Thanks, Sally, for always being the best cheerleader  Makes a huge difference to have my rooting section here.

If it hadn't been for the IBD or whatever it is/was, putting on weight probably wouldn't have been desirable. But his spine was bony - he had been wrestling that in addition to the bad leg, poor guy.  He is rounding out now and it's so nice to stroke him. 

I see the little red NEW box.  But I didn't know i should be checking in and needed that notification. You are more active here than I. I had my hands so full with Sky and other pets and now I have this new project, so it doesn't occur to me log on. Until I'm freaking out, that is! 

It's so sweet that Sky has fans. He deserves them!  Most special boy 

We are good and getting better! 

Love,

Rebecca & Sky 

Good morning!

We are doing very well overall - thanks!  I'm a little peeved at the moment as his new post-surgery habit is to murmur loudly - not a meow really - when he wants something during the night. He's hungry and thirsty a lot because of the Prednisolone so I have indulged his requests. And he still hasn't managed to negotiate either set of steps to the bed despite coaxing with treats so if he wants to be picked up, he asks in the same way. When he is thirsty, he asks the same way to drink from the water glass by my bed.  So he is thoroughly spoiled and I am sleep deprived. I am writing this when I have just gotten up a little earlier than I would have liked so grumpy. 

However, he looks great! Filling out nicely and fur is growing back so there is mostly white fur instead of pink skin. His sutures are all gone and incision is perfectly healed. 

And his personality has normalized - apart from being a bit (lot) more demanding.  He is cuddly and sweet and I am so grateful he is here. 

He just asked to be picked up onto the bed and is snuggled happily between my legs purring.  I'm smiling. 

Sky is moving around well. I think it's still much harder work for him to hop than it was to walk. But he cracked me up the other night when I took some roast chicken out of the fridge. He and my pup Marlowe raced each other to kitchen to get there first and actually tripped over each other! It was so funny.  And it didn't hurt Sky. He sat there with Marlowe - both acting very well-behaved waiting for summadat CHICKEN! Which of course, they got. I was in stitches.  He even wrestles with Marlowe! They have a morning tussle - Marlowe is gentle but they both enjoy it. Sky would let him know if he didn't. 

So all is well. I wonder if I'll ever get over that sinking feeling when I see that missing leg. But it is compensated for by all the other times when I see his beautiful face, stroke his silky fur and hear his soft purr.  Feel so blessed!!

Thanks for caring!

Love,

Rebecca & Sky

Thanks for understanding, Jackie! How long has it been for Huck? 

I don't think Sky will ever climb the cat tree - he was never as athletic as my other two. But if he could hop a bit more easily I would love that. He does run amazingly fast!  And the stairs are a breeze for him. Just not the steps to the bed... 

And yes, I understand the trade off. In our case, since it turned out Sky didn't have cancer we got rid of a source of pain rather than saving his life. And no leg vs painful leg looks the same from my perspective. But I have to understand that it must have hurt a lot. And now it doesn't.  It's an intellectual exercise vs the emotional tug from seeing him work hard to get around. 

The important thing is we love and have compassion for our babies. We give them the best lives we know how.  In my case, I fake it til I make it   Sky is happy and comfortable.

I hope you and your fur babies have the most marvelous holidays!!

Thanks for the clarification. My vet said Sky was close to having that leg dangling there. But it wasn't hence my struggle.  

You did so well for Huck!  Bless you all!!!

Thanks, Rene! I've tried scaling back the Pred several times before with undesirable results. I'm thinking about it but also afraid to mess with it as his poops are so much better. It's tricky business. I think I'll give it a little longer and then try.. I worry about long-term affects from Prednisolone but spent many months getting him to some "poop stability". 

And yes, at least we don't have to outside every 3-4 hours! And he is happy!! I'll take it 

Rebecca & Sky 

You are so kind, Sally!  Thanks so much for your support along the way - it's made such a difference. 

We are over the worst of it and apart from sleep deprivation due to spoiling him, we are almost home free. 

Yes, planning a quiet Christmas with my fur-mily and counting our blessings!

Wishing you a beautiful holiday!!

With gratitude,

Rebecca & Sky 

Thanks, Holly - as always you are voice of wisdom. Yesterday's post was the result of another bad night's sleep  - up sporadically to tend to Sky, not getting back to sleep and exhausted after weeks of this pattern.Sorry!  I took a great nap yesterday afternoon and last night was a bit better so I'm not as grumpy and negative today. 

Thanks for the tip on Vitality Science! I'll research it and consider trying it. Cost is a consideration. But I hate to go this far with Sky only to have his liver go down.  I'll discuss with St Louise, our vet and see what she thinks. I know she would be in favor of lowering the dose of Pred but she knows what a roller coaster his IBD has been - and has all the poop pix to prove it.  Right now he is stable and rocking the boat is scary.  He is also gaining weight and looks so much better!  Perhaps when we have a little longer at this point, I can change things. 

So 8 weeks out, we have truly come a long way. My gorgeous Sky is healing and adjusting and as affectionate as ever. Most of the time I realize that I made the rational decision and am satisfied - even pleased.  And I'm thrilled that Sky is here and happy and enjoying himself!!!

Much to be thankful for. Thank you for setting me straight..yet again 

Give Purrkins cuddles from Sky and myself and I hope your holidays are fun and fabulous!

Rebecca & Sky 

Merry Christmas Everyone!  Hope it was a hoppy one 

I think I may have a first for myself here... hoping to attach a link to video I took yesterday of Sky enjoying his catnip toy. 

As you can see he is healthy, happy and HERE! I am so grateful and it made for a wonderful day.

Hope this works.. 

PS the pathetic whining in the background is Marlowe wanting up on the bed with Sky. Which he actually could have done if he wasn't afraid of the new steps!  Wuss