It occured to me when I ran into this headline, how easy fear can be used as a tool, and fear, when funds are low, and bombs are scarce, is just as easy a WMD.
"Thousands of pilgrims panicked by false rumors of a bomb stampeded at a Hindu temple in western India on Tuesday, killing at least 168 people in the crush to escape, officials said.
More than 12,000 people gathered at the temple at dawn to celebrate a Hindu festival in the historic city of Jodhpur when the stampede occurred early Tuesday morning.
The temple floors were slick with coconut milk as thousands of devotees broke coconuts as religious offerings, causing pilgrims to slip and fall as they scrambled to escape, said Ramesh Vyas, a pilgrim who was standing in line."
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Newman and Reflections on a Funeral
Another passing that is certainly being felt by a great many people...
Great video of Paul Newman speaking about the education that was obtained at Kenyon (My Alma Mater) and all things honorable http://www.kenyon.edu/x42610.xml
...if we had more selfless and innovative, forward thinking people...the world MIGHT be a better place. Said best from his daughter, ask yourself, What Would Paul Newman Do? http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=9940819&ch=4226715&src=news
It's seems appropriate that in the wake of all the tributes and memorials it seems appropriate to add my recent observations from a friends mom's memorial....the humor cuts the heart in a way for anyone to lose someone that has such a positive influence on oneself and whose imfluence by the turn out and emotion in the church clearly impacted many.
I've been to many "celebrations of life" which are always packed with videos and songs, and a tribute to the passed in a very....broadway kind of way....I gues this comes from knowing lots of theatre people who die way too soon and it's just too painful to drape "the end" in the dark finality of a true memorial service. Although the celebration of life I think is a very valid way to do just that, celebrate their life, I've never personally been so convinced its always the best way to deal and cope with the actual death. That being said, I have less issue with death than many so I kind of am one of the exceptions to the rule. On this particular occasion this was a church and not a theatre, and though there were a few smiles, and a few songs, their was definately a difficult air of loss everyone couldn't help but acknowledge hanging about the short service.
Observation 1. I'm spiritual but not religious and I always have a challenge keeping my eyes from rolling when religion becomes the answer to all things. Across the front of the church in giant letters was "With God All Things Are Possible" Mathew something something. I of course read With DOG All Things Are Possible. This made much more sense to me. But you can't knock what gives people comfort, and actually the quote of a bible passage, or a hymn is actually comforting to me, NOT becuase I know that the afterlife is indeed a life, but becuase it immediately takes the emotion OUT of it for some reason. This warrant more study, as I wonder what I'm reacting to and why.
Observation 2. Color is the new black. I'm not sure when the trend changed, but many people at this service were in colors. Not like what I wear should be how I honor those that passed, but I'm not sure when people decided to not put thought into the whole respectiful black or dark colored attire.
Observation 3. I remember one of the reasons I don't like church. There's no clapping in Church. When someone speaks well, or sings through tears (more on that later) my hands would like to honor them by clapping. But you can't do this in church. And I still don't know why the poetry about someone's life when so aptly captured can not be acknowledged through applause. Let everyone know that there should be plenty of clapping insupport of everyone who is articulate at my funeral.
Observation 4. I always was amazed on American Idol that they vote you off and then make you sing. You are faced with being the most sucky that week, and losing your chance and fame and fortune and then you have to turn around and remember lyrics and sing on cue. This would be hell for me. Well that and door to door sales in someplace cold, but singing through tears would be a close second. So you can imagine if you have lost a close friend and fellow church memeber how difficult it would be to do them the honor of singing for them. And yet it was done amazingly well. And again, I can't clap. I know, it's not about THEM, but their tribute was appropriate, and moving, and it helped me to get to know the deceased better by hearing that song, that way.
Observation 5. This was the first service where a song on piano was played instead of making a comment. Not a song on the program, but when the mic was being passed around for people to share their stories and comments, words failed and a song was played instead. Very interesting and very moving indeed.
Observation 6. If you are an emotional person, bring tissue to a memorial service. No naming names here, but even I, the cold heartless bitch, knows to bring tissue just in case. I supplied additional people who were not prepared with tissue. Silly Rabbits.
Observation 7. A flask will always make it to a service. Always. I was amused, though not at all surprised to see a few familiar faces toasting to loved one, and taking a bit of the edge of an emotional week.
And there you have it. Goodbyes all around...and more to come I fear before the year is out. Be careful out there, and be good to each other!
Great video of Paul Newman speaking about the education that was obtained at Kenyon (My Alma Mater) and all things honorable http://www.kenyon.edu/x42610.xml
...if we had more selfless and innovative, forward thinking people...the world MIGHT be a better place. Said best from his daughter, ask yourself, What Would Paul Newman Do? http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=9940819&ch=4226715&src=news
It's seems appropriate that in the wake of all the tributes and memorials it seems appropriate to add my recent observations from a friends mom's memorial....the humor cuts the heart in a way for anyone to lose someone that has such a positive influence on oneself and whose imfluence by the turn out and emotion in the church clearly impacted many.
I've been to many "celebrations of life" which are always packed with videos and songs, and a tribute to the passed in a very....broadway kind of way....I gues this comes from knowing lots of theatre people who die way too soon and it's just too painful to drape "the end" in the dark finality of a true memorial service. Although the celebration of life I think is a very valid way to do just that, celebrate their life, I've never personally been so convinced its always the best way to deal and cope with the actual death. That being said, I have less issue with death than many so I kind of am one of the exceptions to the rule. On this particular occasion this was a church and not a theatre, and though there were a few smiles, and a few songs, their was definately a difficult air of loss everyone couldn't help but acknowledge hanging about the short service.
Observation 1. I'm spiritual but not religious and I always have a challenge keeping my eyes from rolling when religion becomes the answer to all things. Across the front of the church in giant letters was "With God All Things Are Possible" Mathew something something. I of course read With DOG All Things Are Possible. This made much more sense to me. But you can't knock what gives people comfort, and actually the quote of a bible passage, or a hymn is actually comforting to me, NOT becuase I know that the afterlife is indeed a life, but becuase it immediately takes the emotion OUT of it for some reason. This warrant more study, as I wonder what I'm reacting to and why.
Observation 2. Color is the new black. I'm not sure when the trend changed, but many people at this service were in colors. Not like what I wear should be how I honor those that passed, but I'm not sure when people decided to not put thought into the whole respectiful black or dark colored attire.
Observation 3. I remember one of the reasons I don't like church. There's no clapping in Church. When someone speaks well, or sings through tears (more on that later) my hands would like to honor them by clapping. But you can't do this in church. And I still don't know why the poetry about someone's life when so aptly captured can not be acknowledged through applause. Let everyone know that there should be plenty of clapping insupport of everyone who is articulate at my funeral.
Observation 4. I always was amazed on American Idol that they vote you off and then make you sing. You are faced with being the most sucky that week, and losing your chance and fame and fortune and then you have to turn around and remember lyrics and sing on cue. This would be hell for me. Well that and door to door sales in someplace cold, but singing through tears would be a close second. So you can imagine if you have lost a close friend and fellow church memeber how difficult it would be to do them the honor of singing for them. And yet it was done amazingly well. And again, I can't clap. I know, it's not about THEM, but their tribute was appropriate, and moving, and it helped me to get to know the deceased better by hearing that song, that way.
Observation 5. This was the first service where a song on piano was played instead of making a comment. Not a song on the program, but when the mic was being passed around for people to share their stories and comments, words failed and a song was played instead. Very interesting and very moving indeed.
Observation 6. If you are an emotional person, bring tissue to a memorial service. No naming names here, but even I, the cold heartless bitch, knows to bring tissue just in case. I supplied additional people who were not prepared with tissue. Silly Rabbits.
Observation 7. A flask will always make it to a service. Always. I was amused, though not at all surprised to see a few familiar faces toasting to loved one, and taking a bit of the edge of an emotional week.
And there you have it. Goodbyes all around...and more to come I fear before the year is out. Be careful out there, and be good to each other!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Money Talks
Flag Day closed to a great Saturday crowd of 32 (responsive and appreciative and our biggest audience of the run) and a sad crowd of 6 people on Sunday, one of whom walked out after about 20 minutes. We struck the set, including the 800 pound half of a car in just about 2 hours. I got my paycheck and as a new and spontaneous, just made up rule (for today anyway) I will be donating 10% of my theatre checks to worthy causes.
Today's causes... $25 went to Renegade Theatre Experiement. Their last show was really a good one, and it's nice to see them being smart and committed again to the cause which with dwindlig funds and volunteer support can be the death of a non-profit and too often is. Their theatre is interesting and compelling and has greatly improved since they took a break to regroup, and I like that they are doing more to consisitantly engage the renegade supporters.
$15 went to Planned Parenthood in honor of Sarah Palin. I received the following and thought it was a GREAT way to make a political statement without having to make a contribution to a specific political campaign.
Instead of sending around emails about how horrible she is, let's all make a donation to Planned Parenthood. In Sarah Palin's name. And here's the good part: when you make a donation to PP in her name, they'll send her a card telling her that the donation has been made in her honor. Here's the link to the Planned Parenthood website:
https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor
You'll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send the "in Sarah Palin's honor" card.
I suggest you use the address for the McCain campaign headquarters, which is:
McCain for President
1235 S. Clark Street
1st Floor
Arlington , VA 22202
PS make sure you use that link above or choose the pulldown of Donate--Honorary or Memorial Donations, not the regular "Donate Online"
I can only hope that she at least recycles the thousands of notifications that PPH will receive on her behalf. It's viral campagining at it's savviest. Can I get a woot woot!?
And finally $20 went to Women in Recovery. A fellow actress I have directed before is heavily involved with this chemical dependency recovery group and in liu of being able to go to what looks like a really fascinating interactive fundraiser on drugs and alchohol in film, I decided that since today was apparently a giving day, I would do so for this group.
On the Queenie front, her roundness is being much braver or more forgetfull or perhaps getting bored of the scenery in the bedroom. She will follow me to the kitchen in the morning, or explore the hallway until Lincoln rushes/slinks over to investigate at which point Queenie decides she's been brave enough for one day. Paxton makes me laugh because he literally could care less. He's so mellow when it comes to other cats, he just barely notices her, sniffs a bit, but often time she'll hiss and freak out or just stare at him and he'll do his best to fully ignore her. Given time I think Queenie would tolerate the boys just fine (she doesn't hide under the bed, and even after a run in with them, she's very content to put and be pet by me), but hopefully she will find a good home where she ran follow her human around without the nuissance of running into other cats.
The vet said I can't be in there for the appointment for her ultra sound, (sad) but maybe that is for the best. I know she is pretty laid back, but it might not be so pretty for her to be pinned down and jellied up and ultrasounded. If I'm squeamish about giving her a bath, I can't imagine I'd bee too keen on watching her be manhandled...
Watch a couple of films over the weekend as I tried to sleep and couldn't (SJ State is back in full swing and it's even louder on the street at night than normal). Made of Honor...pretty dresses and kilts and scenery, but trite fluff of a story and acting. A good no brainer, 2 1/2 RRD's for me.
Harold and Kumar Escape From guantanamo Bay. I suppose it was what was expected. Rauncy as all get out, and i laughed out loud exactly once when someone called someone else an anus. Anus is a really funny word. I'll no doubt use that one this week. All in all, a pathetic 1 RRD from me. I should have heeded the sign when my first copy of it wouldn't work and I exchanged it for another. I'll know next time. And Misconception. I think becuase I just don't have that baby biological clock thing going for me that I just wasn't feeling it, but the premise was unique (young woman finds out she has 1 egg left and 4 days to get pregnant so her friends devise all sorts of plans to try to get her to have sex with random people, all of which fail while her recently ex boyfriend, a babyphobe, who she was with for 6 years is all she really can think of) so it gets 2 1/2 RRD's. I just wish they would cast real British Actors in it instead of Heather Grahm....her talent is not so brilliant that we need her. She's now Gwyneth Paltrow or Rene Zellweger. Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is going well, still enjoying that...glad I don't have to wait to find out what happens on some of those cliff hanger episodes.
And there you have it..more soon...
Today's causes... $25 went to Renegade Theatre Experiement. Their last show was really a good one, and it's nice to see them being smart and committed again to the cause which with dwindlig funds and volunteer support can be the death of a non-profit and too often is. Their theatre is interesting and compelling and has greatly improved since they took a break to regroup, and I like that they are doing more to consisitantly engage the renegade supporters.
$15 went to Planned Parenthood in honor of Sarah Palin. I received the following and thought it was a GREAT way to make a political statement without having to make a contribution to a specific political campaign.
Instead of sending around emails about how horrible she is, let's all make a donation to Planned Parenthood. In Sarah Palin's name. And here's the good part: when you make a donation to PP in her name, they'll send her a card telling her that the donation has been made in her honor. Here's the link to the Planned Parenthood website:
https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor
You'll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send the "in Sarah Palin's honor" card.
I suggest you use the address for the McCain campaign headquarters, which is:
McCain for President
1235 S. Clark Street
1st Floor
Arlington , VA 22202
PS make sure you use that link above or choose the pulldown of Donate--Honorary or Memorial Donations, not the regular "Donate Online"
I can only hope that she at least recycles the thousands of notifications that PPH will receive on her behalf. It's viral campagining at it's savviest. Can I get a woot woot!?
And finally $20 went to Women in Recovery. A fellow actress I have directed before is heavily involved with this chemical dependency recovery group and in liu of being able to go to what looks like a really fascinating interactive fundraiser on drugs and alchohol in film, I decided that since today was apparently a giving day, I would do so for this group.
On the Queenie front, her roundness is being much braver or more forgetfull or perhaps getting bored of the scenery in the bedroom. She will follow me to the kitchen in the morning, or explore the hallway until Lincoln rushes/slinks over to investigate at which point Queenie decides she's been brave enough for one day. Paxton makes me laugh because he literally could care less. He's so mellow when it comes to other cats, he just barely notices her, sniffs a bit, but often time she'll hiss and freak out or just stare at him and he'll do his best to fully ignore her. Given time I think Queenie would tolerate the boys just fine (she doesn't hide under the bed, and even after a run in with them, she's very content to put and be pet by me), but hopefully she will find a good home where she ran follow her human around without the nuissance of running into other cats.
The vet said I can't be in there for the appointment for her ultra sound, (sad) but maybe that is for the best. I know she is pretty laid back, but it might not be so pretty for her to be pinned down and jellied up and ultrasounded. If I'm squeamish about giving her a bath, I can't imagine I'd bee too keen on watching her be manhandled...
Watch a couple of films over the weekend as I tried to sleep and couldn't (SJ State is back in full swing and it's even louder on the street at night than normal). Made of Honor...pretty dresses and kilts and scenery, but trite fluff of a story and acting. A good no brainer, 2 1/2 RRD's for me.
Harold and Kumar Escape From guantanamo Bay. I suppose it was what was expected. Rauncy as all get out, and i laughed out loud exactly once when someone called someone else an anus. Anus is a really funny word. I'll no doubt use that one this week. All in all, a pathetic 1 RRD from me. I should have heeded the sign when my first copy of it wouldn't work and I exchanged it for another. I'll know next time. And Misconception. I think becuase I just don't have that baby biological clock thing going for me that I just wasn't feeling it, but the premise was unique (young woman finds out she has 1 egg left and 4 days to get pregnant so her friends devise all sorts of plans to try to get her to have sex with random people, all of which fail while her recently ex boyfriend, a babyphobe, who she was with for 6 years is all she really can think of) so it gets 2 1/2 RRD's. I just wish they would cast real British Actors in it instead of Heather Grahm....her talent is not so brilliant that we need her. She's now Gwyneth Paltrow or Rene Zellweger. Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is going well, still enjoying that...glad I don't have to wait to find out what happens on some of those cliff hanger episodes.
And there you have it..more soon...
Friday, September 19, 2008
Black, White, and Cute All Over
First an update from two of my favorites places in the world. Safari West not only welcomed this adorable baby Giraffe this month, but introduced a Rhino pair named Fred and Ginger to the sanctuary. I can't wait to get back there, not only for all the animals, but for the most comfortable bed ever!
The news from my other favorite place the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not as good. The amazing Jellyfish exhibit closed last week. I still haven't had time to get the skinny on why, but it was one of my most favorite places in the world.
Flag Day closes this weekend and as I've mentioned audiences have been WAY small, but the talkbacks have been amazing. Really surprising, and moving, and educational in every way I had hoped. I had in interesting experience, with and interview done for a podcast in regards to a bit of table turning. You can listen to it for yourself, but I found myself irritated that I was referred to as the White Director, and my color was called out several times. Now as a discussion on race, sure, it's relevant to call this out I suppose, but it really irritated me that it felt used in a completey non-descriptive way. It felt like it was intentiallay used to single me out, or to put a negative spin or explain "bias." If I had said "my black actors are doing a great job. I think my black actors have really hit the nail on the head. I think that as a black actor etc etc etc" I would been attacked, but somehow the interviewer felt it was needed, or maybe that was a tactic. He also mentions that he thought I was intimidated by him. Now kids...honestly, does anything intimidate me? But he also spells my name wrong, so we take it all with a grain of salt. But it's an interesting interview on the fly regardless, and if you haven't already been to the show, it's certainly worth it for the discussion you will have afterwards.
Fly paper still exists in case you were wondering. I have this weird mini investation of little tiny fly/gnat things that are really annoying. Since I am against sprays in a big way, especially with cats about, I actually got fly paper. It's improving the situation, but i'd say its not all together eliminating the problem, and I do have to say I don't like gnat carcus strewn paper hanging about my kitchen, but you do what you gotta do. After 2 glasses of wine were spoilt with half a dozen little buggers diving in (lush!) I had to remedy the situation. I don't honestly know where they came from, though I did notice them pop up in really hot weather and after I received some orchids from Elaine for the Cat's Pajamas. Who knows. They REALLY like wine though...
Although it doesn't quite feel like autumn the pumpkin spice lattes are back and it's like a cup full of fall. So yumy. Bones are aching too, so the weather must be changing. It's beena hot and dry summer and I'm acutally looking forward to a clensing rain and a nip in the air. Cats are WAY snuggly too with each other and with me. That's a cute and furry thing. Speaking of which, Queenie has her ultrasound heart appointment on Tuesday so I'll have more on that. Apparently I have to drop her off so probably no video...but I'll ask anyway....
Jeep engine light went on again. Bummer. I'll take it in on Monday, which will get me up early and riding 6 miles on the bike which I look forward too. I've been racing around, not eating very well or often, and sleeping even worse, so some exercise and good old fashioned sweat will be nice. If only my ipod weren't busted. The Luxeries you get used to. Sigh.
The New facebook sucks. Bad move. Just as well though, big time suck on weekends instead of working. Speaking of which, I'll be going to my first work trip to the National Arts Marketing Conference in Houston in early November. Should be interesting. I heard a good speaker at a marketing workshop deal yesterday on You tube. Good stuff. I remember what an academic I am at heart. I love information, particuarly when explained well and presented by an engaging speaker. And when you don't get graded.
Designer runthrough tonight for what's going to be a great show, Over the River and Through the Woods! Opens in 3 weeks...
I've made friends for life in this cast of amazing, intelligent, lively people, as well as felt like I've gotten closer to a couple of friends that were already in my life. It's a good thing and I think it will show on stage. We eat a LOT during rehearsal too...everyone brings cookies, candy, and treats...it's a very maternal cast =]Anyway....Hope the weekend treats you well! Be safe!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Death in Numbers
Seems to be that time of year... several sad deaths in the extended family these days...
2 weeks age the mother of a swim team friend was hit by a drunk driver...
This week the mom of a close friend of my brothers passed of a heart attack...service next Friday in Palo Alto.
This is compounded by 2 dreams I've had about car accidents which I'm not sure is dues to Flag Day which certainly deals with a car accident victim, my own car engine light being on and slipping into my dreams, or maybe just that the street noise has seemed to be loud this week with SJ State back in session. No matter, I'm on alert...braced...bad things in threes and all....hoping my loved ones are safe.
Be careful out there....
2 weeks age the mother of a swim team friend was hit by a drunk driver...
This week the mom of a close friend of my brothers passed of a heart attack...service next Friday in Palo Alto.
This is compounded by 2 dreams I've had about car accidents which I'm not sure is dues to Flag Day which certainly deals with a car accident victim, my own car engine light being on and slipping into my dreams, or maybe just that the street noise has seemed to be loud this week with SJ State back in session. No matter, I'm on alert...braced...bad things in threes and all....hoping my loved ones are safe.
Be careful out there....
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Flag Day
The 1st review is in...fromthe metro.... I'd disagree with her on the comedy part, there were plenty of laughs, but yes, the topics are intended to make you think, and to certainly make you think if you DO laugh, what are you laughing AT.... certainly the rest of the audience, who were discussion at intermission and days afterward were impacted by the piece... I do wish MORE people would be in the audience....stilll..we are doing what we should..making people think.
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/09.10.08/stage-flag-0837.html
Come see it Sat or Sun this week or next. I'm not there on Fridays, but go see it anyway if you can't come Sat....really worth it to see ....
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/09.10.08/stage-flag-0837.html
Come see it Sat or Sun this week or next. I'm not there on Fridays, but go see it anyway if you can't come Sat....really worth it to see ....
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Her Royal Roundness....Phase 2...
So, I've just been given the green light to arrange another vet visit, with a specialist for the darling foster cat Queeny. It's one of the risks you take I suppose in rescue, that the information you have on the cat is correct, that the cat is healthy and that the cat will be adopted, but as I mentioned before if you don't take it, you won't even know. MCA has taken on 13 kittens who are getting close to the non kitten phase (4-5 months) which make them almost as difficult to adopt out cats over 6 with special needs. There were over a dozen of these cats being fostered by another group in such a way that we had to step in. Just sitting in cages, with no attention to medical visits, and no real exposure to people to actually get adopted. The bills for these kitties was a big undertaking, which is why we had to wait to see if Queeny was going to get round two or if we would pass this unknown issue of the heart murmur onto a kind soul who would adopt with the means to explore treatment. The Vet will call in a cardiologist specialist for the ultasond and if I am aloud to video it I will. Until then, here is a peek at why we are going the extra mile for this sweetie. For a Queen she is certainly low maintenance. I'll also try to get a couple shots of Paxton and Lincoln's exploration as they SLOWLY are introduced to her. Prior to her vet visit next week sometime she will get a bath, a task I'm not looking forward to but I will be getting assistance from an expert (and will get video of that as well.)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Her Roundness' Vet Visit... Step 2 in the Adoption Process
So a trip the the vet. As I walked in a man was surrendering two kittens, maybe 8 weeks old, so CUTE, the vet tech had both of them just sitting on her chest/neck. Otherwise a small quiet office. Queenie was good, didn't meow, was content to just sit in her carrier until they were ready for her.
The good news: She was a total PRO, not at all phased by having her belly shaved to see her spaying scar, having her sanitary clip/trim done (think brazillian for kitties that are very fluffy so they are kept, uh...clean down there) , her nails clipped, and didn't peep at all when given her shots. No struggling at all and the 3 nurses that were handling her all commented she was very cool. I do not think this cat is unused to being handled a lot. She's just super mellow and trusting, not skittish at all. And round, did I mention ROUND. Cracks me up. No mites, no evidence of tapeworm, and the IH FELV/FIV test came back negative. They drew blood for a full function screening to make sure liver, kidneys and all her bits are working well.
The not as good news is, they feel she is closer to 9-10 years old not 6 due to some significant tartar build up on her teeth (which can be cleaned relatively easy, with out sedation even later on if need be) , and a random cyst on her head. It's not itchy, or painful to the touch and without testing it we wouldn't obviously know if it's something that would need to be removed. We can decide if that needs pursuing after we get the blood work back, they can take a needle sample of it to find out if it's something dangerous or not. Dogs and people get them when they get older, so it could be just a bump and she could have been born with it.
The Bad news is....she does have a heart murmur. Like a good "mom" I have been researching and as I'm sure you know, this can be bad and it can be pretty much nothing. Only further testing, an ultrasound by a cardiologist would be of any use down the road, but she could easily have been born with it and go on for several years withoutever developing a problem. The good news is she is not exhibiting ANY symptoms of it being heart disease extrenally. Very healthy appetite, she's playful and perky, not breathing shallow, or wheezing. She's really quite a little ball (and I do mean BALL) of hilarity. This is a call I don't have to make so much.
At the tune of $177 (with rescue discounts) so far (just ONE of Paxtons' ear visits mind you=])MCA would only recoup a little more than half that cost if someone adopted her with no further testing of anything. It's a good lessson in the finance of rescue for sure. There are risks when you save a kitty that they won't be healthy, that they may be expensive, or that no one will adopt them, but at the same time, I think the risk is greater if you don't take the chance. Queenie is delightful, she's just so amusing and funny, and she has no idea how comic she is. Regardless of the length of time left she has, she is going to make someone VERY happy. She's already taught me a ton about things I thought I already knew. She's a valuable mentor. A very ROUND mentor. =]
The good news: She was a total PRO, not at all phased by having her belly shaved to see her spaying scar, having her sanitary clip/trim done (think brazillian for kitties that are very fluffy so they are kept, uh...clean down there) , her nails clipped, and didn't peep at all when given her shots. No struggling at all and the 3 nurses that were handling her all commented she was very cool. I do not think this cat is unused to being handled a lot. She's just super mellow and trusting, not skittish at all. And round, did I mention ROUND. Cracks me up. No mites, no evidence of tapeworm, and the IH FELV/FIV test came back negative. They drew blood for a full function screening to make sure liver, kidneys and all her bits are working well.
The not as good news is, they feel she is closer to 9-10 years old not 6 due to some significant tartar build up on her teeth (which can be cleaned relatively easy, with out sedation even later on if need be) , and a random cyst on her head. It's not itchy, or painful to the touch and without testing it we wouldn't obviously know if it's something that would need to be removed. We can decide if that needs pursuing after we get the blood work back, they can take a needle sample of it to find out if it's something dangerous or not. Dogs and people get them when they get older, so it could be just a bump and she could have been born with it.
The Bad news is....she does have a heart murmur. Like a good "mom" I have been researching and as I'm sure you know, this can be bad and it can be pretty much nothing. Only further testing, an ultrasound by a cardiologist would be of any use down the road, but she could easily have been born with it and go on for several years withoutever developing a problem. The good news is she is not exhibiting ANY symptoms of it being heart disease extrenally. Very healthy appetite, she's playful and perky, not breathing shallow, or wheezing. She's really quite a little ball (and I do mean BALL) of hilarity. This is a call I don't have to make so much.
At the tune of $177 (with rescue discounts) so far (just ONE of Paxtons' ear visits mind you=])MCA would only recoup a little more than half that cost if someone adopted her with no further testing of anything. It's a good lessson in the finance of rescue for sure. There are risks when you save a kitty that they won't be healthy, that they may be expensive, or that no one will adopt them, but at the same time, I think the risk is greater if you don't take the chance. Queenie is delightful, she's just so amusing and funny, and she has no idea how comic she is. Regardless of the length of time left she has, she is going to make someone VERY happy. She's already taught me a ton about things I thought I already knew. She's a valuable mentor. A very ROUND mentor. =]
My fingers are crossed that everything else looks good for her... i'll try to get some video of her tonight!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Queen Victoria and the Path of Saving One Cat
So here's the very round kitty from the shelter. I can't reccommend going to the shelter. Very sad. Though the place is clean, and well run, it's disturbing to know that there are so many animals without homes. Not a job I could have. I've learned a lot though in the last 48 hours.
It takes someone like Jennifer at the shelter to contact someone like Elaine and Maine Coon Adoptions first off just to put a kitty, one of many, on the radar for saving. How the choices are made, who knows, but Queeny here is very affectionate, well beheaved, clean and of course very lovely to look at. There are probably hundreds of cats that don't get the chance, but she did. So after the email exchange, it takes someone who can stop what they are doing and go GET the cat. This time it was me, and it was surprisingly easy to pick her up. Saved. Just like that. True I'm not supposed to have more than 2 cats in the apartment, true I have 2 cats already, true I have tech week this week for a show, but still, a 20 minute round trip saved this kitty from being put down just a few hours later. So step one complete.
Now becuase she was in a shelter and only minimal tests and treatments were done, she has to be quarantined from my cats until she is deemed healthy. Easy too. I had extra litter box, food and stuff for her, and it was a great excuse to clean up the bedroom, and so there she goes. She is in there, had all she needs, a toy even to keep her amused.
So the next step is to take her to the vet to be checked for ear mites, fleas, tapeworm, other worms, FIV, she'll have all her shots, have a complete blood panel done to make sure all her organs are functioning and if she isn't spayed she'll ahve that done. She will be weighed and have her teeth checked and then if she is all in good shape at the end of that, we will micorchip her, and bath her ( a blog of it's own to be sure) and then she will be ready to go. That's a lot of time, money and attention on this kitty just to make sure she is totally healthy when some lucky person adopts her.
So more on the vet experience tomorrow...but this is certainly interesting, nice to know people care, nice to know all the work that goes into each cat to ensure thier safety!
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