Words of wisdom from the blogosphere

I'm glad you "publicized" the results of Mr. Boots's test. If there were any doubts left in anyone's mind (and there probably weren't but you never know), everyone now knows that you did what was best for him, without question. And sometimes it helps other people to make difficult decisions like that, knowing that they aren't the only ones to face it. Tragedies like what you just went through bring people together in a way that no other experience can. People do move on but they all learned or grew or whatever you want to call it, and the bond they shared with you will never diminish. It's human nature to be consumed by one's own life, but Mr. Boots pulled us all away from ourselves and showed us one of the important things in life - caring about others, whether human or critter. That's a good thing, and something we all need to be reminded of. I think it took great courage to put yourself and your fears and tears out there, but the troops rallied and, although the ending was ultimately a sad one, much was accomplished. It's rare to see such tremendous support offered, and we all benefited from our brief exposure to Mr. Boots and his trials.…

It wasn't the glass

We all had been concerned that Mr Boots had gotten into a piece of glass in the whole fracaso of Susie's getting into the glass cabinet. But, no, it was cancer. Phyllis wrote today:

Mr. Boots had squamous (sp) cell carcinoma, stage 4, very aggressive. Dan didn't get report back until Friday. I debated about putting this out but decided you folks would want to know.

Lee said: Thank you, Phyllis, for sharing this sad and hard news. I hope that it helps you know you did the very best you could and made the right decision. That Susie busted into all the glass confused things and paradoxically perhaps brought Mr Boot's distress to your attention.

Mr Boots will live on in print!

Barb B wrote this afternoon:

Hark!

You may cheer at any appropriate moment!

I got a letter today from Presbyterians Today. They want to publish Mr. Boots! I need to update my article to include Mr. Boots' death. (We're famous. They'd heard about it.) And I need some pics.

Could someone repost the URL for the Mr. Boots Blog? All the good pics are there.

Thanks, and Wahoo!

So this blogger reposted the URL, but some good TCPers sent Barb the relevant posts. Barb has written a story of this whole saga, 'The Salvation of Mr Boots.' When it appears in print, we will post it here.

from Phyllis to everyone

Dear friends,

What a sense of community we have here. I am so grateful for it. From the beginning of the saga, so many folks wanted to help and in many ways did help. I won't even attempt to list everyone involved because I am sure I would leave someone out. Besides, I have no idea who sent money for the fund. But I do appreciate and love you all.

I do want to thank the folks who worked on the blog. I got that printed out and have a memory I can read when tears aren't quite so close to the surface.

Changing the subject a bit, Ron from the humane society came today and got my check for the cremation. He also took all of Mr. Boots things to use at the humane society or put in their resale shop. Tomorrow he will bring the ashes back to me. I ordered a cute urn that has kitties all over it that I found online. I hope it is as cute when I lay my eyes on it.

After paying for the cremation, I had $125 left here that people have sent me. I went in to settle up with Dan. He charged me $118 and did not give me an itemized bill. Either he was shook up or he chose not to charge for the lab, surgery, and feeding tube. I feel I need to get that clarified which I will do when he calls me with lab results.

He showed me the stack of cards he has received and shook his head in amazement. It is beyond his comprehension that he is getting cards from all over the country regarding a cat these people have never met. He kept saying over and over "I wish it could have been different". Well, so do I.

Phyllis

Words of Wisdom

Cliff wrote words that speak to all of us who knew Mr Boots and who have been touched by the life of a cat.

I think a loving community of believers is oh so important. I think Mr Boots was a gift from Wiley to all of us in TCP and quite possibly people we don't even know. The story of Mr Boots will appear in our monthly newsletter, The Hearth, in February. Just where the influence Wiley had on us will end is somewhere the other side of eternity. All that we have is a gift from God. I look at my surroundings and am so grateful for the stewardship God has given me over these gifts. I don't own them and they are not mine to keep. Death on this planet frequently increases this loving community and that is as it should be. Yes it is painful but there is great peace at the bridge. I'm sure Wiley is grateful to have Mr Boots back in her lap. Mr Boots job is done and he has gone home. I'm also sure that Wiley has no choice but to share her gifts with all the other critters that God has sent us. Sir Toby will wait for me and is in good care.

