Tiko--Staying Put for Now

August 19, 2011--Because of other issues taking her attention, Carolynn has decided to keep Tiko for the time being. We are taking him off the adoptables list.

I want to share the card DCIN helped Tiko send to Carolynn and her family when he recovered from his DKA. Yes, DCIN was able to assist financially, but Carolynn contributed $800 to his care and her vet provided about $2,00 in free services and products. Thank you Carolynn, and your most caring vet (who took Tiko as a surrender rather than PTS), for saving Tiko.

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July 8, 2011--The sweet orange little man is doing very well after the DKA and has been ketone free since then.

It's time now to find him his furrever home. He is a very sweet and gentle kitty but the other cats in the home are not able to accept him and it's causing things to be very tense for the resident cats.

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June 18, 2011--We are happy to announce that DCIN has been able to collect the full $2,500 it was raising for finance DCIN's share of Tiko's emergency care for DKA.

We want to personally thank all the generous donors, but especially those who gave amounts in the triple digits and the final donor who stood ready to cover whatever we did not raise for other donors. Our sincere thanks to our safety net. We also thank those who cold not give dollars, but who gave so generously of their prayers and well wishes. We are certain it was this energy that pulled Tiko through his DKA.

DCIN has paid off the interest-free loan we took to cover the cost until we had the full amount raised. And we are happy to report that Tiko is a much loved baby and post this new picture to show you how comfortable he is in his new home..

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Fundraising for Tiko

There is a Chip-in for Tiko. What this does is take you to PayPal, but you don't have to have a PayPal account if you have a credit card. Between Chip-in and direct donations to PayPal, we have just broken the $1,500 mark on DCIN's $2,500 vet bill for Tiko. Just $1,000 to go.

An anonymous supporter is lending DCIN the difference between the $2,500 we paid and what we raise for Tiko. 25% of future unrestricted donations and future donations to Tiko will go repaying the loan until it is taken care of.

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May 14, 2011--(I believe that Blogger ate some of the posts about Tiko.) Tiko came home to Carolynn's house from the vet's the evening of May 11. On the evening of May 12, Carolynn wrote this on the FDMB.

Well, after all the hugs, kisses, scritches and love everyone asked me to give Tiko Tiger, all I can say is...

I have a very happy, purring orinch kitty making it hard to type right now!

Last night his bgs were pretty scary high (461 at PM PS), but ketones were negative and today they're much better:

AM PS 258 1u Lantus
+10 212
PM PS 243 1U
Ketones negative

I still have to be very, very vigilant because when he went into DKA his bgs were no higher than they were today. But I have fluids, pepcid, Buprinex, antibiotics, and R insulin if any are needed. He most likely wouldn't survive another bout with DKA, so I'll do all I can to prevent that from happening.

He is eating really well... preferring the canned to dry DM so he hasn't had any of that since what he ate last night. I'm making his food soupy so he'll stay better hydrated and to still make it easier for him to eat since he had all those teeth extracted last week. Nice thing about the soupy food-- it's pretty often that as soon as he's done eating he needs to go potty so I've been able to get the ketone tests done!

Again, I cannot thank all of you enough... those that chipped in with donations and those that sent as much love and prayers as you could muster. They ALL made a difference... and are why Tiko Tiger is still here for me to write about. I fully believe that without all of you, he wouldn't have made it.

((((hugs)))) and more thanks than I could ever express.

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May 10, 2011, pm--Carolynn writes:

Tiko has decided that food is good! He is better today. His hematocrit is rising and he seems much happier without all the poking and prodding. He isn't out of the woods yet, but today is showing some spirit.

I can't thank you all enough for the love and prayers being sent to this little guy... he is such a miracle.

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May 10, 2011--Last night, we heard this about Tiko:

Tiko has taken a turn for the worse. His hematocrit is 15, bicarb level still too low, phos not rising like it needs to. Veins in both front legs are blown from the IVs. What little interest he had... in food is gone and he is fighting syringe feeding and handling.

His demeanor is becoming very depressed.

I had such hope this morning... he looked so much better. He was bright eyed, wagged his tail... and I heard his Fletcher purr... it was so strong.

