Update on Mr B

Phyllis pinged off this note to TCP:

Thought you would like to know about my conversation with Dottie, my cat sitter. She tells me that Mr. Boots and Molly meet her at the door together and that they are sharing a food bowl (not a problem since they both eat XD). She swears each has a look of satisfaction. Mr. Boots has a new little swagger, and Molly is looking lovingly at Mr. Boots! Both are showing increased energy. She thinks there is a definite romance going on!

Lois comments:
Awwwwwwwwwwwww. How kewl is THAT! Senior Kittizens find love ...

And there were other such comments from the crowd.

Sorry, no photos yet.

To tide us over

Now that Mr Boot's story is getting known across the blogosphere we need to keep all readers, The Cats Pajamas and others, satisfied.

Here's a photo of Mr Boots (right) with Molly in Phyllis' home. She took this on 22 January. It was before Mr B went to the groomer and had his stomach shaved.

The only cat of the trio that has been a bit bent out of shape with Mr Boots' arrival was Tuxxie, but perhaps by the time Phyllis gets home he will have adjusted.

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About the same time (21 January), Val found Wylie's first note to the Cats Pajamas:

In note #84096 to THE CATS PAJAMAS, WYLIE SMITH wrote:
I have been lurking in several meetings on Ecunet for a few months and just got up my courage to write a few notes (and the computer skill to do that). This is by far the meeting that I enjoy the most (with Kitty Pics and WIMO close behind). You certainly don't need more notes here, but you all are my kind of people. I want to quit eavesdropping and participate.

I am a Presbyterian clergywoman who pastors a church of 190 in Raleigh, NC. I am owned by a wonderful, twelve year-old domestic longhair (golden with a white blaze on his chest and four white feet) named Mr. Boots. Until late August his littermate sister, Phantom, lived with us, but she has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We both miss her a lot. Mr. Boots will have to speak to you through me because the only computer I have access to is at my office, and he would rather stay at home and rule the roost.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

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And in the old email collection of notes from Wylie, she wrote: Attention, Photographers!

Hark!

We have such beautiful kitties in these meetings and several good photographers. Please check out this webpage and consider sending your pics. I know we have some winners in this group! This comes for the "page-a-day" folks.

To a couple of folks, there is a section for "Bad Cats." We know who they are!

Wylie

Whose? Certainly not Mr B; he was a good kitty nurse to Wylie.

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And this note, which I saved, shows Wylie's concern for others:

Hark!

I too am concerned about K. In another meeting one of the flock had to go to the hospital. She too is single and we did not hear about her for some time. When I had my surgery, Debbie was willing to share with you all about me, but I was back on the computer and so could talk with you. Maybe we need to have someone who keeps contact numbers or e-mail addresses of friends or family for each of us. Then if we are absent from a meeting for any time or if we get a note like K's (and I am sure she won't be able to let us know more of a while)we could be in touch with the contact person. Those of you who have spouses, partners, roommates, may be able to have someone access your computer and talk with us. But others of us don't have that. I recall a couple of years ago I had shared that I was having a difficult time at the church and had a meeting to go to that I was worried about. Then I neglected to tell you that I was going out of town. When I returned I saw all these notes saying, "Anyone heard from Wylie? Is she all right?" I appreciated the care. I'd love to know if Kim is all right. What do the rest of you think about having a contact list? Who would be willing to keep it?

Wylie

We did create such a list, thanks to Wylie. Surely she is watching over us now.

Pecans anyone?

PJ asks the crowd:

Anyone have a good recipe for glazed pecans? I like to use them in salads. I think of Wylie each time I use the plain ones I have. Wylie and I went to lunch and then the pecan shop in Tipton, GA last March. I still have a 2 lb. bag and want to glaze some of them.

A gentle thought from Cliff

In my simple mind I think Wylie has crossed over the bridge.

Heaven is the gift of being able to exist on both sides of the bridge.

What could possibly be better?

It seems to me that many of the spirits I've have known can hear my thoughts and influence my choices. If you think for a moment that the spirit of Wylie did not influence the outcome for Mr. Boots then I am speechless.

Debbie muses:

I'm wondering if Wylie has made it past the bridge yet, there are a lot of scritches to give and she would not want to deprive any animal of love and cuddles, and you know how demanding some of our furries can be!

Another voice

Whenever Betty can't, I can manage the blog so she won't be fully burdened by having to do all the work. Thanks to Betty for inviting me. So, send the pics and keep the story going!

As noted below, PD took Mr Boots to the groomer, Kylie (not expecting to find a woman with that name), who groomed Mr B for free (makes the heart of a human purr). People in The Cats Pajamas are noting on his appearance, and PD says,

'He is fluffy, but still very skinny under that fluf. His skin is hanging off his frame. I doubt if he will ever fill that skin up but he certainly is adding a little meat and a lot of moisture! She adds: At least he is clean, smells good, and has an amazing amount of energy. He may live out his days looking a little scruffy since there is so little under his fluff. We have our miracle by the fact that he is alive and seems to be enjoying his new life.' And Susie and Mr B ate supper side-by-side tonight.

Shall we say that in addition to his fluffiness, he also has a bit of attitude? (I love that he now taps her with his paws for attention.)

The photo in the sidebar, dated 22 January, is Mr Boots, pre visit to the groomer. He had ventured forth from his sanctuary and was enjoying the top of the couch. He still looks a little wistful to me, but given the upheavals in this poor guy's life, who wouldn't look wistful?

The TCP crowd thanks Betty and Phyllis for their efforts.

Debbi wrote, Good going all that rescued Mr Boots. I sigh in relief and shudder in terror at thoughts of reading the note he was going to the "vet" after Wylie's death. Thank-you all who were a part of the rescue!

Val answered: Debbi, I think we all are, whether we could be present or not. We all connected in one way or another!

Amen.

Lee (aka Caminante)

Mr. Boots Visits the Groomer

From Phyllis

We are back from the latest adventure. Mr. Boots does not seem at all traumatized. He is still out and about. Any of the trio would have disappeared under the bed. Kyle was very gentle with him and he let her do whatever she felt needed doing. She felt the best thing to do about the knots on his tummy and chest was to just shave him which he didn't mind at all. That way he wasn't subjected to pulling on his tender skin. Then she wiped him down ith baby wipes rather than subject him to a bath. With all the brushing and combing I've been doing, she thought that would be sufficient. She recommended I use baby wipes regularly to keep the dandruff under control so I will do that.

Jan, Lee's cat sitter, had sent me a note suggesting baby wipes but thought I should check with vet first. Kyle says they are fine, but to get the unscented ones.

So our boy is home, minus his chest and tummy fur, which doesn't seem to bother him a bit.

And -------- she didn't charge me! She said she wanted to contribute to the welfare of a rescued cat!! I took her picture. I have a new camera and have to figure out how to get pictures to computer. Will work on that later today.

Mr. Boots Writes

Note -Mr. Boots has been writing regularly to TCP.

Jan 7, 2007

Hello to my Aunties and Uncles.

I remember you from a long time ago when my mom would let me write to you. Auntie Phyllis tells me you have praying for me and loving me all week. With all that attention I have had no choice but to hang on hoping for a better day.It seems like a very long time that I was alone, scared, and wondering what would happen to me. Then yesterday, this lady puts me in my carrier and then into the car. I thought I was going to vet but we kept driving and driving. Just when I thought I couldn't stand this driving anymore, the car stopped, I was handed over to another lady, and we did it all over again. I did get to listen to Tony Bennet who lulled me to sleep for a while. Then the car stopped again, and I was handed over to two ladies. Off we went in the car again. After a very long time, the car stopped and I was taken into a house and then into a room with a comforter on the floor (which makes a nice nest), a litter box, catnip, and food. Boy did I eat and drink. I didn't realize how starved I have been. I just didn't feel like eating. Auntie Phyllis held me, crooned to me, brushed me, and before I knew it I was purring. It felt so good to be touched. She brought me another dish of food at bedti! me and I ate that too. She again gave me cuddles and I settled down in my nest. I was so tired!This morning was more of the same routine. I could get used to this. Again, I ate all my food. She gave me a treat too, but I wasn't very interested in that. Thank you all for all you are doing for me.

Purrs to you all.

Mr. Boots


Jan 9, 2007

Hi to my Aunties, Uncles, and all the kitties out there,

I've had a very interesting day. Auntie Phyllis zoom groomed me
twice and got a lot of hair off me as well as some of the
smaller knots. She is working very gently on the big ones. Maybe I
won't have to go to a groomer. Oh the zoom groom! It feels
wonderful. I even purred loud enough that she could actually hear
me.

In between she took me out of my sanctuary and sat on the sofa
with me. Three kitties came up and looked at me. Molly said
"hello" and I answered her. They didn't seem all that scary but I
did want to go hide just in case. After I met all three, she
took me back to my sanctuary.

She tells me Diane really wants to meet me and help take care of
me. She is a real cat person and understands my plight. Looks
like I am going to become a Tennessee kitty.

So far, that seems like a good deal. I like it here.

Purrs,

Mr. Boots


Jan 11, 2007

Hi all,

Auntie Phyllis just spent time with me feeding me, cleaning the litter box, and brushing me. I just couldn't help myself. I had to purrrrrr! She brought Friskie's Tarter Control Tuna and Salmon flavor to me and I loved it. Maybe that will help my yellow, tarter encrusted teeth a little bit. They are nice and crunchy. I begged for more so she gave a couple more. I chewed them right up also.

Purrs Mr. Boots


Jan 20, 2007

Hi to All,

About 5 PM this afternoon marks two weeks that I have been a Tennessee kitty. My life has sure been up and down for quite some time. When I got here I was really scared, but I've been brushed and brushed and brushed and cuddled and cuddled and cuddled and fed and fed and fed. Now I'm feeling more comfortable about being out in the house. If I get scared, I have my favorite hiding spot that I go back to. Molly and Susie seem like nice cats. Tuxxie growls at me every time I get close so I just try to stay out of his way. All in all, life is good. I didn't think I would feel this way again!

Mr. Boots

A Happy Ending

Mr. Boots and Phyllis have adopted each other. Mr. Boots will not be going on the rest of his planned journey. He and Phyllis have decided that he would like to live with her and Molly, Susie and Tuxxie. Molly and Susie are becoming agreeable to this arrangement. Tuxxie however is not sure about having another boy around.

Had Mr. Boots continued on his journey to Dennis in IL, he would have journeyed almost 900 miles. We are all so glad that Mr. Boots decided he had enough travelling.

Phyllis reports he is eating well, becoming curious about the rooms of his new home and enjoying all the pets and scritches he can get.

Bless you Phyllis and Mr. Boots.

Visit to the Vet

Phyllis H took Mr. Boots to her vet and he passed with flying colors. She reports, "Vet thinks tlc and food will
make a new cat out of him - that he has been in a stressed
condition for quite a while and needs peace and quiet."

That's great news. She got his claws clipped, he's eating and allowing her to love him. If TLC is what he needs, he's in the right place.

You rest, Mr. Boots.

Mr. Boots is on his way

Yesterday, I left TN at 7:07 am and had an uneventful drive to Atlanta. The traffic was light and I enjoyed my new Sirius radio. I arrived at Mick's resturant at 11:49 am and Nancy who was keeping Mr. Boots had already arrived. She was talking with the valet when I pulled in. We met and then I met Mr. Boots. She had been telling him he was in for a happy adventure. We got his belonging moved to my van. Then David, another friend of Wylie's pulled in. Nancy also had things for him. We loaded several bags of beanie babies and they loaded many boxes of books. Because of my mastectomy, I wasn't much help there, so Mr. Boots and I got acquainted. Nancy graciously invited me in for lunch with her friends, but I declined. Hands were shaken all around. I thanked the valet who let us make these exchanges in his lot. He gave me directions to I-75N and off we went.
Mr. Boots was a wonderful travelling companion. We talked some and he slept some. He especially liked listening to Tony Bennett. To my chagrin, he wasn't interested in ESPN radio. There went my listening to the NFL playoff analysis. I occasionally put my camera down toward the cage while driving and got some pictures.

When we made a stop, I opened the cage door and was able to get some shots without the bars in front of his face.
Too soon we arrived at The Fresh Market in Knoxville where Phyllis H. was waiting to take him on the next leg. It was great seeing her again and meeting her friend Kathy. Kathy had a wonderful huge cage in the back of her car. She had used it to moved her many (5 or 6) cats from Las Vegas. She had a rabbit move also, but not in that cage.
We took some pictures. Then, Mr. Boots was transferred to the cage, where I got my only full glimpse of him. Phyllis had finished her shopping and was ready to get home with Mr. Boots. So I said goodbye.
I did a little shopping myself (love their blue cheese burgers) and headed home. 581 miles later I was home and Mr. Boots was getting acquainted with Phyllis. He will stay a while with her. He has an appointment tomorrow with the vet. Phyllis wants to fatten him up some.
Stay tuned for the next leg of the trip.

Saving Mr. Boots

The internet is a great place. It brought a bunch of people all over the US together who's only connection at the time was being is some type of Christian ministry and loving cats. The group is called The Cat's Pajamas (TCP) and is a part of Ecunet.org.

One of our members was Wylie. Wylie had three seperate battles with the cancer beast. On Sat. Dec. 31 she died. She left behind her beloved cat, Mr. Boots. While in treatment and in hospice she had him cared for by friends. But they weren't necessarily cat people. Not knowing what to do, they planned to have him euthanized on Jan. 4.
TCP members jumped into action and have planned a resue for Mr. Boots.

Think Underground Railroad like in the Civil War. From Albany, GA to IL, imaginary quilts with cats on them will be flying. Members will be meeting members after long drives to gently hand Mr. Boots to one another as he makes his way to his new home.