Tucker to the vet today! :o(

[kimlovescats]

First thing this morning, Tucker sneezed about 20 times straight ... was breathing through his mouth only and his 2nd eyelids were showing!!!! I about freaked and rushed to the vet!!!
He has 104+ fever, but wasn't dehydrated yet ... thank GOD! My vet said his lungs sound clear ... it must just be an upper respiratory virus!!! I was sooooooo afraid it was FIP!!! He gave him a mixed injection to lower his fever .... some Amoxicillin and Pet Tinic vitamins! THANK GOD we dodged what could have been tragic! I love my Tucker man sooooooo incredibly much! I was in tears while waiting for the vet to come in!!! :(

Please say a prayer that Tucker will clear up quickly and get back to his normal adorable self!

[JGuitaristR]

I'm sure Tucker will be doing great in no time. :) My prayers are with you.

[ramanth]

Get better Tucker!! It's no fun being sick. :(

[HayleyRosie]

Tucker will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he gets better really soon. I know you must be very worried. When Mandy had a temperature of 105.3 I was so afraid. She had to go to the vet's office every day that week. She had a scratch on her leg that became infected. The only reason the doctor noticed was because she was limping. I still keep a close eye on her when I'm home and if either of them are sleeping a lot I'm wondering if they could have a high temperature. Try not to worry too much. Please keep us posted on his condition.

[slick]

You are in our prayers little Tucker. Please get well soon.

[PayItForward]

Thinking of Tucker. Get well soon baby.

[K & L]

Wow! Good thing you caught this in time. Poor guy!

[kimlovescats]

Well, I just tried to give Tucker his first dose of liquid Amoxicillin... he is drooling soooooo badly, I don't know if any of it went down!!! :( The vet said he was drooling from nerves, but he's been home for almost 3 hours now! :confused:
I had to leave for a while to pick up a birthday gift for my mom's birthday (today) ... but I don't think he has had any water to drink! The vet said it is crucial that he drinks, or I will have to take him in for IV fluids! He just keeps sneezing something terrible.... why do I KNOW that this is from all the strays I've brought in!!!! :(

[K & L]

Originally posted by kimlovescats
Well, I just tried to give Tucker his first dose of liquid Amoxicillin... he is drooling soooooo badly, I don't know if any of it went down!!! :( The vet said he was drooling from nerves, but he's been home for almost 3 hours now! :confused:
I had to leave for a while to pick up a birthday gift for my mom's birthday (today) ... but I don't think he has had any water to drink! The vet said it is crucial that he drinks, or I will have to take him in for IV fluids! He just keeps sneezing something terrible.... why do I KNOW that this is from all the strays I've brought in!!!! :(

Try putting it in some tuna, or as Catsnclay suggested, baby food. We've had to give Bo antibiotics for a month now and it only works when I mix it in some tuna for her.

[kimlovescats]

Thank you, I will try that!

[K & L]

Please don't get discouraged helping the strays. Sometimes this stuff just happens. I would suggest a vet check with every stray you bring in, if you haven't already started doing this. This could avoid a lot of problems. Also, they suggest you seclude a stray/new cat for at least 2 weeks to ensure they don't have anything contagious. Keep up the good work Kim.

[Vermontcat]

I hope Tucker feels better soon!(Black and white cats are tough!);)
About getting him to drink more, Phred (Cinder and Smoke) has great advice on it from his own experience with Boots the cat. I think he recently posted in Grasshopper's thread about how to get your cat to drink more with a syringe. Cats like the juice from a can of tuna too, that may help get him to drink too.
Good luck in getting Tucker to feel better soon!

[ChrisH]

Tucker will be in my prayers. Get well soon sweetie.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Prayers for a speedy recovery, Tucker!

Kim ~ Here's the short version...

Boots was NOT drinking enough - so HE get the extra thrill of being forced to drink. The method was crude, but quite effective.

