Dezi lays on the arm of the chair looking back at mommy

Chatting Cats: Raena Has A Virtual Play Date

Published on April 5, 2017April 5, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.31 Comments

(Taking you all back in time to last Thursday when mommy went to her dental surgery appointment and we, her beloved Service Cats, stayed home. Dezi was left in charge and Raena had pre-arranged a virtual play date with Simon of Brian’s Home Blog. The following events could have taken place during the hours of 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM)

Sissy, mommy’s getting’ ready to leave. I’s don’t want her to leave me here. I’s wanna go with her.

(Raena begins to dance around and zoom thru the house and paw at her harness. In a last ditch attempt to make mommy change her mind and take her, she runs and jumps inside the stroller and pokes her head out the side and meows at mommy)

RaenaBelle!!! Knock it off. Mommy has a good ride and will be fine. Besides, you have a play date to get ready fur. Simon will be here any minute now.

(Raena starts zooming thru the house again, and gathering up toys. She sits down to have a bath and meows at Dezi.) Oh MeOW I’s gotta floof up and have a quick bath. Sissy, will you put out the Yeowww toys, and maybe some of that yummy silvervine? Do all our ‘lectric toys have furesh batteries? Can you wave the wand toys fur us? Can we play on the Liberty Tree? Do you ‘member what Simon’s favorite treat is? Surely he’ll like our freeze dried chicken breasts. Maybe…

Slow down Raena. Me plans on nappin’, not wand wavin’. There’s purrlenty of toys ‘round here fur ya’ll to play with. Maybe not the ‘lectric ones, me thinks you ran all the batteries down, and mommy hasn’t bought any more. Just ‘member the rules…No jumpin’ on me, chasin’ me or tryin’ to play with me’s tail. And pawsitively, NO funny business. You’re a respectable Southern Belle Lady cat and Simon be a very respectable gentlemancat; also from the South.

No funny business? But I’s invited him over to play and have fun, sissy.

(Dezi shakes her head.)

That’s not what…never mind. Ya’ll can have fun, just ‘member your manners to make mommy purroud.

(The doorbell rings and Raena jumps)

Sissy, will you get the door? I’s found one of our silvervine sticks and I’s wanna clean it up and give it to Simon.

(Dezi nods and heads for the door)

Meowllo Simon. Glad you could come over and keep Raena busy while mommy’s away. Come on in and make yourself comfurtable. Mommy cleaned the fountains and put out furesh water, and she cleaned the litterboxes right befur she left. How’s the furmily?

Thanks Dezi. Everybody’s doing well, thanks for asking. I really appreciate you girls inviting me over for a play date. You know, my family doesn’t always appreciate my…energy and antics.

(Raena zooms into the living room and drops her silvervine stick in front of Simon. She blushes and coyly meows)

Do you like silvervine Simon? We luvs it. You can have this stick. We got a whole package fur Christmas.

Me’s gonna go to the back and have a nap. You two have fun.

Fanky fanks sissy. C’mon Simon, do you like the Yeowww nip nanners? We’ve got 2, so we can each play with one. Feel furee to empty the toy basket, I’s do it all the time. MOL

(Some hours later, Raena and Simon conspire to wake up Dezi to see if she wants to play with them)

You jump up from the far side of the bed and I’s’ll Jump on sissy from the pet steps.

(Simon jumps on the bed and Raena jumps on Dezi’s tail)

Hissssssssssssssss Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Me told ya’ll not to bother me.

But sissy, we just wanted to see ifin you’d like to play?.

NO!!! Me doesn’t wanna play Raena. Me wants to take a nap in peace! Me thinks ya’ll have had too much nip and vine. Now both of ya’, go away and leave me alone.

