Left Behind, But Not Forgotten

I made the decision to leave Tang in Ithaca when I moved to Idaho. His cancer had spread throughout his body, but his quality of life was still good. He was eating, catching chipmunks, and wrestling with my upstairs neighbors cat. When I mentioned that I was considering euthanizing him to my neighbor she offered to take him in. The stress of the trip to Idaho could prove to be too much for him, and seeing how he loved Tammi and her pets, I agreed. I felt that if he was still doing well when I flew home in November I could transport him back on the plane with me to Idaho. It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to him. While I knew I was making the right decision, I've never left a pet before, and it was a truly heartwrenching experience. Tang was the perfect cat in so many ways. He was great with my dogs, great with other cats, independent, but still loveable. He had been at the animal shelter for a year before I took him home, and I wish I had taken him in sooner so that we could have had more time together. In many ways I felt like Tang was so happy to be in a home that loved him, and he showed his gratitude by being exactly what I wanted out of a feline companion.

This evening Tang was put to sleep by two incredibly wonderful friends. Tammi called me yesterday to let me know he had taken a turn for the worse, he wasn't eating and barely getting around. I am so lucky to have friends that can help me out at a moment's notice and make sure that Tang didn't suffer a day in his life. His passing was peaceful, and while I wasn't there physically, my thoughts were with him and I felt peace knowing that he and Montana would be reunited.

I loved Tang so much, and I am so happy he was a part of my life. I hope that his time spent with me, Montana, Stella and Chip was as wonderful for him as it was for us.

***While this post is obviously dedicated to Tang's memory, it is also dedicated to Dr Brian Collins and Soshi Cook, two fabulous people whose love for animals makes them true humanitarians.***

In Anticipation of Chip's Arrival

As I sit here awaiting my cat's arrival via plane, I can't help but be anxious, nervous about the state he'll be in when he arrives. I hate flying pets, but in this case, it really seemed like the best option, and all I can hope for, is that Chip is his unflappable self when he steps out of his carrier and into my arms. I've never met a cat like Chip. He isn't fazed by anything. He spent the last week in the office of the TC SPCA animal control, and after about 5 minutes there he completely forgot about me and was ready to make it his permanent home. In fact, after my departure, my friend Kate gave me reports which consistently mentioned the fact that he couldn't care less that I had left him. Perhaps this is why no one ever considers cats to be (wo)man's best friend. Yet, for some reason, it is Chip's extreme disloyalty to me that makes me love him so much. It is the fact that he can acclimate to any situation that makes him such a great cat. So, here's to hoping that he'll be the same unfazed boy that he was before the flight. And, that he'll love life in Idaho with Stella and I.

**I dedicate this post to the wonderful animal control officers that made Chip comfortable, happy and spoiled while he waited to join the rest of the family in Idaho. And especially to Kate for taking him to the airport, making sure he was handled well by the cargo personnel and giving him lots of love.****

And Away We Go!!!!

Greetings from North Dakota! I'm well on my way to Idaho, and for those of you who may be wondering, no, ND is not on the direct route to Idaho. I'm taking a true road trip. Joining me are my friend Laura and my #1 companion Stella. We've been having a blast; sightseeing, driving, and driving some more. What's amazed me through all of it (other than the fact that our country is BEAUTIFUL!) is how amazingly perfect Stella can be!!! She zonks out in the car, sleeps through the night, and has been wonderful with all the people we've met. She is super happy too. I think dogs are amazing in their resiliance. As long as she is with me, she's happy. Although, she's certainly got a soft spot for my friend Laura too. At the beginning of the trip she acted deaf whenever Laura would call her or ask her to do something. Now, she happily trots over to her when called. Okay, maybe not all the time, but this is Stella we're talking about...

 I love my dog. I can't imagine not sharing this wonderful trip with her. We'll be in our new home tomorrow. I hope it makes her happy....

Goodbye and Hello

My last day at the SPCA has come and gone. My furniture and belongings have gone as well. This leaves me homeless, jobless, and a with a dog who seems more anxious than ever. My anxiety has lessened in the past few days however, which may indicate a strong future as a hobo...

While saddened by the idea of leaving the SPCA, I am also joyful about future prospects and starting at the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley. In the relatively short time I spent at Tompkins County, I learned a lot, saw a lot, and began to figure out how difficult good animal sheltering can be. I am excited about the prospect of starting anew and teaching what I've learned, helping more animals and gaining more knowledge. I only wish I could explain to Stella that her anxiety should lessen as well. Things are moving forward in a positive direction.

To check out a dog that may be a prospect in my future, check out Stacy by following the link below:

 http://animalshelterwrv.org/dog_gallery.php?pcID=67&pcTitle=STACY

My Time in DC

I'm currently in DC for the No Kill Conference, and while I could blog about the speakers, information, and personal views of the information received, I have more interesting news. I won a trip to Hawaii! How great is that? There was a raffle at the end of the conference in which the grand prize was a free stay in a Kauai condo. I jumped up and screamed when they called out my number. It was not my most humble moment, as I shouted "That's me, I won!!!" But it was one exciting moment, that's for sure.

I decided to drive to the conference so I could bring Stella with me. I am lucky enough to have pet loving cousins who not only welcomed me into their home, but my mutt too. It's been so nice not having to worry about her while I am away all day, and I am so grateful to them for taking her on walks and letting her cuddle with them in my absence. Sure, she was excited when I got home, but she wasn't frantic, and that shows me that she was being well cared for. I have great cousins!

I also saw my friend Bernice, who is the behaviorist and trainer at Animal Farm Foundation. Seeing her made me want to drive to their facility and bring home a pitbull. But then I went on to Petfinder, and saw a Griffon that needs adopting, and maybe I need to go check her out. People tell me the right dog "just comes to you," but I think I am going to be actively seeking this new dog and not give it the chance to appear unexpectedly...

PS- Looks like Tuesday got adopted!!! I wonder if his potential adopter read about him on my blog and decided to go check him out. hee hee

The Update

So, I've left you hanging on a few things. Here's the twitter-esque update:

1) Tang is doing alright. Still no diagnosis, but he is eating, drinking, jumping on my bed, and acting "normal." Going back to the vet on Tuesday.

2) Finished Twilight and am now reading "adult lit." hee hee

3) I am moving. I accepted a job at the shelter I used to work for. I am excited to implement a lot of what I learned, and continue my career in sheltering. I have yet to start packing, and I think I am still in denial. I do love Ithaca and will really miss it here.

So, now you're up to date. For the moment.

While I won't take Pete off the blog just yet, I do want to feature another dog that I am in love with. Yes, he's a pitty. His name is Tuesday and we took him in from the Toronto Humane Society. I do love Canadians, but they have some backward thinking laws that state pitbulls are not allowed to reside in Ontario. So, we took a couple in. Quite honestly, the two we took are prime examples of why breed legislation is bullshit. These are great DOGS and it does not matter what breed they are. They deserve a chance just as much as the Golden Retriever. I would trust Tuesday with  child more so than many other dogs. So, to see the face of a dog that almost didn't make it because of his bad rap, take a look Tuesday. He is just one more pitty that makes me smile.

Sedona Finds a Home!

That's right. Sedona walked her pretty butt out of our SPCA and into a new home. Seems like it's going to be a keeper too. She's been going to the river for walks and her new adopters are quite smitten with her. I'll definitely miss her. I've become quite attached. But, there's nothing like seeing the dog you know you can't have find a great home. I wish Sedona the best, and I'll be sure to check in on her from time to time.

To replace Sedona on my blog I've chosen Pete. He's a great, big, Bloodhound. How many SPCA's have Bloodhounds? He is what I would expect from the breed. Goofy, loveable, and always drooling. Unfortunately he isn't great with other dogs or cats, so finding him a home has been a challenge. As a testament to his temperament though, he continues to love every person that walks into his room.

I know we'll find him a home, and in the meantime we'll keep him happy with lots of walks, peanut butter and cuddle time.