Thursday, June 30, 2011

DCIN's Shelter/Rescue Program

This is a page under construction.

DCIN has increasingly been helping shelters with diabetic cats. The usual response of a shelter to the intake of a diabetic cat is that the cat is not adoptable and that he should be immediately destroyed to minimize his suffering from untreated diabetes.

That does not have to be the case.

DCIN is in the beginnings of developing a shelter/rescue program. Actually, we have been tossed into the deep end of the pool this week with two shelter—one in PA and one in GA—coming to us with diabetic cats with which they would like our help.

DCIN does not have a facility to house diabetic cats or an established foster network. With a cat that need rehoming, we usually facilitate the placement of the cat into a new home. Sometimes that placement can take a long time.

We want to work with shelters and rescues to understand that diabetes is not a death sentence. And, as long as we are able, DCIN would like to support their treatment of diabetic cats pending adoption by enabling them to acquire insulin, syringes, testing equipment, and low-carbohydrate wet food. We also will provide education and mentoring.

What shelters personnel need to understand is that the stress of shelter life, and the dry food diet that most shelters provide the cats in their care, can throw a cat into hyperglycemia. We see this time and time again. DCIN pulls a cat from a shelter, someone gives it a loving home, a good diet, and a short course of insulin, and the cat is in remission from diabetes.

DCIN will be developing a program to inform shelter and rescue personnel of the facts of feline diabetes and its treatment. They need to understand the effects of shelter stress and dry food diet on cats. They need to understand that DCIN will, as long as it is able, provide the tools the shelters and rescues need to treat diabetic cats and perhaps get them into remission. Information for this latter purpose--what DCIN will provide to a rescue that fosters a diabetic cat--is on the adopt/foster page here.

DCIN is only scratching the surface of the feline diabetes problem. But we get a warm feeling for each one we save. Please see our Cats Helped in 2011 page here.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Welcome Home Benny!!

July 2, 2011--Hey folks, stop looking. I just heard from the daughter:
Thank you for getting back to me. However, I have just recently found Benny a good home here in the Philadelphia area, which seems to be working out well. Thanks again!
******************************************************************************

June 28, 2011--The woman Benny owned died about a month ago. She was his very favorite person, although he also loves his Mom's daughter. And she loves Benny, but she isn't able to take him back to her college dorm when she returns next term.

Benny is an 11YO, neutered male, DHS--white and black/gray/brown tabby. He is declawed and an indoor cat. He weighs 16 pounds, and is tall and dense.

Benny's Mom's daughter thinks he will adapt to a new owner as long as that person is willing to give him some attention (he loves one-on-one attention). Benny usually sleeps on the back of the couch and loves to be brushed and petted. He is generally very friendly but gets a little anxious at the vet. Benny currently lives with 4 other cats and gets along well with them. He is okay with children. He has never been around dogs.

Benny was diagnosed diabetic one year ago after his family noticed his excessive thirst and hunger. He has no history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)? We have been told that his blood glucose levels are under control with 2.5 units of PZI (Protamine Zinc Insulin, U40) twice per day. He is not being hometested.

The vet has told the daughter that Benny's BG levels were initially very high (400 or 500) and then it has been kept under control with 2 then later 2.5 units of insulin. When the daughter took Benny to the vet a couple weeks ago, his sugar was in the 100s.

Every day, Benny eats one can of Purina ProPlan Kitten Chicken/Liver Food (split into morning and afternoon feedings) along with a small amount of Hill's Prescription M/D dry.

Benny has no other health problems. He had a couple teeth removed four years ago because they got infected. He has no behavior problems such as spraying or inappropriate urination. Benny needs his annual vaccinations in August, and has not been tested for FIV/FeLV since he was a kitten (when he was negative).

The daughter says that Benny is not at risk of euthanasia. "I will find him somewhere to go and he will NOT go to a shelter!"
I really love Benny and it is really hard for me to have to give him away. He was my mother's favorite cat and I also love him dearly. He is truly a wonderful pet.

Jitterbug


August 27, 2012--Jitterbug is a cat DCIN helped in the summer of 2011. She was in the Delaware County PA SPCA foster system with her kittens, and was returned to the shelter for spaying and adoption after she weaned her litter. But she was diagnosed diabetic, and the shelter contacted DCIN. DCIN worked with the shelter to treat Jitterbug's diabetes, and placed her with Papa Don in Virginia.



Thursday, June 23, 2011

Fly Free, Mer

October 11, 2011--Mer became very ill. She was having trouble breathing and not eating without assistance. Dale took her to vets, including a radiology specialist, who reported that Mer might have heartworms. She also had a small hole in her lung that could eventually result in pyothorax (cause was given as possibly heartworms).

Mer's Mom Lisa retrieved Mer from Dale's care and Mer was euthanized. A friend of Lisa's wrote us:
Apparently, Mer had contracted an Upper Respiratory Infection, which complicated her Diabetes (hence the Clavamox). The vet was most expressive in the fact that there was no guarantee for Mer's recovery since the infection was so severe and the road to her recovery, if even possible, would be a long, miserable experience for the Mer. The vet read over the reports from your vet and informed that the best thing for Mer would be to just go to sleep.
i>

**************************************************************************
June 23, 2011--Why is Mer named Mer? That is the sound she makes. MER.

Last weekend, Dale brought Mer to her house to treat her diabetes.Once she is regulated or into remission, she will go back to her Mom.

Friday, June 17, 2011

3 Diabetic Cats in NY; Bean has Cancer

June 17, 2011--I got this email this morning:
Hello,

I am reaching out to you for advice and assistance, as I am not sure who to reach out to. My grandfather has three cats, ranging from 15-17 years, all of which are diabetic. He has for years provided shots for them, as well as medicine.

My grandfather is undergoing chemo treatment and is too frail to take care of them. He loves these cats and refuses to leave them, which is effecting his quality of life.

I am wondering if you could point me to a hospice or pet referral center that is located in New York—NYC, upstate, or Long Island.

The cats are older, but otherwise healthy (and shy). Please let me know if you have any advice.
I responded:
I am so sorry to hear of your grandfather's situation. I can only imagine how difficult this is on him, you, and the three cats. Your grandfather must be a most awesome man. But there comes a point at which he must put his own health needs first.

Diabetic Cats in Need does not have a shelter or foster network. We do our best to find a new situation for diabetic cats. Offhand, I do not know any hospice or pet referral centers in NY, but let's see what we can do.

I will post your message (without phone #) on DCIN's Facebook page and on a couple internet sites of caregivers of diabetic cats. I'll start getting the word out and ask for ideas.

In the meanwhile, I ask that you continue your search. Google searching, I came up with Animal Hospice of NY and Angel's Gate as pet hospices in NY. However, there also is a recent article about possible cruelty at Angel's Gate. Even before I saw that article, I was going to warn you that there often are allegations of inadequate care at animal hospice facilities and that you should personally visit any facility you are considering and ask for and check out references.

We might get suggestions of facilities that are not nearby. Or suggestions of high-end facilities. Here is one established by the Vet School at Texas A&M. The fees are huge. But depending on your grandfather's means and his love for his pets, he may want to consider something like this.

We may find someone(s) who is (are) willing to adopt one or more of the cats into their own home(s). For this purpose, could you email me photos of the cats, with their names? Otherwise, I think we have all the information we need for the time being.