I get very quiet when I have to return a gift from God but I understand the reasons why it has to be that way.

Cliff

Another letter to Dr Dan

Dear Dr. Dan,

I am sitting at my computer feeling sad that Mr. Boots has left us, yet I can't help feeling that I have been part of something holy. From the moment that we of The Cats Pajamas learned that Mr. Boots was going to be put down following the death of his "mom" Wylie Smith, our group went into action to rescue him. From Betty's and Phyllis's long drives to bring him to Phyllis's home, to Phyllis's love and care for him, to the money and prayers and encouragement that the rest of us gave, to your extraordinary care of Mr. Boots, it has been quite an emotional ride, one mostly of love and hope. Now we are picturing Wylie greeting her beloved Mr. Boots at the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you, Dr. Dan, for going above and beyond your call to try and save Mr. Boots and for then gently helping him home. You have been a blessing to Mr. Boots and to all of us who have loved him.

Sincerely,
Val

Mr Boots 3/1/90-2/10/07

Phyllis wrote at 5.03 EST:

When Dan saw him this afternoon, he couldn't believe how much further he had gone down since yesterday. Kathy came over before we took him to Dan and she said he was actually in the process of dying so we just helped the process along.

I like to think there is a reunion happening between Wylie and Mr. Boots. What a wonderful kitty he was. I feel privileged to have been with him for this short period of time. He gave me so much love and I tried to give it back to him.

+

Phyllis gave him tons of love.

May Mr Boots rest in peace and rise in glory.
May his reunion with Wylie be fabulous.

May the two of them know that we all did our best and that Phyllis is a living angel.

The blogger here can't post much. It's too hard to see through tears.

The news continues to be hard

Dear Friends,

Mr. Boots drank a little water this morning but he is very weak. He stumbles and falls when he walks. I let him out of the bathroom every few hours to get some exercise, and he is weaker each time. Also he has massive diarrhea from the Ensure which Dan said would happen.

I'm thinking that it doesn't make sense to prolong this until Wednesday when we get the lab report. He is still fighting for life
but he is slowly losing the battle. He may not make it until Wednesday.

I have to play a concert at one, but I will take him back to Dan after that if it is ok with everyone. Dan has volunteer fire
training this morning.

Phyllis

Somehow this earlier note didn't come through:

Dan feels it needs to be two ounces 4 times a day. Except for Kathy my friends don't tend to be cat people. One has already said I am crazy to put myself through this and I should put him down now. I told her a whole group of people are involved - not just me. I couldn't put him down not knowing for sure. I need that answer first.

+

What is there to say other than God be with Mr Boots and Phyllis and Dan.

Early afternoon

There are a lot of TCP people out there with blurry computer screens and tears on their faces. Yet everyone supports Phyllis in whatever decisions she and Dr Dan will make on Mr Boots' behalf.

Just a sampling:

Lee wrote right after PD posted: May God hold you all, Mr Boots, Dr Dan, and you as you walk this uncertain path. You are with him and only you really can know. We are just on the periphery, watching.

Prayers are certainly with you and MB. I trust God will let you know if it's time to let MB go to the bridge. I'm with you whatever course this all takes. Phyllis, we love you for all you have done and are doing. We weep with you. It is time and we all do understand. Mr. Boots is ready to go to Wylie who awaits him. I'm crying my eyes out but know this is right. You gave him happiness for his last days and thank you ever so much for all you have done.
PJ water flowing down face

And Debbie writes: Phyllis, I know that both God and Wylie are with you as you make decisions for Mr. Boots. You know
we all on TCP want what is best for Mr. Boots, and if it is a trip to the bridge, then may he go peacefully, and may you realize the love surrounding you as you help him.

Dennis says: Whatever happens, he is worth every hour expended on him and every dollar as well. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat. And I know you will do whatever you can even if the worst is true. God's blessing on you and Mr. Boots.

Kim writes: It does sound like Mr. Boots is on the edge of the bridge. I remember well how Sarit got to that point.

I too trust you to do what is right. I am appreciative of all the love and attention you've given him. I know its heartbreaking to see him at this point. My prayers and love are with you as you make decisions and love him.