I used a standard plastic medical needle/syringe *with the sharp needle un-screwed and discarded!* as a waddur pump/sqwirt gun! Suck up a load of waddur, hold his mouth open, place the end of the *gun* over his tongue, and in about two seconds *pump* him a generous mouthful. Sounds cruel - and he DID make some frightful *GAAkk* & Gurggle* noises - but he would swallow it! And this technique WAS Vet approved! Being a BIG Kat, Doc suggested about 6 syringe fulls at a "sitting"... more than that and poor Boots made serious *Sloshing* :eek: noises when he walked away from a "wattering"!

[jenluckenbach]

Prayers are on the way for dear Tucker.

[shais_mom]

Prayers on the way for you and Tucker.

[smokey the elder]

I hope Tucker feels better. I think TicTac caught his cold-he was sneezing this morning too, but not as bad as poor Tucker.

[Miss Meow]

Get well soon, Tucker. Lucky you've got a great mummy who got you to the white coat's early. :)

[kimlovescats]

Thanks everyone for the prayers. So far, so good .... Tucker licked his vitamins off of some fresh Tuna. He never eats the Tuna, just licks the juice off ... silly boy!!! :rolleyes: But right now, that is something! He also nibbled a bit of his dry food and tried to drink from his fountain... but he was sneezing so violently I thought he would drown! I called the vet to see if Benadryl would be ok for his sneezing... he said yes and I forced some of that down him too. POOR BABY! He is resting fairly peacefully under my bed right now. He has been drooling so unbelievably, he is absolutely soaked... and so is everything around him! :eek:

I'll keep you posted on my baby boy... thanks so much!;)

[Steffi N]

Tucker, we are so worried about you. Please get well soon.
:( I'm glad that you are getting some rest.

[zippy-kat]

Please get well soon, Tucker!

{{We're prayin' for a quick recovery!}}

[Christiansmommy]

Ahh, i hope you can get some sleep tonight, Tucker...its hard when your not feeling well. Sweet Dreams :)

Robyn

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear that Tucker is sick. :( Prayers are on the way for a speedy recovery. Please take care.

[kimlovescats]

It seems we now have a viral outbreak amongst my cats! :( :( :(
At least 4 more have come down with this cough, sneeze virus!!!!
I was up ALL night keeping a close eye on Tucker and Hallie, and checking regularly to see who else was symptomatic. This is very bad and I'm so scared ..... especially for the 6 kittens!!!!! :(
I isolated them from the others, I just hope it isn't too late!!!! I'm just sitting here waiting for my vets office to open this morning ... hoping he will have some "good" solution to this???? :confused:
I'm thinking about asking him to make a house call and do whatever he can for everyone. I have done some research online all night and it sounds like they have Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. (FVR) or also known as Feline Herpes Virus I.
From what I have read, even cats that have been vaccinated against this can still get the "wild" form .... also, if they were ever exposed to it before, they can be carriers and shed the virus to others even though they don't show any symptoms!!!! :confused: Stress.... such as overcrowding :( can bring it on. I feel so negligent and responsible for this whole mess ... I've really done it this time!!!!!!!!!!!!! :( :( :( :( :(

[Kirsten]

Oh no, how scary! :( I'm so sorry to hear about that! First Tucker, and now the others!

Would it be possible for you to seperate those who still seem to be healthy from the others?

Yes, I think asking your vet for a house call would be a good idea. I don't have any experience with that virus, but I hope it's something the poor kitties can get rid off with amoxicillin or another antibiotic!

Best get well wishes to your sneezing felines!

Kirsten

[jenluckenbach]

Kim, please do not panic. ANY URI would be highly contagious (meaning if one got a cold, the others may follow). I am sorry that this happened, but I hate to see you beating yourself up from it. As you state in your post (about FVR), adults do not always show symptoms. You could have this problem even if you did not bring any strays in to the house. Any one of us who adopt a new kitty could have this happen to them, but that does not make us regret doing it. Hopefully this will all be just a distant memory very soon. Best of luck to those kitties. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kim, I'm so sorry to hear that now more of your cats are sick. :( Prayers are on the way for all of them. Please don't blame yourself. You've been a great cat mom and I don't see how you could've prevented something like this. I sure hope the vet can make a house call and help all of your sick kitties. Please take care.

