Furry Memories On Monday

Published on August 28, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.29 Comments

MeOW and welcome to a memory filled Monday. That’s right, today all across the blogosphere we’re takin’ a moment to ‘member those that have left this earthly realm. We know you might have come here today fur our Service Cat Monday posty, and we hope you’ll join us next Monday when we’ll pick up where we last left off. But, today is a very special day; and havin’ lost a great luv, we decided to take part in Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Altho’ we don’t believe in this Rainbow Bridge, we do believe in heaven, and that our luvved ones move on to a better place when they leave us.

Lexi at 16 years old in mommy's lap — I luvz minez mommy even more today

Our furst memory today is of sis Lexi, mommy’s beluvved Service Cat and me’s much luvved sisfur. We miss her somethin’ fierce and hate that she had to go. Fur 17 years sis Lexi never left mommy’s side. Fur seven of those years, she was the bestest sisfur this girly could have ever asked fur. Sis Lexi was an Alpha cat from the minute she was born. Even tho’ she was the boss, she was almost always gentle ‘bout puttin’ me in me’s place. A lot of peeps only saw a black tabby cat when they looked at her. But to mommy and me, she was the most bootyful soul that ever lived. Even in her last days, she remained the majestic Empress and dutiful Service Cat. She could barely stand on her own four paws, but each day she was there to help mommy get her day started and end her days with luvvin’ massages. We will never unnerstand why she had to leave us; but, we’ll always ‘member her with a smile and luv in our hearts.

Ransom’s kitten photo

We will at that sweet Dezi. Some days are better than others, but there will always be a hole in my heart that belonged to my beautiful Lexi. Good night my love, we will meet again. Lexi and I had known loss. Too much if you ask me, but God knows things I don’t. Even knowing that I would have to lose my precious fur babies, I wouldn’t have wanted to live my life without them. Before Dezi joined our family, Lexi and I had 5 great years with the very handsome Ragamuffin, Ransom. Bless his heart, he was all boy, all the time. He broke his leg when he was about 6 months old being rambunctious and throwing caution to the wind in his play. Just as his leg healed, he developed a severe UTI and his heart murmur got worse. He held on and fought to live four more years before leaving us for heaven. A piece of my heart will always belong to that fluffy little black kitty boy.

Lucky and Lexi enjoyed their window perches. They laid side by

side for hours, daily.

Before Ransom, there was Lucky, Lucky Luciano to be accurate. Altho’ named after a mobster, Lucky was the sweetest, most good natured Siamese I’d ever known. Born exactly 28 days before Lexi, they had grown up together and had a bond that almost killed her when he left. He was a gentle giant that loved spending time with me and his sisfur. He and Lexi were the first Service Cats to learn to drive the wheelchair. Nothing scared him. He was adventurous and giving. He regularly stepped back and let the gluttonous Lexi, who had scarfed down her meal, take his. He knew there would always be more. That mommy would always make sure he had plenty and never went hungry. He developed a sudden UTI that had him completely blocked. Unfortunately, my ignorance and lack of money cost him his life. I so miss his curious little apple headed face poking around the corner to spy on me. His journey to heaven left Lexi and me lost for years. When Lucky left, he took a big chunk of our hearts with him. I like to believe Lexi and Lucky are together again, waiting for me to join them in the happy hereafter.

Devon and Lucky

Devon, a boxy Himilayan, was an only cat when I decided to start fostering kittens for the rescue group that brought me Lucky and Lexi. He was such a good natured laid back boy, that he took it all in stride. He was a great Service Cat, and even liked to play daddy to the kittens I brought in. We fostered motherless kittens. Even when they would yell all night and keep us awake for weeks at a time, he would still coddle and bathe them and teach them how to be a cat. A brain tumor took him away much too young. Every time I see a kitty curled up in a sink, I smile and remember my sweet Himi boy. Altho’ he is missed, I’m grateful he’s no longer in pain and confused.

Shad, the original Service Cat

I end my memories today with my faithful Shad, my first Service Cat. She was the original, and there will never be another like her. She and I had a hard life, but a life filled with love and devotion. It was her love and devotion for me that caused her to take action and train herself to help me after my accident. She was remarkable, silly, and her love knew no bounds. Whether we lived in our car or had a home with rooms and stability, she was happiest just being with me. She brought me thru some of the worst times in my life and taught me to love and trust again. She will always be missed. Again, at five years old, she was taken from this world far too soon. But, her legacy lives on in each cat that came after her. Good Night my sweet babies, we will be together again. And until that day, your love pushes me onward and fills our home. You will forever be remembered.

