Barney is an Angel Now.

[catwhispers]

Sorry this is long, but hopefully there is a lot of good info that might help.

If Scrawny needs surgery, perhaps some help can be found somewhere in this list. I recommend checking it before doing anything further as I think some of them will only kick in if there has been no payment to the vet as yet. I've listed the ones I could find below.

Another idea. When I took in Deja Vu she was a stray who was very, very pregnant and the kittens, who were born just a few days later, began to develop respiratory problems. I am on a fixed income and had an older cat at the time who was diabetic and having problems, so my money had been going towards him, and unfortunately I could not afford to take them all to the vet. I called all the local no-kill rescue groups and one of them was willing to help. They paid for me to take one kitten to a vet they dealt with, and arranged for the vet, if medication would be needed, to give me medication for all, including the mother, because if one had a respiratory infection, they all did, and they didn't have to pay for 6 office visits, just one. That's exactly what happened, she gave me meds for all, and even though they didn't ask, I kicked in as much money as I could toiwards it. Thank goodness that was all that was wrong, the medicine worked, and when the rescue group brought them all to be checked out by their vet before putting them up for adoption, he said they were among some of the healthiest kittens that had come across his path in a long time. I felt good about that. Deja Vu and one baby (see my avatar!) stayed here, as Fuzz, my other kitty, had passed during this time. I ended up fostering for this group eventually.

The point of all this is that perhaps a local no-kill rescue group, because the woman is attempting to help a stray, may be willing to offer some aid. Maybe not, but it's worth a try.

Here's a list of places that might help:

In Memory of Magic (IMOM) is dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
http://www.imom.org
IMOM, Inc
PO Box 282
Cheltenham, MD 20623
Phone (866)-230-2164 Fax (301)-599-1852

United Animal Nations established the LifeLine fund in 1997 to aid companion animals in times of life-threatening emergencies when their caregivers, with low or no incomes, are unable to afford the entire cost of treatment.
http://uan.org/lifeline/index.html
United Animal Nations
P.O. Box 188890
Sacramento, California 95818
Telephone: (916) 429 2457 fax: (916) 429 2456
LifeLine Fund - http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=28

Help-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization, which provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose guardians are unable to afford the expense
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home..html
Help-A-Pet
P. O. Box 244
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
Telephone: (630) 986-9504 fax: (630) 986-9141

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs provides financial assistance for emergency medical care for cats.
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
FVEAP
1641 Elizabeth Lane
Yuba City, CA 95993
Fax: 888-301-4264

Cats in Crisis:
http://www.catsincrisis.org/crisisFund.html

Cats in Crisis Stripes Fund
http://www.catsincrisis.org/stripesFund.html

Cats in Crisis Gillie Fund
http://www.catsincrisis.org/gillieFund.html

FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS (Specific animals needing veterinary care):

http://www.catsincrisis.org/
http://www.imom.org

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/
"The heartbreak happens all too often ? a pet owner is unable to
afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the
price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the
cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook.
Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job
layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship ? making it
too difficult to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics
by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever
the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals
are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA
Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured
pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is
experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner
Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian
angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult
financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners
should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our
work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as
possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"CareCredit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more
than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they
needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any
of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved
companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged
individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more
than a diversion."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
"Mission Statement:
Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and
abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer
needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or
emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the
difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical
needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is
to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal
medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

[rg_girlca]

Wow, what a difference in Barney since I last checked in and that video of him with Angela was priceless. I am so glad that he is in the best care possible. I can't thank you enough for all that you have and continue to do for this precious boy. The poor thing has been dealt such a terrible blow in life that I am so happy that he is able to be loved and cared for the way he so rightfully deserves. I also pray that he will be treated just as well at the vets as he was in your care.

Enjoy your holiday, you definately deserve it.

[kittykatharine]

I have been so busy with Sydney and life, I haven't read this thread in a little while. I was devastated to hear about Barney's diagnosis. I know how that diagnosis feels. you must remember, Barney has had the most wonderful loving time with you - probably has been the happiest time in this whole life. He is loved and taken care of - which is every cats dream. You have given Barney so much in such a short period of time. I am going to be praying for the little guy, because I am keeping hope that a miracle will happen. This guy deserves it so much!!! My heart goes out to you guys! Oh, btw, the video was absolutely precious!!!

[Emeraldgreen]

Sorry this is long, but hopefully there is a lot of good info that might help.

If Scrawny needs surgery, perhaps some help can be found somewhere in this list. I recommend checking it before doing anything further as I think some of them will only kick in if there has been no payment to the vet as yet. I've listed the ones I could find below.


The point of all this is that perhaps a local no-kill rescue group, because the woman is attempting to help a stray, may be willing to offer some aid. Maybe not, but it's worth a try.

