Barney is an Angel Now. [Archive] - Page 2

Emeraldgreen

11-23-2008, 04:21 PM

Just a quick note. Squamous and epitheal(sp)are 2 different kinds of cells. Is FIP the same as distemper? I ALWAYS get them mixed up!!! If he has distemper, his WBC's are very LOW. I may just have to do a google to find an answer!!! Prayers continue.....HUGS!!!!!!!!

The fine needle aspiration that Robin did on the lump that she originally thought was his thyroid (and I'm still unclear as to whether it is his thyroid that has the tumor or is a tumor that she thought was his enlarged thyroid)drew out some fluid (or tissue, not sure) and that was sent off to the lab. Those results came back as malignant epithelial tumor. Robin is guessing that the ear tumor(s) and nose scabbies are S.C.C. and I'm not sure if she is saying that they ephithelial tumor is too. Have to ask her about that. She hasn't diagnosed him with S.C.C. but feels pretty sure that is what it is given the scabby nose and ear and this is a cancer that cats outdoors often encounter with too much sunshine.
The only way to be sure is to biopsy his ear tumor or part of his nose and there is no point to put him through that or spend the money. I will treat him with the Transfer Factor and it will help boost his immune system which will help fight any kind of cancer, though it may not beat it.

I did some googling and found a few links with some info this morning:

Pathology
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor which originates in epidermis, squamous mucosa or areas of squamous metaplasia.
Macroscopically, the tumor is often elevated, fungating, or may be ulcerated with irregular borders. Microscopically, tumor cells destroy the basement membrane and form sheets or compact masses which invade the subjacent connective tissue (dermis). In well differentiated carcinomas, tumor cells are pleomorphic/atypical, but resembling normal keratinocytes from prickle layer (large, polygonal, with abundant eosinophilic (pink) cytoplasm and central nucleus). Their disposal tends to be similar to that of normal epidermis: immature/basal cells at the periphery, becoming more mature to the centre of the tumor masses. Tumor cells transform into keratinized squamous cells and form round nodules with concentric, laminated layers, called "cell nests" or "epithelial/keratinous pearls". The surrounding stroma is reduced and contains inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes). Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas contain more pleomorphic cells and no keratinization.[3] ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary. ... Eosinophilic is a technical term used by histologists. ... Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. ... Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. ...

The above quote comes from this site (http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Skin-cancer).

IF Barney has FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis) then he would have the dry form which is the chronic type. In the wet version, cats have fluid build up which the vet said Barney does not have. One of the symptoms is going off food, which he certainly does not suffer from but another symptom is discoloration of the eyes with brown splotches, which he does have but that could be due to his age. The vet had a good look at his teeth this last visit and said she thinks he's an old man. She can't know for sure but he looks 14 but because he's been outdoors he could be younger by a bit but looks older. I don't know a lot about FIP but do want to become more familiar with it because I'm wondering if I could at least bring Barney in to our livingroom and sit on a chair in front of the fireplace. I would leave him wrapped up in a blanket and just sit with him but I will ask the vet about that. I would make sure no cats are downstairs if I did that.
From what I understand, FIP is the result of a reaction to the Corona virus. Most cats can process the virus and shed it but the cats who don't get FIP. I think that is how it works. I'm still learning about it.

He is doing so well today and is very bright eyed and is much more alert since we have begun the insulin. This morning's shot was quick and hassle free which we were both grateful for! lol
I decided to leave his cone off and will only use it when I see him really scratching and as an aid when I give him his injection and drops. It really helps because when he swings around to bite me, he can't find me with the cone on. :)

I'm going to give him his first dose of Transfer Factor in about an hour. I think he will not even notice it mixed up in his food so it's going to be so much easier to give him than it was with Tiger. It will be interesting to see if he improves with the T.F.

Thank you all for your offers of continued support for Barney. It is so kind of you and my hope is that he won't cost that much. He is very blessed to have such a big family. When I hold him later today, I will give him a hug from you guys. :love:

Here is a video of him taken this morning. He was such a happy guy, purring away and doing paddies with his paws on his blanket. It is ironic that he is doing the best I've ever seen him when the news received the other day was the worst. Don't tell him that though, he thinks he's fit as a fiddle.

Grrrr. Photobucket is not working. I've been trying to load one short movie and it stops at 50% and just won't finish for the last hour. When I try to use the 'fast uploader' it lets me select a movie to upload but then there is no 'upload' button to click on the way there used to be. Anyone else having these problems?
Okay, it looks like it's finally uploading, slowly but it's going!

Nope, stuck at 18% now. :mad:

Will post it as soon as it's working.

Catty1

11-23-2008, 04:30 PM

Don't tell Barney he's sick - he has other ideas!

Again, Lara, BLESS YOU - and Angela too, as he is no longer suffering in the wilderness and outdoors.

If he gobbles down the Transfer Factor, who knows? I pray that Tiger is his guardian angel.

HUGS!

Medusa

11-23-2008, 04:33 PM

Fourteen and an outdoor cat all those years? Good grief, no wonder the boy is sick! What a survivor! It would be wonderful if you could hold him in a blanket by the fire as you said, Lara. How comforting that would be to him. And you. :love:

critters

11-24-2008, 08:08 AM

I did some googling and found a few links with some info this morning:

The above quote comes from this site (http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Skin-cancer).
I don't know a lot about FIP but do want to become more familiar with it because I'm wondering if I could at least bring Barney in to our livingroom and sit on a chair in front of the fireplace. I would leave him wrapped up in a blanket and just sit with him but I will ask the vet about that. I would make sure no cats are downstairs if I did that.
From what I understand, FIP is the result of a reaction to the Corona virus. Most cats can process the virus and shed it but the cats who don't get FIP. I think that is how it works. I'm still learning about it.

. FIP is from a mutation of a Corona virus, and it's not very, if at all, infectious through casual contact; it's not even very contagious from mother to babies. I think your fireplace idea is GREAT!!! :love:

Randi

11-24-2008, 09:59 AM

Lara, I'm SO glad to see Barney is doing better and more alert. The love and care you give him really helps. :) I love your idea of taking him inside in front of the fireplace - he will so enjoy that!

It's great that you're able to give him medicine without bloodshed, and I am sure he knows that you're helping him.

Will look forward to see the next video, once you get it uploaded.

Lots of kisses to sweet Barney and hugs to you, Lara. :love:

lvpets2002

11-24-2008, 11:04 AM

:love: Can we have a update on Barney todayPlease?? Did he get to come inside to be cuddled in a blankie by the fireplace?? ;)

Emeraldgreen

11-24-2008, 01:41 PM

:love: Can we have a update on Barney todayPlease?? Did he get to come inside to be cuddled in a blankie by the fireplace?? ;)

lol :) Absolutely!
We didn't build a fire last night so I haven't brought him in yet. I also wanted to run it by the vet first and I'm going to the clinic today to pick up some meds for him. Robin is prescribing another round of antibiotics and steroids. I was going to skip the steroids and give him Metacam instead (I'm almost certain the two can't be given together) but now I'm thinking the steroids might be worth a try. I've been giving him a few drops of the Metacam mixed in with his food but his ear is still really bothering him and he tilts his head and scratches it alot. Even with the collar, it still bothers him but he just can't scratch it. Robin's thought is that the steroids might help shrink the tumors a bit but she feels sure it will throw his glucose out of whack and it might be some trial and error finding the right insulin dosage for awhile.

He was so alert yesterday, bouncy even! But this morning he looked really run down and uncomfortable. He also peed outside the TWO litterboxes I have next to each other. The only thing that was different from yesterday morning to this morning was that I gave him two doses of Transfer Factor (the TF that is in the chicken suspension) mixed in with his food. I think I will switch to the leftover capsules just in case the suspension is 'off' after all this time (even though the pharmacist thought it would be alright).

I tried to upload that video to Photobucket again and it just won't upload. It's driving me crazy. I have uploaded 160 videos, identical to the one that I'm trying to upload so I just don't understand what the problem is.
Do you guys know of another image/video program that I can use other than Photobucket?

Purr_Tender wrote:
I have been so worried not hearing from you. Who would have thought your power would have been out.

I meant to reply to this in my last few posts and keep forgetting.:)
We lose power here quite frequently. But this is the first one this season. Last year we had lost power 3 times already by late November. We get alot of wind on the coast of B.C., especially around here and the gusts get up to 90km an hour and sometimes more and trees come down like matchsticks and take the power lines out. When we first moved here a couple of years ago we had to take the woodstove out as it was not up to code and we hadn't yet got our new stove put in and lost power. Our neighbours got power back on the third day but a tree had taken out a line in our driveway so we didn't have power for 6 days. It was the worst, not being able to shower and we were so cold. We piled a bunch of cats in bed with us to keep warm! lol
Having the woodstove makes all the difference and now a power outage isn't so bad. They usually only last for a few days at most and sometimes, like this last time, for a few hours.

Critters wrote:
FIP is from a mutation of a Corona virus, and it's not very, if at all, infectious through casual contact; it's not even very contagious from mother to babies. I think your fireplace idea is GREAT!!!

That is good to hear! I will mention that to the vet as well. I'm hopeful she will be on board with the fireplace idea. :)

I'm going to the Salvation Army today to see if there is an old VCR I can pick up for him. My boss has a bunch of tapes she said I could have for him that someone gave to her 4 year old daughter. They are movies for kids and have lots of animals in them so I think they will be perfect entertainment for Barney! lol
Her daugther has already seen them and knows all about Barney and has picked some movies out especially for him. My boss told me the other day her daugther was sorting through them and said "this one is for Barney and this one too" and has made a big pile for him.

Lizzie

11-24-2008, 03:02 PM

I was sad to hear about Barney's prognosis, but I am so very relieved that he can spend this part of his life with you and not alone in the cold where his death would be slow and full of suffering. I foster hospice care cats for a shelter and as I hold them close in bed, snuggled in to me, clean, warm and dry with full tummies, I think about where they could be - either alone outside struggling to survive or in a cage alone at the shelter. It's very hard to be their companion for only this last stage of their life, but it's also very rewarding. I have lost ten so far this year and I'm very glad I was given the responsibility of caring for them even while they all leave holes in my heart.

After I lost Smokey Jones earlier this year, the shelter vet told me that he thought he had FIP (dry) although he'd always told me Jones had a malabsorption problem. The vet knew that Jones was with my cats, and foster kittens and cats, but he was secure in the knowledge that FIP is not contagious. (I still think the so-and-so should have told me.) FIP comes from an individual cat's response to the Corona virus, it's not a mutation that they then pass on to other cats. Jones died very suddenly, the only cat I've found dead. One day he was looking at me proudly because he'd managed to jump onto the kitchen table for the first time and less than 24 hours later he had gone. However, he was nothing like Barney, he had a huge appetite but barely gained an ounce over 8 months.

I also lost a kitten, Fiorella, to FIP last winter. She was one of a litter of nine that I fostered for several months because they had tested a weak FeLV+. They cleared that but their immune system were not as robust as those of cats who receive good care from the start. Of the eight who went out for adoption, three died of FIP. I took Fiorella back from the adoption center when she didn't recover well from her cold. I did allow her to mix with my other cats, having been assured by the shelter, again, that FIP was not contagious, and it was fine. She got quieter and quieter, slowly losing weight, and then started to become paralysed.

So, in your place I would give Barney some real home time. Sometimes vets go to extremes to protect, just in case. I know my vet will go on about the fact that I have FIV+ cats mixed in with others, but I just give him a look. However, they are your cats and you must feel comfortable with your decision.

lvpets2002

11-24-2008, 03:42 PM

:love: Many Thanks for the UpDates on Sweet Barney.. Hang in there baby boy.. I just know you will be all better real soon.. Your our Wittle Lover Boy.. Bets you didnt know you had such a Fan Club.. Thats it we can form him a Fan Club & put his Picture on a T-Shirt with Saying of Get-R-Done Barney Our Hero.. Something like that.. Hey whats ya think.. We can do this thru CafePress..

Medusa

11-24-2008, 04:24 PM

Just me, checking in again; always happy to read updates about our Barn-Barn. Just reading that he's bouncy makes me feel good so I imagine that you're on top of the world when you see that, Lara. No worries about Photo Bucket. It seems computers all over are having problems today. I have Blue Tooth on mine and it's the worst! The computers at the dr's. office were frozen and when I checked out at my grocery store today, they said that my debit card wouldn't go through. How embarrassing! I said "Please let me try again. There's no reason it shouldn't go through". I tried again and it did go through but it so freaked me out that I went home and checked my balance online just to be sure that I hadn't deposited money into the wrong account. So maybe it's universal. Anyhow, you know we're always praying for Barney here and I want to reiterate that you should trust your instincts where his care is concerned. It's easy for us to give our opinions but we aren't there and we don't know all the circumstances, even though you give incredibly detailed updates and w/all you have to do plus working a job, that's pretty special. Gentle pets to our Barney and (((HUGS))) to you and Scott, Lara. :love:

Catty1

11-24-2008, 05:37 PM

I hope he perks up again. Maybe he was 'off' because the TF was working its way in? The capsules might absorb a little more gradually, and be easier on his system.

HUGS to Barn-Barn! :love:

kb2yjx

11-24-2008, 06:01 PM

All paws and fingers are crossed that you will get the OK from the vet and be able to bring Barney in in front of the fire!!!When you do, give him a BIG hug from all of us!!!

catmandu

11-25-2008, 04:31 PM

PRAYERS AND MORE PRAYERS FROM THE FOUND CATS AND FEEDER FOR BIG BARNEY, THAT HES HOME SOON AGAIN WITH HIS MEEEOWMIE :):) AND HAPPY!!!:love::love:

Emeraldgreen

11-26-2008, 12:50 AM

Lizzie, the time that you have put in with hospice cats sounds so rewarding and I think you are wonderful for doing it. Thank you so much for sharing that story. So amazing. :) And, I agree, he does need some real home time and tonight we had our first fireside visit.

I didn't ask my husband, I just bundled him up like a burrito in a fleece blanket and walked in and sat right in front of the woodstove. Barney LOVED it! He watched the fire for a little while and it was so warm and he got sleepy. He was purring and put is little head down on my lap and fell fast asleep. I felt so good that he could be at peace and feel safe and be cozy. I'm not sure who benefited more, him or me! lol

About 40 minutes later, I put him back in the shop and found my husband in the den and he said "where have you been?" I had a stupid grin on my face and the cat was out of the bag. lol I told him that I had snuck Barney in and that we didn't know how long he had and the least I could do was offer him a bit of normalcy a few nights a week. He just sat there silently for a second and then said "Ya, I guess". So, it looks likes I'll be doing this some more with him. My husband is worried about the other cats but he is also unhappy because Grommies, one of the cats we adopted in September found the clothes that I put on when I go out and visit with Barney and sprayed on the socks! We've been really blessed and don't have any inappropriate pee'rs in the house and it's always been like that. I don't know how we've lucked out but we have. Gromit has never done this in the few months he's been here but I guess he could smell Barney and decided to mark his territory. I reassured Scott that I will not put Barney down when I bring him in, just hold him.

Barney had a busy day today. We finally got a reasonably warm day with some sunshine so I took him out to the outdoor enclosure. I got lots of video of it but I still can't upload videos or even pictures to Photobucket. :mad: I've received a ton of suggestions from Photobucket and have un-installed and re-installed Java and Adobe Flash and changed my firewall settings and deleted my cookies and temp files and nothing works. I can't understand why after a year of doing the same thing with the same camera it all of a sudden doesn't work. So I started a Youtube account and my videos won't upload there either so now at least I know it is something to do with my computer. I'm hoping to have it sorted out soon. In the meantime, I have a few pics that I will 'attach' to this post.

Barney seemed to like being outside but I think he was a little scared too. He has never seen my yard before so I think he was trying to figure out where he was! And the grass was wet so we didn't stay out long but it was good for him to get some fresh air. Here is a picture of him standing on a piece of (wet) driftwood in the enclosure today.

After his outdoor adventure, I gave him another bath. He did not like it and growled ALOT! It's so funny because the set up for the bath with the warm water and suds and two rubbermaid containers, the tarp, the jug to pour water over him, the towels, the hairdryer takes all this time to set up and then the bath itself is less than 4 minutes. LOL
He really does not like the hairdryer, even if I put it on a warm setting or a cool one. He attacks it wildly so I mostly towel dried him today.

And he finally got his tv set up today! We didn't have to buy a used VCR yesterday because my husband offered to give up the one in the den. We don't use it to watch tapes but we need the audio/video outlets in the VCR to connect our dvd player to because our tv is one of the old clunky ones without these outlets. He also plugs his golf video game into the vcr to connect it to the tv but today he said he could move his game and the dvd player upstairs and let Barney have the VCR.
The only problem is that the only vcr tapes we have in the house are two kids christmas tapes, the old school Rudolph and Frosty tapes. So, that is what he has been watching. LOL I will be getting a bunch more from my boss this week but for now this will have to do. And, to be honest, I don't think Barney has ever seen a tv before. You should have seen the way he looked at it when Frosty started moving around on the screen. He was really trying to figure it out. And now, after a few hours, he doesn't seem to notice it. But it does make me feel better to have it going in the background to give him some distraction from the boredom. I will try and pick up one of those cat videos that have mice and birds on them. I have one for my cats but it is a dvd.

I'm stopping the Transfer Factor for now because late this afternoon I saw that he was having diarrhea. Despite all that he has been through, his poops have always been text book. The only problem he ever had in the past was some constipation. I also started him on the antibiotics that the vet prescribed and they are different from the last. He is on Baytril now instead of Clavamox. I don't know if it is this or the TF or the combo plus all the activity today but I have to lay off it until he is feeling better.

Also, I noticed that a protruding lump that he has behind his right ear is really starting to grow. Robin thought it was cartilidge from scratching so much the first few times she saw him but at his last visit she really wasn't sure and thought it could be a tumor. Then she looked in his ear and thought he might have one in the right ear and the xrays seemed to show that too. I'm really praying that it stops growing 'out' because if it becomes an open sore, I don't know how that will be for him (painful, easily infected etc..).
I have the steroids for him (prednisilone) and the dosage is 1 tab (5mg) twice a day. That's alot for a little kitty. I can't give it to him until tomorrow though because it has to be 72 hours after his last metacam dose because they can't be given together. I'm hoping the pred will help shrink this new lump growing behind his ear. :( I will attach a pic of that as well.

Thanks everybody for your posts. :)

E.T.A. I'm soooooooooooo frustrated. My pics won't even load as attachements to my post. I tried to upload 3 at once and it just says 'uploading files' please wait. It's already been 10 minutes so I dont' think it's working. My computer has some serious problems. I think I might have to re-install Windows XP but I will have to save all my pics and documents first.

Medusa

11-26-2008, 06:25 AM

Lara, this is the most wonderful post yet. To ready of Barney loving the warmth and comfort of the fire is just so heartwarming. What a wonderful moment for both of you and such beautiful memories for you. I can just picture him wrapped up like a burrito and purring away. You're giving him such a good life in a very brief period of time that makes up for so many years of neglect alone and unloved on the streets. I knew that Scott's heart would soften towards him as time passed especially now that he knows that Barney may not have much time left.

Don't stress yourself worrying about posting pix. You've got an awful lot on your plate so we all understand if Photo Bucket isn't working for you. My computer gives me grief every single day. I'll never have Blue Tooth again, that's for sure. It's nice to get videos and pix of Barney but the important thing is that he's getting the love and care that he so desperately needs and he couldn't be w/a better Mom. More gentle pets to Barn-Barn and (((HUGS))) to you and Scott. :love:

Randi

11-26-2008, 07:29 AM

I'm so glad to read that Barney was inside and enjoying the fireplace. That must have been SO special for the both of you. :) :)

Sorry to hear the lump is growing, but hope the medicine will stop it. Oh that poor boy, he has been getting so much medicine, and different kinds. I just hope he can handle it.

I bet he enjoyed the outdoors too, and I hope he will have some more little trips outside when the weather is good.

Lara, you are the best person he could hope to meet, you are doing so much to make him comfortable - thank you for that!

A pity you can't upload any videos or pictures, but don't stress about it. If you want me try, send me the pictures and I can probably upload them. You have my e-mail address. Have you checked whether the size is too big? Or if you delete a few others, perhaps it will work.

I have QuickTime, Real Player, Windows Media Player on my machine.

Lots of kisses to Barney - and hugs to you! :love:

Catty1

11-26-2008, 10:13 AM

I hope the diarrhea is just from the antibiotics (that is a side effect sometimes) and that Barney can be back on the TF at some point.

I love the fireside story! How happy a kitty is that! And Meowmie too! :):love:

More prayers for Barney.

pomtzu

11-26-2008, 10:19 AM

That's great news - that Barney got to come in the house and sit by the fire with you. :love: Have hubby take some pictures of that next time, and send them when you get whatever problem you're having with your computer straightened out. I'd love to see a shot of that, as I'm sure others would too! Bless you for all that you're doing for this sweet little guy! You're an angel on earth!

Lizzie

11-26-2008, 12:25 PM

"He was purring and put is little head down on my lap and fell fast asleep. I felt so good that he could be at peace and feel safe and be cozy. I'm not sure who benefited more, him or me! lol"

Isn't that a good feeling! Like Barney, my Diego has a condition that no-one can do anything about except to use drugs for as long as they will help. (By the way, Pred. really help to shrink a facial tumor that one of my fosters had, so hopefully they will help the one on Barney's head.) As Diego is cuddled warmly into my side, I picture him huddled down, wet, cold and fearful, in some city hiding place he has found, suffering through the pain of the bb-gun pellets in his body, and then the massive wound to his neck made by a racoon (probably over food), and I look down at him and think "At least I can give you this, warmth, safety, comfort, a full tum." Somehow it's important for me to do this since I can't do anything about the condition that will kill him very soon, otherwise I'd feel it was all hopeless. I think it's something cats do so very well, take the good stuff and enjoy it to its fullest extent and suffer through the bad - especially those who have had to live on the streets.

I appreciate the fact that you are posting daily updates since I look forward to this "blog". I can only access PT at work now so I'm going to miss Barney updates for four days, but I'll be thinking about you both.

Scooter's Mom

11-26-2008, 12:29 PM

I too will miss these Barney updates for the next few days. I will be out of town for the Thanksgiving weekend... hopefully back Saturday evening though.

((Hugs)) to you and Barn-Barn, Lara.

Emeraldgreen

11-26-2008, 01:23 PM

Hi guys, I'm just on my way to work but that is a great idea about emailing the pics to you Randi so you can post them. I only have the one pic of him outside and two of the lump. The rest are videos and I've tried to email videos before and they fail because they are too large. But until I get this problem fixed, this is a good temp solution! I'll email those pics to you now. Thank you. :)
p.s. the pic of him on the driftwood is my favourite picture of him so far. :D

Purr-tender

11-26-2008, 01:30 PM

It made my heart melt to know that Barney was snuggled on your lap in front of the fire. Ahhh! That's the good life for both of you!

I'm going to call his vet in a little while and leave another small donation for his next visit. I know we don't have any idea of how much time he has left, but that doesn't matter. He will still need funds to keep him comfortable and I am more than willing to do what I can to make it easier on you.

Thank you so very, very much, again, for what you are doing for Barney, and for the wonderful updates that keeps us all glued to PT!!

Continued prayers and warm hugs,
Mary

Randi

11-26-2008, 02:02 PM

Lara, one of them was simply too unsharp, but here are the others. Will check back later. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/IMG_48202.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/IMG_4826.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/IMG_48282.jpg

It's SO good to see Barney enjoying the outside. :)

More positive thoughts and lots of kisses to brave Barney. :love:

I tried to improve this a little, I think it's slightly better.

Purr-tender

11-26-2008, 02:17 PM

Thanks for getting these posted, Randi.

I agree with you Lara. The one of him on the log is really good. He's looking better. Even though the photo of his neck is kind of blurred I can still the growth. Scary!!

Mary

Emeraldgreen

11-26-2008, 03:33 PM

I'm at work and brought my camera card with me. I had erased the videos of Barney outside so they are not on my card anymore but I do have them on my computer. I did leave one video from about 3 days ago that I took of Barney on my card and uploaded it just now here from work. Here he is. He seems happier to me and I think the insulin is helping him. :)

Thanks for posting the pics Randi and thank you for your offer to call the vet Purr_Tender (Mary). :) I will post again after work.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_barney001.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=barney001.flv)

p.s. my computer is going to the doctor tomorrow! lol I'm hoping this computer tech can fix it.

jennielynn1970

11-26-2008, 03:49 PM

Awe! He looks so good! He seems so much more alert these days.

So heart warming!

Medusa

11-26-2008, 04:23 PM

Aw Barny, my arms just ache to hold you, little boy, but I guess Mom Lara will have to do it for me by proxy. You're looking better and better in every video and pic. (((HUGS)))) to you.

Lizzie

11-26-2008, 05:34 PM

He definitely looks fluffier and his front paws are losing the staining. What a fine set of whiskers he has, gleaming in the sunlight. I love those beaten-up old boy cats!

Purr-tender

11-26-2008, 06:15 PM

kb2yjx

11-26-2008, 08:15 PM

I am so glad that Barney got to sit in front of the fire with you!!!! Will celebrate his progress on Thanksgiving, something to be very thankful for!!! YEA BARNEY!!!

Emeraldgreen

11-27-2008, 01:48 PM

Oh my goodness, look at him making those biscuits!! I love the dens you fixed for him, that's just perfect.
I just called his vet and donated a little for his next visit. It sounds like he has a fan club there, too! The little heart stealer!!:love::love:

Hugs,
Mary
Proud Member of the Barney Fan Club!!

LOL!
Thank you so much Mary. Glad to hear that they are fond of him at the clinic. It's hard to ignore his fighting spirit stuffed into such a tiny little body. lol
Robin (the vet) said to me at the last exam (this was after we learned he had gained a pound but before we knew he had cancer) "if I can turn this cat around, I can help ANY cat!". She was as happy as I was when we weighed him. It was great.

I'm going to be boarding him there for a few days while my husband and I visit his parents for our pre-Christmas visit. I didn't want to leave the insulin injections to our petsitter as that is a bit much to ask of someone. And I feel good about him being under veterinary care while we're gone. There will be more activity for him to watch then there would be in the shop so it will be good. My husband agreed to donate the cost of the boarding as a christmas present to me. It's actually a gift to both of us because he knows that if he wasn't at the vet, I'd worry the whole time and it would ruin the trip. lol
We'll just be gone for 4 days but it will feel like forever. I hate leaving my pets. :( Anyway, it's not for weeks yet.

Barney's diarrhea has completely cleared up and his poops look totally normal again so I'm so relieved. He has received 2 doses of the pred so far and he seems to be scratching less. So far so good!
I will be putting him on Immunocal instead of the Transfer Factor. Angela left me with a whole box of the stuff and it is a natural Whey Protein that has just received a patent and is used to boost the immune system and fight cancer. Angela gave it to him for a few weeks before he came to stay with me and his system seemed to agree with it. I probably should not have stopped giving it to him but at the time of his arrival, he was on so many different things I was concerned about overwhelming his system. But I think it's okay to give it now and will begin that tonight.

Angela emailed me from Salt Spring Island, where she is staying for a few months before returning to Ontario. She is coming to Quadra early next week and will be coming to visit Barney. I'm sure he will be so happy to see her. She said that she was depressed for the first week or so after she left Barney but it has gotten easier with time. She said she still really misses him. It's too bad that he can't be with her but her accomodation wont' allow it and to be honest, I've become too attached to him I think to let him go. :)

Pomtzu wrote:
That's great news - that Barney got to come in the house and sit by the fire with you. Have hubby take some pictures of that next time, and send them when you get whatever problem you're having with your computer straightened out. I'd love to see a shot of that, as I'm sure others would too! Bless you for all that you're doing for this sweet little guy! You're an angel on earth!

Yes, I will definitely get a picture of that. I would like to have it as a keepsake as well. Good idea! :)

Lizzie wrote:
Isn't that a good feeling! Like Barney, my Diego has a condition that no-one can do anything about except to use drugs for as long as they will help. (By the way, Pred. really help to shrink a facial tumor that one of my fosters had, so hopefully they will help the one on Barney's head.) As Diego is cuddled warmly into my side, I picture him huddled down, wet, cold and fearful, in some city hiding place he has found, suffering through the pain of the bb-gun pellets in his body, and then the massive wound to his neck made by a racoon (probably over food), and I look down at him and think "At least I can give you this, warmth, safety, comfort, a full tum."

That is very encouraging to hear about the prednisilone! I really hope it helps him and soon!
I'm so glad Diego has your love and care and warmth for however long he has left. I'm so sorry to hear of all the suffering he has gone through. I know what you mean though, when I'm feeling like what I'm providing isn't enough, I imagine Barney being tossed out on the porch by my coworker's partner (which is what would have happened had he not come to our house when Angela left) and I feel better. It's not the best situation for Barney but it is a thousand times better than the alternative. And you guys have all helped make that happen. :love:

Thanks for posting those pics for me Randi! :)

Have to go to work!

p.s. I'm having a friend fix my computer on Monday and he is going to back up all my files and pics and re-install Windows XP for me so I should be able to post Barney movies by Tuesday! :D

Hope everybody in the States had a happy Thanksgiving.

Emeraldgreen

11-27-2008, 11:24 PM

Barney's care package from Jenn arrived today!!! I've PM'd her but wanted to post about the wonderful parcel in his thread too. I will post the pictures tomorrow when I go to work that would normally go along with this post. So for now, try and imagine all the goodies. ;)

I opened the large box and inside was:

A soft, leopard print self heating pad, about 2.5 feet by 1.5 feet in size.

The CUTEST little sweatshirt made for a small dog with a hoodie. It is red and yes, I managed to stuff him in it but now he hates me. LOL!! I got a picture of him and he looks sooooo mad! I wasn't able to get his left arm through the arm hole but other than that, I got it on him. He really was attacking me wildly so I had to take a few pics and shut it down before he had a melt down.

A whole bunch of cat toys, including 3 'MOUSEBALLS'. They are these miniature tennis balls that have these furry tails.

A furry green cat nip frog that Jenn named Barney Frog!

A catnip mouse, a deluxe model unlike the cheapy ones I normally buy. lol

Some cat ring toys.

A whole pile of Temptation Natural Treats!

A can of Kookamonga Cat Nip Treats.

A couple bags of Pounce Treats.

Bones, bones and more bones for my two shepherds! Boy, are they going to go crazy for them tomorrow!! I will get a movie of them when I present them to the boys.

And a beautiful carved wooden sculpture of a girl with angel wings holding a cat. I told Jenn that when I opened it, I said to my husband "This looks like the sculpture your parents gave us as one of our wedding presents" and I went and got it and sure enough, it is made by the same company 'Willow'. So now I have a set! :)

And my husband's personal favourite, the chocolates. :D I'm ashamed to say, we've already eaten half the box. Yikes, but it had to be done. They were/are so good.

THank you so much Jenn. My own brother has never sent me so much stuff! LOL I'm going to tell him about it and maybe he'll get the hint for christmas. lol I always send him a parcel bursting with stuff and sometimes he remembers to send me a card!! He has ADD so I cut him some slack. ;) And to be fair, he does send stuff sporadically (every other christmas lol).

I've put Barney's warming pad in his bed and I think he's really going to like it.
I will post the pics tomorrow morning from work. Thank you so much. :love:

I'd better log off soon. I took a Benedryl because I'm having an allergy attack from visiting too much with Teenie and Tiny (I'm allergic to them but not to any of the other cats) and I sneezed about 60 times today. This Benedryl stuff is strong!! I'm starting to see double. lol

Emeraldgreen

11-28-2008, 12:21 PM

Here are a bunch of pics of the carepackage and Barney. At the very end there are a couple of pics of my cats Wallace and Grommies with the mouse ball. :)

Below the video is a picture of Wallace and he is NOT amused! LOL

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_827a0d8f.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=827a0d8f.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/morepics020.jpg

jennielynn1970

11-28-2008, 02:36 PM

So glad it finally got there!!

Oh the look on Barney's face with that sweatshirt on him, LOL!! Poor Barn-Barn.... I didn't send it to you to torture you, I swear!!

Hugs to Barney!!

Medusa

11-28-2008, 04:12 PM

That's just too cute! I love the expression on Barney's face: "Oh the humiliation one must endure". LOL

kittykatharine

11-29-2008, 01:03 AM

That is so wonderful! Barney looked so happy to be in that red hoodie ;-). What a cutie, That was the nicest care package ever Jenn!! You are quite the saint! Now barney has a whole bunch of treats and toys to make this little gy as happy as happy can be. :love::love::love:

Randi

11-29-2008, 09:34 AM

Aww, presents for Barney. :) Isn't that red sweatshirt cute on him! I bet he'll soon get used to the heating pad - and love it!

Good thoughts for Barney and lots of kisses also. :love:

kb2yjx

11-30-2008, 06:22 PM

I am sure glad we cannot read Barney's mind as he sports his new jacket!!!

Emeraldgreen

12-02-2008, 01:08 AM

My computer is finally fixed. Turns out the majority of my problems were connected to my Norton antivirus and I just needed to un-install it and replace it with some other virus software that is less crippling for my computer! Out of nowhere it wasn't allowing me to upload pics or videos to photobucket or youtube and a few times it wouldn't let me attach a picture to a post, though I was able to finally do that the other day.

Triple thank yous are in order!! Thank you Kb2yjx and Mary(Medusa) and Mary (Purr_Tender). :) I received two cards with donations in the mail today and when I called the vet today to ask what they charge for a box of syringes the receptionist told me that a donation had been made. Thank you guys and thank you everybody for all of your help, now and in the past. Everyone has been so great and Barney is well set up for a good long time, or for however long he has. I feel very blessed that his care will not be expensive with the continued treatment of insulin and prednisilone and food. We are just about to open the bag of food that Momtomany donated a few weeks ago and that should last at least a month. I know there are some folks on here who are struggling with pets in need and Barney has already been so well looked after by his huge Pet Talk foster family and he is going to be safe and cozy and well fed until he lets me know it's his time to go. Thank you everyone for helping making this guy so comfortable. I will be sure to keep him that way for as long as I can (meaning as long as he is not suffering) and you have made that possible. He and I could not ask for more. :)

I've uploaded the video from his outdoor adventure last week and will post it below. He hasn't been out since because it has been raining every day. I have forgotten what the sun looks like. lol
Barney was motoring around pretty well I think. I'm planning to take him out a few times a week so he gets some exercise (weather permitting). And the best part of the video is that you can actually SEE HIM!! All my videos are so dark because I'm using a camera that doesn't have light for videos, just for pictures. But since he is outside you can really see him.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_0403a04d.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=0403a04d.pbr)

I've been bringing Barneybear into the house to sit by the fire a few evenings a week and he just loves it. I asked my husband to take a picture of us (as Pomtzu suggested ;)) and it is below.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4899.jpg

Here is a video of Barney in the workshop and the vcr set up for him with Frosty the Snowman playing.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_Picture007.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=Picture007.flv)

We went to town today and stopped by the Salvation Army and found some great videos for Barney. They were super cheap (one was only .39 cents!!) and they are just perfect for him. One is about lizards, another is about baby birds and the other is about frogs and butterflies etc.. I'm sure the people shopping there thought we were strange! We were looking through the shelves of videos and we were each finding videos for him and shouting out "OMG, this one is perfect! A lizard video!!" LOL Thankfully I don't care what they think. :p

Here is a pic of some of the videos we got for him today.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/Picture004-2.jpg

Wow, video overload in this post but they got a bit backed up with the computer issues I was having.

Barney has another week or less of Baytril and he is still getting 5mg of Prednisilone twice a day. The insulin injections are going okay but he growls when I get him on my lap in preparation for the shot. He's been trying to bite me more now than ever, even when it's not shot time because he thinks I'm always trying to give him a shot, even though I'm mostly just trying to pet him. :( But, then I'll climb into his enclosure to sweep and clean his litter box and collect his dirty food dishes and he rubs up against my legs and when I sit down, he crawls into my lap and does head bonkies against me. If my hands move in any kind of 'suspicious' manner, he goes after me though. lol What a guy. Gotta love him.
My husband is growing fond of him and he goes into the shop multiple times a day to change videos for Barney (up until today, he was changing the videos from Frosty to Rudolph but thankfully there will now be a better variety) and he has climbed in there to clean his litterbox and give him fresh water and sometimes pets him on the head. I've never asked him to do any of this. I always thank him though and he says "well, how can you not want to help him, look at him?!?" lol He is a bit wary of Barney's biting though and when he pets him, it's just a few quick strokes on the head. The funny thing is, that I think he REALLY likes my husband, maybe even more than me!! (darn it!! lol). Whenever he opens the door and comes into the shop, Barney POPS UP and meows and goes right to the side of the enclosure where Scott is standing. He does do this with me but not with the same gusto he does with him. lol
Maybe the 'caregiver' (and I use that term lightly) in Barney's past was a male. In any case, I'm grateful that they have struck up a friendship because it is so much more comfortable for me to take care of Barney and have him in our lives when we are both on board with it.

Angela is coming over at 1:00 tomorrow to see Barney. :) I will take a few pics!

p.s. Jenn, the self heating pad is great and Barney is cozy as a bug in a rug. Thank you.

Medusa

12-02-2008, 07:24 AM

What an absolutely wonderful update! All things considered, Barney actually looks healthier except for his eyes, which reveal how sick he truly is. He sure does have a good life, though. Boo was sitting on my lap while I was viewing the video and he looked at me as if to say "Why don't we have one of those enclosures?" Barney looked like he enjoyed his little romp but I'm sure he's had enough of the outdoors considering that it's been so rough for him. I'm willing to bet that he likes his snuggle time by the fire w/you much better, Lara. I knew that Scott would come around, too. After all, Barney can tug at the heartstrings. You sure have made his last days, however long they are, cozy and secure and full of love. I'm proud to know you, girl. Gentle pets and (((HUGS))) to you and Scott. :love:

columbine

12-02-2008, 08:03 AM

I've tried not to get too wrapped up in Barney's story, but it's a lost cause! It's great to see him filling out and looking more comfortable. Hey, Barn-Barn - keep eating lots of yummy food! I bet the shots won't bother you as much when you're a bit heavier!

Love, Columbine

kt_luvs_kitties

12-02-2008, 08:25 AM

I am sorry I dont post often, I really want to but I am so busy sometimes, I just say a prayer instead!

Anyways, Barney looks WONDERFUL! I LOVE his enclosure (wish I could get one for myself!) And he looks so comfy and sweet.

You made out like a bandit Barney! Look at all of those goodies.

Have you ever thought of buying him the video catnip vhs? I only have the dvds, but the tape is VERY cheap on ebay. Also, I have 2 music cds, made for cats. It really helps mine! One is called cat naps, the other I bought at Petsmart for 7 dollars.

My cats have 3 dvds.. 2 are video catnip and then some other one made for them. Bet he would like them!

Anyways, he is so lucky to have a devoted meowmie to care for him! And he could NOT be any cuter;)

Keep going strong Barney!;)

Randi

12-02-2008, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the update and Videoes. I loved seeing Barney outside in the enclosure, he really seemed to enjoy that! :) And also being in your lap by the fireplace. :) I can't tell you how happy I am that he found you, and it's great to hear your husband is growing fond of him and wants to help, too.

LOL about the videoes you bought for Barney, he will surely enjoy some critters on the TV. :D

I hope it continues to go well with his shots and medicine!

Lots of kisses and gentle scritchies to Barney, and hugs to you! :love:

I'm sorry I can't contribute with more, but I have a horrendous dentist bill to pay soon.

Purr-tender

12-02-2008, 11:42 AM

I'm sitting here with Momma Lily on my lap reading and watching Barney videos with a huge smile on my face! Like Mary said he looks so good but you can see in his precious eyes how sick he really is. He is so very, very blessed to have such a wonderful, loving caregiver. How good he must feel when he is snuggled with you in front of the fire. Ahhhh!! The videos you picked up for him are so cool!! Are you sure they didn't have stickers on them that said "Hold For Barney"?! Wow, that enclosure is great. Is it for your house cats? I have been wanting to build something like that for my crew, especially after my Molly was killed a couple of months ago. I want them to be able to get fresh air and exercise. When I do let them out the first thing that they always do is starting grazing. I've had a couple of people that were suppose to give me a quote on building one attached to the cat cottage but I never heard back from them.:( I'll try again in the Spring to find someone.

I've had a trying morning, so your update and videos were just what I needed! Thank you.

Warm hugs,
Mary

Emeraldgreen

12-02-2008, 01:04 PM

What an absolutely wonderful update! All things considered, Barney actually looks healthier except for his eyes, which reveal how sick he truly is....
You sure have made his last days, however long they are, cozy and secure and full of love. I'm proud to know you, girl. Gentle pets and (((HUGS))) to you and Scott. :love:

Thanks Mary. :) I agree, he's got the eyes of an old man whose been through alot, physically and more. I hope I can have another few months with him but we'll just take it one day at a time. The right side of his head is swollen now more than before. It's kind of like his tumor (that the vet thought was the enlarged thyroid) which is on the right side has joined up with the tumor behind his ear and it is much more noticable now.

Columbine wrote:
I've tried not to get too wrapped up in Barney's story, but it's a lost cause! It's great to see him filling out and looking more comfortable. Hey, Barn-Barn - keep eating lots of yummy food! I bet the shots won't bother you as much when you're a bit heavier!

lol! Barney has that effect! I just don't get how he didn't win someone over all these years but I guess no one stopped long enough to give him a good look and get to know him.
That is a good thought, if he manages to gain a bit more weight, the shots should be easier to administer. And as Mary (Medusa) wrote in an earlier post, the prednisilone should help with the weight gain as well. I will have the clinic weigh him when I bring him in to be boarded for a few days later this month and will let you guys know.

kt_luvs_kitties wrote:
I am sorry I dont post often, I really want to but I am so busy sometimes, I just say a prayer instead!

Prayers are so appreciated Katie, thank you for thinking about Barney. Prayers going out to your Andy too! :)

Have you ever thought of buying him the video catnip vhs? I only have the dvds, but the tape is VERY cheap on ebay. Also, I have 2 music cds, made for cats. It really helps mine! One is called cat naps, the other I bought at Petsmart for 7 dollars.

I would like to get Barney one of those tapes and will keep my eye out for one but the VHS tapes are harder to find these days. And now that I've found the lizard and frog videos, I think they will entertain him pretty well. I know what you mean though, those cat videos are so great. I have a dvd one for my house cats called 'Kitty Goes Hunting and Kitty Goes Fishing' and it has hamsters and birds and fish and butterflies and some of my cats are quite interested in it. Others don't even notice it though, not sure why! :confused: lol I also have a bunch of other dvd's that I alternate for them including old tv shows (Beverly Hill Billies, Dick Van Dyke and Alice), these ones are always really cheap at the store. Right now they have the Yule Log video playing. It's just like they have a fireplace going in their playroom and you have the option of choosing the crackling sounds or you can select the music option which is quite peaceful.

I think the music cd's for Barney would have been a wonderful idea but unfortunately he is deaf so he wouldn't be able to hear it but I do hope the videos will entertain him a bit.

Randi wrote:
LOL about the videoes you bought for Barney, he will surely enjoy some critters on the TV.
I hope it continues to go well with his shots and medicine!
Lots of kisses and gentle scritchies to Barney, and hugs to you!

I'm sorry I can't contribute with more, but I have a horrendous dentist bill to pay soon.

Oh my gosh Randi, you have donated multiple times already! And thanks to you and everyone else, he is doing just fine and is well taken care of. Thank you so much. Prayers and good thoughts are all that Barney needs now. :love:
I hope that you are able to tackle the dentist bill that is upcoming. I'm thinking of getting dental insurance for my husband. He has periodontal disease and just went to a specialist. He is due to go in for 2 cleanings one week apart in February and they will be 3 hours long each time at 150.00 an hour. I'm hoping to get the insurance lined up prior to the cleanings but I think there might be a 3 month wait before it kicks in. Do you have dental insurance in Denmark?

Purr_Tender wrote:
The videos you picked up for him are so cool!! Are you sure they didn't have stickers on them that said "Hold For Barney"?!

LOL!! That is what I was thinking! :p

Wow, that enclosure is great. Is it for your house cats? I have been wanting to build something like that for my crew, especially after my Molly was killed a couple of months ago. I want them to be able to get fresh air and exercise. When I do let them out the first thing that they always do is starting grazing. I've had a couple of people that were suppose to give me a quote on building one attached to the cat cottage but I never heard back from them. I'll try again in the Spring to find someone.

Yes, we built the enclosure a few years ago when we moved here. We built the dog 'yard' first and then decided to take a 1/4 of the dogs space and make it for the cats. A friend of my husband's helped us and we used fencing that has holes that are about 2 inch squares for the sides and chicken coop fencing for the top that we connected with wire (but if we build another one if we move, I think I would use fish netting or deer fencing on the top because when it rains, it gets a bit rusty. The deer netting would work just as well, if not better). We used 6 foot fence poles, the ones that look like giant pencils and dug holes about a foot and a half deep to put them in. Then when we were done, we walked around and looked for any potential escape spots and put rocks and pieces of drift wood to close them up. In the summer, we put a huge blue tarp across the top of one end so they have shade and we also put one of their really beat up cat trees in there which they like to sit on. The enclosure is about 70 feet long and about 20 feet wide but if we build another one in the future, I think I would like to make part of it tall enough for me to get in and stand up. It is hard on the back to carry them out there in their carriers and then bend over to get in there to let them out and then round them up. I would also make it closer to the house next time! LOL It is about a 100 feet from the house so it's kind of a pain to get them out there. I bought a dolly last year and I stack their carriers on that and wheel them out. It is hilarious and I'm sure my one neighbour who has a bit of a view of our place must wonder what the heck is going on!
Here is a video of the enclosure in the summer. We let the grass grow a couple of feet tall inside because the cats like to race through it and hide and stuff. I do take the weed whacker in there once a month during the summer though and cut a path for them so they have some areas that are clear. It's really dismal right now and the cats don't go out much this time of year.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_1a0da6ef.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=1a0da6ef.pbr)

Purr-tender

12-02-2008, 02:06 PM

My heart sunk when you said the side of his head is more swollen. That doesn't sound good at all. Are his tumors cancerous or is his cancer in his lymph glands? Since he does have cancer I guess surgery to remove some of the tumors, when he is stronger, is not an option, right? Do his ears still bleed since the vet cleaned them?

I can just picture you with a dolly load of cat carriers:D that is funny, but it works! Do you treat the grassy area with any kind of flea and tick repellent before you put the cats out there, or do you just use Frontline or something like that on them? I want my enclosure to attach to their cottage so I can put a doggy door in so they can go out whenever they want to. I would probably lock the door at night to be safe. I have an acquaintance whose husband built an incredible enclosure attached to one of those sheds that look like a little house. It has hollow logs and dead trees cemented in place. She insulated the shed and had electric run to it. In fact they are in the process of building a second "cattery". I don't have that kind of money but I took some photos of it this Summer for when I finally get mine we'll have some kind of an idea what to do. Thanks for sharing the video of yours, it looks like cat heaven.

Mary

kb2yjx

12-02-2008, 02:12 PM

I am so glad that the note arrived!!!! Anything to help out that sweet fellow!!!

Catty1

12-02-2008, 04:48 PM

Oh I hope that immune stuff Angela uses will help...if there was only some way to reduce the tumours, if just for his comfort.

I know most tumours are solid - but if these are lymph tumours, could they be aspirated and drained?

DEAR little boy! Kisses to him!:love:

momtomany

12-02-2008, 07:04 PM

Purr-tender

12-02-2008, 08:45 PM

how wonderful to see barney outside and enjoying himself. I am so grateful that barney has you in his life. I know my soul is up lifted to know that his final days will be spent with love and that he will not suffer like he was and would be if his circumstances hadn't changed. God gave him an angel and that angel's name is lara. I know god will bless you for what you are doing for barney. Thank you.

amen!!

Medusa

12-02-2008, 08:56 PM

amen!!

Mary, you and I think so much alike sometimes. That's what I was going to post. So I'll say "Amen, sister!" to your "Amen". LOL

Emeraldgreen

12-02-2008, 10:36 PM

How wonderful to see Barney outside and enjoying himself. I am so grateful that Barney has you in his life. I know my soul is up lifted to know that his final days will be spent with love and that he will not suffer like he was and would be if his circumstances hadn't changed. God gave him an angel and that angel's name is Lara. I know God will bless you for what you are doing for Barney. Thank you.

Purr_Tender wrote:
amen!!

Medusa wrote:
Mary, you and I think so much alike sometimes. That's what I was going to post. So I'll say "Amen, sister!" to your "Amen". LOL
Today 06:45 PM

Thanks guys! These posts made me think of something. Since everyone here has been so helpful in every kind of way to make Barney's life a better one, we can call ourselves 'BARNEY'S ANGELS' instead of Charlie's Angels. ;) lol

Purr_Tender wrote:
My heart sunk when you said the side of his head is more swollen. That doesn't sound good at all. Are his tumors cancerous or is his cancer in his lymph glands? Since he does have cancer I guess surgery to remove some of the tumors, when he is stronger, is not an option, right? Do his ears still bleed since the vet cleaned them?

The tumors in his ears and the scabby nose have never been biopsied but the area on the right side of his neck that Robin originally thought was an enlarged thyroid was tested with a fine needle aspiration and the sample was sent to the lab and that came back as cancer. I still have to talk with her to find out if this tumor is 'in' the thyroid or a lymph node or just a tumor by itself. I will definitely get an answer about that soon.
Robin feels very sure that the ear tumors and the nose problem are also cancer as it just makes sense and she thinks that it could be Squamous Cell Carncinoma. His liver is also more than twice the normal size which she feels could now be related to the cancer. I could have the tumors and nose biopsied but each one costs about 125.00 to biopsy and surgery to remove them would be very costly. My old vet (the one I was trying to trade the website work for surgery with) never did get back to me until recently when I sent him an email saying to forget it because he has cancer. He wrote back and apologized for the delay and said he had just sold his practice the same week and was really overwhelmed. He still works there though but I don't think he would be able to do the surgery for trade.

Robin doesn't feel he would survive the anesthesia with his diabetes. I'm not sure why and should do some research on it. But it does seem that he is such an old guy with multiple tumors that would require multiple surgeries and his recovery, if he survived, could be very difficult for him. I don't know how much time he has but I would feel so terrible if the last month he had was filled with wounds and sutures and drugs. :(

But I am hoping that the Immunocal will help him. Here is a link (http://www.immunocal.com/product.htm) to the website about the product. When Angela first brought Barney in from outdoors she said that his eyes were so cloudy that she thought he might be blind. She immediately started giving him Immunocal mixed in with his wet food and within less than a week his eyes had cleared up. They were still old man eyes with brown blotches but the cloudiness went away. I'm going to make sure he gets some everyday and hopefully it will make him feel stronger.

Catty1 wrote:
Oh I hope that immune stuff Angela uses will help...if there was only some way to reduce the tumours, if just for his comfort.
I know most tumours are solid - but if these are lymph tumours, could they be aspirated and drained?
DEAR little boy! Kisses to him!

He is on a steroid (pred) right now that is supposed to help shrink the tumors. Even though it feels like the tumors on the right side have become one larger one, I think it's really helping with the one in his left ear. The scratching has reduced by 70-80% which is great. He isn't tilting his head as much (the way he was in the outdoor video) and the bleeding in his left ear seems to have stopped. So it is helping which is great.