[slick]

Kim: I'm sending you more prayers across cyberspace. You are a good Mom so don't blame yourself. Those kitties are very lucky to have you looking after them. Hopefully things will get better real soon. Please keep us posted.

[Rocky'smomma]

I sure hope Tucker is feeling better soon!!!

[kimlovescats]

My hubby and I went to the vet 1st thing this morning. Last count 9 cats are sick. :( We are to take each cat's temperature rectally ....... any fever over 104.2 (which we have 2 at 105 already) is to have an injection of a steroid twice a day. All cats are to have an antibiotic injection twice a day as well! Dr. Brunner sold us a whole box of syringes (100 count) to adminisiter these shots ourselves. (all new to us) We have to save all the needles in a plastic container and return them to his office .... for proper disposal. We completely cleared out his supply of this antibiotic vial :eek: ---- just lucky he was so willing to accomodate us!!!! All cats are to be monitored very closely ... any one not eating / drinking .... even after the steroid injection ... will need to be taken in to the office for fluids and force-feeding! :(

My main concern right now are the six baby kittens. Mom, Lacie, is the most recent to show symptoms .... this does not look good for the babies!:( :( :( :(

Please keep us ALL in your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!

[K & L]

Don't give up hope. Sounds like you're headed in the right direction. Hang in there....we're all thinking of you. When this is over, cats are all well, you'll feel good about it.

[slick]

Boy I was waiting for an update. Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you. If I lived closer I'd be there to help you in a heartbeat. You are all in my daily prayers and we'll be looking for regular updates. Hang in there.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Kim ~

Prayers and {{{Huggs}}} offered for ALL of you!

Have you *isolated* everyone into groups - sickies :(, healthy ones ;), and Newbies?

And what did the Vet recommend for hydration? Did he suggest the forced watering if they don't drink on their own?

Best of Luck!!

[jenluckenbach]

Sounds like work, but I know you will do fine. Did the vet say what they had? Hope everyone feels better very soon. Hugs to you and kisses to all the kitties.

[marysmerrycats]

how is Tucker doing now?
poor baby! try giving him canned food mixed with water, it has water in it already but a little extra will help him.. good luck , I hope Tucker is better soon!

[Cataholic]

Kim,
prayers are on the way for you and the gang. I pray that this weekend will be the worst of it, and that some of it can be controlled....{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[Amanda]

I can't even imagine how scared/tired/anxious/sad you are feeling. We (me, Cleo and Izzy) will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. It is so hard when they aren't well...and we just want to be able to fix it....I hope that with each update we will hear more and more good news.

(and don't forget that you guys need to take care of yourselves too!...this kind of stress and round the clock worry can do you in if you aren't careful so stay well!

[Steffi N]

Kim, I just got home and am really sorry to hear about the viruses. :(

You have been so good and have done so much for these kitties that I know you will be able to pull them through. I can’t add any advice, but make sure you take care of yourself too. Perhaps someone from a shelter or a vet tech could come by to give you a hand.

[Vio&Juni]

Kim, we had the same thing when our RB Naomi came to live with us. Vasea got the virus from her, although she looked perfectly healthy. We had to administer some shots and give him some pills. I was also VEEEEEERY scared. But he got well in a few days.
We even had a hilarius situation when he escaped from my brother's hands and started running through all the apt with the needle and syringe in his rear end :) That made us take it easier. If he was able to run like that, that meant he can get well.

I hope you will remember it one day just like a minor problem.
And, don't give up with the good work you're doing for all those cats.

