The Bear
. . . and now The Balance to all the good news and joy that I've been floating in for the last few months:
My cat, Felix, who showed up in our garage about three years ago and never left, has kidney disease. We discovered it about a year ago, and he was in the very early stages of kidney failure. Our vet told us that it would significantly shorten his life, but if we gave him low-protein food and a subcutaneous IV every other day, we could slow the spread of the disease, and he'd probably be with us for another six years or so.
About a two weeks ago, Felix started acting strangely. He was more lethargic than normal, and he just didn't want to eat (he hates the low-protein food), so we took him to the vet. She did blood work on him, and the lab said that his kidney failure is advancing much more rapidly than we thought. He could be in as much as 85% failure, and he's in danger of developing anemia or a whole bunch of other scary diseases.
I took him back this morning, because the vet wants to keep him there with an IV for a few days, to flush out his little body. On Wednesday, we're going to take him off the IV, and see if it's flushed his body enough to toughen him up. Felix is a tough little guy, there's no doubt about that. He's so tough, we call him The Bear, because he's feisty and affectionate . . . but if he can give you a chomp at any time, if you piss him off. You know how they say dogs have masters, but cats have staff? We are totally The Bear's staff. He sticks around because he approves of us . . . and I like to think he loves us as much as we love him.
When I left the vet this morning, I was sobbing so violently, I had to pull over so I wasn't a danger to myself and other drivers. I love my Felix bear so much, and I don't want him to die. I'm not going to keep him alive with treatments if he's suffering, just so I don't have to say goodbye, but our vet told us that there's a very good chance that he could bounce back after he gets out of the hospital, so I am doing my very best to focus on the positive chance for improvement, and remain hopeful.
It would mean a lot to me and my family if WWdN readers could spare a few moments and send some healing energy, or prayers, or magic monkey voodoo or whatever to The Bear while he's trying to get better over the next few days.
Thanks. Hopefully, I'll get back to normal blogging soon.
UPDATE: I just got back from the vet's, where I was able to visit with The Bear for a few minutes.
He's doing so much better, it's a miracle. His eyes are bright, he purred like a Harley Davidson, and he had many things to say. most of them, I think, had to do with how much he doesn't like the IV in his little paw.
I took his little fleece bed over to the vet, and she said that he can sleep in it, which is cool, because when he saw it, he jumped out of the tech's arms and right into it. I could tell that he was happy to have something that smells like home, and his mom and dad.
Thank you, so much, to everyone who is keeping Felix in your thoughts and hearts. I know that the miracles of modern medicine have a lot to do with the improvement in his condition . . . but I also know that your thoughts are bending the space/time continuum to give him as good a chance as possible.
Comments
mojo for felix!
Posted by: AzureBosque | May 3, 2004 12:27 PM
Good luck to The Bear! MY cat and I are pulling for ya!
Posted by: Bob | May 3, 2004 12:28 PM
My pup Tehanu and I send all the healing mojo we have for The Bear. It's so hard when they're sick. I'll keep you and Felix in my thoughts.
Posted by: Ronda | May 3, 2004 12:36 PM
*hugs* to you Wil - understand 110% (had a cat with diabetes) Much mojo.
Posted by: Jodie | May 3, 2004 12:36 PM
Good luck to Bear. I hope the vet is right. My best man's cat was diagnosed with severe kidney failure and given a few months to live. That was seven years ago. I hope Bear can bounce back too.
Posted by: JohnBoy | May 3, 2004 12:37 PM
*MOJO BABY*
Posted by: Doug | May 3, 2004 12:37 PM
Wil,
I know the feeling of losing a cat, my cat was finally put down in January from Kidney failure. It was hard to bounce back after that, the cat definately was pet, she had a way of communicating with me. So now that its been 3 months without her, I have found a replacement, and I hope she will be like my old cat with the same enthusiasm and energy.
Just remember to hold on to the memories.
- Bill
Posted by: Bill Wolfe | May 3, 2004 12:37 PM
Me and my cat are sending our best wishes.
Posted by: Melanie | May 3, 2004 12:38 PM
I feel your pain...It's never an easy place to be in with a much-loved pet. Lots of good wishes are coming Felix's way from this fellow pet-owner who's been there, done that, and dreading the next time it comes around again....
Posted by: Mary Anne | May 3, 2004 12:39 PM
hey wil! i hope your cat gets better soon... ill pray for him...
Posted by: Sarah | May 3, 2004 12:39 PM
Wil, I am so sorry to hear about Felix and his illness. I will definately send lots of healing energy his way! I'll let my kitty, Leonardo, in on what's going on so he can do the same.
I feel for you. I had to have my precious Angel kitty "put to sleep" due to chronic illness that was causing much suffering. It was one of the most heart-breaking experiences of my life. I hope you don't have to go through that.
Warmest Wishes,
Pati
Posted by: Pati | May 3, 2004 12:40 PM
My family had an epileptic beagle that would seizure out really bad about once a week. When he was a puppy, the doc gave him a life expectancy of a three or four years. Newton ended up living to the ripe age of 13 before he faded. Just to let you know that pets have an odd way of pulling through...what do vets know...
Posted by: Andy | May 3, 2004 12:44 PM
All sorts of healing monkey voodoo mojo for Felix bear, Wil. I have four cats and I can't imagine any of them being that ill. Just the thought scares the bejeesus out of me. But being a tough cat will help Felix immeasurably. Of that I have no doubt.
Posted by: Carol | May 3, 2004 12:44 PM
All kitties everywhere get my prayers every day, but for Felix I will take special care and send much energy for healing his way.
Posted by: Kathy Duncan | May 3, 2004 12:46 PM
my mother refers to this kind of mojo as "beaming good thoughts". whenever i have some type of stressful thing, she always offers to beam good thoughts. so i'll try to do the same for you and felix.
Posted by: jess | May 3, 2004 12:47 PM
Rascal, BD, Markie, Sweetie (my 4 kitties) and I send all our mojo (and they have a lot) Felix' way.
Posted by: Darla8855 | May 3, 2004 12:48 PM
Mondo mojo to the Felix the Bear. Mojo to the 1000th power. I truly hope he gets better.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Wardwell | May 3, 2004 12:49 PM
Wil,
I hope "The Bear" pull's through. I also have a cat that is like "The Bear". One moment she's purring away, the next she's trying to take your hand off.
I'll keep everyone in my thought's :)
Posted by: Steve | May 3, 2004 12:49 PM
My dog Lizzy had Kidney failure last June and came to within a whisker of complete Kidney failure. She was diagnosed with Addisons Disease and has been treated successfully with prednizone. She is healthy and doing well. Good Luck and Best wished for Felix.
Posted by: RKON | May 3, 2004 12:49 PM
I know what your going through Will, i had to put my cat Mog down a few years ago after he developed a tuma that was attached to his spine and he lost the use of his legs. He was pretty much the same age as me so he's always been there it was really tough, I can't remember when I cried so much.
Here's hoping Felix gets better soon.
Posted by: stu | May 3, 2004 12:49 PM
Wil,
My cats an I send all the mojo we can spare your way. Some people would just say "Wil, why are you so upset? It's just a cat." But those of us who own cats (and dogs too) know that these small furry animals come to feel like part of the family. And when one is lost, we really feel the pain as if a friend has passed on. My wife happens to be a Vet, and I had her read WWDN so she could give you some advise. She said that she has seen a cat that was in 90% kidney failure bounce back and recover with proper treatment. So keep your chin up, there is hope.
Scott
Posted by: Scott Woldridge | May 3, 2004 12:51 PM
Oh, that's horrible. Hopefully all the crazy geek hoodoo from your faithful readers will do Felix some good.
I'll get to sending super healthy kitty monkey vibrations immediately.
Posted by: Jon | May 3, 2004 12:52 PM
A cat with kidney disease can yo-yo quite a bit. They'll seem really sick for a week and then they'll seem perfectly fine for several weeks. It can be nerver-wracking.
Here's a good website about CRF (Chronic Renal Failure):
http://www.mindspring.com/~kerspin/
Posted by: Vic | May 3, 2004 12:52 PM
Hey Wil. (long time reader, first time poster). My thoughts and best wishes are with you guys. As a vet assistant, I see this happen way too frequently, and it's always the really good cats. Thank Jeebus he has an owner who cares and is willing to treat the disease to keep him comfortable. Just a suggestion, have you tried Eukanuba Multi-Stage Renal formula as a food? We had great results with it (reduction in creat. vaules)at my hospital and the cats seem to like it a lot more than K/D. Of course, if that's what he's on already, sorry. :) Anyway, good luck with kitty. Hope you guys have many more years together.
Posted by: kizmit | May 3, 2004 12:56 PM
I'll say a prayer. Good luck. Veterinary medicine is far advanced in many cases... there's a chance.
Posted by: M. Douglas Wray | May 3, 2004 12:57 PM
Bear, I'm wishing you and yer ickle kidneys well.
Feel better soon!
Posted by: Claire | May 3, 2004 12:58 PM
aww wil :-( im sorry to hear this...i hate when animals hurt. im seding much love to you and felix. keep your chin up too, sir
Posted by: julie reppert | May 3, 2004 12:58 PM
Many prayers and good thoughts going to Felix from me and my cat.
I know the pain of losing a pet, my oldest cat just died a few months ago, he would've been 19. The love from a pet is just so pure and without strings that sometimes its harder to lose an animal friend than even a person. Its less rational, I don't know.
Best wishes for all ya'll :)
Posted by: WendyD | May 3, 2004 1:01 PM
*squeezes eyes shut tight*
Felix, Felix, Felix.
Mojo, Mojo, Mojo.
I hope all will be well, Wil.
Posted by: Marie | May 3, 2004 1:01 PM
My cat, Phoebe, has the same thing. She's gotten really really bad, and then come roaring back twice. Chin up! With any luck, he'll be good in no time!
Phoebe does well on her prescription food, but she doesn't like it much. But ask the vet about it, there are several varieties, and we finally found one she would eat. It's designed to break up kidney stones, which cats even without renal problems still get pretty easily.
Posted by: Michael Ditto | May 3, 2004 1:02 PM
Healing vibes coming thatta way!
Posted by: Fazia Rizvi | May 3, 2004 1:04 PM
Mojo from RWorld clan and especially from our cat Sparky.
Posted by: Dave Richardson | May 3, 2004 1:05 PM
Healing vibes coming thatta way!
Posted by: Fazia Rizvi | May 3, 2004 1:05 PM
Hey Wil,
Another LTRFTP here. I've had to put some cats down so they don't always win the war but I thought I'd pass along the most recent (happy) story:
A few years ago my cat was tired all the time and blood work said thyroid problems, hyperthyroid condition. We were researching a new radiation iodine treatment while he was taking pills to control it (never fun to give pills to a cat). We took him off the pills and took him back for blood work to see when he could go in for treatment and his levels were fine. Took him back again weeks later and he was fine again. Chewy has been fine ever since. I don't know what might have put him into imbalance but I'm glad he is fine now. I hope and wish Felix the Bear makes a similar 'miraculous' recovery.
Harry
Posted by: Harry Pulley | May 3, 2004 1:07 PM
I feel you Wil. If anything happened to my cat Spot (you should know where that name came from!), I'd be crying my eyes out.
I am praying for Felix. I hope he will have a quick recovery.
Posted by: Rob | May 3, 2004 1:08 PM
Wil,
I'm sending those healing vibes your way. I'm sorry you guys have to go through this. Keep us updated, kay?
Amber
Posted by: Amber | May 3, 2004 1:09 PM
my little crew of 6 cats have banded together in a catpsychic metaconcert to wish you, your family and little Felix all the best, and that he is peaceful and not in pain.
love and hugs, lori (the human) Amba, Jinx, Buddy, Fang, BC and Ren.
Posted by: lori | May 3, 2004 1:11 PM
Wil ~
Lots of helping/healing mojo headed Felix's way, and yours as well. We're pulling for ya!!
Posted by: Shelly | May 3, 2004 1:13 PM
funky monkey mojo sent at approx. 4:12 EST
all the best man, i hope Felix bounces right back...
whether they have 2 legs or 4, family is family.
cheers wil
ty
Posted by: Tyson | May 3, 2004 1:13 PM
*kitty mojo*
Posted by: astrobabe | May 3, 2004 1:14 PM
Funny how they become part of the family, my dogs are almost as important to me as my kids. Hope everything turns out good with your Felix.
Posted by: Jenn | May 3, 2004 1:14 PM
I hope Felix gets better soon. I know how you are feeling my sister had a cat Lucky and she is very sick she has ashma and she is about 20years old and still is hang on. Doc's say that cat should not be alive but she is and goes on day after day. SO maybe when Felix get out of the hospital he gets better and can live a little longer for you.
Posted by: Sherrie | May 3, 2004 1:14 PM
I'm sending much mojo for Felix the Bear, I'll also tell my cat when I get home and have her send out the word to her network of cat conspirators that one of there own needs mojo. I'm sure that the take over the world conspiracy my cat is involved in, has a few hundred conspirators that will all send mojo.
Laps
Posted by: Laps | May 3, 2004 1:15 PM
As if there's any such thing as normal blogging...
Oh yeah. And good luck to the bear.
Spencer
Posted by: spencer | May 3, 2004 1:16 PM
Wil -- Many hugs and purrs for you and Felix. I am home with a cold today, and my cat Panda (we often call her Panda Bear) has been keeping me warm and comfy (and in my place). I hope the Bear will be home soon to keep you in line, too.
(...monkey voodoo, monkey voodoo, monkey voodoo...)