Caroline and the gingerbread cats try to support Phyllis:

We all love you for the special care and affection you have and are showing, and I think I speak for everyone in saying that whatever decisions you make WILL be the right ones for Mr. Boots. Everything you have done so far is wonderful and right. Painful as it may be, if it is time for Mr. Boots to cross the bridge, Wylie will be waiting there for him.

Remember that you have nothing but our love, prayers and admiration. Pet him for all of us, and take care of yourself as well.

Peter adds: Purrayers arise for you and Mr. Boots, as well as Dan. It really sounds like Mr. Boots is suffering, and as Lee said, you are the only ones who are there to make the judgment about likelihood of recovery.

Even if the lab tests indicate something that can be fixed, will Mr. Boots be able to withstand the required treatment by that time? If not, then ending his suffering seems a humane course.

Please know that we are with you as you make the difficult decisions.

And Lois says: You are — we are not, except in spirit. (Damn, it's hard to type while weeping!). You know, my dear, just how much Mr. Boots is suffering. You — with the consultation that I know you'll make with Dr. Dan — need to make the decision. WE SUPPORT YOU no matter what and when!

You have fulfilled the purpose for which we all prayed and you and Nancy and Betty — to let Mr. Boots know that he has continued to be loved just as he was when Wylie was loving him and able to care for him.

And you have fulfilled this purpose in spades! Well done, good and faithful servant!

Poor Mr. Boots. Sounds like he'll soon be reunited with Wylie at the bridge and they can cross the bridge together.

+

If you weren't in tears when you started reading this note, surely by now you are. At least this poster is.

Lots of conversation about Mr B

The TCP crowd has written a lot about Mr Boots and thanks to Pam, we have the round-up of the notes that were sent today. There are lots of prayers and thoughts winging toward Mr Boots and Phyllis, and we hope they can feel them.

From Dennis: Whatever happens, he is worth every hour expended on him and every dollar as well. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat. And I know you will do whatever you can even if the worst is true. God's blessing on you and Mr. Boots. There was a chorus of Amens to that sentiment.

From Betty: Phyllis, I'm so sad to read your news. And I'm mad that cancer is involved. I hate that word and what it does to living beings. I keep thinking about Wylie and how devastating this would have been for her. I'm so glad you are willing to care for Mr. Boots at this time. I wish I lived closer to help. Mr. Boots has come to mean so much to all of us. I agree with others that it's worth the cost both monetary and emotionally. Heartfelt prayers for both of you.

From Val: Let's keep hoping. He wasn't having trouble with his mouth before the glass episode, so that still could be it. Thank you for all you are doing. I wish I could be there also. Avatar agreed that so long as there is hope, let's not give up until Mr. Boots does.

From Lois: Oh, Phyllis! I'm praying very hard that Dan is wrong ... Tabitha had a tumor in her mouth, too, and I finally had to give up and help her to the bridge. You may remember that. But I could force feed her without a tube, until the end when I gave up because it bothered her so! I also hate to think of keeping him caged for his last days ... oh shit I hate this! Please know that all our prayers are with you and Mr. Boots!!! Lois also hopes that Mr. Boots can be let out of his cage after a day or two.

From Caroline: I'm concerned for you, Phyllis, and I think we all are for several reasons. I know you are deeply attached to Mr. Boots and love him as you do the other 3 cats. What makes this even harder for you is that you are doing this for the sake of Wylie whose memory we all cherish and because we are all attached to Mr. Boots and are invested in his welfare. He has become everybody's cat on TCP. I'm worried that if something happens soon to Mr. Boots or if you feel that he needs to cross the bridge, that you will feel that you have let Wylie and all of us down, and that is simply not the case! We all love you for the special care and affection you have and are showing, and I think I speak for everyone in saying that whatever decisions you make WILL be the right ones for Mr. Boots. Everything you have done so far is wonderful and right. Painful as it may be, if it is time for Mr. Boots to cross the bridge, Wylie will be waiting there for him. Remember that you have nothing but our love, prayers and admiration. Pet him for all of us, and take care of yourself as well. Caroline and the gingerbread cats

From Barb: What she said. Any decision you make will be the right one. I'm backing you 100 percent of the way. Let us all know if you need more money.

Mr. Boots Update (Early Friday Morning)
I have spent much of the night holding him. He seems relaxed in my arms. When I got home from rehearsal he had managed to remove the outer layer of tape that protects the feeding tube. It was just dangling. Apparently it is crimped below where I can see it because I couldn't get anything down the tube. So I was unable to feed him. I sense a change in him. This last go around may have been just too much for him.

Caroline: Mr. Boots certainly knows that he is well loved!

Mr. Boots Update (Late Friday morning)
I just got back from visiting Dan. He got the line straightened out and retaped. He was amazed that Mr. Boots had been able to remove it. The only thing we could figure is that he is wiping his mouth with paw frequently and he may have somehow caught a paw in the tape. He again cut his claws and used a different kind of tape.

Meanwhile MB made his usual room to room inspection of the house and stood over his water bowl for a considerable amount of time before he settled in for his morning nap. I have him in my bathroom rather than the cage while I try to get a few things done. Also I have another rehearsal at 10:30. If he lets loose with diarrhea, I'll just have to clean it up. It's a small bathroom, but he has more room than the cage and it seems to be the warmest room in the house. His mouth is still oozing also, but that is pretty easy to clean up.

Since I am going on approximately 0 sleep this will probably be another less than stellar rehearsal. I must have dozed at some point while I was holding him, but that is not good sleep. Gotta run. Phyllis

From Debbie: Phyllis, my screen is blurry when I think of what you and MB are going through. I know how hard it is to have a sick cat, but when I think of the love and compassion MB is getting now instead of hit and miss feedings in a lonely house, I am grateful you have done this for us on TCP.

From Lois: I have the feeling that Mr. Boots will know when it's his time, and none of us begrudge him any of the efforts on his behalf!

Our concern is for you, too, Phyllis. Take care of yourself!

From Val: I think that whatever has been done for Mr. Boots so far has been the right thing, and we have all been a part of it in one way or another. It will soon be apparent whether Mr. Boots will pull through or go to be with Wylie. Either way, we have given what we can, and you, Phyllis, are giving your all for the poor little guy. Please try to get help where you need it, and don't wear yourself out!

Lee's sister commented that 'even if spending their last moments in the ICU or confined these cats know their people are doing their best for them. Ajax Sr. spent his final week in the ICU (kidney failure) and when I would visit he would put his arms around my neck and lick my turtleneck 'til the end.'

Phyllis found those words comforting: Thanks Lee. I needed that!! I am having a very hard time holding back my tears today. I feel like I am totally out of control. Mr. Boots purred when I zoom groomed him today - his very soft purr that says " oh, thank you, that feels so good".

There were many expressions of love and support for Phyllis and Mr. Boots. They both continue to be in our prayers.

Sad news about Mr Boots

Phyllis wrote in this evening with this difficult news to absorb:

Dan thinks the problem with MB is a very aggressive form of cancer of 
the mouth.  We will not know for sure until lab results .  He doesn't 
want to put him down until he knows the answer.  He called the lab to 
see if he could get results expedited.  They told him it will be 
Tuesday at the earliest and more likely Wednesday since they have a 
tremendous backlog.

So I will feed him through the tube until we know.  He also 
recommended keeping him caged because he will have diarrhea 
from  feeding and he will continue the drooling from his 
mouth.  Right now that is bloody because of taking the sample.  I 
guess I won't get to sleep with him again.

I hate the thought of him spending his final days caged.  I hate all 
of this!!!!!    He is such a special cat.  I am just sick about it 
all.  I knew he didn't have much life left, but I never imagined it 
would be like this.

+

Words really aren't sufficient at this moment but we rally around Phyllis, who is at the center of this storm, and pray that she knows she is doing the best she can for a kitty who is loved by many people.

If there were a way to hug Phyllis and Mr Boots and lay hands on them, we would all do it. For now, we do it virtually (+).

Prayers for Mr Boots

Phyllis wanted to know what we all thought about her taking Mr B to Dr Dan, and having Dr Dan explore what is going on.

The TCP crowd (plus Jan) is unanimous in telling her to go for it.

Some of the notes that have come in are so eloquent and express well what we humans and cats are thinking, such as this one from Pele:

Mr. Boots,

Hang in there, fella. Me an' Tiki an' Maui have put our little paws together in prayer to the Creator One on your behalf.

It's no fun when you can't eat. I been there. Mom worried and worried and I couldn't tell her what was wrong. I think if anybody can help you, it will be your OFV. So don't be afraid to go to him. And then when you come home, you just plant yourself in Auntie Phyllis' lap and purr and purr. It will make both you and her feel better.

Love,

Pele

Sunday update on Mr Boots

Phyllis informs the TCP crowd and Mr Boots fans out in cyberspace:

Just got off the phone with Dan. Mr. Boots ate a little tuna and tried drinking water. That is still tricky but at least he tried. He wants to keep him overnight again so he can keep the iv going and give him more antibiotics which he is doing by injection in order to get faster reaction. Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow. Oh yes, he has him on a heating pad. Heating pad and tuna! He won't want to come home!!!!!!

I haven't a clue what this will cost. What I do know is that he is getting best of care and he is responding! This sweet boy sure has a lot of friends!

+

He's a survivor and fighter, indeed. The TCP gang is going to deluge the kind doctor who is tending to Mr Boots with fan mail and thanks.

Further update on Sunday evening from Phyllis:

Just got off the phone with Dan. Mr. Boots ate a little tuna and tried drinking water. That is still tricky but at least he tried. He wants to keep him overnight again so he can keep the iv going and give him more antibiotics which he is doing by injection in order to get faster reaction. Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow. Oh yes, he has him on a heating pad. Heating pad and tuna! He won't want to come home!!!!!!

Late night update on Mr Boots

Bless his heart! Dan called to let me know that Mr. Boots is resting comfortably. Because we jumped on this quickly, he thinks he will bounce back pretty quickly. With the IV fluids as well as a pain medication he is already acting perkier. He also started him on the two meds. I can't believe the good fortune of having Dan appear here! Without him, I would have to wait until Monday to get him into the vet and even that might be iffy if they were all booked up.

Thanks to all who have offered prayers for Mr. Boots and encouragement for me. I really was pretty frazzled when I took him in this afternoon.

Caroline observes:
Mr. Boots is a survivor, though, and I have a feeling that he will bounce back and be happy to get back to his new kitty friends (except for Tuxxie maybe) and your loving care.

That certainly is our prayer for Mr B!

Update on Mr Boots

Phyllis wrote in at 6.15 EST

Dan finally got home. He was filling in for a vet in Cookeville today. He called me when he was heading home and met me at his clinic. Mr. Boots has a very swollen tongue with abrasions on one side. The only thing we can figure is that he got into some of the glass before Dottie got there to clean it up. He is already dehydrated because he can't swallow with that swollen tongue. He probably is also very hungry. Anyway, Dan wrapped him up in a blanket and took him home with him so he can get some fluids in him and start him on two meds - one to bring down the swelling and the other will be an antibiotic.

Poor guy. Life is not easy for him. And here I thought I was providing a safe haven. I'm feeling really bad about this!!!!!

So all of you readers, keep your good thoughts and prayers for Mr Boots, for Phyllis and for Dottie, too.

URGENT prayers for Mr Boots

Phyllis posted this note at 12.47:

Something is wrong. He is oozing putrid slightly yellowish stuff from his mouth. He just stands over his water bowl but does not drink. Dan is in Cookeville which is about 45 minutes from here. His wife is expecting him home middle of afternoon. She will contact him to see if he can get home sooner. He will call when he gets back and he will see Mr. Boots. This happened suddenly - at least I didn't notice anything unusual last night. His breath is pretty bad anyway but this has an awful smell.

Prayers, please!!!

Could it be an abscess? Glass in his mouth?

Prior to this note, Phyllis had said of Mr B:
Mr. Boots seems to be feeling at home. He has turned into a constant talker so I always know where he is!!

As for the follow-up to the mega disaster caused by Susie:
I just got back from hardware store where I got new braces for the shelf and kitty proof locks for all the cabinet doors!