Hi there, thank so much for your post. That is alot of valuable information and I think something that so many pets could benefit from here on PT. But alot has changed since the beginning of this thread, including Scrawny's name which is now Barney. Over 325 posts is alot of reading to sort through so I certainly understand your reading just the beginning. LOL

Barney is no longer with Angela and lives with me at my house in my workshop. It had been my original hope to get a polyp removed from Barney's ear but after his 3rd exam, it was revealed that he has cancer after a fine needle aspiration was done on what was originally believed to be an enlarged thyroid and is actually a tumor. The vet believes that the growth in his ear is a tumor and not a polyp and he has one on the right side of his head as well that starts on his neck and leads up behind his ear and is also inside his ear. His scabby nose is also most likely cancerous.

I was very saddened to learn this because at his age (the vet is guessing he is about 14) surgery is not a viable option, especially with his diabetes. And, if it were, I'm not totally sure it would be the right choice for him because it could involve alot of recuperation and wounds etc.. and the cancer would most likely return. I went through this with my Maine Coon a few months ago and he had surgery 4 times to remove tumors and still lost his battle. Tiger was very robust and big and strong compared to little Barney and I don't think it is the way to go with him. But I really appreciate all of your ideas and information. It's so kind of you.

In the meantime, Barney is out of the cold and rain and gets lots of food and snuggles. I'm treating his diabetes with insulin and the vet prescribed prednisilone to help shrink the tumors and it is definitely making a difference. I'm also giving him an immune booster called Immunocal and my hope is that it will help fight the cancer. It is a whey protein that Angela (the woman who first saved Barney) swears by. She takes it everyday and I'm thinking it might be a good thing for alot of my animals who are suffering different ailments.

We did have a bit of a setback a few days ago when he scratched his ear and it began bleeding badly but it is under control again and I'm so thankful.

Barbara wrote:

So Barney loves the piano? That sounds great. Filou and Tigris play themselves but they don't seem to care too much if anyone else plays.

That is so neat! Have you seen that video where Nora the cat plays the piano? It is on youtube. I saw an amazing show on Animal Planet a few months ago that was about the healing properties of purring. It showed that cats like vibrations and can be drawn to them, like the sound a piano makes. Purring is supposed to resonate right down to their bones and literally heal them. And this show was talking about how scientists are trying to come up with machines that can mimic the purr so they can treat athletes with certain conditions. That would be amazing!

JennLibrarian wrote:

While they may not suggest letting him go, I'd make sure that they don't do something while you're gone. Just me being paranoid. I'd get something in writing that they'll call if his condition changes before they'd do anything (which if he's good with you, he should be good there as well).

I agree with you and Medusa. I will be very clear with them that if anything happens with Barney or if they think he isn't well, that they call me. I'll make sure to give them the number I will be at. I don't think they would do it as they all seem so fond of him but with stuff like this, it's just better to be 100% sure.

Critters wrote:

I'll spare you all the details , but he may well have a conductive hearing loss rather than "nerve deafness," in which case touching the piano may let him hear it! What a neat idea to let him do that!!

If you don't have styptic powder, you might try a little dab of flour the next time he gets a bloody spot. Congrats on shrinking the tumors!!!

That is interesting, I haven't thought about different kinds of hearing loss. Thanks for sharing that, I will definitely look into it. For the most part, the vet feels the tumors are blocking his eardrums but it did seem that he could 'feel' the music and he was receptive to it.
Thanks for the styptic pencil and flour ideas, those are great. I don't know if Katie knows about that but it might be good for Andy too. I remember my dad using that when he shaved. (the pencil, not the flour! LOL)

Medusa wrote:

So now Barney is a lover of the arts. Boy, he's really getting some perks for being sick. LOL I'm glad that the lump on his neck is shrinking but the ear thing is scary. Well, as you say, while you're gone, maybe the vet and staff will be able to do some other things for him that you wouldn't be able to do. Besides that, I'm sure you could use a break by now. Barney is just short of thriving thanx to you so you deserve a little time off w/family. The usual prayers and (((HUGS))) are headed your way.

Ahh yes, Sir Barney is a very distinguished fellow and enjoys music, long walks on the beach and videos about frogs and lizards. Okay, maybe not THAT distinguished! LOL

kb2yjx wrote:

Was Scott playing Mozart??? Glad to hear Barney is happy spending time with you and Scott!

No, lol, but he is trying to learn Mozart. He said it's pretty tough. But he did play Barney some of his regular tunes and some christmas music.

This is a video that I posted last christmas when Scott was playing the piano and our cat Paddy was intently listening. We had adopted Paddy just a few months before so we were so glad to see that he was fitting in so nicely with us.

