Barney is an Angel Now.

[columbine]

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.

[Emeraldgreen]

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:

[Moesha]

Have you checked the donation cans? I wish I were closer so I could go sit with Barney sometimes.

[jennielynn1970]

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).

[Medusa]

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.

[Purr-tender]

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!

Big (((Hugs))) to you for taking such good care of Barney!!

Mary

[lvpets2002]

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..

[jazzcat]

Oh my, he sure does tug at the heartstrings doesn't he?

I think it's wonderful how so many PTers are helping.

[Emeraldgreen]

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).

Even better, a sweatshirt for pets! How cool!

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.

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.

[Medusa]

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!