RSS Blog

Grayson

Did you see the cover photo on this month’s RSS Herald? That is my cat Grayson, staring down a squirrel .

A bit of background on Grayson. When she was a year old an ex boyfriend threw her against the wall (prior to Colorado’s animal cruelty laws were enacted—- hence the ‘EX’ part of boyfriend). I rushed her to the veterinarian where I was told Grayson should be mercifully put down because there was no way to determine how much damage was done to her brain from being knocked out like that.

I couldn’t do it. I promised I’d care for her as long as possible until it became more humane to put her to sleep. That was fourteen years ago. She is very gentle, loves children, loves her tummy rubbed... But Grayson can't find her toys once she hides them, and she can't figure out how to play with feathers or string, so I believe that injury all those years ago stunted her brain growth.

Grayson is a very special part of my life, she’s my companion while I work in my office. She comes to me for things like Mom I don't feel good, or that thunder scared me Mom!

For the past couple of months, Grayson has discovered the 'Great Outdoors'. For a cat that never liked to go outside at all, was so frightened she'd run when the door opened, she's decided that she suddenly likes it! Now, after nearly all her life, I have to be careful coming in and out so she doesn't escape. Suddenly, at fifteen years old, she's chasing birds and squirrels - and generally having the time of her life. She drives me crazy by meowing at the door until I finally decide its time for a coffee break and she can go play outside.

But, I don't mind. I simply smile, and basically let her do as she pleases. You see... Grayson is dying. She has chronic renal failure, and won't live much longer.

Now I'm sure there are many out there that say that's not true! Grayson's vet swears that cats and dogs can live for long times with special care, and special diets. I've researched Grayson's condition thoughrally. I know that she can be given subcutaneous fluids, which are administered via a needle under the cat's skin. Our vet even mentioned transplants. But, I'm not going to do that to Grayson. She wouldn't understand me putting fluids in her or having to keep her on medications after a transplant. For that matter, I couldn't do that to her anyway, it would break my heart to cause her pain. As it is now, I have a hard enough time watching her go through her symptoms, and I know she sees that. But every day that's a good day is one more cherished memory.

In my heart, I know that the day will come when Grayson will tell me its time, and I'll have to end her suffering. I am praying though, that Grayson does it her way and just goes to sleep dreaming of squirels.

The best resource I've discovered is the Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Center at http://www.felinecrf.com.

Thanks for listening. Kathy

Mini-Vacations

Well, we're back from the Fresno trip.... the thing about mini-vacations is that you have to take time off to recover when you get back!!

My new granddaughter is gorgeous, and there's pictures to proove it, I'm not just a proud grandma. Take a look at the slideshow http://www.thebestva.com/fresno/index.html

Thanks, Kathy

I love Spring!

Outside my windows I hear the birds.... oops the cat being chased by the dog... Oh wait.. the woodpecker pecking on my gutters... I might want to rethink how much I love spring.

No, I'll still say I love it. I particularly love the weather in Colorado during the spring. For instance, today we'll be about 80 degrees here, and by Thursday this week, we'll be seeing a rain SNOW mix. ☺ Gotta love it!

Everything is in bloom, and its gorgeous!

Maybe I'll take the laptop outside and work from the porch.... ☺

Resolving Disputes to get what you want

Not long ago I ordered a set of camera lenses, adapters, and filters for my new camera. I searched around for the best deal, and found it on eBay. I was so excited when the lenses came that I immediately went out to snap some photos. To my disappointment the new lenses worked horribly! I was shocked! (My first bad deal on eBay.) The pictures were distorted, and just awful.

I went back to the ad and re-read it carefully. I discovered that the lenses I received were not as described in the eBay ad, nor were they fully compatible with my camera as stated. I contacted the seller, and after showing her a couple shots, she agreed that the quality was poor.

We discussed options for a little while, then finally, agreed to have her ship out the correct lenses, and I would return the filters, the adapter and incorrect lenses. I would only pay for my shipping of the lenses back to her.

My bottom line is: Don't settle! If you're not satisfied, and you know it should be different, speak up. Then you'll get the clarity you deserve.

Photos by Kathy Ritchie, Leaves and Landscape shots are after the new (correct) lenses were delivered.

Thanks! Kathy Ritchie