I am sure you have considered talking with your grandfather about having his cats euthanized. This is a quote from a vet acquaintance of mine when discussing euthanasia for pets when the caregiver passes. "Cruel is allowing them to go to some of the hell holes that are otherwise called 'sanctuaries'. Or to have them end up in a shelter...or in a home that simply did not love or care for them properly.... If I get hit by a bus tomorrow, I do have a friend who will take my cats. If that person is no longer able or willing, then I have another friend who has been instructed to have them humanely euthanized." I am certainly not pushing this solution, but I wanted to put it on the table.

PS--It took me some time to put this together because I kept getting teary-eyed for your grandfather and his beloved cats. He is a marvelous man having cared for three diabetics. I wish I could have known him. Please let him know that he and his cats have my prayers, and that I am a cancer survivor and understand the hell of chemotherapy.
If you can help, please let DCIN know. Post here or email to ennis93 @att.net (remove space). And please crosspost.

For those who wonder about me putting out the PTS option---I might not have done that in a different situation or for younger cats.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Paisley, Rest Peacefully

May 28, 2015 -- DCIN bid a sad farewell to Paisley yesterday. Her Mom gently helped her to the vastness because of a quick-growing liver mass that seriously affected her health.

Mom's heart is broken. Mom has had her heart-cat Paisley since she adopted her through DCIN in July 2011. Paisley was in a shelter that might have destroyed her for being diabetic. Paisley likely will continue to crawl on her Mom's chest and hug her neck from the beyond, just as she did in life. ~Venita

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

Paisley above. Scottie and Barry below.
October 2, 2014--Paisley needed a dental a couple days ago because she had chipped an upper canine. She ended up with NINE extractions. She is doing well at home on pain meds and antibiotics.

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

April 5, 2012--Paisley has a serious run-in with a UTI the last couple of weeks. DCIN helped with about $260 of vetting for that. It was touch and go for awhile because Paisley kept acting like she would not eat, but Lylene, as any good mother would, syringe fed her food. Paisley finally turned around after about day 3 on the ABx.

While the vets (yes, two separate visits) were examining Paisley is that she needs a dental--immediately. And it turns out so does her brother, Barry.

Please help DCIN help Lylene pay for those procedures, and for the advance vetting that had to be done to get Paisley's UTI cleared up and her back to eating.

We are wrapping the chip-in for the two cats together and seeing how close we can get to $1,000 for both of them. The advance vetting to prep them for dentals cost DCIN $500.

*********************************************************************************
August 2011--Lylene writes about Paisley:

Greetings from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We are proudly known as Yoopers. We have our own way of living here and it suits laid back cats with diabetes. Those poor souls who live below the Mackinac Bridge in the Lower Peninsula are known as Trolls. They have our sympathies.

Paisley's journey from Troll to Yooper actually started in June of 2009 when Barry, a cat at our local shelter, was diagnosed with diabetes. His life, as did Paisley's, hung in the balance. Armed with information I obtained from the Feline Diabetes site and a few other sources as to how feline diabetes is treatable, the shelter manager decided to foster Barry. After I cat sat for Barry during her two week vacation, it was decided that Barry could get more consistent care with me. Thus began my journey into living with a diabetic cat. After five months on Lantus, Barry's diabetes is now diet controlled.

Those are some gorgeous ears, Ms. Paisley!!
After seeing so many diabetic cats on the DCIN blog, I decided that I could open my home to another special needs cat. My first stop was our local shelter to talk to the manager. Then I saw this beautiful cat named Paisley on DCIN. She was in a shelter in the Lower Peninsula and a home was being desperately sought so she would not have to be euthanized. Time was running out for this thin, timid girl who seemed to have so much potential. I decided that, given my experience with Barry, I would apply to adopt her. Jessica, Paisley's advocate at the shelter and Venita agreed.

On July 26, 2011, I picked up Paisley from the shelter. She looked so petite and fragile. We spent the night with relatives in a nearby town just in case we ran into any difficulties. Everything went fine and I found that she wasn't nearly as timid as she had appeared. We headed home the next afternoon and Paisley officially became a Yooper at 1:00 a.m. on July 28, 2011.

She has her own bedroom and is gracious enough to let me nap with her. Besides Barry, four cats, two large dogs, and two turtle doves call this home. Outside are chickens, ducks, geese and a turkey. They provide entertainment. Moths provide occasional exercise and snacks. She is slowly getting used to the other cats and dogs. We are having problems with Paisley attacking one particular cat. She was grounded for a few days and now wears a harness and leash when she is out of her room.

Treating the diabetes is still a work in progress. Her diet is mostly raw with grain-free Wellness once in a while. Her blood sugar is tested several times through the day. It's not her favorite thing to do but I make sure to spend time with her to make up for poking her ear. Paisley's ears to a bit of getting used to as Barry's ears are thick and hers are very thin. Keeping everything together so it is ready when it is time to test is very helpful and decreases stress.

Paisley is on Lantus insulin. Dosage is adjusted according to her blood sugar. The Feline Diabetes Message Board members have been great. Given that we are in a rural area with limited access to veterinary care, it's helpful to have another resource available. One of the major difficulties I've run into is that many veterinarians are not extremely familiar with feline diabetes and its treatment. They may not be familiar with home testing and well versed with how the various types of insulin work on cats. Given the wide variety of illnesses and injuries veterinarians face daily, it must be difficult to keep up on the latest illnesses and treatments. That is why it's so important to double check and ask questions.

Caring for a diabetic cat can be stressful. Insulin must be given at specified times and it seems something is always causing a bit of concern. The rewards are great. Watching a cat blossom touches your heart is such a special way. Even though I have to work my schedule around Paisley, it is definitely worthwhile. Trying to get blood for a test and it just is not working is so frustrating. Knowing that the pokes hurt her a bit make me step back and look at the goal. Always remember the goal. Always remember the lives saved because you are willing to open you home and heart.




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

July 3, 2011--Paisley will soon own Lylene (of Lylene and Barry from the FDMB). Paisley is now staying at home with Jess, the shelter's vet tech, until she can be spayed and recover the week of July 11. Then Lylene, who lives just about as far north as Michigan goes, will pick Paisley up from Jess. DCIN will not have to put together a transport train.

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

June 27, 2011--From Mindy, a person living close to the shelter where Paisley is, and who went to visit her last Saturday.
Paisley is a very sweet, quiet, and cuddly kitty. She loves to be held and cuddled, and is very content sitting on/in your lap. She purred easily when I held her, and was just fine with my kids petting and loving her up. She is not a high-energy kitty, but I can't help but wonder if that changes as she gets better and gains more weight. Jessica has gotten one love-nip from Paisley when she stopped petting her--apparently Paisley wasn't done getting affection, but she said it didn't hurt.

Jessica said Paisley has gained 6oz since the food/insulin switch, and her coat has improved. To me she is definitely still too skinny (and to Jessica as well), but she's eating plenty and is very happy with her Fancy Feast food. She does have dandruff and sheds a lot, but again, I think as she continues to get better, that will improve/disappear. Her ears and eyes are clean. Her teeth may need a cleaning when she's healthy, but they don't look bad. All of them looked present to me. And she didn't put up a fuss about me checking her out either. Jessica said her other blood level values had all cleared up since the food/insulin change (apparently there were a few that were slightly off before, but they are now all perfectly in line).





I tested Paisley when Jessica left the room for a minute, and she purred through the whole thing. Jessica said she usually tests/shoots while Paisley is eating, and she doesn't even twitch. She does bruise rather easily at the test site, though, so Jessica does not test terribly often, but always tests before giving a shot. She has adjusted her dose once already (increase), and was preparing to do another curve on Sunday. She said Paisley's numbers are fairly predictable already--usually 200s in the morning, and 300s in the evening. Jessica said she was also hoping to do a urinalysis on Paisley, but as of yet hadn't been able to get her to pee in the plastic litter. Oh, and Jessica said she read the scruff v. flank debate for shots, and said Paisley does not seem to care where she gets her shot (she's done scruff, flank, and stomach/side area). Paisley would not allow for paw testing, so is VERY happy that Jessica now has a meter and can prick her ear instead of doing a blood draw. Jessica said Paisley is also not drinking or peeing as much as before.

