Photo quote de jour


Where did April go? Time is whizzing by at warp speed and if I didn't meditate every morning, I'd have gone off the deep end long ago. My meditation companion is Merlin (seen above with the last of the magnolia blossoms) is turning more Buddha-like with every passing year. He has graced me with posing for photos more often. Maybe it's because we go for walks every morning, or maybe because we both know his time on this planet is nearing its tail end. It only occurred to me last night, on Beltane eve, the obsessive photography lately has to do with loss. I want to preserve as many digital memories of my cats while they're alive, but today is also the anniversary of my father's death. I will honor his memory by doing what he loved best, going for a walk in nature (but with cats). The ever growing collection of photos is making me think maybe I need to do a book. Does Kitty Wisdom 101 seems like a good idea?
 
I've never seen Coco do her business anywhere but her litter box. Merlin on occasion squirts urine outdoors to tell passersby of his presence, but no poop, until last week. My neighbors have a nice mound of dry debris at the back of their garden and to my surprise, Merlin arched like a Halloween cat and (sorry Merlin for this indiscretion) did his business. It was beautiful to see him stretch out in the fresh air and sunshine au naturel, and I realized all kitty litter boxes are way too small!



Dr. Goldstein our mobile vet angel ( see last week's blog) stopped by twice this week to get a urine sample from Coco. Her kidneys enzymes are elevated but the culture didn't turn up anything unusual. He dropped by yesterday (a mobile vet clinic  is a dream!) with antibiotics. We'll re-test in a week and then consider options of ultrasound, sub-cutaneous fluids, and prescription food. I have one word for elderly pets, Ka-ching! It got me thinking of how ephemeral life is and how precious our time is with our beloved pets. Coco can only see shadows now, but the old girl enjoys her time in the garden. The only thing missing is a shawl and a rocking chair!


Domino, feral cat extraordinaire and philosopher king is in fine form except for a recent scratch on his nose from? His only complaint is the disarray of his domain, the porch. I've been painting, cleaning, and decorating it for the summer living room season which officially opens this weekend.


I happened to see this enormous cat on a walk near DH's office. Apparently he spoke to cat's caretaker who rescued her after her previous owner, an elderly woman had died. She over fed the cat not knowing she was killing it with kindness. It's funny picture but obesity in cats is no laughing. Fat cats are prone to the same diseases as fat humans, from heart disease to diabetes.



Link of the week Bobbi and the Strays A 100% non-profit no-kill animal rescue organization, located in Queens, New York.
If you are in the New York area on Saturday, May 1 & Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 11am to 6pm

Beltaine in the Park is entering it's 17th year in Wantagh Park and this is the 1st time it will be a full weekend event! Please join us for a weekend of celebration! Two whole days of Maypole dancing, rituals, shopping, information classes, and live entertainment. This event is Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2.

Bobbi and the Strays will be there Saturday and Sunday with adoptable dogs and cats that need loving homes! Come celebrate spring and meet your new best friend! We will also have a flea market to raise additional funds for our homeless animals.
Wantagh Park - Wantagh,Long Island
1 King Road
just south of Merrick Road