But it looks like he's had enough. His vet wants to give him tonight... she cried when she called me.

10 days... that may be all I get...Carolynn.

But early this afternoon, Jennifer posted on DCIN's Facebook page:

Carolynn tells us they are treating for hemolytic anemia, seems a bit happier without as much poking today. Will take more blood this afternoon and she will visit him after work. Will update when we hear more. Thank you all for your continued prayers and healing thoughts.

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May 9, 2011--Last night at 9pm Eastern, Carolynn posted on the FDMB:

Just spoke with the overnight ER vet and he said Tiko is perkier: wagging his tail and looking around. He's still being syringe fed every 2 hours, but everything is staying down. His phos levels are coming up, which help to make him feel better and indicate the DKA is improving a bit.

Tiko was down to 9.3 lbs from 11 pounds on Monday... but has put back on 1/2 lb with the feedings and hydration. They will recheck labs at 2am and I'll be picking him up before 8am to transfer him to my vet's for the day.

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May 8, 2011--The estimate for Tiko's care is up to $2,700 to $3,200. DCIN can't afford any more than the $2500 it has committed to because donations are slow. We have about $500 now.

The ER called Carolynn and she wants to continue to give Tiko a chance, and agreed to cover his costs above $2500.


Jennifer and I both spoke to the vet last night. Tiko's abdominal X-Ray showed that his descending and transverse colon was full of stool. He received an enema, and is pooping on his own. His BG level 2 hours before his Lantus shot was 282.

The vet says that Tiko has basic acidosis (low pH), but before starting bicarbonate they want to see if fluids supplemented with potassium will help. They are going to sryinge feed some food.

Bottom line--the vet said that the steroids, lack of adequate pain meds, and constipation caused stress which led Tiko into acidosis.

This morning, the vet tech told me that Tiko hadn't eaten overnight, but just had a big breakfast. His glucose has remained high (no numbers given) during the night. He likely will receive another enema today She questioned his age of 6, saying it looked like a very hard 6, with muscle wasting. She said he is "the sweetest little boy."

We also have learned that the vet chart says the previous owners made Tiko live outside when he starting have litterbox problems. This sweet little man deserves a chance at a happy life.

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May 7, 2011--Jennifer's update on the FDMB this afternoon about Tiko:

I can't thank everyone enough for what has been done for Tiko. He is just an amazing boy and deserves the chance he's been given. Little did we know what would transpire in a week:

Last Saturday 4/30: my vet had called me about an FD who had been brought in for euthanasia so my girls and I went to see him (he was named Chester at the time). I contacted Jenn (tuckersmom) and she started things rolling with DCIN. Brought Tiko home that same day, bg 239 at PM PS, started Lantus at 0.5U (was on 2u ProZinc).

Sunday 5/1: Tiko is purry and eating like a piggy. Using the litter box well. Growls when he sees or smells my other kitties through the French doors of my office. LB usage normal. Noticed he was coughing.
AM PS 225 0.5U
+7 198
PM PS 219 0.5U

Monday 5/2: Tiko went in for a previously scheduled dental. Ended up with ELEVEN extractions. Came home with pain meds and abx. Ate really well, LB usage normal. Told vet about coughing and she took a chest xray which showed the classic "donuts" of asthma.
AM PS 221 (no insulin given due to dental)
BG 239 after dental
PM PS 225 0.5U

Tuesday 5/3: Eating well, purring, now more curious about the other kitties. Played with the nip toys Jenn has sent and didn't mind Robbie hanging out with him. No swelling, receiving Bupe for pain and abx.
AM PS 244 0.5U
PM PS 239 0.5U

Wednesday 05/4: Refused breakfast; gave pain meds; he seemed kinda "blah;" youngest DD called me when she got home from school to tell me he still hadn't eaten and he was having to "suck in his belly really hard" to breathe; took him to my vet; Xrays not too different than Monday's; respiratory rate over 80; got dexamethazone injection and started eating (3 bowls of canned food) 3 hours later, resp rate down to 65
AM PS 214 0.5U

