Checking In

My posting has been light this past week...it's been a rough one.

On Wednesday our beloved cat, Thomas, died.  It was a tragic accident.  Apparently, he was climbing over the back fence and his foot got caught between two slats.  He could not break himself free.  He must have been there for several hours.  He did not show up at the door on Wednesday morning and we were getting worried.  Thankfully, Dan was the one that found him.  It was awful and heartbreaking.

Nathan did not take the news well.  As you might recall, he had a terrible time with the death of his bird last year.  This has been a devastating week.

We are trying our best to move forward and not think about how Thomas died...but how he lived...like a KING!  That cat ruled the roost in this house!  He was a good cat, extremely friendly with the kids and a total lap hound.  We will miss him.

Please keep Nathan in your prayers as he learns the lessons of death and dying, love and loss. 

Meet Anya!

This is Anya.  She is Nathan's new bird.  Anya has lived at his godmother's house for the last several years.  Aunt Margie graciously offered her to us as a replacement for Polly.  Nathan, of course, fell in love immediately!  We are told that she will sing wildly to the "Star Wars" theme song and that made Nathan jump for joy...literally!  She is not the friendliest bird I've ever met, but then again, we are strangers to her right now.  Here's hoping and praying (Come on, St. Francis!!!) that Anya will be with us for a long time!!

RIP

Nathan's little bird died last night.  Even after $160 worth of antibiotics at the vet on Friday, he still didn't make it.  Polly was acting a little crazy all day.  Then, later on in the evening, he went to the bottom of his cage and just sat there.  I knew what was happening and I tried to prepare Nathan, but he was hysterical.  We picked him up and wrapped him in a soft wash cloth to keep him warm.  I told Nathan just to sit down and hold him.  At one point, it looked like he was perking up but then he had a little seizure and then, he was gone.  We said a prayer to St. Francis and placed him in a little box.  I guess we will bury the bird sometime today next to where our cat Missy is buried.

It is particularly agonizing to watch your children mourn their pets. Sometimes, it's hard to find the right thing to say.  Please say a quick prayer for Nathan today as I've never seen him like this.  He woke up at about 3:00am with a splitting headache.  I'm sure it was from all the crying.  I gave him some ibuprofen and cuddled him while he fell back to sleep.  My sweet boy is such an animal lover.

He's asked for another bird right away.  I'm inclined to wait and let a little time pass before we go out and buy another one.  Sigh.

Bird Trauma!

Today, we had a trauma of sorts at our house.  A "bird" trauma.  To make a long story short, we have a new family member.....meet Polly.

I think Polly used to belong to someone but escaped.  He/She was found in our yard this afternoon by our cat!  The poor bird tried to get away, but it looks as though it's wings have been clipped.  He/She is somewhat traumatized from the experience of being in the mouth of the cat, but it seems to be holding it's own at this point.

We had to make a quick run to the store to get a cage and some food.  I hope this bird makes it as my kids are already attached emotionally.  I've tried to prepare them for the worst as I would hate to have them wake up in the morning with the bird on the bottom of the cage....stiff as a board!  We shall see.

So now we have 1 dog, 2 cats, 4 fish and a bird.  St. Francis, pray for us!

Dislike

I really dislike it when you take the time to iron your work clothes for the next day and neatly lay them out over the ironing board and then wake up in the morning to find that your cat decided your BLACK shirt was the most optimal place in the house to get a good nights sleep!!!  Then, of course, your BLACK shirt has  turned into a furry blanket and not really appropriate for business attire!.  Sigh......