I am attaching the pics I took and the video. We were in a small room, and Paisley wanted to be loved more than she wanted to walk, but she did appear ambulatory under her own power.




I emailed Jessica last night with a PDF of my Max's spreadsheet. She was very excited to hear that so many cats have gone into remission. Both she and the vet she is working with have no experience with a FD going into remission. They are both learning from Paisley and from all of us. I also sent her a link to Janet & Binky's food charts so they can investigate canned food carb values further. I gave Jessica my meter and the new vial of strips I had--the meter has been discontinued, so I need to get a new one anyway. The strips will expire at the end of the year, and we'll never use them all up at home. I also brought a small baggie of freeze-dried chicken treats and gave that to Jessica as well. She was floored to find out there was such a thing, and that my cats go crazy for it. More importantly, she was excited to have a treat option that was safe for Paisley to eat.



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




June 20, 2011--I spoke to Jessica (vet tech extraordinaire at the shelter) today about Paisley. Ms. P. is being very good about hometesting, and has been on Lantus for 3 days. This morning, her PS was in the 200s. She is looking like she is feeling better. The shelter has found a way to give her the Lantus twice/day, although I didn't ask what that way is.

Paisley is now solely eating Fancy Feast Classic--about 6 cans/day. Jess asked whether they should limit her food and I said no. She needs the nutrition and the weight.

Jess asked whether she should increase the Lantus dose. I explained about getting mid-cycle BG numbers. Jess will start testing her mid-cycle tomorrow.

We are talking about when to get Ms. P. spayed, which the shelter will do. DCIN also is talking to some folks about fostering or adopting Ms. Paisley. If you are interested, please throw your hat into the ring. I hear from Jess that Ms. P. is a most awesome cat.

I love working with this shelter and Jessica.

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

June 17, 2011--The shelter has agreed to try Paisley on Lantus insulin and hometesting, and to give her a bit more time before she is destroyed. (Thank you, shelter folks!!) The shelter received the insulin and testing equipment today. It also will take care of getting her spayed, or paying for her spay, if we find her a home.

We have had two offers of a temporary foster home if DCIN pays all the costs, but we really would like to find her a permanent home before we go the foster home route.

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


June 15, 2011-One week from today, Paisley will be destroyed if no one rescues her.

Paisley is a 4-5 YO, DSH orange tabby. She is an unaltered female that weighs about 6lbs, 5oz, on an 8-10 lb. frame. She came to a shelter on 5/4/2011, but the shelter cannot keep her because it cannot treat her. Here is the Craigslist ad for Paisley.Paisley does not seem to have a PetFinder listing with the shelter.

Paisley does well in shelter; she is a sweet cat purrs when held. However little else is known about her demeanor or whether she gets along with other cats, dogs, and children?

Paisley was diagnosed diabetic on 5/14/11. The shelter knows of no history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Paisley's current diabetes symptoms are PU/PD, weight loss, and hyperglycemia. Paisley is on Humulin N 10 units, once a day. (The shelter does not have the staffing to give shots twice a day.) Paisley is not tested with a glucometer. Her BG level when checked on 5/5/2011 was 395mg/dl. On 6/7/2011, it was 282mg/dl, but we have no info on when that reading was taken in relation to her insulin or food.

Paisley eats Dry Taste of the Wild (2/3 cup once a day) and Fancy Feast canned before each day's insulin shot.

Paisley has no other current medical issues. Her past medical history is unknown. The shelter knows of no nehavior problems. Paisley tested negative for FIV/FeLV on 5/4/2011. The shelter has not given her any vaccines.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Welcome to the Bridge, Angel!!

January 3, 2012-Angel's family lost her this past weekend. On New Year's Eve, Michelle wrote:
For those of you who don't already know, we lost our Angel today. She has had an inflamed liver for quite some time and cysts that have been growing in size and number. Last night and this morning, it seems that 3 of them ruptured causing saddle thrombus and finally while at the vet a ruptured spleen.

It was a nasty soul-fucking day... and yet all I can think of, is that my pain is somehow eclipsed by the love that I can still feel...

There's a hole in the world... but I'll be damned if I can't see beauty all the way through.
 May Angel fly free, and await the arrival of her most awesome family.

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

December 27, 2011: Angel's family is very sad with today's news. Sweet Angel is not feeling well.

Michelle writes: Angel is not doing well. We took her to the vet yesterday, because she's thrown up a lot of liquid in the last few days, she seemed pale and she's barely eating. She had blood work and yet another ultrasound. (She has Chloangiohepatitis) The vet found two more cysts and her globulin level was very high, suggesting the inflammation has increased. Her kidney values also have gotten worse and the vet said that her one good kidney did not look good. Our most pressing problem however is that she is anemic. (18.9 ) It's been progressively getting worse over the last few months and the vet said we'll need to consider Epogen. We're supposed to go back this weekend to let her know what we decide. I don't know what to do. If I'm understanding this correctly...we don't really have a choice... but if we do give her the med, she might develop antibodies and it would become worse. I don't want to lose her.

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

.
November 18, 2011--The latest from Michele about Angel:
Angel seems to be doing pretty well. The Oncologist we saw has an Internist that works with her and she had her review Angel's case.

After speaking with her (and my regular vet) we decided not to use steroids to treat her Cholangiohepatitis, due to her diabetes and the fact that she seems to be responding well without them. I feel comfortable with that decision - at least for now. Of course the steroids would also help with her IBD... but since it also seems to be under control right now, the risk seems greater than the benefit.

The Internist seems to really understand the risk that diabetes puts on already compromised kidneys and is very hesitant to do anything that might take her out of the diet controlled state she is in.

I'm just going to have to monitor her closely - a job I don't mind at all. :)
DCIN is making one final push on Angel's chip-in. Things are tight right now because DCIN also is fundraising for Tawny's emergency care. If you can help Michele and Angel, great!! We will add your donation to what DCIN has been able to raise of Angel.

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

October 20, 2011: We are saddened to learn that Angel is not well. Her loving family wrote the following: "Angel had an ultrasound a month ago and we saw what my vet thought was likely a dilated bile duct. Yesterday she had her follow-up and the news was not good. You can now see a very large mass on her liver.

She also has some thickening of the intestines and her kidney disease has progressed significantly."


Angel has been through so much in her life and has found an amazing loving family who cherish and love her so much. We hope that in some small way we can help by setting up a fund raiser to help with the oncologist visit.

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

June 17, 2011--Angel should be on her way home with new Dad Brian to new Mom Michele. Announcement post on FDMB.

My goodness. Isn't Angel's the most beautiful face?

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

Later on June 14, 2011--Angel has found a new home with a family from the South. The new Dad will be driving to MI to bring Angel home later this week. Congrats Mom and Dad. Welcome home, sweet Angel!!

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

June 14, 2011--Angel is a 10YO, white, front-declawed, spayed female, indoor, overweight diabetic. Look at those beautiful green eyes!! The cat's current owner of about one year has impairments and is not physically or mentally able to care for a diabetic cat. She is presently in foster care with the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.

We have been told that Angel is sweet and easy to handle. She loves to be petted and is playful but not very active. Angel's latest home had no other cats, dogs, or children, and we are not sure of her history with other pets of kids.