Me and sis Lexi luvved each other and mommy dearly

Thank you fur sharin’ the legacy of your Service Cats mommy. Me and Raena have some big paws to fill. Me is so grateful fur all the kitties who came befur me. They have helped shape and educate me’s mommy to be the mommy she is today. While she doesn’t know everythin’, their lives and losses has caused her to research and never give up. We don’t like to say good bye, cuz we know we will all be together again someday. So, till then, it’s not good bye, but Good Night. We’ll meet you all by the River of Life, when the Son calls us home. We wanna fank you all fur lettin’ us share these wonderful memories with you all today. Purrlease join us next Monday when our regularly scheduled Service Cat Monday posts will return. Check out me’s posty ‘bout sis Lexi at the Tabby Cat Club and while you’re there, check out everypawdy else’s memories too.

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

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Mommy A: Black

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee, RaenaBelle and Mommy A

Lexi lays in wheelchair and Dezi climbs on cat tree

Service Cats: Basic Training Continues

Published on August 21, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.38 Comments

MeOWww Everypawdy, me’s back. You give that Raena an inch and she’ll take a mile. MOL Anyways, we got a lot of questions after our last Service Cat Monday posty with concerns ‘bout li’l ole me. Furst, me wants to fank you all fur your concern; but rest assured, mommy hasn’t cast me aside fur a newer, younger model, namely, RaenaBelle. Me still works every day. Let me get the business outta the way and we’ll meow ‘bout it. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat Monday posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease let us know in the comments section or send us an email. When asking behavorial questions, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links at the end of this post. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

First, we want to follow up a little about last weeks post. For those of you who might have missed that post, mommy’s wheelchair is broken and unusable right now. None the less, Training continues as always. Awnty Kat from Momma Kat and her Bear Cat said, “I assumed part of the training was knowing what to expect (when Raena does one thing … the chair does this) – like how she might sit different if the chair is going forward. I would assume them learning to expect what the chair will do would cut down on anxiety and surprise when the action does happen.” And, she’s not wrong. However, if the chair doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. Unfortunately wheelchairs are expensive and most people don’t have a spare. Learning what to do when the chair is broken and can’t be used is just as important as learning how to drive the chair.

You can see the control panel in this photo. Power button on top,

horn just below and the 2 speed buttons just in front of the joystick.

Remember, there are quite a few steps that have to occur before the wheelchair, even when working properly, will actually move. Believe it or not, the driving is probably the easiest part. After all, pushing the joystick forward is only one step. Seat position, bracing and turning the chair on and off require multiple steps, especially when we can’t read. The control panel contains 4 buttons positioned closely together, Power, Horn and 2 Speed buttons. We kitties are pretty smart, but reading the names of the buttons is a bit beyond our purview. So, it is necessary for us to prove proficiency in turning the chair on and off every day; as well as sitting properly and allowing mommy to brace us. Each button beeps when pushed. This simple step can often be enough to spook a kitty and make them want to jump down and/or run away. We have to become accustomed to the beeps and to fall back to driving position whether the wheelchair moves or not.

In our driving position, we must make sure that our back paw claws aren’t digging into mommy’s naked leg; and that we’re comfortable with where she has placed her hand to brace/hold us in position. And, even tho’ the wheelchair isn’t going to move right now, we must show that we know to bite the joystick and push it after powering the wheelchair on. These are basic steps and the first steps we learn. Each kitty learns at a different speed, however, mommy will often focus our initial Wheelchair Training on these steps for at least a month before ever letting us actually propel the chair forward. We like to remind you all that Training is ongoing and doesn’t take breaks or vacations. The truth is, that even when the chair is working properly, whoever doesn’t drive in the morning will be going thru these steps as Training every day.

We do take turns driving mommy in the mornings, but it’s not like today is me’s turn and tomorrow is yours. Each day, one of us will take up the Driving position, and that’s who drives. We don’t fight over who gets there first, we just kind of have an unspoken agreement, that whoever does, gets to drive. Of course, that’s after we’ve both proven ourselves proficient in driving. When Raena was first learning to drive, it was up to me to actually drive in the mornings. Even when she would take up the Driving position, mommy would give her some extra loving and then move her to the other leg so me could slip in and take the joystick. The rule is, whoever doesn’t drive the morning routine, gets Wheelchair Training that day. Now that we can both drive equally well, we take turns Training on those initial steps each day. Even sis Lexi, the last year of her life, still had regular Training Sessions.

