar on, they are healing. The vet put them on an antibiotic, which appeared to do nothing. They have received flea medication. Beef has been eliminated from their diet, and now on Buspar. Personally I think it is a obsessive compulsive disorder because they will start grooming and then over groom one spot and start pulling out hair. It is not ringworm, mange, staph infection of skin, flea allergy, beef allergy, and the only fish they get is fish oil and that is one little cap squeezed out in AM. So will keep collar on and continue with Buspar and Zyrtec at least until Zyrtec is gone. Not sure it is really doing anything cause they do not appear to be itchy. They follow you around like puppy dogs and come when called. Twinkie this AM, when I opened the fridge (we have a commercial fridge), climbed in. Was so cute.

*********************************************************************** Update 2/09/10--A video of Twinkie. A flyer that can be used to post information about Beasley and Twinkie is here. ********************************************************************* The Orinch Boyz are Beasley (left) and Twinkie. They are a highly bonded pair of orange tabbies, thus the moniker "The Orinch Boyz". Those who have orinches know the loving personalities those tabbies have. Here is a video of Twinkie giving dian love. This is a similar video of Beasley. These videos were taken only days after the Boyz got to dian. It's going to take work to find these Boyz a home together (which we all prefer). The back story on Beasley and Twinkie is that they were surrendered to a kill shelter because of a domestic abuse situation. Their mom surrendered them when she went into a shelter and could not keep them. Both boys are about 8 years old. One has been FD for 7 years, the other only a few months. Twinkie has tested positive for FIV, but we don't know whether he has the virus or was immunized for it. Both Boyz have received a dental. Neither cat has many teeth left. Please consider opening your heart and home to these love bugs. The FDMB Cats in Need Fund will raise $500 to pay future vet bills for the person who gives these two the furever home together they so deserve. If they are adopted separately, the fund will raise $200 to pay future vet bills for each. Now for fundraising. dian offered the Boyz a home provided she could get financial help for everything associated with temporarily caring for them--food, litter, insulin, syringes, test strips, lancets, vet visits.... If you would like to help support dian in her care of the Boyz, you can donate through PayPal to the FDMB Cats in Need Fund (Ennis93 AT att DOT net). I know this is a hard time financially for most of us, but even a small amount will help. All donations will be used for the care of the Boyz, either in dian's home or in the furever home(s) we have promised dian we will help to find for them. Some people are sending supplies to dian in lieu of monetary donations. That works too.

Twinkie is Home

October 31, 2013--It seems I failed to announce here way back that dian adopted Twinkie. But Twinkie, dian, the DCIN team, and all of Twinkie's friends knew that Twink had been forever home. ~Venita

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February 25, 2011--Mr. Beasley bathes Twinkie.

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Update 1/10/11--Twinkie and his friend Beasley remain in foster at dian's home. It's been more than 13 months. Here's a video of Twinkie getting a bath this past summer. You can see more photos of Twinkie and Beasley on dian's photobucket album here. ********************************************************************  

Update 7/4/10--This beautiful orinch boy has now been in foster care for seven months. We know Twinkie will be difficult to place because of his FIV+ status. Twinkie need not be adopted with his companion, Beasley. Twinkie did get a cortisone shot in late April for his self-inflicted skin sores. That raised his blood glucose levels, and hence his insulin dosage, for awhile, but he is now back to good numbers at a lower dose. Twinkie now eats fish, beef and, chicken friskies without problems. He remains on lysine, fish oil, and transfactor to help with his suppressed immune system. Twinkie now weighs 11 lbs. 2.2 oz, down from 12 lbs. 9.8 oz when he was brought into foster care. He is holding in the 11 lbs. range. Twinkie's blood glucose spreadsheet is here, and remember--DCIN will transport him to you and pay $200 in future vet bills. ***********************************************************************  

April 16, 2010--Twinkie has been in a foster home for four months. We have been trying to rehome him together with his brother, Beasley. However, the time has come to separately present them for adoption. Twinkie is an 8 year old, neutered male, short haired, insulin-dependent orange tabby. Might you be this extra sweet boy's forever person? Beasley and his brother found their Mum and each other early in life. Sadly, last fall Mum went into a domestic abuse shelter and had to surrender her cats to an animal shelter where they were to be euthanized. But a caring group of people owned by diabetic cats are sponsoring them in a foster home. Twinkie has been eating non-beef, non-fish, wheat gluten free canned Fancy Feast. He also loves raw food, but he gets a special version made with lightly boiled chicken because of his questionable FIV status. Twinkie came to his foster home slightly overweight, but now weighs a perfect 11-ish pounds. Twinkie is a loving cat, on his own terms. The video below was taken just a couple days after moving into his foster home. Twinkie will follow his foster Mum, comes when called, allows Mum to hold him. But he is pretty much a loner. He likes to lie by himself although will spend a little time with Mum and will jump on her lap but does not stay there long. He loves head rubs but anywhere else it seems he is sensitive to touch. Twinkie gets along well with Beasley. Twinkie has had little exposure to his foster Mum's own cats, and has hissed at them and at dogs (but has not lashed out). His foster Mum believes that with proper introductions and in the proper environment, Twinkie will get along. Twinkie was diagnosed diabetic in October 2005. Before he came to his foster home, he was on NPH insulin and his blood glucose levels were not being hometested. There is nothing in the vet records we have to indicate Twinkie has ever shown clinical symptoms of diabetes, and he shows none now. There is no recorded history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia. Twinkie receives Lantus insulin shots twice a day and his blood glucose history is here. His insulin needs are reducing as his diabetes becomes better regulated. Twinkie had a dental procedure in December 2009 and has only 3 teeth left. He has had no recent or current urinary tract problems. He consistently uses the litter box. He is up-to-date on vaccines. Twinkie tests FIV+, but we cannot tell whether this is the result of vaccination antibodies or from the virus. He does show pretty constant symptoms of an upper respiratory problem (runny eyes and sneezing) and is on Lysine and occasional antihistamines for that. Twinkie licks and pulls hair on hot spots. He has been vetted for this, and treatment has included Zyrtec and Chlortrimaton antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-itch cream, Lysine, 4Life Transfer Factor Classic, fish oil (omega-3), diet changes as described above, humidifier, an e-collar, and antibiotics. Only the e-collar has helped by barring him from getting to the hot spots and allowing hem to heal. The foster Mum does not believe the hot spots are itchy because Twinkie does not scratch. He starts to groom, becomes obsessed with an area, and grooms until it is raw. Because of his diabetes, we have not treated him with steroids. The vet also has prescribed Buspar (anti-anxiety medication) in case this is an obsessive/compulsive disorder. The vet records we have on Twinkie are available for inspection. If you have no experience treating a diabetic cat, not to worry. Two diabetic cat Internet support Boards with a combined membership of over 1,500 people can help you learn the proper treatment and feeding of diabetic cats. Depending on your location, we can give you a “hands-on” demonstration of home testing blood glucose levels and insulin shots. DCIN requires an adoption application, will interview potential adopters, and will call vet references. We can arrange transport for Twinkie to his new home. DCIN will pay $200 for Twinkie's future vet bills.

Beasley near Pittsburgh PA

February 24, 2011--The Boyz seeking a treat from Grandma, Beasley on the right. (This is a recent pic; the camera mis-dated it.) ********************************************************************* Four Cats out of Five Update 1/10/11--Beasley and his friend Twinkie remain in foster at dian's home. It's been more than 13 months. Here's Beasley enjoying himself this past summer. You can see more photos of Beasley and Twinkie on dian's photobucket album here. ****************************************************************** Update 7/4/10--This beautiful orinch boy has now been in foster care for seven months. Frankly, we are stumped why no one has adopted him. He need not be adopted with his companion, Twinkie. Beasley did get a cortisone shot in late April for his self-inflicted skin sores. That raised his blood glucose levels, and hence his insulin dosage, for awhile, but he is now back to good numbers at a lower dose. Beasley now eats fish, beef and, chicken friskies without problems. He can tolerate raw food as a treat, but does not prefer it. Beasley's weight is down to 14 lbs. 3.2oz down from the 18 lbs. 12.4 oz he was when he came into foster acre. Blood glucose spreadsheet here, and remember--DCIN will transport him to you and pay $200 in future vet bills. ********************************************************************* March 14, 2010--Beasley has been in a foster home for three months. We have been trying to rehome him together with his brother, Twinkie. However, the time has come to separately present them for adoption. Beasley is an 8 year old, neutered male, short haired, insulin-dependent orange tabby with white markings. He is the most dear boy; he lives to love. Might you be this extra sweet boy's forever person? Beasley and his brother found their Mum and each other early in life. Sadly, last fall Mum went into a domestic abuse shelter and had to surrender her cats to an animal shelter where they were to be euthanized. But a caring group of people owned by diabetic cats are sponsoring them in a foster home. Beasley has been eating non-beef, non-fish, wheat gluten free canned Fancy Feast. He is being changed over to homemade food to see whether his skin condition (discussed below) improves. Beasley, who is on a weight loss regimen, weighs 16+ pounds, having lost about 2.5 pounds since coming to his foster home. Beasley will sleep on you or right next to you, wants to sit in your lap and to be held, and purrs up a storm. This is a video of him a couple days after reaching his foster home. Beasley comes when called and will follow you around like a puppy dog. Beasley has had little exposure to his foster Mum's own cats, and has hissed at them and at dogs, but has not lashed out). His foster Mum believes that with proper introductions and in the proper environment, Beasley will get along. Beasley was diagnosed diabetic in October 2005. Before he came to his foster home, he was on NPH insulin and his blood glucose levels were not being hometested. There is nothing in Beasley's past vet records to indicate he has ever shown clinical symptoms of diabetes, and he shows none now. There is no recorded history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia. Beasley receives Lantus insulin shots twice a day and his blood glucose history is here. His insulin needs are reducing as his diabetes becomes better regulated. Beasley had a dental procedure in December 2009 and has only 3 teeth left. He has had no recent or current urinary tract or upper respiratory problems. He consistently uses the litter box. He is FIV/FeLV negative and up-to-date on vaccines. Beasley sometimes scratches himself and opens his skin, causing sores. His foster Mum will put him in an e-collar to allow the open sores to heal. The vet records we have on Beasley are available for inspection. If you have no experience treating a diabetic cat, not to worry. Two diabetic cat Internet support Boards with a combined membership of over 1,500 people can help you learn the proper treatment and feeding of diabetic cats. Depending on your location, we can give you a “hands-on” demonstration of home testing blood glucose levels and insulin shots. DCIN requires an adoption application, will interview potential adopters, and will call vet references. We can arrange transport for Beasley to his new home. DCIN will pay $200 for Beasley's future vet bills.

Musical Mayhem 2009--FDMB Cats in Need Fundraiser

Musical Mayhem was a resounding success for FDMB Cats in Need. Net of costs, we raised $1,027 through the sale of 100 copies of the CD.

I wish to thank Simon (Simon and Sam; Jazzdoc) of the Feline Diabetes Message Board for creating this collection of music for this fundraising. The response to his product has been fabulous.

I also wish to thank Deb415 for her design of the artwork and SF Video for producing such a professional looking product.

During the fundraiser, I also sold copies of Simon's other fundraising CDs, and have sent those funds to Julie and Smokey's Another Chance Pet Rescue and Maureen's Our Lady of Mercy's Catnip Cottage.

Although all of the SF Video produced CDs have been sold, I can still make copies of Musical Mayhem 2009 available. They just won't have the fancy cover and disc art. I can also sell copies of the other three of Simon's CDs. Any net proceeds will go to the sponsoring organization.

MUSICAL MAYHEM 2009 1. It's Beginning to Look A Lot like Christmas 2. The Alleluia Chorus 3. What Child is This 4. Winter Wonderland 5. Ave Maria 6. Carol of the Bells 7. Christmas Fantasy for Wind Band 8. In the Bleak Midwinter 9. Charlie Brown's Christmas 10. Remembering You at Christmas 11. Christmas Medley 12. Jingle Bells 13. Santa Claus is Coming to Town 14. Trepak: from ‘The Nutcracker’ Suite 15. Sleigh Ride 16. Silent Night 17. The Wonder of Christmas 18. White Christmas 19. We Wish You a Merry Christmas 20. The Christmas Song (For John ... Never Forgotten)

Bumperic (formerly Raisin) Goes Home to Massachusetts

Update 9/29/10--Sadly, Bumperic escaped from his carrier on July 13, 2010. He is still missing, although Heather feels that he is near. She has posted locally and on Craig'sList, and consulted an animal communicator about him. Should Bumperic return, Heather plans to rehome him because he is a loner and needs to be an only cat or with fewer cats. He continued to be a diet-controlled diabetic when he ran off. ********************************************************************** Update 2/13/10--Heather writes:

At midnight tonight (one hour from this post) it will be two weeks exactly since Bumperic's last shot! He is so happy (and so are Shaun and I!). He's put on weight and his fur is soft and shiny, and it's all grown in on his back where he had lost fur. But he's starting to lose fur on his tail again so I've got to get him another flea treatment. Yesterday I picked him up and then I wasn't so sure who I was holding! (I have two black cats) So he's come a long way if I'm mistaking him for Doogie!

The new photo of Bumper shows how well he is doing!! ********************************************************************** Update 12/23/09--Heather, Bumper's new mamabean writes:

Bumperic says thank you to everyone who has helped him! He wants to say a special thank you to Cindy and Mousie, Suzanne and Nemo, Marialyce, Mary and Stormy Blue, and Venita and the Boyz. And also to the FDMB angel who ordered Simon's CD for his mom. And also a huge thank you to everyone who donated to the FDMB cats in need fund, and especially to Kim and her sister for saving his life from the streets this Christmas season. There are other people who need to be thanked too, those who have offered to help but I haven't answered all my PM's or emails (sorry!!! I'm trying!!!) Bumper knows the word "food." He was sleeping last night in the kitty condo and this morning I asked him if he wanted "food." He immediately came out, which usually he won't do, and gladly offered his ear for testing. He purred and purred and put up with me trying to get blood. He had about four or five meals today and is very happy.

*********************************************************************** Update 12-06-09--Heather has adopted Raisin, now named Bumper. This is what she wrote after she got him home.

He just downed a whole can of food and is now on his second helping. I tried to test him but couldn't get enough blood. He really wanted to eat so I gave up testing for the moment. Raisin is a really mellow cat. He only cried a little bit on the way up from RI and at one point he stuck his head out of the sherpa bag when I had to go into Walmart for the testing supplies, but he was very well behaved. Thank you everyone for all your help, and especially you and your family Kim, for rescuing this loveable guy! I hope you don't mind if I change his name though. Anyone want to help name him? He's a very handsome black kitty.

Fundraising update: Although Bumper was a short-distance adoption and no moneys were needed for that, fundraising is ongoing for Bumper's day-to-day diabetic needs--insulin and test strips. ***************************************************************************** 12-04-09--Kim took in a stray cat that her sister was feeding on her porch. She took him in because it was pretty cold Saturday night, he was very friendly but also skinny, and had hair loss due to a (now corrected) flea problem. (Kim's sister had taken the cat, now named Raisin, to the vet the week prior and got him all his shots, Revolution, de-wormer, and he's already fixed.) Turns out, Raisin is diabetic-Kim noticed how much water he was drinking the first 12 hrs she had him in her finished basement. She's going through with getting him regulated, but can't keep him. Kim has a big male cat (Dakota) who's very aggressive towards cats he doesn't know. Long story short--it's serious aggression and stress affects Dakota's health and the safety of her other cat, Lola. Kim won't take Raisin to a shelter--they'd put him down. The few no-kill shelters there are in Rhode Island are full. Kim needs to find Raisin a home.

• He's 5-6 yrs old, all black but with some white on the chest and feet.
• Fixed male, up to date on all shots
• In the process of being regulated.
• He's 10 lbs-should be 12 per the vet, as he's a long cat.
• He has a great temperment and is very affectionate-purrs, rubs your leg, loves head scratches. Also likes catnip. The vet techs said what a great cat he was--one of them held him like a baby on his back while she worked on getting some litter out from the fur between his toes on a back foot.

Kim is located in Rhode Island, but would travel up to 12 hours to deliver this little guy to a new loving home. She believes someone turned him out because they didn't want to deal with his issues--when Kim's sister found Raisin, he had a collar on. Calls to the shelter didn't turn up any lost pet claims. People let this cat down and she can't do that to him. Kim is treating Raisin's diabetes, but really needs to find him a home within the next 2-3 weeks. Most of the initial expense will have been paid already. Kim is looking for someone who will adopt Raisin, or direct her to a group who can foster him while a new home can be found. Kim says: "He was just so sad, all huddled up against the cold wind on my sisters porch that i HAD to do something.... All his vet records are at the Warwick Animal hospital, and can be faxed to whomever adopts him. I could also pay for the next vet visits to get him regulated. I'm really at a loss. I'm willing to help this cat who's had some rough times, but I have to think of the health of the other two I already have as well. Thanks so much for any insight, suggestions or anything that can help this kitty get a new home!"

Juniper Has Moved to Atlanta

Update 2/26/10--Marialyce wrote in part on the FDMB:

Juniper and I drove to Atlanta last Saturday. It was a gorgeous sunny day and she did very well in the car for the 3 hour trip. She and my friend Ann seemed to get along very well. Ann is a very experienced cat mom, so I have no worries about Juniper with her. My 3 remaining kitties are much more relaxed and eating better since Juniper has left. There is peace in the house most of the time, George does taunt Fanciface occasionally, that's not likely to ever stop. I am glad that I was able to get Juniper OTJ and find her a loving furever home.

************************************************************* Update 2/14/10--Marialyce writes on the FDMB.

Juniper will be moving to Atlanta to become an only cat, just as she wishes! Hopefully the travel will be next weekend, pending weather. She will be going to a friend of mine that I have known for more than 30 years, so this is very positive for her.

Peace and happiness in your new home, Juni. ***************************************************************** Update 2/6/10--Despite a major snowstorm that threatened to strand Marialyce and Juniper in Milwaukee, they made it home to Alabama on December 8, 2009, almost as scheduled. Marialyce started Juniper on insulin and by the middle of January 2010, Juniper was off the juice.

However, Juniper is not settling in well at Marialyce's home. She is starting fights with Marialyce's three other cats, and those cats are fearful of Juniper. Marialyce feels it is time to find a different home for Juniper, one where she can be the only cat she seems to want to be. This is the flyer on Juniper. Please let us know if you are interested in giving Juniper a home.

**********************************************************************

The Sugarcats Board got this posting from Dr. Jami Quick at the Tender Care Animal Hospital in Prairie du Chien, WI:

I am a veterinarian in Wisconsin, desperately looking for a home for a 5 year old diabetic Maine Coon cat. She is sweet, but obese. She needs to be on insulin and is not yet and the owners would like her euthanized instead. I truly believe this cat will not need insulin once her weight is managed. Her name is Juniper and she is a great cat. Please let me know if you can help her!!

The FDMB sprang into action as Hope + (((Baby)))GA bought Juniper a two week stay of execution by paying for vet boarding. However, the two weeks won't be needed as Marialyce (feathersby) stepped up to adopt the cat, sight unseen. Marialyce will be flying from Alabama to Milwaukee on Tuesday December 8 to pick up Juniper. Juniper will travel by car from Prairie du Chien to Milwaukee. The kitty and her new mom will fly back to Alabama the next day. FDMB Cats in Need is raising $600 to help with this transport. We don't have a picture yet, but I will post it when I get it.