Barney is an Angel Now.

[Medusa]

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.

[columbine]

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]

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]

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.

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.

[Purr-tender]

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]

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.

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! 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.
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!

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.

[Purr-tender]

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 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]

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

[Catty1]

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!

[momtomany]

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]

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!!

[Emeraldgreen]

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 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.


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. lol