Posted by: Christina | May 3, 2004 1:18 PM
Wil,
All of my best wishes to you and your Bear. My two monster kitties are nicknamed "Bear", and "Monkey", among their other nicknames like "little shit" and "evil kitty", though better known by their real names, Commodore and Tsunami. As all of us who have cats in our lives know, they work a strange mojo on us as well. They are a wonderous creature, so strong and determined, I'm sure Felix isn't ready to leave you or your family just yet.
Take care!
Heather
Posted by: Heather | May 3, 2004 1:19 PM
Cody, Midnight, and I send our mojo. I'll give them an extra treat for Bear.
Midnight is a former stray that moved in with me last year. He's the sweetest & most affectionate cat I've ever known.
Posted by: Mike Cohen | May 3, 2004 1:20 PM
tons and tons of good mojo to you and Felix.
Posted by: Liz | May 3, 2004 1:20 PM
Me and my 5 cats are sending lots of mojo your way (well I'm sending you mojo - Bamf, Usul, Branwin, Jenny and Random are sending Felix mojo).
I know it is heart wrenching!
Posted by: Adrienne | May 3, 2004 1:20 PM
We had a cat named "Sam" who really did treat us as masters and not staff. Sadly he had the kidney problems too and the vet had us take him home after tests and such and gave us very little reason to believe that he would survive for long.
We decided that if he had to go, we would at least try to get him to eat one last meal since, like most cats, he seemed to live to eat. So we gave him a can of tunafish.
Well he wolfed it down which was an amazing sight after 2 weeks of no appetite at all. Then, even more astoundingly, he got well in a big hurry as if the tunafish had given him a reason to live!
He lived for another year, mostly healthy and happy, before the kidneys finally went. This time, however, my wife and I were better prepared for the inevitable. We were supremely grateful that Sam had made the effort to keep living and he will certainly not be forgotten.
Good luck with the Bear!
Rock
Posted by: Rock Howard | May 3, 2004 1:20 PM
You got it, Wil. I'm sending my own version of magic monkey voodoo via subspace radio. LOL
Seriously, I know how hard it is to face losing a pet; Felix and you are in my prayers.
Posted by: Pam Whittaker | May 3, 2004 1:21 PM
*Does the ancient healing dance of the Geek people*
There is no stronger funky vibe.
I hope your cat gets better.
Posted by: EnglishBen | May 3, 2004 1:21 PM
*MOJO* has been conjured and sent. Hope the little bear recovers comfortably.
Posted by: Anne | May 3, 2004 1:21 PM
I'm so sorry about Felix. I recently lost my cat, Sugar, so I can understand exactly what you're going through.
I have nothing but happy thoughts for him. Please keep up informed.
Posted by: Danielle | May 3, 2004 1:24 PM
Hey, Wil. Longtime reader, first-time commenter here.
I honestly can't think of much to say, but my family has always had cats - my mother adopts unwanted Siamese, and some of them have been abandoned because of medical problems. I've been where you are now, more times than I can remember (tumours, heart murmurs, kidney problems, feline immunodeficiency virus...).
Just wanted to send some good karma over to you, your family, and most of all The Bear.
I know you probably don't get time to read or reply to comments, but I just started work in a comic store recently, and I was thinking - ever considered turning your writing talents to comics? Lots of other folks have. Bill Mumy, for example, did a story or two for DC's Star Trek title in the 90s. (Incidentally, I dreamed this up when a kid brought a handful of "Teen Titans Go!" comics to the register...)
Anyway... all the best, and hang in there. Who knows, this may be the first of many posts.
- Glenn, the English "fat sarcastic comic store guy" (Worst. Comment. Ever! :-P )
Posted by: Glenn | May 3, 2004 1:25 PM
Our brood of 5 cats send their mojo Bear's way. We had to put 1 of our cats to sleep last year due to kidney failure. He is better off now. Enjoy him while you can.
P.s. I bawled like a baby when we put Tibby to sleep too.
Posted by: Huts | May 3, 2004 1:26 PM
Hi Wil,
Prayers and healing thoughts for Felix and for you and your family.
Posted by: Jeanine | May 3, 2004 1:27 PM
Meow,
Meow meow meow, meow meoooow meow.
Meeeeeowwwww, meow, meow.
Meow, mmmmeow, meow.
Meow.
Posted by: Eccles (anc's cat) | May 3, 2004 1:28 PM
aw... my cat is diabetic and has asthma. i know how much one will do to keep his furry family memebers happy and healthy.
best of luck with this.
Posted by: brian | May 3, 2004 1:29 PM
Poor Felix. I'll send some positive vibes in your direction, and I hope it makes him feel a bit better. I can relate to what you are feeling right now, so I'm not going to be insensitive about it. The whole thing is just darn sad. But Felix is lucky to have a caring friend like you in the world.
*hugs*
Posted by: Anneke | May 3, 2004 1:31 PM
I'm sending all the kitty mojo I have your way. We just got good kitty news over the weekend, so I'm sending all our joy and good thoughts over to you in the hope that they'll rub off. Be sure to hug that kitty tight the next time you see him.
Posted by: sassy | May 3, 2004 1:34 PM
These darn animals keep sneaking up and making themselves such an important part of our lives. My two adopted dogs and I are sending tail-wagging pet mojo your way.
Posted by: Alan | May 3, 2004 1:34 PM
we are sending out healing mojo to Felix.
I know how tough this is for you
Posted by: Miska | May 3, 2004 1:34 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that! I'll be praying for him.
Posted by: Ana | May 3, 2004 1:35 PM
Sorry to hear that, best of luck to Felix the bear
Me and my girlfriend recently (april 14th) lost one of our cats to some kind of renal failure, she'd been losing weight for a while but we thought 'hey it's no big deal, she's a bit overweight so that can't be bad' later on as she grew thinner and started to refuse eating, we took her to the vet's, had her on IV to clean out her system, and she came home again.
Week after during checkups her bloodwork was twice as bad as when we first brought her in, so the only sensible thing to do was to put her so sleep wvwn though it was probably one of the hardest thing I've had to do, ever, bar none.
Being in school on student loans we didn't have the money to have her properly autopsied and find out exactly what had gone wrong with her kidneys.
In retrospect what we could have done was to take her to the vet's earlier on but since she had no history of any problems we didn't think much of it, which in hindsight was a bad decision.
So, I guess that what I'm trying to say is, I hope everything turns out well, if they don't I can only say, hang in there. It's hard, I won't lie about that, I still cry on a fairly regular basis when little things come to mind.
The one thing that comforts me is, though she's gone I know she's not in pain, and she had 4.5 happy, safe and over all good years with me and the girl. Now she's out playing the karmic wheel again so maybe I'll run into her again in some form some day.
Once again, bast of luck, he's in my thoguhts I'' tell you that.
Posted by: Mikael | May 3, 2004 1:35 PM
Wil and Felix -
My kitties and I are sending you lots of love and healing purrs, and praying for the best.
-Emy in San Jose
Posted by: Emy | May 3, 2004 1:36 PM
I am now sending mass quantities of get-well vibes in your cat's general direction. Be prepared!
Posted by: Mike | May 3, 2004 1:36 PM
I am so sorry to hear about this bad news. I have been there myself unfortunatly a few years ago.
*Sends positive healing vibes*
Posted by: Claudia | May 3, 2004 1:37 PM
Many prayers to you and Felix and your family! I know what it's like to lose a pet, both from unexpected circumstances and in the "we knew it would happen sometime" way.
And really, I think this IS normal blogging. Taking your life & just kinda sticking it out there. It's what all the rest of us do, anyway. ^_^
Posted by: HillaryGayle | May 3, 2004 1:39 PM
Much love and mojo to Felix from my cats and me! I'm treating my sweetlings for kitty colds atm, but I'm sure they can afford to send good vibes towards the bear :)
Posted by: Ashli | May 3, 2004 1:39 PM
Wil,
My family sends Felix the best wishes to get through this tough time.
This winter our cat (Perdita), who joined our family in August 2002, became violently ill. I took her to the vet in the middle of the night. We learned a beheaded toad in our yard was at fault. After 3 days of touch & go she pulled through & came home. My girls were so happy!
I understand how close a cat can come to a family that they mesh with.
Take care Felix!!!!
Posted by: Krista | May 3, 2004 1:39 PM
I completely understand - I had a cat with hyperthyroidism. She shrunk down to next to nothing and we were ready to put her to sleep. The vet asked us to give her one more day of treatment and she came around! With a pill once a day, she was an 18 year old cat that acted like a kitten. Good luck to both of you. Felix knows you care and loves you very much, even though you feed him yucky food. Waylon the Cat and Willie the Dog send their good vibes your way as well.
Posted by: Candi | May 3, 2004 1:39 PM
You are such a sweetheart. If I saw you on the street today I'd totally give you a hug. I'm sending mojo and anything remotely helpful sounding you and your cat's way.
Posted by: Jenny M. Finster | May 3, 2004 1:40 PM
Bear,
Hi there. My name is Col. Jack O'neil, and I take care of the Wetzel Family. They just gave me a home last week. I am the first "family" feline. They are an awesome family, I and I am always perched in front of mom's monitor, when she visits WWDN. I am telling you this, because it is very important to get well, so you can keep Ferris in line...I will be sending you my mojo, as I am not needing it now. I hope you feel better soon Bear.
..Uh oh gotta go Mom is comming back, see ya!..
Wil,
I wish you and Bear, and your whole family the best. We are all very attached to you and yours, and a loss for you would mean a loss for us as well. You are all part of our families. I hope that Bear gets well soon, and we here at the Wetzel home send you out all the MONKEY MOJO, that is needed. Take care Wheaton Clan....
Aretmis
Posted by: Artemis Jade Wetzel | May 3, 2004 1:41 PM
Aww Wil. I know how you feel. I worked in a vet clinic for a lot of years and it never gets any easier. Sending gobs of Okie Mojo for Felix.
Posted by: Abby | May 3, 2004 1:42 PM
Wil - we lost our own dear Sophie a couple of weeks ago - a tough cat in her own right. My heart and mojo go out to you and your bear.
Posted by: Michele | May 3, 2004 1:42 PM
Lighting a candle and saying a prayer! I have an old cat, Suki, who was having some kidney failure issues about a year ago. Thought I was going to have to put her to sleep. Switched her over to Science Diet K/D formula, and its done wonders! If you haven't tried Science Diet's K/D formula - it might be worth a shot.
Posted by: Stuart | May 3, 2004 1:42 PM
Wil, as "Daddy" to a pair of cats myself (Star, female shorthair, white/orange tabby, age 12, and Maui, male longhair, dark gray, age 3), I can't help but feel for you. You have all the mojo we can spare for Felix. I'm sure he's as much your baby as ours are to Pamela and me.
I'm going to post this over in the Pets topic on Electric Minds (in the Electric People conference) to stir up mojo from there as well.
Posted by: Erbo | May 3, 2004 1:43 PM
Wil,
My cat, ironically also named Bear, sends catnip wishes tuna-fish dreams for a speedy recovery.
Alice
Posted by: Alice | May 3, 2004 1:43 PM
My best wishes for your Felix, and all the family, Wil. Like many here, I'm a cat lover, and I know how it feels to be afraid for one of our furred friends. Here's hoping you get your friend home and happy again!
Posted by: Christy | May 3, 2004 1:44 PM
i am sending as much good energy as i can, and i will post a cept (callahans ecumenical prayer team) to alt.callahans....
hugs,
kitten
Posted by: barbara trumpinski-roberts | May 3, 2004 1:44 PM
LOTS OF HEALING MOJO TO FELIX!!!!!!!!!!
BE A HAPPY HEALTHY CAT!!!
Hugs Wil. So sorry, I feel with you. My birdie meant the world to me, so everytime he wasnt doing well, I was out of my mind with worry. Hope so much Felix gets well!
Posted by: Patty | May 3, 2004 1:44 PM
*lots of kitty-healing mojo towards Felix and hugs to Wil* Here's praying and hoping Felix bounces back good & strong Wil, and here's hoping you can keep together until then! :)
Posted by: MGoddess | May 3, 2004 1:47 PM
Sending good vibes to Felix and to you and yours.
Posted by: Mae | May 3, 2004 1:49 PM
on behalf of myself and the smarter ones around me (2 cats and the dog), we're broadcasting the magic monkey voodoo 24/7 in your direction.
Stay positive! We got our dog (miniature pinscher) a few years ago, and a few months after we got him, he yelped and slowly became totally paralyzed - we rushed him to the 24 hr animal hospital down the road and they did CT scans, spinal taps, blood tests, everything to try and figure out what was wrong, but never could narrow it down. While he was in doggy ICU, he stopped breathing at one point but was resuscitated, and eventually he came home, still paralyzed, as we medicated him and waited to see what would happen
One day I sat home with him while my girlfriend and her mother went shopping. They came walking up the stairs to our apartment, and out of nowhere he got to his feet and made it over to the door to greet them. We called the vets to tell them he was walking again and they wouldn't believe us till we brought him in. He still has some nerve damage and weakness in one leg but is perfectly fine (other than being totally spoiled) otherwise.
It can be a rough go being a pet lover from time to time, but miracles can happen and there are always more good times than bad.
Best wishes, and best of luck!
Posted by: Matt C | May 3, 2004 1:49 PM
I'm sending some good vibes towards your beastie, in hopes he bounces back from the hospitalization.
I've been where you are -- not with my own cat, but with the cat of a dear friend -- and I know how hard this is. Thinking of you, as well as of your cat.
I hope your Felix pulls through. And if not, I hope it's comforting to know that you gave him the best life a cat could want.
Posted by: Rachel | May 3, 2004 1:49 PM
Wil,
I've been a reader for some time, and this is my 1st post. Mojo being sent your way for your family, and The Bear.