During a routine vet check earlier this year, Angel's glucose level was high and she was found to have a Urinary Tract Infection. She was treated for the UTI and rechecked. Her glucose level is still high. There is no known history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). She continues to have high glucose levels because she is not being treated.

Angel tested FeLV/FIV negative and received a FVRCP vaccine in 2010. Angel is at risk for euthanasia because the rescue does not have anyone able/willing to treat her diabetes.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Skipper is Gone

Just a generic black cat
June 9, 2011-We don't know what Skipper looked like, except that he had long black hair. We do know he was just a baby...6 years old. His momma loved him; he had been to the vet annually for an exam and shots. Although never the same vet.

But mom got sick with her own diabetes, had to lose her foot to the disease, and is now in a nursing home. Mom and her sister tried many things to find a home for Skipper, but none was found.

DCIN found out about Skipper yesterday when the sister made an appointment with a vet that had never before seen Skipper. The appointment was to destroy him. Not euthanasia--ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. They were killing him because there was no longer a place for him.

We were so close. The vet with which the sister had scheduled Skipper's last day refused to medically board him until Saturday. That vet knew nothing of his condition. All the sister had to do was drive Skipper across town. Take him to his regular vet. The folks at his regular vet were waiting for him. I had talked to the tech and the vet, three times we spoke.

Enough, the sister said. She had gone far enough on this journey with Skipper. She could not go the few extra miles to put him into a safe place where we could retrieve him. Uncle Don in Virginia was ready to foster this boy and nurse him back to health. We knew something was wrong with him being 6 years old and on 14U insulin twice a day. Diet, appropriate insulin management with hometesting. That's all skipper needed.

And a lap to sit on. The sister said that Skipper was a people cat. He liked to sit on a lap and be petted.

That's all he wanted. A lap and some petting.

Damn, we were so close.

I know the sister will read this. I told her how to find DCIN. My tears come because I am tired. I was only dozing during the night, keeping myself alert in case there was a phone call about Skipper.  I feared this end, but I also prepared myself for it. Fly free, baby. There are so many people who can feel your fur as you sit on their laps humming your joyful purr. Long and silky, your fur is. Rest now, baby. No one will ever dispose of you again.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rest Peacefully, Beloved Musette


...June 2, 2012--Please help DCIN pay for Musette's final expenses.
****************************************************************************************************

Princess Fluffybutt
June 1, 2012--Yesterday afternoon, Mel and Jon lost Musette to anemia. (((((Mel and Jon))))) Thank you for teaching Musette how to play with toys, what catnip is, how to accept hugs, and how to enjoy kisses. Thank you for giving her her brothers and sisters. Thank you for sharing with her your bed and pillow. Thank you for loving her clear blue eyes and bringing her nekked body back to its lustrous full coat. Thank you for holding her forever in your hearts.

Musette, you finally found the hearts and home that you always deserved. For a year you were able to hold those hearts in your paws, cherishing every moment. Enough love for a lifetime. Fly free, dear girl.

Our deepest sympathies also to Uncle Don who first brought the discarded Angel to his home and nursed her back to wellness so that she could travel home to Mel and Jon. Angel stole his heart, as she did so many. ~The DCIN Team~

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


May 25, 2012--Mel's posting from yesterday.
Still waiting on the vet to call me back so that I can inform him that I'm springing my girl tomorrow...may have to do it without his blessing but she and I had a talk today when I went to see her, and she wants out and out now. And I don't like asking about her glucose and her ketone readings at 1pm in the afternoon and being told we don't know...go pick up her chart and tell me. You can tell me I don't know off the top of my head I'll go find out, but don't just shrug your shoulders and walk away. Okay rant off.
Home NOW, Mom.

As far as Musette herself she is much much better today but clearly wants out of there and back home with mom, unless the vet can tell me something they are doing for her that I can't do here, I'm breaking her out tomorrow...my little girl that never has jumped off anything higher than my bed was willing to try to jump off the exam table and with two paws bandaged and multiple tubes in her. If I wasn't going to take her home today she was gonna walk out on her own. I had to catch her twice to keep her from trying to jump off the table, so I finally sat down on the floor with her, she came over snuggled in my lap for awhile and then once again went to the door, tried to paw it open and walk out...that tells me loud and clear she feels well enough to have momma play nurse.
****************************************************************************************************

May 24, 2012--Our little puffball is still at the after-hours vet. She had an esophageal feeding tube inserted on Tuesday afternoon. That procedure went well and she is tolerating the feeding well. A/D diluted with Clinicare. She was tested for pancreatitis (results still pending), was diagnosed DKA, and is on pain meds and antibiotics.

Mel went to see Musette yesterday (Wednesday) and reported:
Musette is a little more animated today than on Monday, but still clearly a very sick little girl. And she seems to have to do everything as quickly as possible not only did she crash like this on me virtually overnight, but she went from being fine to starting to turn yellow before they could get the feeding tube in her yesterday. Today when I saw her, her beautiful skyblue eyes were actually green looking.

I can't not go see her everyday, but it is so hard to see my fluffy-bouncy girl so ill, and to hear that awful death-rattle of a purr coming from her...She did briefly brighten up when she saw me, and tried to wiggle out of the tech's arms to get to me. Then the minutes she was in my arms she buried her head against my chest and wrapped her little paws around my arm. She has so many tubes and stuff attached to her, and she is getting so matted again...it is heart-breaking.


So many tubes, Mom.
We sat and cuddled for awhile and I sang to her the song I always sing when I test her or when we are settling down to go to bed...and for a few brief moments I got to hear her normal sweet little humming purr. It was very weak but it was there, but then she started to get wiggly again and acted like she was looking for her carrier, I think she thought I was there to spring her from the bad place that keeps poking her and prodding her. She wants to come home so bad and always looks so sad when I have to leave her again. I just hope by going to see her everyday she will realize I'm not abandoning her there, and that she just needs to get well enough to be able to come home.

Good news is that she did have a bowel movement yesterday and again today so things are getting better there. At the very least it looks like she will be there over the holiday weekend and then they will talk to me about bringing her home next Tuesday. They are kind of waiting to see what the bloodwork that they sent out has to say so we know exactly what all is going on with her, before releasing her to me, to make sure I have all the meds she needs and with a 3-day weekend coming up they are being cautious with her.


I love you, Mom.
The other good news at least I think it is...is right now they aren't giving her insulin because her BGs aren't elevated enough to need it, even with all she is going through her BGS yesterday morning was 132, last night even after several feedings she was down to 118 and this morning she was I believe they said 92....what they can tell me is that she doesn't have an infection. They asked if there was anyway she could have gotten into and eaten anything that could have caused the liver disease..I told them not that I knew off because there really isn't anything in the house that would be dangerous to her that isn't kept under lock and key. So we are still baffled.
***********************************************************************************************************

Please don't leave me
here, Mom.

May 22, 2012--Musette is still with the after-hours vet and still very sick. Her liver values and urinary ketones are high, her electrolytes are out out whack, and she is not eating. She is on IV fluids with electrolyte supplements, PZI insulin, and syringe feeding. If she is not better later today, we will be talking about putting an Esophageal feeding tube into her. We still don't know what brought this on.

Mel wrote me yesterday afternoon: "Just got back from going to see Musette...she looks so sad and so didn't want to be left there again, she was burying her head in my neck and chest and hugging my arms and neck when I would hold her. The picture is the best I could get with her either wrapped up round me or her trying to stand up and jump off the table to get back to me holding her."

Get well soon, fluffy girl. Please.

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

May 21, 2012--Yesterday afternoon Musette was out of sorts and not eating for the past 24 hours, and then showed moderate urinary ketones. She didn't have especially high blood glucose numbers and Mel said she wasn't dehydrated.

DCIN sent Mel and Musette to the after-hours vet. The treatment plan was BW, ketone check, IV fluids and (if needed) electrolytes, assisted feeding, insulin management--the normal ketone/DKA protocol. (Musette is a DKA survivor, so we have to be careful.)

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

Musette Smiling!!
12/28/2011--Musette has come a long ways from that poor thin shaved bobble head doll that arrived in our hearts and home last June 25th. She is up to 8lbs now which looks just about perfect on her. She has filled out wonderfully, she has learned to play, and has discovered the joys of catnip. Every morning we are now greeted with whisker kisses, head butts and paw pats, as well as a giant purr. For such a tiny little girl she has a purr as big as all outdoors. Oh and she talks now, if you talk to her she tries to answer you back, or if she thinks you are taking too long in getting something she wants she tells you about it. She doesn't really meow but has more of a raspy little voice like she really is trying to mimick human speech.

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

August 13, 2011--I get frequent updates from Mel about Musette. This is the latest one:
She has gained almost a full pound since she has been here. And she is absolutely the cuddlest cat in the household, the minute there is a lap to be had she is in it. Her fur is starting to come back and from the looks of it, she is going to have a lot of tortie markings when it is all back in. Her shoulders and hips are becoming very mottled in peach and smokey gray. Once we got her treated for fleas her aggressive side disappeared. I'm pretty sure she came here with them as everyone here has been kept on Advantage. It was really weird I never saw a single one on her, so when I treated everyone with their monthly flea treatment I just went ahead and did her too, the next day when I went to brush her out the dead ones came off her in buckets. The only thing I can figure out is that they were staying up around her next and tail where she actually had fur left. But now that they are gone, she is no longer turning around when she is being petted to take a chunk out of us.

She is still very much a Daddy's girl, she sleeps cuddled up to her daddy every night, ironically right where Muse use to sleep. Muse always preferred sleeping on Jon's pillow to mine, and that is the spot on the bed that Musette has claimed as hers...Which suits Maxwell just fine as momma's pillow is his. So far she is getting along well with everyone except Myrrdin, but then again no one really likes Myrrdin...as he is still just such a shitten.

Her numbers are still being difficult to get down and keep down but they are getting better, most days she stays in the low 200s, but I have been testing her for ketones and so far none to be seen. And she seems to be a happy little girl, as you barely look in her direction and she turns on the motor, and she wakes us up every morning with purrs, head butts and paw pats. Although I think she may have some arthritis in her hips, as I have noticed that when it is stormy here she will walk a little more stiffly and on those days she doesn't like me to pet her near her hips. But I really can't fault her there, when it gets stormy I ache pretty good myself.
*****************************************************************************

June 30, 2011--Musette is now home with Mel. Her transport was uneventful. Thanks to Don, Marcy, and Mel for handling the ground portions of her transport. Here are some pics of our little Bobbette in her new home. I am told that Musette is purring in the full face picture. She does look happier than in other pics I've seen of her.




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

June 21, 2011--Musette goes home to Mel and Jon this weekend. She flies Continental Cargo out of Dulles into Denver, where Marcy (and Klinger) will pick her up and drive her into Nebraska, where Momma and Dad will grab her and lovingly take her home.

DCIN is trying to raise the $500 it has spent for Musette's vetting up until now and her flight. Please help to send Musette home if; you can. If money is tight, please send happy flying vibes for Ms. Musette.

Click on "Fly Musette" to contribute through PayPal for Musette's costs.



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

June 18, 2011--A little update on Musette. She has been doing well with Uncle Don. She is eating like "a little piggie" and is happy to be there, purring for Don when she gets her blood tests. Yesterday, she crawled into his lap to have it done.

Musette went to the vet earlier this week because Don was concerned with her bouncy BG levels. On a single cycle, she can go between 60 and 400+ mg/dl. Don's other diabetic cats are fairly flat in their curves, and this had thrown Don for a loop. The vet had quite a handle on the situation, and helped Don to understand some techniques he might use to minimize that bounce. He has put them into place and found that they work. But Musette still has a way to go to tight regulation.

DCIN was going to fly Musette Continental Cargo from Dulles into Omaha next Friday. But the Omaha airport is at risk of being flooded by the Missouri River. Marcy (and Klinger from the FDMB) stepped in to help, and we changed Musette's landing point to Denver. Marcy will drive into Nebraska and meet Mel and her DH Jon with Musette. The date also has been changed to Saturday, June 25.

We are fundraising for Musette's costs to date, which include treatment (except boarding) at her rescue vet, treatment and rabies VAX at Don's vet, her interstate health certificate (which she needs to fly), and her flight cost. Thankfully, we don't have to buy a carrier to transport her because Don is donating the one his Toby came in. The total of her costs so far are $490, so I am going to ask Jennifer to make up a Chip-in widget for Musette for $500. (Chip-in won't let me join, and there is no support on that site to help me with my problem.) Until I get the Chip-in code from Jennifer, you can go to these instructions on the blog to make a donation.

Thank you all for your support, both financial and through prayers and well wishes. Mel will especially need your energy while Musette is in the air. I will be posting, probably on DCIN's Facebook page, information about how to track Musette's flights a week from today. I will be out of town, so Hope (and Baby from the FDMB) will be moderating the transport and keeping you up to date. She will be posting on the FDMB's Health Forum so that all, even those not a member of that Board, can follow the progress.

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

June 7, 2011--Musette's story is complicated, as many are. On June 1, DCIN received an email from Laurie in VA, who had received an email from HART, which knew a vet that would soon receive a diabetic Himalayan (Himi) cat. The cat's owners wanted to kill the cat because they no longer wanted or could pay for its diabetes treatment. The cat was named Angel. My goodness, what a maze of folks to work through to find the cat. DCIN often has to do this kind of A to B to C to D kind of searching for a diabetic cat that we learn about through email.

This one was easy. It didn't take much time to find the vet that had Angel. I knew that Mel wanted a female Himi, so I called her about Angel. Don had given me a "wild card" to send one more diabetic his way, either as a foster or for a permanent home. I called the vet, asked whether Angel was FIV/FeLV negative (which she is), and asked whether someone experienced with feline diabetes could visit her. Within a couple hours, Ronda (a volunteer and foster Mom for Fancy Cats) was there and told me that Angel was in good shape.

I told the vet tech (Jessica, bless her) that DCIN would "pull" Angel. I asked that Angel be given IV fluids and antibiotics, because she was dehydrated and had a UTI. The vet's office did this, and also shaved her because she was matted. This was done, and thus our bobble-headed kitty above.


On Saturday, June 4, Ronda and Don transported Angel to Don's house. Angel is doing fine, and the photo here was taken in the outdoor enclosure Don has for his cats.

Don would love to adopt Angel, but the following is why he is only Uncle Don to Angel. This is Mel's post about her dream about this cat, now named Musette by her soon-to-be Mommy, Mel.
On the day that was [Muse's] 1st anniversary at the bridge, I had spent the day going between bawling my eyes out and looking at himmies up for adoption. Since Muse passed I had been watching the breed rescues looking for that special himmie that called to my heart, and no one had, until I ran across Alex in Florida, but he can't be adopted outside of the county where he is, so he was out. But I really wanted another Himalayan, didn't need to be a purebred, but I wanted a female, and I wanted that one that really needed me. By the time for bed that night came I was exhausted both mentality and physically and was asleep I think before my head hit the pillow.

That night I had a dream of being in bed and having Maxwell jump on the bed and curl around my head like normal, then Lady Jane joins us and curls up under my arm, again this is her usual spot. But then I hear the radio playing in the background, and can see light coming from somewhere but the bedroom door is closed. I still remember thinking in the dream that Jon must be in the bathroom and that was where the light was coming from. I recognize the song on the radio it is "Send me an angel" suddenly there is a third cat on the bed with Maxwell, Lady Jane and I, she is laying in Muse's spot I roll over and there is Muse, lighter than she was in life, but the same face, just a more moonlit version of my girl. I hear a soft purring voice, sort of like how you can almost hear voices in a running stream that seemed to say, "I'm sending you an Angel, look for me in the eyes" and then Muse and the voice was gone, but I had this weird sense of peace and felt Maxwell and Lady Jane snuggle in closer. It didn't even dawn on me that Muse couldn't possibly have known or been with Maxwell and Lady Jane, as they joined the family after she left, it just seemed so natural that they would be there with her, as Muse was the only one before Maxwell and Lady Jane to be allowed to sleep with the humans at night.

The next morning I get a call for Venita, with "Guess what I found?" and its a she named Angel. I asked what she looked like if she was dark pointed or light pointed, Venita at that point didn't know but Ronda (Ginger's Foster Mom) was on her way to check her out and was taking a camera. Then I saw the first pictures of then Angel, now Musette. I was looking right at the face in my dream. That same moonlit version of my Muse. So the call went out to DH, "Can we please save another one? They want to kill her if we can promise them a home for her" at that point we only had a stay of execution until Saturday. He stalled, until I showed him her picture and he saw what I had seen...Our Muse's eyes looking at us from another face...it was then a quick yes, if she could be saved she would have a home to come to.

Now I hadn't told Jon about my dream when he started telling me about how he had dreamed that same night of Muse. His was a different from mine, but in his Muse had been lost and he was looking for her because I was upset and crying for her. When he heard her meowing to be let in the bedroom so he opened the bedroom door, with oh she must have just been sleeping downstairs and we didn't see her. He said when he opened the bedroom door this lighter version of Muse walked in and jumped up on the bed with me and touched her nose to mine before he woke up.

So we took that as the final sign that Muse did indeed send her mom an Angel. She knows how much she is loved and missed and she too wanted mom to stop crying and did the only thing she could think of sent mommy a gift from the bridge. Plus Jon and I had just been talking about how the family would be complete again if we had one more girl (that gives us 6 girls and 6 boys), and also how much we thought Maxwell would like to have someone his own age to hang out with when the kids get to be too much for him. Maxwell is about 12 years old the next in line by age is almost 5. Musette is 11 perfect age to be a buddy for Maxwell. And well that I really wanted another Himmie as I've always had at least one himmie around. This is the first time in a long time that there hasn't been a himmie in the house. But we also decided when Muse passed away and we adopted Maxwell that all new animals in the household had to met two criteria they had to be special needs and had to be at risk of PTS.

So now you have it, that was the dream and why our household is expending again, as soon as Lady Musette is well enough to travel, even if that means I don't get to snuggle her until later this summer or even if I have to wait until early fall. I would love to have her like yesterday, but I know she is in excellent hands until she can come home to us. And I don't want to rush her getting here until I'm sure I won't put her health at risk either in transport (flying in the heat) or once she gets here (she is kind of wobbly from neglect atm) and she will have big brothers and sisters here so she needs to be steady on her paws. And while we had intended to call her Seraphim, after seeing how much she resembles Muse in the face, the only logical name was Musette in honor of the beautiful angel that told her mom to be on the look out for the Angel that needed a mom and dad and an Uncle Don to love her.
DCIN will be transporting Musette to Mel and Jon once Uncle Don has nursed her back to wellness. Musette needs to gain weight, gain confidence, and get regulated on insulin. It may not be until the fall that the stars will align to get Musette to her new furever home. But she will, in time, be snuggling on the bed with Mel, Jon, Maxwell, and Lady Jane.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Sponsor a Cat in Need

One of DCIN's two primary projects is the Financial Assistance Project. Under this project, the conditions of which are described here, DCIN helps to pay diabetes treatment costs to keep a diabetic cat in its own home or to help a rescue/shelter/foster.

Financial Assistance is the DCIN project on which I prefer to spend my time. I would much rather keep a diabetic cat with an original, responsible owner than put the cat through a rehoming, which is traumatic on the cat and frankly not all that easy because of the shortage of available homes and the distances that we usually have to move the cats.

Many of the costs of financial assistance do not show on an individual cat's account. Someday, there might be enough man- or woman-power for DCIN to account for the distribution of donated and advance-purchased insulin and supplies to individual cats. Presently, a cat's account is only charged for those items if they are purchased specifically for and shipped to those cats.

Someone implied to me the other day that DCIN should be providing a hand up, not a hand out. While I empathize with that sentiment, these are tough times. There are many people who have been unemployed or underemployed long-term and whose foreseeable, financial futures do not so not look too bright. Sometimes the unemployment comes after a cat is diagnosed diabetic and the caregiver has to make difficult choices about trimming his or her budget. Other times, the caregiver is unemployed when the cat is diagnosed, and the costs of treating the cat push the caregiver's budget into an unmanageable situation. Many of us know of situations in which a vet has not been all that careful with a caregiver's tenuous budget when a cat is first diagnosed diabetic. God forbid the cat become ketoacidotic (DKA) and require thousands of dollars of critical care.

At the present time, DCIN is providing financial assistance to several diabetic cats with caregivers with serious financial problems. In many of those cases, the help provided appears small, or even nonexistent, on DCIN's financial accounting because it involves insulin or diabetic supplies that DCIN's accounting does not assign to individual cats. However, there are four such cats that have required and will likely continue to require significant cash resources from DCIN for vetting, food, or purchased insulin.

For those four cats, DCIN is seeking monthly sponsors. DCIN is seeking people who will commit to having a set amount...as small as $5...withdrawn from their PayPal account each month. The presence of sponsors will give the caregivers some peace of mind about their ability to continue to care for their diabetic cats.

The four cats for which I am presently seeking sponsors are Cheryl Lynn's Bella, Karin's Charlie, Deb's Nikki, and Marty's Ruthie. Each of those pages has a custom button link to take you to PayPal to sign up for a monthly sponsorship.

Thank you smiley Pictures, Images and PhotosThank you for helping, either with your sponsorship or with your best wishes. Both mean so much.

~Venita

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you don't want to subscribe but want to send a one-time donation, DCIN accepts PayPal donations at ennis93 @att.net (remove space). Use the "Personal" tab and the radio button for "gift" to avoid fees on cash and checking donations. If you use a credit card, you can choose to pay the fee to maximize your donation to DCIN. In the note section of the PayPal page, let me know the cat to which you are donating.

If you wish to sponsor a different cat, please let me know and I will build a sponsorship button.

Bella at Home in Texas

June 6, 2011--Welcome to the DCIN family, Cheryl Lynn and Bella!!

Bella owns Cheryl Lynn and her family. But Bella's family couldn't afford to treat her diabetes, and turned to Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) to have her adopted. MCR turned to DCIN, and DCIN was pleased to find that Bella's family wanted to keep and treat her.

Because it had been awhile since Bella's vet had diagnosed her diabetic, DCIN sent Cheryl Lynn a glucometer and strips so that she could test whether Bella's blood glucose (BG) levels were high. DCIN also found an experienced caregiver from Diabetic Cat Care in Bella's town who provided a hometesting demo and chat about feline diabetes.

