Tell All Tuesday: Purrsonalize Your Christmas

Raena:  Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. I’s got so much to tell ya’, I’s don’t even know where to start. 

 

 

Dezi and Raena lay together on the floor

 

 

          Dezi: Well Raena, it’s usually bestest to start at the beginnin’. But, You can be a bit long winded, so we’d purrobably be here furever ifin ya’ did that. Why don’t you start somewhere in the middle. (Dezi giggles and whispers under her breath) Somewhere in the middle, that’ll keep her busy fur a while tryin’ to decide what’s in the middle. MOL  (Dezi thnks a minute and then asks) Why don’t you tell me what you have planned fur me’s pawrty and the holidays? 

 

Dezi's Venetian Carnival Birthday party invite

 

 

 

Oh sissy, I’s can’t hardly wait fur your pawrty. It’s gonna be so much fun. We’ve had several furiends already RSVP. I’s gotta tell ya’, we’ve got some really gawjus furiends. We’ve been asked ifin mardi gras masks are okay to wear. And the answer is Yes, fur sure. We did a search fur free Venetian/Rio Carnival masks clip art and Mardi Gras mask clip art and got tons of ready to wear results. I’s even picked out a great mask with a cool headdress fur you to wear sissy. You know, cuz you’re the Birthday/Gotchaday girl.  

 

          That’s really sweet of you Raena. (Dezi whispers) Sheesh, now me feels bad fur puttin’ me’s paw in the middle of her noms. 

 

Raena sits on cat perch looking like a diva

 

 

 

Hey sissy, did you hear mommy yesfurday? You know when she said she’d actually missed hearin’ your squeaky mew outside the pawtty box room wantin’ her to come and clean it? You know, cuz you usin’ the pawtty box has been a little hit and miss fur the last few months.

 

          No Raena, me didn’t hear that. But we all know why me’s didn’t always use it now, don’t we?. Me’s tryin’ to be unnerstandin’ now that we know you might be actin’ like a pain cuz you’re actually in pain. 

 

You sure have been nice to me lately sissy. I’s luvs you so much. Hey, did you see the cool Christmas decorations we got the other day? I’s luvs Christmas. I’s wish we could have Christmas every day, don’t you? 

 

 

Dezi lays on scratcher with mouth open

 

 

 

          Me did see ‘em Raena. Did you hear what mommy said ‘bout that teeny tree? 

 

I’s did sissy, but surely she was just jokin’. she wouldn’t deprive us of the fun of knockin’ the decoration of the tree by usin’ that small tabletop one. Right?

 

          Me don’t know Raena, she might. Ya’ know, it’s actually kind’a cute. It comes with it’s own decorations and a star fur the tippy top. 

 

Yeah, it is kind’a cute. Did you see the princess crowns mommy got with our names on ‘em? I’s like those the bestest.

 

Personalized for you ornaments

 

 

 

          Sure nuff Raena. Mommy even got a memory ornament fur me’s sis Lexi. We’d never heard of Personalized Ornaments for You befur bein’ contacted by one of their peeps. They gave us a gift certificate so we could try out their website and personalize our very own ornaments. 

 

Raena checks out personalized ornaments for you

 

 

 

Yep sissy, mommy says they have lots of really cute ornament ideas; and the personalization just makes them more special. She also said their prices are extremely reasonable. And even better, their site and the ordering process was a breeze. And they ship really fast too. So, ifin you’re lookin’ fur some great purrsonalized ornaments to put on your tree or to send as gifts this year, you should really check ‘em out. I’s fur sure give Personalized Ornaments for You 4 paws up. 

 

Raena checks out the personalized for you ornaments

 

 

 

          Me too Raena. And me’s sure mommy gives ‘em a thumb up. They have some great ornaments that you can hang on those cool ornament stands and leave out year round. C’mon Raena, let’s go play. 

 

I’s right behind ya’ sissy. I’s just got to make a call to book a band fur your pawrty.