Best wishes,
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | May 3, 2004 1:51 PM
I grieve with thee. {{{wil}}}
Posted by: Piper | May 3, 2004 1:51 PM
*HEALING MOJO*
I truly hope Felix comes out of this for the better.
Posted by: galestorm | May 3, 2004 1:51 PM
To some I know it would seem just plain weird to ask for good thoughts and prayers for a pet. But to alot of people pets are the best and most constant friends. I feel for you Wil. Having just had my golden retriever diagnosed with cancer I know how hard it is to walk that fine line between being "good for them" and being "good for you". Its hard to let go. And even tougher when you have kids involved too. Keep your chin up and enjoy him while you can. Just try to be honest with yourself when Felix isn't having fun anymore with you.
Ultra amounts of good juju to the whole family. From me and the "sadie-girl"
Posted by: Krick | May 3, 2004 1:53 PM
I never would have really understood this kind of thing before the past six months. I'd never had a pet when I was a kid, but my roommate and I adopted a stray kitten last summer that we named Sgt. Pepper. I always used to think cat owners were silly, always anthropomorphizing their animals, but Pepper is the sweetest thing in the world, and I know he knows that we rescued him. I never knew how much you could love an animal until this little orange kitten walked into my life. I'm getting ready to move and he can't come with me, and I've cried more over than than I ever thought I would about an anima. I can't imagine what I'd do if anything ever happened to him.
Thats the long way of saying I hope Felix pulls through, and even if he can't, that you do.
Posted by: Sarah | May 3, 2004 1:55 PM
I am so sorry that Felix and the rest of your family are going through this, sweetie. I've been where you are right now, and I'll be there again one of these days with PK.
Remember that cats are much stronger than we realise. They are made all the stronger by the love and care of their human servants... and the mojo and loving wished sent by all of us.
* Healing Kitty MOJO *
* HugeSquishyHugs *
Posted by: Cookie | May 3, 2004 1:56 PM
Having lost my awesome cat not too long ago, I feel for you. I don't have any super powers, but if I did I would be using them on the bear. =(
Posted by: Forrest | May 3, 2004 2:00 PM
GoodThoughts from me & my furball Saash.
Jo
Posted by: Jo | May 3, 2004 2:01 PM
Much healing mojo!
Pets can sometimes surprise you. My pure-breed doberman lived to be 15 1/2 years old, far longer then anyone thought. Just think of the positive and Felix will pick up on it.
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | May 3, 2004 2:03 PM
Prayers and hugs from Maggie and her cat FUBAR.
Posted by: Maggie | May 3, 2004 2:04 PM
Prayers and hugs from Maggie and her cat FUBAR.
Posted by: Maggie | May 3, 2004 2:04 PM
Hang in there Felix Bear! My cat and I are pulling for you!
Posted by: Dave | May 3, 2004 2:08 PM
I'll send all the healing energy I can for little Felix.
Posted by: Wrex | May 3, 2004 2:10 PM
My kitty cat Mojo is sending mojo to Felix. She's just getting over a sickness, herself, so she said she's send some of her extra fightin' power.
Furio sends his best as well.
(And so do I, although I am a lowly human)
Posted by: Andi | May 3, 2004 2:16 PM
Love and kisses with healing
mojo to your beloved Felix aka
The bear
Posted by: Colleen S | May 3, 2004 2:16 PM
Good luck to you and your cat. One of my doggies just had her second friggin' leg surgery; it's a totally safe procedure but it scares the crap out of us every time.
We feel for you.
Posted by: David M. Beyer | May 3, 2004 2:16 PM
We're calling it Magic Monkey Voodoo now? :-) I just got used to using "Mojo" in everyday conversation! Wil, here's some Midwestern, Sunny Day, Magic Monkey Mojo Jojo Voodoo heading your way. Use it only for good... Not evil. A certain unelected president didn't follow this simple plan, and look where it's got him now!
I can understand where you're coming from. I've never handled pet loss well, and it's the very reason why I haven't had one since living on my own. My daughter would like a kitten or puppy now. We can't have pets in our rented house, so it won't be an issue until we have a home of own, but I'm not looking forward to the day that little critter shuffles off the mortal coil. I'll be sobbing like you were, and just unable to deal. I hope my wife and daughter will be a lot stronger. Hang in there, Wil. Rejoice over Kris' amazing rebound and hope for the best with Bear.
Can we start calling you B.J. now?
Posted by: Shaun | May 3, 2004 2:17 PM
*sends as much mojo to Felix as she can muster*
I'm so sorry, Wil. I've grown up with cats, we currently have five, and it's always heartwenching when one gets sick.
Posted by: Indy | May 3, 2004 2:18 PM
Oh Wil! I know exactly what you are going through. I had to put my cat Boo Boo down about 9 years ago. She had throat cancer and was pretty much starving to death. I remember arguing with the vet, trying to get him to work some kind of medical miracle to keep her alive and well but there was just nothing he could do. He was just as upset as I was because he had been treating her since she was a kitten. He allowed my sister and I to be in the room while he put her down and we held each other and just sobbed. Trust me when I tell you that when Bear's time comes he will feel no pain at all.
This was in November and by the time we got home it was dark. I carried Boo Boo's body home with me so we could bury her in our own pet cemetery. After working a long day out in freezing temps my hubby (then my boyfriend) took her out and buried her in almost frozen earth. I knew right then I was going to marry him.
Lots of prayers, healing mojo, whatever it takes to keep Bear around for a while longer. And a big hug for you too, Wil. Be strong and believe in yourself, that you're doing the right thing.
Posted by: Lawless1 | May 3, 2004 2:18 PM
Healing Mojo to Felix!
Posted by: Ness | May 3, 2004 2:20 PM
Hey there. I'm a veterinary nurse, so I've seen a lot of cats in chronic renal failure. Sometimes when they're not doing well, spending a couple days on IV fluids is a great boost for their systems. It can sometimes dramatically lower their elevated kidney values and make them feel a lot better.
Hill's, Eukanuba, IVD and Waltham all make prescription diets for kitties with renal disease, so if Felix doesn't like the one he's on now, there are a few other choices he may like more. Ask your vet which ones they carry and maybe try one he hasn't had before. I've found that a lot of kitties that think the Hill's K/D diet tastes like crap will like of the others better.
If you have any questions, I'd be glad to forward any information I can for you. The veterinarians I work with are wonderful, and have seen a lot of CRF kitties. Good luck to you, keep your chin up, and I'll be thinking of you and Felix Bear and sending good vibes your way.
((((((((((((((Felix Bear and Wil)))))))))))))))
Posted by: Kiwi | May 3, 2004 2:22 PM
*MOJO*
Reading this made me miss my cat who disappeared a few months ago. :(
Posted by: JediJaina | May 3, 2004 2:22 PM
Pets are a heartbreak waiting to happen. I know this--I've had a lot of heartbreaks, but also a lot of joy.
Hopefully Felix will bounce back and be with you for many years, but if he doesn't, remember that he had a good life with you and you guys had a good life with him. I (and all my pets) will be thinking good thoughts for Felix.
Posted by: classics_cat | May 3, 2004 2:23 PM
Mucho Mojo to Felix Bear!
Our animal friends are too wonderful to have any suffering. I hope he recovers and lives a long happy cat life.
Posted by: Brian | May 3, 2004 2:23 PM
*MOJO*
Reading this made me miss my cat who disappeared a few months ago. :(
Posted by: JediJaina | May 3, 2004 2:23 PM
I hope everything goes well.
Posted by: Dana | May 3, 2004 2:25 PM
Wil
I am sending all the MOJO I can spare!
Posted by: Jamison | May 3, 2004 2:27 PM
As chief of staff to my neighbours cat, I understand how these little creatures take up such a big place in our hearts. I hope your little creature gets well.
Posted by: mrs mcmuffin | May 3, 2004 2:28 PM
Oh, Wil. I'm so very sorry. It's remarkable how attached we get to our furry children, isn't it? I've lost a couple to illness over the years, and still love and miss them.
Sending warm thoughts...
Posted by: Missy | May 3, 2004 2:29 PM
I know I'll probably be lost in the shuffle here, with so many comments here already, but I had to share anyway.
I used to have a cat named Junior, who was a rescued stray. He was a funny looking runty little guy with BIG eyes, but the sweetest most loving cat ever. He loved to play with water when we ran a bath or after a shower, and was really fun. We had him checked out when we first got him, while we were getting him shots and so on, and they found a heart murmur, which they warned might shorten his life quite a bit but he seemed fine at the time. He grew big and healthy for a while and was very happy with us. Then he started losing weight and drinking lots of water. We took him in and found out his kidneys were failing. They said it was probably brought on by his bad heart. It hit him hard and fast and he declined quickly. They told us that with as fast as it was happening, even if we tried surgery, it was unlikely to help much and with the bad heart, it probably wouldnt help his quality of life. We brought him home and tried to decide what to do. When it became clear that he was suffering and that nothing we did would help him, or really prolong his life much, we had to let him go and take him to be put to sleep. It was the hardest thing we've ever done. I didn't think I could go through with it so I left it up to TH. He turned out to have even less strength for such a task than I did. He showed up at work with Junior crying his eyes out. I left work with him and we went together to say goodbye to our boy. He was a sweet boy and we loved him, and buried him out at the greenhouse where he could be surrounded by flowers.
My case was very different and I feel hopeful that you will have a better outcome than we did, but even if not, I know that he will always be with you, just as Junior is still with us. We were lucky to know him for the short time he was with us, and we know he was a gift we just weren't meant to keep.
Me, and my other three cats, Donut, Spot and Squeak are all sending you mojo love light and healing energy. Good luck Felix!
Posted by: AngelGypsy | May 3, 2004 2:30 PM
Oh.. ::prays for kittie:: My cat Moppet died a few weeks ago (on the 50th anniversary of the beatles on the ed sullivan show) and it was sad. Unexpected though, Mum found him frozen outside. It would much worse if I knew it was coming. But now he's in kittie heaven and gets to see his friend Pooh, who died a few years ago. Oh and now I'm all sad.
Posted by: Mack | May 3, 2004 2:31 PM
*feline mojo*
Posted by: ionicus | May 3, 2004 2:32 PM
my family has two cats and we had our fair share of visits to the vet
hope bear gets well soon
Posted by: Jakob | May 3, 2004 2:36 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about that. My cat Phantom (as in 'of the Opera.' She had a little mask.) that I can't remember EVER being without died...oh God, was it last year? about this time. It still feels like yesterday. My parents had her put to sleep while I was still at school. Many people don't think people can be as close to their pets as they can get. I'm so sorry for your cat. I hope to God he perks up after the doctor is done, I really do. I'm not a heavily religious person, but I'll pray.
Posted by: Laura | May 3, 2004 2:36 PM
Wil, I feel bad for Felix, but don't feel like this is some kind of "payback" for all the good stuff that's been happening for you. You deserve all that!
Posted by: Elle Wiz | May 3, 2004 2:39 PM
My cat had a growth on the outside corner of her mouth. I took her to the vet, they cut it off, stitched her up, and sent the growth to the lab. It came back testing posituve for cancer! This was in about 1993.
She's still around. Though the growth came back, it wasn't cancer, the lab result was wrong. I asked another (much better) vet about it when I had her in for a checkup, and he just kind of wiped/pulled it off. It hurt her for a second, and there was a very tiny bit of blood (less than a drop.) Then she was fine and it healed in a few days and never came back.
So there's always hope, no matter what the vet says.
Posted by: Webgrunt | May 3, 2004 2:51 PM
My cat had a growth on the outside corner of her mouth. I took her to the vet, they cut it off, stitched her up, and sent the growth to the lab. It came back testing posituve for cancer! This was in about 1993.
She's still around. Though the growth came back, it wasn't cancer, the lab result was wrong. I asked another (much better) vet about it when I had her in for a checkup, and he just kind of wiped/pulled it off. It hurt her for a second, and there was a very tiny bit of blood (less than a drop.) Then she was fine and it healed in a few days and never came back.
So there's always hope, no matter what the vet says.
Posted by: Webgrunt | May 3, 2004 2:52 PM
Our prayers are with you, and our hearts go out to Bear in his hour of need!
The Green Family
Posted by: Phenobii | May 3, 2004 2:52 PM
My cat Samantha also has CRF. I give her sub-q fluids every other day and since she would not eat the prescription food, I feed her Science Diet Sr. Turkey which is almost equally low in protein, and even more importantly, phosphorous.
Many cats go through a "crash" like you describe and can rebound quite well.
There are also many ways to handle anemia, low potassium or other symptoms.
A great web site is:
http://felinecrf.org
And there are several Yahoo Groups dedicated to this topic that are VERY helpful and have lots of accompanying information files. Just search for feline CRF.
Good luck.
Elisa
Posted by: Elisa | May 3, 2004 2:52 PM
Microsoft is not the answer.
Microsoft is the question.
NO (or Linux) is the answer.
(Taken from a .signature from someone from the UK, source unknown)
I am sorry to learn of your loss. I hope this message helps you cope. GO FELIS!
gdLdpl FsQOuTnuZt QxdNUc glopBhktIXgf ZcMOMHZM JePJdfU kPdUCX jrtx AJmZ ebbSggg LvBBXeRVnSlE JM pZhqkIOI ygKYJxkgVHLy ddFLmZzhEXxu jQRXbZZy
Posted by: Dulsyobw | May 3, 2004 2:53 PM
Ok.... first of all, the long stories above are odd and not something I'm used to seeing here.I feel dirty.