[kimlovescats]

Just wanted to give you a quick update. Tucker is showing the first signs of improvement. He no longer has that terrible drooling, he isn't struggly for breath as badly, and even his coughing has eased up! I think the poor baby is finally actually able to doze off for a bit. He has been on my bed with me tonight, instead of hiding under it! Also, he is eating his tuna and drinking some water...ALL of which are GOOD signs!!!!

At this moment, the worst seems to now be Boots (tuxedo feral). I am sure he has never had any shots, so this is going to really be tough on him. He doesn't have the profuse drooling like Tucker had, but he is mouth breathing and coughing alot. He also is no longer eating. I am still giving him the steroid shots, and am going to force some High-Calorie supplement on him as well!

Harper, Hallie and Smokey are obviously not feeling well and sneezing ... but so far are still eating. Hallie is the worst of the three.... slight mouth breathing and not eating quite as well as the boys. Harper is the only one who has the eye infection along with this, which I am putting Terramycin in that. Overall though, I think these three will be fine.

Dexter, Roxie, and Grace and Lily (Lily is a rescue who was previously owned and indoors) are the least affected at this point! Dexter is eating, and only slightly sneezing .... Roxie seems playful still, maybe a bit of sneezing, and Grace is getting a little worse, but still nothing as bad as Tucker or the others!!!! I thing these three are fighting this very well, and I feel pretty comfortable with their resistance!!! (fingers and paws still crossed though)

Emma (mother cat #1) and Bonnie (Emma's grown baby) are slightly sneezing but still energetic and eating. Lacie (mother cat #2) is now sneezing and coughing some, but doesn't seem too terribly bad at this time. These three are rescues .... Emma and Bonnie were together and indoor / outdoor. Lacie was a feral ... probably no shots ever.

Babies.... Duncan, Amber, Tubalina, Gwen, Casper and Newton are all appearing to be fine at present .....They are separated from all other cats now, and I am hoping and praying that these little ones (9 and 7 weeks old) will be spared this awful ordeal!!!!

Chandler (5yr old Black Coon mix- previously well cared for) is completely separate (as he prefers anyway) and seems to be fine at this time.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers ... I will keep you updated.

[Uabassoon]

Geez and I thought dealing with one cat with a URI was bad. He's finally starting to get a little better and it's been around two weeks or so. I hope things get better for you and your herd.

[Kirsten]

Good to hear that at least Tucker is doing a bit better meanwhile! Hopefully the other kitties will also show first signs of improvement soon!

Sounds like really hard work for you, and you're taking good care of them!

You and the kitties are staying in our thoughts here, a speedy recovery to all of them!

Kirsten

[kimlovescats]

Here are a couple of pictures of my baby boy, Tucker. You can see how his eyelids are, he is mouth breathing, and his fur is stiff from all the drooling.

He is improving, but not out of the woods yet....please pray for my baby boy!!!

http://fluffandstuff.homestead.com/files/SickBaby6.jpg

http://fluffandstuff.homestead.com/files/SickBaby.jpg

[Bari_d]

Kim, I am so glad you emailed me about the URI plague!!!! I have been too busy to follow Pet Talk of late and hadn't seen your posting. And you know I love Tucker and your furrkids!!! As I told you in the email, we had a URI go through our Pride in Jan/Feb...scared me to death. It wasn't as bad as what you are experiencing; however, we just had everyone on antibiotics.

I had to use a syringe to give water to some of them that wouldn't drink - they can't argue when water shoots into their mouths. A few had high temps, but only Chauncey (19 this week) really got bad to the point where we had to put him on a kitty decongestant. He could NOT breath, so couldn't eat...

You are such a God send for all those rescues...and I certainly will now follow this post and will of course pray for all to recover. You've had some wonderful support from this group - aren't cat people just the best????

Kim, you are so supportive of everyone else - I don't know how you had time with all of this tomake the beautifull birthday card you did for Chauncey, but I am going to keep it on his web page furrrrever!!!

Love to your babies from the Pride

Bari

[ChrisH]

Glad to hear Tucker is doing a little better, hope the other kitties will soon be showing signs of improvement also. I will be keeping the kitties and you in my prayers.