Mommy equates Training to an old human saying, “Once you learn to ride a bike, you’ll never forget.” However, if you don’t ride for a while, you’re most likely to be a bit wobbly. You know the steps, but you’re a bit rusty and may even fall a time or two. However, if you ride every day, you’ll keep getting better. The same is true for us. Just because we learn to drive, doesn’t mean we should stop practicing. Remember, Training is all about Repetition and Rewards. Me will be honest and tell you that it is confusing for us when the wheelchair is broken and our morning routine changes, but because of our continual Training, we adapt. We’ll meow more about that next week. In the meantime, me has a basic Wheelchair lesson to perform today. Me’s going to insist on Training first. Raena begs for treats better than me, so if she trains last, we’ll not only get lots of extra love but we just might get a handful of treats too.

Me’s gonna wrap it up now. Fanks again fur your questions, and keep ‘em comin’. And ‘member, you can ketch up on our Training Tips by clicking the links below.

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 & Exceptions Accommodations & 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 & Chest Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

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

Medicating Kitty

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

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel Taming A Feral Cat

Designer Cats & Scent DNA Doesn’t Change Fighting or Posturing

Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning Wheelchair Training

Raena lays in wheelchair while pointing out the joystick

Service Cats: What’s Going On With the Wheelchair

Published on August 14, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.36 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. That’s right, I’s here fur this weeks Service Cat Monday cuz it’s mostly ‘bout me. Let me get that business stuffs outta the way and we’ll get right to it. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur translator and reader ease. Our Trainin’ posts aren’t meant to be a step by step training manual but rather, Tips/Tricks/Techniques that mommy has used/developed throughout her many years of training animals, cats in purrticular. Training is all about Repetition and Rewards and takes time. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease leave them in the comments section or send us an email. Ifin askin’ about behavioral issues, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clicking the links below.

It’s been a while since we’ve written about my training efforts, and we’ve gotten a few questions lately asking how my driving is going. So, we thought we’d take today to talk a bit about it. But, keep those questions coming, we’re really enjoying the topics ya’ll are throwing at us. The last time we posted about my driving lessons, I was doing pretty good, but not yet driving too far. You can read parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 by clicking the links below titled, Raena and the Wheelchair. Of course mommy’s continued to train me even tho’ we’ve not written any posts about it. Remember, Training is all about Repetition and Rewards. And remember, we can’t stress enough, Training doesn’t take a day off.

Here’s our question for today. “What do you do when you’re training a kitty to use a piece of equipment, and that equipment breaks?” Yep, mommy’s wheelchair broke. Seems a motor is out and the chair will do nothing more than go around and around in circles. I certainly can’t drive that. Mommy can’t even drive it, so what’s she supposed to do? Thankfully, because mommy and me didn’t take a day off, I’s can drive the wheelchair quite well now. Anyways, the first thing one must do is get a replacement or repair as soon as possible. But, anyone who has ever worked with Medicare knows that soon takes on a whole new meaning.

Mommy called a repairman as soon as the chair broke. He’s a new one to us, but looks like he’s going to be a good one. He came out the very next day to check it out. Mommy’s current chair has been a piece of junk since the day she got it, and he explained it’s because the chair’s about the cheapest one on the market. After looking it over and getting some information from it, he informed mommy that Medicare won’t pay to repair it, so we have to go through the channels and get a new one. So, we have an appointment today with mommy’s doctor for the evaluation to get the paperwork started.

In the meantime, mommy will continue to work with me on things like turning the chair on and off and sitting and standing properly when driving. Even though the chair doesn’t move, I will continue to learn to bite the joystick and hold. It’ll go something like this: Mommy and me will sit in the wheelchair and I’ll position myself on her right leg next to the joystick. Mommy will say, “On”, and I will stand with my front paws on the arm of the chair and push the power button. I might just press the horn too. Ya’ know, just for good measure. And then mommy will say, “Let’s go”, and I’ll bite down on the joystick and push it forward. We won’t be going anywhere, because mommy will have slipped her hand up and turned the chair off. After about a minute, mommy will slip her hand back up to that power button and turn the chair back on, and then say to me, “Off”. And, naturally, I will put my paw back on that power button and turn the chair off. We’ll repeat this scenario for about 15 minutes once a day. Of course, I will get lots of extra love after each step and at the end of the Training session.

It is a bit confusing to me that we’re not actually moving, but, these initial steps are more important than the actual driving. And, as long as mommy’s happy, I feel good about it and want to continue to please mommy each and every time. And hopefully, we’ll have a new chair sooner than later. So, even if the piece of equipment is broken, there are Training steps you can continue with. Always remember, Training is ongoing for life.

We can’t have a Service Cat posty without a foto of sis Dezi too.

Well, I’s gonna call it a wrap for today so we can get ready to go. I’s gotta help mommy find the raincoat fur mine’s stroller since it’s stormin’ outside. ‘Member to leave your questions or topics in the comments section. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, just click the links below to get caught up.

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

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Service Cats

What to Look For Training Foundations Train Kitty To Massage

Smelling Disease Do You Need One Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws & Exceptions Accommodations & 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 & Chest Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

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

Medicating Kitty

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

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel Taming A Feral Cat

Designer Cats & Scent DNA Doesn’t Change Fighting or Porsturing

Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning

Service Cats: What Is Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning & Do They Work With Cats

Published on August 7, 2017 by Service Cats U.S.45 Comments

Welcome, to Service Cat Monday with RaenaBelle. That’s right, in keepin’ with the thought that sis Dezi is off at Summer camp (it’s really virutal, she’s right here), I’s takin’ over the bloggy includin’ Service Cat Monday. You all ‘member to tell her I’s did a good job, K? Anyways, I think I’s s’posed to get the disclaimer stuffs outta the way furst. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur translator and reader ease. Our Trainin’ posts aren’t meant to be a step by step training manual but rather, Tips/Tricks/Techniques that mommy has used/developed throughout her many years of training animals, cats on purrticular. Training is all about Repetition and Rewards and takes time. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease leave them in the comments section or send us an email. Ifin askin’ about behavioral issues, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clicking the links below. Now, let’s get to our question.

Layla, from Cat Wisdom 101 asked, “What are your thoughts on Clicker training and Operant Conditioning?” Well, we explained a bit about Clicker training in a prior post, but we’ll talk a bit about it for those of you that missed that post. First, let me explain what Clicker Training is. The trainer, holds a small clicker in one hand, a treat in the other, and clicks the clicker when the animal performs correctly, immediately followed by a treat as the reward. The hopes are that the animal will eventually learn the behavior and will no longer require the clicker to perform the appropriate action. Operant Conditioning is when behavior is modified based on rewards and punishments.

We can tell you right away, that altho’ mommy believes most actions taken by animals, both of the two legged variety and the four legged, are somewhat a result of Operant Conditioning; it is in NO way a form of training she approves of. The reason for that is the necessity of a Punishment for incorrect behavior. For Operant Conditioning to truly work, there must be the risk of punishment. And as you know, mommy doesn’t like the idea of punishing us. Mommy says there’s a huge difference between Positive Reinforcement Discipline and Punishment. So, that’s our thoughts on Operant Conditioning. Now, what about that Clicker Training?

Operant Conditioning in action. Altho’ we’re not fighting,

sis Dezi is letting me know, she’s had enough.

As we mentioned in a previous post, the idea of Clickers was still very new when mommy began training. She looked into them and found at that time, they were quite costly. While preparing for this post, we looked again, and found they still cost a little more than mommy would pay. And then of course, there’s the treats. When using a clicker, you have to have that tasty reward waiting. If you would prefer to use the clicker method but don’t have the money to buy one, you can always use your fingers to snap, or your mouth to make a click sound. Just don’t forget to do it as soon as the appropriate behavior has occurred, followed by a treat. Also keep in mind, that anytime you use treats during training, meals should be adjusted to account for the extra calories. You don’t want training to result in an overweight kitty or doggy. Because of cost, having to carry treats all the time, and the fact that most of the things we do for mommy occur when she’s not exactly dressed, we’re not fans of Clicker Training either. That being said, it is a great tool if that’s the method you want to use.

Enjoying some silvervine after a training session.

So, our thoughts are pretty simple. Clicker Training is a great method for dogs and can be successful with cats as well. But, it’s not a method mommy chooses for numerous reasons. And altho’ we’re probably all acting a bit due to Operant Conditioning, it is NOT a method of training mommy likes or recommends. Please, Do Not Punish your cat or dog, especially during training.

And sissy gets treats even when it’s mine’s training session.

Well, I’s sure hope we answered awnty Layla’s question. As most of ya’ know, mommy’s purrfured method of training is the Love Rewards method. It works, needs no extra props and can be successfully used for both cats and dogs. Remember, ifin you have any questions, purrlease leave them in the comments or send us an email. And ifin you missed any posts in this series, click the links below.

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Ransom’s kitten photo

Lucky and Lexi enjoyed their window perches. They laid side by

side for hours, daily.

Devon and Lucky

Shad, the original Service Cat

Me and sis Lexi luvved each other and mommy dearly

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

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Mommy A: Black

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee, RaenaBelle and Mommy A

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You can see the control panel in this photo. Power button on top,

horn just below and the 2 speed buttons just in front of the joystick.

Me’s gonna wrap it up now. Fanks again fur your questions, and keep ‘em comin’. And ‘member, you can ketch up on our Training Tips by clicking the links below.

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

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Service Cats

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

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty Internal Disputes

The Rest of the Story Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

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

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

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We can’t have a Service Cat posty without a foto of sis Dezi too.

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

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Service Cats

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

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty Internal Disputes