Thursday 5/5: Purring and happy at vet's; ate breakfast; was going to pick him up at 5; refused food for rest of the day-- vet was going to let me take him home because it was felt he'd be more comfortable; just before I arrived to get him, he started vomiting; vet decided to keep him overnight because something just wasn't right; gave him Cerenia and started IV fluids
AM BG 208 no insulin
PM BG 196 no insulin

Friday 5/6: very depressed demeanor; no vomiting overnight, resp rate 30; mildly uncomfortable on abdominal palpitation, mouth looked good; IV fluids continued; at noon he seemed a bit perkier but still no interest in food; afternoon urine test showed 4+ ketones; given cerenia and cypro
AM BG 208
Noon 156
PM BG 178 0.5U

Saturday 5/7: still very depressed; when offered food, vomited "large amount of coffee ground fluid" More cerenia given;
AM BG 189 0.5U

At this point I got to my vet's to see Tiko. He looked terrible. He sat up when I got to his cage, but then fell over. He tried crawling to me, so I picked him up and cuddled him. He was very weak, but there was a fighting spirit. Because of the amazing generosity, I was able to tell the vets that I could transfer him to the emergency hospital until Monday morning... there were many hugs and tears from the staff. Tiko has enchanted them all and they so wanted him to have a chance... which he now does.

How could anyone not love a kitty who allows this (pic taken last Saturday within 5 minutes of him getting here):

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May 7, 2011--Chester is now going by the name Tiko. Tiko has been in veterinary care since Wednesday morning, when he was having trouble breathing. The vet was going to put him on oxygen and start inhaled steroids.

His breathing improved the next day, but he wouldn't eat and was having pain.

Friday morning Tiko still was not improving. He was put on IV fluids and tested for FIV/FeLV (both negative). They also tested for FIP (don't know the results) and discussing chronic pancreatitis. Friday evening, Tiko was showing ketones (I don't know whether it was blood or urine). His blood pH is still good, so the vet was not thinking diabetic ketoacidosis, but Tiko was getting fluids and the vet was watching for DKA.

The vet who rescued Tiko was apparently providing these services free of charge.

Today (Saturday), Tiko is being transferred to an ER vet to keep him stable during the weekend. No longer will his medical care be free. DCIN is responsible for these costs because it agreed to take Tiko on as a foster cat. (By the way, Carolynn and her girls have fallen hard for Tiko and may not let us adopt him out.)

Please help us help Tiko. Information about donating for Tiko is here. We don't yet have a target for this fundraiser, but I suspect it will be high. This is an ER.

Update at noon Eastern time--Tiko is at the ER and has been evaluated. He is dehydrated, heart beat is normal, breathing has a little effort, but lungs sound good. His mouth is inflamed, and Tiko is producing excess saliva. His colon seems filled with rock hard feces. His abdomen is painful. He is borderline DKA.

Dr. A said that Tiko's problems started when he finished his dental pain meds on Wednesday. She is going to put him on IV fluids with supplements for the possible DKA. He will be put on pain meds. She will take an XRay of his abdomen to confirm that the problem in his bowels is feces, and give him an enema.

Carolynn says that Tiko looks bad, but has spirit. Kim the vet tech said that Tiko is very tolerant of and stoic with the handling. They both think that Tiko has the strength and will to get through this.

The estimate for two days of ER care is $1,900 to $2,500. I authorized payment from DCIN. Please help us help Tiko.

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May 2, 2011--Today is dental day, and we've only raised $55 of the $400 target for the procedure.

Update: DCIN raised $130 for the dental, but didn't use it. He had his dental on Monday, with 11 extractions. Thank you to all who donated for that. The vet (the one who rescued Tiko) did the procedure for free, so the donaitons will go into Chester's fund.

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April 30, 2011--Chester in foster care with FDMB’s Carolynn, Fletcher (GA) and Robbie.

Today, Carolynn got a call from her vet about a handsome orange boy that was surrendered. He is six years and was brought in for euthanasia, but thankfully this vet knew that FD is not a death sentence. The vet called Carolynn and asked if she could take him or if she knew anyone who would be interested. She immediately contacted DCIN and after speaking to Jennifer (FDMB’s Tuckers Mom), Carolynn agreed to foster Chester.

