A new life!

[Shannon's Mom]

Hello again.

I've been away for a while feeling very sorry for myself at losing Shannon last October and feel so sorry for all of you having trouble now. I do hope your babies recover and am adding you all to my prayer list and sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

I'm writing to say that I have taken in the little 7 mo. old feral cat that was living in my niece's yard. His name is Pumpkin and his brother was killed by a fox. He's a orange kitty with a ringed tail like Noodles' was. I know Shannon will understand she will never be replaced and that Pumpkin will have to win my heart as she did coming in after Noodles.

Pumpkin is very gentle kitty for a feral and loves to be held and cuddled. He jumped in the carrier to come home and ate a good meal, played with Shannon's toys and is sleeping peacefully on the sofa. He has a lot to learn, like using a litterbox, and he has to be neutered and get his shots, but at least he will not meet the same fate as his brother. I said never again, but I hope I can do as much for him as for Shannon. Life begins again!

[k9Karen]

What a wonderful Christmas present for you and for Pumpkin. So glad you have a new furbaby to love.

[Shannon's Mom]

Thanks so much. We passed another hurdle tonight. He's already figured out the litterbox! Smart kitty. I still cry over Shannon and will miss her forever. She was certainly one of a kind. I hope she is helping teach little Pumpkin to be a good boy like she was a good girl. You gotta love them!

[momPaws]

That is a beautiful Christmas story of love...love goes on...

I know how you feel...we can still cherish those fur babies that have gone on and love one on earth who needs us...bless you.

[Shannon's Mom]

Thanks so much. Yes, because of Noodles and Shannon, I will love another. When I heard the little brother had been killed by the fox, I just wanted to take him in. My niece tried and her two older kitties kept beating him up so I am hoping Pumpkin will help me heal and move on. I have given my niece complete visitation rights. Pumpkin came home tonight and is sleeping peacefully. One thing for sure, he be loved. I hope Shannon is smiling from the bridge. I will love Shannon and Noodles forever and all my furbabies from the past.

[momPaws]

Hope to see Pumpkins pictures soon...

[Traci]

Peg, I'm so happy you have another little love-bug, thank you for taking Pumpkin into your heart and home!

[Sue and Kids]

Peg, what a wonderful Christmas story! I think you probably saved little Pumpkin's life. You will always remember with a big smile and a lot of love, the Christmas where you gave a needly little guy a new chance at life! I hope you two have many happy years together.

I'm sure Shannon paused during her playing and Christmas feast at the Bridge to send a loving look down to her Mom and say "Good for you, Mommy! I'm proud of you."

I'm glad Pumpkin is adjusting so well. My "new guy", Tank, is still keeping things interesting at our house. I keep preaching "peace on earth, good will among cats" but Nikki, Shadow and Tank are not listening to me - LOL.

I hope everyone here had a peaceful Christmas, with your loved ones (furry and human) and with happy memories of your angels in your heart.

Sue (and Kids!)

[Shannon's Mom]

Thanks so much. Pumpkin is a feisty little guy but so loveable and very calm considering he was a feral. He's very active which is keeping me on my toes. I did notice he has a little opaque coloring in one eye and the nictating membrane is visable. May be he bumped into something running around. We're in a blizzard right now and in a state emergency so I can't drive to the vet. Any suggestions? Sure hope it's nothing.

[Traci]

Peg, the opaque coloring is not normal, it should be checked as soon as possible.

The third eyelid showing, is it the same eye with the opaque film? If so, this might indicate something irritating and painful, best to have it checked.

Do you know if he has or recently had an upper respiratory infection? I'm assuming he has not yet had a vet check?

I wouldn't do anything until you've seen the vet. When the roads are clear, please get Pumpkin seen by your vet ASAP, have your vet check him over, rule out any fever activity or URI, and as long as he's in good health, get him tested for FELV/FIV (combo snap test) and start his vaccinations.