Mary & The Ponytail Palm

Oh no! Take a look at this plant. Three weeks ago, this was lush now it's a shadow of its former self, thanks to Mary, Tracey's cat, visiting with her sister Rhoda over the holidays. (Actually, Tracey has gone back to her home and work and the kitties are still here:).

This is not the first time this poor plant has been deprived of its leaves by Mary and I had forgotten to move it to higher ground although how high is too high for a determined cat.

We cat lovers put up with a lot from our cuddly buddies and it's a good thing they are so cute and lovable. Mary and Rhoda will go home; hopefully Mingy, who lives here, won't develop a taste for plants and my poor ponytail palm will develop a ponytail or two and be lush again; in time for Mary's next visit.

Will keep you posted.

Sammy Bear - A Cat Tale

My daughter Sharon and her husband Mark had to put to sleep their beloved cat, Sammy Bear.

Sammy was a rescue cat. He was a big, handsome, long-haired cat. Sammy was not the most fastidious of cats and not much into grooming.  Despite efforts to keep him well brushed, he had to be taken in on a number of occasions for expert grooming because his fur would be in knots. Sammy would be shaved and return looking like a little alien.

Sammy Bear

He was such a loving, gentle cat who insisted on sleeping between Sharon and Mark and licking Mark to the point where to get adequate rest, they installed a baby gate to keep him on the lower level. Not liking this arrangement, like a persistent child, his cries would soften hearts and Sammy would be back in his favourite spot. 

Sammy loved Sharon but he adored Mark who returned the love. We would often see Mark playing with Sammy and talking baby-talk to him. What cat would not enjoy such attention especially after his original home was not a happy place for a cat.

Sammy started to deteriorate late last year. There were additional trips to the vet, medicine and special food until something was found that he liked and he would be stable for some time and be his old self. However, the good times dwindled. After his last shave, his fur did not grow in. He was not eating and unlike previous times, he could not be coaxed to even eat his beloved treats.  Sammy had become a shadow of himself and his bones were protruding.

It was time. On October 4 at 5:15 p.m., Sammy Bear was put to sleep. We are sad and will miss that lovable kitty.  Sammy will be remembered as a sweet-natured cat and we, his family, believe his constant licks were thanks for rescuing him and making the last years of his life as stress-free and full of love as all cats deserve.

Will keep you posted.