Thank you all for caring about my pets. Vince and I were talking the other night about what misfits we are . . not because we think we’re misfits but because we just don’t seem to conform to what the rest of world things is normal. We’d both rather be at home by ourselves; neither of us like going out to eat; I’d rather sleep in my car than stay in a motel . . we’re weird.
Our animals – we have Boots who showed up here as a little kitten. There are no close neighbors and not even any neighbors within probably 10 miles that have cats so we feel he was dumped.
We have Rita who had to have been dumped. She lived out in the woods til we managed to catch her in a trap. Can you imagine a chihuahua living out there with the wild pigs, coyotes and snakes. She had been living on acorns. We found a couple of her stashes and then for the longest time, she’d find an acorn out in the yard and gobble it down, even though she wasn’t hungry. I guess just remembering how hard it had been to find food made her want to eat every one she found. One vet said she was about 3; one said she was probably 7 years old when we found her. She had never had puppies and was not spayed so I leaned more towards her being 3 but I have no idea. I can’t even remember my own age half the time. She wasn’t blind when she got her – that happened a couple of years later. We feel she had been dumped.
And, we have Cat. No idea where she came from. No idea how old she is. I say “she” because she’s a tortoise shell and it’s very rare for there to be a male tortie. She has the typical tortie attitude . . DIFFICULT. I’ve heard even house pet torties are difficult so add that to being a feral cat and . . it isn’t a combination you want in your cat. She adopted us . . she probably figured anyone who will sit out for hours in 100+ degree weather to try to make friends with me while I’m hissing at them . . they’re suckers for another animal. She has more than likely been spayed . . her ear is tipped and in the 5+ years she’s been here, she hasn’t had kittens.
Back to Boots – he has eaten everything I gave him today. I put out some new dry cat food. I weighed it before I put it out and I can weigh it again to see if he’s eaten any. Vince said he looks still looks skinny. He may not have eaten much at all while at the vet for a week.
It makes me so sad to think that he was probably scared and uncomfortable at the vet but it makes me even more sad to think how animals must feel when they’re dumped on the side of the road. Even though turning them in at animal shelters is more humane (I guess), can you imagine what a pet who has had a comfy safe place to sleep and was so used to his surroundings must feel like when that happens?
Someone mentioned that I could make homemade food for Boots. I thought about that and googled some recipes but with us looking for a house in Arkansas, we are going to have more trips to make there and I don’t want to get him used to homemade food because the vet probably wouldn’t appreciate me bringing in refrigerated food for him. Once we get settled in a new location, I probably will start making his food.
So long as he continues to do ok, I won’t do any more updates but you can always ask about him if you’re wondering.
Cilla says
Didn’t your neighbor feed boots while you’ve been gone in the past? That sounds better than boarding her again. Is that possible? Im sure you will figure it out as you take such good care of all of your critters.
Cinda Moulds says
I’m sure you’ve considered what options there may be for Cat if you move.
danielle says
No matter what we do with our two dogs when we are away – they don’t eat. And the first day we are home, they might nibble. Of course they welcome us like crazy as soon as we get home but then they remember they are mad at us and give us the cold shoulder for a little while – no matter how we try and explain they would have been miserable had they gone with us!
Eileen says
I’m so happy he is better. Our fur babies are family!!
Teri says
Almost feel like crying but so happy there are people like you and Vince in the world. You are both good souls. Can you get a pet crate and take Boots with you on the next trip?
Marilyn Smith says
We are retired. We are dog lovers. We raised our son’s pit bull little puppy when we had reached the no more animal stage in our life, so we could travel. We loved that dog, best dog we ever had. But, if we had a trip planned, he would care for the dog. They got evicted from one tiny house when they were first married because of this sweet dog that never tore anything up. Tyler was just a baby. Anyway, she was the best dog we ever had. Tyler would use her as a pillow on the floor. She would not move until he woke up. She slept with us when we had her (and Tyler). We had her until she was 15 years old and had to put her down. Todd came up and slept on the tile floor with her and took her to the vet to be put down. I could not do it again. We have not had a dog since tho we have cared for the 2 dogs they have had. They both loved being here. They both slept with us. But, if we have a trip planned, they have to take their dog with them or leave it home with Tyler. But, Tyler is leaving for college in August. I am sure we will have a dog more often or they will jut take Britt with them but she loves us. Our trips com first but we are happy to care for their pups if we do not have trips planned. we adore our sweet 4 legged friends.
w jordan says
once again tried to reply canceled says duplicate
dezertsuz says
I’m so glad all is well, and once Boots realizes that vacations with the vet are not permanent, things may be better for her.
Rosalie says
Judy, if you board him again you might take his dry food and his dishes to make him more comfortable.
Nelle Coursey says
When you leave next time and have to board him, take one of your pillowcases or something you have worn (don’t wash your scent off it) and send it with him. With your scent around he may not be as nervous or scared. And now that you have been gone and came back, he may realize you are not “dumping” him again.