My Jasper Is Home, My Jasper Is Home!!!

[aly]

My mouth has been wide open for 5 minutes. The tears are just flowing now. I can't even express to you how happy I am. I don't frequent the cat side of Pet Talk because I usually don't have enough time. I check occasionally and I knew about Jasper being missing. I always felt so bad but I always had some kind of feeling that he would come home. I remember wondering if he would get along with Eli. You are the best mom for not giving up on your baby. I'm sure Jasper is so happy to be back in your loving family. I just can't tell you how happy this makes me. I had such a hard, sad day at the shelter and also not having my foster baby anymore... and I get to come home and read this. This is the absolute best story I've heard here at Pet Talk. I agree that it should be published in a book. It is stories like this that fuel me to get me through the emotionally hard times of rescue and shelter work. Jasper had an angel watching over him. I can't even imagine going through what you went through for three months. You stayed strong and brave and it paid off. You are Jasper are destined to be together for the rest of his life. Words just cannot express how glad I am you two found each other again.

P.S. I'm going to try to keep up with the cat posts too. I can't miss out on stuff like this!

[aly]

Yes.. thanks for reminding me. I am trying to get in the habit of doing that. That will help a lot actually

[Helen]

Absolutely brilliant for you! It just shows how we should never give up hope. Have a lovely weekend!

------------------
Helen

[Jasper's Mom]

Overwhelmed is not even a word that adequately expresses my feelings when I came on tonight. In a fog from a long afternoon and evening of sleep, I read each post over and over, drinking in the loving, caring compassion coming from all of you about my Jasper's return. Today I mentioned to a couple people that he was home again, and one said, "Yeah" and the second person actually told me I was spending too much time on this "cat stuff". I thought oops, guess it means more to me than others. Sooo...I was unprepared for your extraordinary love and good wishes that have flowed in streams through my screen to Jasper and me. I am in tears again. You are all so precious, sweet and kind hearted, understanding and knowing how I really have felt and feel now with his return. So many are sharing my deep feelings of joy and wonder at his return, true caring people, loving furbabies like I do. I'm not alone in my tearful joy. You understand. So many have shared the same loss, grief and pain. Thank you for caring, for sharing your feelings with me, and most of all, thank you for your prayers. You must always keep in mind that your prayers helped to bring Jasper home. Not only did he have an angel looking out for him, he had all of you for his guardian angels too. Our prayers are answered, he is home, he is home, I missed him so much.

After two restless nights, and up early to drop him off at the vet, I was so tired, but kept really busy so I didn't think of him...but it didn't work. They said at first that they might have to give him IV fluids and observe him overnight, but he improved some while there and no fluids were needed. I got a call in late afternoon that he could come home.

They said he is Feline HIV and Leukemia free. No Upper Respiratory problems. Other blood work was sent to a lab. For his kidneys, diseases from cat fights and other things. Results tomorrow. My vet said his facial cut and neck injuries are definitely from fighting, maybe for his life. He got a flea dose as he had a couple fleas. Being so dark they are hard to see but he is scratching some. So far no fleas in my bed.

Jasper was classified as "dull" in his responses to the vet. He never cried once while he was there. This is not his usual self. He has lost more than 2 lbs, a lot for a guy who only weighed 11.7 lbs to begin with. Other than being extremely thin, he has a broken tooth, but it's not giving him any pain and should be fine.

He is due for his yearly vaccinations in July, and the vet said absolutely none for now. He needs time to recover, and it would be hard on him right now and also not be effective. He is to be isolated for another 48 hrs before saying hello to his brothers so he can gain more strength. They said he would not have lasted another month out on his own. Big sign of relief tonight. Fingers crossed, prayers said for his lab results tomorrow.

When I picked Jasper up he was very quiet. Another man in the waiting room was bringing in a cat he had trapped. Very pretty light creme color and soft striping. He quietly admitted he feeds feral cats and brought this one in because it seems sweet and tame, although sick, and hopefully has an owner somewhere. So many caring cat lovers I run into every day, trying to help the helpless. But they are not the norm. He said at the site where he feeds cats, he found a man and his child throwing rocks at the cats. He asked him what he was doing and the response was, oh nothing, we're just throwing rocks at the cats. He blew up at them, and said he would like to have thrown rocks at the father. What a thing to teach your child. And I am thinking now,
I know where there are a lot of people out of the norm, loving animals, at PET TALK, Yeah!

As soon as I stopped the car, Jasper started crying and crying and bumping around in his crate. Sandy happily greeted him at the door and I took him to Moses to say hi. Jasper was quiet but Moses was so excited and wanted a closer look. I placed his carrier in front of the kitty condo, where Eli spends time when I'm gone or asleep, and Eli came to the door, so quiet, just watching and curious. Jasper kept on crying the low cry of "Out, please!". When I had put Eli's brother in the same spot when he stayed here for a while before his new home, Eli hissed and growled at him. He did not respond the same to Jasper. Hope for a good friendship?? We'll see sometime late Saturday. I can hardly wait.