Thanks Krazyaboutkatz, rc_girlca and KittyKatharine for your posts too.

[Purr-tender]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Scott playing the piano. I was disappointed that the video didn't last longer.
Your Paddy is one big cat! My Punkin is a little bigger than him. How much does he weigh? Punkin is around 20+ lbs. He's only 2 and looks like a kitty weight lifter

Mary

[Emeraldgreen]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Scott playing the piano. I was disappointed that the video didn't last longer.
Your Paddy is one big cat! My Punkin is a little bigger than him. How much does he weigh? Punkin is around 20+ lbs. He's only 2 and looks like a kitty weight lifter
Mary

Yes, Paddy is big. I haven't weighed him recently but I think he is about 22 pounds or so. We don't free feed him but it remains a struggle to keep his weight down. We continue to work on it though.

Thanks you guys for all your nice comments about my husband's music. He has been playing more than usual because of the holiday season so it has been nice for us.

Barney is doing fine. The bleeding stopped in his left ear and he continues to have an appetite. He still drinks a ton of water but he gets 10mg of pred per day which is alot and that in combination with his diabetes makes him a very thirsty guy.

The insulin injections are a million times better because now I give them to him as soon as I put his plate of wet food down. He is so into eating that he hardly notices the shot so it has been alot less stress for both of us this way.

Pomtzu's fabulous outdoor house for Sherbie got me thinking that I could put something similar together for Barney, but an indoor model. The temperature here has really dropped and it is COLD! Our pond is freezing over. We are supposed to have this coldsnap last well into next week and the little heater in the shop isn't big enough to deal with this kind of cold. It takes the edge off but that's about it. So we've been plugging an oil heater in during the day and then plug the fan heater on during the night. We can't have both on at the same time because it is too much of a power drain for the electrical set up in there.
I went through some boxes out there and found a hotwater bottle that is inside of a teddy bear stuffie that I had completely forgotten about. I filled it up with hot water and put it in with Barney to help keep him cozy. In the pics below, you can see Sneakers sniffing it to make sure it is 'okay' to give to Barney. After it passed inspection, out to the shop it went!





Randi wrote:

Lara, I hope you're enjoying your little road trip, you certainly deserve it. I'm sure Barney is in good hands at the vets - it's so good to know that they love him too. Of course, I hope for a miracle so taht Barney will be able to get better again, but for now, he gets all the love and warmth he needs.
Thanks for posting the piano video, I really enjoyed the music - and so did Fister. I'm thinking of Barney and sending him lots of positive thoughts and kisses.

Thanks Randi, we've cancelled our trip for now due to the weather. We were headed up North and the expected temps up there were supposed to be -35 and not so great road conditions. So we're staying put and keeping the house warm and cozy for the furballs. Barney will continue to get fireside visits and hopefully this arctic blast moves on and we can get back to our usual rainy, regular cold weather. LOL

Here is Barney's latest video:

[Moesha]

What a nice update! Barney looked more interested in the camera than in the hot water bottle bear. Maybe he'll get used to that. Does he seem to notice his movies? Thanks for the update, and I hope that you and the inside crew are staying as snuggly as can be also!

[Emeraldgreen]

What a nice update! Barney looked more interested in the camera than in the hot water bottle bear. Maybe he'll get used to that. Does he seem to notice his movies? Thanks for the update, and I hope that you and the inside crew are staying as snuggly as can be also!

I don't think he notices the movies one bit! LOL I think they are more for me to feel like it's not so boring in there. Who knows though, maybe he watches them when I'm not in there.

Medusa wrote:

Oh Barney, I missed your sweet face and those little paws. I had Barney withdrawal! I'm so glad to get my fix and now I'm as good as new. Hopefully, you'll be as good as new soon, too. More (((HUGS))) to you are on the way, Lara, and lots of gentle pets for Barney.

That makes me your Barney supplier! LOL I promise, I'll never make you go cold turkey! Just down to around once a week these days. lol Thanks Mary

rg_girlca wrote:

I don't know if it's just me, or the upcoming Holidays, or the weather in general, but I just can't help tearing up whenever I read or see video's of our precious, precious Barney. I'm sure he would be dead by now if it wasn't for Angela and you taking him in. I know that whatever time God will allow him to have, he is not suffering and knows what love and care finally is. I can see the love in his sweet face when he looks up at you.
I can't say it enough times, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for caring for this adorable boy. I'm also sorry that you had to cancel your trip. You surely deserved a little time off for everything you are doing and are continuing to do for Barney. You are truly his Guardian Angel.
Please give Barney some scritchies and a loving kiss from me. What I wouldn't do to give these to him in person.

Thank you for your kind post. He has that effect on me too but I'm toughening up a little bit because I have to see that little grumpy face everyday. lol

To be honest, I'm SO GLAD or trip was cancelled! I wanted to see my inlaws but not in this weather. Hopefully next month will be better. Plus, I don't know how long Barney has and I didn't want to give up 4 days with him.

p.s. Thank you for rescuining Minou from the cold!

Pomtzu wrote:

I love reading Barney's updates, and seeing his pics and videos. He seems to be more alert and animated than in previous ones - that's a good sign!!! And I'm so glad that Sherbie's house inspired the one you have made for Barney. It looks really cozy and I imagine that Barney is enjoying it to the fullest! Sherb is definitely enjoying his. My only regret is that I didn't make him one sooner - but he's making up for lost time.
Again - I thank you sooo much for all that you are doing for this special little guy. Every day that he survives, is because of your love and caring. Indeed, he is blessed to have you there for him!

I'm glad he looks more lively. Some days are better than others and today is one of them.
I just love Sherbie's house, you did a GREAT job on it! He must be so relaxed in there and probably feels so safe and cozy. And when the dryer vent is going, it must be Heaven!
I know what you mean about wishing you'd done something sooner. I wish I had found Barney earlier but as someone mentioned in this thread at some point, animals live in the moment and Sherbie and Barney are doing just that.

Phesina wrote:

Prayers for Barney and for all of you. God bless you all. Much love and good wishes to you. Pat

Thank you so much Pat.


Mini update:
Well...the little stinker hasn't stepped foot in his new house!!
I snuck in, which is easy to do since he can't hear me and took two pics. I'm hoping by the time I go out there to tuck him in, he will be in there.

[Randi]

Sorry you had to cancel your trip, Lara - but then, I'm happy you're staying home with Barney, he obviously loves you.

It's a nice house you made for him, and I'm sure as soon as you leave, he'll be in there. That teddy with the hot water bottle is a brilliant idea, he will soon find out how warm and cosy it is to lay on. Barney has been living outside for a long time, so he may not feel the cold as bad as an indoor cat, but I hope your weather won't get too cold.

I enjoyed the video, you can see that he is definately more interested in your love and care than anything else.

Give him some more kisses from me, please!

[Medusa]

Oh Barney, I missed your sweet face and those little paws. I had Barney withdrawal! I'm so glad to get my fix and now I'm as good as new. Hopefully, you'll be as good as new soon, too. More (((HUGS))) to you are on the way, Lara, and lots of gentle pets for Barney.

[rg_girlca]

I don't know if it's just me, or the upcoming Holidays, or the weather in general, but I just can't help tearing up whenever I read or see video's of our precious, precious Barney. I'm sure he would be dead by now if it wasn't for Angela and you taking him in. I know that whatever time God will allow him to have, he is not suffering and knows what love and care finally is. I can see the love in his sweet face when he looks up at you.

I can't say it enough times, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for caring for this adorable boy. I'm also sorry that you had to cancel your trip. You surely deserved a little time off for everything you are doing and are continuing to do for Barney. You are truly his Guardian Angel.

Please give Barney some scritchies and a loving kiss from me. What I wouldn't do to give these to him in person.

[Medusa]

I don't know if it's just me, or the upcoming Holidays, or the weather in general, but I just can't help tearing up whenever I read or see video's of our precious, precious Barney. I'm sure he would be dead by now if it wasn't for Angela and you taking him in. I know that whatever time God will allow him to have, he is not suffering and knows what love and care finally is. I can see the love in his sweet face when he looks up at you.

I can't say it enough times, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for caring for this adorable boy. I'm also sorry that you had to cancel your trip. You surely deserved a little time off for everything you are doing and are continuing to do for Barney. You are truly his Guardian Angel.

Please give Barney some scritchies and a loving kiss from me. What I wouldn't do to give these to him in person.

I second that emotion.

[pomtzu]

I love reading Barney's updates, and seeing his pics and videos. He seems to be more alert and animated than in previous ones - that's a good sign!!! And I'm so glad that Sherbie's house inspired the one you have made for Barney. It looks really cozy and I imagine that Barney is enjoying it to the fullest! Sherb is definitely enjoying his. My only regret is that I didn't make him one sooner - but he's making up for lost time.
Again - I thank you sooo much for all that you are doing for this special little guy. Every day that he survives, is because of your love and caring. Indeed, he is blessed to have you there for him!

[kittykatharine]

Your husband is great at playing the piano... such talent. Puddy seemed to really enjoy the beautiful music! I can see why Barney would enjoy it so.... I LOVE big kitty's and I really just wanted to hug Puddy!

[kb2yjx]

The Clan and I thank you for the video of Scott playing the piano!!! The cats were rather interested!!!!!!!