Photo quote de jour


I wish I could say the same about outdoor feral Domino. Last week, he and another feral, Rambo, the black "Italian Stallion" went ten rounds in cat fight ring. Domino emerged the bloody victor, but a soon and infection set in. Injured feral cats don't have a good survival rate without intervention. Domino's eye sealed shut, he stopped grooming and slowed down to a miserable crawl. He needed antibiotics and fast, but vets won't give them without seeing the cat. There was no way Domino was in the mood to be trapped. It was a race against time and time for resourceful thinking. I found someone who had leftover antibiotics, researched whether this kind could be used on cats and at what dosage. I carefully emptied the contents of the capsules into a powdery pile, and divided it into individual doses with the precision of a cocaine dealer. The only question remained was: would the patient notice it mixed in with his food?
Thank God Domino is a glutton. I blended his favorite Fancy Feast roasted chicken and gravy with the drug and he scarfed it down. Three days later, I'm happy to report, he's grooming himself again, the wounds are drying up and he's moving at his old pace. Oh, and hissing with his normal impatience if his dinner isn't served fast enough. He's used up another of his nine lives and I can't help but wonder how many he has left. Meanwhile, I haven't seen Rambo for two days...

I wanted Merlin to keep his distance, but he insisted on hanging out with Domino. I don't think I'm anthropomorphizing when I say Merlin looked concerned at his pal's sad face. Merlin always comes to me when I need comforting, so why not for one of his own kind? They gazed at each other for a few minutes, and have no doubt something was being communicated along the lines of  "get well soon." They may not be bosom buddies but enjoy a distant camaraderie. I can't say the same for Coco. She's no mother Theresa and cares only for herself and maybe Merlin when it suits her.



The snow is gone. Coco took the opportunity to inspect the herb garden. Her only concern was...

This morning Merlin took delight inhaling fresh smells after the last of the snow melted. He's not the only one dreaming of spring...


Link of the Week

Humans aren't the only ones in need of help in Haiti. When people suffer in this terrible tragedy, so do animals. The HSUS, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, and global affiliate Humane Society International are working on a preliminary assessment of Haiti’s animal-care needs, taking into account the security, transportation, housing, and supply challenges. One of their veterinary teams had been conducting a program at a veterinary school in the Dominican Republic which is trying to interface. The biggest problem is a lack of infrastructure. There is little in the way of organized animal welfare groups, no animal shelters or veterinary schools in Haiti. It's a gargantuan task but these organizations are going out on a limb to help. If you know of any other links, let me know.

Additional information and donation links for ARCH participants (that I know of):

World Society for the Protection of Animals -- http://www.wspa-international.org /

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) -- http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw_international /

Best Friends Animal Society -- http://network.bestfriends.org/groups/rapidresponse/new... -- 100% of donation goes to Haiti.

American Humane Association -- http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/progra...

Kinship Circle -- http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/relief/haiti/fie...

ASPCA -- http://www.aspca.org/news/help-the-animals-of-haiti.htm... (

Humane Society of the United States -- http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2010/01/hsus_mon...