He was on 2U BID of ProZinc and eating dry food. He got soiled on his way to his new foster home, got a bath and his BG after all of that was a not too horrible 263.

Carolynn will be starting Chester on 1/2U BID of Lantus tomorrow and changing his diet to a healthy grain-free, canned only diet. Chester weighs 11 pounds but his ribs are easily felt, she will be monitoring his weight during the diet change as well as monitoring his BGs.

Chester needs a dental and the procedure is scheduled for Monday. Costs are expected to be about $400. DCIN will be paying for the dental; would you be able to help? You can help by sending your tax-deductible donation through PayPal to ennis93 @att.net (remove space). More detail about making a PayPal donation for Chester’s dental is on this page.

DCIN will also be helping with Chester's diabetic costs while he is fostering with Carolynn.

Molly, a DCIN Success? I Think So.

June 9, 2011--Sadly, the shelter did not do things as differently with Sammy as I hoped it would, but the rescue coordinator did her best and Sammy was saved.

The shelter's vet marked Sammy to be killed because he was diabetic. The vet said the shelter did not have the resources, money or staff, to treat a diabetic. But the rescue coordinator spent her day off finding a rescue that would take him. That rescue coordinated with DCIN to treat Sammy's diabetes, and Jennifer in CT adopted Sammy on May 29, 2011.

DCIN is perhaps one small step closer to a shelter solution. At least we are with this particular shelter, as long as it keep this particular rescue coordinator.

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April 30, 2011--
Molly's Wondrous Legacy. I received a call this evening from the rescue coordinator of the shelter that Molly was in. The shelter had another diabetic surrendered on Friday afternoon. I don't yet know his name.

This time the shelter will do things differently. On Monday, I will be sending the shelter insulin and testing and other diabetic equipment. The shelter will be looking for a foster home within its network to provide a home environment to reduce the cat's exposure to shelter bugs and stress. The shelter will accept education for some of its tech staff and/or the foster home on the appropriate care and feeding of a diabetic cat.

Thank you, Molly, for opening hearts and minds.

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There's a new star in heaven tonight
That will never fade from sight;
There's a new star at home
In that far starry dome,
Shining down on her loved ones tonight.

Molly is being euthanized at the Wake County NC Animal Care, Control, and Adoption Center today. She has a depressed temperature of 94, an upper respiratory infection with secondary pneumonia, and untreated diabetes. She was surrendered to the shelter by her owner of her full 14 years because he was moving and she couldn't go. Molly, from her picture a long-haired beauty and according to the adoption director very personable, was so full of mats that she couldn't walk. The shelter staff shaved everything but her head.

In her younger years, Molly had been a spokes-cat for a Southern brand of pet food. Molly probably got all the dry food she cared to eat. Now she was sitting, shaved to the skin, in a metal cage exposed to shelter bugs. The staff noticed Molly's water intake last week, her second week in the shelter, and got a blood glucose test in the 300s. It is likely her owner knew her condition.

What does DCIN do, some people wonder, besides shift insulin from cat A to Cat B? DCIN tries to rescue cats like Molly. And although we did not get to Molly soon enough to save her, our efforts for 90 minutes this morning show that we are becoming an effective organization.

I received an email about Molly on Wednesday morning that I didn't answer right away because I was "enjoying" enhanced pain meds for my post-surgical pain. I answered it at 1am this morning, as I was listening to BBC coverage on the Royal Wedding. The shelter's placement director (PD) called me around 10am to let me know that Molly was slated for euthanasia because she had come down with a URI and the shelter had no resources to treat her diabetes.

I had offered insulin and supplies in my mid-night email, knowing that often is a barrier for shelters. But that wouldn't help, said the PD. Molly's cage already is marked and today is her "D-Day." Catchy term I hadn't heard before.

I thanked the PD, and explained how DCIN could help in the future with other diabetic cats with insulin, testing and other diabetic supplies, and mentoring. There might be someone close who could come in to demonstrate and discuss the care and feeding of a feline diabetic.