(Simon and Raena slink off back to the Liberty Tree)

Oh Raena, your sisfur’s like mine. They don’t know what they’re missing. They just don’t appreciate a good game of tag. At least you only have 1 sisfur. I’ve got 6. And then there’s the one at the top of the landing behind bars. She’s so pretty, but she doesn’t even want me anywhere near her space. I think she’s in jail, but nobody seems to be interested in bailing her out. I’m only trying to help her when I go up to visit, but she doesn’t seem to want any visitors. Well, other than my mom and dad that is. Word is, she loves spending time with my dad. We all do. Our humans are pretty great. I’m really glad they decided to bring me and Seal inside. Ya’ know at first I wasn’t so sure about this inside living thing, but I’ve gotta admit, it sure is nicer than fending for yourself in the wild. And brother Brian’s pretty cool.

We luvs your furmily, Simon. Sorry your sisfurs are such killjoys. Ya’ know, sis Dezi and me could help ya’ spring Precious from jail. Word has it that sis Dezi and mine’s purredecessor Lexi, helped break a couple kitties outta the big house years ago.

Thanks Raena, I’ll tell her. But I don’t think she wants to get sprung. Thanks for inviting me over. I had a great time. We’ll have to do this again sometime.

Fanky fanks fur comin’ Simon. I’s had a great time. Havin’ company sure did help keep mine’s mind off the fact that mommy wasn’t here, and didn’t take me with her. Don’t furget to take your silvervine stick home. You’ll purrobably have to hide it or your fursibs might try to steal it. I’s found that they can’t steal it ifin ya’ hide it under the fridge or oven.

(Raena and Dezi say goodbye to Simon, and wait for mommy to come inside)

Fanky fanks fur lettin’ Simon come over sissy. We had a great time.

Me’s glad ya’ll had fun Raena. And fanks fur not botherin’ me, Mostly.

Well, there ya’ go. Things coulda happened this way, but the truth is…Raena has some real seperation anxiety issues when it comes to mommy. Me heard furst hand, but mommy heard thru the grapevine, that Raena caterwauled almost the whole time mommy was gone.

I’s don’t caterwaul sissy. I’s just missed mommy and wanted her to know I’s was thinkin’ ‘bout her. Fanky fanks to Brian and furmily fur lettin’ us borrow some fotos and blog our adventure. We hope you all have a pawsum day.

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

Raena: Navy Blue

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Simon: Green

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Raena chews on the wheelchair bag

Service Cats: Training the Pig Headed, Stallion Strong, Submissive Pup & Conniving Cat

Published on April 3, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.60 Comments

MeOW It’s Service Cat Monday…and we’re here. MOL We got a couple questions that have fairly short answers, so we’ll deal with those and then tell ya’ a story. How’s that sound? Me needs to get the business pawrt of this posty outta the way furst tho’. Trainin’ is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards. As with all our Trainin’ posts, the followin’ will be written in human English fur translation and reader ease. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can paw the links at the end of this or any Service Cat Monday post. As always, our Service Cat posts aren’t meant to be a step by step training manual but rather, tips, tricks and techniques mommy has successfully used in her many years of trainin’ 4 legged furries, purrticularly the feline species. Ifin ya’ have any questions or post suggestions, not limited to Service Cat training, purrlease feel furee to send us an e-mail, leave in the comment section, or paw on the contact us tab to send us a private message. WhMew That’s a lot of disclaimer stuffs. Anyways, let’s get to those questions.

Our sweet Persian furiend Valentine asked, “Which animal was the hardest to train?” This question was asked in response to last weeks’ post when we revealed that mommy has trained not only cats and dogs, but also pigs and horses. Mommy had to think long and hard on this one, as each animal is different, and the tasks she trained were different. When she got started in training, she was training dogs basic commands and tricks to make them more sociable and fit in with their humans better. You know, things like, stay, sit, down, roll over, high five, etc.. Mommy says every puppy/doggy can benefit from some basic training, and that dogs are generally the easiest to train, because they are so food motivated. Now, that doesn’t mean all dogs fit this category, but most do.