When Cheryl Lynn's hometesting found Bella's BG levels were in a diabetic range, DCIN paid to have Bella vetted for an insulin prescription and provided Lantus. Cheryl Lynn joined the Feline Diabetes Message Board as BellaCat. Bella's BG spreadsheet is here. DCIN also sneaks Bella a case of low-carb Fancy Feast from time to time.

Nanner is Home

July 24, 2012--Nanner has been home with Suzanne for a year now. She writes:
Happy 1 year Gotcha day, Nanner!
"You are truly a silly boy who loves to eat cobwebs, chase his own tail, and hang out on the top of the fridge all day, looking for treats. Thanks to Jennifer J for helping me find him, Paula for fostering him so wonderfully, and Venita and Wendy for helping him get home to me last year despite crazy travel hijinks!"
************************************************************************************

November 29, 2011--Nanner sure landed softly when he chose to live with Suzanne. It's been four months that Nanner has been with Suzanne, and this little Siamese boy with the floppy ear melts his mama's heart on a daily basis. He's also one to keep a close eye on, as he loves scouring the kitchen for fallen food items! His diabetes remains well regulated despite some fallen pasta excursions.

Today Nanner will be getting a dental with a few extractions too - ouchie! Please send all the healing vibes possible his way.

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

July 25, 2011--Suzanne + Nemo of FDMB adopted Nanner and he was flown to her on July 22. Or, he was to be flown to her. Paula and her husband drove him to ST. Louis, MO, to catch a flight to Newark and then on to Syracuse, NY, but he got stranded in Newark because of severe hot weather.

Wendy and DH pulled him from the Newark airport, kept him overnight, and drove him halfway to Suzanne the next day.

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

June 6, 2011--In the past few months, DCIN's adoptions of unwanted diabetic cats have generally involved cats that were at risk of being killed simply because they were diabetic. Nanner isn't presently at risk. However, how can you look at that face and not want to give him his own home and heart?


The folks at the KattyShacK in Smithville, MO, are Nanner's angels. Nanner's family lost their home and could not take him with them when they moved in with relatives. Nanner was taken to the vet to be killed, but then surrendered to KattyshacK for adoption. Nanner is currently in a foster home to be able to better control his diabetes.

Nanner is a tabby Siamese mix. Oh my goodness, look at those blue eyes. He is about eight years old and is neutered and front declawed. He is small and underweight, currently weighing about six pounds.

Nanner was diagnosed diabetic with very high blood glucose (BG) levels in November, 2010, when he was taken to the vet for weight loss. His foster Mom Paula (an experienced diabetic caregiver) doesn't think Nanner has ever been properly regulated since he was diagnosed. She is unaware of any past diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Nanner is thin and drinking too much water, but his water intake is reducing as Paula is working on regulating him on ProZinc, twice a day. Nanner is getting used to hometesting. Paula says that right now it is a two-person job as Nanner squirms (no biting or scratching). Nanner's BG levels are improving under Paula's care, which includes a diet change to low carb canned. Nanner is not a picky eater.
Nanner is very friendly. He likes to sit on laps and get petted. He is sleeping in the recliner that is in our office, which is where he is staying while becoming used to us. I've never had him at the vet, but his general behavior indicates he should behave well.

Nanner was fine with other cats while he was at the shelter, we sometimes put up all the dry food and let him run around with the other cats that aren't in kennels. With ours, I'll know more when he's seen more than someone's paw under the door. His former family had kids so he's OK with them.
Nanner has no other known health issues, no observed behavior problems (he's been good about using the box), and has tested FIV/FeLV negative (date unknown), and the status of his vaccinations also is unknown at this time.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Pete is Home!!

November 20, 2012--The extended chip-in on Pete's challenge also lapsed, so here is a new one for the remaining $153 DCIN can claim from the $1,000 challenge grant for Pete. Please help DCIN reverse the deficit that Petey's hospitalization caused. (Chip-in widget removed.)

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

October 20, 2012--The chip-in on Pete's challenge lapsed, so there is a new one here for the remaining $305 DCIN can claim from the $1,000 challenge grant for Pete. Please help DCIN reverse the deficit that Petey's hospitalization caused. (Chip-in widget removed.)

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

October 5, 2012--Pete has improved immensely. His blood glucose levels have fallen such that he hasn’t had insulin the past couple days. He had his feeding tube pulled yesterday. We hope for new pictures of a happier, healthier Petey soon.

DCIN had just not been able to raise the full amount to match the $1,000 challenge grant for Pete. Thankfully, the challenge donor is willing to keep the challenge there as long as needed. And Missi's September Love Auction, which would have helped Pete and five other animals in need, was not as successful as the auctions have been in the past.

DCIN still has to raise about $1,500 to fully cover Pete's bill without using our depleted general fund. Please help us if you can. (Chip-in widget removed.)

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

September 29, 2012--Pete's follow-up with the specialty vet was put off until next week. But we are still trying to raise funds to completely match the $1,000 challenge.

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

September 26, 2012--Pete is doing very well and is keeping his foster Mom on her toes. He started to eat on his own about ten days ago. Ever since then, his blood glucose levels keep falling. Every couple days, his foster Mom does a night-time curve or a mini curve to make sure he’s not getting too much insulin and adjust his dose if necessary.

Sweet Pete returns today to the specialty hospital for a follow-up exam, some bloodwork, and perhaps to have his E-tube removed. DCIN is still quite a bit in the red over Pete's hospitalization, and we haven't been able to claim the full $1,000 challenge donation for his care because we haven't received all the matching donations we need to do that. Can you help? Even $5?

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

Pete is feeling much better.
September 11, 2012--Pete came home from the hospital last night, and is very, very happy to be home. After a nasty bout with acute pancreatitis, Pete came home with a feeding tube (what a mess feeding is!) and on anti-nausea medication, an appetite stimulant, and insulin. Before this sudden illness, Pete didn't need insulin, and Shari is hoping she can return him to that state.

This hospitalization cost a bit over $4,000. So far, DCIN has received very generous donations of $465 toward that cost. In addition, Pete will be the benefited cat in Melissa's next Love Auction. But even with the auction money, which hopefully will be about $500, DCIN still has to raise about $3,100 to keep from going back into a deficit from this hospitalization. Can you help us with a donation?

But, wait, DCIN just received a $1,000 challenge donation. For every $1 we raise from someone else, our anonymous donor will donate $1. Up to $1,000. This is AWESOME!! Can you help? For this challenge, we are opening a separate chip-in, just so we know where we are with claiming the anonymous donor's $1,000. (Chip-in widget removed.)

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

September 9, 2012--Pete is still in the hospital with Pancreatitis, but his foster Mom says he has rounded a corner and is doing "a THOUSAND times better" than he was two days before. "He was awake and affectionate and very active. His personality is coming back. Apparently he’s tried to escape his cage twice since yesterday when they’ve opened the door. That sounds like Pete!"

The hospital has Pete's tube feedings down to three times a day (which is the frequency needed for home care) and he’s tolerating it. If all goes well today, his foster Mom will bring him home on Monday. His second ultrasound showed a lot of improvement in his pancreas.

Pete's foster Mom (and her sister who will be Pete's backup) have learned how to tube feed him. His foster Mom will work from home most of next week to make sure Pete is adjusting okay. "Knock on wood, fingers crossed, salt thrown over my shoulder, anti-jinx." (Chip-in widget removed.)