Love & Hugs
Christine

[kohala]

I know how hard it is to care for one sick kitty, you and your hubby are wonderful people to care so for these little guys! My prayers and thoughts have been with you this week since I first read your post, and I just wanted to let you know that.
I think everyone will be all right, it's like having kids when a flu hits - it runs throught he family!!! Headbonkies and bellyrubs to all your furbabies!!

[Cataholic]

Hang in there, KIM!!!!! I know a few more days of meds will make a difference in these kitties lives.



Thanks, Bari_d, for your suggestions and encouragement!!!


Please, Kim's babies, gett better!!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kim, I'm so glad to hear that Tucker is feeling better. Prayers are on the way for the rest of your herd. Please get well soon kitties. I also hope that the kittens are spared from this URI outbreak. Please take care.

[kimlovescats]

Thankfully, everyone is fairly stable right now. Tucker slept well on my chest all night!!! ;) He is not wanting to drink today though, so I am forcing Nutri-Cal on him. His breathing is much improved, and his temp is down some .... he will be fine I'm sure now... just gonna take a few more days!!!!

The worst still at this point, is Feral Tuxedo boy, Boots. He doesn't seem any worse though this morning, so I am pleased about that. Most everyone else is mostly a little sluggish and sneezy, but still eating the tuna!!!! ;)

Best news of all.... the six kittens are secluded in one of our bedrooms and going nutso in there!!!! :D I can't imagine them getting sick at this point... but I can't be sure ... so please continue to pray that they will be spared from this! I'm hoping that at least if they do get sick ... by then the others will be improving and I can focus completely on the babies. I'm not going to take chances with them though ... if they develop this nasty bug, they are going to the vet for fluids!!!!!

Thank you EVERYONE soooooo much for your support, encouragement, advice, and concern. It means so much to me to know that I have friends all over the world who are thinking of me and my babies!!!!

Bari D, it was soooooo nice to talk with you on the phone last night.... thanks so much for being such a special friend!

Love to all!

[PayItForward]

Kim,

I am so pleased that things are starting to look up. You sound so much happier. :D

Prayers for Tucker, Boots and other sick kittys, you have to get well soon for your mummy.

Thinking of the six kittens, going crazy in the spare room. This is the best thing for you guys at the minute. Try not to break anything.

[Steffi N]

Its wonderful to have good news today. I hope very much that everything continues to improve and that the kittens stay well.

[felinefriend]

Prayers are streaming your way constantly right now! I have tears in my eyes just thinking of ALL that you and your babies have gone through, especially Boots right now. I was relieved to read that there has been much improvement, but I feel your pain and fear, and how you must be overwhelmed. You are doing ALL the right things though, and they WILL continue to get healthy, just as all of Bari's Pride returned to normal!

LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted and God Bless!!!! PRAYERS and HUGS! Ginny

[Bari_d]

Kim, your Sunday update is certainly encouraging and we're continuing our prayers for everyone, but as Ginny said, extra prayers especially for Boots and the kittens now. When we talked on the phone yesterday, I could hear your purrecious Tucker sneezing and coughing...poor things - they hate that , and it is so hard for them to eat and drink when their noses are full.

We love you, babies...keep taking your meds and allow Kim to do all she can for you...

Snuggles to them all and a hug your you, Kim! Hope you're able to get some rest too!
-------------

Father of all, we ask that you please watch over Kim and her babies...help them to respond to medication and love, encourage them to eat and drink, and strengthen Kim and her family as they work together to bring about the healing of these sweet babies. We're grateful that you hear our prayers always, Lord, and for the comfort which comes from having you in our lives and in the lives of all we care for. Amen
------------

Bari and the Pride

[jenluckenbach]

Good news is such a relief! Keep on getting better all you fur-babies, and kittens, stay healthy now, you hear?!?

[kimlovescats]

Thank you so much for the lovey prayer, Bari .... brought tears to my eyes!

Hugs!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Tucker and the gang are showing more signs of improvement. :) Prayers are still on the way for everyone. Please stay healthy now little kittens.

[Vermontcat]

I am sorry I haven't had time to check on this thread in a while. Wow Kim! It sounds like you have been busy trying to keep all of your sweet kitties healthy! I am glad to hear that Tucker is doing better and that the kittens are doing well bouncing around.(any chance you can post some new kitten photos once you get the other cats healthy and you get some sleep?)
I think it is so nice that Bari has popped in to help you through this, she is one of my favorite Pet Talkers and I love her Cat Happy website. :)
Kim, I think both you and Bari should check out ChrisH's thread in Cat General called "Please take a look at beautiful Holly", she is a pretty cat that I think will put a smile on both of your faces.:) :)
Tuna for Tucker tonight!;) Still hoping that Tucker and the other cats get well soon!

[Kirsten]

I'm so relieved to hear they're all doing better meanwhile! :)

Just saw the pics you've posted and it's heartbreaking to see Tucker looking so miserable! Poor boy!

A speedy recovery to all of them, hope they're all over the worst now!

Best wishes,

Kirsten

[kimlovescats]

Thanks so much for all the support, I can never tell you ALL how much your every word means to me!!!

Tucker just drank a few sips from his fountain and nibbled a few bits of food!!!! He is trying soooooo hard to get better!!!

Boots is hanging in there too ..... I put some tuna in front of him earlier and he quickly came to it ... but when he hovered over it, he just stopped! :( I buy the water packed cans, so I got a teaspoon and spoon fed him a few bites / drinks of the tuna flavored water! He didn't especially appreciate it, but it made me feel a bit better.

All the other sick ones are fairly stable .... they are still eating and just sort of lying around sneezing now and then. I don't know if everyone is really improving, or if I am just getting used to seeing them like this??? :confused:

No, as long as they are eating / drinking, I know they are doing ok! How can they NOT be with so many people praying for them???

:)

[kohala]

As tough as it sounds, I really think all the TLC you are giving all your furkids is going to pay off - it's just sooooooo hard to watch them suffer. I am so glad to hear of signs of improvement, and thank goodness the kittens are doing allright! My thoughts are with you, and prayers as well!

[kimlovescats]

Just got up to check on everyone .... it's far from over yet.

Grace (my alpha girl) seems worse now ... I thought she was not going to get too bad, but it seems she has just taken longer to progress in this thing. :( The same goes for Roxie .... she took 3 days to show any symptoms, now she is starting to slow down too! Harper is seeming a bit worse too now ... but he is still eating his tuna.

Hallie (my next girl in line) is not eating or drinking again .... as soon as hubby gets home (around 7am) I am going to get his help in giving her another steroid shot. It's just too difficult to give them by myself. I've had two bad experiences so far. First, Bonnie escaped with just the needle (no syringe) and she ran around the house until it finally fell out .... SOMEWHERE!
Second, Harper jumped while I was administering one of his shots, apparently it made the needle hit him in a nerve or something. It was horrible!!! He screamed bloody murder for several minutes (seemed like hours) and fell over on his side with his leg all retracted up!!!! I thought I had lamed him!!! :( :( :(
When he stood up, he was still holding his leg up to his belly, I was terrified, bawling my eyes out ... with no one to help me.
I finally got him down, rubbed his leg and gently pulled it back "out" from his body... it was fine.... THANK GOD! Needless to say, I am afraid to give any more shots without my hubby to assist.

Dexter is getting more congested as well. Apparently he was another slow progresser.

:(

Tucker is doing a little better again .... trying to eat / drink a little ... and Boots drank lots and lots of water and ate lots of tuna just now! THAT is the bright spot for this update! ;)

Babies are still fine for now... but these ones who I thought were "ok" but are just slow progressing, are making me more worried that the babies may still take sick!:confused:

I'll check in later today.

[Kirsten]

Oh Kim, this is such a tough time for you and your kitties to go through... :( And these horrible experiences with these shots! :eek: Poor Harper would have scared me to death! :( :( :(
Poor poor baby - and poor you! I don't think I could give my baby a shot either, and I hope things work better with your hubby's assistance!

I'm keeping you and the kitties in my thoughts, get-well-hugs to all of them,

Kirsten

[tuxluvr]

Kim, I've been off Pet Talk for a while and was reading this today for the first time. My first thought was, 'Kim and hubby must be exhausted!"

Take care of yourself - we all know that angels are watching over all of your furbabies, and that you, yourself are a guardian angel in human form for these babies.

Ritzy says "us tuxeedos are tuffies" and to hang in there, you'll be inspiration for the other furries to get better too!

God's blessings

[sasvermont]

Kim, you have such a way with kitties I just know that the illness will subside soon! I promise!

Cats can manufacture such interesting illnesses - I know. Not all illness turn out to be lethal. I bet you're kitties will have a recovery like you have never seen before!

I trust your little ones will be fine too!

SAS:)

[Steffi N]

Kim, I did see the new pictures you posted in Cat General of your precious babies. I just know everything is going to be all right. I worry about you, being so tired. I hope you were able to take Jen L's advice and that your hand will heal quickly. I am sure you are trying to be very careful about handwashing and surface sanitizing. Again I wish there were a way someone could give you a hand while your husband is at work.
My heart goes out to you and your kitties.

[Bari_d]

I know we all hoped you'd seen the worst of this, and that everyone was on the mend, but the good news is the first ones ill ARE getting better. This virus is a nasty one, to say the least, and I know you are exhausted (probably because "people" call you on the phone in the middle of your naps!!!)

I read some of your postings I hadn't seen before about your wanting to quit rescue. I do hope you will feel better about everything once your babies are well. The rest of us will just try to give you the support and prayers you need to keep going right now! I only wish I lived nearby and could help you! When our babies came down with the URI in Jan/Feb, we hadn't had ANY outside contact at all...don't blame yourself.

One thing I did do (and kept doing for weeks after they got well) was to put a container of Clorox wipes on the kitchen counter and I continually cleaned with those and threw them away. I also mopped with Pinesol and washed all their bedding every week. I don't know if all that was necessary, but we didn't have a second go 'round!!

It is good news that Boots is now eating and drinking. We will all keep our hearts and prayers going your way...

Bari and the Pride

[felinefriend]

Awww, Kim, my heart goes out to you and your WHOLE FAMILY!!!!!! Like Bari said, I too wish I lived by you and could help you! You must surely be exhausted, even just from keeping all of us updated in these posts. You are SUCH a GOOD PERSON!!! Just know all our LOVE and PRAYERS are with you every moment!!! Bari had some good suggestions, seeing that she had to nurse all her babies through that terrible experience as well! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU THERE!!!!!! Take care of yourself too, although I know that feels so difficult right now! Love, Ginny

[kohala]

You really are doing a marvelous job, honey. Consider that you and your hubby are also going through a form of greiving, and that in itself tends to make our minds lay all kinds of trips on us. So sit back (when you can :) ), do something for you that you enjoy - a candle lit bath, a moment with a good book, or time in prayer or meditation. I wondered how you are giving the shots - do they tell you to give them in the loose skin behind the head? Having never done that myself, I ask out of curiousity, not as an advisor. However, Dad has vetted many animals in his day and tells me for cats that's the place - my vet says the same. Never hesitate to call your vet for guidance and support - after all, they're there for us as well!! :)
Much love and many prayers for you and yours - and many thanks for taking the time out of your busy life to inquire about Grasshopper. You're quite the delightful being. Love, Ko & Grasshopper

[Cataholic]

Kim,
Hang in there!!!!!! I know it is getting to you, and I feel so much for you, but, it WILL get better!!!!!!!