I posted a "fly free" notice on Facebook, and the troops started to rally.

Jennifer (FDMB's Tucker's Mom) offered Molly a home. As I was reading that, FDMB's Hope and Baby also called to offer a home. I called the PD back, and told her that I had two homes if they could hold and treat Molly's diabetes for up to two weeks while I arranged transport. The PD checked with the Shelter Director (SD), and again said no. They could not hold Molly past today. Molly's D-Day had come.

I posted on Facebook, the FDMB, and Diabetic Cat Care that I needed a two week foster in the Raleigh, NC, area. Hope called back telling me that if I could get Molly to a vet, she would pay for that cost. FDMB's Terri and Lucy stepped forward to foster. Yet another call to the PD. Yet another check with the SD. This time they said yes, we could take Molly, provided her health condition was such that she could be humanely released. The PD was concerned because she saw Molly shivering in her cage this morning. (No, the shelter had no heating pads.) The PD sent me a batch of paperwork that I started filling out to become a "partner" with the shelter and was approved to pull animals from them.

Meanwhile, I am talking to Terri setting up the pull and for her to take Molly to the vet, maybe even for the weekend (or longer) because Terri's Lucy is in bad shape and Molly might be as well. I am talking to Hope about how to pay for the vetting and where I can call her later in the day and what kind of insulin to start Molly on. I am talking to Jennifer about the suddenness of this (I hadn't yet sent her the emails I had received about Molly) and whether Terri's fostering of Molly might affect Lucy's health. And I needed to ask Maureen to email the shelter to let them know that DCIN continues to function as an affiliate of the Catnip Cottage.

And then the PD calls. The vet examined Molly. A depressed temperature. Secondary pneumonia. It would not be humane to release her for treatment. It would be humane to kill her.

Thank you Hope, Jennifer, and Terri for coming together to try to save Molly. We lost Molly but not this battle. Now the Wake County Animal Care Center knows DCIN is here, and willing to help, and hopefully this won't happen in that shelter again.

So that's what four DCIN supporters can accomplish in ninety minutes. That was just this morning. Let's see what the afternoon brings!!

And every single one of the DCIN supporters who followed Molly's unfolding story this morning are among the loved ones that Molly's new star will be shining down on tonight.

Thomas (FKA Tommy) Adopted by Don

April 24, 2011--I never made a blog page for Tommy, instead linking to the Facebook page where his need for a new home was advertised by a supervisor at the Maryland SPCA. Because I don't want to lose that history on Tommy, I am copying the page and its relevant comments here. All future updates on Tommy will be made on the blog page for Don's Cats.

Hi everyone, This handsome guy is Tommy, an 8-year-old domestic short hair cat who weighs 12 lbs. Tommy is extremely friendly and affectionate, but he was recently diagnosed with diabetes and cannot be placed in the adoption program. Tommy originally came to the Maryland SPCA as an owner surrender because the owner could not care for him any longer. Tommy does well with other cats and with children, but he has never been around dogs before.

Tommy’s intake exam showed everything normal except dry flaky skin, overweight, and he is missing all of his teeth except for right bottom canine and incisors (he is on a wet food only diet). They also found that he needed to be treated for an upper respiratory infection, and he is taking medicine for that. Even though he isn’t feeling well, Tommy is a super-sweet cat who loves to snuggle.

If you are able to rescue Tommy, please contact me, Barbara (bhealy@mdspca.org) or Vince (Vincent@mdspca.org) as soon as possible. Tommy is already up-to-date on shots, neutered, and has tested negative for FIV and FELV. Please note, we can only release Tommy to a 501(c)(3) agency. Thanks so much for your help!
Amanda Amanda Schulz
Front Office Supervisor
Maryland SPCA
3300 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-235-8826 x107
Fax: 410-235-1053
Email: Amanda@mdspca.org

Denise Has this been posted to Diabetic Cats in Need's page? I'm going to check and post if not. November 18, 2010 at 6:57pm