But Regarding Kitty, Wil, 7 years ago I was in the EXACT same spot, down to the pulling over to sob. The only thing I can offer besides mojo, which I send in spades, is try to get to a place mentally and spiritually where you can summon the courage to do whatever needs to be done......God forbid...And if it comes to that, it is THE hardest thing EVER for you to do and the easiest thing for him. Just know no matter what, you guys are awesome to him, and I believe they know they are loved greatly, and love greatly in return.
Posted by: angela peterson | May 3, 2004 2:54 PM
Wil,
First off, I hope there's no difficulty in deleting the material from those complete sickos.
Now, onto the actual subject. I've poured a libation to the goddess Diana for Felix. Best of luck. Accept the possibility, but don't dwell on it. Recoveries happen all the time. When my cat was 10, we were told she would need daily injections to keep her alive. We didn't want to put her through that; she's not the kind of cat that could deal with that, so we figured 10 years was a good run and took her home.
She's 18 now.
Posted by: Kate Perkins | May 3, 2004 3:05 PM
Many healing vibes and voodoo monkeys on their way.
Posted by: Riff | May 3, 2004 3:23 PM
Oh, I'm so sorry you're having to go through that, my cats are some of the most important beings in my life, and I'd hate to have to see them going through something like that. I promise to send all my Jedi-Catholic healing thoughts towards you and your kitty cat.
ps - What in Eru's name is going on here? Was that porn I just scrolled through?!? Dude, the comments section on WWdN is not the place to post your amature slash fic!
Posted by: Alice | May 3, 2004 3:31 PM
I feel for you Wil. I have had many pets, and i loved them so much. And i we had the money to help them medically we would have. You should be lucky to be able to care for your pets during there health crisis. My prayers are with you and your family.
On a side comment, i recall the part of your book when you and dad went to your aunts house after she died, and all the feelings and memories that went through you. I'm going thru the same thing. My Mother passsed away on April 13th. Ive been staying in the house since she passed. Every nite i think of her. I ride 9.5 miles on my bike to see her each week. Its so hard to beleive that shes gone. Two of my bros, my sis and my dad and I started sorting thru stuff in the house. When we got to her bedroom we started to sort, and then all of a sudden tons of memories started coming thru. And then we went thru her closet, and we started going thru her clothes. More memories started with each blouse and pant that we took out of her closet. Each item we pulled out we held it and smelled our mamma. We found stuff that we did not know she had kept for us. In the end we were reinforced by the knowledge that our mom was a remarkable women, wife, mother and grandmother.
In closing God bless you and your family at this time.
Posted by: Terry | May 3, 2004 3:45 PM
Felix and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Lysana | May 3, 2004 3:46 PM
Let's see if I can wedge this in-between all the "lovely" porn ( some peoples children...).
I recently lost my cat Sydney to similar issues, so I know exactly what you're going through. I desperately hope that you have a better outcome. Syd was one of my best friends and deciding it "was time" was one of the hardest things I've ever had to decide.
So, I'm sending much mojo your way! Please pass it on to Felix!!!! And don't let the ^(#$#ing pornsters drive you mad!
Posted by: Dittrich | May 3, 2004 3:47 PM
oooh - good vibes to felix. i almost lost one of bunnies a couple of years ago. they've never identified what was wrong with her, but she occasionally has scary relapses. it's amazing how those little fuzzy creates can bring out so much love in us... i'm thinking of felix and hoping he feels better soon. hang in there.
Posted by: arifa | May 3, 2004 3:52 PM
OK I want to send mojo out to Wil's cat.. I know pets can become an important and vibrant part of ones family! I hope everything works out for the best whatever that may be..
On another note.. Whoever the jerk was that posted all the porn (especially the kiddie porn) needs a lesson taught to him.. One thing I know about Wil is that he is nice to everyone who comes here and is nice with him.. I hope thost individuals can find something better to do with their time!
Jason
Posted by: JT99JT | May 3, 2004 3:55 PM
First of all, know that my prayers are with The Bear, and you and your family over the next few days. Have Hope and Courage. There are a lot of us out here thinking about you guys tonight. Your not alone. You’re a good guy Wil, this isn’t about payback for anything. Its just life. It’s hard when you don’t have much control over it, but at least we are all with you, and we are all pulling for The Bear.
Secondly, thank you for this blog. Thanks for sharing your LIFE, with all of the daily things that make up reality. Thank YOU for being real. This is what a community is about.
Posted by: Scriptu | May 3, 2004 4:10 PM
I will send some distance Reiki healing your way. We have four cats (and I've had a helluva host of many other animals as pets) and I understand completely your pain.
And I'm also sorry for the bone heads that like to post naughty crap (not the place and time for that!!!) to your blog! EEEEEK.
Posted by: Cerebralcrunch | May 3, 2004 4:13 PM
As much mojo as I can muster for Felix.
Posted by: Spike | May 3, 2004 4:14 PM
Wil
good mojo for Felix Bear
Posted by: sally | May 3, 2004 4:14 PM
Me and Bessie are pulling for The Bear. Good luck!
Posted by: Kenny | May 3, 2004 4:15 PM
Wil,
For you, Anne, the kids, and Da' Bear...here is a prayer comming your way. I hope he is well soon.
My best, Matt.
Posted by: Matt | May 3, 2004 4:15 PM
/me casts cure critical wonds on Felix for 4d8+20 points of healing.
Posted by: Kynen | May 3, 2004 4:20 PM
I lost the best friend I've ever had on September 3, 2002. His name was Sam and about a month prior be became ill with a brain tumor.
I understand exactly how you feel and I truly wish you all the strength in the world. You and Felix are in my heart and my thoughts.
All the best,
Shaun
Posted by: Shaun | May 3, 2004 4:22 PM
Great news Wil! Here's hoping the treatment works and he can come home soon. My aunt's cat lived to be 18 years old. Even more Kitty Mojo going Felix's way! (Sorry I got his name wrong in my last post).
Posted by: Lawless1 | May 3, 2004 4:22 PM
Mojo to Felix! We're all bending space/time over here for ya!
Posted by: Aaron | May 3, 2004 4:26 PM
All good healing mojo to Felix, and loads of sympathy and understanding for you and your family. Guinea pigs are my pet of choice, and I have yet to truly get over the death of one. Actually, I just start crying at the computer whenever I write one of these notes. Big huggy pets to all of you!
Posted by: Francine | May 3, 2004 8:57 PM
Its great to hear that Felix is doing better. Most good pet owners have had to deal with heartwrenching decisions about their pet's health, and it never gets easier. But on the plus side, cats are amazingly resiliant, and they seem to know how to fight serious ailments when they need to. Our cat, 'Boo, was almost starved to death when we found her as a 4 week old kitten, and now she's perfectly healthy and happy. I'm sure your kitty will make a speedy recovery. Best wishes... I'll be sending happy thoughts your way.
Posted by: Stacy | May 3, 2004 8:59 PM
I hope The Bear does well.
I adore cats, and three years ago, my cat, Yngwie Johann Malmsteen (yes named after the guitarist), died of liver failure, when I left him temporarily with friends, when I moved to the US.
I miss my cat dearly, and it breaks my heart when I hear about cats going through pain.
My best wishes go out to you, my friend.
Posted by: Carl | May 3, 2004 9:03 PM
Prayers on the way for The Bear!
(And you, pal!)
Posted by: b goodwin | May 3, 2004 9:09 PM
I know what you are going through, Wil. In 1998, before we were married, my wife lost her best furry friend, Emily, to cancer. She immortalized their friendship on a website that, sadly, no longer exists.
An archive copy is at:
www.tubbytabbygifts.com/emily/emily.html
I can't remember the number of hits the site got, but it touched a cord with several people, the hundreds that signed the guestbook, which is, sadly gone, left messages of similar sorrows. Furry friends are family, and losing one, or seeing one suffer, hurts no less.
Major mojo heading your way from us and the furry kids.
Posted by: Patrick | May 3, 2004 9:12 PM
Jinx, Waffles, Lucky, Shadow, Jethro, and Lucy send furrybutt mojo to Felix the bear kitty.
Waffles wanted to send a hairball and a slightly mangled rodent along for the rest of your family, but I had to convince her that it just wouldn't be as well received as she might think.
Hugs to all, especially the furbaby.
Posted by: Luvie | May 3, 2004 9:24 PM
Sending powerful healing mojo from me and my two beautiful kitties.
May the Spirits give you all strength.
Posted by: Elyssa | May 3, 2004 9:29 PM
Wil, first of all let me tell you I know exactly how you feel. I lost my kitty Sabrina a few years ago due to her getting hit by a car. She survived, but she was so messed up we had to put her down so she wouldn't suffer. I still have yet to recover, and people think I am silly because "it was just a cat". Au contraire, she was my baby, my daughter, as silly as that sounds. With regard to the assholes posting shit on here, well all I can say is fuck 'em. There are many people that come to your site that are not like that, and know we are all on your side. I will be sending much mojo your way, for you and for The Bear. I hope that everything turns out ok, and know my heart and my thoughts are with you and your kitty.
Emily
Posted by: Emily Batson | May 3, 2004 9:36 PM
Wil,
1. My thoughts and prayers are with Felix and your family in all their downtimes, because
2. You are one of us, just a geek, and you have reminded us that everyone, I mean everyone, is human, except...
3. The asshat(s) posting hideous comments to you at a time like this (and really, any time is uncool).
I don't need the reward, just find them and when you're done with 'em, bring 'em to me. I'll learn them a thing or three you didn't teach them.
Stay strong, keep the faith, never fall even if you take it in the chin...
Posted by: OnYrSideWil | May 3, 2004 9:38 PM
My oldest cat (One-Eyed Jack - 16 years and kicking) suffers from kidney problems. He too is on the low-protein diet and gets sub-q treatments at home. Once in a while, he just gets all lethargic and goes off his food. Then it's time to go to the vet for a night of superfluids and antibiotics - we call it his 'spa treatment.'
He's done great so far. He comes home feeling better and proceeds to immediately pound the crap out of our three other cats (all of whom are 12 years his junior) just to show that he's still the man. Er, the cat. Whatever.
Nonetheless, One-Eyed Jack and I are sending some super mojo your way. Hang in there and keep your head up.
Posted by: Crystal | May 3, 2004 9:40 PM
I'll keep your cat in my thoughts, Wil. I know what it's like to lose a pet... been through it many times... and my cats are my babies. My husband and I don't have children, but as far as we're concerned... our cats are our children. Pets are truly magical creatures... not only can they help to heal us, but I believe that our love can help to heal them. =)
Posted by: Laura | May 3, 2004 9:53 PM
I'm late for the first wave but I'm sending some reinforcing mojo over your way, Wil. For both Felix and Kris.
Posted by: loretta652 | May 3, 2004 9:56 PM
Our family will keep Bear in our thoughts so that he can continue to feel better. I know what it is like to have a pet that is sick and worrying about them when their symptoms act up. I hope that Bear will be coming home soon and feeling better.
Posted by: Emily Anne | May 3, 2004 10:12 PM
Im sorry your going thru this. My sister Jody's dog amber passed recently from the same thing. I couldnt imagine what I would do if our dog Cassie went thru this. Your in our thoughts.
Posted by: Joe | May 3, 2004 10:19 PM
Just when they seem like they're at their worst, animals have a funny way of bouncing right back and suprising everyone. My dog just recently got rid of a year+ chronic ear infection, only to tear the ACL tendon in his leg. Despite it all, he's still bounding around (even though the vet said to keep him from doing so until his surgery Wednesday). But any excess mega magic monkey jungle mojo he has left over, I'm sure he'd gladly send your way along with mine. Best wishes and the best of luck to you and the Bear, Wil.
Posted by: Gavin | May 3, 2004 10:21 PM
I had just gotten my first OWN pet, Annabelle... she was 7 months old, I'd had her for 5. She was the best cat, she would come when I called, let me pet her belly, sleep with me, wake me up. I loved that cat. She started acting lethargic, not eating, and not using the litter pan. By the time I got a vet appointment (through the stupid insurance), it was too late. I just took her to put her to sleep. I cried for days.
I'm pulling for little Felix over here.
Posted by: Christiana | May 3, 2004 10:25 PM
May all the mojo of BB King, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Son House, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf get it's wonderful groove on with little Felix so that he might be feeling right on top of his game again. (A little bit for Anne and Wil's spirits couldn't hurt either!) Rock on Felix!
Posted by: PK | May 3, 2004 10:36 PM
I read this post this morning, and it had me in tears. I've been a cat lover for as long as I can remember remembering things. I hate to see a good kitty taken down before his time, so you've got some mega monkey mojo coming in your and Felix's general directions.
As for the pr0n goobers, I'm thankful I missed it. I agree with Allen L (see above) - those people who have no respect for you, your site, your writings, your fans, who you are or what you stand for - I welcome them to experience unending agony and sorrow.
Take care, Wil. Felix will help. :)
- JNA
Posted by: JNA | May 3, 2004 10:40 PM
Reposting, since my original comment got lost in the crapflood ... I hope you catch the sick little jerks ...
We definitely understand where you're coming from. One of our first cats, Nita, who was born practically in our laps on a winter evening in 1997, left us nearly a year ago, taken far too soon by a massive internal infection, the cause of which will ever be a mystery. We still miss her.
All good thoughts from the humans here, and healing mojo and purrs to Felix The Bear from the cats:
Mina (the Queen)
Lilith (Godzilla-head, or The Chirping Hellbeast)
Kyouju (the Prof, or A1 Nut-boy)
Ariel (Fairy Fairy Princess)
Okesa (the Tortie Diva)
Eddie (Spooky Cat, or the other A1 Nut-boy)
Wendy (the New Kid)
Posted by: Jamie | May 3, 2004 10:46 PM
Much mojo headed in Felix's direction!
I really hope he gets better soon. I almost lost my cat, Trouble, in September of last year to Jaundice (a disease I didn't even know cats could get). He's a huge cat that weighs about 14-15 pounds and, at his sickest, he dropped down to around 7-8 pounds. It seems y'all have a great vet, though. Mine told me that I should just say goodbye and forget about him getting better.
He showed the vet.
Best wishes.
Posted by: Jessica D. | May 3, 2004 10:48 PM
My German Shepards and I are there for you Wil.
Well Raven is anyway, Zena's not a big cat fan.
I've had pets all my life and know where you are right now. But it sounds like Bear is coming along very well. (Good thoughts, good thoughts!)
Oh and I'll back you all there way on the dipsh*ts that are messing with you and your site. And I'll add $20 for the cause.
Posted by: SRF | May 3, 2004 10:58 PM
I hope Felix gets well. I am half a century old and have had literally more cats than I can count because I live outside the city where we can have many at once. There are always those special ones like yours that just melt your heart. Best of luck to Felix and keep your chin up Wil. I hope you find the scumbags that dirtied your site.
Posted by: Bronzeman | May 3, 2004 11:05 PM
posting childporn on wil's website is really not okay.
showing my support for wil's stance
Posted by: howlingmadhowie | May 3, 2004 11:12 PM
I am glad things are looking up for Felix. I've been going through this same thing off and on with my cat, Supper, he is a diabetic and he will sometime get low blood sugar and have seizures.
Everytime it happens it is a chance I might have to say goodbye and it is heartbreaking.
All my hope is being sent Felix's way.
Posted by: Anaria | May 3, 2004 11:16 PM
My little furball has been sick this past week, too, Wil. I've been hers for 11 years. After a nerve-wracking trip to the vet last Monday and a week of convincing her to take medicine from a dropper, she's currently curled up in my lap, too thin but purring, and preventing me from typing with both hands at once.
Good thoughts to you and the Bear.
Posted by: Adele | May 3, 2004 11:18 PM
I know sometimes one extra voice doesn't matter, but i was moved by your affection for the bear. And i will be sending as much good energy his way as i can. I'm on the east coast so i might run into a delay crossing those damn rockies.
much love wil,
Luis
Posted by: Luis Sosa | May 3, 2004 11:18 PM
Sometimes people love their furry four footers so much, it's like they're our children. It's so sad that they never seem to be with us long enough. =( My prayer are with your Felix.
Posted by: AJ | May 3, 2004 11:19 PM
Wil and family,
So sorry to hear about your cat's health. The whippet and I truly feel for you (the whippet was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis last summer and completely understands)and we'll keep Felix in our thoughts. You can reciprocate by keeping the whippet (dog) Emma in yours.
lee
Posted by: lee | May 3, 2004 11:28 PM
Wil:
Sorry to hear it. Having to watch your cat go down hill is hard. Making the decision to put him to sleep is Hell. I had to do that last year and it was surreal and like a kick in the stomach. Enjoy and chearish every second that you have with him. Of course, you said he is in EARLY stages. A lot can happen. Maybe even something that will make him better! You never know. So much is happening in veterinary medicine. Anyway, we're all here for you. Cat lovers unite!!!
Scott
Posted by: Scott T | May 3, 2004 11:32 PM
From our managere to yours, mojo from Maggie, Jasper, Buckley, Kelsey, and Molly, oh, and their two human friends, chad and whit.
Posted by: Chad | May 3, 2004 11:39 PM
Healing Mojo from around the world to the Bear!
Posted by: Mr.Sphynx | May 3, 2004 11:40 PM
Hey Will,
Having had to put my last cat down because of kidney failure, you have my deepest sympathy. I'm keepin' my fingers crossed and sending positive mojo to you and Felix.
And as for the asshats who thought it was funny to put porn here...I hope the bounty works.
Posted by: Sara | May 3, 2004 11:47 PM
Oooh, brightest blessings & healing energies to you and your Bear Wil....
Thinking Happy Thoughts!
Posted by: Jill | May 3, 2004 11:48 PM
Wil, I'm sending my best thoughts to Felix. I hope he gets better.
I'm glad he has a family like yours to love him, he sounds like a very lucky cat.
Posted by: susie | May 4, 2004 12:20 AM
Best wishes from Downunder, Wil. Marge, my seven y/o domestic goddess will instruct me to light incense for Felix when I get home from work.
Posted by: mark | May 4, 2004 12:26 AM
this is a comment for the most recent entry cause i cant comment there...
what happened?
Posted by: julie reppert | May 4, 2004 12:28 AM
I know how you feel, my beast of a cat, Ginger (aka Tiger) died of kidney failure last year and I still have dreams that he's coming home.
I feel sorry for people who do not have pets-they miss so much SO, even if you just buy a goldfish, DO IT, it will make you feel better.
Love and cuddles to Felix!
Posted by: Annie | May 4, 2004 12:33 AM
Many many huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge hugs and kitty schnarfles for Bear Felix :) Good vibes and mojo are winging your way right now!!
Posted by: Erin | May 4, 2004 12:47 AM
Hi Wil,
I've been very preoccupied the past several days and hadn't had time to read my dailies...
I was very saddened to learn about Felix. I will keep my fingers crossed for Felix.
While animals are on your mind right now... I was wondering if you would perform a great act of good karma for animalkind and let people know about http://www.gormanrescue.com. The animals were taken last Thursday away from the place that could literally be called Hell on earth. They'd been left there last Tuesday & Wednesday when it was so blisteringly hot WITHOUT WATER!! A quarter of the dogs died by the time help arrived. Some people reported dogs dying just trying to crawl to the water that had just been given to them.
It's not over yet though... many of the animals were taken to Baldwin Park Shelter which is a high kill shelter. Right now they're being held for 14 days before being released for general adoption. We're trying to find both fosters and forever homes for these animals ASAP to prevent any more deaths from this tragedy.
I personally have gone through heartbreak much like you're going through right now over this. That day that the rescuers went up there while Animal Control was taking away the dogs, we found that one dog had just had puppies. They were only a day or so old. One puppy had gotten severe head lacerations from the wire on the ground. About half her scalp had been torn off. Once we got her mother out and checked the other babies for injuries, we put them all into my car and I high tailed it down the mountain to the vet that my particular rescue uses and handed over "Frankenbaby" to him. Later on after I got back from delivering the mother and her remaining babies to the Pasadena Humane Society, I reclaimed Frankenbaby from the vet who'd brought her to the rescue. I stayed up with her all night and drove her back to the vet in the morning so he could check on her since she was getting weaker and weaker. He had initially thought that she'd pull through it but by the next morning, it was clear to him that she must have suffered more damage than we realized. She basically almost never left my arms from the moment I reclaimed her til the moment she breathed her last. She was so beautiful despite her ugly wounds. I cried hard when I realized she was slipping away and even harder when she did pass. I'm crying now just thinking of what a fighter she'd been. You can see how bad her wounds were in the pictures that I put up onto the website listed above. You can also see from the post op pictures I posted that had she lived, she would have only had one ear and probably only one working eye as well.
The president of the rescue that I volunteer with told me later that had she made it, she would have been adopted into our sanctuary and spent her days playing with our doggy family (we're actually more of a sanctuary than a place to adopt from, most of our dogs are not adoptable). Since she didn't get to live to do this, we're looking into adopting her little sister instead who will be named Phoenix in honor of her big sister and the tragedy that she and all the dogs suffered.
Anyways, if you would make a public post asking people to help, it'd be greatly appreciated. Help is needed in a myriad of ways. Most important are forever homes. Next are temporary aka foster homes or at least places in no kill shelters. Third is money to help pay bail costs (to get them out of Baldwin Park Shelter) and vet bills for the fostered & rescued dogs. Help is also needed in just getting the word out. Friends of friends might have a forever or foster home to offer.
None of this will help Felix directly but you could ask people to go help in Felix's name. Heck I dedicate the website I built plus all the time & energy & money that I have and will spend on this rescue effort to Frankenbaby.
Thank you for reading.
Posted by: Megalion | May 4, 2004 1:18 AM
Much love to The Bear. I will keep him in my thoughts and you continue to pamper and spoil him as you should! :)
Posted by: Ashke | May 4, 2004 1:20 AM
Just a brief note to say I'm glad to hear Felix is feeling a little better.
Hang in there, Wil.
Posted by: Glenn | May 4, 2004 1:37 AM
I always remember when my wife and I went on honeymoon; we were on the Orient Express going down to Venice, when I got a call on my mobile from a vet. Our cat Balti had been involved in a road accident, and had died. We wept a lot that night.
Much mojo to Felix from us and our two current cats, Bili and Poppadom, who in a twist of fate were born just two days after Balti was killed.
Posted by: joffonon | May 4, 2004 1:46 AM
Well having just read the latest post about the script kiddies etc, I wanted to add my best wishes for The Bear, just to let you know that even in the UK we care too.
Good luck to Kris and the Bear and everyone.
Posted by: Nick | May 4, 2004 2:00 AM
healing thoughts coming from Ireland
Posted by: Shar | May 4, 2004 2:30 AM
Wil,
Sorry to hear about Felix, man. I'm allergic to cats, but live in a 4 dog house. We take our children very seriously. It took me 10 years to get over Dingo, my german shep/collie mix.
I am now the proud companion of a rust and red Warlock Doberman. Sadie Lane turned 2 last month. To those of you out there thinking of adding a dobie to your household, don't dock their ears, they feel it for life.
Dobie's are demanding as well. So if your not one who likes to repeat a command 150-1000 times before your companion learns it, get a gerbil. But for those who love the challenge of training, dobies are EXTREMELY intelligent.
Sadie gets the Muddle(muzzle) for Oz, the Leach(leash) for Tyler, trees Quirrel(squirrels) on command, and keeps the Taste Like a Chicken(cats(did I mention allergies?)) out of the yard.
She's never harmed any of the cats, it's just a game. We even have all the taste like a named, this is how I taught her to answer yes(2 barks), no(1 bark), and I don't know(3 barks). If you sneeze around her she'll even bless you(long bark-short bark(picked that one up on her own!!!)) Sadie catches the Bizfree(frisbee) every time I throw it properly, which is about 75% of the time.
She loves to bully people, but only if you are afraid, and she has never bitten ANYONE(So take THAT all you "Doberman's are dangerous animals and should be put down with all of the pit bulls" people. You all make me sick. Shoot the owners, not the dogs. You can make any dog mean...MESSAGE!!!).
Well, Wil, I hope I took your mind off of the situation for a few. I will keep Felix Bear in my thoughts and prayers for I undrestand the special bond people have with their companions.
A Friend Indeed,
Richie, Richard, Rhonda, Sadie, Sally, Tyler, and Ozzie.
P.S. Tell the people at TechTV that you need your own show. You enliven Screensavers and Call For Help.
Posted by: Rich | May 4, 2004 2:36 AM
Sorry to hear about Felix. Glad to see the vet (and your readers) worked their mojo!
Posted by: Larry | May 4, 2004 2:50 AM
Many many healing vibes to Felix.
Posted by: Diosa | May 4, 2004 3:28 AM
Kind of hard to make any progress tracking down those mouth-breathers when you've removed all traces of their existance.
Some IP logs or additional info would be good.
Posted by: Manchild | May 4, 2004 3:29 AM
(sends good mojo to Felix)
Good luck, Wil. I hope your Bear gets better, and I hope the people who post cr@p here get caught.
Posted by: Steven | May 4, 2004 3:47 AM
hey wil, and Felix!
i hope he gets much better soon! i love cats, and i know what its like to lose them...as do many people here!
will be sending MUCH MUCH MUCH mojo over the atlantic to you and The Bear! i wish him well!
take care
rach
Posted by: rach | May 4, 2004 3:49 AM
I lost my cat a year and a half ago. I hope to be over it sometime this decade. I am so hoping you don't have to go through that.
Arwen
Posted by: Arwen | May 4, 2004 4:00 AM
Hi honey,
I'm so sad... i cant believe what you are going through... you know Felix will be ok, he has you and anne and ryan and nolan after all... i send all my mojo your way, and i pray that you will be ok, cause i know how tough this is on you also.. i love you man... you take care, and remember whatever happens its becuase felix needs it that way cause the bear doesnt want to be in pain!
hugs
andrea x
Posted by: andrea | May 4, 2004 4:04 AM
It's heart-breaking when any loved one is sick or hurting, but furkids are the worst. I hope your Felix bear keeps getting better!
Posted by: Cami H. | May 4, 2004 4:08 AM
I have had many a pet that died, was killed, or had to be euthanized. It always hurts like hell.
Magic monkey mojo to Felix...may he find he has lives to spare.
Posted by: Shannon S | May 4, 2004 4:16 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat... and about the crapflooding rubbish. I hope your luck turns, you catch your flooders and your cat recovers... it is terrible to lose a loved one. Seriously hoping that the next news is better.
Posted by: Em | May 4, 2004 4:24 AM
I hope everything works out for Felix. Our cat just curled up and died one day, of cancer. No signs or anything that anything was wrong before. I hope that everything works out.
Posted by: seppl | May 4, 2004 4:29 AM
Re the porn spammers : A pox on all of them. I missed the entire porn display, but I hope that avenging angels will come down hard on them so that they get what's due them for spamming a perfectly peaceable online journal!
Re Felix aka Bear : I hope he recovers soon! As one who has loved and mourned over many a pet -- canine and feline -- I know how awful it is to watch them suffering. The worst cases are the ones who are cheerful in the face of discomfort, who'll cuddle up to you while you're crying over them as if to say they'll be just fine. **sniffle** May good angels guard all of you!
Posted by: Starshadow Rivaulx | May 4, 2004 4:37 AM
I wanted to send some mojo for you, The Bear, and Co. I love animals and I know how rough it is when they get sick. You have lots of mojo, etc. coming your way.
I hope you don't have to take commenting off again. I hear MT is going to implement a "registered commenters only" feature in
their new version. You might try that.
Posted by: Danielle | May 4, 2004 4:42 AM
So glad to hear Felix is doing better, and I'll be sending along as much magic monkey voodoo as I can spare...
And I'll be wishing a raging case of mutant carnivorous crabs on the crapflooders.
Posted by: Jim | May 4, 2004 4:50 AM
Wil,
I hope your cat gets better. I was about 17 when my cat (who had been in the family as long as I could remember) died. Miss Priss. A siamese. Beautiful cat. She had cancer. I remember her sitting on my bed with me being miserable, there was nothing I could do but pet her occasionally as I played Phantasy Star 2 on the Genesis. I still miss her from time to time, but she lived a full live.
I think that seeing how much you love your cat, that no matter how short it was. Your cat had a full life.
I am however glad to see that it's condition has improved. I hope it remains so.
But as with any pet. Treasure the time you have as long as you have it. Sometimes I think us people just live too long. We have to see so many pets come and go in out 80 or so alotted years.
Best wishes,
Stak
Posted by: Stak | May 4, 2004 4:52 AM
As the owner of two 8, nearly 9 year old cats and a 13 year old Beagle/Bassett I feel for you.
We all send our warm and fuzzy healing energies to Felix..and general warm fuzzies to you and your family.
Posted by: Jenn | May 4, 2004 4:55 AM
Hey Wil! I'm not a big cat person, in fact I don't much like cats at all, but I'm sending out huge mojo to Felix right now. Glad to hear he's feeling better!
Posted by: Ryan Waddell | May 4, 2004 5:00 AM
Hey, Wil-
Just saw this this morning, but I hope I'm not too late to send some prayers up for Felix. I'm glad he's doing better, and I hope he continues to do well. Keep us updated on his condition!
-Alicia
www.thewagband.com
Posted by: Alicia | May 4, 2004 5:22 AM
Wil and family, although im not much of a cat lover my family had a cat named buttertwo (better known as kibby) for 16 years. we had to put him to sleep about 6 months ago because of age related health problems. Neither myself, my sister or my parents were able to take him to the vet to be put to sleep. my moms best friend had to do it. we were all profoundly upset by the loss of our kibby. he is know sleeping peacefully in a corner of my parents backyard where he can watch birds everyday like he used to do from the window in the living room. now my parents have two cats (well one of them is my families but lives with my parents long story) and sitting here thinking about kibby has tears rolling down my face. we also lost a dog in september who ran away from home. my kids were devestated and still ask where she is. i completly understand what you are going through and am so sorry!! but felix is tuff and he WILL pull through!!!! happy kitty mojo to you and the family and most of all felix. remember your other pets are pulling for him too!!!!
Posted by: Brook | May 4, 2004 5:27 AM
Hi Wil,
Non-pet people just don't understand the loving bond we have with our pets. The only time I wept more than when my cats passed away, was when my dad passed away. One was 13 (Georgie Girl) and the other was almost 19 (Mitzi). They can have long, happy lives. A dear friend's cat made it to 24 years! So hang in there... and keep the faith.
Hugs, JoycieQ.
Posted by: JoycieQ. | May 4, 2004 5:36 AM
Dear Wil,
I hope you read this: I think the awful stuff that creeped into your site also got into some of the e-mails sent to you. I had a very suspicious post in my e-mail. The filtering software here at work caught it. Did you notice the phrase "at work?" So, since my computer at home is busted and my computer guy is gone, I will have to cease being a part of your wonderful site. My workplace would take a dim view of non-work related use of the hospital equipment. Hope to "see" you soon.
Oh, am so glad to hear about Felix.
Posted by: Jeanine | May 4, 2004 5:56 AM
Post script to previous note: My current cats Bandit (9) and her daughter Scooter(7)want to send meow wishes, and purr thoughts to Bear: This is a formal invitation for Bear to come over to share some yummy Cat treats, and get really, really happy sharing our catnip - when he's all better... Cuz Canadian cats really know how to party! Celebrate. Celebrate. Dance to the Music!
Sending silly, happy, good-kitty-vibes to our new pal Bear.
Hugs, once again, from JoycieQ, who wanted to send a cheerier message than her first more serious note. (Hope it helps!)
Posted by: JoycieQ. | May 4, 2004 6:09 AM
I don't know if you'll see this comment, being it's so far down, but...
Having had many pets pass over the years, I know that one of the greatest responsibilities we have as pet-owners is making the big decisions when they're so ill. It's never easy, since they can't tell us how they're feeling, but I do think it's better for them to have someone they love and trust when they're in such a confusing situation. Anyway, best wishes to you and Felix. You'll be in my prayers.
Posted by: Kuzibah | May 4, 2004 6:23 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Felix. I have two cats, and every trip to the vet brings on a serious case of nerves. I'll keep the little fella in my thoughts today, and hope that he continues to do better. Here's some mojo for The Bear!
Posted by: John Burroway | May 4, 2004 6:23 AM
I am so glad to hear that Felix/bear is doing better. Its funny what a large chunk of our hearts belongs to our pets. :)
I will send out more healing energy/mojo to be sure that he has the most time possible to spend with your family.
Posted by: Neph | May 4, 2004 6:30 AM
This is the 1st time I have left a comment but a sick cat pulls at my heart strings. I have three cats that I do not know what I would do without. I used to make fun of people who "love" their pets until I got one and realzied the unconditonal love. Prayers for Bear.
Posted by: Michelle | May 4, 2004 6:33 AM
Shadow, Tasselhoff, and Cheapshot all send their love and kitty mojo to the Bear *hugs*
Posted by: Gretchen | May 4, 2004 6:44 AM
Me and my Hare Krishna buddies are chanting a few rounds on your behalf. I hope it helps.
~Thomas
Posted by: FNR_Thomas | May 4, 2004 6:49 AM
Sorry to hear about Felix, we're just getting over spinal trauma with our youngest clawed and furry hotwater bottle. We all hope that Felix bounces back like our little girl Ishka has.
So here's sending you an oversized bag of mixed people and moggy mojo for Felix and family.
Best wishes,
Brian, Stacye, Babyss, Missy and Ishka.
Posted by: Stacye | May 4, 2004 6:49 AM
Sorry to hear about your cat. I'm sending lots of mojo (mojo mojo mojo) to keep him going for a few more years. (unlimited free refills available)
Maybe you can enlist ex-hacker Kevin Mitnick to track down the script kiddies. He just tracked down a bomb hoaxer in River Rouge, Michigan.
-Roger
Posted by: Dodge | May 4, 2004 6:57 AM
Me, my Chuck-Bear and Little Jerry send our best to you and Felix, Wil.
Posted by: Dave Stevens | May 4, 2004 7:04 AM
At the beginning of last year my 14 year old best-friend-ever Jake was diagnosed with the beginning stages of renal failure and borderline hyperthyroid. I had to give him special old-man cat food and was told to keep an eye on him. He had been losing weight steadily and it was my hope that with the special food he would stablize.
He continued to loose weight.
Then one day in early November I came home for lunch and found that he was hiding in a corner (something he NEVER did) and was too weak to walk. When I got him to the vet they did the usual blood work and then took an ex-ray. Something they hadn't done before. In the ex-ray they found he had a tumor in his liver. It was a larg one, and he was so anemic at that point that the vet said he wasn't strong enough for surgery.
That was the hardest day of my life, and I still think about him on a daily basis. Sometimes I stll cry myself to sleep.
I'll be sending you and the Bear the best monkey mojo I can muster.
Posted by: Anna | May 4, 2004 7:20 AM
Best wishes to you, your family and Felix.
Posted by: Ian Christie | May 4, 2004 7:26 AM
Special healthy-kitty magic brain vibes coming your way!!
Posted by: V | May 4, 2004 7:34 AM
Wil,
I hope your cat gets better. Best to you and your family.
Geoff
Posted by: Geoff | May 4, 2004 7:39 AM
I've never had a cat--Mom's allergic, Dad and my brothers hate them--but I have two dogs who are both getting quite old. Randy gave us a scare a year or so ago when he suddenly couldn't stand up on his own anymore. Sometimes he could walk if we actually picked him up and put him on his feet, but mostly we had to carry him. Last summer, Sammy developed an auto-immune disease that nearly killed her. (In fact, her treatment was getting so expensive that my parents had to seriously consider putting her down for financial reasons, for which I could never have forgiven them.) It was agony to watch them go through that, and worse to have to go back to college while Sam was still in danger of dying any day. Both of them have pulled through, though, and though they're still showing their age, they're going strong. I'll send as much mojo as I have left over to Felix in hopes that you'll both get through this intact.
Posted by: Suzanne | May 4, 2004 8:02 AM
Hey Wil,
I went through a really difficult time with my cat, Buster.... Almost the same story, actually. Buster is doing well now, but I'm always worried about the other shoe dropping. Felix is in my thoughts.... Try to stay calm. Felix knows you're doing everything you can. I know it's difficult to see them in the cage with the IV, but they know you care, even if you have to make the most difficult decision ever...they'll understand.
My best thoughts,
AT
Posted by: AT | May 4, 2004 8:06 AM
I am offering $1000 for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of anyone involved in the crapflooding of this website.
Wil,
Put me down for 20 bucks cuz that is some bullshit!
Posted by: "Austin Mayor" | May 4, 2004 8:06 AM
I also have a cat, Buster, who has lived with us since we lived in California. He is the only CA native in the family!
Just a month ago he was diagnosed with early kidney failure, and put on the high protien food. Luckily he likes it, unlike Felix. He's sitting with me right now trying to hit the keyboard on my laptop...He's survived a move from CA to GA, lived there for a few years, moved to MI and survived a house fire in 17 degree temps in the basement (nearly died from hypothermia and a serious lung infection) and moved again with us back to GA and now in Illinois.
Hang in there Wil, cats are amazingly resilient.
And; I hope and pray you catch the low-life who posted such material on your website. Yuck!
Jen C.
Posted by: Jen C. | May 4, 2004 8:18 AM
Amen on the bounty on hackers and script kiddies. Nice terms for people with no life other than to cause others unhappiness or pain.
Hang in there Felix! We have 6 cats one of whom is named "Felix" too. Pet him for our family. TLC and good care is the best any of us can hope for.
Posted by: gsownsby | May 4, 2004 8:20 AM
Huge good thoughts to your Felix -- my own feline of my heart (dumb term, but hell, he was like a kid to me, and I can't bring myself to use furrbaby... some can, I cannot) Merlyn passed away to the same thing. I know how you feel, and hope in Felix's case, it works out to him being happy and healthy again soon!
Posted by: Anne S. | May 4, 2004 8:23 AM
About 4 years ago, my cat, Sequel (long story), started acting funny. She was lethargic and not acting normal. I checked around, did the normal stuff (did she eat something odd, injury, etc) and couldn't figure out anything. Then I noticed her urine wasn't causing the litter to clump up properly. We took her to the vet and he told us that she was in almost total kidney failure. No warning signs, just failure.
They put an IV in her neck (too many smaller blood vessels had collapsed) and tried real hard. We brought her home for one day before we realized how bad it was for her. I still think having her put to sleep was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life. I was sobbing like a baby, and tearing up now just thinking about it.
I feel so bad for you Wil, and know what you are going through. It sounds like you were lucky enough to have had warning signs, and that you got to spend a while longer with your Staff Lead.
I still miss how she used to run to the door when I got home (just to sniff dissaprovingly when I didn't have/do whatever it was she expected me to do).
You have as much mojo as I can muster for the lil Bear.
And F'Crapflooders.
Posted by: Roy | May 4, 2004 8:24 AM
I am offering $1000 for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of anyone involved in the crapflooding of this website.
Wil,
I wonder what is wrong with people that they need to post crap on your site. You are one of the swellest guys I think I have ever had the privilege of hoping good things for, and it is so not fair to you that they jerk around on your site. I am sorry Wil, that there are a bunch of mindless twits CRAPFLOODING your site. Again I wish Bear and you, Ferris, Anne, Nolan, and Ryan, all the best.
Artemis
P.S. I would be more than happy to keep an eye out for these morons. Can't you trace them back to their IP address?
Posted by: Artemis Jade Wetzel | May 4, 2004 8:24 AM
Solid Seattle cat-lover mojo heading your way Wil.
I know there is nothing that anyone can say, but we wish you nothing but the best from Seattle.
Posted by: Scott Allen | May 4, 2004 8:31 AM
Hey, been there, done that. I know it's hard.
Ray Smith
Posted by: Ray Smith | May 4, 2004 8:41 AM
Hooray for the Felix feeling better! I have been thinking positive thoughts!!!1
Posted by: wilhelm | May 4, 2004 8:42 AM
Hi Wil! I just wanted to say that I am sending loads of positive vibes Felix's way. I too am a cat person and I have loads of compassion for what you must being going through. Sound like he's a a pretty tough dude though! Good luck and keep us posted!!! hugs- Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | May 4, 2004 8:44 AM
Wil,
Good luck to little Felix Bear! We lost our Bob many years ago to that horrid disease! Let him tell you when it's time. And LISTEN to him when he tells you. It was the hardest thing, yet looking back I think I wasn't listening when I should have been. Bob was only 5 lbs when we finally listened and had him pts and at his prime was 15lbs. Don't let human selfishness keep him around just so you don't have to say goodbye. Listen to his cues. I am glad that he is feeling better right now. Love the hell out of him while you can!!! And when his time comes, he will lead someone else to you so that they may get the love that he once experienced.
Posted by: shannon c | May 4, 2004 8:48 AM
Good luck to The Bear. Hope he feels much better soon.
And nuts to the crapflooders. Stupid people suck...
Posted by: katcheya | May 4, 2004 8:49 AM
I hope Bear pulls through!
Posted by: Wilzwife | May 4, 2004 8:54 AM
Kudos to Bear for pullin through - and kudos to the VET for 'giving their life' to the service of animals. Thank God for those people. Being a veterinarian is one of the most difficult professions!!!
Posted by: M. Douglas Wray | May 4, 2004 9:01 AM
Prayers for Felix Bear are on the way! *hugs* to you and your family, Wil!
Posted by: Sue | May 4, 2004 9:01 AM
Oh, Wil, I hope Felix continues to thrive. I am sending mucho mojo from myself and on behalf of Calvin, Maya, Loki, Annie and Scribbles.
Posted by: Jen | May 4, 2004 9:01 AM
Wil-
Sending puppy mojo for your Beast from Seattle. We lost our old man to cancer almost five years ago, and it still hurts. Glad to hear that Felix is doing better, and hope and pray that you have lots of quality time with him in that future.
Posted by: Kirsten | May 4, 2004 9:02 AM
Your Felix story broke my heart and re-opened fresh wounds. Last month, I had to put down my tortoiseshell kitty Pepper (aka Hemi, because she was fat and had the loudest purr in the tri-county area) due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was only a year old, and deteriorated rapidly, despite a couple thousand dollars worth of vet's visits and treatments. I fully understand what you're going through right now, Wil...anyone who has a pet will understand that they are your children, and you would do anything you could to save them, and it breaks your heart when you can't make them feel better. I'll send some corny ((hugs)) your way...you, your family and especially Felix are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Winona | May 4, 2004 9:03 AM
Having recently lost a pet that was with me for over 11 years, I can understand the attachment, as can everyone who has ever loved a pet.
I am happy to hear that he is doing better. Hopefully it will mean many more years of bringing joy to your family.
Posted by: John | May 4, 2004 9:15 AM
Oh, man. I'm sorry to hear about your Bear.
One of our 5 (yes FIVE) aging felines, Cindy, was diagnosed with kidney failure a couple of years ago. We think in her case it was something she got into, though, not a disease process. We gave her subcute fluid twice a day for several months, until the scruff of her neck got so tender from it that we couldn't stand to poke her any more. Turned out we didn't need to; she'd stabilized, kicked her remaining kidney cells into high gear, and is still doing fine. She loves her "IVD modified" food, but hated the science diet low-protein; you might try bear on other brands if you haven't already - there are several out there.
Best of luck, and I hope your sick baby continues to do well!
Posted by: Sandy | May 4, 2004 9:17 AM
Sorry to hear about the Bear. Hope he recovers soon.
Posted by: Joe.C. | May 4, 2004 9:18 AM
Hi Will and Anne,
I wanted to give you some hopefully helpful and supportive advice about Felix. I have an eerily similar story. Our cat Gizmo was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in January. When he lost weight, stopped eating and stopped urinating, he was found to have chronic kidney failure and 10 kidney stones in one kidney. Currently, he is utilizing about 20% of his remaining kidney. He spent three weeks in the ICU at our local veterinary specialist and had 2 blood transfusions because his PCV dropped down to about 13. Since then, he has bounced back to my great surprise. He was literally at death's door. We currently give him about 150 mL lactated ringers daily subcutaneously, Epogen 400 units (weight based) three times a week subcutaneously, and Norvasc 0.625 mg (1/4 of 2.5 mg tablet) daily. In case you are not familiar with Epogen, it stimulates red blood cells and has increased his PCV from 22 (after the blood transfusions brought it up)to 33. Some cats can have an antibody reaction to it, but Gizmo at his old age had no problems. The Norvasc is for his high blood pressure which is almost guaranteed to happen at some point because it is secondary to kidney failure. He went completely blind about a month ago, but because I took him to the vet immediately, his eyesight returned to functional status about a week after he started the Norvasc. Cats can get transient retinal detachment with uncontrolled blood pressure.
Also similar to Felix, Gizmo was put on several renal diets. His favorite is Waltham Renal Support, it comes in a white packet with blue lettering. It has some gravy in it. If I put the food thru a blender he likes it even more. He ruled out the other 4 choices we were given. Anyways, I just wanted to help. The Epogen is expensive but being a hospital pharmacist, I was able to get one retail pharmacy to sell me one 4000 unit/vial at a time for about 70 dollars and it gives me ten doses. (It comes in different unit strengths) Also, you can buy the lactated ringers or IV fluids from a veterinary supplier for about $3 a bag and $3 for the administration sets. You'll need a prescription. Look online for suppliers. We use Valley Veterinary. If you need any more info I'd be happy to provide it. Anyway, our pets are like children and it sounds like you'll do anything for Felix too. I wish you and yours well.
Amy :-)
Posted by: Amy | May 4, 2004 9:26 AM
Best wishes to Felix, Wil. I'm so glad to hear he's doing better.
The thing about having pets is that they just don't live long enough in proportion to the intense love they end up inspiring in us. Still, the benefits of that love exponentially outweigh the costs. Here's hoping Felix, with his Harley purr and his feisty affections, pulls through and remains Chief of Staff for a while yet to come.
And here's hoping you can nail those fucknut script kiddies right to the wall.
Posted by: Tracy (in San Diego) | May 4, 2004 9:41 AM
I'm so glad that Felix is doing better. You don't realize how much your pets mean to you until you face the possiblity that they might be gone.
Sunday night we took my Weimariner to the vet because he had a swollen and oozing paw. The vet asperated it and said she saw a mass cell, which means cancer. They suggested that we take him to the regular vet so they could asperate the lymph node to see if it had gotten that far. We took Kaiser to our normal vet, and he said that a mass cell was normal (bunches would be bad) and they didn't see any signs of cancer in the toe or the lymph node. So hopefully it is just an infection that has come up, and strong anti-biotics will take care of it.
I'm sending mojo to Felix, is some of you all could send some mojo to Kaiser back, I would appreciate it...
Posted by: Chris Parker | May 4, 2004 9:52 AM
Here's a goofy little movie to inspire Felix.
Posted by: lb | May 4, 2004 9:55 AM
Much healthy happy kitty mojo for your family and The Bear from myself and Slinky the cat.
Posted by: lori | May 4, 2004 9:58 AM
I've been there with a cat and dog. I know how hard it can be. Hang in there for Bear's sake.
Posted by: CL | May 4, 2004 9:59 AM
I think penny-arcade said it best.
http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2004-03-19
Sorry to hear about those bastard's comments. I hope they do time.
Posted by: sukotto | May 4, 2004 10:14 AM
Wil,
Don't give up!
The Mrs & I have a cat who has the same kidney problems. I had to give her (the cat, not the wife) IV fluids every other night for a while and she is doing wonderfully now. No longer giving fluids, although I do give them occasionally just to help out.
-Steve
[good idea on the "enter above code"]
Posted by: stebain | May 4, 2004 10:44 AM
All the good vibes are working for Kris and Felix. The good people of this world far outnumber the idiots (crapflooders is a better word) who think posting insensitive things like hate mail and kiddie porn is funny.
Can your friends at TechTV offer any suggestions on anything you can do to prevent this from happening or to trace back where this drivel is coming from.
Posted by: David | May 4, 2004 10:50 AM
Wil,
I'm happy that your Bear seems to be improving. I'm not necessarily a 'cat' person, but cats always seem to approve of me. Me and my pet Buster (70# German Sheppard) will send all the mojo we can Bear's way.
All our best.
Steve
Posted by: Steve White | May 4, 2004 10:50 AM
My little black tom cat was named "Tom". He barely made it to his first birthday. He was a tiny little guy, that thought he was a panther. He would get into catfights all the time, got hit by a car, bit by a rattlesnake, cornered by pitbulls, ran away from home a number of times, survived a bout with rat poison, then finally got it from eating a sharp bone. He had the shortest yet most fulfilled life of a cat that I have ever know. And we found him on our neighbors porch. Sad. It devastated our family. I haven't owned a cat ever since. Too much trauma. Don't get me wrong, I love the little critters, but you're right, they TOLERATE us. My favorite comics are Garfield, Get fuzzy, and that other one with the white cat. Stay tough guys, our hearts and wishes are with you and yours.
-Coogan
Posted by: Keith Coogan | May 4, 2004 10:55 AM
Wil, I am so sorry about Felix.
I tried to comment before but I think it was right when you got blasted by the icky porn people so I think my post got eaten along with that. I have a big soft spot for cats, and I am a fan, so I emailed you but I fear it will get eaten by my lack of pgp so I am trying to comment again jus in case you didn't get it because I had a thought that might actually help you out.
I know what you are going through, having lost 2 cats to kidney disease. I know it's a downhill battle, and you want to do everything you can to make them more comfortable.
The one thing that I haven't seen in the comments, something that helped me a lot in the one case where battling it was possible was Homeopathy. I took my first cat who had it to a Homeopathic vet, and we also did all the stuff you've already been doing- the subcutaneous fluids and special foods. The extra Homeopathy stuff really got our cat some of his appetite back and eased some of his discomfort. It probably gave him an extra 6 months with us he wouldn't have had.
I am sure in Cali they have some Homeopaths, but if not, you give my ex-vet a call, seriously! He's easily searchable on the net- Douglas Yearout in Everett, Washington. He does phone consultations, and he's also a Trek fan, so if you tell him who you are and that I sent you he'll probably piss himself laughing. Just say Sahra told you to call, I'm the only Trek fan who ever worked for him so he should remember me... I don't guarantee it will get you a discount though ;) He really is an amazing guy when it comes to caring for animals. I was a client, and then I worked for him for a while so I can honestly say he's one of the smartest guys I know with a really amazing view of medicine. Either way, try Homeopathy, it certainly won't hurt, and it might help a little.
Hugs to you and your family, I know what a hard time this is for you.
Posted by: Sahra | May 4, 2004 11:03 AM
I hope your pet gets well, I had a dog that had tumors along her spine, it was the worse thing to watch her suffer. Hopefully your cat will not have to do the same, good luck with the treatments, amazing how pets refuse to give in.
Posted by: Capt. | May 4, 2004 11:11 AM
I just wanted to wish the kitty the best. I lost a himilayan (oddly named Felix) in HS to kidney failure. He too was a alleycat who happened upon our step one day. They're good critters, cats. I hope he sticks around for even longer than the odds-makers have given him.
And good luck nailing those SOBs who dared to defile your comments.
Posted by: Larry Ellis | May 4, 2004 11:30 AM
Good luck, Felix! I'm thinking of you!
Posted by: Shmadyle | May 4, 2004 11:36 AM
Good Luck with your cat Wil, we lost our cat Khan to Kidney failure several years back, its a traumatic event and I am glad to here that Felix is recovering, hopefully he'll get better and spend a few more years of joy with you.
I also have to say this was a very well written piece, as I can see from the comments, many of us with pets relate to it and it brought up a lot of emotions. Thanks for reminding us of those we've lost, sometimes we need reminders to keep our love and life whole.
Posted by: Evan | May 4, 2004 11:42 AM
Yay that Felix is feeling better! And the fabulous Fletcher furbags are propitiating Bast for continued improvement.
Posted by: Melanie Fletcher | May 4, 2004 11:44 AM
Hey Wil - I'm more of a lurker than a poster -and you've already gotten 265 well wishes, but I had to add mine as well. My cat has lymphoma and we've been fighting that off since October. It's treatable, but not curable and if the cat responds to treatment, they can live a while longer. He was doing great and just came out of remission last week, so I understand what you're going through. We decided to try Sunny on IV chemo treatments. (He was on oral chemo before - and cat's respond well to chemo - no bad side effects like humans.) He's doing better - but last week was miserable not know if he'd pull through or not. And I don't know long he'll respond to treatment this time.
Anyway - I'm sending well wishes for your cat through the internet ether also.
Posted by: Maggie | May 4, 2004 11:45 AM
Hey, the Max-cat and I send the magic monkey voodo your way. Max just had his "second brain" (a rather large and scary growth on his head) removed and now has a reverse mohawk and a Harry Potter-like scar. But he's none the wiser and I'm happy to have the little fur boy back.
So good wishes.
Posted by: Jennifer W. | May 4, 2004 11:48 AM
Hey Wil,
I am really sorry to hear that others continue to abuse the privilage of reading and posting to your website. I hope you can implement something that helps stem the tide of this obscene behavior.
And to join the chorus of others I am hoping and praying for your cat.
Take care and ignore the bastards!
~David
Posted by: David | May 4, 2004 11:55 AM
Wil, my oldest cat has kidney disease and I can totally relate. She has proved the "nine lives" bit of cat lore for sure by pulling through when the vet said her time was almost up. Just know that there are plenty of us out here who can relate, and who have sobbed violently ourselves on hearing the news. Felix will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Lara | May 4, 2004 11:57 AM
So sorry to hear about your kitty..... When my cat died 2 years ago I was a wreck...still miss her!
Posted by: heidi | May 4, 2004 11:58 AM
Sassy sends his regards!!!(I know, Sassy's a girls name. We just didn't know he was a he when we got him.)
Posted by: Chuck | May 4, 2004 11:59 AM
More kitty mojo from the East Coast. Tinsel & Tonka send their regards.
Posted by: Breezy | May 4, 2004 12:01 PM
Going to try again to post to this thread; when I tried yesterday, I kept getting a message that I was not allowed, but I see many new posts since then, so I'm taking a chance.
First and foremost, my prayers go out to St. Francis, patron of animals, on behalf of Felix. Animals are one of the most perfect of God's creation, and "our little wards" bring us such joy as part of our lives. May Bear get well and be with you for a great long time.
Second, I do hope you fine out who the CREEP is who has no respect either for you or this site so many of us love.
WWdotN Rules! Long may it so be...
--joe
Posted by: B. Joseph Fekete, Jr. | May 4, 2004 12:07 PM
First off, Felix is in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know what I would do without my adopted 7yo cat Hobbes.
Secondly, anyone who would post that stuff in your comments is a door knob. Plain and simple and should be caught and fined and jailed.
Posted by: Mie | May 4, 2004 12:13 PM
Wil, I was nearly in tears reading your post. My heart goes out to you and your little furry baby. My little doggy and I are sending good healing vibes and love to Felix. We hope he can come home soon.
Posted by: Joy | May 4, 2004 12:16 PM
Get better, little kitty. :) Now off to keep mine from playing with things he shouldn't. :P
Posted by: Barry | May 4, 2004 12:21 PM
lol
80.3.128.5
Posted by: Colonel Decker | May 4, 2004 12:33 PM
Im glad to see you got that crap off your site. By chance did they leave their email? There are ways to track them down using email addresses. I hope felix is doing better, like yesterday my prayers are with you.
Posted by: Terry | May 4, 2004 12:37 PM
i hope "the bear" keeps improving...and yeah i've cried for a pet...many times...even still today for one twenty years gone...i hope your tears for BEAR can be delayed for quite some time.
Posted by: d. burr | May 4, 2004 12:42 PM
Here's hoping for speedy recovery for da Bear, from myself and my own 3 cats, Rusty, Simmi and Tippy Toes.
Here's also hoping that the sand fleas of a thousand camels infest the pubic hair of all the nasty porn spammers all around the world, and that their arms are too short to scratch.
Grrr.
Posted by: Erika | May 4, 2004 12:49 PM
I'm sure no one will read this, this far down the comments, but good thoughts and mojo going your way!
We unfortunately lost our Chubby in February to kidney disease due to her diabetes (we had her on insulin since 1997), she was between 14 and 16 which I suppose is still a good age, but we were devastated... :(
Anyway, good Bear/Felix mojo!!!!
Posted by: Odile | May 4, 2004 1:04 PM
lots of good, healthy kitty mojo being sent your way from our three cats & us, their keepers.
Posted by: pezzgrrrl | May 4, 2004 1:08 PM
Poor kitty! I hope he gets better!
Posted by: Amy | May 4, 2004 1:14 PM
Much happy feline voodoo to The Bear from my two owners, Tiger and Farley Mowat.
For other personal chefs, let me share a food recipe that turns ordinary housecats into living tissue over a metal endoskeleton:
Boil up a pot of corn, and when it's ready to go throw it in a food processor to mush it up good. Toss in some bits of broccoli, some vegetable oil, a can of tuna and a tablespoon of Vegecat (it's a vitamin supplement for furballs - http://www.vegepet.com/forcats.html). You can keep it in the freezer, and they go nuts for it - the primary ingredient in most dry cat food is corn anyways. And if you make it yourself, no chemicals.
My mom has a friend who put her cat on this diet when she was 10, and lived to be 22 years old. Tiger has been eating this stuff since he was 2, and now, at 17, is still running around, climbing the damn curtains.
Maybe it's not such a good thing after all.
Posted by: Plaidman | May 4, 2004 1:18 PM
My cockatiels and I are sending some 'get well feisty kitty' mojo to Felix. Felix chose your house because he knew where to find the kind and loving people that would take good care of him. Hang in there, Wil!
Posted by: clara | May 4, 2004 1:35 PM
Hey Wil, hang in there. I'm the mom of a 14 year old kitty that's starting to show signs of hyperthyroidism. It's rough, but I really do think positive thoughts and lots of love will help!
So, I'll think happy thoughts and send you lots of love for Felix. :)
Posted by: Katsu | May 4, 2004 1:54 PM
[TO ALL THE SUBHUMANS]
Stop the hurtfull comments, and keep the kiddy porn to yourself. The men, women and children will agree with me. You will be found, and you will be turned into the proper authorities. If you wish to confess your crime against Wil email me at terryprideaux@hotmail.com and then you will be forgiven.
Posted by: Terry | May 4, 2004 1:59 PM
Wil,
I send my prayers to The Bear. I'm so glad he is better and I pray he will continue to do so. And good luck in catching the jerk responsible for placing the kiddie porn on your site. I can't believe anyone would find a need to do something like that anywhere on the internet much less here on your site.
Posted by: ChattyLill | May 4, 2004 2:11 PM
A tonne one of mojo and much more for Master Felix. :)
Posted by: Canuck | May 4, 2004 2:14 PM
Glad that Felix is feeling better. I have four little bears of my own - they keep their staff very busy! :-)
Sorry that you've had to deal with morons spamming your comments. Sending good vibes Felix's way and bad vibes the spammers' way.
Posted by: Marie | May 4, 2004 2:22 PM
Bless all your hearts. I'm pulling for y'all, and sending all the love and mojo I can muster!
Posted by: Kel | May 4, 2004 2:41 PM
For a $1000... I'll make myself a target.
Hey wannabes, dare you to mess with me.
Bring it on script kiddies - if you're young enough you'll just get probation anyway.
So crack me, DOS me, SPAM me, whatever.
I could use the extra cash.
( server is OpenBSD - all patched - nope got that one too (or did I, yeah try that one) - CMS is postnuke - come on, you can do better than that - watch out for poison ports - watch out for trip wire - just kidding - I'm too lazy to install that stuff, or contact my local field office subpoena your ISP info. cocky? hell yeah, bring it )
-Scott
TwoPeanuts.com
Posted by: TwoPeanuts.com | May 4, 2004 2:54 PM
I'm glad to hear Felix is doing better -- hope it continues. Sending much mental mojo his (and your) way!
Posted by: Robin | May 4, 2004 2:55 PM
Hey BJ, I mean Wil,I hope The Bear gets better. Mucho mojo!! Also, to the kiddie porn freak out there, there is a lesson to be learned here and that is: Ne conjugare nobiscumTake it to heart or perish in the fire that is Unca Willie's posse because ONE OF US WILL FIND YOU.
Posted by: Mike Bailey | May 4, 2004 2:56 PM
Wil and Felix
Sending some healing mojo
Julian and the Boys (Smudge and Oliver)
Posted by: Julian | May 4, 2004 3:06 PM
d00d - my human t0ld me ab0ut y0ur 0wner, Felix... I g0tta let ya kn0w - I t0ssed a few me0ws t0 s0me fell0w feline hax0rs I kn0w 0n irc, and if th0se m0r0ns happen t0 p0st again, lemme kn0w. I'll tell my human t0 keep his ears 0pen t00.
0h yeah - tell felix I said t0 st0p chewin' the sh0pping bags, and try t0 cut d0wn 0n the catnip.
laterz.
Ach00
(m0ppy from fark's owner)
Posted by: Master0fPuppets | May 4, 2004 4:20 PM
Jake and Elwood and I wish Felix the best.
Posted by: Jen | May 4, 2004 4:20 PM
Wil,
Sorry about my cat. he gets onto the web sometimes when I leave my machine logged on. I'll try to ask him not to cause too much havoc with his friends.
I'm sending you all the healing power I can muster up for your buddy, Felix bear. Sorry to hear that he hasn't been well. Oh yeah - I'll keep my ears open about those morons posting that crap here.
*hugs* for Felix
Laterz.
m0ppy
Posted by: Master0fPuppets | May 4, 2004 4:25 PM
I can understand what you're going through - about four years ago I lost not one, but basically two cats due to kidney failure. Barney and Snookie were brothers, almost 16 years old. Barney died after a long struggle with kidney failure, and Snookie followed him soon thereafter. The vets said that it was a virus, but I know it was from a broken heart.
My four kitties (Gizmo, Spike, Max, and Hershey) and I send our healing mojo to Felix!
Posted by: Elyse | May 4, 2004 4:33 PM
These damned animals - they worm their way into your affections, and then they get sick and leave you, leave you crying and desolate.
My most loved and loving kitty, a siamese cat, disappeared never to return on my wedding day. Ironic really that I should have chosen the cat.
Anyway, glad to hear Felix is doing better, and much good thoughts into his continued improvement.
As a side note - anyone who likes reading funny kitty cartoons should check out Makoto Kobayashi's 'Michael' series by Dark Horse. They are incredibly hilarious, the sort of thing you can read for the tenth time and still laugh at.
Posted by: Porfyria | May 4, 2004 5:17 PM
a year and a half ago my 12 yr old cat passed away, from cancer presumably. i'd have done anything to save him - but our normal vet didn't care and didn't believe us when we KNEW he was sick. he just blew us off, (hehe, tigger had attacked the vet once and scarred him). and tigger got sicker, and it was too late, we had to end his suffering.
my tigger will be praying for felix from cat heaven - direct link and all! and i will pray, here from earth, but i imagine tigger will be heard better!!
Posted by: Allie | May 4, 2004 11:05 PM
*scritches* for Felix.
And mucho sympathy as you go through dealing with his CRF decline.
We lost our kitty, Shara to CRF in September 2002.
Watching her get sicker and sicker and riding the sub-cutaneous fluid/low-protein diet roller coaster was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
I hope that Felix rebounds well and will be with you for some time to come.
Sending you all much good karma to help get through this.
Posted by: Beth | May 4, 2004 11:57 PM
Here's some "get well and keep fighting mojo" from my two cats Norbert and Daggett. The two boys who were so scrawny and didn't have much of a chance at life when I adopted them turned out to be fighters and after almost 1 yr. They are still growing strong. If they can do it so can you Felix!
Posted by: jovi | May 5, 2004 2:01 PM
I've loved all of my cats, but Rudolph Valentino was special. Mostly my husband and I just called him Rudy, but when he was being a loverboy, we called him Rudybear.
This isn't such a big coincidence. I've found cat and dog lovers alike will add the suffix "bear" to their very special ones. I'm not sure why. But Felix is obviously very special.
Rudybear liked to "paddypaw" (make bread) and have his entire face scratched. For Felix I wish whatever gives him as much joy as those two things brought our Rudybear. And no pain. Never.
Posted by: Andrea Force | May 5, 2004 2:32 PM
I'm a little late on this, but thoughts and love towards Felix and his "staff". I lost my 20 year old baby kitten to cancer a couple years ago and I know how loving a dying pet feels. Heart's with ya, guy.
Posted by: Kelly | May 5, 2004 3:52 PM
Best wishes and mucho mojo from: Jodie (me)-- Kitten, Red, PeeWee, Bubba, Baby, Puddy, Punky (Yes, we have *that* many cats).
Major healing thoughts...
Jodie
Posted by: Jodie | May 5, 2004 5:14 PM
i hope felix gets to stay with you for a long, long time. but again, wil, "I also know that your thoughts are bending the space/time continuum to give him as good a chance as possible" ... do you really think this? if so, why? i'm thinking about you and the bear, but do you really believe the thoughts of your readers have any impact on your cat? i just don't see how that can be.
Posted by: steve | May 6, 2004 5:44 AM
Just a tip for you that worked for my in-laws when their cat had the same health problem: the vet said Booker-kitty needed to drink LOTS of water. As in no such thing as too much. So Mom put a goldfish in a big bowl of water, and Booker drank and drank and drank to try to get to the goldfish. Every few days, Mom would replace dead fish with a new one. Booker got much better and went on to live another couple of years to the ripe old age of 20 or so.
Best wishes for Felix.
Posted by: M. W. | May 6, 2004 7:37 AM
I am sending good vibes you and your familys way. I know how a pet is endearing to any family and thier children.
Stay strong!
Posted by: w. aymerich | May 6, 2004 9:31 AM
Hey wil,
This must be really rough for you. I'm pulling for you, the family and of coure the little chat known as the bear!
Cheers and best,
P
Posted by: Patrick | May 6, 2004 6:49 PM
All good healing things to kitty, friend.
Posted by: Ariel | May 7, 2004 7:30 AM
I'm sorry to hear about Bear..
All My best for His recovery.
I lost a dog when I was about 16 and that dog was the SMARTEST I ever had..could put Lassie to shame!
I love that little rascal..so I can empathize with your concern 200%
Good luck..
As for those LOUSY Pr**ks that did the kiddie porn
GET 'EM!
sick SOBS!
Posted by: RnRmro | May 10, 2004 2:55 AM
Hi Wil and family.
Best wishes to Felix, hope things pan out for him. Sorry it has taken so long to get here, been 'out of town'.I am not a 'cat person'. That doesn't mean that I can't care, big time.
I am interested in you attempts to clean up the porn merchants. There must be something that can be done. They succeed because there are sicko's around who want - need? - that stuff. But there is plenty of us who don't. I have tried to return their sick IM's, but have probably failed. Emails are bounced right back with an enormous attachment entitled Membership Application which I hope that they can't 'resist'. But at the end of the day, this is like swearing at bad drivers, it only releases some of my anger. It doesn't stop them coming.
Hope you manage to track them down.
Love and good wishes to you all, feline or not, from Cornwall, England. (Thats the home of the so-called 'Beast of Bodmin Moor', a large black cat.)
Peter.
--------
Posted by: Peter | May 10, 2004 10:31 PM