 

Till the next time…………………………………………………….Be Blest!!!  

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Blest Sunday: How Blessings Work

Dezi:  MeOW  Welcome, welcome, it’s Blest Sunday, and are we ever Blest. Yeah, yeah, me knows it’s been a ruff week what with Raena’s health mews, the continued storms outside and all the other things that have come our way. But, ya’ wanna know how Blessings work? 

 

Raena stands on the Liberty Cat tree while Dezi looks back at her from the ledge

 

 

 

          Raena:  Blessings don’t work sissy, they just are. 

 

Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

Me’s not meowin’ ‘bout that kind’a work Raena. Kittens!!! Sometimes, you’re so literal. Anyways, what me meant is that even bad things come with Blessings. Like, we hated hearin’ you have Entropion and gingivitis. But, we choose to see the Blessing, we furinally have answers and even better, it can be fixed. See, that’s how Blessings work. 

 

          I’s get it sissy. It’s lookin’ fur the good even tho’ what you might see furst is the bad. Ya’ know what else? I’s think you’ve been much nicer to me since you found out mine’s eyes be hurtin’. Y, You didn’t even hiss when I’s jumped on you this meownin’ at brekky. 

 

Dezi and Raena atop the liberty cat tree with Yeowww toy

 

 

 

Yeah well, don’t get used to it Raena. The minute you feel better, me’s gonna give you the whacky paw of instruction ifin you jump on me again. 

 

          Aaaaaaaaaw sissy, I’s know you don’t mean it. You know you luvs me.

 

Me does Raena, but haven’t you ever heard, spare the rod and spoil the child? Everypawdy needs a little discipline now and then. 

 

Animated thank you rose

 

          Whatever you meow sissy. I’s thought we were countin’ our Blessings, not meowin’ ‘bout rods and things spoilin’. I’s wanna say a meowsy big Fanky fank you to awnty Cindy, awnty Jeanne, awnty Sandra and awnty Juliea and Patzy fur the green papers to help me have the surgery I’s need. 

 

Thank You emoji

 

You’re right Raena, that’s a huge Blessing. And we’re so grateful. Me’s always told you that we have the bestest furiends in the universe. Meowin’ of, me’s wants to fank awnty Anonymous fur sendin’ me some green papers fur me’s Birthday. How’s the pawrty plannin’ goin’?  

 

 

Dezi's Venetian Carnival Birthday party invite

 

 

          It’s goin’ great sissy. Mommy’s helpin’ me and we made a little invite last night. I’s sure hope all our furiends send their masked fotos. I’s purromissed that we’d have a contest fur the bestest mask or costume. I’s think I’s might be just as x’cited ‘bout the pawrty as you are. Celebratin’ Birthdays and Gotchadays is celebratin’ the biggest Blessing a kitty or woofy can have. 

 

 

Dezi selfie

 

 

You’re fur sure right ‘bout that Raena. The biggest Blessing in me’s life is mommy. Ya’ know, we need to wrap this up. Me’s got a jamboree to attend at Cat Scouts this week. But befur we go, we’d like to remind everypawdy to take a minute today and every day to Give Thanks fur the Blessings in your lives. There really is a Blessing inside every dark cloud, a rose among the thorns, sometimes we just have to look a little closer to see them. We’d also like to Fank you all fur bein’ Blessings in ours. 

 

Raena sleepy selfie

 

 

 

          Don’t furget our Sunday Selfies with the Kitties Blue sissy. And, any help you can give fur mine’s surgery would be purreciated. We don’t have a paypal button, so you’ll need to go to paypal.com, sign in and choose send money to friends or family. Our paypal account/email address is: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com. Fanky fank you so very much. 

 

C’mon Raena, let’s go play. 

 

Till the next time………………………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue   

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Service Cats: The Stoic Cat

Animal Pain And Suffering Often Go Unnoticed

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Each week we tackle questions and topics you’ve suggested. If you’ve missed any posts in this series or want to re-read one or more, you can always find them on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. If you have questions or topic suggestions, purrlease leave them in the comments below or send us an email via our Contact page. Last week we started a mini-series on Pet Food Ingredients and what you need to know about the food you’re buying and feeding your pets. You can read it here. It’s unfortunate that this has to be such a confusing topic and that money and not the health of animals are what drive the pet food industry. That being said, mommy’s had a very heavy heart this week and is hijackin’ today’s post fur another very ‘purrtant subject. Me will be back next week with Pt. 2 of our Pet Food Ingredients mini-series.

 

Please understand, this is not a pity me post. The point of this post is to hopefully help you understand how amazing and miraculous our furry family members are.

 

    

Raena sits in tiger kitty holster cat harness

 

 

 

     Hello everyone, mommy A here. As most of you know by now, Raena’s annual medical appointment didn’t turn out quite like we had planned. Altho’ I am certainly happy that we finally have an answer as to why her eyes have been bothering her for her entire life; I’m furious it took so long. After all, I’ve taken her in several times a year every year trying to find out why they were so irritated and trying to find a way to help her. Yes, I know it’s not my fault and I’ve done the best I could with the information I had. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t blame myself to some extent. That’s on me, but most of you loving pet parents totally understand where I’m coming from.

 

     Raena’s diagnosis is that she has a mild case of Entropion, which can be successfully treated with surgery. That means her lower lids fold inward causing the small hairs to scratch her eyes constantly. This is a very painful condition. I ought to know. I had an eyelash embed in my eyelid once and had to have surgery to remove it. Before it was diagnosed however, the pain was almost unbearable. You can’t stop blinking, which causes the cornea/eyeball to be scratched over and over again and the eyes to water. Wiping the discharge hurts even more, because the hairs are pushed into the cornea even more. I had only 1 eyelash scratching mine and it was found within 2 weeks of it embedding in the lid. But those 2 weeks were miserable. It affected my mood, and everything I did. I could barely see out of the affected eye, and everything hurt, sunshine, lights, sleeping, blinking, etc..

 

Raena in stroller

 

 

 

     Another issue Raena has is a mild case of gingivitis and plaque build up. We won’t know until she has a dental if there are other issues going on such as, tooth resorption or some other periodontal disease. Having been through my own dental issues recently, I know what that kind of pain can be like and how it can affect everything in your life. Both of these conditions are fairly common in both cats and dogs, and can and should be treated. 

 

     Basically, Raena has been in enormous pain her entire life. Why is that so remarkable you ask? Well, I love my girls more than anything in this world, and over the last few days I thought about how much they love me. And then I thought about all the furry family members out there, including the ones who are being abused by their not so loving families. Whether you believe our animals love us because we’re their source for food or because they choose too is irrelevant because the truth is, even when they’re in enormous pain and discomfort, they will still love us and try to please us.

 

Raena lays in mommy's lap

 

 

 

     Over the last 2 1/2 years of Raena’s life, she has endured Service Cat Training while living in constant pain. Never once did she get angry or refuse to train. As always, she’s willing to please and puts forth every effort to complete whatever task she’s given. Even on days when her eyes were so gunky she could barely open them, she was always right beside me doing whatever she could to make my life easier. She’s always there for a snuggle and purr. There have been many days when she couldn’t open one of her eyes at all, and still, she was ever present to alert or massage or whatever might be needed.

 

     It makes me so angry to think about, but an abused animal will show love and devotion to their abuser, the person who hurts them. With halloween approaching my thoughts race to those animals who through no fault of their own may be tortured or killed just because. My thoughts go to those animals who have been rescued from perilous situations and regardless of their physical pain still have the capacity to love and try to please us humans.

 

Dezi lays on scratcher with mouth openBe our voice. Take away our pain.

 

 

 

     Animals are so good at hiding their pain, we humans often take their medical conditions for granted. I’ll be honest and tell you that I feel horrible and disgusting for making Raena continue to suffer so that we can try to raise the money needed for her surgery; because when it happened to me, I wanted it fixed ASAP. I guess the point I’m trying to make today, is to stop thinking of these “common” ailments as trivial. The animal is in an enormous amount of pain. If it were you suffering, you wouldn’t want to wait and see, or put off procedures for weeks, months or years. If you suspect an animal is being abused, don’t keep quiet, please be their voice. And, keep your pets inside during the halloween holidays. You can read our halloween safety tips here. Remember, animals hide their pain, so if you’re given pain meds for them, give them as prescribed, don’t rely on your animals to tell you they need them. Didn’t they suffer enough before the procedure?

 

 

     Part of the reason Raena has these problems are genetic. Backyard breeders care more about the money than they do the animal’s health. But even respectable breeders can sometimes be at fault. Attempts to breed more desirable traits or appearances often come with a cost to the animal’s overall health. Yes, we need help paying for Raena’s surgery and dental. As promised, below you’ll find the vet’s estimate.

 

Raena's surgical estimate for entropion and dental

 

 

     Because Raena has a semi “smashed” face, blood work really isn’t optional, so we need the whole $261.58. This total doesn’t include any possible extractions, and we certainly hope and pray that she doesn’t require any. We also ask that you keep her in your prayers. Anytime anesthesia is used, there are risks. Certainly, those risks increase  for animals with the shorter noses (smashed faces). Her appointment is November 15th. However, if we get the money before then, we’ll schedule her in sooner. I don’t want her to suffer any longer than she has too. You can help by donating to our paypal at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com. If you’d prefer, you can donate directly to our account by calling Carter County Animal Hospital at: 580-226-1001. The account is under Audra High. Please, hug your fur babies a little longer and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. And if you suspect they may be ill or having problems, see the vet immediately. Just because they don’t act like they’re in pain, doesn’t mean they aren’t. Don’t let them suffer.

 

Fank you mommy. Pain and Suffering come in many forms, and just cuz ya’ don’t see it doesn’t mean it ain’t there. We’re blest to have a mommy who cares and tries to do whatever she can to help us and make sure we stay healthy. We really ‘purreciate all of you and fank you fur your help. Me also wants to remind you that you can ketch up on any post in our Service Cats series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. Don’t furget to ask your questions and post topic suggestions by leaving a comment below or sending us an email via our Contact page. Fanks fur your patience and allowing us to deviate today. This is a topic that deserved attention. Me will be back next week with more food ingredients you need to know ‘bout.

 

Raena sits on cat tree with her carnival mask onPut on your mask and get ready fur sissy’s pawrty!!!

 

 

And don’t furget, Raena’s throwin’ me a Venetian/Rio Carnival Themed Birthday/Gotchaday pawrty on Wednesday November 14, 2018. Put on your masks and send your fotos to our email to be included in the festivities. We’re gonna have a contest fur bestest mask/costume. We’re also joinin’ Comdey plus fur Feline Furiday today. 

 

 

 

Do you know what signs to look for when your pet is in pain?

 

 

 

 

Till the next time………………………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Mommy A: Black

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Chatting Cats: The Eyes Have It

Raena Goes To The V-E-T (Update)

Hey, Everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle!!! Hey sissy, we’re home!!! Hurry mommy, get mine’s harness off. I’s wanna go tell sissy ‘bout mine’s visit with doctor stabby and grabby. (Raena jumps down from the stroller and heads down the hallway looking for Dezi. She makes a quick potty box detour and then paces through the house meowing and looking for Dezi.) Sissy? Sissy, where are you? Sissy, come out, I’s wanna tell ya’ what happened. (Raena walks over and jumps in mommy A’s lap and looks at her and meows) Mommy? Why won’t sissy come out? Where is she? (Raena jumps down and paces through the house meowing more persistantly this time.) Sissy!!! Sissy, I’s need to tell ya’ somethin’!!! 

 

Dezi lays on cat tree with mouth open and eyes shut

 

 

          (Dezi strolls down the hall and jumps on the cat tree) What’s all the yeowlin’ ‘bout? Ya’ come in yeowlin’ and wakin’ me up from me’s rainy day nap. Kittens!!! Your meowin’ like the house is on fire or somethin’. 

 

Raena sits pretty for the camera

 

 

 

The house is on fire too sissy? What should we do? Are we trained fur fires?

 

          (Dezi slaps her paw to her forehead) No Raena, the house ain’t on fire, it’s just a sayin’. (Dezi shakes her head) Never mind. What’s so ‘purrtant you had to wake me up. You stink like… 

 

Raena sits in stroller at vetI’s scared mommy. I’s wanna cuddle.

 

 

 

Well sissy, let me tell ya’. When we got there, all I’s could hear was woofies barkin’ and squealin’. The things they were barkin’. I’s think they tried to kill one of ‘em. Bless his heart. Then, we were sittin’ there mindin’ our own business and in walks the biggest woofie I’s ever seen. He ran right over and got all up in mine’s business. His human ‘pawrently believes like the peeps out here, like the law doesn’t apply to them. Cuz he didn’t even have on a collar much less a leash. He could’a eaten me alive befur his human could’a done anythin’. Hmmmpht What is it with those peeps? 

 

          Me doesn’t know Raena. But you’re so right. Every time me’s had to go see doctor stabby and grabby me’s almost been accosted. 

 

I’s can tell ya’, I’s would’a gone down whacky pawin’ cuz he would’a hurt mommy too since I’s was in her arms at the time. 

 

          Sure sounds like ya’ll were in the waitin’ room fur a long time Raena. Did you ever get into a room? 

 

Raena and mommy A at the vetYou always make me feel safe, mommy.

 

 

 

We were sissy. They weighed me when we walked in the door, but we had to wait fur elebenty billion 30 minutes befur we ever got a room of our own. Didn’t take long fur doctor stabby and grabby to show up then. He kept shinin’ a light in mines eyes and it hurted. Mommy’s a little bit furious, but she says that after 2 1/2 years of takin’ me in and complainin’ ‘bout mine’s eye issue, we furinally have an answer to what’s wrong. I’s hate that it made mommy cry tho’. She said she felt just horrible that I’s been in pain every day of mine’s life and she didn’t do more to find an answer sooner. I’s told her she shouldn’t feel bad, she did the bestest she could. 

 

          Well what’s wrong with ya’, Raena?  

 

Raena looks up at mommy while snuggling close at the vet Can we leave mommy? I’s don’t wanna wait fur doctor stabby and grabby.

 

 

 

Well sissy, I’s can’t say all the big words, so I’s told mommy that I’s would s’plain it kind’a like doctor stabby and grabby did and once we got the plan of action estimate, she could tell everypawdy. See, mine’s bottom eyelids turn in some. And there’s these tiny little fur hairs attached to ‘em that are s’posed to purrtect our eyes from stuffs flyin’ in ‘em. Cuz mine’s are turned in, those tiny little fur hairs are constantly scratchin’ and irritatin’ mines eyes. So, they’re constantly irritated and that’s why they’re always gunky and I’s sometimes close ‘em up and can’t see anythin’. 

 

          Oh Raena, me’s sorry. Me didn’t know. 

 

Raena looks down while snuggling with mommy at vetMaybe ifin I’s pout, mommy’ll take me home.

 

 

 

It’s okay sissy, nopawdy did and I’s couldn’t s’plain it. 

 

          So, now that they’ve figgered out what the purroblem is Raena, what are they gonna do ‘bout it?  

 

Raena sits on table at vetSurgery?!! I’s don’t wanna have surgery!!! I’s fur sure don’t want

your hands in mine’s mouth.

 

 

 

 

Well sissy, I’s gonna have to have laser surgery to make mine’s eyelids turn out right like they’re s’posed too. And, it seems I’s might have some gum issues too, so while I’s out of it fur mine’s eye surgery, doctor stabby and grabby’s gonna clean mine’s teethies and see what’s goin’ on in mine’s mouth. He said they’re gonna shave all the furs off mine’s eyes. Ifin I’s bein’ honest, I’s a little bit scared sissy. 

 

          Me is too Raena. Are they gonna make you stay in the hospital? 

 

Raena lays on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Nope sissy. Fanky fankfully fur mommy. She told ‘em she wasn’t leavin’ mine’s side at all. Doctor stabby and grabby said that was fine and then mumbled somethin’ ‘bout hopin’ the insurance covered it. Anyways, I’s’ll be comin’ home that afternoon. We have to be there at 6:30 the meownin’ of November 15th. So, I’s gonna have to plan your pawrty fur a time befur that.

 

          So you already have the ‘pointment huh Raena? 

 

Yep sissy. Seems once doctor stabby and grabby figgered out what’s wrong with me, it’s suddenly urgent that I’s have mine’s purrcedure. Altho’, mommy said she wishes we could do it tomorrow. She really feels bad that I’s been hurtin’ fur so long and she didn’t fix it. It’s gonna cost a couple hunnerd dollars. I’s don’t know where we’re gonna get it from, but I’s sure hope we do. I’s can’t even ‘magine mine’s eyes not hurtin’. That’s gonna be so pawsum. 

 

          Well Raena, we’ll have to ask our furiends ifin they’ll help us help you. Ifin not, maybe me can sell a kidney or somethin’. Guess we’ll have to post the estimate as soon as doctor stabby and grabby sends it to us.

 

Yeah sissy, he was too busy when we were there to write it up; doctor stabby and grabby two had the day off. But he purromissed to get it to us in a day or two. Fanky fankfully, he’s runnin’ a special on dentals right now and we do get a Service Cat discount. Mommy said t’ween your last ‘pointment and mine’s visit we’re already at our hunnerd dollar credit limit with him. So we have to pay fur mine’s purrcedure the day I’s have it done. Ifin anypawdy can help me get mine’s eyes fixed, you can donate to our paypal address at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com. Or you can donate directly to doctor stabby and grabby’s office: Carter County Animal Hospital, Ardmore OK. (580)226-1001 (Dr. Cade Wilson). Our account is unner mommy’s name: Audra High. I’s sure would ‘purreciate it. And I’s could use your purrayers too.  

 

Dezi bows her head to pray

 

 

 

          Me will purray fur you Raena. Me wants you to be all better too. Who knows, that might have somethin’ to do with why you’re such a pest. Who knows what you’re gonna be like when you’re no longer in constant pain.

 

Raena sits on cat tree with her carnival mask onI’s tryin’ on masks fur sissy’s pawrty.

 

 

 

Well sissy, I’s thinkin’ we should have your Carnival Birthday/Gotchaday pawrty on Wednesday November 14th. There’s still time to put on your mask and send (email to: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com) us your foto to be included in the festivities. Ifin you’re havin’ trouble findin’ a mask, let us know. We want all our furiends to attend, so we’ll help ya’ any way we can.

 

          (Hours pass and find Raena sleeping off the day. This morning, Raena’s feeling lethargic and didn’t get up to eat breakfast. Dezi worriedly paces from the bedroom to the living room again and again, searching for Raena.) RaenaBelle? C’mon, get up, it’s time fur brekky. Me will let you jump on me as many times as you want. Just get up Raena, it’s time. 

 

(Raena opens her eyes, but doesn’t lift her head) I’s will sissy, just let me finish mine’s nap. 

 

          Purrlease keep Raena in your purrayers.

 

Till the next time……………………………………………Be Blest!!!  

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee