I'm just waking up to these posts and I feel so proud to know so many wonderful people. Barney is very lucky at least in the respect to have so many people who care about him. Life has dealt him a lousy hand but there are those warm hands of love that you pet and care for him with every day, Lara.

I, too, will definitely contribute regularly to Barney's care, no matter how much time he has left. As Moesha says, go w/your gut as far as how to care for him. If you feel that stopping the steroid is the way to go, then follow your instincts. Just one word about that, though, aside from helping w/inflammation, I'm sure you already know that steroids will cause weight gain and I know that you want Barney to gain some weight. I'm not trying to talk you into anything, just a little reminder, in case you'd forgotten that.

The VCR is a wonderful idea. Barn-Barn needs some visual stimulation, too, and now that we know he won't be able to come indoors, it's more important than ever. I wouldn't take the risk either w/my cats either, Lara. I had that situation arise w/Buddy and FeLv; it was too risky to chance it and it broke my heart because I knew that if Buddy had to choose between food and love, he would've chosen love.

Sometimes barn cats are well cared for but they also can live lives of neglect, as was the case w/my Pigeon. When I rescued her, my neighbor told me how her owner kicked her w/his heavy work boots if she got in the way. It still hurts my heart to think that someone could be so cruel to such a sweet cat and Barney is such a sweet boy that it's hard to imagine anyone mistreating him but, obviously, it happens. Abuse or neglect, it's still cruel. If he had been a barn cat, then how appropriate that you named him Barney.

Ok, I'm rambling but I somehow feel that if I keep typing, it brings Barney through the monitor and on to my lap. I want so badly to be able to relieve you, Lara, and since I can't, please know that my prayers never cease for all of you. A check will go out tomorrow morning for our dear Barn-Barn. Special (((HUGS))) to you and Scott and gentle pets for Barney.