If anyone has not had their pet microchipped yet, please get it done as soon as you can. If it wasn't for the microchip, he would probably have been put to sleep already, and I would never, ever have known. You don't want that pain. Do it, please, just in case.

In my room all he wanted was food, food, food, although they said he ate while at the vet. Starving guy. Amazingly, his gobbling has slowed down tonight. He is leveling out, maybe realizing that food will always be here, because this is home.

He seems to be telling me he's going to be ok. He says he didn't know how good he had it until mommy and home were gone and he was lost and no one was nice to him, and those other cats hated him too. He was so scared and lonely. He says, I love you Mommy, love me some more. He says he likes freedom outside but likes home, food and loving even better. He cuddled with me after he ate, and we both fell asleep for hours. Tonight he is relaxed, calm and not as frantic for attention as before. But he still often reaches for me, stretched out, standing on the floor on his hind legs, or lying in bed, touching me with his paw, talking to me. Mommy, I'm home, love me some more. While we slept, he stuck right next to me, and I often roused with the kneading he did on my bare legs and arms and through my clothes. I just smiled and drifted off again, loving it.

Jasper's purr machine has always had a low volume level, but when he crawls up to my face, rubbing me and meowing, I only have to touch him and I feel his happiness vibrating strongly. He is totally ignoring his new collar, something he normally would have fought to take off instantly. Maybe he feels his bell is his badge of courage for fighting the fight for life and surviving. I have a form to get Eli a tiny name tag, and now Jasper will get one too. Wish we had the great pet stores you have there, like PetSmart (is that right?). I see ads on tv but they haven't crossed the big ocean yet. They show products for sale and a cute one with someone taking home a young dog, and first thing it wets on the floor, tears up his cds, the couch, the curtains, and then, PetSmart to the rescue with training classes.

I will try kitten food for Jasper and the cream cheese. I know he'll like that. Boy, if he gets too spoiled I'll have to feed him gourmet food the rest of his life. When he has his 6th birthday in August, I will surely celebrate this year. Maybe a tuna or salmon birthday cake with cream cheese frosting??

My son bought me a new digital camera a couple weeks ago to use for pet pictures so I can post them. I have no idea how to use it yet, but I will figure it out. I have a printer/scanner but can't put regular photos through it. A flat scanner also, not hooked up. I'm going to get this all set up and try to get it going so everyone can see Jasper, before, after coming home, and well again, and the rest of his furbrothers. But not me, ugh!! I so enjoy all the pictures everyone shares and have been jealous I'm computer stupid and haven't figured it out yet. Now I have an important reason to get going.

Jasper is still not a lap kitty, but now is my "chest kitty". He wants my attention and I have just given him a spoonful of vanilla ice cream to keep him busy. Oops, it's gone.

Submit to pet stories, Chicken Soup for the Soul series, wow, that's a stretch for me. I partially wrote a story about a dog I rescued years ago, but thought no one would be interested. I never thought of Jasper's story. I have to think on that one. Do they take long manuscripts. I know, only short stories. Thank you for saying all the nice things, for this isn't really a story, but Jasper's This Is Your Life.

Tomorrow I am going to make up thank you flyers for my neighbor's mailboxes and to post on poles near apartment buildings where people who called me live. So many were supportive and searching for him. I will then make a different poster to put on poles in Hawaii Kai, on the street where he was found, thanking the person who turned him in. And write to a couple columns that accept good samaritian letters. Like my need to search in every corner for Jasper, I need to thank his rescurer (whether they meant good or bad for him) and get the word out of lost pets so more will be educated. Turn the bad into good.

Thank you all for your prayers, tears and words of affection for my Jasper. My heart is warm and light again with him home and with your warm WELCOME HOME messages. Truly, this has been a time of suffering, for Jasper in his struggle to survive, and for me in my search for him and education of the perils and concerns for feral and lost cats all around me. The physical, emotional and financial pains of what has happened, just for revenge, should be a lesson for all. But who will learn, only those who already have gotten this message. Those that need to learn and know will continue to abuse the precious animals arond them. Jasper is home, my family is all together again, but I will continue to help cats lonely and lost. For Jasper.

Thank you all, my dear friends,
Jasper's Mom

[Gio]

Thanks for the update, I am so happy that Jasper did not catch anything horrible when he was out there.

I can't wait to see the pictures...

Take care
Gio

[bugmom]

Tissue! i need a tissue!! I am soooo very glad that Jasper is home and safe and purring with you again. I know first hand how it feels to have a cat dissappear (after 5years mine still hasn't return - but i keep hoping!) Oh you must be soooo full of every feeling....and fur up to nose it sounds like!
I can't believe i missed this yesterday! this is just tooooo great. i'm gusshing nonsense now i'm sure but i'm just so happy for you!! Give Jasper headbutts from us! and a gentle ear skretch too... oh gosh more tissue!!!!!

[AmberLee]

I'm 'crying for happy' all over again. So glad the results are so good so far.

Cassy was chipped in kittenhood (as was his rainbow bridge brother, Sassy). I've got an appointment for Olivia upcoming, just couldn't afford it when I got her at tax time. Thanks for the reminder.

So glad your Jasper is home and healthy.

[RachelJ]

Just found this post. Karen mentioned in one of the posts on the Dog Board that Jasper was home and I couldn't believe it was true, came running over here lickity split. Prayers are answered. This is so wonderful. You need to direct the Dog People over here as I think there might be others who missed this news, and this is Not news to miss.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Jasper's mom: I want to let you know that every time I read only the topic: My Jasper Is Home, My Jasper Is Home!!! I shed tears. I have already told you once before, but my gosh am I so touched by this whole topic and I feel honored to know about such a perfect story as this one. And there is so emotion in just the topic title that even without opening it up and reading all of the posts I get teary eyed and I start sniffling and smiling at the same time. Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the reunion story and I think you should think about submitting it to one of the "Chicken Soup" books. I am so glad Jasper made it out OK at the vet office. An absolutely perfect happy ending snif snif

[Jasper's Mom]

After a nervous wait, my vet finally called with good news. Jasper's lab results came out just fine. The only thing of significance is a spiked enzyme level that suggests soft tissue damage, usually she said, the result of getting hit by a car. It is possible he had been hit although she said the rest of his face and right eye are fine. He also shows high levels suggesting he is suffering from what is referred to as post traumatic stress. It also manifests itself in his dull or depressed demeanor and his occasional staring into space, looking like he is far off deep in thought. It might also be from the damage to the right side of his face but she doesn't think so. She feels with time and TLC he will bounce back. She recommends slow introductions back into the family and quiet time in my room.

Today Jasper is very quiet, and not as much staring into space. Still wants lots of contact, but has stopped the crying and crying for it. His hoarse voice is back to his sweet soft mews, as he talks to me. As I softly whisper his name, he leans into me, showing how happy he is to hear my voice speak his name once again.

Jasper's vet (for cats only) mentioned that in her experience, it isn't often that lost cats return home after a long period. She only had one other return after a six month period, again a disappearance from one area and a find in a distant area. She remembers Jasper coming in as a tiny kitten with his tail stripped of skin and fur, and was the one to give him his 1" stub tail. I told her it was his most outstanding physical feature and the one that assured me it was truly him.

I mentioned to the vet that I knew some really wonderful and kind people with lots of furbabies on Pet of the Day, and how understanding, helpful and supportive everyone has been from the time of his disappearance through the long search. I told of your blessings and prayers and joyful messages upon his return. She was really interested and thinks all of you on Pet Talk are GREAT!

But the word is, never give up. Look at the cat who was found in Portland, Oregon, after being lost for years. Now that was extra-ordinary. Not sure where to find it again, maybe someone else does in case newcomers would like to read it.

Don't we all wish cats (and dogs) could talk??!!

Thanks all you PetoftheDay/PetTalk moms and dads, for being there for me,
Jasper's Mom

[This message has been edited by Jasper's Mom (edited June 16, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Jasper's Mom (edited June 16, 2001).]

[Daisy's Mom]

Okay I know I am a "Dog Board" person but I just had to say I am glad Jasper is home and okay! Welcome home Jasper!!!

[Freckles]

Karen, you should reread:
Cats, General, Never lose Hope - Cat found 9 years later. The link to the original story no longer works, but there are some new posts there!

[This message has been edited by Freckles (edited June 16, 2001).]

[tatsxxx11]

I can't believe it. No, I can. OMG! OMG! Crying, crying crying! Oh, what joy!!! A miracle! Oh Jasper, Jasper, Jasper. Brave, beautiful Jasper Boy! Oh, thank God. Oh how happy, how shocked how exhausted you all must be! Oh, Japser, Welcome Home! Finally a wonderfully, incredibly, magnificently happy ending! I can't talk. Oh, how wonderful. Heal well Jasper. Your mama's there to keep you safe and loved FOREVER! We ALL love you. I couldn't be happier for you all! YEAH!!!!!! Miracles do happen! Love to all of you....Sandra

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited June 17, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited June 17, 2001).]

[wolflady]

LOL LOL tats, once again you say exactly what I am feeling!! I was so happy to see that Jasper made it home! I've been away from Pet Talk a lot lately due to work, so I've missed a lot of the goings on! This was truely a blessing and such a happy ending! I'm so glad for that! Many many hugs to Jasper and his mom and everyone here on Pet Talk! Prayers have been answered, and the support of wonderful people is truely a blessing in and of itself. Now, if only Jasper could talk and tell his tale to the rest of us about when he'd been doing all that time.....???!!!

[thelmalu99]

Oh my gosh, I just wanted to say that I'm sooooo happy that you have your Jasper back! Poor baby! I can't stop the tears! I can't believe I didn't see this post before!
Welcome home Jasper!
I'm so happy for you!!