That is a good question about the tumor being drained if it is in the lymph node. I will ask Robin about that as well. :)

Purr_Tender wrote:
Do you treat the grassy area with any kind of flea and tick repellent before you put the cats out there, or do you just use Frontline or something like that on them? I want my enclosure to attach to their cottage so I can put a doggy door in so they can go out whenever they want to.

A cat door is a GREAT idea! If we move and build another one, I would like this feature too. It would be awesome if they could let themselves out during the day.
We don't use stuff for fleas, on the grass or on them. I have used Revolution sporadically but it has always been for ear mites. And I bought a can of Siphotrol and learned from the clinic how and where to spray it when we first moved here because I thought the house might have fleas from the previous owners pets but no one started scratching so I never used it. I have no idea how we've escaped the curse of fleas and ticks but I'm so thankful. When I lived in Arizona, we definitely had ticks in the area and it was awful but thankfully they haven't bothered the pets here. My husband's friend got one on him when he was riding his mountain bike on the northern part of the island. It was stuck to his side. :eek:

I just filmed the dogs getting their bones from Jenn and though this is Barney's thread, I'll post it here because the bones came in Barney's parcel. :)
Plus, there is a cat in the video. Sneakers can be heard in the background meowing her disapproval of the attention being given the canines and how it should be lavished on her, the feline queen of the house. :rolleyes: lol

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_64d0447a.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=64d0447a.pbr)

Purr-tender

12-02-2008, 11:52 PM

OMG your dogs are so great! What a treat to watch them enjoying their Jenn treats!! Poor Sneakers, where's my treat Mom?! I love your living room! It looks sooo comfortable and cozy!

I was hoping that the tumor that's on the side of his neck/head area wasn't cancerous and could be removed/drained and maybe give him a little relief. But, if Robin doesn't think he would survive the anesthesia I would probably trust her judgement. I just so desperately want him to really get well. I'm sitting here with tears starting. I need to just focus on a day at a time like you've said. He is doing well right now and that is a good thing. He is warm and safe and very loved. Now how can I be sad about that?!

Barney's Angel :D

Mary

Medusa

12-03-2008, 06:36 AM

I wasn't able to view the video but I've been having problems even loading PT, not sure why. Anyhow, just wanted to comment that I'm proud to be one of Barney's Angels. What a privilege and an honor. He could be the poster boy for love and hope. As for the surgery, if Robin says he wouldn't survive the anesthesia, then it's best not to do it and just make him as comfortable as possible, which is what you've been doing all along. More gentle pets to Barn-Barn and the usual (((HUGS))) to you, Lara. :love:

pomtzu

12-03-2008, 06:39 AM

Thanks so much for all the shots of Barney that you are sending. The video of him outside was so sweet, and of course the one by the fire was absolutely precious. He seemed to be watching the fire so intently - all wrapped up and snuggly warm in his angel's arms.
It's difficult - knowing what his ultimate fate is - but seeing how well he is being cared for and loved - makes it a little easier to accept I suppose. I don't know how you do it - I am just reduced to tears when I read some of your posts! As my mother used to say when someone did a good deed - "There's another star in their crown!" I think your crown will need to be "super-sized"! :)

Emeraldgreen

12-03-2008, 02:19 PM

Thank you guys for your continued words of kindness. Honestly though, he is no trouble at all and if he showed up at your door, I'm sure you'd do the exact same thing and maybe even more. It is no effort at all to give hugs and meds and clean up after this little guy, it is wonderfully simple and as someone else mentioned in an earlier post, he is a gift and a blessing. I almost feel guilty that I have him all to myself and even more guilty because you have all helped so much and I'm the one who gets to benefit from having him here! lol But I will keep posting vids and pics of him at least once a week so you can see his little froggy face.

Angela was supposed to come over yesterday but we had some miscommunication about the time so she ended up coming about half an hour ago on her way to the ferry. Her husband had flown in from Ontario and drove up Vancouver Island with her so he got to meet Barney today too.

Barney seemed sooooooooo happy to see her and he was very snuggly and gentle. I got some footage of him rubbing his head on her shoulder and it is the sweetest moment. Angela thought he looked great so I was relieved. It's hard for me to tell because I see him everyday but she thinks he has really improved and she couldn't believe how strong he was when he was doing paddies on her arm. She gave me a whole box of the Immunocal and told me some amazing stories about it and I'm going to make sure he gets it every day.

We bundled him up and she held onto him while I clipped his nails. I can't believe how long they had gotten in just a month! I'm sure he will be much more comfortable now.

Here is a video of Angela and Barney's reunion. :)
And below that is a picture (I know that some people are not able to view the videos so I wanted to also post a pic)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_f7aa06dc.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=f7aa06dc.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/angelavisit001.jpg

Purr-tender

12-03-2008, 02:40 PM

That video was the best yet!! When he put his head on Angela's shoulder, I melted!! That was a WooHoo!! moment when she said he felt so strong. I'm sure she was amazed at how much he had changed since she saw him.

Mary

Medusa

12-03-2008, 03:51 PM

Gosh, I'm getting soft in my old age. That video brought me to tears. The reunion was so sweet. I can tell that Barney loved seeing Angela. And some people say that animals don't remember things like that. Please. :rolleyes: It did my heart good to hear Angela say how strong Barney has become. What a wonderful job you're doing, Lara. :love:

jennielynn1970

12-03-2008, 04:11 PM

What a great video!!! And Barn-Barn was so happy to see Angela too! It really does brings tears to the eyes to watch him! He knows so much love now!

Big hugs to you and your husband for doing all you are doing for our boy!

kb2yjx

12-04-2008, 08:56 AM

How my eyes swelled up with tears when Barney snuggled up to Angela!!! He looked so comfy in his blue blanky!!!!

phesina

12-06-2008, 12:38 PM

What a wonderful video. God bless you, all of you, for all you are doing for Barney.

jennielynn1970

12-07-2008, 10:53 PM

How's Barney doing this past weekend?

Emeraldgreen

12-07-2008, 11:41 PM

JennLibrarian wrote:
How's Barney doing this past weekend?

Well, we've had a good and not so good weekend. The good part was really neat. My husband was playing the piano and I thought that maybe Barney might be able to feel the vibrations from the music. I went and got him and bundled him up and brought him inside. Scott was playing and I sort of sandwiched Barney between me and the piano. He perked up and seemed to hear it! It was so cool. Then I sat down with him by the fire and he spent the whole time watching my husband playing the piano and his ears were moving all over the place. He was very calm though and stretching his paws out and kneading them in the air. I think he liked being able to hear/feel something.

The not so good part was that he was scratching his left ear while I was dishing up his food and his ear started bleeding. I think it is because I had just trimmed his nails when Angela was here and they were maybe a bit jagged. It was unbelievable how much it was bleeding, I was really freaked out. Everytime he shook his head, blood was flying everywhere. After about an hour, the workshop had blood splatter covering alot of it. Finally, it started to clot and the bleeding mostly stopped. There is still some blood when he shakes his head but nothing like the other day. I looked it up and Prednisone is supposed to help stop bleeding and he is already on that to help shrink the tumors so I will make sure he continues to get them every morning and night.

He is no longer fond of his low glycemic wet food and I need to make sure he eats so I'm giving him Fancy Feast and he eats it up. He also isn't interested in Pill Pockets anymore so I'm grinding the pred up and mixing it in his wetfood.

The daughter of my boss brought in some videos for Barney to add to his collection. He now has 'That Darned Cat' and 'Benji' and a couple of other similar movies to watch. :)

I'm going to be boarding Barney at the vet for a couple of days while we take a short road trip. Probably towards the end of the month. I have someone staying at our house but I just don't want to leave Barney with all of his special needs. It will be good for him to get out of the workshop for a bit. I'm worried that the vet is going to suggest that I let him go after they have him under their care for a few days and see his ear and stuff. But maybe it will be the opposite, they might help get him in better shape with glucose testing and hopefully some more dematting and just good attention from people who know what to look for with regard to everything that is going on with him.

One other thing that I've noticed in the past few days is that the tumor on his neck that leads up to behind his right ear seems smaller now. Just a week or so ago, it seemed larger but he had only had a few doses of the pred at that time. So I think it is working.

All in all, he's doing okay. He perks up whenever I go in there to see him and feed him and we have our good moments. I guess I'm just discouraged about his ear but hopefully in a few more days with more prednisone, it will get better. I will post in a few days and let you (all of Barney's Angels) know. :)

krazyaboutkatz

12-08-2008, 12:18 AM

I'm sorry that I haven't been keeping up with this thread:o but I'm so glad to see Barney's reunion with Angela and to hear that the pred is starting to shrink his tumors.:) I hope he'll continue to get stronger and improve. He remains in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara

12-08-2008, 02:53 AM

So Barney loves the piano? That sounds great. Filou and Tigris play themselves but they don't seem to care too much if anyone else plays :rolleyes:
Sorry to hear about the ear. Sounds scary.

critters

12-08-2008, 05:14 AM

JennLibrarian wrote:

Well, we've had a good and not so good weekend. The good part was really neat. My husband was playing the piano and I thought that maybe Barney might be able to feel the vibrations from the music. I went and got him and bundled him up and brought him inside. Scott was playing and I sort of sandwiched Barney between me and the piano. He perked up and seemed to hear it! It was so cool. Then I sat down with him by the fire and he spent the whole time watching my husband playing the piano and his ears were moving all over the place. He was very calm though and stretching his paws out and kneading them in the air. I think he liked being able to hear/feel something.

The not so good part was that he was scratching his left ear while I was dishing up his food and his ear started bleeding. I think it is because I had just trimmed his nails when Angela was here and they were maybe a bit jagged. It was unbelievable how much it was bleeding, I was really freaked out. Everytime he shook his head, blood was flying everywhere. After about an hour, the workshop had blood splatter covering alot of it. Finally, it started to clot and the bleeding mostly stopped. There is still some blood when he shakes his head but nothing like the other day. I looked it up and Prednisone is supposed to help stop bleeding and he is already on that to help shrink the tumors so I will make sure he continues to get them every morning and night.

He is no longer fond of his low glycemic wet food and I need to make sure he eats so I'm giving him Fancy Feast and he eats it up. He also isn't interested in Pill Pockets anymore so I'm grinding the pred up and mixing it in his wetfood.

The daughter of my boss brought in some videos for Barney to add to his collection. He now has 'That Darned Cat' and 'Benji' and a couple of other similar movies to watch. :)

I'm going to be boarding Barney at the vet for a couple of days while we take a short road trip. Probably towards the end of the month. I have someone staying at our house but I just don't want to leave Barney with all of his special needs. It will be good for him to get out of the workshop for a bit. I'm worried that the vet is going to suggest that I let him go after they have him under their care for a few days and see his ear and stuff. But maybe it will be the opposite, they might help get him in better shape with glucose testing and hopefully some more dematting and just good attention from people who know what to look for with regard to everything that is going on with him.

One other thing that I've noticed in the past few days is that the tumor on his neck that leads up to behind his right ear seems smaller now. Just a week or so ago, it seemed larger but he had only had a few doses of the pred at that time. So I think it is working.

All in all, he's doing okay. He perks up whenever I go in there to see him and feed him and we have our good moments. I guess I'm just discouraged about his ear but hopefully in a few more days with more prednisone, it will get better. I will post in a few days and let you (all of Barney's Angels) know. :)

I'll spare you all the details :D, but he may well have a conductive hearing loss rather than "nerve deafness," in which case touching the piano may let him hear it! What a neat idea to let him do that!!

If you don't have styptic powder, you might try a little dab of flour the next time he gets a bloody spot.

Congrats on shrinking the tumors!!!

Medusa

12-08-2008, 06:36 AM

So now Barney is a lover of the arts. Boy, he's really getting some perks for being sick. LOL I'm glad that the lump on his neck is shrinking but the ear thing is scary. Well, as you say, while you're gone, maybe the vet and staff will be able to do some other things for him that you wouldn't be able to do. Besides that, I'm sure you could use a break by now. Barney is just short of thriving thanx to you so you deserve a little time off w/family. The usual prayers and (((HUGS))) are headed your way. :love:

Purr-tender

12-08-2008, 12:14 PM

What a cozy picture you've painted. Scott at the piano, you with our Barney all bundled up in front of the fire...Ahhhh!! It doesn't get much better than that!

How awful that ear is acting up again. That must have been very upsetting to see so much blood. I would've freaked, too. It's good that his one tumor appears to be shrinking. As far as thinking that the vet may suggest letting him go...I don't think that will happen. It will be good for him to spend time at the vets while you and Scott take a much needed break. I'm sure Barney will get plenty of extra TLC while there, but there's nothing like your gentle touch and love. I'd send something of his with him when he goes, like a special blanket and toy.

Warm hugs for you and Barney,
Mary aka Barney's Angel!:cool:

jennielynn1970

12-08-2008, 12:57 PM

While they may not suggest letting him go, I'd make sure that they don't do something while you're gone. Just me being paranoid. I'd get something in writing that they'll call if his condition changes before they'd do anything (which if he's good with you, he should be good there as well).

Medusa

12-08-2008, 12:59 PM

kb2yjx

12-08-2008, 02:45 PM

Was Scott playing Mozart??? Glad to hear Barney is happy spending time with you and Scott!

Medusa

12-08-2008, 02:58 PM

Was Scott playing Mozart??? Glad to hear Barney is happy spending time with you and Scott!

He was probably playing "Alleycat". :rolleyes:

catwhispers

12-08-2008, 06:23 PM

Sorry this is long, but hopefully there is a lot of good info that might help.

If Scrawny needs surgery, perhaps some help can be found somewhere in this list. I recommend checking it before doing anything further as I think some of them will only kick in if there has been no payment to the vet as yet. I've listed the ones I could find below.

Another idea. When I took in Deja Vu she was a stray who was very, very pregnant and the kittens, who were born just a few days later, began to develop respiratory problems. I am on a fixed income and had an older cat at the time who was diabetic and having problems, so my money had been going towards him, and unfortunately I could not afford to take them all to the vet. I called all the local no-kill rescue groups and one of them was willing to help. They paid for me to take one kitten to a vet they dealt with, and arranged for the vet, if medication would be needed, to give me medication for all, including the mother, because if one had a respiratory infection, they all did, and they didn't have to pay for 6 office visits, just one. That's exactly what happened, she gave me meds for all, and even though they didn't ask, I kicked in as much money as I could toiwards it. Thank goodness that was all that was wrong, the medicine worked, and when the rescue group brought them all to be checked out by their vet before putting them up for adoption, he said they were among some of the healthiest kittens that had come across his path in a long time. I felt good about that. Deja Vu and one baby (see my avatar!) stayed here, as Fuzz, my other kitty, had passed during this time. I ended up fostering for this group eventually.

The point of all this is that perhaps a local no-kill rescue group, because the woman is attempting to help a stray, may be willing to offer some aid. Maybe not, but it's worth a try.

Here's a list of places that might help:

In Memory of Magic (IMOM) is dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
http://www.imom.org
IMOM, Inc
PO Box 282
Cheltenham, MD 20623
Phone (866)-230-2164 Fax (301)-599-1852

United Animal Nations established the LifeLine fund in 1997 to aid companion animals in times of life-threatening emergencies when their caregivers, with low or no incomes, are unable to afford the entire cost of treatment.
http://uan.org/lifeline/index.html
United Animal Nations
P.O. Box 188890
Sacramento, California 95818
Telephone: (916) 429 2457 fax: (916) 429 2456
LifeLine Fund - http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=28

Help-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization, which provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose guardians are unable to afford the expense
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home..html
Help-A-Pet
P. O. Box 244
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
Telephone: (630) 986-9504 fax: (630) 986-9141

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs provides financial assistance for emergency medical care for cats.
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
FVEAP
1641 Elizabeth Lane
Yuba City, CA 95993
Fax: 888-301-4264

Cats in Crisis:
http://www.catsincrisis.org/crisisFund.html

Cats in Crisis Stripes Fund
http://www.catsincrisis.org/stripesFund.html

Cats in Crisis Gillie Fund
http://www.catsincrisis.org/gillieFund.html

FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS (Specific animals needing veterinary care):

http://www.catsincrisis.org/
http://www.imom.org

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/
"The heartbreak happens all too often ? a pet owner is unable to
afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the
price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the
cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook.
Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job
layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship ? making it
too difficult to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics
by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever
the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals
are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA
Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured
pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is
experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner
Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian
angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult
financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners
should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our
work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as
possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"CareCredit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more
than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they
needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any
of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved
companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged
individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more
than a diversion."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
"Mission Statement:
Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and
abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer
needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or
emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the
difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical
needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is
to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal
medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

rg_girlca

12-08-2008, 07:34 PM

Wow, what a difference in Barney since I last checked in and that video of him with Angela was priceless. I am so glad that he is in the best care possible. I can't thank you enough for all that you have and continue to do for this precious boy. The poor thing has been dealt such a terrible blow in life that I am so happy that he is able to be loved and cared for the way he so rightfully deserves. I also pray that he will be treated just as well at the vets as he was in your care.

Enjoy your holiday, you definately deserve it.

kittykatharine

12-08-2008, 07:55 PM

I have been so busy with Sydney and life, I haven't read this thread in a little while. I was devastated to hear about Barney's diagnosis. I know how that diagnosis feels. you must remember, Barney has had the most wonderful loving time with you - probably has been the happiest time in this whole life. He is loved and taken care of - which is every cats dream. You have given Barney so much in such a short period of time. I am going to be praying for the little guy, because I am keeping hope that a miracle will happen. This guy deserves it so much!!! My heart goes out to you guys! Oh, btw, the video was absolutely precious!!!:love::love::love:

Emeraldgreen

12-09-2008, 01:40 AM

Sorry this is long, but hopefully there is a lot of good info that might help.

If Scrawny needs surgery, perhaps some help can be found somewhere in this list. I recommend checking it before doing anything further as I think some of them will only kick in if there has been no payment to the vet as yet. I've listed the ones I could find below.

The point of all this is that perhaps a local no-kill rescue group, because the woman is attempting to help a stray, may be willing to offer some aid. Maybe not, but it's worth a try.

Hi there, thank so much for your post. That is alot of valuable information and I think something that so many pets could benefit from here on PT. But alot has changed since the beginning of this thread, including Scrawny's name which is now Barney. Over 325 posts is alot of reading to sort through so I certainly understand your reading just the beginning. LOL :)

Barney is no longer with Angela and lives with me at my house in my workshop. It had been my original hope to get a polyp removed from Barney's ear but after his 3rd exam, it was revealed that he has cancer after a fine needle aspiration was done on what was originally believed to be an enlarged thyroid and is actually a tumor. The vet believes that the growth in his ear is a tumor and not a polyp and he has one on the right side of his head as well that starts on his neck and leads up behind his ear and is also inside his ear. His scabby nose is also most likely cancerous.

I was very saddened to learn this because at his age (the vet is guessing he is about 14) surgery is not a viable option, especially with his diabetes. And, if it were, I'm not totally sure it would be the right choice for him because it could involve alot of recuperation and wounds etc.. and the cancer would most likely return. I went through this with my Maine Coon a few months ago and he had surgery 4 times to remove tumors and still lost his battle. Tiger was very robust and big and strong compared to little Barney and I don't think it is the way to go with him. But I really appreciate all of your ideas and information. It's so kind of you. :)

In the meantime, Barney is out of the cold and rain and gets lots of food and snuggles. I'm treating his diabetes with insulin and the vet prescribed prednisilone to help shrink the tumors and it is definitely making a difference. I'm also giving him an immune booster called Immunocal and my hope is that it will help fight the cancer. It is a whey protein that Angela (the woman who first saved Barney) swears by. She takes it everyday and I'm thinking it might be a good thing for alot of my animals who are suffering different ailments.

We did have a bit of a setback a few days ago when he scratched his ear and it began bleeding badly but it is under control again and I'm so thankful.

Barbara wrote:
So Barney loves the piano? That sounds great. Filou and Tigris play themselves but they don't seem to care too much if anyone else plays.
That is so neat! Have you seen that video where Nora the cat plays the piano? It is on youtube. I saw an amazing show on Animal Planet a few months ago that was about the healing properties of purring. It showed that cats like vibrations and can be drawn to them, like the sound a piano makes. Purring is supposed to resonate right down to their bones and literally heal them. And this show was talking about how scientists are trying to come up with machines that can mimic the purr so they can treat athletes with certain conditions. That would be amazing!

JennLibrarian wrote:
While they may not suggest letting him go, I'd make sure that they don't do something while you're gone. Just me being paranoid. I'd get something in writing that they'll call if his condition changes before they'd do anything (which if he's good with you, he should be good there as well).

I agree with you and Medusa. I will be very clear with them that if anything happens with Barney or if they think he isn't well, that they call me. I'll make sure to give them the number I will be at. I don't think they would do it as they all seem so fond of him but with stuff like this, it's just better to be 100% sure. :)

Critters wrote:
I'll spare you all the details , but he may well have a conductive hearing loss rather than "nerve deafness," in which case touching the piano may let him hear it! What a neat idea to let him do that!!

If you don't have styptic powder, you might try a little dab of flour the next time he gets a bloody spot. Congrats on shrinking the tumors!!!

That is interesting, I haven't thought about different kinds of hearing loss. Thanks for sharing that, I will definitely look into it. For the most part, the vet feels the tumors are blocking his eardrums but it did seem that he could 'feel' the music and he was receptive to it.
Thanks for the styptic pencil and flour ideas, those are great. I don't know if Katie knows about that but it might be good for Andy too. I remember my dad using that when he shaved. (the pencil, not the flour! LOL)

Medusa wrote:
So now Barney is a lover of the arts. Boy, he's really getting some perks for being sick. LOL I'm glad that the lump on his neck is shrinking but the ear thing is scary. Well, as you say, while you're gone, maybe the vet and staff will be able to do some other things for him that you wouldn't be able to do. Besides that, I'm sure you could use a break by now. Barney is just short of thriving thanx to you so you deserve a little time off w/family. The usual prayers and (((HUGS))) are headed your way.

Ahh yes, Sir Barney is a very distinguished fellow and enjoys music, long walks on the beach and videos about frogs and lizards. Okay, maybe not THAT distinguished! LOL :)

kb2yjx wrote:
Was Scott playing Mozart??? Glad to hear Barney is happy spending time with you and Scott!

No, lol, but he is trying to learn Mozart. He said it's pretty tough. :) But he did play Barney some of his regular tunes and some christmas music.

This is a video that I posted last christmas when Scott was playing the piano and our cat Paddy was intently listening. We had adopted Paddy just a few months before so we were so glad to see that he was fitting in so nicely with us.

Thanks Krazyaboutkatz, rc_girlca and KittyKatharine for your posts too. :)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_MVI_2981.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=MVI_2981.flv)

Purr-tender

12-09-2008, 01:53 AM

kittykatharine

12-12-2008, 11:29 PM

Your husband is great at playing the piano... such talent. Puddy seemed to really enjoy the beautiful music! I can see why Barney would enjoy it so.... I LOVE big kitty's and I really just wanted to hug Puddy! :D:love::love::love:

kb2yjx

12-14-2008, 09:40 AM

The Clan and I thank you for the video of Scott playing the piano!!! The cats were rather interested!!!!!!!

Randi

12-14-2008, 09:57 AM

Lara, I hope you're enjoying your little road trip, you certainly deserve it. I'm sure Barney is in good hands at the vets - it's so good to know that they love him too. :) Of course, I hope for a miracle so taht Barney will be able to get better again, but for now, he gets all the love and warmth he needs. :)

Thanks for posting the piano video, I really enjoyed the music - and so did Fister.

I'm thinking of Barney and sending him lots of positive thoughts and kisses. :love:

((((Hugs))))

Emeraldgreen

12-14-2008, 03:52 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Scott playing the piano. I was disappointed that the video didn't last longer.
Your Paddy is one big cat! My Punkin is a little bigger than him. How much does he weigh? Punkin is around 20+ lbs. He's only 2 and looks like a kitty weight lifter:D
Mary

Yes, Paddy is big. I haven't weighed him recently but I think he is about 22 pounds or so. We don't free feed him but it remains a struggle to keep his weight down. We continue to work on it though. :)

Thanks you guys for all your nice comments about my husband's music. He has been playing more than usual because of the holiday season so it has been nice for us.

Barney is doing fine. The bleeding stopped in his left ear and he continues to have an appetite. He still drinks a ton of water but he gets 10mg of pred per day which is alot and that in combination with his diabetes makes him a very thirsty guy.

The insulin injections are a million times better because now I give them to him as soon as I put his plate of wet food down. He is so into eating that he hardly notices the shot so it has been alot less stress for both of us this way.

Pomtzu's fabulous outdoor house for Sherbie got me thinking that I could put something similar together for Barney, but an indoor model. The temperature here has really dropped and it is COLD! Our pond is freezing over. We are supposed to have this coldsnap last well into next week and the little heater in the shop isn't big enough to deal with this kind of cold. It takes the edge off but that's about it. So we've been plugging an oil heater in during the day and then plug the fan heater on during the night. We can't have both on at the same time because it is too much of a power drain for the electrical set up in there.
I went through some boxes out there and found a hotwater bottle that is inside of a teddy bear stuffie that I had completely forgotten about. I filled it up with hot water and put it in with Barney to help keep him cozy. In the pics below, you can see Sneakers sniffing it to make sure it is 'okay' to give to Barney. After it passed inspection, out to the shop it went!

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/hotwaterbottle007.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/hotwaterbottle006.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/hotwaterbottle008.jpg

Randi wrote:
Lara, I hope you're enjoying your little road trip, you certainly deserve it. I'm sure Barney is in good hands at the vets - it's so good to know that they love him too. Of course, I hope for a miracle so taht Barney will be able to get better again, but for now, he gets all the love and warmth he needs.
Thanks for posting the piano video, I really enjoyed the music - and so did Fister. I'm thinking of Barney and sending him lots of positive thoughts and kisses.

Thanks Randi, we've cancelled our trip for now due to the weather. We were headed up North and the expected temps up there were supposed to be -35 and not so great road conditions. So we're staying put and keeping the house warm and cozy for the furballs. Barney will continue to get fireside visits and hopefully this arctic blast moves on and we can get back to our usual rainy, regular cold weather. LOL

Here is Barney's latest video:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_891bf901.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=891bf901.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec14001.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec14005.jpg

Moesha

12-14-2008, 04:06 PM

Medusa

12-14-2008, 04:08 PM

Oh Barney, I missed your sweet face and those little paws. I had Barney withdrawal! I'm so glad to get my fix and now I'm as good as new. Hopefully, you'll be as good as new soon, too. More (((HUGS))) to you are on the way, Lara, and lots of gentle pets for Barney. :love:

rg_girlca

12-14-2008, 04:12 PM

I don't know if it's just me, or the upcoming Holidays, or the weather in general, but I just can't help tearing up whenever I read or see video's of our precious, precious Barney. I'm sure he would be dead by now if it wasn't for Angela and you taking him in. I know that whatever time God will allow him to have, he is not suffering and knows what love and care finally is. I can see the love in his sweet face when he looks up at you.

I can't say it enough times, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for caring for this adorable boy. I'm also sorry that you had to cancel your trip. You surely deserved a little time off for everything you are doing and are continuing to do for Barney. You are truly his Guardian Angel.

Please give Barney some scritchies and a loving kiss from me. What I wouldn't do to give these to him in person.

Medusa

12-14-2008, 04:54 PM

pomtzu

12-14-2008, 05:39 PM

I love reading Barney's updates, and seeing his pics and videos. He seems to be more alert and animated than in previous ones - that's a good sign!!! And I'm so glad that Sherbie's house inspired the one you have made for Barney. It looks really cozy and I imagine that Barney is enjoying it to the fullest! Sherb is definitely enjoying his. My only regret is that I didn't make him one sooner - but he's making up for lost time.
Again - I thank you sooo much for all that you are doing for this special little guy. Every day that he survives, is because of your love and caring. Indeed, he is blessed to have you there for him! :love:

phesina

12-14-2008, 07:46 PM

Prayers for Barney and for all of you. God bless you all. Much love and good wishes to you.

Pat

Emeraldgreen

12-14-2008, 11:41 PM

What a nice update! Barney looked more interested in the camera than in the hot water bottle bear. Maybe he'll get used to that. Does he seem to notice his movies? Thanks for the update, and I hope that you and the inside crew are staying as snuggly as can be also!

I don't think he notices the movies one bit! LOL I think they are more for me to feel like it's not so boring in there. Who knows though, maybe he watches them when I'm not in there. :)

Medusa wrote:
Oh Barney, I missed your sweet face and those little paws. I had Barney withdrawal! I'm so glad to get my fix and now I'm as good as new. Hopefully, you'll be as good as new soon, too. More (((HUGS))) to you are on the way, Lara, and lots of gentle pets for Barney.

That makes me your Barney supplier! LOL I promise, I'll never make you go cold turkey! Just down to around once a week these days. lol Thanks Mary :)

rg_girlca wrote:
I don't know if it's just me, or the upcoming Holidays, or the weather in general, but I just can't help tearing up whenever I read or see video's of our precious, precious Barney. I'm sure he would be dead by now if it wasn't for Angela and you taking him in. I know that whatever time God will allow him to have, he is not suffering and knows what love and care finally is. I can see the love in his sweet face when he looks up at you.
I can't say it enough times, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for caring for this adorable boy. I'm also sorry that you had to cancel your trip. You surely deserved a little time off for everything you are doing and are continuing to do for Barney. You are truly his Guardian Angel.
Please give Barney some scritchies and a loving kiss from me. What I wouldn't do to give these to him in person.

Thank you for your kind post. He has that effect on me too but I'm toughening up a little bit because I have to see that little grumpy face everyday. lol

To be honest, I'm SO GLAD or trip was cancelled! :D I wanted to see my inlaws but not in this weather. Hopefully next month will be better. Plus, I don't know how long Barney has and I didn't want to give up 4 days with him.

p.s. Thank you for rescuining Minou from the cold! :)

Pomtzu wrote:
I love reading Barney's updates, and seeing his pics and videos. He seems to be more alert and animated than in previous ones - that's a good sign!!! And I'm so glad that Sherbie's house inspired the one you have made for Barney. It looks really cozy and I imagine that Barney is enjoying it to the fullest! Sherb is definitely enjoying his. My only regret is that I didn't make him one sooner - but he's making up for lost time.
Again - I thank you sooo much for all that you are doing for this special little guy. Every day that he survives, is because of your love and caring. Indeed, he is blessed to have you there for him!

I'm glad he looks more lively. Some days are better than others and today is one of them. :)
I just love Sherbie's house, you did a GREAT job on it! He must be so relaxed in there and probably feels so safe and cozy. And when the dryer vent is going, it must be Heaven!
I know what you mean about wishing you'd done something sooner. I wish I had found Barney earlier but as someone mentioned in this thread at some point, animals live in the moment and Sherbie and Barney are doing just that. :love:

Phesina wrote:
Prayers for Barney and for all of you. God bless you all. Much love and good wishes to you. Pat

Thank you so much Pat. :)

Mini update:
Well...the little stinker hasn't stepped foot in his new house!! :rolleyes:
I snuck in, which is easy to do since he can't hear me and took two pics. I'm hoping by the time I go out there to tuck him in, he will be in there.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec14008.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec14009.jpg

Randi

12-15-2008, 07:52 AM

Sorry you had to cancel your trip, Lara - but then, I'm happy you're staying home with Barney, he obviously loves you. :)

It's a nice house you made for him, and I'm sure as soon as you leave, he'll be in there. :D That teddy with the hot water bottle is a brilliant idea, he will soon find out how warm and cosy it is to lay on. :) Barney has been living outside for a long time, so he may not feel the cold as bad as an indoor cat, but I hope your weather won't get too cold.

I enjoyed the video, you can see that he is definately more interested in your love and care than anything else.

Give him some more kisses from me, please! :love:

Medusa

12-15-2008, 07:56 AM

I wouldn't worry about Barney not using his new house. I've learned that when they're uncomfortable enough, they'll do something about it, so if he gets cold enough, he'll go in there, the silly billy. ;)

krazyaboutkatz

12-15-2008, 10:51 AM

I'm glad to hear that Barney is continuing to do well.:) Hopefully he'll start enjoying his new house and the bear water bottle too.:)

momtomany

12-15-2008, 07:39 PM

Barney Boy you have my heart. I just am so in love with you. I am so glad that you have Angel Lara in you life. She is a god send just as you are a god send to us Pet Talkers. Thanks for my Barney fix. :love::)

Purr-tender

12-15-2008, 10:56 PM

I really look forward to your updates and videos of our boy! I think that this is the best that he has looked since you and Angela first took him in. The bear hot water bottle is adorable! I figured he snuggle right up to it. My kids are like that, I'll fix up something really special for them thinking they'll love it, and they totally ignore it! I fixed a really cozy blanket house for Wilson, a cat that adopted me earlier this year. How did he repay me? He left! He was gone for a week, came back yesterday morning for breakfast and was gone again. He slept in the original one every night. I tweaked it to make it more waterproof, guess he didn't approve. I don't know where he's staying and I just hate it. The weather here is very nasty and cold (freezing rain and very windy)and is suppose to be all week. When he was coming every day I tried to bring him inside to get warm but he couldn't get back outside fast enough. Anyway, you've got Barney all fixed up. He must be warm enough, like Mary said, if he gets cold enough, he'll go in there. Have you ever given him catnip? If his sniffer still works that might entice him.

More hugs,
Mary

kb2yjx

12-16-2008, 11:55 AM

Like several of the other posts have written, it is ALWAYS to see an update on Barney!!! he looks so much better, he fur looks silky, shiny, and smooth!!! You know, that our prayers for Barney continue, and for you, too. Your kindness will be greatly rewarded someday!!!!!!!!!!!

kittykatharine

12-19-2008, 01:46 PM

Barney looked sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sweet in that video. He has quite the nice set-up going on. Looks very cozy and he has the tv to keep him happy. What a sweet little guy. I loved the water heater in the bear, that was such a great thing to have. I am sure he will snuggle right up to it once he gets a little chilled. He truly has the sweetest little face. I love checking this thread to see how the little guy is doing. I am still praying for him all the time, and he is always in my heart. Thanks for the updates Emeraldgreen!!!:love::love::love:

Emeraldgreen

12-19-2008, 09:17 PM

Thanks for your posts guys.
The past few days have been nothing short of awful. The weather has been much colder here than we are used to in this part of B.C. and right now, it is 12 below which is equivalent to 10 degrees and we have ALOT of snow and more is on the way. Our pipes are frozen for the second day in a row. My husband managed to get the water going again yesterday by crawling under the house and blow drying the pipes and putting a heater in the well pump house. That worked but even with the taps dripping last night, they froze again today.
I don't care so much about that but Barney has been miserable. Every time I went out there, he gave me a look as if to say 'please save me from this'. He was tucked up next to the heater and I had been putting the hot water bear and an empty milk jug filled with hot water, wrapped in a towel next to him. But it was still so cold in there that I could see my breath in the air. He was very uncomfortable and with no meat on his bones, I think it's just to much for such a little guy.
He was so cold that his little muscles weren't working very well and he was tumbling all over the place. When he'd get into his litter box, he would only step in close to the edge and would pee over the side. He was trying to make an effort but just wanted to hurry up and get back into his bed where it was the warmest spot in the shop. Then he'd step in the pee and his tail would drag in it and then he'd climb back into bed. The heater and the cold air basically made the moisture on his feet and tail mixed with litter into this hard coating. I was wary of trying to clean it up because I didn't want him to get pneumonia if I got him wet and couldn't dry him properly in the cold weather.
As well, he is bleeding from his nose I think. If it is not from his nose, then he is coughing it up. I found about a 1/4 teaspoon of blood in his wet food dish and his water dish had blood pooled at the bottom, about the same amount. He's been sneezing alot lately.
His right ear is now a bit infected and both are causing him problems. He is getting skinnier and I think the prednisilone is creating muscle wasting which might be why he seems skinnier.

Anyway, last night I just couldn't take it anymore and completely broke down. I realized that I was adding to his suffering and not helping him anymore. I came inside, totally defeated and decided to plead with my husband and ask if Barney could please, please come inside and stay in our downstairs bathroom. I prayed about it first because I knew this was going to be unlikely. I was so upset, I could barely get the words out but I said "if you don't let me bring him in, I will have to put him down. He is suffering a fate worse than death right now."
Scott didn't want him to come in and we argued a bit but he also didn't say no. I knew that it was best to just let him rest with the idea over night.
The 11:00 p.m. news came on and it was all about the deep freeze B.C. is in and how it is going to last for quite a bit longer. I was hoping that by the morning he would soften and let bring Barney inside.
I woke up and saw Scott with his arms full of stuff from the downstairs bathroom and he was bringing it to the upstairs bathroom. I asked him what he was doing and he said "getting the bathroom ready for Barney". I was so happy. :)
I honestly don't know how much longer Barney has left, he isn't doing well but what I do know is that however many days or weeks he has left, he will be warm and that is the biggest Christmas present I could have hoped for.
I set up the bathroom with a cozy bed, his litter box and his food and water. The heater in the bathroom is built into the wall and is a fan heater and is so awesome. It is connected to a thermostat so we can leave it on a setting and it will kick in and out to maintain a warm temperature. I put his bed about a foot and a half from the heater so he will get the wonderful warm blasts when it turns on. I will also be continuing to fill the milk jug with hot water and the water bottle so he is extra cozy.
When I had it all set up, I walked out to that leaky, musty, frozen shed and picked him and told him he was coming home. I carried him and set him down in his new room and he slowly began to thaw out. It really reminded me of that Campbell Soup commercial where the snowman comes inside and sits down and has some soup. All the snow starts to melt away and reveals a boy underneath who becomes cozy and warm. :)

I had the heat on high for the first hour so he could feel the warmth right away. Within minutes he was back to the old Barney. He was doing paddies with his paws and eating with gusto (which he hasn't been doing for days now) and he let me clean him up without attacking me once. He was truly grateful. I was too.
I trimmed off all the clumpy hair on his tail and took a cloth with warm water left over from his milk jug from the night before and washed his tail and his feet and put him in front of the heater. He was clearly a happy boy. He will not be returning to the workshop. :D
Here are some pics and vids of Barnacles in his new bedroom. He doesn't have the tv anymore but I don't think he really cares. Now that he is in the house, it is going to be so much easier for me to care for him and visit him every half hour instead of every couple of hours. It was kind of a pain to have to put on my hat, coat, mittens and boots, over my 'Barney robe' that I wear when I visit with him (though, he was worth all the trouble plus some!) But now all I will need to put on is my 'Barney robe' to be sure I don't transfer anything to my other cats if he does have FIP (which I don't think has). :)
He is now in the bathroom where I take my baths so it will be a neat time for me and Barney to have some quality time. ;)

So, this is a sad and happy update. Sad, because he is beginning to slip away, I can tell. His right eye is beginning to change shape a bit because of the tumor and he has blood either coming from his nose or he is coughing it up. Either way, it isn't good. And he is getting kind of skinny and his ears continue to give him trouble. But, the good news is GREAT and he is an indoor guy now and until he goes to Rainbow Bridge.:love:
p.s. Our water is back! YAY!! I'm off to have a bath with Barney! LOL

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_168c6046.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=168c6046.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec19001.jpg

Catty1

12-19-2008, 09:53 PM

LES.

I am happy to hear how warm and happy he is and eating well.

I am so sad that the tumour seems to be getting worse. :(

But he has lived a miracle already, so I can't feel bad.

But I just feel like a little kid - I want Barney to get ALL BETTER.

Can I ask for PT Prayers for Barney - they have worked miracles before.

HUGS to that dear dear boy, please love on him for me!:love::love::love::love:

jennielynn1970

12-19-2008, 10:02 PM

I can't see that he looks worse, so he must do a good job of hiding it! He looks so much more alert and so happy!!! Those head butts and semi rolls, he just has so much love he wants to share and express.

Oh, Lara, he's such a heartbreaker!! I cry every time I see him! I wish I could see him before I go back to work full time Jan. 20th, but that's a bit of a stretch. Hopefully we'll still be seeing pics of him in summer, and I could visit then!! Positive thoughts and vibes only for Barn-Barn!!

Loves and kisses to Barney. Hugs and love to you too!! Thank you so much for bringing him in from the cold and giving him a nice toasty warm Christmas!! You area an angel!

columbine

12-19-2008, 10:28 PM

Sweet little Barney. :love: Sometimes it takes your whole life to find the love you need, but once you do, all the time without doesn't count any more.

Love, Columbine

Purr-tender

12-19-2008, 10:58 PM

My heart is aching after reading your latest post:(. There cannot be anyone reading your post that doesn't have LES! I don't want to face the reality of his condition. I can see in the photo how bad his eye looks. I take enormous comfort that he is at least warm and cozy in the house with you now!! I know that you feel the exact same way. I want to think that he will, by some miracle, thrive being this close to you. You know, the steam from your bath may make him feel better, too.

Much love and gentle hugs to our boy!!

I could never thank you enough, Lara, for what you have done for Barney. I love what Columbine said! It was perfect. "Sometimes it takes your whole life to find the love you need, but once you do, all the time without doesn't count any more."

Very WARMLY,
Mary "One of Barney's MANY Angels"

Medusa

12-20-2008, 05:31 AM

Columbine expressed it so perfectly and it's so true. I'm so sad that Barney isn't improving but I can tell that he's so much more comfortable indoors. What a journey this has been for you, Lara, for all of us. We know how badly you want him to get better; we want that, too, of course, but I can only imagine how you must have felt when you saw how cold and miserable he was. Well, now he can spend his last days in relative peace and comfort. He's one lucky boy to have found you. Very gentle pets to Barney and (((HUGS))) to you and a bear hug to Scott for allowing Barney to come in from the cold. :love:

3Catcondo

12-20-2008, 07:19 AM

Lara and Scott-
Thank you so much for all the care you have provided Barney and making adjusts in your home for him. He looks comfortable, and that is all that matters now, no matter how long he has. He is finally getting the life he deserved to have all along thanks to you, and that's all we could've hoped for. Thank you from the bottom of my :love: for doing this, I wish there were more people that cared as much as you do for the well being of stray/feral cats. And, I wish I lived closer to visit Barney and you on a regular basis.

MoonandBean

12-20-2008, 07:47 AM

I had LES reading the post but it turned into SLES (Sniffling, LES) watching the video. Bean and I watched it together. I am so grateful for everything you have done and that Barney will be able to live out the rest of his life warm and cozy. Give Scott a thank you from me :)

kb2yjx

12-20-2008, 08:07 AM

I am just SLES!!! Prayers continue for Barney...

Randi

12-20-2008, 08:38 AM

Oh Lara, I have LES also from reading your post. But I'm so happy that Barney will spend the rest of his time inside, warm and cosy. :)

I'm sad to see his eye is getting worse and to hear he is bleeding again, but hopefully the warmth will help him feel better. He is an old boy, and he definately would not have survived outside. Thank you so much for making his life better, it's wonderful what you do. Now you can keep an eye on him and better judge how he's feeling. When it's time to go, I'm sure he'll let you know.

Please give him some kisses and scritchies from me. :love:

(((((hugs))))

pomtzu

12-20-2008, 09:07 AM

I'm trying to see to post, in spite of having a case of SLES along with everyone else. It is sad that he's going down hill, but I'm just so happy for him that he is now part of the "in crowd"! :love: I'm sure he's loving it - he certainly appeared to be in the video. Lara - you are an angel for sure, and as for Scott - well I really think you have quite a gem there!! Bless you both for making Barney's days warm and full of love.

Moesha

12-20-2008, 09:17 AM

I feel bad for you. Thank you for all you are doing for Barney. Please thank Scott for us also. As we've all said from the start, we know you are doing the best you can for Barney. I am sure he would not have made it this long if it hadn't been for you and Angela. It hurts me to think of him outside in this kind of weather like he would have been. He would not have survived and enjoyed any quality of life. Now he gets love and yums and warmth. Don't feel bad about not having his movies, now he gets to watch you bathe! Who needs videos when you have that! LOL

Taz_Zoee

12-20-2008, 10:53 AM

LES and what everyone else said - THANK YOU AND SCOTT!! :D

momtomany

12-20-2008, 12:35 PM

Lara

Thank Scott from all of us that he has allowed Barney to come inside. Whatever time Barney has left will spent warm and knowing that he is loved. God truly does have a special blessing for you for all that you are doing for Barney. Know that you, Scott and Barney are part of mine and many Pet Talkers daily prayers.

Emeraldgreen

12-20-2008, 02:07 PM

Catty1 wrote:
LES.
I am happy to hear how warm and happy he is and eating well.
I am so sad that the tumour seems to be getting worse.
But he has lived a miracle already, so I can't feel bad.
But I just feel like a little kid - I want Barney to get ALL BETTER.
Can I ask for PT Prayers for Barney - they have worked miracles before.
HUGS to that dear dear boy, please love on him for me!

I feel the same way, wishing for the impossible but as you wrote, it's been a miracle anyway, that he found his way into so many hearts and into a home and continues to be such a fighter and is still with us. I am thankful for all of it. I'll hug him for you. :)

JennLibrarian wrote:

I can't see that he looks worse, so he must do a good job of hiding it! He looks so much more alert and so happy!!! Those head butts and semi rolls, he just has so much love he wants to share and express.

Oh, Lara, he's such a heartbreaker!! I cry every time I see him! I wish I could see him before I go back to work full time Jan. 20th, but that's a bit of a stretch. Hopefully we'll still be seeing pics of him in summer, and I could visit then!! Positive thoughts and vibes only for Barn-Barn!!

I always am amazed how good he looks on the videos too but when you see him in person and handle him, it's different. He is quite skinny and his spine is so boney and he has this big pot belly, not sure if this is his liver or what is going on there. He doesn't move around that much in the videos but when he does, he is so wobbly and weak. I will try and get that on film next time. I think I'm going to let him cruise around the living room for 15 minutes one of these evenings and I'll film it then.

I also wish I could post pics of him this summer enjoying the tall grass in the outdoor enclosure but that would take the biggest miracle ever. I really only think he has a few weeks. I hate to say it but I watch him everyday and have been noticing subtle changes and it does seem that he is fading. But I will let him tell me when it's time though and won't do anything rash, I promise. I just don't want him to suffer or be in pain. For now, he continues to enjoy eating and being warm, especially with his FABULOUS leopard print warming pad. :)

Columbine wrote:

Sweet little Barney. Sometimes it takes your whole life to find the love you need, but once you do, all the time without doesn't count any more.

WOW! So well said. Thank you for sharing that.

Purr_Tender wrote:

My heart is aching after reading your latest post. There cannot be anyone reading your post that doesn't have LES! I don't want to face the reality of his condition. I can see in the photo how bad his eye looks. I take enormous comfort that he is at least warm and cozy in the house with you now!! I know that you feel the exact same way. I want to think that he will, by some miracle, thrive being this close to you. You know, the steam from your bath may make him feel better, too.
Much love and gentle hugs to our boy!!
I could never thank you enough, Lara, for what you have done for Barney. I love what Columbine said! It was perfect. "Sometimes it takes your whole life to find the love you need, but once you do, all the time without doesn't count any more."
Very WARMLY,
Mary "One of Barney's MANY Angels"

I'm sorry everybody is having LES! and SLES! But as everybody has mentioned, we need to look at the bright side. He's still with us and he's warm and has a full tummy.
You're probably right, the steam will do him good.
Thanks Barney Angel!

Medusa wrote:

Columbine expressed it so perfectly and it's so true. I'm so sad that Barney isn't improving but I can tell that he's so much more comfortable indoors. What a journey this has been for you, Lara, for all of us. We know how badly you want him to get better; we want that, too, of course, but I can only imagine how you must have felt when you saw how cold and miserable he was. Well, now he can spend his last days in relative peace and comfort. He's one lucky boy to have found you. Very gentle pets to Barney and (((HUGS))) to you and a bear hug to Scott for allowing Barney to come in from the cold.

This really has been a journey and I'm so glad that you and everyone whose been involved with this thread has been there too. It might sound ridiculous but being able to post about him and share pics and videos has made it alot easier for me. I feel like all you guys are a great support system and you've helped me make decisions and have offered so much in the way of hope, donations, gifts etc.. Now, all that he needs are prayers and I will continue to give him hugs from his Angels.

3Catcondo wrote:

Lara and Scott-
Thank you so much for all the care you have provided Barney and making adjusts in your home for him. He looks comfortable, and that is all that matters now, no matter how long he has. He is finally getting the life he deserved to have all along thanks to you, and that's all we could've hoped for. Thank you from the bottom of my for doing this, I wish there were more people that cared as much as you do for the well being of stray/feral cats. And, I wish I lived closer to visit Barney and you on a regular basis.

Thanks for that. I was actually feeling really awful, especially this past week because his living conditions were not good and he was not happy or comfortable. I thought of all the nice things you have all posted and I felt that it was no longer true and I wasn't living up to my end of the bargain. I was in the beginning but with the recent cold temperatures, it was no longer a good environment for him. The pics would only show brief moments but for the majority of his time recently, it was, in my view, suffering. I almost didn't want to open this thread because I felt so guilty about how he was living and didn't feel like a Barney Angel at all. But now, I can sleep at night because he really is cozy, FINALLY. And I'm so thankful that when his time does come, I will be able to live with it because his last days/weeks/months? will be worth it.
And... with regard to stray/feral cats, Barney has really started something. I have started the ball rolling and our first meeting is in January to begin helping the ferals/strays in my area. I have a woman who is involved in a similar group from a nearby town coming to speak and field questions and another woman who is moving here who is a vet, will also be attending so I'm really excited. It's all due to Barney, because his condition was shocking and I realized how many of these cats must suffer a similar fate. I wish I could call the group Barney's Angels, that would be so neat but we'll see how it goes.

MoonandBean wrote:

I had LES reading the post but it turned into SLES (Sniffling, LES) watching the video. Bean and I watched it together. I am so grateful for everything you have done and that Barney will be able to live out the rest of his life warm and cozy. Give Scott a thank you from me

LOL! Did you make that up? LES but extra! That's perfect and it's already being used in posts after yours! I'm sorry to make you sniffle and leak. Well, I guess it's not my fault, it's Barney's! That little stinker.

Kb2Yjx wrote:

I am just SLES!!! Prayers continue for Barney...

Thanks for the prayers. They're working!! :)

Randi wrote:
Oh Lara, I have LES also from reading your post. But I'm so happy that Barney will spend the rest of his time inside, warm and cosy.
I'm sad to see his eye is getting worse and to hear he is bleeding again, but hopefully the warmth will help him feel better. He is an old boy, and he definately would not have survived outside. Thank you so much for making his life better, it's wonderful what you do. Now you can keep an eye on him and better judge how he's feeling. When it's time to go, I'm sure he'll let you know.
Please give him some kisses and scritchies from me.

Thanks Randi. I agree, now that he I will see him so often, I will be able to really keep track of how he is doing and if /when he is getting worse. I think he will let me know when it's time. Thankfully, it isn't now.

Pomtzu wrote:

I'm trying to see to post, in spite of having a case of SLES along with everyone else. It is sad that he's going down hill, but I'm just so happy for him that he is now part of the "in crowd"! I'm sure he's loving it - he certainly appeared to be in the video. Lara - you are an angel for sure, and as for Scott - well I really think you have quite a gem there!! Bless you both for making Barney's days warm and full of love.

I like that! The 'in crowd'! Thanks for your post. I think Scotty is a gem too. I feel very blessed that he has that softy side. That of course is why I fell for him in the first place. Whenever he gets up in arms about animals, I always remind him that I had 6 cats and 1 dog when he met me. I say 'what part of LOVING animals didn't you get?!?' LOL He usually just rolls his eyes. We're a bit over our usual limit right now and he's been very patient. We will get back to a reasonable number of pets as they age out.

Moesha wrote:

I feel bad for you. Thank you for all you are doing for Barney. Please thank Scott for us also. As we've all said from the start, we know you are doing the best you can for Barney. I am sure he would not have made it this long if it hadn't been for you and Angela. It hurts me to think of him outside in this kind of weather like he would have been. He would not have survived and enjoyed any quality of life. Now he gets love and yums and warmth. Don't feel bad about not having his movies, now he gets to watch you bathe! Who needs videos when you have that! LOL

Yums and warmth, that about sums it up. LOL That's what any of us really needs I guess. Yes, the whole watching while I bathe bit! I have to admit, it was a little WEIRD! He was standing in the middle of the floor, facing the bath and just stood there STARING at me the entire time. He was standing on the one part of the floor that doesn't have carpet and his little feet kept slowly sliding out until he was almost doing the splits and then he'd straighten up again for a few seconds until the sliding would start again. LOL He was definitely wondering 'what' I was doing and refused to budge until I was finished about 20 minutes later. I don't know, maybe he thought it was his turn next or something. LOL It was really funny.

Taz_Zoee wrote:

LES and what everyone else said - THANK YOU AND SCOTT!!

Thanks. No more leaking though!!! lol Just happy thoughts.

Momtomany wrote:

Lara
Thank Scott from all of us that he has allowed Barney to come inside. Whatever time Barney has left will spent warm and knowing that he is loved. God truly does have a special blessing for you for all that you are doing for Barney. Know that you, Scott and Barney are part of mine and many Pet Talkers daily prayers.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. I'm also praying each day and God does seem to be listening. I will show Scott these posts so he can know what a neat thing has done. I told him it is the best christmas present I have ever received because it has lifted alot of guilt off me and I feel so much more at peace. Barney was in such awful conditions, that if I had seen him at someone else's house, like that, I would have thought to contact the SPCA to report it. And here he was, under my care and that is why I was so upset. I knew it had reached a point that I either had to let him go or convince Scott to let him inside. I'm so thankful for how it has turned out.

Thanks everybody for your posts.

jennielynn1970

12-20-2008, 02:20 PM

Gosh, so he's not even a peeping tom, he's outright STARING!! LOL!

Too funny, lol. Sorry Lara!!

Emeraldgreen

12-20-2008, 02:28 PM

Gosh, so he's not even a peeping tom, he's outright STARING!! LOL!

Too funny, lol. Sorry Lara!!

ROFL! I'm at work, so I'd better stop laughing! haha

MoonandBean

12-20-2008, 03:08 PM

phesina

12-20-2008, 05:27 PM

More SLES.. God bless you, Barney and Lara and Scott, for these warm, precious days you are sharing. Prayers of gratitude for the warmth and prayers of love and comfort to you.

Scooter's Mom

12-20-2008, 05:49 PM

Aw C'Mon...who among us hasn't had all of our pets watch us bathe at one time or another? Sunny got IN the tub with me once and I think I remember Bean laying on me once too while his tail swayed in the water :)

Scooter Bug not only gets in with me EVERY time, he has to drink the water. My hubby says he likes it because it's "Crystal flavored". EWWWW. (Scooter Bug is my :love: kitty, so who cares, lol)

I am so glad Barney is inside now. Lara, you are such a blessing to him. Tell Scott thank you for having such a big heart to let Barney have his last days (however many they are) in a nice warm house. Heaven is smiling on you both!

MoonandBean

12-20-2008, 06:11 PM

Scooter Bug not only gets in with me EVERY time, he has to drink the water. My hubby says he likes it because it's "Crystal flavored". EWWWW. (Scooter Bug is my :love: kitty, so who cares, lol)

Hehe :)

krazyaboutkatz

12-20-2008, 10:08 PM

Lara, I'm so glad that Barney is now inside and is nice and warm and comfortable as he should be.:) I also got LES from reading his updates and seeing how happy he was in the video. Please thank Scott for me too. You're married to a wonderful caring man. I'll continue to keep Barney in my thoughts and prayers.

rosethecopycat

12-21-2008, 08:16 PM

Bless his heart.

So grateful.
:love:

rg_girlca

12-22-2008, 02:01 PM

Scott, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, you dear sweet man for allowing Barney to come in from the cold. You sound just like my hubby though. He kicks up a stink and will say NO, but in the end gives in, because his heart won't allow any animal to be cold or hungry.

Lara, please do not feel guilty for anything that you have done for our Barney. Personally, I thought what a lovely set up you had for him from the beginning and as the temperatures started to drop, you provided more heat and comfort for him. I don't think you could have done anymore for this sweet boy than what you have already done.
God knows how much longer this sweet boy has, but because of you and your dear hubby, he has warmth, good food, care and most of all love. It's too bad that he doesn't realize the love he has from all over the world.

Medusa

12-23-2008, 06:38 AM

Lara, please do not feel guilty for anything that you have done for our Barney. Personally, I thought what a lovely set up you had for him from the beginning and as the temperatures started to drop, you provided more heat and comfort for him. I don't think you could have done anymore for this sweet boy than what you have already done.

Seriously! I agree 100%! You have nothing to feel guilty about. You did everything but turn over the deed to your house to Barney. LOL That boy knows how loved he is and he was comfortable until it got to be so bitter cold and when it did, you stepped in and handled it, Lara and Scott. No worries. No worries whatsoever. What a Merry Christmas this will be for all of you and for us on PT, too, knowing that Barn-Barn is safe and warm and snuggly. :love:

Randi

12-23-2008, 10:50 AM

I so agree with the above posts - Lara, you have gone beyond what many others would do, and Barney is as comfy as he can get. :)

:love: Merry Christmas sweet Barney! :love:

slick

12-23-2008, 12:53 PM

OK, I'm supposed to be working but you could shoot a cannon through here so I decided to catch up on this thread and read the last couple of weeks worth of posts.

I'm at a loss for words. LES.....major LES...the videos put me over the edge. :( I have tears streaming down my face. How do you do it??? I don't think I could ever be as strong as you. You have done so much for this little guy....no little kitty could ever ask for more. Thanks to you he's warm and dry with a full tummy, getting the vet care he needs and giving and receiving as much love as his little heart can handle.

Bless you and Scott and I'm sorry your trip got cancelled but I can now see it's for the best. I would have done the same thing. Time spent with Barney now is what's important.

.....and to think you all are only a couple of ferry rides away from me....

Merry Christmas and Happy Mew Year!:love:

kb2yjx

12-23-2008, 01:49 PM

To Lara, Scott, Barney, and other furry friends:
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emeraldgreen

12-25-2008, 04:22 PM

Merry Christmas everybody!

Thanks for all the posts.
Here is a quick video of the snow and Barney cruising around the house a bit on Christmas Eve day. :)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_e4f4284a.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=e4f4284a.pbr)

Moesha

12-25-2008, 05:29 PM

Awww...how sweet! That's a lot of snow! I'm glad we got to see your puppies! As always it is so nice to see Barney! I noticed what you had been saying about his legs while he was eating. I love seeing him follow you from room to room. :) THANKS for all you've done and for sharing him with us!

kb2yjx

12-25-2008, 06:07 PM

Lara!! I do not think that you convinced Barney that the dogs mean no harm!!! Barney seems very happy and content!!! GREAT JOB!!!

3Catcondo

12-25-2008, 06:43 PM

Lara,
I think he's looks good! I did see his poor leg going out from under him when he was eating or drinking, but I think he's still getting around great. I hope you, Scott and all of your furbabies had a great Christmas!

Purr-tender

12-25-2008, 07:11 PM

That was very enjoyable. It's nice you had a white Christmas, that always makes it a little more special. Smart dogs, they know where it's nice and warm. Barney looked wonderful wandering around. That was a great Christmas present for me:).

A very merry Christmas to you and Scott and all your fur babies, especially Barney!

Mary

Catty1

12-25-2008, 10:27 PM

Barney looks happy and comfy - can just go to his food dish and EAT, which is something he didn't do for a very very long time. :)

In that one part of the video - can he HEAR the dogs? Maybe he senses a vibration?

Great to see dear Barney...please give him gentle hugs for me.

You're still giving him the immune stuff that Angela had? I do hope for a miracle...but as I said before, right now is a miracle for him to be inside, loved, warm and fed - not necessarily in that order! :love:;)

kittykatharine

12-25-2008, 10:46 PM

Merry Christmas to all your family, and of course Barney!!! He looked so comfortable in your house. What a beautiful little guy. It just fills my heart with warmth to know how much you have helped him and how much of a difference you have made in his life!:love::love::love:

momtomany

12-26-2008, 05:46 AM

Thank you Lara and Scott for taking such good care of Barney and giving him a warm wonderful Christmas. I loved watching him follow you around. You can tell how much he loves you. One of my prayers for the coming year is that you two will be blessed from God above for the love, care and compassion you have given Barney. I hope your Christmas was wonderful and the coming New Year Blessed.

Medusa

12-26-2008, 06:40 AM

As Barney walked around your lovely home I could almost hear his thoughts "Wow, I went from a pauper to a king! Look at this palace! Am I lucky or what?" So much snow outside, Lara! I can imagine how glad you must be that he's indoors now, safe and warm and soaking up so much love from you and Scott. Again, thank you. You made my Christmas. :love:

pomtzu

12-26-2008, 07:53 AM

Loved the video of "The Barn" (if Trump can be "The Donald", then Barney can be "The Barn"!) wandering around FREE!!! He's found heaven on earth and is "the cat loved round the world"! :love: I couldn't help but wonder what caught his attention when he was looking so intently at the door. Maybe he was thinking "I'm NEVER going to have to be on the other side of that again. Happy-happy-joy-joy!" :D
Your place looked like a winter wonderland for Christmas, and the dogs looked like they were enjoying it too. My 2 little ones are snow-wimps, especially Myndi who doesn't like getting her little tootsies wet at all! :eek: Hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that The Barn continues to hold his own! :)

Randi

12-26-2008, 09:22 AM

My Christmas is SO much better, knowing that Barney is inside his new found Palace. He really seem to enjoy being able to move around a bit and the warmth must be heaven for him. :)

You really got a lot of snow, didn't you! It looks wonderful, and I'm glad the dogs are enjoying it.

Lots of kisses to Barney and hugs to you! :love:

jennielynn1970

12-26-2008, 09:31 AM

Holy cow that is a lot of snow!! Glad I'm not the one shoveling it, lol! The puppers looked like they were enjoying playing in it, lol. Muddy had snow all over the top of his fur, silly boy!

Barney looked like he really enjoyed being able to just wander around and follow you. He could go to his room if he wanted, he followed you through the house. His little face just warms the heart!

I saw that little leg slide out from under him while he was eating. Does it do that all the time, or only on tile where it's more smooth? My Calloway has a back leg that was injured and he will sit on a window sill and let the one leg hang down while he's there instead of sitting with both of them up on the sill. Not sure if there's less control there, but maybe that's part of Barney's problem as well? Maybe he had been injured at some point in the past, and that's a weak spot for him?

krazyaboutkatz

12-26-2008, 12:56 PM

You sure did get some snow and it looks so cold outside. I'm so glad that Barney is now warm and safe in your home.:) I hope he'll continue to do well. Merry Christmas Barney, Lara, and Scott.:)

Emeraldgreen

12-30-2008, 01:18 AM

I had basically written all of the replies to everyone's posts a few days ago and right when I was about to hit 'submit reply' we lost power! I had just finished PM'ing MoonandBean and wrote in my PM that the wind was really kicking up and we might lose power. 5 minutes later, lights out!
I want to respond to everybody's posts first and then add an update at the end. Barney hasn't been doing all that great these past few days and I have to make a decision. :(

Slick wrote:
OK, I'm supposed to be working but you could shoot a cannon through here so I decided to catch up on this thread and read the last couple of weeks worth of posts.
I'm at a loss for words. LES.....major LES...the videos put me over the edge. I have tears streaming down my face. How do you do it??? I don't think I could ever be as strong as you. You have done so much for this little guy....no little kitty could ever ask for more. Thanks to you he's warm and dry with a full tummy, getting the vet care he needs and giving and receiving as much love as his little heart can handle.

Thanks Slick. I appreciate that but I'm sure if Barney showed up at your house, we'd be watching your home videos of him. ;) He has a way about him and you just can't say no.

Awww...how sweet! That's a lot of snow! I'm glad we got to see your puppies! As always it is so nice to see Barney! I noticed what you had been saying about his legs while he was eating. I love seeing him follow you from room to room. THANKS for all you've done and for sharing him with us!

The dogs love the snow but we don't leave them out in it for more than 45 minutes because Muddy is getting to be an old guy and the cold is kind of hard on him and his legs. We take them out about 10 times a day though, it's a revolving door!

kb2yjx wrote:
Lara!! I do not think that you convinced Barney that the dogs mean no harm!!! Barney seems very happy and content!!! GREAT JOB!!!
No, I don't think there is any convincing him! Angela told me that he was often chased by the large dog that lives at the property where Barney used to hang out.

3catcondo wrote:
Lara,
I think he's looks good! I did see his poor leg going out from under him when he was eating or drinking, but I think he's still getting around great. I hope you, Scott and all of your furbabies had a great Christmas!

Yes, his legs slide out from under him in the bathroom. I've got it mostly covered in little carpets but he does slide on a bit of it. :)

Purr_Tender wrote:
That was very enjoyable. It's nice you had a white Christmas, that always makes it a little more special. Smart dogs, they know where it's nice and warm. Barney looked wonderful wandering around. That was a great Christmas present for me.
A very merry Christmas to you and Scott and all your fur babies, especially Barney! Mary

I know! Those rascal dogs, they were like "see ya later, we're going inside, YOU can play in the snow if you want, we've already been out here from 40+ minutes!!"

Catty1 wrote:
Barney looks happy and comfy - can just go to his food dish and EAT, which is something he didn't do for a very very long time.
In that one part of the video - can he HEAR the dogs? Maybe he senses a vibration?
Great to see dear Barney...please give him gentle hugs for me.
You're still giving him the immune stuff that Angela had? I do hope for a miracle...but as I said before, right now is a miracle for him to be inside, loved, warm and fed - not necessarily in that order!

I don't think he can hear the dogs but as you said, I'm sure he feels the vibrations because just on the other side of the door, Finnie is doing his regular prancy gazelle jumps. He jumps 4-5 feet in the air, kind of like a jack russell. I think it's his basenji side that allows him to do this.
And Barney can also see the dogs. That door has smoked glass and around the edges it's clear. If you watch the video again and look at the door, you'll see Finnigan looking at Barney. That is what had Barney frozen in his tracks. They are very good with cats though and LOVE them. They would be very gentle with Barney but I don't think Barney would like it much so I won't try.

I do give Barney the Immunocal stuff but he is no longer very fond of the food when I mix it in and he's been losing quite a bit of weight so I've been backing off it to make sure he eats. I should weigh him, I think he must be less than 4 pounds now. :(

KittyKatharine wrote:
Merry Christmas to all your family, and of course Barney!!! He looked so comfortable in your house. What a beautiful little guy. It just fills my heart with warmth to know how much you have helped him and how much of a difference you have made in his life!
Thanks Katharine.

Momtomany wrote:
Thank you Lara and Scott for taking such good care of Barney and giving him a warm wonderful Christmas. I loved watching him follow you around. You can tell how much he loves you. One of my prayers for the coming year is that you two will be blessed from God above for the love, care and compassion you have given Barney. I hope your Christmas was wonderful and the coming New Year Blessed.

Thank you so much for making such a kind prayer. Maybe Barney is the blessing! :D

Medusa wrote:
As Barney walked around your lovely home I could almost hear his thoughts "Wow, I went from a pauper to a king! Look at this palace! Am I lucky or what?" So much snow outside, Lara! I can imagine how glad you must be that he's indoors now, safe and warm and soaking up so much love from you and Scott. Again, thank you. You made my Christmas.

Thanks Mary, I wish I could let him walk around all the time but each time that I let him out, I have to make sure no other cats are around. He's funny though, he tends to head back to 'his room' after 10 minutes or so. I think he feels like it is his den. It's also really warm there and the rest of the house is quite drafty unless you're right next to the fire.

Pomtzu wrote:
Loved the video of "The Barn" (if Trump can be "The Donald", then Barney can be "The Barn"!) wandering around FREE!!! He's found heaven on earth and is "the cat loved round the world"! I couldn't help but wonder what caught his attention when he was looking so intently at the door. Maybe he was thinking "I'm NEVER going to have to be on the other side of that again. Happy-happy-joy-joy!"

The Barn! I love it. Well, the Barn was intently looking at Finnigan who was on the other side of the door which leads to the dog's room. It's hard to see Finnigan but he is looking through the glass of the door at Barney and Barney is looking right back at him. lol

Randi wrote:
My Christmas is SO much better, knowing that Barney is inside his new found Palace. He really seem to enjoy being able to move around a bit and the warmth must be heaven for him.
You really got a lot of snow, didn't you! It looks wonderful, and I'm glad the dogs are enjoying it. Lots of kisses to Barney and hugs to you!

Yes, he is a much happier boy to be inside. I had to go out to the shop today to grab something and I just shuddered when I went in there. So cold and depressing. His cage is still in there and I just couldn't imagine him in there again. He needs to be warm and cozy at the very least.

Jenn_Librarian wrote:
Holy cow that is a lot of snow!! Glad I'm not the one shoveling it, lol! The puppers looked like they were enjoying playing in it, lol. Muddy had snow all over the top of his fur, silly boy!

Barney looked like he really enjoyed being able to just wander around and follow you. He could go to his room if he wanted, he followed you through the house. His little face just warms the heart!

I saw that little leg slide out from under him while he was eating. Does it do that all the time, or only on tile where it's more smooth? My Calloway has a back leg that was injured and he will sit on a window sill and let the one leg hang down while he's there instead of sitting with both of them up on the sill. Not sure if there's less control there, but maybe that's part of Barney's problem as well? Maybe he had been injured at some point in the past, and that's a weak spot for him?

I know, Muddy was covered in so much snow!! He looked liked like a sled dog! But we had just had a bunch of snow fall before I filmed and actually while I was filming but for some reason you can't really see the flakes falling. My camera was getting all wet though! :rolleyes:
Both of Barney's legs seem to slip out from under him when he's on that floor but it might also be due to some prior injuries. He might have been hit by a car in the past because he had that broken rib too.

krazyaboutkatz wrote:
You sure did get some snow and it looks so cold outside. I'm so glad that Barney is now warm and safe in your home. I hope he'll continue to do well. Merry Christmas Barney, Lara, and Scott.

He's definitely warm and safe but I do wish he was doing well. The last couple of days he has changed. The tumor behind his right ear that joins up with the tumor on his neck has grown ALOT! :eek: I took some pictures of it and it's really changed. It's now about the size of a third of a golf ball and it is causing him some real discomfort. His other ear is really bugging him too and the antibiotics are not doing much to help.

He spends alot of time now in this position that is not sitting up but not laying down either. It's somewhere in between and it is clear that he is in pain. When he gets into this position, he'll stay there for 10 minutes at a time. I don't know how he does it because it looks like it would be harder to do than just laying down. He holds his elbows up. It's hard to explain so I video taped him doing it this evening and will post it along with some pics below.

His right eye often has a bit of the third eye coming up and I think it is because the tumor is pressing on his eye. His eyes aren't full of hope anymore, he looks depressed. And he just keeps losing weight, he is so skinny now, I can feel every vertebrae (spelling??) on his spine.
And he is peeing more and more on the floor and less in the box. I don't mind cleaning it up at all but what happens is, he gets in the box like a good boy but then sticks his bum over the side and pees on the floor. Then with litter stuck to his feet, he steps in the pee and it becomes like glue on his pads. Every day I try to clean his feet and he hates it and gets so angry with me because I think it hurts. So today, I gave him a bath and gently washed his feet and then removed all the litter from his box. I know he's going to be confused by this but I'm hoping he still goes in there and does his poops (which he does manage to keep in the box) and if he pees over the edge, he won't have any litter on his feet when he steps out. I clean up after him about 5 times a day so the box will always be clean for him.
But, this is no way to live. I wouldn't say that if he were alert and eager the way he was before but now he is living like this and is depressed and in pain and I can't let it go on for too much longer.
I was trying to figure out tonight if I should take him to the vet tomorrow to let him go but I do want to have a few more days with him. My worry though is that I have to work all day on Wednesday and then the vet will be closed on Thursday and then I work all day Friday and Saturday and the vet is closed on Sunday. But I do know that my boss will let me leave a few hours early on Friday afternoon if I needed to take him in so that is what I am thinking. And if for some reason he rallies and seems to be doing okay again and isn't in pain, then maybe I can wait.

I have always said that I'll let him tell me when it's time and it does seem that he is telling me. :( But I want to be sure so I will wait until Friday and see how he is.

I'm sorry this post isn't a happy one but in the end, Barney is what is important and if he is hurting, then I have to help him. But I promise, I will make sure that is what is going on with him before I do anything. And I will make every moment as good as I can for him until then. :love:

p.s. All the pics of him are in the following post because I had too many pics, vids and emicons in this one post.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_dbf6593b.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=dbf6593b.pbr)

Emeraldgreen

12-30-2008, 01:19 AM

Some pics:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barneyhunchedover.jpg
This pic shows how he is sitting without his elbows touching. He won't sit up and he won't lay down. It looks so uncomfortable and he'll stay like this for a long time. He does sleep in his bed but when he isn't in bed or isn't eating this is what he is doing.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barn002.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barn003.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barn004.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barneyear.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec29004.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barn010.jpg
After his bath tonight.

krazyaboutkatz

12-30-2008, 02:05 AM

Lara,I'm so sorry to hear that Barney isn't doing well.:( I'm sure that he'll let you know when it's time. At least he's known what it's like to be loved, cared for, and even an indoor cat. You've done so much for him but it seems like his little body is just giving up.:( He remains in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

Purr-tender

12-30-2008, 03:47 AM

This is a very difficult time. We have all hoped and prayed that Barney would miraculously get well and be this contented old, lap cat. It is very obvious now that is not to be. I am so sorry for you, Lara. We are all madly in love with that sweet boy, but you are the one who has been there each day with him. You have given him so much!! When the time comes please don't second guess yourself. Just know that no matter what, I trust your judgement completely. You have always done what was best for him.

Tears, prayers and gentle hugs for you and dear Barney,
Mary

Scooter's Mom

12-30-2008, 06:28 AM

I can only say what everyone else has. No matter how much we have fallen in love with Barney, you're the one who has physically been there for him. When you feel his quality of life has reached the point where it has been surpasssed by pain and depression, you'll do what you have to do.

Thank you for always sharing sweet Barney with us. I've never loved a kitty from afar as much as I have loved Barney Boy. Thank you for giving him love and shelter and the generosity of your kind spirit.

Hugs,
crystal

pomtzu

12-30-2008, 07:20 AM

Oh Lara - major LES here! My heart just aches for Barney and for you as well. It's obvious from his video that he is fading, and he does appear to be quite miserable. The only saving grace here is that he still continues to eat. What a little fighter he has been.
I know that you are are torn between wanting him with you for a while longer, and letting him go. I think that all of us with fur kids have faced that same situation at some time in our lives. I don't have any doubt that you'll know when the time is finally here, and that you'll help Barney on to RB. My prayers are with you and Barney - for Barney to have a peaceful journey and final sleep, and for you to be strong!
Hugs to you both, and please give Barney a gentle little kiss from me on the top of his sweet little head! :love:

Pinot's Mom

12-30-2008, 08:24 AM

I think the quote on the bottom of Pomtzu's post says it all:
"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop, on what day, or what hour.
Now is the only time you have, so live it with a will
Don't wait until tomorrow - the hands may then be still."
You have "lived with a will" with Barney and I think he's loved you for it every step of the way. This decision is heart wrenching, but you know in your heart what is best for Barney. He does, too.

Thank you for sharing him with us and know that God will be with you both to guide sweet Barney where he needs to go, to guide you in your decision, and to heal your heart in love. You have no regrets; you've been a wonderful and caring mom to Barney. Bless you! :love:

Randi

12-30-2008, 09:30 AM

LES here. :( It's heartbreaking to see Barney in the state he is in now. :( He is standing there, not knowing what to do, and not enjoying life. I'm feeling SO sad. How I wish he could speak up and let you know what he wants you to do.

He has been fighting very hard to survive, but now, with all his issues and his old age, I think he's about to give up. He has definately enjoyed your care, and taking him inside was the best that could happen for him. He must have thought he had died and gone to heaven. :)

I know it's a very hard decision you now have to make, but I do believe that Barney will want you to let him go. You, and all of us will miss him very much, but knowing he has been cared for and had so much love in the past few months is a little comfort.

Until we all have to say Goodbye to Barney, is it possible for you to give him some painkillers, so he at least is not in pain? That is my main concern now. I would hate to think Barney entering 2009 in pain. :(

I'm sending lots of kisses and positive thoughts to Barney, and big hugs to you. :love: :love:

ramanth

12-30-2008, 09:52 AM

Poor old guy. :( I'm sorry to hear that Barney isn't feeling well. He knows you love him though and he knows you'll do what you feel is best. At least someone cared for him and that was you. :love:

Lizzie

12-30-2008, 11:14 AM

Emeraldgreen

12-30-2008, 01:07 PM

I find it harder to let them go when they have had a very hard life and only a brief period when you have been able to make a huge difference in their quality of life. You want to rail against fate because they are finally in a place where they are appreciated, loved, comfortable, where they should have been long ago, and then the time is cut so very short. I let my Ginger go a few weeks ago, just as the bad weather started to hit our area. Like you, I was concerned about getting to the vet with holiday closures. However, Ginger was 22-1/2 and had had a very comfortable life. Her body was totally worn out from gracious living. Letting her go a few days earlier than might have been necessary gave me few qualms because there was no feeling that I was short-changing her. With Dagda, a few months ago, my feelings were very different because after ten years in a shelter's very crowded conditions, he'd had only 18 months with me. It seemed so damned unfair. I wanted to give him so much more time on sunny decks, in cushy armchairs, cuddled into my stomach at night, but Mother Nature wouldn't allow it. Like Barney, towards the end he seemed to choose the most uncomfortable ways to rest, lying on hard surfaces and rarely closing his eyes. Does Barney still sleep, really sleep? I waited a little longer than I should have with Dagda, he was telling me how uncomfortable and tired he was but as long as he would get up and come to me for a cuddle, I just couldn't let go. He didn't really get much pleasure from those cuddles, not enough to balance out how rotten he felt the rest of the time, it was me I was giving the extra time to.

As everyone else has said, thank you for taking in Barney and giving him the best quality of life you possibly could and for as long as anyone could. And, thank you for sharing Barney with all of us, we have appreciated it (even though my boss just walked into my office and found me with tears in my eyes!)

You have completely summed up exactly what I'm feeling and I'm sorry to hear about Ginger and Dagda. Before I logged on my husband spoke with me and said he was concerned what the animal hospital staff was going to think when I brought Barney in, later rather than sooner and in a condition that is so frail. He said "they're going to think you're some crazy cat lady who won't let go". I was in tears. I still am. I'm not that person and I love animals so much and only want to help them.

I started to think about what I might say to the vet so she didn't think that of me. How could I explain it? I was trying to understand it myself. And I thought of exactly what you wrote Lizzie. His time as a cat who has known love and warmth and security has been so short in comparison to the 10+ years without it that I just wanted to give him every extra day that I could. I want more time to show him that he is valuable and important and that somebody cares about him. But just as you also wrote, it is now more for me than it is for him. I'm having such a hard time with this.

This morning I went in and he still greets me with his morning talk and hoarse meow meow meow, eagerly waiting for me to put his plate of food down. But he had peed in his bed (the first time he's done that since he's been with us) because he had filled up the bottom of his litter box with so much pee, he understandably did not want to step into it. I had taken the litter out because it was getting stuck to his paws and becoming like cement. But this is an experiment gone wrong. I cleaned up everything, gave him new bedding and put litter back in the box for him.

I've been trying to sort out what is the best thing to do and I think this will be my plan.
I will email Angela and tell her that I plan to let Barney go on Friday afternoon and invite her to come up if she wants to be there. She is a few hours away. I will go to the vet clinic today as we have to go to town anyway and tell them that I should have probably put Barney down weeks ago but I know it's time now and I want to give Angela a chance to be there so I will be waiting until Friday. And I will ask them if there is a pain reliever I can get for Barney for the next few days. He can't be on Metacam because he is already on pred and the two can't be combined. And he has to be off pred for 48 hours before he can have metacam so that still won't help. But hopefully they will have something he can take.

I'll also pick up a bag of the kitty litter that is in pellets so he has something in there but it won't stick to his feet.

I'll try and get some more footage of him. He doesn't always sit like that if he's got something to do, like walk around the house and stuff. He's not totally miserable but he's also not all that happy either.

Thank you all for your posts. Each one had me in tears. My turn for LES I guess since I've caused so much of it myself with all these posts about Barney. :(

Purr-tender

12-30-2008, 01:27 PM

Edwina's Secretary

12-30-2008, 02:05 PM

Every time I look at photos of Barney I think of the cat in the musical Cats...I do not know the name...the one who gets to go to Cat Heaven?

Perhaps that should be his theme song....precious boy...

rg_girlca

12-30-2008, 02:20 PM

Your posts and videos of Barney have been so important to me. I appreciate that you take the time to respond to all of us and make us all feel so much a part of Barney's life with you. Even though we are many, many miles apart, in heart I am right there with both of you, believe me! Hopefully his vet can give you something to make him more comfortable. It would be wonderful if Angela can come and be with you Friday. I hope that Barney will feel all the love that we all have for him as he crosses that Bridge and that you, too, feel our arms wrapped around you.

My thoughts exactly.

Dear Lara;
This tough time will end. Just know in your heart that you won't be alone. We will all be there with you in spirit holding your hand. Bless you dear lady for giving precious Barney a chance of what life is really all about and thank you for what you are about to do, give him a peaceful passing. We will never forget what you have done for him and most of all, we will never forget our dear Barney.

{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

krazyaboutkatz

12-30-2008, 02:31 PM

I've been trying to sort out what is the best thing to do and I think this will be my plan.
I will email Angela and tell her that I plan to let Barney go on Friday afternoon and invite her to come up if she wants to be there. She is a few hours away. I will go to the vet clinic today as we have to go to town anyway and tell them that I should have probably put Barney down weeks ago but I know it's time now and I want to give Angela a chance to be there so I will be waiting until Friday. And I will ask them if there is a pain reliever I can get for Barney for the next few days. He can't be on Metacam because he is already on pred and the two can't be combined. And he has to be off pred for 48 hours before he can have metacam so that still won't help. But hopefully they will have something he can take.

I'll also pick up a bag of the kitty litter that is in pellets so he has something in there but it won't stick to his feet.

I'll try and get some more footage of him. He doesn't always sit like that if he's got something to do, like walk around the house and stuff. He's not totally miserable but he's also not all that happy either.

Thank you all for your posts. Each one had me in tears. My turn for LES I guess since I've caused so much of it myself with all these posts about Barney. :(

Lara, I think that this is an excellent plan even though it's going to be very difficult to let him go. Like Lorraine has said, you won't be alone during this difficult time and we'll all be with you in spirit and can provide lots of cyber hugs and emotional support. You're a very special lady and I want you to always remember that. Now I'm getting major LES. Please take care.(((HUGS)))

critters

12-30-2008, 03:30 PM

And I will ask them if there is a pain reliever I can get for Barney for the next few days. He can't be on Metacam because he is already on pred and the two can't be combined. And he has to be off pred for 48 hours before he can have metacam so that still won't help. But hopefully they will have something he can take.
:( They don't combine the two because of stomach upset and gastric problems, which seem to be a far less concern in this case. If they still don't want to use an NSAID, Tramadol is often used with pred for puppers (not sure about kitties). The heavy duty pain meds are also possible, so there shouldn't be any reason for him to be in pain or discomfort. You might have to push strongly for meds; I often have.

I'm sorry he's feeling so bad, and you're right--sometimes they feel like they've been a part of you forever, even when it's only been weeks or months. You made a serious difference to Barney Boy!!!!

Grace

12-30-2008, 03:49 PM

Every time I look at photos of Barney I think of the cat in the musical Cats...I do not know the name...the one who gets to go to Cat Heaven?

Perhaps that should be his theme song....precious boy...

I think that was Grizabella - she's the one who sang that beautiful song Memories.

EDIT: And Barney will have wonderful memories once he crosses the Bridge; and thanks to EmeraldGreen, we will have wonderful memories of Barney.

kb2yjx

12-30-2008, 05:58 PM

O Lara!!! I know how hard this must be for you right now!! We have seen four cats go to the Bridge since last December, and it was not easy. The way Barney is now, reminds me of little Molly Meu. She was a real trooper. But when she started having trouble walking any length and the ascitis was increasing, making her breathing difficult, it was time.... You sound like you have a good plan. Can you let us know what time you might be bringing Barney to the vet on Friday. I would like to put a candle out on the porch for him....Do not worry about what the vet might think about you, you do what is right for Barney... Prayers for comfort at this time for both Barney and you(and some HUGS, too!!!)...Sandra

Catty1

12-30-2008, 06:06 PM

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:-7greg_gfDCiEM:http://www.geocities.com/jenna2001us/grizabella2.gif

http://p0.p.pixnet.net/albums/userpics/0/5/612205/normal_1202506789.jpg

http://www.catanna.com/deutgriz_broad.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grizabella
Grizabella is the "Glamour Cat" in the musical production Cats. She does not appear in T. S. Eliot's work Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but she is a prominent character in the stageplay. It appears that she is the feline version of the woman mentioned in T.S. Eliot's poem "Rhapsody on a Windy Night".

“Regard that woman (Remark the Cat)
Who hesitates toward you in the light of the door
Which opens on her like a grin.
You see the border of her dress (You see the border of her coat)
Is torn and stained with sand,
And you see the corner of her eye
Twists like a crooked pin.”

The character of Grizabella featured in an unpublished poem that T.S. Eliot wrote for his godchildren, intending to include it in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. However, as his widow, Valerie Eliot pointed out, he thought it was too "sad for children" and so didn't include it in the finished work. Valerie Eliot came to the 1980 Sydmonton Festival concert where Andrew Lloyd Webber premiered some of his settings of the Old Possum poems, and gave him the paper with the fragment of Grizabella written on it. From there Lloyd Webber and director Trevor Nunn incorporated the Grizabella poem as a main strand of the plot of the show.

Grizabella is, at the time of her appearance, a very old cat, withered by her age to the point that she no longer resembles the proud, carefree, flamboyant dancer of her youth. Her fellow Jellicles are quite jealous of Grizabella and hence sadistically pleased to see her in a dishevelled condition.

Possibly because of this jealousy, it is Grizabella whom Old Deuteronomy consigns to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. During her change, Grizabella sings the song "Memory", which has been thought of by audiences as a very emotionally touching, profound, and even mysterious composition. It has been recorded by over 150 different artists, including Barry Manilow, Michael Crawford, and Barbra Streisand.

Another interpretation of Grizabella's past is that she left the Jellicle tribe to explore the outside world ("Grizabella the Glamour Cat"), despite knowing that she would never be allowed back in. The other cats shun her for leaving them, despite that she wants to be with them again. After several attempts to gain their acceptance, Grizabella's emotional appeal (represented by "Memory") is accepted; seeing how much that she suffered, she is chosen to be reborn.

The name Grizabella is probably derived from "grizzle" which means either "grey" or "disheveled", and "belle" which means "beauty". Hence "Grizabella"; "The grey beauty" or "the disheveled beauty".

Daylight
See the dew on the sunflower
And a rose that is fading
Roses whither away
Like the sunflower
I yearn to turn my face to the dawn
I am waiting for the day . . .

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every streetlamp
Seems to beat a fatalistic warning
Someone mutters
And the streetlamp gutters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
The streetlamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me
You'll understand what happiness is

Look
A new day has begun

LES

Barney, I love you. I hope hope hope there is a heaven, a 'heaviside layer'.

I hope hope hope your day is new and bright, and you are healthy and free.

You were loved, Barney, and you loved.

Bless your meowmy Lara, bless Angela, and bless you darling boy. :love:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/angelavisit001.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec14008.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/dec19001.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barn002.jpg

Emeraldgreen

12-30-2008, 06:09 PM

My thoughts exactly.

Dear Lara;
This tough time will end. Just know in your heart that you won't be alone. We will all be there with you in spirit holding your hand. Bless you dear lady for giving precious Barney a chance of what life is really all about and thank you for what you are about to do, give him a peaceful passing. We will never forget what you have done for him and most of all, we will never forget our dear Barney.
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

Krazyaboutkatz wrote:
Lara, I think that this is an excellent plan even though it's going to be very difficult to let him go. Like Lorraine has said, you won't be alone during this difficult time and we'll all be with you in spirit and can provide lots of cyber hugs and emotional support. You're a very special lady and I want you to always remember that. Now I'm getting major LES. Please take care.(((HUGS)))

Thanks, I really appreciate that. And thanks to everyone else too for your posts too. I definitely don't feel alone in this and it makes it so much easier.

We decided not to go to town today because we have another wind storm and while we were sure we could catch a ferry there, we weren't sure if they would be running to get us back home. We were worried about getting stuck in town overnight.

Critters wrote:
They don't combine the two because of stomach upset and gastric problems, which seem to be a far less concern in this case. If they still don't want to use an NSAID, Tramadol is often used with pred for puppers (not sure about kitties). The heavy duty pain meds are also possible, so there shouldn't be any reason for him to be in pain or discomfort. You might have to push strongly for meds; I often have.

I'm sorry he's feeling so bad, and you're right--sometimes they feel like they've been a part of you forever, even when it's only been weeks or months. You made a serious difference to Barney Boy!!!!

I was thinking about that this morning. I have some Metacam on hand and thought about what the contraindications might be and if they were really a concern right now since we're not looking at long term here. I did read up about this morning and found something about gastric bleeding but maybe that is a result of combining the two long term? I will give him some and I will stop giving the pred. His last dose was this morning.

Barney is actually doing better today than he was yesterday. Why is it always like that?!?!? It's as if they know you've made the decision and then they perk up. Makes it so much harder. But what I've decided is to leave it open. I will either take him in on Friday or on Monday morning. If he is doing alright, like he is today, over the next few days, I will wait until Monday. That way I don't have to leave work early and I'm off work on Monday. And it will give me 2 more days with him. But if he gets any worse, I will stick with my Friday plan. My boss has already ok'd it.

I spoke with Terri, the woman who rents the cottage where Barney was hanging around. She is good friends with Angela and I told her that I had emailed Angela to let her know. But as it turn out, Angela is in Hawaii until the 19th.

I'll let you guys know which day I take him in but I'm hoping now I can wait until Monday, especially if the Metacam helps him feel better. He's still eating like crazy and I picked him up a couple of cans of cat tuna from our local store half an hour ago.

My husband and I are planning on having a quiet night for New Years so we'll be here to hang out with Barney by the fire. I'm so happy about that. :) Wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Just hope the power stays on!!! The worst of the wind should move on by late tomorrow I think.

Anyway, thanks for listening guys. It has helped me tremendously to work through this and find my way. This is the hardest part.

Emeraldgreen

12-30-2008, 06:14 PM

Oh my gosh, thank you Candace! I think you and I posted at the same time because I only saw your post and Sandra's post after I posted!

You know, I've never seen the musical Cats, can you believe that?! I was going to look it up so I could see what cat Tracey was talking about but now I don't have to! Thank you. :love: And thank you for the pics you posted and your words.

Sandra, in my most recent post a few minutes ago, I wrote that I might bring him in on Monday if he continues to do okay, like he is today. I'm hoping the Metacam will help him. I've decided to give it to him and stop the pred. But I think that is the nicest idea to light a candle and I will definitely post the day and time when I will be bringing him in. For now, I think it will be Monday.

ETA: I meant to mention in this post that after reading about Grizabella, I completely agree that Barney is so similar to her character and he is indeed a 'disshevelled beauty'. And as you wrote Candace, I too hope there is a Heaviside Layer (Heaven). I feel certain there is.

kb2yjx

12-30-2008, 06:43 PM

Candace!!! That was LOVELY!!!
Lara! I cannot help recalling what Dr. Artuso said when we were remembering Raven after she went to the Bridge. I told her how I almost cancelled Raven's appointment because of the way she swiped a hot dog off my supper plate, about one hour before she was leaving for the Bridge. Dr. Artuso said she thinks our pets do the best they can to " be well" as she put it, because they want us to remember them as being well, funny, and loving, not sick, uncomfortable, and feeling badly.
Thank you for letting us know about Monday....EXTRA HUGS!!!!

momtomany

12-30-2008, 06:47 PM

weluvcats

12-30-2008, 07:51 PM

for the first time tonight. I actually have seen this thread before, but avoided reading it because I knew it would upset me, but tonight I wanted to see what was going on with your Barney. What a lucky, precious boy he is to have you! My husband and I have been married for 25 years and have taken in 8 stray cats over the years, all of whom we kept except two, whom we found homes for. I know what you are going through, and my heart breaks for you and the decision you are in the process of making. We had to say goodbye to one of our beloved kitties, Billy, in June, and I still cry frequently from missing him. This decision is never, ever easy, even if you have had to make it before (we have). Please know that your Barney loves:love: you for all that you have done for him, and when the time comes, he will, in some way, know and understand why you are letting him go. Bless you for all that you have done for Barney, and know that there are many of us here praying for you all...Judy

rosethecopycat

12-30-2008, 10:01 PM

Just put some puppy pads down instead of a litterbox, it will make it easier on him.

No matter how much time his has left on this earth, he will have touched more lives than you'll ever know.

Soft Meezer songs for Barney.

Taz_Zoee

12-30-2008, 10:32 PM

I am in tears. Even though I knew it would eventually come to this, it is still hard. I think all of us feel like we know Barney personally even though we've never met him.
Lara, you and Scott have given Barney so much in such a short time. I hope you realize that. He knows that and loves you for it.

I'm sorry, I don't know what else to say. I must go wash my face now. :(

kt_luvs_kitties

12-31-2008, 01:03 AM

I am so sorry Lara. I am truly sorry. *HUGS*

Barney, I am sorry you did not get the life you deserved. But you had the best end to a life anyone could ever imagine. When the time comes, I hope you have a easy passing, and know that your meowmie loves you so much, and tried her very best everyday just for you, special boy.:(

If you need anything, PM me. And please give Barney a kiss, and tell him it is from me:love:

jennielynn1970

12-31-2008, 03:56 AM

I think most of us have been hoping beyond hope that this would turn out differently. Wishing on a PT miracle. Well, I think we have seen a miracle, and I think that's been Barney showing us what love and dedication and a pure heart will do to revive a broken animal.

You've helped heal his soul, Lara. You and your hubby both. You've done a wonderful job, and unfortunately with that job, comes the part of having to say goodbye to Barn Barn for all of us. That is a great weight upon your shoulders, my dear.

Please know that we are all here, everyone of us, behind you in this. You have seen this beautiful soul of Barney's day in and day out, and you know he will let you know when it's his time to go.

I'm sure Gary will have the Cat Angel Army out for him when he goes, so that he will have other PT kitties to welcome him with open arms and let him know how special he was to all of us. And maybe Mr. Phred will have Peanut and fellow "silver klowd kats" come down and help him on his way to the Bridge. Lord know he deserves it.

I'm crying my eyes out now of course, and I'm so sorry that you do have to go through this alone, but know we are all there, and we all love you for what you have done for Barney. You are truly Barney's #1 Angel.

(((((HUGS))))) to you and Scott.
Love, Jenn

Medusa

12-31-2008, 10:54 AM

I just got my computer back; another bad virus, so I was w/out it for nearly 3 days. Barney's was the first thread I went to and I'm just so disheartened to read this, even though I knew that this would eventually happen. Lara, I wish I could be there to help you through this. You've done so much for our Barney and this is so difficult for you, I know. I can recall how I felt when my Puddy was going downhill. It seemed as though I'd make the decision to help her to the Bridge and then she'd rally. My very last post was when you had told me about trying the B complex injected into her bag of fluids and she did so well for two days, it was as though I had my ol' Pudilator back. My last words were "Life is good". Then she suddenly took a turn for the worse and was gone w/in one hour. So I can understand and totally relate to your dilemma w/not knowing if you should let Barney go or not. All I can say w/certainty is that I can see on the video how he's deteriorated but you are the one who is giving him such good care, so you are the only one who can know for sure when it's time. However, it's clear that Barney is ready at any time now, if that's any consolation. You won't be selling him short; you'll be doing the last act of kindness for him but only when you know that he's just plain had enough of this life.

I love you, Barney and I love you, too, Lara. You're the best. :love:

Cinder & Smoke

12-31-2008, 12:07 PM

:(
< dials da Kat Division > ... < rinnnng >
Hi God ~

Purrayer Pups here wiffa KatHats on ...

Wunder iffin You kan ask Tubby an Peanut ta gas up da Silver Klowd Express fur
a Taxi run down here onna ole Durt Ball fur lil Barney?
He's gotta 'pointment inna KatShop next week fur a major overhaul ta get
ebberthing fixed up fur his New Assignment next year. He's got his appikashin in
wiff Boots da Kat inna frunt office ta be assigned to a lil Kid that needs a Kitty Buddy.

He'll be waitin atta White Coats, wiff Miz Lara ...
Gib her a BIG {{{God'sHug}}} an tell her GOOD JOB!!

Drop Barney off onna Bridge ... Unka Gary reserved da Bridge Room so's da
Kat Angel Army kan toss Barney a nice *Welkome to da Bridge* Partee.

We'd like ta wish Barney a Safe Trip to da Bridge,
an Good Luck on his New Assignment.

< sniff > :(

THANKS, God.
/s/ the Purrayer Pups

Barbara

12-31-2008, 02:22 PM

Oh my- these last pictures of Barney show how frail he is.
And no- no kitty pees easily in his bed.
I know I will have to take that decision some time- and I'm afraid it will be in this year to come so I wish you and Barney all the best for his long trip.
I know he feels your love- and being loved that much is the best thing that could ever have happened to him.

{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}

catmandu

12-31-2008, 04:25 PM

I KNOW THAT THE ANIMAL ANGELS :love::love:ARE WITH BARNEY :love::love:, AND WILL BRING HIM SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM THE WALDORF ASTORIA WHERE THEY AHVE THE FINEST FOOD FOR THIER NEW YEARS EVE PARTY.
AND THEY WILL BE THERE TO ESCORT BARNEY :)TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, WHERE THE WINGS OF SILVER AND GOLD AWAIT:D, AND SOON HE WILL TRAVEL WITH THE ANIMAL ANGEL ARMY TO THIER TRIP TO THE PACIFIC SOUTH SEA ISLANDS OF BORA BORA AND TAHITI :love::love:
YOU HAVE MADE HIM SO HAPPY , AND WHEN THE TIME COMES YOU WILL REUNITE IN LOVE.:love:
ONE FINE DAY. WE ARE PARYING FOR BARNEY :love:

Moesha

12-31-2008, 04:26 PM

kb2yjx

12-31-2008, 06:37 PM

I have to agree with Moesha. Barney has brought all of us from so many places around the world together, to all fight for him to get better, and now to pray for him to have a comfortable passage to the Bridge. This is such a special group, and we do this over and over for anyone who needs our support. Right now, those who need it the most are Barney, Lara, and Scott!!! We are here for you!!! Sandra

Medusa

01-01-2009, 07:20 AM

I don't want to be sad about Barney. I'm going to try to focus on the positive things from these last few months of his life. He has brought so many people all around the world together to show him love. He is one very special guy. And even though his time with all of us is brief, he'll definitely leave a mark on hearts far and wide. We'll be here to support Emeraldgreen and eachother when it is time to say goodbye to BarnBarn.

Yes, I'm of the same mind. Of course, it's sad when any animal is ill and it can be disheartening but Barney has crammed years of good living into a few months time. He's known more love from you, Lara, and from PTers the world over than most animals will ever know, especially outdoor cats to which many people turn a blind eye and deaf ear. Barney has definitely become the poster boy for love. Difficult to be sad about that. :love:

Emeraldgreen

01-01-2009, 09:59 PM

Our Christmas miracle did happen with our Barney. He brought all of us all together, Barney's Angels, as a family as only Pet Talkers can be. Angel Lara shared and incredible journey of Barney and allowed all of us to be a part of it. For that I am thankful and grateful. Know whatever day is right for Barney to go to the Bridge, we all will be there with you and him in our hearts, minds and spirit.

I think it's a miracle too that he made it to Christmas and to New Years and that my husband let him come inside. And as you said, bringing people together. All positive. :)

weluvcats wrote:
Emeraldgreen...I've just read your posts about Barney...for the first time tonight. I actually have seen this thread before, but avoided reading it because I knew it would upset me, but tonight I wanted to see what was going on with your Barney....
This decision is never, ever easy, even if you have had to make it before (we have).

Wow, that's ALOT of reading for one night! This has turned into a long thread! I guess the beginning of the thread title that never changed 'Barney is hanging in there' does sound kind of sad. But it only started out sad, got happy and is now getting sad again. But as so many have pointed out, there is more to be grateful for than there is to be sad and I'm going to really try and focus on that.
It's true, it never gets easier to put an animal down. I think Barney will be the 11th pet I've had to make the decision about in my life. I always pray that they will pass during the night so I won't have to make that decision but it never works out that way. :(

rosethecopycat wrote:
Just put some puppy pads down instead of a litterbox, it will make it easier on him.
No matter how much time his has left on this earth, he will have touched more lives than you'll ever know. Soft Meezer songs for Barney.

I did look at those puppy pads and thought about putting them under the litter box because he does get in the box but pees over the edge. But the ones I saw in town were so expensive. And if I just put the pads down without the box, I think he would pee in his bed again. It's not so bad and as long as I keep on top of cleaning his paws each day, it should be okay.
I will hug Barney for you. :love:

Taz_Zoee wrote:
I am in tears. Even though I knew it would eventually come to this, it is still hard. I think all of us feel like we know Barney personally even though we've never met him.
Lara, you and Scott have given Barney so much in such a short time. I hope you realize that. He knows that and loves you for it.
I'm sorry, I don't know what else to say. I must go wash my face now.

I feel like you guys know him too. He went from being homeless to having the biggest family ever!! :) And while he may not know it now, I think he will when he gets to the Bridge.

kt_luvs_kitties wrote:
I am so sorry Lara. I am truly sorry. *HUGS*
Barney, I am sorry you did not get the life you deserved. But you had the best end to a life anyone could ever imagine. When the time comes, I hope you have a easy passing, and know that your meowmie loves you so much, and tried her very best everyday just for you, special boy.
If you need anything, PM me. And please give Barney a kiss, and tell him it is from me

Thanks Katie.

Jenn_Librarian:
I think most of us have been hoping beyond hope that this would turn out differently. Wishing on a PT miracle. Well, I think we have seen a miracle, and I think that's been Barney showing us what love and dedication and a pure heart will do to revive a broken animal.

You've helped heal his soul, Lara. You and your hubby both. You've done a wonderful job, and unfortunately with that job, comes the part of having to say goodbye to Barn Barn for all of us. That is a great weight upon your shoulders, my dear.

Please know that we are all here, everyone of us, behind you in this. You have seen this beautiful soul of Barney's day in and day out, and you know he will let you know when it's his time to go.

I'm sure Gary will have the Cat Angel Army out for him when he goes, so that he will have other PT kitties to welcome him with open arms and let him know how special he was to all of us. And maybe Mr. Phred will have Peanut and fellow "silver klowd kats" come down and help him on his way to the Bridge. Lord know he deserves it.

I'm crying my eyes out now of course, and I'm so sorry that you do have to go through this alone, but know we are all there, and we all love you for what you have done for Barney. You are truly Barney's #1 Angel.

(((((HUGS))))) to you and Scott.
Love, Jenn

Thank you so much for that. As it turns out, Gary's Cat Angel Army and Phred's Purrayer Pups posted just as you thought they might. ;)
I appreciate what you wrote very much Jenn.

Medusa wrote:
I just got my computer back; another bad virus, so I was w/out it for nearly 3 days. Barney's was the first thread I went to and I'm just so disheartened to read this, even though I knew that this would eventually happen. Lara, I wish I could be there to help you through this. You've done so much for our Barney and this is so difficult for you, I know. I can recall how I felt when my Puddy was going downhill. It seemed as though I'd make the decision to help her to the Bridge and then she'd rally. My very last post was when you had told me about trying the B complex injected into her bag of fluids and she did so well for two days, it was as though I had my ol' Pudilator back. My last words were "Life is good". Then she suddenly took a turn for the worse and was gone w/in one hour. So I can understand and totally relate to your dilemma w/not knowing if you should let Barney go or not. All I can say w/certainty is that I can see on the video how he's deteriorated but you are the one who is giving him such good care, so you are the only one who can know for sure when it's time. However, it's clear that Barney is ready at any time now, if that's any consolation. You won't be selling him short; you'll be doing the last act of kindness for him but only when you know that he's just plain had enough of this life.
I love you, Barney and I love you, too, Lara. You're the best. ]

Thank you Mary. I will do my best to remember that this is an act of kindness when I take him into the vet. If I think of it this way, it will make it easier. Thanks for checking in on the Barney as soon as your computer was up and running! :) A true Barney Angel indeed!

Cinder & Smoke wrote:
Ready, Barney? We'll call fur da Taxi <dials God>
< dials da Kat Division > ... < rinnnng >
Hi God ~

Purrayer Pups here wiffa KatHats on ...

Wunder iffin You kan ask Tubby an Peanut ta gas up da Silver Klowd Express fur
a Taxi run down here onna ole Durt Ball fur lil Barney?
He's gotta 'pointment inna KatShop next week fur a major overhaul ta get
ebberthing fixed up fur his New Assignment next year. He's got his appikashin in
wiff Boots da Kat inna frunt office ta be assigned to a lil Kid that needs a Kitty Buddy.

He'll be waitin atta White Coats, wiff Miz Lara ...
Gib her a BIG {{{God'sHug}}} an tell her GOOD JOB!!

Drop Barney off onna Bridge ... Unka Gary reserved da Bridge Room so's da
Kat Angel Army kan toss Barney a nice *Welkome to da Bridge* Partee.

We'd like ta wish Barney a Safe Trip to da Bridge,
an Good Luck on his New Assignment.

< sniff >

THANKS, God.
/s/ the Purrayer Pups

Well... this made me cry ALOT last night! :love: I didn't log on until after midnight and then couldn't stay on because I was crying so much! But, it was the best. Thank you to the Purrayer Pups for getting hold of Tubby and Peanut and God for that matter!! ;) I love the idea that Barney is going on assignment and has a brand new future ahead of him with a little kid which means he'll of course have a family. I'm going to think of this often. Thank you so much!!

Barbara wrote:
Oh my- these last pictures of Barney show how frail he is.
And no- no kitty pees easily in his bed.
I know I will have to take that decision some time- and I'm afraid it will be in this year to come so I wish you and Barney all the best for his long trip.
I know he feels your love- and being loved that much is the best thing that could ever have happened to him.{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}

Yes, he's quite a skinny mini now. He still eats like a horse but just can't keep the weight on. Thankfully he only peed in his bed that one time though and since I put the litter back in the box, he's been very good.
I hope you won't have to make this decision this year. Prayers that Filou will continue to eat and recover.

Catmandu wrote:
I KNOW THAT THE ANIMAL ANGELS ARE WITH BARNEY , AND WILL BRING HIM SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM THE WALDORF ASTORIA WHERE THEY AHVE THE FINEST FOOD FOR THIER NEW YEARS EVE PARTY.
AND THEY WILL BE THERE TO ESCORT BARNEY TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, WHERE THE WINGS OF SILVER AND GOLD AWAIT, AND SOON HE WILL TRAVEL WITH THE ANIMAL ANGEL ARMY TO THIER TRIP TO THE PACIFIC SOUTH SEA ISLANDS OF BORA BORA AND TAHITI
YOU HAVE MADE HIM SO HAPPY , AND WHEN THE TIME COMES YOU WILL REUNITE IN LOVE.
ONE FINE DAY. WE ARE PARYING FOR BARNEY

Thank you. I love the idea of seeing him again one fine day. And thank you to the Animal Angel Army for being there on the other side for Barney to welcome him.

Moesha wrote:
I don't want to be sad about Barney. I'm going to try to focus on the positive things from these last few months of his life. He has brought so many people all around the world together to show him love. He is one very special guy. And even though his time with all of us is brief, he'll definitely leave a mark on hearts far and wide. We'll be here to support Emeraldgreen and eachother when it is time to say goodbye to BarnBarn.
Yesterday 02:25 PM

Barn Barn is a special guy and you're right, it's important to focus on the positive parts of this whole thing and there are so many.

kb2yjx wrote:
I have to agree with Moesha. Barney has brought all of us from so many places around the world together, to all fight for him to get better, and now to pray for him to have a comfortable passage to the Bridge. This is such a special group, and we do this over and over for anyone who needs our support. Right now, those who need it the most are Barney, Lara, and Scott!!! We are here for you!!! Sandra

Thanks Sandra. I'm so thankful that he has many people out there to pray for him. It means alot.

Medusa wrote:
Yes, I'm of the same mind. Of course, it's sad when any animal is ill and it can be disheartening but Barney has crammed years of good living into a few months time. He's known more love from you, Lara, and from PTers the world over than most animals will ever know, especially outdoor cats to which many people turn a blind eye and deaf ear. Barney has definitely become the poster boy for love. Difficult to be sad about that.

It's true, it's not about quantity but instead, quality. It has been short but it has been good. I couldn't have done it without you guys either.
He's warm as toast and I think he knows that I love him and that's what counts. He still tries to attack me sometimes but a few minutes later, he'll bonk his little head on my leg. Never a dull moment with the Barnacles.

I filmed some footage of Barney walking around the house on New Year's Eve and put them altogether in one video. Sorry it's so long, it's about 4 minutes. And it has the usual annoying darkness to it. You wouldn't believe it, I have every overhead light on in the livingroom but it still shows up dark. Drives me crazy. When my husband got off the phone he said "why do you have the house lit up like Walmart?!?" LOL I said "I'm doing a Barney film!"

Anyway, Barney seems to be doing okay on the Metacam. He wobbled around quite a bit and then finished it off with a big plate of wet food. He gets about 6 plates of wet food a day and has a constant supply of dry food available. He eats so much but is still so thin. To be honest, it would be easier if he would lose his appetite, then I'd know for sure it was time. It's hard when he is so eager to eat and still meowing and stuff. But I can't ignore that tumor or how thin he is now.
I have definitely decided that tomorrow is not the day. I've been planning for Monday but I have been thinking that Robin (the vet) maybe doesn't work until Wednesday. I would like her to be the vet that does it as she is the one who has cared for him from the start. But of course, if he gets any worse, I will take him to any of the vets at the clinic. I will call them tomorrow on my lunch break to find out her schedule.

Here is a pic of Barney last night in our living room and below that is the video. I wish I could lighten it but I don't know how. Some parts aren't as dark as others though.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/NewYears012.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_f51cb148.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=f51cb148.pbr)

Catty1

01-01-2009, 10:21 PM

Please give Barney kisses and hugs for me. :love:

pomtzu

01-02-2009, 06:07 AM

I had to smile watching Barney's last video. He's warm and dry and has a full belly - it almost makes one forget how sick he really is. I couldn't help but think "it's not time yet", but Lara, you are the one who sees him everyday and knows what's best for him. You have done such a wonderful job with making his last days as comfortable as possible and you should have no regrets or doubts regarding his Bridge date. I think I can safely say that we all back you 100%.
Hugs to you and Barney! :love:

critters

01-02-2009, 06:27 AM

pee pads--Human pee pads are bigger & are usually cheaper if you still want to use them.

Scooter's Mom

01-02-2009, 06:41 AM

Happy new year hugs and kisses to our Barney.
Lara, you have done so much for this sweet boy. Most people would have seen his pitiful shape at the beginning and just put him down then. You're an angel for him.

Give Barney a gentle hug and kiss from me, would you?
Crystal

Barbara

01-02-2009, 08:11 AM

Thinking of you and Barney today.

Randi

01-02-2009, 09:32 AM

Lara, it was good to see Barney exploring, it must have felt good getting around a bit, and it's so sweet the way he follows you. :) He is such a trooper!

I feel sad that he doesn't have much time left, but happy that he has known love for the last few months. He is warm and has a full tummy and someone to talk to. :) You have done SO much to make him happier, and I'm sure he's running after you to tell you that.

Whenever you decide it's time for Barney to go, know that we're all here for you. It's such a hard decision, so I hope Barney will let you know when is th eright time. I remember when I had to let Pjevs go - he reminds me very much of Barney. I'm sure Pjevs will be there to show him around and make him comfortable at the RB. :)

Please give Barney some more kisses from me, I wish him love and comfort in the time he has left. :love: Sit with him as much as you can and tell him how much we all love him! :love:

Big hugs to you.

MBones

01-02-2009, 10:32 AM

Lara and all the other PT'ers,

I mostly just lurk and don't ususally comment all that much, but I wanted to let you know that I have also been following the saga of our dear Barney; the first thread that I always check is this one. I've never been one to easily convey my feelings, so I don't say much. But, this little boy has touched my heart like no other. Like you all, I am a certified "crazy cat lady" and have a real soft spot in my heart for those dear animals who need our intervention in order to see that they have the life that all God's creatures deserve.

My DH and I visit the pet stores and shelters to spend time with the animals and it is always heartbreaking to hear their sad stories, and hope that someone like us comes to rescue them. I cry pretty easily when I hear these stories, but rarely have I been so affected as I have by Barney's tale. My heart breaks for this poor boy who spent so much time in the wild trying to survive as ill as he is.

Lara, I cannot thank you enough for taking Barney in and caring for him as you have as well as sharing his story with us. There is a special place in heaven for you, where Barney will be waiting for you one fine day. (To quote Gary.) He is such a special little boy who has been most fortunate to have been able to share the joy and love of being in a warm home, with food, comfort, and most importantly, love. He now knows what love is. This is reflected in how patient that he has been with you throughout all of your care; removing the mats in his fur, the repeated baths, clippings, trips to the vet, ear cleanings, etc. He knows you were trying to help him and ease the hurt. He knows without a doubt that you love him, as do we all.

Bless you and Scott, too, for the affect that you've had on him. I wish Barney could know the effect that he's had in others as well. I can't tell you enough how he's impacted me, and in the best way, too. Times are tough and the news everywhere is so gloom and doom, and yet, here's our Angel, Barney, showing the best in all of us. Look at how he has united all of us, and impacted your husband. I just love this little guy, I feel like I know him. I wish I could just take him in my arms and hold him close, as we all do.

My heart breaks for you as Barney's condition deteriorates. Remember the love that he has shown you as you wrestle with the upcoming days ahead. I will be thinking of you and Barney in the days to come. Remember this final act of love for Barney as it is all he asks of you. Thank you again for all you have done for this lucky guy; I wish all other needy animals were as lucky to have found someone like you.

Peace in the days ahead for you and for Barney.

Now, I've got to go and clean this darn blurry monitor. Funny, it blurs up every time that I'm in this thread; why is that?

Love and Peace to you and the Barnster.

Mary

kb2yjx

01-02-2009, 11:09 AM

Lara, thanks for the latest video!! Barney actually LISTENS to you!!! I have mentioned this to the Clan!!! Please give Barney a kiss from all of us!!

Catty1

01-02-2009, 11:13 AM

He is so much a part of everything - your house, PT - it seems impossible he could be 'gone'.

I suppose vet Trudy will agree with letting Barney go. I have these ridiculous thoughts like "she'll say, 'oh we can aspirate this and he'll have a few more good months' and stupid things like that.

Like with my mom's Pyka - and my sister - we had to put our own feelings out of the way and put what was best for Pyka and Darcia first.

Please, kisses to Barney for me! *les*

pomtzu

01-02-2009, 11:15 AM

momtomany

01-02-2009, 12:01 PM

A huge ditto to beautifully said

weluvcats

01-02-2009, 02:24 PM

I am heartened to see that Barney has had such a good Christmas and New Years...Although it can confuse and complicate the issue of "when." It's strange that sometimes when you feel that you've made the decision, the little sweethearts seem to perk up. I know...we've been through that more than once. Whatever (and whenever) you decide, blessed Barney will go to the Rainbow Bridge knowing love, warmth and kindness, and that you were the source of all of those, and he will take that with him.:love: All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and Barney.
Judy

Purr-tender

01-03-2009, 07:21 PM

Lara, we've been gone since Wednesday. My husband and I rented a cottage with a huge stone fireplace and took my parents with us for New Years. I have been going crazy not knowing how Barney was and if Friday was still the day. What a relief to see the wonderfull video of him enjoying a stroll through your house with you. My goodness, how I love that boy!! I felt like I was there. I kept saying "come on Barney, come on Barney" since we don't actually see you it could be any of us that he was following like a little puppy. So sweet. It's good to know that he does still have an appetite. Like Catty said, I too have those thoughts that when Barney's vet sees him she will be able to buy him some more quality time. But, you are there with him, you see his decline. When the time comes you will do what is best for him, no doubt.

Love to both of you!
Mary

Edwina's Secretary

01-03-2009, 10:40 PM

Lara,

I often see the expression "Let me be the person my dog thinks I am..."

As I watched the video of Barney I thought...'You are the wonderful person Barney thinks you are!

Emeraldgreen

01-04-2009, 09:52 PM

I had to smile watching Barney's last video. He's warm and dry and has a full belly - it almost makes one forget how sick he really is. I couldn't help but think "it's not time yet", but Lara, you are the one who sees him everyday and knows what's best for him...

I have that 'it's not time yet' feeling every morning. :( He jumps up when I open the door and walks over to me, waiting for me to put the plate of food on the floor. It's our usual routine so he knows I have food. I learned from another PT'r in a PM who is a nurse that even though he remains hungry, the fact that he continues to waste away means the cancer is stealing all the nutrition. I needed to know that because his appetite is so strong and makes this decision unbearable. Part of me wishes he would stop eating so I could be more comfortable with this and I know how awful that sounds but that's where I'm at.
I certainly wouldn't put him down if it was just that he was skinny because he's always been thin. But he's thinner than ever and his ears are really causing him grief. He twitches them constantly and scratches them and the exposed tumor so often that his left back foot is stained with blood. I clean the walls each morning to get the yucky stuff that flies out of his ears when he shakes his head.
He will come out of his room if I coax him but now he only comes if he thinks I'm dishing up food. He tends to head back to his room by himself and sits where I usually put his food. It's his main focus now.
I've got the heat cranked in the bathroom so he is really cozy. My husband is complaining about it but I don't care. I want his last days to be as comfortable as possible.
I contacted the clinic on Saturday and Barney's vet isn't in on Monday. But she does work Tues, Wed and Friday. I feel absolutely sick about picking a day. I know I just need to get on with it but I literally feel sick about it.
The other thing is that I have just enough insulin to last until Tuesday morning. I suppose if I thought Barney should/could stay with me until Friday, I could pick up another vial of insulin tomorrow. We are going to town anyway. My husband already doesn't understand why I'm postponing it. I work on Friday but could get someone to work for me.
When I make the appointment, I will make sure the vet gives him a sedative first so he's pretty much out of it by the time they put him down. I'm going to have him cremated as well. There is a non-private cremation where you don't get the ashes back but I feel like in all this time, he didn't have a family and now he does. And this family wants to remember him and sprinkle his ashes in the garden just like all of the other pets we've had. I want him to know in spirit that he meant enough to me to treat him the way I would treat any other of my cats when their time comes.

So, I'm sorry for going back and forth about this. I wish it was a clear decision and it just hasn't been. I do know with certainty that it will be this week. I just need to set the appointment for either Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. I should know by tomorrow what will happen and will post. Thanks for all your support you guys. This is just the worst and I've had butterflies in my stomach for days now.

Purr-tender

01-04-2009, 10:18 PM

Oh Lara, I am so terribly sorry that you have this awful, painful task. My heart is breaking, just as yours is. You have been blessed with a loving heart, which in a time like this, seems like a curse. We are all very much feeling your pain but I know that really isn't much consolation.

With a very heavy heart,
Mary

Emeraldgreen

01-04-2009, 10:36 PM

I know I just posted about Barney but wanted to respond to the previous posts too.

pee pads--Human pee pads are bigger & are usually cheaper if you still want to use them.

I never thought of that. It would have been the perfect solution and I could've put one under the litterbox so it caught all the pee that spilled over. As it is, I use about 1 roll of papertowel every 2 days to clean up after him.
If I make his appointment for Friday instead of Tues or wed, I might pick some up.

Scooter's Mom wrote:
Happy new year hugs and kisses to our Barney.
Lara, you have done so much for this sweet boy. Most people would have seen his pitiful shape at the beginning and just put him down then. You're an angel for him.
Give Barney a gentle hug and kiss from me, would you?
Crystal

Thanks Crystal. Hugs have been given to Barney for you. :)

Barbara wrote:
Thinking of you and Barney today.

Thank you.

Randi wrote:
Lara, it was good to see Barney exploring, it must have felt good getting around a bit, and it's so sweet the way he follows you. He is such a trooper!

I know, he is so funny how he does that. I'm the food lady though so he keeps a close eye on where I'm going and what I'm doing. I 'could' be getting something yummy so he doesn't want to miss it.

MBones wrote:
Lara and all the other PT'ers,

I mostly just lurk and don't ususally comment all that much, but I wanted to let you know that I have also been following the saga of our dear Barney; the first thread that I always check is this one. I've never been one to easily convey my feelings, so I don't say much. But, this little boy has touched my heart like no other. Like you all, I am a certified "crazy cat lady" and have a real soft spot in my heart for those dear animals who need our intervention in order to see that they have the life that all God's creatures deserve.

My DH and I visit the pet stores and shelters to spend time with the animals and it is always heartbreaking to hear their sad stories, and hope that someone like us comes to rescue them. I cry pretty easily when I hear these stories, but rarely have I been so affected as I have by Barney's tale. My heart breaks for this poor boy who spent so much time in the wild trying to survive as ill as he is.

Lara, I cannot thank you enough for taking Barney in and caring for him as you have as well as sharing his story with us. There is a special place in heaven for you, where Barney will be waiting for you one fine day. (To quote Gary.) He is such a special little boy who has been most fortunate to have been able to share the joy and love of being in a warm home, with food, comfort, and most importantly, love. He now knows what love is. This is reflected in how patient that he has been with you throughout all of your care; removing the mats in his fur, the repeated baths, clippings, trips to the vet, ear cleanings, etc. He knows you were trying to help him and ease the hurt. He knows without a doubt that you love him, as do we all.

Bless you and Scott, too, for the affect that you've had on him. I wish Barney could know the effect that he's had in others as well. I can't tell you enough how he's impacted me, and in the best way, too. Times are tough and the news everywhere is so gloom and doom, and yet, here's our Angel, Barney, showing the best in all of us. Look at how he has united all of us, and impacted your husband. I just love this little guy, I feel like I know him. I wish I could just take him in my arms and hold him close, as we all do.

My heart breaks for you as Barney's condition deteriorates. Remember the love that he has shown you as you wrestle with the upcoming days ahead. I will be thinking of you and Barney in the days to come. Remember this final act of love for Barney as it is all he asks of you. Thank you again for all you have done for this lucky guy; I wish all other needy animals were as lucky to have found someone like you.
Peace in the days ahead for you and for Barney.
Now, I've got to go and clean this darn blurry monitor. Funny, it blurs up every time that I'm in this thread; why is that?
Love and Peace to you and the Barnster.
Mary

Thank you Mary (Barney has so many angels named Mary! :)). I think you conveyed your message so well and I'm glad you did. I'm also happy to hear that he has impacted your life too. He's got a way about him. :)
The other day a man who rents the other little cottage on the property where my coworker lives came into where I work. I decided to ask him if he had ever seen Barney around the property, thinking maybe he once belonged to this guy at some point. But he has only lived there for just under a year. But after I described Barney, he said "ya, I have seen that cat. He used to sneak into my house and steal my cat's dry food. Everytime he saw me though, he'd bolt."
When I thought of poor Barney having to steal another cat's food, it made me sad but so thankful that he didn't have to do that anymore. He's got his own bowl of kibble and it's always full. :)

kb2yjx wrote:
Lara, thanks for the latest video!! Barney actually LISTENS to you!!! I have mentioned this to the Clan!!! Please give Barney a kiss from all of us!!

It does seem like he can hear me but when I'm filming him, I wiggle my fingers to get him to come to me. And, sometimes he just chooses to follow with the hope of treats. :)

Catty1 wrote:
He is so much a part of everything - your house, PT - it seems impossible he could be 'gone'.
I suppose vet Trudy will agree with letting Barney go. I have these ridiculous thoughts like "she'll say, 'oh we can aspirate this and he'll have a few more good months' and stupid things like that.
Like with my mom's Pyka - and my sister - we had to put our own feelings out of the way and put what was best for Pyka and Darcia first.
Please, kisses to Barney for me! *les*

I feel the same way. It's going to be kind of lonely when he's gone. But I will hope that he will be with us in spirit. I'm kind of thinking about getting a reading done after he is gone. I've used Monica Diedrich a few times, including for Tiger and would like to know what she could tell me. Might be silly and useless but would provide some comfort I think.
I don't think the vet would advise anything regarding the tumor though. Of course I will ask though, I promise. But he is also having just as much trouble with his other ear and that tumor is deep inside his ear and is the one that bleeds when he scratches it.

Weluvcats wrote:
I am heartened to see that Barney has had such a good Christmas and New Years...Although it can confuse and complicate the issue of "when." It's strange that sometimes when you feel that you've made the decision, the little sweethearts seem to perk up. I know...we've been through that more than once. Whatever (and whenever) you decide, blessed Barney will go to the Rainbow Bridge knowing love, warmth and kindness, and that you were the source of all of those, and he will take that with him. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and Barney.
Judy

Thank you so much Judy.

Purr_Tender wrote:
Lara, we've been gone since Wednesday. My husband and I rented a cottage with a huge stone fireplace and took my parents with us for New Years. I have been going crazy not knowing how Barney was and if Friday was still the day. What a relief to see the wonderfull video of him enjoying a stroll through your house with you. My goodness, how I love that boy!! I felt like I was there. I kept saying "come on Barney, come on Barney" since we don't actually see you it could be any of us that he was following like a little puppy. So sweet. It's good to know that he does still have an appetite. Like Catty said, I too have those thoughts that when Barney's vet sees him she will be able to buy him some more quality time. But, you are there with him, you see his decline. When the time comes you will do what is best for him, no doubt.
Love to both

The cottage you rented sounds lovely. I'm glad to say that Barney is still with us. I'm just trying to figure out which day to bring him in. Sometime this week.
It's true, it could be any of us that he is following around because everyone has been so caring about Barney and checking in to see how he is doing. He belongs to all of us, or perhaps I should say we all belong to him. ;)

Edwina's Secretary wrote:
Lara,

I often see the expression "Let me be the person my dog thinks I am..."

As I watched the video of Barney I thought...'You are the wonderful person Barney thinks you are!

I have always loved that expression about the dogs! Thank you so much for what you wrote. I really appreciate it.

E.T.A. Mary and I posted at the same time. Just wanted to respond to her post too!

Purr_Tender wrote:
Oh Lara, I am so terribly sorry that you have this awful, painful task. My heart is breaking, just as yours is. You have been blessed with a loving heart, which in a time like this, seems like a curse. We are all very much feeling your pain but I know that really isn't much consolation.
With a very heavy heart,
Mary

Thanks Mary, it is very consoling.

weluvcats

01-04-2009, 11:54 PM

I just read your post...My heart breaks for you and for what you are facing this week. Please don't apologize about "going back and forth" with this decision. It is a horrendous place to be.:(I have been exactly where you are more than once, most recently last June. Your story with your Barney sounds so much like what we went through with our beloved Billy. He had chronic renal failure, and he was at the end and was just skin and bones. The only decision left was 'when'. We were giving him sub-q fluids at home, and I had enough to last him till Tuesday of the week he died, so I scheduled the appt. for Tuesday morning thinking that that would be a logical day, unless something changed. But, that weekend, he went south on us, despite some good moments when he would seem to perk up(bless his precious little heart). Monday morning, he had essentially stopped eating (even his favorite, tuna) or really drinking, and it was obvious he had had enough. I called my husband at work and he came home, and we decided that we couldn't make him wait another day. I called our vet, and we took him in about an hour or so later.
I guess the reason I'm telling you this is that there is no perfect time for this. We had prepared ourselves for Tuesday, but fate intervened, and it became Monday. And you know, it was okay...He had had enough, and Billy, bless his heart, hated the vet. He NEVER in his life purred at the vet-EVER. But, right after he was given the sedative, he looked me right in the eyes(I was sitting right in front of him), and for the first time in the last twelve hours of his life, he really saw me and smiled (you know how cats 'smile' with their eyes?)...I could see it in his eyes, and he started purring, and I told him that we loved him, and God bless him, that is how he left us. I will never forget it as long as I live... It was time.
Lara, I think you just have to ask yourself, "Will tomorrow be better(or worse) than today for Barney, or will it just be more of the same?...Is he really living, or is he just existing?" That is how we made our decision to let Billy go. Maybe, this will help you with your decision. Our hugs and prayers are with you all...:love:
Judy

MBones

01-05-2009, 02:22 AM

Lara,

Thanks for the update on Barney. My heart breaks for him, and for you. I must say, he is one determined kitty though! I mean, the issues with his ears and the tumors and all. I was wondering if the bald spot behind his right ear was the exposed tumor, is that correct? If so, does he seem to be in pain? He certainly does seem determined, what with his appetite and following you around, though. Boy, he is one tough old boy, which makes the question of "when" all the more difficult. We've all been there and know how tough it is and with doubts and all of the second guessing that occurs. And they don't always help us out since they try are so stoic and try to hide their pain and discomfort.

With Emma, our RB kitty, we thought it might be her time on a Friday evening; she was in chronic renal failure and had trouble breathing. She had went downhill so fast from the day before that I thought it was her sign for us to let her go. We didn't leave her sight and tried to stay awake all night in the event that something happened, as we had made plans with our vet to come over the following Saturday afternoon and end her suffering. Lo and behold, she was still with us on Saturday morning; in fact, we couldn't find her. She had summoned up reserves of strength from somewhere and had walked across the room and found a new place in which to lie down! Talk about second guessing our decision, but she declined again a few hours later and we did indeed know that she wasn't going to be getting any better at that point.

I guess the point of all of my babbling on is that I understand what you are going through, and what weluvcats says up above is that there will never be a perfect time is so true, and her comments that

"I think you just have to ask yourself, "Will tomorrow be better(or worse) than today for Barney, or will it just be more of the same?...Is he really living, or is he just existing?"

are wise ones indeed. I just feel for you; I can't begin to imagine how you (and all of us here at PT) are going to be missing him. He's such an inspiration. :love: Remember that he has known comfort and love with you and you have made such a difference in his life.

Darn it, my monitor is getting blurry again. Do you suppose there's something I can do to fix that? (Don't answer, it's rhetorical.) :(

Give Barney a hug and a scritch from me too. I will be thinking of you both and praying for strength, love, and peace for you and Barney this week. Wish that I could do more.

Mary

Medusa

01-05-2009, 06:56 AM

Lara, this is the worst possible position to be in, knowing that you have to help Barney to the Bridge but not knowing just the right time. When I was going back and forth w/Puddy, even when I called my vet and said that I was on my way in w/her because she couldn't breathe, the sweet little girl still walked over to her food dish and tried to eat some chicken before we left. It was heartbreaking. Once this is all over, though, you'll take a sigh of relief because you'll know that Barney is at peace and in no more pain and the awful demon of indecision will be off your back. As you know, we're all there w/you in spirit, holding your hand and stroking Barney every step of the way. :love:

pomtzu

01-05-2009, 07:57 AM

It's difficult to know what to say right now, without being redundant. So let me just say thank you Lara and Scott, for giving meaning to life for Barney, when his life prior to life with you, had no meaning for him at all - just an everyday fight for existence. And to you Barney - thank you for bringing a world of strangers together in love. That was quiet an accomplishment - and you did one heck of a job!!! :love: When the day comes - Godspeed sweet boy - you will be missed! :(

And now I need to go clean my blurry screen also........

Randi

01-05-2009, 08:25 AM

Lara, my heart is breaking and I'm all teared up that you have to make this decision, but you have to think the way Mary described below.

I think you just have to ask yourself, "Will tomorrow be better(or worse) than today for Barney, or will it just be more of the same?...Is he really living, or is he just existing?

Barney have been such a trooper and you have done absolutely everything you could for him - thank you for that! :) Barney has known love in his last few months and that is what matters now.

Lara, we're right here with you and Barney in spirit, sending all our love and strength to get through this. Sit with Barney whenever you can and tell him how much we all love him. :love:

I like that you will have the vet give him a sedative, then Barney will be feeling good when he leaves, and you will rememeber him that way. I'm also glad that you will have him cremated - pick a wonderful spot in your garden and you can visit and put flowers and little toys for him.

Hugs to you and lots of kisses to dear sweet Barney. :love:

Medusa

01-05-2009, 08:29 AM

I like that you will have the vet give him a sedative, then Barney will be feeling good when he leaves

This is what my vet did for Puddy and it made a big difference. Even though she was struggling to breathe, after the sedative and pain killer, she didn't even need to be PTS. She took her last breath in peace and, hopefully, it will be this way w/our Barney, too. :love:

Taz_Zoee

01-05-2009, 09:30 AM

I also have the monitor blurring problem every time I come to this thread. Most others here on PT have been through this once or several times. I have not. I have lost many animals but usually naturally or it was someone else's decision to let them go. Each time I read about someone having to make this decision and go through this it tears me up because I know someday I will be the one having to make the decision. I do take comfort in the fact that I have my PT family to help me through it. Just as we are all here for you, Lara.

Catty1

01-05-2009, 10:31 AM

Lara, I think of Tiger and what a trooper he was too...except Barney does take his meds like a good boy! ;)

An appointment for Barney doesn't have to be "the" appointment - though you and all of us know it probably will be. Unless Scott wants to be there, you can certainly ask Trudy what she thinks - "if it was your cat", that sort of thing. She may give him a bit more insulin and inject the tumour with pred...or she may suggest he go to the RB. She is the expert - you are the boss. :love:

Like my mom's ancient Siamese, we hoped he would go in his sleep. He never did! He had mini-strokes, I think - so by the time she DID take him to the vet for his RB trip, he was so out of it that when I opened the carrier outside in the sunshine for him, he just stayed standing facing the back of the carrier...as he had for the car trip. He was 19 1/2.

So - it IS tough when they don't give you the sign. It's easy to think he goes back to his room to "be served" - he is a cat, after all!;)

When I was stuck on this type of decision years ago, I asked the vet, "If I did decide to put him to sleep, would you think it was an inappropriate decision?" Immediately she said, "Not at all."

You know as well as any of us that the vet can't make the decision...but there is a way to get their opinion without putting them on the spot.

Did you give Barney kisses for me? Even if you did, can you give him a few more? :):love::love::love:

Bless you and your heart - you will do the right thing when it is time.

Lizzie

01-05-2009, 10:42 AM

Many of us know what you are going through, the churning stomach, the waking in the night, the tears choking you when you are trying to eat, the ever-present worry, and we are here for you in spirit, and will be when the time comes.

I have also experienced feeding a cat with cancer and realizing all that nutrition was simply nourishing the tumor(s); it's so gut-wrenching because you are doing your best to help the cat fight the disease and it feels as though you are simply making the cancer stronger. I've also had to make the decision to take in a cat when they are still able and willing to eat, and, like you, I've wished that they would stop to make it easier for me. Both Ginger and Nougat ate the morning of the day I took them in, but I haven't felt the slightest guilt about helping them leave this world when I did.

Given the way you describe Barney now, in your place I would take him in tomorrow. After going through this many times, coping with all kinds of guilt and self-recriminations afterward, I've realized that the only time I feel guilt about euthanasia is when I've put it off until my cat is almost begging to die. These days, I'd rather help them leave while they can still enjoy the touch of my hand.

I always go with a sedative first so I can hold them and talk to them for as long as I want before the final shot. It's such a relief to see them relax as the pain and strain of illness leave them. I'm sure Barney will look at you with thankfulness and love as he's sedated.

kb2yjx

01-05-2009, 02:01 PM

Lara, I have a book " Complete Care for Your Aging Cat " by Amy D. Shojai. Chapter 6 Making Choices is excellent. " There is NO wrong answer," regarding making the final descision. " Yes, this is hard. It hurts, In a strange way, it's suppose to be hard. It wouldn't be so difficult if you didn't care so much."

" A hard decision is often the right decision when it comes out of love for your cat. Any choice you make that based on love and concern for your cat's welfare CANNOT BE WRONG."

I have made this FINAL decision too many times in the past year(4 times), it is never easy, but you have to trust your heart, and know that you ARE doing the right thing. I do not think anyone here would ever question your judgement. You are the one who is with Barney daily. And you know him best.

Just remember what my vet said about the cats wanting us to remember them " good " and not that they were so ill.....I send you prayers(for Barney, too) and HUGS for you, too!!!

Emeraldgreen

01-05-2009, 02:53 PM

Hi guys, thanks for your posts.
I went into Barney's room this morning and he was as good as he's been for the past week, not worse. I know that as good as he is, isn't ideal but he is not declining any further. Because of this, I wasn't ready to do it tomorrow and thought Wednesday would be a better day. I called my work and arranged to have someone work for me that day and then called the clinic. But Robin, the vet doesn't have a space that day and doesn't work thursday so I will be taking him in on Friday. I'm just about to call and book the appointment for Friday afternoon. I will post with the time shortly afterward (so you can light your candle Sandra :love:)

I will probably stop in to buy some more insulin today but wonder if it will make a huge difference if he doesn't get it on Wed, thurs and friday. I will ask the vet when I call.

It's just been an insane week as I'm also organizing the first feral cat meeting in our area and no one is helping me and it's been rather stressful. It is this weekend and along with Barney and a possible trip up north soon because Scott's mother is going in for surgery, it has been an awful stretch. As some of you said, it will be such a relief when this week is over. The lead up to it is the worst part. It always is and no matter how many times I go through this, that part never changes.
I know it's the right thing to do and I won't have regrets but taking him in tomorrow just wasn't sitting right with me. I just need a few more days with him and I'll be ready to say goodbye.

Thanks again everybody and I will post the time he will be going to the Bridge on Friday in a post in about half an hour.

Pinot's Mom

01-05-2009, 03:10 PM

Lara, I am one of many intimately familiar with your situation; my RB kitty Jamara was 18 and had a growth assumed to be a tumor in her jaw under her tongue. We never had it biopsied because the vet thought she'd die in the process. We were liquifying her food and spoon feeding it down her throat for some time until we made the decision to end her suffering. That was over six years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

You have to remember that's what you're doing, is ending Barney's suffering. He will be going to a place where that suffering is no longer. Wish him godspeed for all of us, and take care of yourself. :love: to all of you who made Barney feel welcome and loved, and :love: to Barney.

Emeraldgreen

01-05-2009, 04:48 PM

sasvermont

01-05-2009, 04:53 PM

Well, sweet fella, we may all be sorry to see you move to the RB setting, but we all know that your troubles will be over then and your life will be pain-free.

You were loved - that is for sure.

I hope all the RB Pet Talk furry friends will be there to meet you and greet you.

Love and furry hugs and kisses from Vermont and all of Sas' campers.

Happy Trails

pomtzu

01-05-2009, 04:56 PM

At 5:30 (Eastern Time), I will turn on the lighthouse I have in my front window, so that the beacon will help to guide him on his journey. :love:

krazyaboutkatz

01-05-2009, 04:57 PM

Lara, I'm sorry to hear that you've been so stressed lately.:( I know that making the decision to let Barney go is a very difficult one but unfortunately it's inevitable since he's not going to get better but only worse.:(

I've only had to make this decision one time so far and I too almost felt like I had made the wrong decision because the morning before I was to take Pepper to my vet to be put down, he seemed happier, more alert, and he was purring and purring. I had to realize that he wasn't getting any better and his health was declining. I also didn't want him to be in any more pain. I was too chicken to be in the room with him while they gave him the shot so I had to say goodbye to him before they did this.:( He had a country burial in a different location because I live in a condo so I don't have my own yard.

I'm glad that you'll be able to spend some more time with Barney before you let him go. Hopefully this will help you to come to terms with his illness. We'll all be there with you on Fri. in spirit and I hope that everything will go well and that he'll go peacefully. He'll never be forgotten and he'll live in your heart forever. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

weluvcats

01-05-2009, 05:21 PM

(at home and at church) for you all and for Barney. I see that you live in British Columbia...I'll check the time zone you're in, and I'll be thinking of you all on Friday. I know how you must be dreading this, but please know that all of us here are praying for you and your precious Barney, and we will all be with you both, in spirit if not in body, on Friday. God bless you and God bless sweet Barney...:love:
Judy
Here comes another PurrAngel:love:

Catty1

01-05-2009, 06:12 PM

{{{{hugs}}}}

All my love to Barney.

And all my hugs and love to you, Lara - may Friday be peaceful for everyone.

:love:

Medusa

01-05-2009, 06:26 PM

You'll be surrounded w/love and will feel PT hugs across the miles, Lara. You and Barney will never be alone. :love:

kb2yjx

01-05-2009, 06:34 PM

Lara, thank you for letting us know about the day and time(thanks Ellie for putting it into East Coast time). I will put the candle(it will burn for 24 hours) out around 5p our time. A communicator once told me that as our pet is transition to the Bridge, the candle light helps them find the way. I think it would be so great if we all put a candle out for Barney...just a thought... Ellie, I think lighting your lighthouse will be a lovely sight!!!

phesina

01-05-2009, 07:05 PM

I will light a candle in the window for Barney at about 5pm here too. I heard once that that is an old Irish custom "to light the soul on its way to heaven." Barney will have lights glowing for him all around the world.

God bless you and be with you, Barney and Lara and Scott. Thank you so much, all of you, for the love you have shared with each other and with all of us.

I'm getting misty-eyed too..

Love :love::love::love::love::love:,
Pat

Taz_Zoee

01-05-2009, 07:09 PM

I will be at work at this time, so I will make sure I have enough tissue ready, because I know I will need them.

Hugs to you, Lara. And please give Barney a little one for me too.

Scooter's Mom

01-05-2009, 07:45 PM

I too will be at work during this time, as I am 2 hours behind the East Coast at the moment.

Lara, please give Barney a lot of hugs for me, and some hugs for yourself as well. Barney is such a special kitty and so very loved the world over.

My prayers are with you.

Medusa

01-05-2009, 08:43 PM

Lighting candles is a daily occurrence for me and at approximately 5:00 PM I will light a candle for Barney. As I anoint it w/oil, the upper half of the candle represents the spiritual realm, ie., sending our request to Spirit and the lower half of the candle represents our request being fulfilled on the earth plane. Bless you, Lara, and God speed, Barney boy. :love:

jazzcat

01-05-2009, 11:50 PM

I've missed so much of this while I was sick. :(

I'll be thinking about Barney and you. Please give him a little hug for me too.

Emeraldgreen

01-06-2009, 01:00 AM

Thank you so much guys. I can't tell you how much I love the idea of everyone lighting candles (or light houses :)) and/or thinking of him at the very time that he goes. That is truly one of the neatest things ever and something I'll never forget. :love: It has me in tears because it is so kind. And this little, once homeless kitty will finally know how very many people loved him in this world.

p.s. Jazzcat wrote:
I've missed so much of this while I was sick.

I hope you feel better soon. I gave Barney everybody's hugs, including yours.

p.p.s. I'm not sure about all the time zones but Scooter's mom, my brother lives in Tucson and I talk with him a few days a week and he is one hour ahead of me right now. We fell back an hour a few months ago. You'll probably still be at work but it will be at 3:30 your time, 2:30 my time.

Randi

01-06-2009, 04:10 AM

I have to go out now and will post later - just wanted to give this time zone link for now. :)

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/full.html

Barbara

01-06-2009, 04:25 AM

Enjoy your time with Barney- I am sure he enjoys it too.

Scooter's Mom

01-06-2009, 04:35 AM

p.p.s. I'm not sure about all the time zones but Scooter's mom, my brother lives in Tucson and I talk with him a few days a week and he is one hour ahead of me right now. We fell back an hour a few months ago. You'll probably still be at work but it will be at 3:30 your time, 2:30 my time.

Thanks. Tucson and Phoenix are rather close (and getting closer every day with all the construction it seems, lol) so we're on the same time zone.

Cyber hugs to you... now come visit your brother so I can give you real ones.:love:

pomtzu

01-06-2009, 07:44 AM

Re: the lighthouse. I feel that there is a relation here in regard to "our" Barney.

Barnegat Lighthouse (affectionately known as "Old Barney"), located on Long Beach Island, NJ, was re-lit again about a week ago after being dark and out of commission for 80 years!

Coincidence??? - maybe...but for those of us that see the spiritual symbolism of the lighthouse, just maybe there is more to it. I'd like to think so. :):love:

Medusa

01-06-2009, 08:28 AM

weluvcats

01-06-2009, 01:14 PM

From Pomtzu..."Barnegat Lighthouse (affectionately known as "Old Barney"), located on Long Beach Island, NJ, was re-lit again about a week ago after being dark and out of commission for 80 years!Coincidence??? - maybe...but for those of us that see the spiritual symbolism of the lighthouse, just maybe there is more to it. I'd like to think so."

I love this, and it is so very sweet...what a coincidence! Isn't it funny how little things like this occur? :love::)

Judy

slick

01-06-2009, 01:17 PM

Barney's appointment is for 2:40p.m. on Friday. I will likely get there closer to 2:30 because of the timing of the ferry and they said Robin might be able to see us as soon as we get there.

Thank you all for sharing your stories of similar circumstances. It has been very helpful for me. LES :(:( I've put this into my outlook calendar at work. Will light a virtual candle on that day to help light his way. As well, I'll be lighting candles every night this week at home in the evening. :(:( Pom: That's so beautiful and makes sense to me.

weluvcats

01-06-2009, 01:33 PM

I'm in North Dakota, and here we are in the central time zone, which is 2 hours ahead of you...And you're right...this is one of the neatest things ever...How this poor, precious homeless little kitty has gotten so many of us (from all over the place) thinking and rooting for and most importantly, praying for him, is just amazing. Thanks for allowing all of us here at PT to go on this journey with you and Barney. We will truly all be with you both on Friday. :love:

Hugs and prayers!:)

Judy

kb2yjx

01-06-2009, 06:36 PM

This is just so wonderful!!! All the prayers, candles(and lighthouses, too)that will be lit, and all the people thinking about Barney, Lara, and Scott on Friday. We are here for each other, and this is proof!!! Lara, you know all are prayers are with you and Scott now, too. Please give Barney a gentle hug from the Clan....

momtomany

01-06-2009, 07:35 PM

I will lite a candle at the church for our Barn Barn. My prayers are with you and Scott and especially with you on Friday. I hope that somehow you will be able to feel all of us Pet Talkers there with you spiritually holding you and Barney on Friday.

Emeraldgreen

01-06-2009, 10:40 PM

Thanks. Tucson and Phoenix are rather close (and getting closer every day with all the construction it seems, lol) so we're on the same time zone.

Cyber hugs to you... now come visit your brother so I can give you real ones.:love:

I can't believe I haven't been back there since 1993. I lived there for 12 years but returned to Canada and have been here ever since. I miss the sound of doves and the amazing sunsets and the smell of orange blossoms in March but I sure don't miss the summer heat! ;)

pomtzu wrote:
Re: the lighthouse. I feel that there is a relation here in regard to "our" Barney.

Barnegat Lighthouse (affectionately known as "Old Barney"), located on Long Beach Island, NJ, was re-lit again about a week ago after being dark and out of commission for 80 years!

Coincidence??? - maybe...but for those of us that see the spiritual symbolism of the lighthouse, just maybe there is more to it. I'd like to think so.

That is so neat. It reminds me of a book I've been reading called 'When God Winks at You' and it is about things just like that.

Slick wrote:
LES I've put this into my outlook calendar at work. Will light a virtual candle on that day to help light his way. As well, I'll be lighting candles every night this week at home in the evening. Pom: That's so beautiful and makes sense to me.

That is wonderful that you are lighting candles for Barney this week leading up to the day. Thank you for that.

Weluvcats wrote:
I'm in North Dakota, and here we are in the central time zone, which is 2 hours ahead of you...And you're right...this is one of the neatest things ever...How this poor, precious homeless little kitty has gotten so many of us (from all over the place) thinking and rooting for and most importantly, praying for him, is just amazing. Thanks for allowing all of us here at PT to go on this journey with you and Barney. We will truly all be with you both on Friday.
Hugs and prayers!

Thank YOU and EVERYBODY for being a part of it with me. It is a journey I would not have wanted to take alone. :)

kb2yjx wrote:
This is just so wonderful!!! All the prayers, candles(and lighthouses, too)that will be lit, and all the people thinking about Barney, Lara, and Scott on Friday. We are here for each other, and this is proof!!! Lara, you know all are prayers are with you and Scott now, too. Please give Barney a gentle hug from the Clan....

Thanks Sandra. It is wonderful. One candle has turned into many and it is remarkable.

momtomany wrote:
I will lite a candle at the church for our Barn Barn. My prayers are with you and Scott and especially with you on Friday. I hope that somehow you will be able to feel all of us Pet Talkers there with you spiritually holding you and Barney on Friday.

That is so kind of you Julie. I will be there with Barney right to the end and I will definitely be thinking about all you guys and your prayers right at that moment.

Short update:
Barney, or 'Little Man' as I've been calling him lately is as sweet as ever. He chirples whenever we open the door to check in on him. He is eating many meals each day and doesn't appear to be suffering, though I would not call this quality of life. I took another bath in 'his room' last night and when I do this, it really gives me a chance to see his decline because it's as if he forgets I'm in the room and doesn't focus on me like he does when I first enter with food and stuff. It's at these times when he sits there in that position between sitting and lying down and I see clearly that it's time.
He is such a fighter though, I've never seen a cat with so much up against him and the will to combat it. It is truly amazing.
I ran out of insulin today and asked the receptionist to ask the vet if I should come in and get some more. My concern was that maybe he would go into some kind of shock without it? I really wasn't sure. But Robin said he should be fine without it for the next few days. I'm so glad to hear that I don't have to poke him with needles in the morning anymore. He was so tolerant about it as he got used to our morning routine but I know it stung. But the second I pulled the needle out, he started eating again.
The power has gone out a few times in the last few days but thankfully it didn't last more than a couple of hours each time. I'm hoping it doesn't go out again because I don't want him to be cold for one single moment. I've been keeping the bathroom so warm, he's probably thinking it's summer! lol

MBones

01-06-2009, 11:55 PM

Lara,

I just read your update about Barney and my monitor blurred up again. I have also planned on lighting candles until Friday, with special prayers offered up in Eastern time zone, to help his passing.

This little guy continues to amaze me. I cannot read this thread anymore with out getting all choked up over him, and he's not even my kitty. Prayers to you and Barney throughout the week as well. I cannot get over the impact that he has had on every one of us. Amidst all of the sadness and letting go, the unity, hope and love that he has brought us is a beautiful thing indeed.

You will not be alone on Friday.....we'll be with you in spirit.

Mary

jennielynn1970

01-07-2009, 12:54 AM

Medusa

01-07-2009, 07:00 AM

I just realized you'll be putting Barney to sleep on my birthday. :( It makes me sad, but I know it's his day, and all the candles on my cake will definitely light the way for him, lol. It's silly to be thinking of myself, how it's sad it's on my day, but I can share that with him, and will so gladly. He's grown to be such a part of my heart, across the miles, that I don't know that I'll ever forget about him ever.

I'll be thinking of Barney on Friday at about 5:15, and will have my candles ready and waiting, and I won't be blowing them out.

Love you Barn Barn, I wish we could have met. I wish you would have been able to get better and we all could have met you on a summer day full of sunshine and butterflies and a picnic or something that maybe we crazy Barney lovers could have pulled together. Just because.

I wish you would have gotten healthy enough because I really wanted to come and get you this summer and add you to my crew. I really thought of that a lot, and Lara knows if you had been healthy enough, I would have found a way to get to you and, if the trip would have been safe enough, I would have brought you back to PA with me (if Lara would have relinquished you at that point, lol).

I'll miss you, sweet Barney Frog. I'll miss the videos and the grumpy faces you made at the camera. I know you've gotten more love than you've probably ever received in your lifetime, but know that we all just wanted to see a miracle happen, and wanted you to get better. You're our Barney. You're in all of our hearts now, and it hurts to think of letting go.

Major LES here....

Well, try to look at it this way, Jennie: Jesus didn't command us to celebrate his birth, only to commemorate his death, emphasizing among other things, naturally, the importance of the transition from one life to the next. This will be a rebirth for our Barney. I think probably all of us at PT wanted to make him a member of our household; I know that I sure did. He'd make a wonderful member of our Fur Posse but he's right where he's meant to be, fulfilling his purpose. So many of us don't know our purpose in life and yet Barney lives his every day and he struggled against all odds to do it. All the days of cold, starvation, cruelty, illness and misery were erased w/one swoop of Lara's loving arms when she took him into her care and the outpour of love from the world over that he has caused transcends all belief, religion, race and color. He has united us all in love; that is his purpose and he's fulfilled it well and w/dignity. My hope is that I can learn from his example and fulfill my purpose in the same manner, that I can experience a similar symbolic rebirth, that we all can.

The instant that Barney takes his last breath there will be more kittens entering our world who, unfortunately, may experience the same conditions that Barney did but due to his brief sojourn into our lives, we all will have been changed and ever more alert to the suffering of cats and animals everywhere and will give them comfort in the way that Lara has done. I am humbled by this saga and although I would never want Barney or any animal to suffer, I feel privileged to have been a small part of it. :love: