He's already melted all of ours.Quote:
Originally Posted by Catty1
:love:
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He's already melted all of ours.Quote:
Originally Posted by Catty1
:love:
I have been following this thread closely. You and your friends are going right to the top of the list for saving this little guy.
My suggestion is that you might want to consider a heating pad rather than a heater. My thoughts, however lame, are based on dry air creating sinus problems vs. warmth for tired bones. I think a heating pad would cost less to run and could be put on a timer.......tucked under his covers..... Just a suggestion.....You know best, I am sure.
When is his ear surgery going to take place? Are you going to wait until he gets buff? Poor little guy. My heart just breaks when I see the posts and videos/pictures.
You and your hubby are truly saints.
P. S. Hi Barney boy!
LOL! I don't know if we'll ever reach the 'buff' stage but that would be awesome!Quote:
Originally Posted by sasvermont
JennLibrarian had the same thought about a heating pad a week or so ago in a PM and my only concern is that he has peed his bedding a couple of times and I'm wondering if he could get electricuted?? :confused: I know that sounds ridiculous but it does worry me. The last 2 times he peed were on the way to the vet in the cage and on the way home when Angela took him. And when he rode in the car over to our house. He peed in the bed when he was first taken in from outdoors but that seems to have stopped. I'm just not sure if he will have an accident one night or not. Maybe they make them with some kind of plastic safety cover. If so, I think it is a good idea.
Today I brought back 4 cans of the diabetic wet food to the vet because he doesn't like it much. And Angela found this great canned wet food that is low glycemic at the pet store that he really likes. I bought a bag of the Purina DM and I just about fell over when she told me that it was almost 37.00!! The bag is so small (6 pounds). But I decided to get it because for the past few weeks he has been eating Orijen (dry food that is partially raw) and I don't think it agrees with him. Thankfully he loves the DM and it has really small tiny pieces that suit his small mouth.
I returned an unopened bag of Orijen that Angela bought and bought him a case of the Merrick low glycemic canned food today and it comes in neat flavours like 'Thanksgiving meal' and 'TurkDuck' and I think one is called Cowboy Kitty or something like that. He's a nut for this stuff and can't get enough. I also picked up two more bags of chicken Pill Pockets. He eats his meds no problem with these.
We were at the petstore and we spotted a small cat scratching post and it was only 12.99!! So my husband said "let's get it for him". We had just done our recycling of our cans and water bottles and he said we could use that money on the tree. We're usually naughty and get fast food and coffee with this money but not today! :D
Here is the tree:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...k/IMG_4664.jpg
I put it in his cage but he was too distracted by the plate of Cowboy Kitty that was being dished up for him. But I do think he is going to use it because I remembered that in a video I took a week ago, Barney stood up and was pawing at Terri's curtain. We weren't sure what he was doing but then I thought about it and realized that he was probably trying to scratch his nails!! :rolleyes: I don't know why we were so clueless at the time. I guess he was so weak that it didn't occur to us that he would even think of doing that.
I think I will spray it with catnip spray and see if that will peak his interest. Once again, Gary's little grey mouse has captivated Barney and saved the day. He loves it and it's always near him. Kind of like a little security blanket. :)
Thanks for you posts everybody!
I'm going to tuck in Barney Frog right now.
Barney Frog! ROFL!
He's got a great "pad" there. :D
I hope he likes the scratching post...it'll give him a minor workout.
He is eating so well...he just HAS to gain a little weight.
You can do it, BF! Shock the vet! :D:love:
The Purina DM comes in 12 pound bags also. That's what I purchase and I think it is around $45. I know that's alot, but if you know that he likes it, it is a better deal to buy in bigger bulk. My vet used to only have the smaller size until I asked them if it came in larger bags. Now they have both. That's what I do anyway. Go Barney!!
Just yesterday I gave away some cat tunnels because my Fur Posse just doesn't use them and they're taking up space. I considered sending them to you but it would cost more in shipping than they're worth. How nice that you're thinking of Barney's comfort and not just fattening him up. What a lucky boy he is.
When I was rescuing, I put heating pads in all the outdoor shelters, kept them on low, and tucked them in between blankets. Everything I've read, though, has said not to use heating pads ever because the cats could get badly burned. There are heated cat beds that you plug in and I bought one but I couldn't even tell that it was on so I returned it. Maybe try a hot water bottle? Whatever you try, I know Barney will love it, that little love sponge. Barney Frog. Sooo silly. LOL
Lara,
As I Pmailed you, I'm sorry it took me so long to catch up with this thread. You are truly an angel and God Bless you for all you do for SO MANY animals! I called the Animal Hospital and made a donation for Barney's care. :love: :love: :love:
Thank you so much Deb for your donation!!! You guys are so awesome and I don't know what Barney and I would do without you all! Tonight, I'm going to post a total of all the amazing help that we've received and what it has all gone towards just to keep everybody up to date. I feel very blessed that people I have never met and that Barney has never met are so caring and compassionate to offer posts of support, financial support and items to help Barney feel loved. It is truly the most amazing thing and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Thank you. :love:Quote:
Originally Posted by MoonandBean
I'm so glad to hear that you've taken in Barney and that he's doing so well.:)
As for the heating pad suggestion, how about Snuggle Safe. I hope that you have a microwave because you just pop this in the microwave and heat it up and it's very safe for pets and people can also use them. Here's the link: http://www.snugglesafe.ca/index.htm. I think that some pet stores may carry these too.:)
See, this is why I love PT. We learn so much about pets and their care. I'm going to look into this for my Fur Posse, too. What a great idea for Barney and all pets! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by krazyaboutkatz
:eek: WoW no kiding this is so neat.. This is Awesome.. I will have to see about getting a few of those too.. I have a couple of babies that are cold natured.. Thanks Tracey for the Great Idea.. How Is Barney Today?? Please Post thanksQuote:
Originally Posted by Medusa
The snuggle safes are great and lots of my rescue friends use them, as does the shelter where I volunteer. However, you do need to be careful because the shelter has one cat who was severely burned because the disc wasn't wrapped correctly and ended up directly on the cat. I'm sure you will show the common sense that this cat's owner didn't.
Thank you for taking such very good care of Barney in spite of being stretched for resources. He was obviously in dire need of someone to take full care of him.
Smudge has a Thermo Kitty warming pad under his blankie on his favorite chair. It stays a couple degrees above room temperature until he sits on it, then his weight activates it to warm to cat body temperature. I'm sure you could put a waterproof cover over one too.
Hi guys, thanks for the ideas about the warming pads and stuff. I will look into that and see what is available here.
In the meantime, I picked up some more thick poly (the kind used to put over windows during winter) and used a staple gun and wrapped it around the whole enclosure except for the front where the heater blows in. We previously had tarps on top and around and put poly on the doors and windows of the shop but I noticed that when I was sitting in the enclosure spending time with him, I could feel a draft.
It is so much better now that it is all sealed in and he gets plenty of air from the 6 foot side that is not covered in poly. We were going to cut a door in this thing but the top lifts on and off so that is how we access Barney. :)
I didn't film him today but got a good one of him last night and will post it below. He is still the skinniest cat ever and that doesn't seem to be changing but he does seem more alert to me and I think the antibiotics are making a difference. His ears are still bothering him and he HATES it when I put the Surolan in. Last night he bit me. He was so fast and he growled too. I know that it is because he is in alot of pain with regard to his ears so I don't blame him, though it sure did surprise me! After I pulled away, he just stood there and stared at me. It seemed like he was sorry.
Tonight, my husband and I went in there for his final goodnight and we opened the door, which is so loud and creaky but Barney can't hear it. There he was sitting there over his water bowl with his head hung down just staring into the water. We stood there for a moment and watched him and he was just staring at it. It was sad. I thought to myself that he must be awfully bored. I haven't been able to spend that much time with him because of my work schedule. He gets a visit in the a.m. for breakfast and all his meds and another in the evening for dinner and meds and a goodnight, lights out visit. On my days off I fit in a few visits extra during the day but right now I only have 2 days off a week.
My husband called him Barney Rubble tonight. LOL! :) We'll have to add that to Candace's Barney Frog!
I wanted to post a donation update last night but was just too tired but will do so now.
We received a total of 144.00 from PT'rs (Moesha, Medusa, Purr-Tender, Momtomany, Randi) for Barney before his last exam. The exam and bloodwork and FELV/FIV test all came to just over 200.00. Angela paid the remaining 55.00 on the bill. We were surprised that the bill was as high as it was because she had just paid 250.00 and I paid 107.00 on his first exam and we thought that it would be quite a bit cheaper the second time around.
I received a fabulous grey catnip mouse from Gary in the mail which Barney loves. Thank you!
JennLibrarian, I received the 3 doses of Revolution yesterday labeled as 'candy'. LOL Thank you!
I haven't checked with the clinic since I was last there for his meds but Deb (Moonandbean) has made a donation and there is 100.00 in credit there that will go towards his next exam once his antibiotics are finished. Thank you so much.
Momtomany has very kindly offered to buy Barney's next bag of Purina DM and will have the clinic set it aside for him. Thank you!
JennLibrarian has picked out a special extra large sweatshirt from the Old Navy website and is having shipped to her and then on to Barney! It will be a wonderful addition to his cozy bedding. Thank you!
Both Randi and Medusa (Mary) have offered to send further donations by mail for Barney, all of which will go towards the clinic on his account for his next exam and hopefully surgery!! Thank you!!
As mentioned, I haven't checked with the clinic since last week so if I haven't mentioned anybody, I promise I will! :)
And thank you to everyone who has posted in this thread offering prayers, ideas, support and just being interested in Barney. It is all so appreciated.
Now, who wants Barney?!? LOL Just kidding. We have to get him well first and then I know his forever home will present itself. And maybe it will be with us but probably not. But never say never. lol
Here is the latest Barney Rubble clip:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...h_MVI_4665.jpg
Have you checked the donation cans? I wish I were closer so I could go sit with Barney sometimes.
It's actually an XS doggie sweatshirt, lol. I thought you might want to keep him warmer in that if it gets really chilly.
Poor guy, I bet he's missing Angela. I'm sure that he had formed a bond with her and is just missing her. He'll come around and be just as loving. Maybe he was bored when you saw hiim with his head down, or maybe he was just resting. He'll be ok. It would be nice if he could have a cat buddy to visit with him to keep him company (once he can be vaccinated and such). ;)
Aw, poor little guy, his ear is bothering him, I can tell by the way he shakes his head. I wish I could be there to help you w/him. I'd give him so much lovin', although it's clear that he's getting plenty of that. Give him some gentle pets for me anyhow, ok? And again, thank you, Lara and Scott for all your devotion to this sweet boy.
Yeh, you can tell that ear is bothering him. Poor little guy! Like the others, I wish you were close, I'd be there helping you and giving him lots of snuggle time on my lap. He has totally stolen my heart!:love:
Big (((Hugs))) to you for taking such good care of Barney!!
Mary
:love: Awee Barney your such a wittle Cutie Pie.. I wish I could come & cuddle you & give you bunchss of whisker kissess.. Keep getting much better & eat all your yum yum food..
Oh my, he sure does tug at the heartstrings doesn't he?
I think it's wonderful how so many PTers are helping.
Even better, a sweatshirt for pets! How cool! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jenn_librarian
I think he might miss Angela a bit too but she also only saw him in the morning and at night. He really perks up when we come in and I do think he used to have a pawpie at some point because he seems to really like my husband.
It's true, his ear is really bothering him. I'm giving him a break for a few days on the Surolan because he was getting so angry. But the antibiotics seem to be helping because each day he is more alert. I felt his spine today and for the first time, I think there might be a little meat on those bones. Not a whole bunch but it seems to be changing just a bit.
He is more regular now too which is good and had a poop yesterday and today. lol
That would be so great if you all could come and visit with Barney! LOL We could take shifts and he'd never be alone. But I'll give him some hugs for you guys instead. :)
I've collected two of the cans and they had a total of over 35.00 which was awesome and that went towards the poly and tarp. I'm going to collect the rest either this afternoon or tomorrow. :)
I'm really wondering about the scab on his nose. I can't understand why it's there and why it never seems to heal. I'm going to ask the vet about it at our next visit. He has had it since day one and it never gets better. :confused:
Here is this morning's video of Sir Barnacles. I've got him purring on tape!