Shad laying on the bed with Cameron the pig — Shad with her pig brofur Cameron

Cats/Kittens can be challenging, at least until you find their motivator, and remember, you’re the one in charge of training. MOL Mommy trained pot bellied pigs things like, sit, stay, come, roll over, use the litterbox and leash walking to name a few. Pigs are intelligent creatures and highly food motivated. As for horses, mommy’s job was to break them, and train them for rodeo roping, ranch herding, and racing. Different horses for different jobs of course. Mommy says horses are by far the largest animal she’s trained and the only animal that has thrown her into more than one barbed wire fence or muddy patch of ground. And while mommy’s specific techniques are seen as bordering on the looney side, they work, at least for her. Mommy says all animals respond to love and affection. She liked to spend a day or two brushing, talking to and singing to a horse before mounting them for the first time. During that day or two she would apply pressure to their backs, put on saddle blankets, bridles and reins. In the end, mommy says, no species was harder than the other, because the tasks trained varied from basic commands to extraordinary tasks.

Our second question came from our furiends at Eastside Cats. They wanted to know if mommy could get any tax relief or other financial benefits/deductions since Raena and me are Service Cats. In a word, NO. Because the ADA doesn’t recognize Cats as Service Animals, there is no financial help or deductions allowed. However, each State, can offer some benefits if they choose. And there are exceptions that exist under the Fair Housing Act, and the Air Carrier Access Act. Most of you are familiar with the clause that keeps landlords from refusing rentals to anyone claiming to have and need a Service Animal of any reasonable species. Mommy says, please, don’t ask to move your emotional support pony into a second story one bedroom apartment. Use some common sense. Landlords also aren’t allowed to charge any fees or make any unreasonable requests or cause undue financial or other hardship to the handler relating to the Service Animal(s).

And Airlines and other Public Transportation service providers can’t refuse to let a Service Animal accompany their handler while using their services. HUD and Rural Development allow the disabled person to submit receipts for the care and upkeep of said Service Animal(s) as a medical cost to be used in the formula to determine the amount of rent the disabled person must pay in a subsidized home. Mommy is able to take advantage of the benefits allowed under the Fair Housing Act. For every $30.00 spent on the Service Animal, $1.00 is deducted from the base rent. (ie; base rent is $400.00, you spend about $1500.00 a year on Service Animal, Your rent is lowered by about $4.00 a month.) It’s not a lot, but mommy says every little bit helps. Especially when we are her largest bill every month. Mommy’s not complaining, she says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

There are a few other benefits that handlers can sometimes take advantage of. Some VETs offer a small discount for Service Animals. This is not usually posted, so you should remember to ask if your VET offers such a discount. Some of the big Pet food companies will sponsor Service Animals by providing food and medical care for the Service life of a Service Animal. However, this is generally a benefit only available to those Service Animals recognized by the ADA, dogs; and the occasional “media darling”. We’ve heard about a few emotional support animals benefitting from this. Their handlers are ex-military. Please understand, we are grateful those Service men and women can benefit from this, we just wish it was an option for others as well.

Whmew!!! Me just thought these answers would be short and sweet. Me thinks we’ll skip the story fur now, and tell ya’ next week. We’re guessin’ most of ya’ are thinkin’ mommy and Raena haven’t been wheelchair training during mommy’s recovery. Well, ifin you’re thinkin’ that, you’d be wrong. Yep Wrong with a capital R…, or, a capital W…or, well whatever, you’d be wrong. ‘Member, trainin’ is all ‘bout Repetition, Repetition, Repetition. But trust me, you definitely wanna hear ‘bout Raena’s trainin’ over the last couple of days. MOL MOL MOL So, join us next week fur mommy’s loopy trainin’ sessions with Raena. And don’t furget to leave your questions, suggestions and comments fur us. And get caught up by pawin’ the links below or at the end of any Service Cat Monday posty.

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

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Service Cats

What to Look For Training Foundations Train Kitty to Massage

Smelling Disease Do You Need One Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws and Exceptions Accommodations and Common Sense

When the Handler Dies Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help Just What Is Kitty Capable Of

Shad: Original Service Cat Harness, Vest, Leash or Stroller

Dezi the Wheelchair & the Chest Round and Round We Go

Tumble and Fall Response Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3

When to Train Explaining Rewards and Kitty’s Feelings

Stop Kitty’s Begging Calling Emergency Help Options Pt. 1

Medicating Kitty

Dezi gets her chin scratched while wearing her new tiger harness

Blest Sunday: Purrs, Prayers and Friends Make Things Better

Published on April 2, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.51 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. We’ve been gone fur like fur-eeeeever, right? And OMC You should see the skies and hear the rumblin’ goin’ on ‘round here. I’s thought Spring was s’posed to be here? Really, everypawdy’s been sayin’ it, and everypawdy can’t be wrong, right?

RaenaBelle, what are you meowin’ ‘bout now?

Everythin’ sissy. Ya’ know we’ve been away fur like…

Yeah, knock it off with that valley cat mew, you’re a Southern Belle. Besides, we told everypawdy we’d purrobably be gone till Blest Sunday. You know, mommy has such a high tolerance to meds, that they have to give her so much to knock her out, it stays with her fur a few days. They’re always in a hurry to wake her up and send her on her way, so that medicine’s just sittin’ there waitin’ to kick in the minute mommy stops. Mommy’s usually wiped out a couple days after a surgery, but right as rain the day of. We call that a blessing. All went well, and mommy can crash at home.

C’mon mommy, I’s all dressed and ready to go.

I’s fur sure didn’t like her leavin’ us here at home, but she was just as chatty when she got home as she was when she left. I’s could hear mommy and her ride in the pawrkin’ lot. They were laffin’ it up befur and after. You know all the nosy neighbors was peekin’ out their doors and windows wonderin’ what was goin’ on.

Yep, and mommy could hear you all the way in the pawrkin’ lot too. Fur those of ya’ that don’t follow us on Facebook, we’ll give you a mommy update now. Mommy pawrently has low sinuses and a couple of the teeth had roots embedded in the sinuses. So mommy isn’t allowed to spit, blow her nose or use a straw fur 2 weeks. One of the lower teeth (a wisdom tooth), was really close to the nerve that controls the feelin’s fur the jaw, lip and chin. So, again, no nose blowin’, spittin’, or straw usage. Don’t want mommy getting’ a dry socket or infection that could lead to paralysis. Mommy also found to her chagrin, No air smooches. Cuz of these complications (pawssible) the dental surgeon wants to see mommy again April 13th just to make sure all is well. Mommy’s lower lip is still a bit numb, but she’s got mouth and jaw exercises she’s doin’ and massages to purrvent swellin’. She’s takin’ an antibiotic and has a swish she uses 3 times a day.

Mommy’s not allowed to eat solid foods fur a whole 2 weeks, and then only soft foods like mac and cheese, waffles/pancakes, baked and smashed taters and pasta; we need to get some Hunts pasta sauce, since mommy ate up all those cans awnty Anonymous sent. Right now she’s eatin’ ice cream, and baked smashed taters. She was gonna get some Malt o Meal hot cereal, but there wasn’t any at da stores here. Mommy doesn’t eat “sick foods” like soups, puddin’s, jello, or fruit sauces/baby foods. Yes, she knows they would be good fur her, and ya’ll don’t unnerstand why she doesn’t like those kinds of things; but, she never has. She didn’t grow up eatin’ those kinds of things and never developed a taste fur them.

Yep Raena, we learned somethin’ really innerestin’ last night. Some peeps call those kinds of foods comfurt foods. But those of us from the South, think somethin’ totally different when ya’ say comfurt foods. Mommy says, she starts envisionin’ chicken fried steak, baked taters and dinner rolls, or chicken and dumplins and bis-kits or roast beef, roasted taters and bis-kits. And of course, baked 3 or 4 cheese mac and cheese is always considered a comfurt food. Anyways, mommy’s doin’ the bestest she can and we’re bein’ the bestest nurses ‘round and takin’ really good care of her.

Could you leave this sweet kitty girl face behind?

Even ifin it’s fur just a few hours?

And even tho’ I’s not happy ‘bout mommy leavin’ us behind, I’s really glad that her ride is/was such a nice lady. Cuz mommy furgot to ask ifin we could use names, we’ll call her, Mrs. Navy. That’s right, she’s a Navy Vet and so is her husband. They also be Christians and attend one of the churches mommy used to play the piano fur. Mommy says they had great conversation goin’ and comin’ home. Yep, mommy was wide awake and totally alert fur the ride home (see sis Dezi’s paragraph above regardin’ medicines and mommy’s tolerances). Anyways, there’s still work to be done in mommy’s mouth when she heals from this purrcedure. So ifin you’d like to donate, you can do so by givin’ directly to our PayPal at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com or the Fundraiser here.

Yep Raena, hopefully we’ll be able to get mommy’s mouth all fixed up soon. We’d like to say a meowsy big Fank you to The Swiss Cats fur their donation to the fundraiser. Mommy sounds so funny right now. It’s amazin’ how missin’ some teeth in key spots can make a difference in how some words and letters sound. MOL And guess what else? Mommy can’t hiss right now. And Raena’s takin’ full advantage of that. Fank the cats mommy harvested the last of her lettuce early last week.

Are you implyin’ I’s bein’ naughty sissy? Cuz that just ain’t true. (Raena giggles under her breath) Mommy said she had to exercise, and I’s just tryin’ to help her out.

Just her mouth, Raena. She’s not s’posed to be bendin’ over and cleanin’ up after you constantly. (Dezi shakes head)

Whatever, sissy. Anyways, we are so very blest, that everythin’ went well at mommy’s surgery, and that her ride was truly enjoyable and that she came home safe and sound to us. We’re blest that all those complications, haven’t been the purroblem they could have been. And we’re so blest to have the bestest, most suppurrtive furiends in the universe. Fank you all fur your luv, purrs and purrayers. Ifin ya’ don’t mind, keep ‘em comin’. Mommy’s still havin’ some pain and a mix of migraines and sinus headaches.

Me luvs me’s new harness, it’s da storms ragin’ outside

me’s not a fan of.

Hey Raena, me wants to fank awnty Vonda fur me’s new harness and leash. Mommy furinally felt good enuff to get me measured and get it ordered. And it got here yesfurday, just in time fur those really noisy storms. Bein’ in a harness kinda helps me a little durin’ storms. Anyways, me’s now stylin’ right alongside of you. Me can’t wait fur the weather to clear up so me can go out and show it off.

Me got a new leash to match too. But cuz it was stormin’

mommy didn’t put it on me. There was no way me

was goin’ outside in dat weather. MOL

You look great in your new harness sissy. I’s can’t wait fur this warmer weather either. We are so totally blest to have such great furiends, Angels and our luvvin furever mommy. We want to remind you all to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the blessings in your life. We are slowly getting’ ‘round to visit everypawdy so we’ll be by to see you shortly.

Hey Raena, don’t furget, we need to link up to the Pet Parade, and Sunday Selfies. We also need to remind everypawdy there’s just a couple more days to enter our LumaSoothe give away. Just click on the Entry foto below.

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

Raena: Navy Blue

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Dezi lays in the chair with Raena on the back

Chatting Cats: Service Humans and Planning a Play Date

Published on March 29, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.41 Comments

(There’s finally been a break in the storms that have plagued Oklahoma all week, and Dezi and Raena settle in to eat breakfast and chat about recent and future happenings)

Hey RaenaBelle, ya’ know, when mommy says there’s a tornado and ya’ need to get away from the window, ya’ really should get away from the window.

But she closed the door sissy. How else am I’s s’posed to see what’s goin’ on?

Sometimes Raena, ya’ don’t need to see what’s goin’ on. Kinda like tomorrow. You realize mommy ain’t taking either of us to her surgery, right? You ain’t plannin’ on standin’ at the door and caterwaulin’ the whole time are ya’?

I’s did hear her sayin’ somethin’ like that, but I’s thought she was just jokin’. How long is she gonna be gone? And why ain’t she takin’ at least one of us? And by one of us, I’s mean me. I’s don’t like it when mommy leaves me.

She’s gonna be gone most of the day. We might even get dinner late. As fur why she ain’t takin’ us, well, when she goes with another human, she thinks they can take care of whatever might happen.

So this human that’s takin’ mommy to her surgery can smell when mommy’s gonna pass out? How does she alert mommy.

No silly. Humans can’t smell anythin’. Well, that’s not completely true, but they can’t smell like we do. And they fur sure don’t know anythin’ ‘bout alerts. But mommy says ifin she does pass out, the human would be able to help her. Ya’ know, all she really needs is to be given a little breathin’ room and she’ll come back ‘round soon enuff. And the human can help her re-orient by tellin’ mommy where she is, what day it is, what time it is and you know, all those things mommy has to figger out after comin’ back ‘round. And while mommy’s in surgery, she’ll actually be knocked out. It’ll kinda be like she’s sleepin’.

Really sissy? Well who’s gonna give mommy her massages?

Nopawdy Raena. Mommy won’t need a massage fur surgery. But she’ll need purrlenty when she gets home.

Well I’s don’t like it sissy. I’s don’t like it at all. I’s think mommy might need me. I’s’ll just have to dance it up and make her take me.

Raena, it don’t matter how much dancin’ you do, mommy ain’t takin’ us. Why don’t you invite a furiend over fur a play date. That’ll help keep you occupied and outta me’s fur. And fur sure away from the door. We don’t want the neighbors turnin’ us in fur a noise complaint, cuz of all your caterwaulin’.

Can I’s invite Simon?

(Raena coyly drops her head, and peers up at Dezi while twisting back and forth)

Simon from Brian's Home blog — Simon. Photo courtesy of Brians Home blog

Yep Raena, you can invite Simon. So long as ya’ll don’t chase me. One floofy tailed chaser is all me can handle at a time.

We won’t chase you sissy… (Raena crosses her paws behind her back and quietly, under her breath meows) much. Is mommy gonna be okay sissy?

Yes Raena, she’ll be fine. We’re purrayin’ fur her and so are all our furiends.

Will she be able to help us with our bloggy?

Uh, you mean, Me’s bloggy? Hopefully she’ll be up to it Furiday, but ifin not, she’ll fur sure help us with Blest Sunday. We’ll just have to be patient and wait and see how she feels when she gets home. Now, come on, we have to get ready fur company ifin you’re invitin’ Simon over, and the pawrty over at Shoko and Kali’s. You know, their pawrents have gone away fur a couple of weeks and left them with a sitter.

A couple of weeks? Mommy better not be getting’ any ideas of leavin’ us fur that long…Ever!!!

Don’t worry Raena, mommy couldn’t be without us that long. Me bets she’s gonna miss us more tomorrow than we’ll miss her.

Yeah right. I’s bet you’re wrong, wrong, wrong, sissy. You may be smart ‘bout a lot of things, but that ain’t one of ‘em.

We’ll see Raena. Now let’s go get ready fur your play date. And say fank you to all our furiends fur purrayin’ fur mommy tomorrow. Don’t furget to enter our #LumaSoothe give away by clicking the foto below.

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

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Raena: Navy Blue

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Service Cats U.S.

I Audra, am the human behind Service Cats U.S. aka DezizWorld. I am disabled and use cats as service animals instead of dogs. They are just as capable and can perform duties other animals cannot. We started our online journey to bring awareness to the ability of cats and to help others understand the relationship between a service animal and their handler/person. We offer training tips and tricks that I have learned through the years along with other information on all things feline. We began this journey in 2014 with Lexi and Dezi. They have since gone on to heaven, but our journey continues. This blog is about our daily life from the kitty's point of view. I want this blog to be interactive and get to know all of you, so comment and visit often. I will also offer advice, training tips and education when possible. Copyright © 2014 - 2021 {Audra High via Deztinee High and RaenaBelle High} All Rights Reserved All personal content (story's, poetry, etc., videos and music) are the property of the human behind Deziz World, and may not be used, copied or otherwise re-published without prior written permission/consent from the author (A. High-the human behind Deziz World). We have an amazon.com wish list and a PayPal account if you would like to help/donate to us.

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