Sunday, August 16, 2020

I’m Thankful for Our Cats!

 

                                                              

Sophie and Zeus

We have had a lot of ups and downs the past month or two but through it all one thing remains steady for us – our two sweet cats!  Those of you that have pets of any kind will understand my feeling I’m sure.  No matter what happens your sweet, furry family members are there for you, accept you and will never judge you.  Pure unconditional love.                                                               

When I'm at the computer Sophie holds my arm and
sleeps with her head in my hand. 

Sophie and Zeus are always near us offering love and cuddles or entertaining us with their playful antics.  If we do have to leave the house, they meet us at the door when we return.  They follow one or both of us around and generally prefer that Tom and I are in the same room.  If I’m in the back of the house on the computer and Tom is in the living room, Zeus will cry at me and try to get me to follow him back into the room with Tom.  When we are both in the same room, they will settle down to a nap nearby or in our laps or play with toys near us.  They instinctively know when we are sick or sad and they stay close and comfort us. 

Tom’s health problems have continued.  I took him to both his cardiologist and our family doctor last week.  His heart, thankfully, seems to be doing okay but he has been hit with some kind of severe dizziness problem and is very unsteady on his feet.  The doctor did not see an ear infection but gave him antibiotics in case it was too deep to be seen.  Tom did suddenly lose his hearing in one ear at the same time this started so that could be part of the problem.  He’s never had this type of vertigo situation in the past.  So, for now he has to stay in one place and try to not move around much.  I’ve been trying to take care of him and still catch up on a lot of things around the house that I have neglected.  It has not helped that I am still having trouble with the high blood pressure, but I will see the doctor Tuesday.  After that, we have to find a new family doctor as our regular one is retiring next week.  We’ve seen him for over forty years and I hate to lose him but I am happy for him to finally get a break.   

I don’t mean to just write about health problems.  Things will sort themselves out eventually I’m sure.  It’s all part of life and getting older.  But anytime we do have problems like this it always reminds me of how grateful I am to have our two cats, Sophie and Zeus!  They are always there for us.  If you have any wonderful furry family members give them a little extra love because I’m sure they are there for you in the good and the bad times.   

                                                              
They even help me when I'm sewing.




32 comments:

  1. I adore my two furry mates, too...Remy and Shama...brother and sister. They will be turning 18 year of age in November. They came into my life, and I into theirs, when they were both three days short of six weeks old.

    Both act towards me as you describe Sophie and Zeus do with you. I love them dearly...and I know they both love me in return...and boss me around...making sure I know my place in this household! They are my best mates. :)

    I'm sorry to learn Tom's health problems are still being problematic! I hope, for his sake, and yours, everything settles back into its rightful place soon, Bonnie...very soon.

    Getting older tosses many challenges our way, unfortunately. Hopefully, we are able to catch them - most of them, anyway...and toss them away.

    Best wishes to you both....keep taking good care.

    (Remy has just looked at his wrist watch and realised, vocally, it's lunch time...my lunch time, which he figures also his! Shama is still snoring away with the sunlight shining on her through the window above the bed).

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    1. Ahhh, I know Remy and Shama are quite special to you just as ours are to us. I feel blessed every day to have them in my life. And yes, they do boss us around at times!

      Thank you so for all your kind wishes. I do appreciate it. We all go through rough times once in awhile but I know things will improve.

      You take care and please love Remy and Shama for me!

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  2. I am grateful for Annie and the other cats I have had in my life, too. They are great company--yes!

    I hope all the health issues get resolved. Yes, we can be used to dealing with health issues but with covid on top of everything else it is more stressful. My blood pressure was up last time I was in to the clinic but I think it was just the stress of her pumping up that painful contraption four times before she got a reading--LOL! ;) *love and hugs*

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    1. I know Annie is very special to you just as your other cats have been. Cats are such good company especially when we are not feeling well.

      You are right, it is much more stressful going to the doctor's office or hospital right now with so much Covid in the area. Our area is under mask orders until at least January 2021 due to the increase in cases here. You take care Rita! xx

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  3. Since my last cat died (she was relatively old and had a heart condition) in 2013, I have not had a cat or other pet living with me; in my current situation, with most of my weekends spent 150 km away at O.K.'s, it would just be unfair to any pet. But I miss having a furry friend around, and know just what you mean about them being such comfort! I love it how Sophie sleeps with her head in your hand.
    Sorry to hear about Tom's ongoing health problems, and you are not feeling exactly brilliant, either. Hopefully, you will find another doctor you can trust and get along with like the one who is retiring.

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    1. You show your compassion for pets by not having one when you know it would not be fair to the pet. There have been times when I could not have one and I missed that special relationship but we also have to think about what is best for them. You can still admire and enjoy the other cats that appear in your life such as with friends or on your walks.

      Thank you for your kind words. I know our situation will improve with time. I don't mean to complain. I think I just get frustrated at times. I hope you have a wonderful work week and some enjoyable after work walks Meike!

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  4. Cats are great company. During the caregiving years with Andy, our two cats divided their responsibilities, one taking care of me, one assigned to Andy. We were never without a cat checking on us. This was entirely their idea!

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    1. Isn't that wonderful how loving and helpful cats can be during sickness and other difficult times! Animals sense our feelings and even our conditions and they do want to be there for us.

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  5. Vertigo is so disabling. Sorry to hear that Tom is suffering from it. Perhaps he can see an ENT to establish the cause since his hearing seems to be involved. Good that your kitties are helpful little stress-relievers as you certainly have had a bit too much stress in your life these past months. Wishing for a positive resolution to your and Tom's health issues.

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    1. Thank you Mary and yes, a visit to an ENT is our next line of action if he does not improve with the antibiotic. Our cats truly do help both of us to feel better. Thank you for your kindness and I hope all is well with you!

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  6. I love your cats and I can see they love you too in the same way mine love me. They are faithful companions and always care for their mistresses and masters. X

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    1. Thank you Rachel. I am happy that you have your very special cats that I know love and care about you. They are indeed faithful companions and offer an unconditional love that we seldom see elsewhere. x

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  7. I like cats, but I don't think I'd ever be a cat owner.

    Sorry to hear about the dizziness. To me, that's one of the most uncomfortable and frightening feelings. I hope it clears up soon.

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    1. Not everyone is a cat lover and that is understandable. Some people are more dog people and some simply have lives too busy to fairly care for an animal. I love dogs as well and have had several over the years but I have always been more of a cat person.

      Tom is still having trouble with the dizziness and due to it is basically staying in one place. We are hoping it will clear up soon but if not he will see a specialist. It is always good to hear from you Sharon. I hope your storms have cleared up there!

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  8. I hope that things get sorted out and everybody recovers to a good quality of life in old age.

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    1. Thank you Red. I guess we all go through the ups and downs of life. Hopefully things will improve soon. You take care and stay safe!

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  9. I am sorry Tom is having the dizziness...that is sure not fun. I hope the antibiotics take care of it. You two remain in my thoughts and prayers.

    I think your cats are beautiful. Mine are getting older...and you can just tell it if you know them. Though Bubbie still tries to act like a young cat sometimes.

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    1. Thank you Rose. I am hoping he will improve soon. Your cats are beautiful and Bubbie looks like a young cat! I bet yours are a lot of company for you and your husband.

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  10. Unless asleep, follows me from room to room. Actually stays in step. Sleeps in the same room during the day, if he happens to awake when I switch rooms.
    I hope you get the health stuff squared away. And be sure to take charge of the new doc.

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    1. Toby is a beautiful cat! It is amazing that he even stays in step with you. Cats do bond very strongly with their people.
      All this health business sure gets frustrating as we get older doesn't it? Yes, it's going to be fun to find and break in a new doctor!

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  11. My Mother and sister have Menieres Disease which causes extreme dizziness. Sure hope your husband feels better soon. Pets are great companions!!

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    1. I'm sorry your Mother and sister have to deal with that. This is the first time Tom's had something like this and it's been difficult. Thanks for your good wishes.

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    1. We can't help but love our sweet pets, can we?

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  13. Our pets are a godsend. So loyal, loving and comforting. To say nothing of the good company they provide. Their presence is constant when constants are in short supply.
    My dog wants a cuddle on the couch every morning after breakfast - yes, we do have a cuddle on the couch that he is not supposed to be sitting on. This has become, his couch!

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    1. Hi Susan, it's so nice to see you here, welcome! Yes our pets certainly are a godsend! I love that you say their presence is constant when constants are in short supply. That is so very true. Your dog sounds so sweet giving you those morning cuddles. It doesn't matter if you have a dog or cat or even a different animal, they do help us out, especially during the rough times!

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  14. Well I am glad Sophie and Zeus are taking care of you and Tom. Hope you both are feeling better soon. Vertigo stinks. I had it for a week and it was awful.

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    1. I think I remember you talking about having vertigo. You are right, it does stink! Yes, Sophie and Zeus do take good care of us! Thanks for your kind words!

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  15. There have been three cats in my life - Oscar, Blizzard and Boris. With each of them I sensed that my connection was very special so I feel you are right to allude to the comforting/healing powers of pet cats. I hope that Tom's dizziness evaporates away very soon.

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    1. I think most all pets add a special dimension to our lives. The cats I have lived with have given me much more than I ever expected of them. I'm glad you have had that opportunity with a few special cats. Thanks for you good wishes for Tom. This just has not been a good month for him or I. We're hoping for better soon.

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  16. I love that first picture! We have three cats, down from six we had just a few years ago. They are all older cats and they are so precious!

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    1. Hi, I just found your message. I always love to see another cat lover! We've always had cats, in fact I don't think I could live without them!

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