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

Pete with his feeding tube.
September 3, 2012--Pete's stay at the hospital has been extended until at least today. His fever is down. He is on ABx and an anti-nausea med, has been started on Lantus insulin (he's been OTJ for over a year), and on pain meds as needed.

DCIN needs help with the hospital and treatment costs. Please chip-in if you can. If that's not in your budget, Pete hopes to have your best wishes to get well soon. (Chip-in widget removed.)


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

August 31, 2012--Pete's foster Mom took him to the vet yesterday because he was clearly not feeling well. The vet send them onto the Specialty/Emergency Hospital because Pete had a temperature of 104 degrees. After a night's stay, exam, bloodwork, and an ultrasound, the vet has diagnosed Pete with pancreatitis. Pete will be getting an feeding tube (E-tube) this afternoon and staying at the hospital until at least Sunday.

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

Foster/Adoption Application



March 2, 2012--An update from Shari:
Pete continues to be a real sweetheart. He wants nothing more than to be with his person. Unfortunately since he doesn’t like other cats he has to spend his time in another room. I just don’t get to spend a lot of time with him. He’s sweet, and loving and so easy to handle. He loves having his stomach rubbed and you can just roll him over and he’s fine with that. He’s a multi-tasker. He likes to lay there and play catch-the-feathers while I’m rubbing his tummy with my foot. He will make someone a wonderful companion.





Payment Options




Two videos of Pete:





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

November 28, 2011-- Big Pete, now named Sweet Pete, has been in foster care with Shari and her cats for a few weeks, but he has clearly told them that he wants to be an only cat. Shari has done all the right things to transition Pete, but he wants to be the only resident of his kingdom.
I really think that Pete needs to be an ‘only’ cat. I know he’s been here just a few weeks, but I can’t risk the stress with [my other cats]. I know that it may be a while to find him a home, but I think we need to keep his profile active [so that he can] be adopted, probably as an only.

Without the other cats, he is the SWEETEST, coolest, most adorable cat. Even my brother-in-law, who doesn’t like cats, thought he was pretty cool (no, they can’t adopt him). He will make someone very very happy. And it breaks my heart, because when it’s just him out, I absolutely fall in love with him over and over.
Pete has been hyperglycemic in the past, but he is now diet controlled. Please, if you know someone presently without a cat who would like to have a loveable "only" and keep Pete on a low-carb, wet diet, share this post with that person. I don't know how long DCIN can hold Pete in this loving foster home, but I do know we want Pete to be happy, and we want Shari's resident cats to find their peace again. ~Venita

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

November 9, 2011--Thanks to all, especially Shari, for helping with the costs of getting Big Pete to his new foster home. And thanks to Shari for giving Pete a foster home. She sent new photos (my goodness he is a handsome man) and this message:
Big Pete is approximately 16 pounds of pure affection. Very sweet cat. He has settled into his new room quite quickly. He was out of the carrier almost immediately and exploring everything. He’s so relaxed about everything and just loves to chase the toys. I’ve been introducing his scent to my cats with the towel from his carrier, and of course I’m well “scented” every time I leave the room. Tomorrow I’m moving him to a different room, where there’s opportunity for “under the door” introductions (the current room is pretty well sealed off when the door is closed) and my cats will be able to explore the room he’s been in . Big Pete is definitely curious about what’s on the other side of the door. Will keep you posted.
*************************************************************************

November 2, 2011--This weekend, Pete is flying to his new foster home with Shari near Pittsburgh. If all goes well, this will be Pete's forever home.

DCIN needs help with the costs to transport Pete. Please Chip-in if you can. If that's not in your budget, Pete hopes to have your best wishes on his travel and transition. (Chip-in widget removed.)

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

October 29, 2011--Message from Kirsten, putting Big Pete at risk.
Hi Venita, I appreciate what you have done this past week. We are getting snow in RI. Pete has wanted to come in the past two weeks from isolation. He has come in several times from my sunroom via door pushing his way in. I will have to make a decision soon. I will most likely have to place him in the Potter shelter in Middletown RI. His sugar has been under control for months now. I really have no other avenue to explore.
DCIN is not familiar with the Potter Shelter or whether Big Pete would be safe there. I suspect "soon" means immediately, as DCIN has been trying for months to find a solution for Kirsten and Big Pete.

Come on folks, Kirsten saved Big Pete from destruction and got him OTJ. He needs a home, NOW!!

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

October 1, 2011--Want to remind you that Big Pete is still looking for that perfect someone. Kirsten tells me "i have had him in my sunroom for most of the summer. he is getting anxiuos out there. it also is not heated. any ideas of thoughts would be much appreciated. i feel awful since he is so loving."

RI can get awfully chilly in the winter. It would be nice to find an adoptive home with some warm, cozy niches for him before the snow flies. Read his background story. This was a shelter rescue, he had a PTS tag on his cage. Kirsten, herself a Type 1 diabetic but with no feline diabetes experience, stepped up to plate and got Big Pete OTJ.

He's just a diet controlled common brown/grey tabby, but Big Pete can tell you some great stories about his brush with animal control. He's now looking for that forever heart.

*******************************************************************
August 7, 2011--Sadly, we need to find a new home for Big Pete. He is presently with Kirsten in Rhode Island. Big Pete is a large-boned (15.5 lbs) black, brown, and tan tabby. We don't know his age, but to me he looks to be on the young side of middle age. His diabetes remains diet controlled on wet food. He was diagnosed with diabetes in May, and now spot tests between 62 and 81. He is FIV/FeLV negative and up-to-date on vaccines.

Kirsten has to rehome Big Pete because her Boston Terriers chase and otherwise terrorize him. Her other cats are afraid of him. Kirsten says "Pete is very loving. He loves to cuddle up with you. He thrives on affection. Pete is a big fluffy wonderful boy."

Please help us find a new home and heart for Big Pete.

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

June 29, 2011--Biggie has been renamed Big Pete, in honor of Kirsten's human friend named Pete who recently died from complications related to Type 1 diabetes. She tells me he has been in remission--OTJ!!-- for 2.5 weeks. This morning he tested 61. She was concerned that was too low, but I told her that was completely normal for a cat not getting insulin therapy. Way to go, Kirsten and Big Pete!!

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

June 1, 2011--Late the Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend, Donna started scrambling to find Biggie a home. She had fostered him in March 2011, but then he went back to the shelter to be placed in their adoption program. However, he was recently found to be diabetic, and Donna was concerned that Biggie would meet an untimely and unnecessary end.

Claudia, one of DCIN's friends and foster Mom to many adoptable diabetic cats, took up the call and started networking, because Biggie was in her state of Massachusetts. I learned about this on Saturday morning, and put up a call to save Biggie on DCIN's Facebook page. From what I understand, Laure networked Biggie's plight to Kirsten, and Kirsten stepped forward to adopt Biggie.

DCIN signed the papers to pull Biggie from the shelter and adopted him to Kirsten. Biggie gets a month of accident/medical insurance from DCIN as well as his Welcome to the Vet (WTTV) visit.

Kirsten has never treated a diabetic cat, but is a Type 1 diabetic herself, so she understands the disease. She also lost a close friend recently to complications from Type 1 diabetes, and adopted Biggie in her friend's memory.

I spoke to Kirsten today and she said that Biggie is a big cat that is very affectionate. Awesome was a word she used. Kirsten has become a member of the vampire club, having successfully tested Biggie's blood glucose level. She expects to start Biggie's on Lantus insulin tomorrow, once she receives it.

Biggie has not yet met the other furry members of the household, including three Boston Terriers, which Kirsten rescues. Kirsten says he is very interested in what is beyond his bedroom door.