Venita I manage Diabetic Cats in Need (http://fdmb-cin.blogspot.com/), a project of a 501c3. We don't have a shelter or a foster network, but work to match diabetic cats with homes. We can help you treat Tommy, and we can get him exposure for a home. Diabetic cats are adoptable, and I am sorry to see your policy of not putting Tommy in your adoption program. Some people focus on adopting special needs cats. When is he scheduled for euthanasia/likely to be euthanized? Short fuses are hard to work with, but we can try. November 19, 2010 at 7:03am

Helene @Venita--I don't think there's anything on this post that states that Tommy would be euthanized--he just needs a rescue fast because he needs the attention and TLC that a rescue can bring him. If anyone can help, please email Amanda at Amanda@mdspca.org November 19, 2010 at 8:51am

Venita ‎@Helene. My experience tells me that when a shelter does not put a diabetic cat on the adoption list, they put it on the euthanasia list. That is a generalization; I am not certain whether I have worked with this SPCA before. But the SPCA's policy from its FAQ: "The Maryland SPCA does not euthanize any healthy animals. Some animals, sadly, are unable to be safely adopted— those with serious behavior or medical problems." I am not judging; I simply want to know the timeline. See More November 19, 2010 at 9:25am

Helene @Venita, probably the best thing is to email Amanda--if you find out anything would you please post it here. Thanks again! November 19, 2010 at 9:57am

Denise Venita, I hope this boy is not scheduled to be PTS. There's no excuse IMO for not offering animals for adoption who have treatable conditions. I'm with Amanda, diabetic cats are not that hard to treat. I've done it and so have many others!! November 20, 2010 at 8:39pm

Maryland Spca The Maryland SPCA agrees that animals with ongoing medical conditions make wonderful pets. However, it can take time for the right person to come along to adopt a pet with special needs. It is in the best interest of the animal to get them out of the shelter as quickly as possible, because pets with medical conditions often have compromised immune systems. We hope that getting Tommy into rescue and out of the shelter will give him a chance to recover from his recurring URI and to get adopted. November 21, 2010 at 10:48am

Denise If he has a URI, then he is definitely better in a rescue than a shelter. Diabetics don't have a compromised immune system, btw. As long as he is not going to be PTS because of his diabetes, that's a good thing! November 21, 2010 at 11:24am

Maryland Spca Hi everyone, we have an update on Tommy the cat: he is available for adoption through the Maryland SPCA. Please call or email us for more information if you are interested in adopting this friendly, affectionate kitty! November 28, 2010 at 1:49pm

Venita Excellent that Tommy is up for adoption. If there is anything Diabetic Cats in Need can do to mentor a potential adopter, please let me know at ennis93 @att.net (remove space). There is some more info about Tommy's health condition and diabetes treatment in a post I put on the Feline Diabetes Message Board last week. http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=30404#p315752 November 28, 2010 at 3:26pm

Missy Venita, since I'm in the Baltimore area I'll be glad to mentor the adopter. Just let me know if you need me. I wonder how long her has to find a forever or foster home. November 28, 2010 at 8:32pm

Venita Tommy has the promise of a home in Virginia with an experience feline diabetic caregiver. Diabetic Cats in Need has messages into the SPCA to start the ball rolling on breaking Tommy out!!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diabetic-Cats-in-Need/147717841924914 December 6, 2010 at 9:55am

Venita PS, we are looking for transport help from Baltimore to the western side of Virginia. Date is uncertain, so we are just checking availability at this point.

Venita Tommy's rescue, adoption, and transport is all arranged. He will be going home next Saturday, December 18. December 11, 2010 at 1:43pm December 6, 2010 at 9:56am

Venita Toby (from the Baltimore HS) and Tommy are now with their new Dad Don and on their way home. It was an awesome experience picking these two diabetic orange tabbies up from their shelters and being part of the transport to get them home. Thank you to Stefani and Larry, the other drivers, and to Don, who has now rescued four shelter diabetics. (The ones he had before today, Gus and Camille, already are off the juice...in remission.) When it is finished, the MD SPCA facility will be truly marvelous, and I am more than pleased with it putting a diabetic cat into its adoption program. Tommy is an outstanding cat, and I would really like to see other diabetics that might make their way to the MD SPCA receive as much love and care as Tommy did. And find a furever home, as he has. December 18, 2010 at 12:42pm

Don's Associates

June 3, 2012--Don is building his associates a new porch.

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April 24, 2011--Happy Easter to all who celebrate it.

I am opening this page for Don's diabetic cats. Don started with one, his own, Chubby, and has since added five diabetics to his gang--Camille, Currier, Gus, Toby, and Tommy. Each of the DCIN cats has its own page here on the DCIN blog, linked through their names.

Chubby went "off the juice" (OTJ--into remission from diabetes) about two months after he was diagnosed. It was during that time, when Chubby was experiencing hypoglycemic episodes on Lantus that Don found the FDMB and began to understand the importance of home testing and wet, low-carb cat food. It was also during that time that Don stepped up to adopt Gus. Gus went OTJ without any insulin shots from Don.

In November 2010, Don adopted Camille, a darling girl that went diabetic on the dry food diet she received at the shelter. The diagnosis meant that Camille would be euthanized. Don immediately adopted Camille and she went OTJ within a couple of weeks.

Given Don's track record for "breaking" diabetic cats, he decided to make the next adoption a double. Toby and Tommy came to Don in December, 2010, from shelters in Baltimore. They remain on low doses of Lantus insulin.

Finally, in January this year, Don adopted Currier. Currier remains insulin dependent.

Don sent me some recent photos of his gang. Some of them are below. He also maintains an album of his many little buddies here.

Part of the gang eating
Toby chillin'
Toby and Thomas snoozing
Toby
Thomas waiting for his post-breakfast snack
Gus
Currier
Chubby
Camille thinking
Camille and Toby

Scratch Stays with his Beans!!

God Bless the Red, White, and Blue,
and living on home soil with my beans.

July 20, 2011--Scratch's Dad's orders have been rescinded and the family, including Scratch, are staying put. We are so very happy the family will be staying together. ~Venita


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July 4, 2012--Our dear Scratch the Military Cat can't go to Korea with his family. The family has orders to go as of August 1, 2012, but Scratch, who is again insulin dependent, is not welcome in the quarantine facilities in Korea.

Scratch, AKA Little, is presently on duty at Fort Campbell, KY. He is a pudgy 15 pound boy that has been off-and-on insulin since April 2011. He will be six years old this September.

Scratch is an indoor only cat. He loves to go into the backyard when his family waters the garden or while they are sitting outside. "He will watch you water and play with the falling water trickles. His favorite thing to do is hide under or between plants and watches the birds. He can't get enough of "recess" outside but he gets scared by loud noises and will bolt to the door wanting in. He does not like to be outside without a human with him.

"He gets very upset when he goes to the vet. He will potty in his carrier. He is the sweetest kitty. He adores sitting on my 9 year old's bed and watch him play xbox or watch tv. When my son makes his bed, Scratch will jump up on the mattress and want to be made into the blankets or have stuffed animals placed around him then he sleeps.

"His favorite place to sleep is in a camping chair we got from walmart for 9 bucks one of those soft folding chairs. He has slept in one of those chairs his whole life so we make sure he always has one. He will not scratch the furniture but he will scratch on his chair. He is not a lap cat but wants his chair where I spend most of my time.

"We have a little Chihuahua and scratch is just fine around him. Because Scratch is so round he can't clean himself as well as he should so he gets mats that we have to cut off or try to brush out but he HATES the brush. He is good with a bath. We found that we had to put him in a bathtub after it has water in it, not while it is running or he gets super scared. We use a handheld shower head sprayer to rinse him or a cup but the bathtub must never be turned on or he bolts. He loves the blow dryer!!

"He cant have treats but he loved them so instead of treats we give him finely shredded cheese the Mexican mix. He loves it so much he runs to the fridge after a shot looking for his treat. We leave the restroom door open in our master bathroom cause he will join us at our feet EVERY time we are in it. He rubs on our feet and legs. That is my husbands man time with him."

Scratch's Mom says he is good with other animals but enjoys being able to get away from other animals for peace and quiet by using his chair or a bunk bed.

Scratch was diagnosed diabetic after his family noticed that he was vomiting and hanging out near the water bowl. He has not been DKA, but did sometimes hypoglcemic when he was on a vet-scripted high dose and the family was not yet hometesting. Scratch is accustomed to hometesting on his paw pads. He is on 5U of Lantus daily and is experiencing PU/PD and vomiting and "he goes into a dark quiet place and hides when he isn't feeling well."

Scratch eats 1/2 can of Fancy Feast classic chicken or seafood four times a day. "No bad behavior of any kind. he is our gentle giant. A very pleasing personality. He had shots last year and lots of tests and was good other than the diabeties."

If you might be interested in adopting Scratch, please email Venita@dcin.info.


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November 19, 2011--Scratch has been "off-the-juice" (not needing insulin since October 25, 2011. He is staying under 100 on his own. Welcome to the falls, Scratch!! Congratulations Ron!!

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August 31, 2011--New pictures of Scratch, our military cat. Scratch is doing OK on Lantus.

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April 24, 2011--Pictures of Scratch. Fuzzy, but adorable.


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April 23, 2011--Sgt. Ronald M of the US Army is recently returned from deployment to find that his beloved Scratch is diabetic.

This is MY companion animal. I love him and don't want to see him suffer. If your organization cannot help me do you know who might be able to? We are willing to do what you ask if you will help us.

Ron helped our country. DCIN will help Ron help Scratch.

DCIN has sent Ron Internet links about hometesting blood glucose levels and FDMB, and information about buying a Relion glucometer and strips. DCIN has mailed Ron a Contour meter, test strips, and lancets for delivery Monday, and will send Lantus insulin when needed (Ron already bought a vial of Lantus insulin from the vet).

Scratch is in need. With a family of two children and three pets, Ron and his wife are living paycheck to military paycheck.

I would appreciate a rapid response because I do not have the money for his next appointment on next Thursday.

Next Thursday's appointment is for a blood glucose curve. Hopefully, Ron and his wife will learn how to hometest before then and will not have to keep that vet's appointment.

If you would like to help Ron care for Scratch's diabetes, you can send a PayPal donation to 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 the fund.

You also can email me at ennis93 @att.net (remove space) for an address for mailing a check or money order.

Please put Scratch's name in the PayPal note section or your check's memo line.

Pam and Chris's Tiger

April 23, 2011--Tiger is a stray that Chris and his mom Pam took in a couple months back. Pam and Chris have hearts as big as gold. They used to have a beloved Yorkie with diabetes, and recognized the symptoms. The vet diagnosed Tiger with diabetes last week. Thankfully, Chris and Pam found DCIN. An email and two phone calls later, DCIN sent Lantus insulin and testing supplies to Tiger for delivery today. It appears that Chris has joined FDMB and that he and Pam will become awesome caregivers for FD Tiger. Tiger may or may not be looking for a new home. Time will tell. Tiger seems young.

Ebony at Home with Jennifer

April 23, 2011--Yesterday, Jennifer (Tucker's Mom) adopted Ebony (aka Lucyfur) from a local shelter. Ebony was surrendered to the shelter around Thanksgiving 2010 because the owner was moving. Ebony was "discovered" diabetic when she was drinking scads of water. She also was very cranky until the shelter staff figured out they should feed Ebony more food. In time, the shelter staff came to love Ebony, and some shed tears when Jenn came to rescue her. However, they did not start her on insulin. Jennifer did that this morning when, after being bit twice (OUCH!!), Jenn got a pre-shot reading of 326 and started the Missy on 1U Lantus. Until Ebony calms down, Jennifer is keeping her separate from her other cats. Ebony will soon be getting her "welcome-to-the-vet" appointment. What we know is that Ebony is FIV/FeLV negative, diabetic, and cranky/bitey. The shelter records say that Ebony is 5YO. DCIN will be paying for the vet visit. Would you like to help? We are expecting a cost of about $300. You can donate for Ebony by sending a donation through PayPal to 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 the fund. You also can email me at ennis93 @att.net for an address for mailing a check or money order. Please put Ebony's name in the PayPal note section or your check's memo line.