And below that are three pics of Barney having a drink of water.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...h_a1fb8aa5.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...k/IMG_4674.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...k/IMG_4675.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...k/IMG_4676.jpg
Oh Lara, his purr brings tears to my eyes. He's come such a long way. Forgive me if you've addressed this already but what's the story w/his diabetes or is he even diabetic? I can't recall. You've done and are continuing to do such a fabulous job w/this boy, Mr. Barnacles Barney Frog. I just love him!
Something that I do for my cat cottage kids is have a radio going 24/7 so they have some company. My kids listen to the 70s music;). By the way, the cat cottage is a small one room cottage just steps away from my back door. It has a nice picture window that opens for fresh air. I have it set up with tons of shelves, a couch, and other places for them to get up high. 8 of my fur kids live there. The rest are in the house with me. Anyway, I thought it would help Barney not feel so lonely.
When Angela brought him in for his last exam they retested his glucose and the vet said it was still 'up there'. I don't know if it came down at all. I don't think so or she would have told us. But when I spoke with the vet she said she wasn't surprised and didn't expect for the glucose level to be down by much. She said that when trying to reverse diabetes with diet, it can take awhile to see a difference. They just decided to run the glucose test I guess because they were testing everything else.Quote:
Originally Posted by Medusa
One thing that I noticed this evening when I went in to feed him and give meds and clean the litter box is that his 'pee clumps' in the clumping litter are smaller. You would not believe how much pee he was producing each time and the vet said it was related to the diabetes. The pee balls were the size of large grapefruits!! They are getting smaller each day and tonight, they are about the size of a peach. However, there are lots of pee balls in the box for one day. I cleaned it this morning and by tonight there were 4 to scoop. But I think we're making some kind of progress.
Purr Tender wrote:Thank you for this suggestion. I wish it would help but Barney is deaf. :( We thought at one point that he might be hearing something because his ears were twitching but he can't hear anything it seems. Maybe this will change down the road if he is healthy enough for surgery and if we can get the ear infection cleared up. But right now, when my husband and I go in there, we say his name and then shout his name and clap our hands and stuff and if he is facing in the other direction, he doesn't hear anything. If we tap on the floor with our feet, he feels the vibrations and turns around and looks a bit startled that we are all of a sudden there.Quote:
Something that I do for my cat cottage kids is have a radio going 24/7 so they have some company. My kids listen to the 70s music. By the way, the cat cottage is a small one room cottage just steps away from my back door. It has a nice picture window that opens for fresh air. I have it set up with tons of shelves, a couch, and other places for them to get up high. 8 of my fur kids live there. The rest are in the house with me. Anyway, I thought it would help Barney not feel so lonely.
I was thinking of finding an old tv set and putting it in there. That way he'd have some images to watch. The best thing would be for me to spend more time with him though and when my coworker comes back to work, I'll be able to do that. :)
Oh, I had forgotten all about him being deaf :( A little TV would give him something to watch, that'd be nice.
Put the 'cat babysitter' video on it, or whatever it is called! :)
Great news about the pee reducing. He's getting there!
And wow...does his purr not make it all worth while?:love::)
Once the ear infection is cleared up or the polyp removed, whichever it is, hopefully Barney will be able to hear. What a little sweetheart. :love:
Oh, that croaky little meow of his!!! It's just too cute! He definitely looks like he's feeling better!
My one foster had a scabby nose for a long time, and I think it took a few months for it to totally clear up (his name was Monty). He even had a bit of it left after he was adopted. Not sure if this is the same thing that is going on with Barnacles. Maybe he's got NOSE BARNACLES!! :p
If you do find that he is diabetic and needs insulin, I'd be happy to help out with syringes (even tho they aren't too expensive). I have leftover 1/2 cc syringes from when my RB dogs were on it, plus I use 1 cc syringes for myself for B-12 injections twice a month. I get them in boxes of 100 and I can just get doc to write me another prescription for them. :D
Aww, listen to his little squeeks and purrs - Barney is so happy to see you every time you come for a visit, but you can tell his ear is bothering him. I so hope that he can get to a vet and have it treated soon. And I wish I was closer - we could all take turns sitting with him. :)
I'm glad that he is safe and warm, and I'm also glad you husband has fallen in love with him.
You are an angel for keeping Barney comfy. Thanks again for all you do!
Give him lots of kisses from me and gentle headbumpoies from Fister! :love:
ROFL!!!!!:DQuote:
Maybe he's got NOSE BARNACLES!
I have not been on pet talk in a month or so.So I do not know all of Barney's history, but just wondered if the ear bacteria was cultured.I don't have much to donate but if you you can send me the info. I would like to help.
Thank you for offering to help. PT'rs have been so supportive to Barney. Please know that prayers are also very valuable and are needed and would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have much, please don't worry. Barney has had alot of help this past while from PT'rs and some local people where I live and we have enough to get him to his next exam and more blood work and more food and meds. Everyone has been very kind.Quote:
Originally Posted by katslady
Speaking of which!!! I picked up the remaining 4 cans around town and collected an additional 135.00!!! I was very surprised because not one person called about Barney to adopt him but they do care because people contributed their change into the cans and someone even put a 20.00 in there!!! I have this little brown paper bag full of the change and I'm calling it Barney's bag of gold. :) I went to the Salvation Army and bought him 3 very soft fleecy sweaters to make more beds for him and to have some back up bedding when I wash his others.
Katslady, I've only known Barney for a few weeks myself but I do believe the vet did a culture or ear swab on his right ear on the last visit. I haven't taken him into the vet for his last two exams, that was done by another woman who was helping Barney but who is no longer on the scene. I will be taking him to his next appointment though and will make sure to get all the details.
The vet told us that Barney has a bacterial infection in his right ear and prescribed Surolan drops. He is also on 1/2 a tab of Clavamox two times a day. I have skipped a few days of the Surolan because he seemed to be in pain and was really getting upset with me when I put the drops in. But I've started up again this morning.
What I really think needs to happen is for him to be sedated a bit so they can get in there and really clean those yucky ears out. He has the worst balance and teeters all over the place and I'm sure it has everything to do with his ears. The polyp in his left ear is going to be dealt with down the road and the goal now is to get him healthy enough for that. The vet said she didn't think he'd survive surgery at this point (that was on October 29th).
I'm also going to have her examine his nose. Here is a close up of his scabby little nose that never seems to heal.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...687_edited.jpg
Pomtzu wrote:Thank you. I hope that he won't need injections but that is a very kind offer if he does. :)Quote:
If you do find that he is diabetic and needs insulin, I'd be happy to help out with syringes (even tho they aren't too expensive). I have leftover 1/2 cc syringes from when my RB dogs were on it, plus I use 1 cc syringes for myself for B-12 injections twice a month. I get them in boxes of 100 and I can just get doc to write me another prescription for them.
JennLibrarian wrote:LOL Funny! :)Quote:
My one foster had a scabby nose for a long time, and I think it took a few months for it to totally clear up (his name was Monty). He even had a bit of it left after he was adopted. Not sure if this is the same thing that is going on with Barnacles. Maybe he's got NOSE BARNACLES!!
I am relieved to hear that you know of a similar thing like this and that it resovled itself. Did a vet ever tell you anything about it? Sometimes it bleeds a bit. I guess he might paw at it but I'm not sure.
Barney is pretty much the same today but he is making poops each day which is great. He was only doing this every other day but for the past 4 days he is going every day. :) Nice way to end the post! LOL
Ok, somehow I missed the post where it was confirmed that Barney does indeed have an ear polyp. This poor boy sure has had the stuff heaped on him, hasn't he? Well, I shouldn't call him a poor boy; he's actually lucky because he found you and Angela, Lara. Every time I read an update, I wish I was there to help. I could relieve you so that you have more time to yourself but if you're like me, you'd be there anyhow. His face is just too much. It makes me want to just hold on to him and never let him go, so I can imagine how you must feel. Please know the prayers are continuing. :love:
Just wanted to let you know that there will be a package going out in the mail tomorrow for you and Barnacles. Just a few things I found for him. There is a self heating bed in it. I remembered the bed that one of the sponsors got for my foster Mac, which now that it's colder out, I found in a bag of older fluffy kitty winter beds. It's got something in it that helps retain the heat from their body and it radiates it back to him. He and the other fosters loved it, so I found the same kind online and had a new one shipped here, and it is now in the box for Barnacles. :)
Hope customs won't have an issue with kitty stuff. I purposely didn't pack any loose catnip in it, just in case! :p
Prayers are continuing from me too. I am so glad he has you.
Give him an extra pet from me, please. :love:
Is there any kind of antibiotic ointment that you can put on his nose?? The vet never specified anything about his nose, but I know a few months after he was adopted, when I saw pics, his nose looked good.
Maybe some nose kissies would make him feel better? ;):)
Oh, Lara, it is so hard to look at that sweet, pitiful face and not be able to hold him. When is his next appointment? I think that you are right about sedating him and really giving his ears intense treatments. Can you let the vet's office know ahead of time that you want them to do that? I am so happy that your cans were a success. Are you going to keep them going?
Please give Barney an extra gentle hug from me. Love that baby!!:love::love:
Mary
Hi Mary, the vet had a look at the left ear on the second exam and she's pretty sure it's a polyp. I shouldn't say it is but I guess I'm hoping it is because if it isn't, it is a tumour. But because it bleeds so easily, she thinks this is what it is. Thankfully it hasn't been bleeding since he's been here which is great. Though it does cause him discomfort. I would like to get him in to have it removed but the vet said it's too soon and we need to get him in better health. Thank you for the continued prayers. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Medusa
JennLibrarian wrote:Thank you so much Jenn!! I have never heard of a self heating bed and it will be perfect because there are only two outlets in the shop and one is used for his heater and the other has his nightlight in it. :)Quote:
Just wanted to let you know that there will be a package going out in the mail tomorrow for you and Barnacles. Just a few things I found for him. There is a self heating bed in it.
I hope customs won't bother with the package but probably a good idea to leave the loose catnip out. lol I will let you know as soon as it arrives!
JennLibrarian wrote:That's a good idea. I will ask the vet about it tomorrow when I go to town. Maybe polysporin would be okay. I hadn't thought of that! Or maybe something natural from the health food store that is safe for cats.Quote:
Is there any kind of antibiotic ointment that you can put on his nose?? The vet never specified anything about his nose, but I know a few months after he was adopted, when I saw pics, his nose looked good.
Scooter's mom wrote:Thanks! Will do. :)Quote:
Prayers are continuing from me too. I am so glad he has you.
Give him an extra pet from me, please.
I ran into the woman who publishes our weekly news flyer on the island and I thanked her again for letting me run the ad and picture of Barney for only 5.00 instead of 50.00 and told her how surprised I was that out of 2,500 people, no one called about Barney and I hadn't even mentioned that he had all these diseases and wasn't neutered!!
She said that it is always interesting to find out that what you thought about people turns out to be completely different. You have this pre-set idea that everyone loves animals, especially people who live on a small island who are very environmentally conscious and peaceful and that sort of thing (David Suzuki even lives here on and off!!) but in reality, cats on this island are not a priority. We have a terrible problem with feral cat colonies and pet cats are often viewed as 'working' cats for their mousing abilities. Of course there are people who have cats that are wonderfully spoiled (as they should be! :)) but I'm realizing that it is not the norm here.
My hope is to start a group here on the island that will deal with the feral cats and abandoned cats by feeding them and ultimately trapping, neutering and returning them and letting the colonies age out. I know there are lots of people on PT who are involved in this sort of thing and I have no idea what I'm doing but something has to be done and I want to get it started.
I put a call into another rescue org that TNR in a town about 40 minutes from here and left a message asking if someone would be willing to come up to a community meeting that I would set up and speak about their group and how it works etc.. I would put an ad in our paper and invite anyone who loves animals and who is interested in helping the ferals to come to the meeting. We'll see what happens but I think Barney will be the poster boy and can show people what condition a cat can get into when left alone in the elements with no family.
Lara - GREAT idea on the TNR group! I am sure they would he happy to set up another one. Local humane societies etc know where all the feral colonies are.
Barney as a poster boy! LOL That is great.
Hope the polysporin works...it's got a teeny bit of anitbiotic in it, and just might help.
Have you heard from Angela since she left?
I hope Barn-Barn is well enough soon to get the polyp surgery.
Any more meat on those bones? Just wondering - is there a low glycemic kitten food that might give him more of a weight-gaining punch?
Give him a kiss and hug for me!:love: