And Sometimes It Is A Pile Of Poop...

I know that there are a few people that have been following my kitten story and ask about them from time to time. I do not have good news for you today. It seems as if all the kittens have the FELV virus and this afternoon I had to put Cassandra to sleep (thank you Julia for being there with her when I could not) Two of the other kittens are not doing well and the third is not as healthy as he should be. I was told to expect the worst and I have though I am armed with and arsenal of Pedialyte, vitamins, pumpkin, a sock full of rice and a host of other things that could help. I won't give up as long as they do not (or are suffering)

I have great friends in Sara Inc and without them I don't know what I would do. I owe you all big time and I have ideas on how to pay it forward but in the meantime if anyone would like to make a donation (or even better adopt) then visit their site and open your home to what will become a part of the family

It is funny how something that has come into your life for such a minute amount of time can make such and emotional impact on you but these little guys did. I know I did all I could, I know that it would have been worse if they were out on the streets but I do feel helpless and sad because they are so little and young. It isn't easy but I would have done it again if I had to.

I am not sure who in the cosmic universe thought it was a good idea to give a clinically depressed animal lover a litter of sick kittens but when I meet the one responsible I am going to hurt him/her badly.

Goodbye little Cassy

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Usquequaque Prosum

Usquequaque Prosum, I recently learned this phrase while working on a freelance job. Usquequaque Prosum means, if loosely, "Always Do Good"

Now anyone that knows me knows how much I love animals and there must be a cosmic sign over my home that only animals can read and it says I am a safe haven.

For about a week I have seen a beautiful orange and white tabby, rather young and very elusive and it wasn't until 2 days ago I understood why.

I had begun the task of yard work after not being able to get outside because of the weather or other engagements. Against my house was a bunch of tall weeds that have taken root in the spring. I have an old picnic table that houses my container garden up against the house and below it is a basement window-well...and well that is when I came across this:

Yup 5 of them all tucked away next to the window shielded from the elements by the well cover and safely under the table, perfect spot. I certainly do not need any more animals as I have 6 cats of my own but if I do not do something now these little guys will reproduce and become an even bigger problem so guess who has a litter of kittens for a while? Now of course I wouldn't let mom stay out there making more kittens so out came the Have-A-Heart trap and within an hour she too was caught.

Thankfully I have friends that volunteer for S.A.R.A. a wonderful rescue and they have been giving me guidance, lent me a cage for mom and a lot of other help. I never had baby kittens before as all my cats were young adults when they adopted me so this is certainly a learning experience and I am a nervous new mommy.

Since this is kitten season and they are so overwhelmed I will be taking care of these guys until they can be checked and fixed as well as their mom. Hopefully I can work with mom so she can be placed in a home. Right now she is feral and maybe with a little love and lots of patience I can turn her around...spaying might help too.

I have seemed to go off the subject of art which is the norm for this blog but animal welfare is very important to me and I wanted to share. Maybe it will inspire some of you to "Always Do Good" in whatever is close to your heart.


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Penelope - The Lucky Black Cat

Penelope is one of my cats, or should I say I am her human. I wasn't inspired to paint today but out of the corner of my eye I caught Penelope staring at me. Although she does this often (which means she is looking for a way to get on my lap without being noticed) this time I grabbed my pencil and sketched her before she had that chance. I don't normally paint or sketch without a photo because for me it is easier when something doesn't move around. I gave it a try though and it sort of looks like her, not too bad for a first shot.

While I did manage to get the sketch almost completed before she moved in, the remainder of the painting was completed with her purring contentedly on my lap.

to be continued...

Inspirational Cats

I have always been a cat lover. Cats sometimes get a bad rap for being aloof, self-absorbed and uncongenial. Perhaps what draws me to them is not the coldness some people seem to think they portray but the inner kindness and regality.

Anyone who has a cat that owns them can tell you they can be as affectionate, loyal and loving as any dog. Having suffered from severe clinical depression for the past few years of my life I can tell you they have pulled me out of some very dark places. Always by my side and understanding even without saying a word. I owe a lot to them. You are blessed if you are loved by a cat

Their lines are sleek and their demeanor mysterious. It is no wonder that cats have inspired great works of literature, art, songs and poetry. It is no exception in my work either. Having 6 cats I am never at a loss for subjects even if I am not in need of one they manage to make themselves known.