07/24 & 07/25 Shmee AMPS 96, +2 72, +3 61, +4 59, +5 65, decided on hypophysectomy

[Amanda & Shmee]

Previous condo

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for the support during this hard decision. I have been so busy filling out applications for a second job, going all around town trying to gather donations for a fundraiser I'm helping a friend with, among other things. I hate not being able to post here every day but I wanted to wait until I was able to take enough time to answer everyone's questions.

I can't believe I'm writing this as I really have not even said this out loud to anyone yet... but I have decided I am going to call AMC in NYC tomorrow to take advantage of the donor money and schedule Shmee's pituitary gland removal / hypophysectomy surgery, and put in my request to get off work. I am still terrified... mostly of the traveling aspect and leaving him in the hospital for a week. He is a VERY clingy cat with what I think to be separation anxiety... so I know I am just going to be crying every day when I leave him. I hope he does not think I am going to leave him forever... and now I am in tears just thinking about it. I am still waiting for my credit union to call me back with their loan offer, but I already have another offer from another bank so once I get both offers I can compare interest rates and go from there. For everyone that chooses to spend all this money on their pets I'm sure it was just as hard as a decision, so I understand your pain now. I am already in debt, and honestly want to quit my current job (but am not for now)… but I am going to make it work.

After being on the phone with Dr. McCue, I asked a bunch of questions via email and he was very informative, so I am attaching that just in case anyone is interested now or in the future (there might even be more donor money after he sees Shmee!).​

Oh yes also, operation insulin was successful! My cousin who just visited Niagara Falls bought my a set of pens for $105 US money, and should be dropping it off to me this week.

Replies from the previous condo:

Did you happen to check with OSU to see if they do the procedure here? The vet program is one of the top 5 in the country and it's a much shorter drive to Columbus than NYC. (And I have a spare bedroom and the vet school is about 10 min from where I live!)

Post back with what you find out. Doesn’t sound likely, but I live in Columbus too. It’s possible that your cat could get off insulin with Cabergoline. Are you getting anywhere with that with your Vet?

Thanks again for this kind offer @Sienne and Gabby (GA) . I did talk to OSU, and they seemed to not really know what I was talking about when I asked if they offered SRT or the pituitary glad removal surgery (I assumed the surgery was a no but still asked). She finally said she would ask and called me back, but she was adamant that she was not allowed to tell me if they offered those services and that I had to come in for a consultation, even when I explained that I was three hours away. She said I can have my vet call in to ask, but by this point I was put off by their answers honestly and I would rather have the free surgery at AMC where the neurosurgeon donated hours of his time to talk to me than pay for SRT.
@Mom2Maverick - yes that is possible for him to go off insulin with the Cabergoline, my vet has not gotten back to me yet with her research on it and if she would prescribe it to me. But since I have the option for the free surgery, I keep thinking I should take advantage of this offer... because from what @Wendy&Neko were saying, even when they get off insulin from Cabergoline, the tumor is still present and secreting the harmful growth hormones, and can cause heart damage and other issues down the road. Believe me, the Cabergoline was my choice between traveling to WSU for the SRT or the drug, but now that this new opportunity has presented itself I feel like I should take it? I am still so shaken up about it, I know its major surgery, I hope I am making the right choice...

I would also worry about shaving the whiskers - that is a major mechanism that cats use to detect stuff as they walk.

Yeah the idea of shaving his whiskers freaked me out! But I asked about it and his reply was; "Cats do not need whiskers for balance but they do help them navigate - especially in the dark and in tight spaces. While they help cats to orient themselves they are not essential for moving around. They will grow back quickly."

I took a risk on a 27 hour journey to Fort Collins. Must admit I was relieved, though not happy, when the CT scan at CSU found a tumor.

This confused me a little - you mean there is a possibility there is NO tumor? I thought the IGF-1 test confirms there is a tumor, and the question the MRI/CT scan answers is how big it is.

I would vote for an echo before an EKG. Neko's cardiologist didn't usually do an EKG unless the echo indicated he should.

My mistake I misspoke here - I was under the impression that an EKG and echocardiogram were the same thing. He has an echo scheduled for next Wednesday, not an EKG. Oh yes also - I will post in the acro forum eventually like you suggested just in case someone is interested. ​

 

[Ana & Frosty (GA)]

Wow! I want more info on this. The only real cure for Cushing's for Frosty would also be surgery to remove the pituitary. That wasn't even offered to me because he was/is too weak/malnourished due to the nature of his disease. How expensive are we talking? I am only an hour from NYC, although the thought of it terrifies me. I am assuming they do an MRI first to make sure there's actually a tumor in the gland, right?
Do they need to take hormonal replacements after it is removed?

 

[Ana & Frosty (GA)]

Never mind, I just read your attachment. WHOA! This could actually be a possibility for Frosty. The only big issue is that he was pretty malnourished due to the metabolic derangements that his Cushing's caused, and had skin tears, but they seem to be healing well. I wonder if he could go for a consultation just to see what the doctor says. He might not be a candidate due to his skin issues, or perhaps they may want him on Vetoryl for some time before they would consider surgery to reverse some of the effects of the disease. This is pretty intense...
Is the donation part of some sort of study? Sorry, I have not been on the forum much so I had not read your previous posts. I am very curious about this.
Any info is appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Sue and Luci]

Impressive! I actually saw - in person - a pituitary tumor removal on a human patient. I work for a neurosurgeon and toured the OR's one day - the surgeon doing the procedure showed me the probe on an x-ray screen on the wall - where it was (placed through the nasal cavity) and pointing to the tumor that had been removed from the patient's pituitary gland. It was fascinating to see!

I wish you all the best in getting Shmee taken care of! This facility in NY sounds like a godsend!

 

[Squalliesmom]

Best of luck to you and Shmee! Please keep us posted!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

This confused me a little - you mean there is a possibility there is NO tumor? I thought the IGF-1 test confirms there is a tumor, and the question the MRI/CT scan answers is how big it is.

The IGF-1 test is not 100% confirmation of a tumour. There can be false negatives for approximately 30% of cats tested too soon after atarting insulin. Also I have heard of a possibility of false positives, but with Neko's IGF-1 number (440) and dose and spreadsheet, CSU were pretty sure she had a tumour before we left. Just had that niggling question in my mind before taking a long journey. CSU folks told me they did do SRT on one kitty whose tumour they could not see with CT or MRI, and he responded to the treatment. I have yet to see evidence of a false positive on FDMB.

Amanda, you are doing an amazing job with Shmee. I am excited that you are going ahead with the procedure and hope for complete success. The price is hard to beat.

@Ana & Frosty i have heard of a few Cushings kitties getting hypophysectomies at RVC. It's just been really hard to find experienced surgeons in North America. Plus there is the cost factor.

 

[LizzieInTexas]

Also I have heard of a possibility of false positive

Asking out of curiosity and to gain knowledge...

So what is the reason for a false positive?

@Amanda & Shmee


Please do keep us posted. You know @LuvinThisPig spoiled us with a vblog so we might have high expectations from you

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

Never mind, I just read your attachment. WHOA! This could actually be a possibility for Frosty. The only big issue is that he was pretty malnourished due to the metabolic derangements that his Cushing's caused, and had skin tears, but they seem to be healing well. I wonder if he could go for a consultation just to see what the doctor says. He might not be a candidate due to his skin issues, or perhaps they may want him on Vetoryl for some time before they would consider surgery to reverse some of the effects of the disease. This is pretty intense...
Is the donation part of some sort of study? Sorry, I have not been on the forum much so I had not read your previous posts. I am very curious about this.
Any info is appreciated! Thanks.

I'm sure he could go in for a consultation! Dr. McCue was very generous with his time and explained every question I had, so I'm sure you can also call for some info. Regular price for the surgery is anywhere from $16,000 - $20,000 , but from what I understand there is a significant amount of donor money, so you never know you might get lucky as well.

Impressive! I actually saw - in person - a pituitary tumor removal on a human patient. I work for a neurosurgeon and toured the OR's one day - the surgeon doing the procedure showed me the probe on an x-ray screen on the wall - where it was (placed through the nasal cavity) and pointing to the tumor that had been removed from the patient's pituitary gland. It was fascinating to see!

I wish you all the best in getting Shmee taken care of! This facility in NY sounds like a godsend!

Thank you so much, and wow!! What an interesting one of a kind experience!

The IGF-1 test is not 100% confirmation of a tumour. There can be false negatives for approximately 30% of cats tested too soon after atarting insulin. Also I have heard of a possibility of false positives, but with Neko's IGF-1 number (440) and dose and spreadsheet, CSU were pretty sure she had a tumour before we left. Just had that niggling question in my mind before taking a long journey. CSU folks told me they did do SRT on one kitty whose tumour they could not see with CT or MRI, and he responded to the treatment. I have yet to see evidence of a false positive on FDMB.

Amanda, you are doing an amazing job with Shmee. I am excited that you are going ahead with the procedure and hope for complete success. The price is hard to beat.

@Ana & Frosty i have heard of a few Cushings kitties getting hypophysectomies at RVC. It's just been really hard to find experienced surgeons in North America. Plus there is the cost factor.

Thank you so much, he is my life. I am so grateful for this group. When I joined the acro facebook group, the main woman on there who gives advice was very off-putting to me. It has been very odd because she had said she (or one of the founding facebook group members) made the acro autotracker, which I thought was great so I asked the group to update it. It was incredibly odd but she kept insisting I was trying to "reinvent the wheel" and tell me that I "need to be sensitive to people who have gone through this with their cats". So because people had hard times I did not deserve to have the updated data..? She did not like me from the beginning and I have no idea why. I kept telling her I was sorry if I offended her and I was not trying to "reinvent the wheel" but in contrast I was trying to help her "wheel" get updated! Apparently to her I was being insensitive for asking for updates. All I wanted was the data to help me (and other future members) make the best decisions for our cats. It made me very sad that group did the opposite of make me feel like family like you all have done here. I don't know what I would do without you all.
Interesting about the possibility of there not being a tumor, I had no idea, the doctor didn't mention anything about this either. I think I will still do the same as you, and rely on the MRI from AMC, instead of spending double the $$ and doing an MRI here too. Although it would be an incredibly long ride home if he's not eligible, I think I would rather have that then spend an extra $2,000 - $3,000.

Please do keep us posted. You know @LuvinThisPig spoiled us with a vblog so we might have high expectations from you

Haha I actually have some questions for @LuvinThisPig, like what kind of car setup did you use? I found this on Amazon which comes with a litterbox which I thought was nice, although with the litterbox in there I feel like he wouldn't have all that much room? No matter what I find I feel like its not big enough.. Lol. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LYHJ...olid=10L1UCZ8LR6U3&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Wendy&Neko]

So what is the reason for a false positive?

Good question. I have seen mention of it in the literature, but never why or seen it. Maybe a case of and IGF-1 close to the margin? But I have also heard from researchers that if an IGF-1 was high normal and kitty was on higher doses, that you should retest in 3 months.

Regarding your interactions in the FB group, I can guess who that is. She used to drop in here and at one point had me in tears and about ready to leave FDMB. Only person I ever blocked.

I drove Neko in a sedan where the back seats could go down. I had a split seat with one seat down. Litter box and favourite bed were in the back (with our luggage) and her scratching post. Neko's carrier was on the back seat beside the split seat. She only used the LB when we stopped. I ended up with her carrier door open. She spent most of the time sleeping or resting in the carrier. The setup you use depends on what type of vehicle. People with SUVs can use a playpen type arrangement or a super large carrier. If you watch Sarah's video log, she shows you the carriers she used.

 

[CassAndGordy(GA)]

I'm sure he could go in for a consultation! Dr. McCue was very generous with his time and explained every question I had, so I'm sure you can also call for some info. Regular price for the surgery is anywhere from $16,000 - $20,000 , but from what I understand there is a significant amount of donor money, so you never know you might get lucky as well.


Thank you so much, and wow!! What an interesting one of a kind experience!


Thank you so much, he is my life. I am so grateful for this group. When I joined the acro facebook group, the main woman on there who gives advice was very off-putting to me. It has been very odd because she had said she (or one of the founding facebook group members) made the acro autotracker, which I thought was great so I asked the group to update it. It was incredibly odd but she kept insisting I was trying to "reinvent the wheel" and tell me that I "need to be sensitive to people who have gone through this with their cats". So because people had hard times I did not deserve to have the updated data..? She did not like me from the beginning and I have no idea why. I kept telling her I was sorry if I offended her and I was not trying to "reinvent the wheel" but in contrast I was trying to help her "wheel" get updated! Apparently to her I was being insensitive for asking for updates. All I wanted was the data to help me (and other future members) make the best decisions for our cats. It made me very sad that group did the opposite of make me feel like family like you all have done here. I don't know what I would do without you all.
Interesting about the possibility of there not being a tumor, I had no idea, the doctor didn't mention anything about this either. I think I will still do the same as you, and rely on the MRI from AMC, instead of spending double the $$ and doing an MRI here too. Although it would be an incredibly long ride home if he's not eligible, I think I would rather have that then spend an extra $2,000 - $3,000.


Haha I actually have some questions for @LuvinThisPig, like what kind of car setup did you use? I found this on Amazon which comes with a litterbox which I thought was nice, although with the litterbox in there I feel like he wouldn't have all that much room? No matter what I find I feel like its not big enough.. Lol. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LYHJ...olid=10L1UCZ8LR6U3&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I used something similar (i actually think its the same, but mine didnt come with all the fun extras). My 2 (large) cats fit well in it and even had room after the LB was added. You should be fine with just Schmee and a box.

(I did a stretch from NH to FL.)

Good luck with all this! I don't have a lot of experience or knowledge when it comes to Acro, but this seems like a fantastic offer you've been given. The things we do for our babies

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

I drove Neko in a sedan where the back seats could go down. I had a split seat with one seat down. Litter box and favourite bed were in the back (with our luggage) and her scratching post. Neko's carrier was on the back seat beside the split seat. She only used the LB when we stopped. I ended up with her carrier door open. She spent most of the time sleeping or resting in the carrier. The setup you use depends on what type of vehicle. People with SUVs can use a playpen type arrangement or a super large carrier. If you watch Sarah's video log, she shows you the carriers she used.

Thanks I didn't realize you drove a great while too, I thought you flew? So if I am picturing what youre saying right, it was kind of an open space? You weren't afraid of Neko coming into the front of the car?

I used something similar (i actually think its the same, but mine didnt come with all the fun extras). My 2 (large) cats fit well in it and even had room after the LB was added. You should be fine with just Schmee and a box.

(I did a stretch from NH to FL.)

Good luck with all this! I don't have a lot of experience or knowledge when it comes to Acro, but this seems like a fantastic offer you've been given. The things we do for our babies

Thanks so much!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

First SRT was three 9-10 hour days on the road. Neko complained at the 10 minute trip to the vet, I was very . Second SRT was a flight. I was driving with DH, so we had a second person to keep an eye on her. We started out with her in the carrier, but she peed in it, so that had to change. Oh yes, pack extra towels and pee pads! The only time she came into the front was to go on our laps.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

What a great vet! I'm so glad he provided all of the information to help you understand the process and ease your concerns.

I'd suggest bringing a couple of smelly T-shirts along -- one for in the car and find out if you can bring one for when Shmee is in the hospital. The smells may help to keep your kitty calm. I'd also find out what their visiting policy is. When Gizmo had his surgery my vet was fine with my coming by and hanging out with him whenever I wanted. I let them know ahead of time when I'd be there.

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

First SRT was three 9-10 hour days on the road. Neko complained at the 10 minute trip to the vet, I was very . Second SRT was a flight. I was driving with DH, so we had a second person to keep an eye on her. We started out with her in the carrier, but she peed in it, so that had to change. Oh yes, pack extra towels and pee pads! The only time she came into the front was to go on our laps.

Ohhh okok, I forgot you had two separate trips. Thank you for the tip

What a great vet! I'm so glad he provided all of the information to help you understand the process and ease your concerns.

I'd suggest bringing a couple of smelly T-shirts along -- one for in the car and find out if you can bring one for when Shmee is in the hospital. The smells may help to keep your kitty calm. I'd also find out what their visiting policy is. When Gizmo had his surgery my vet was fine with my coming by and hanging out with him whenever I wanted. I let them know ahead of time when I'd be there.

Thanks so much for the tee shirt tip, I wrote that down. I asked him if I could visit every day and he said yes, every day except the first day.

 

[Amanda and a Loudogg]

This is SO exciting Amanda! I can only imagine the depth of your anxiety, but this also seems like it might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help Shmee. The price is certainly right. I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear all the details! Caleb, Lou, and I will all be cheering you two on! Definitely watch @LuvinThisPig 's vblog, she did an awesome job explaining what she packed and the steps she took and how Pig did on the journey. Her story is also on the Acro forum as well.

And just boo to that cranky FB lady. I just don't understand people like that. Why even bother having a group if you apparently don't want to help people?! Perhaps she likes lording over people and seeming like she's the one with all the info. To almost make Wendy leave... I can't fathom L&L Land without you Wendy!

@Ana & Frosty I almost got chills when I saw you post! I hope you can get a hold of the doctor for a consult for Frosty! That would be amazing as well!

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

This is SO exciting Amanda! I can only imagine the depth of your anxiety, but this also seems like it might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help Shmee. The price is certainly right. I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear all the details! Caleb, Lou, and I will all be cheering you two on! Definitely watch @LuvinThisPig 's vblog, she did an awesome job explaining what she packed and the steps she took and how Pig did on the journey. Her story is also on the Acro forum as well.

And just boo to that cranky FB lady. I just don't understand people like that. Why even bother having a group if you apparently don't want to help people?! Perhaps she likes lording over people and seeming like she's the one with all the info. To almost make Wendy leave... I can't fathom L&L Land without you Wendy!

@Ana & Frosty I almost got chills when I saw you post! I hope you can get a hold of the doctor for a consult for Frosty! That would be amazing as well!

Thanks Amanda!! Yes I can't believe it is happening really... and I have looked at Sarahs vlog and I didn't hear much information like that, but I skipped around so I will have to look through them again and check out the acro thread. And that's the exact vibe I got from the FB lady, all I can do is shrug, I can't imagine the message board without Wendy either!
I hope they can help Frosty as well, wouldn't that be great!

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

Left a message for AMC to schedule an appointment date, just waiting on the call back.

 

[Pamela & Amethyst]

God bless and Good Luck

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

God bless and Good Luck

Thank you so much

 

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

I wish you & Shmee the best of luck Amanda! Will be watching closely. If they still have donor funds, I would seriously consider getting Bronx the operation. I am less than 15 miles from the hospital and his tumor seems to be very active again, overeating like he did before the SRT and insulin needs are climbing way too fast.

 

[Amanda & Shmee]

I wish you & Shmee the best of luck Amanda! Will be watching closely. If they still have donor funds, I would seriously consider getting Bronx the operation. I am less than 15 miles from the hospital and his tumor seems to be very active again, overeating like he did before the SRT and insulin needs are climbing way too fast.

Oh no I am sorry to hear about his tumor being active again If you are only 15 minutes away that would be wonderful if you could utilize the funds! He was very informative so if you call up there I'm sure they can give you as much information as you need and let you know if there are still donor funds available. The doctor was supposed to call me back today but I did not hear from him. I just got done writing him an email to be sure he got the message to call me, so hopefully I will be hearing from him tomorrow so I can get my request in to get off work.

 

[JeffJ]

SRT for Leo was Austin - Ft.Collins. Two days each way. And 5 days stay in, shall we say, a "budget hotel". That hotel probably was a crash house for many college parties, but hey it was cheap!

Leo didn't mind the hotel so much. But the car ride was not fun for him. Check Leo's SRT thread. There are pics. Also pics in his 2016 flickr page, about half way down https://www.flickr.com/photos/13779628@N05/sets/72157670996705412
.

 

[LuvinThisPig]

I'm sure he could go in for a consultation! Dr. McCue was very generous with his time and explained every question I had, so I'm sure you can also call for some info. Regular price for the surgery is anywhere from $16,000 - $20,000 , but from what I understand there is a significant amount of donor money, so you never know you might get lucky as well.


Thank you so much, and wow!! What an interesting one of a kind experience!


Thank you so much, he is my life. I am so grateful for this group. When I joined the acro facebook group, the main woman on there who gives advice was very off-putting to me. It has been very odd because she had said she (or one of the founding facebook group members) made the acro autotracker, which I thought was great so I asked the group to update it. It was incredibly odd but she kept insisting I was trying to "reinvent the wheel" and tell me that I "need to be sensitive to people who have gone through this with their cats". So because people had hard times I did not deserve to have the updated data..? She did not like me from the beginning and I have no idea why. I kept telling her I was sorry if I offended her and I was not trying to "reinvent the wheel" but in contrast I was trying to help her "wheel" get updated! Apparently to her I was being insensitive for asking for updates. All I wanted was the data to help me (and other future members) make the best decisions for our cats. It made me very sad that group did the opposite of make me feel like family like you all have done here. I don't know what I would do without you all.
Interesting about the possibility of there not being a tumor, I had no idea, the doctor didn't mention anything about this either. I think I will still do the same as you, and rely on the MRI from AMC, instead of spending double the $$ and doing an MRI here too. Although it would be an incredibly long ride home if he's not eligible, I think I would rather have that then spend an extra $2,000 - $3,000.


Haha I actually have some questions for @LuvinThisPig, like what kind of car setup did you use? I found this on Amazon which comes with a litterbox which I thought was nice, although with the litterbox in there I feel like he wouldn't have all that much room? No matter what I find I feel like its not big enough.. Lol. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LYHJ...olid=10L1UCZ8LR6U3&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm sure he could go in for a consultation! Dr. McCue was very generous with his time and explained every question I had, so I'm sure you can also call for some info. Regular price for the surgery is anywhere from $16,000 - $20,000 , but from what I understand there is a significant amount of donor money, so you never know you might get lucky as well.


Thank you so much, and wow!! What an interesting one of a kind experience!


Thank you so much, he is my life. I am so grateful for this group. When I joined the acro facebook group, the main woman on there who gives advice was very off-putting to me. It has been very odd because she had said she (or one of the founding facebook group members) made the acro autotracker, which I thought was great so I asked the group to update it. It was incredibly odd but she kept insisting I was trying to "reinvent the wheel" and tell me that I "need to be sensitive to people who have gone through this with their cats". So because people had hard times I did not deserve to have the updated data..? She did not like me from the beginning and I have no idea why. I kept telling her I was sorry if I offended her and I was not trying to "reinvent the wheel" but in contrast I was trying to help her "wheel" get updated! Apparently to her I was being insensitive for asking for updates. All I wanted was the data to help me (and other future members) make the best decisions for our cats. It made me very sad that group did the opposite of make me feel like family like you all have done here. I don't know what I would do without you all.
Interesting about the possibility of there not being a tumor, I had no idea, the doctor didn't mention anything about this either. I think I will still do the same as you, and rely on the MRI from AMC, instead of spending double the $$ and doing an MRI here too. Although it would be an incredibly long ride home if he's not eligible, I think I would rather have that then spend an extra $2,000 - $3,000.


Haha I actually have some questions for @LuvinThisPig, like what kind of car setup did you use? I found this on Amazon which comes with a litterbox which I thought was nice, although with the litterbox in there I feel like he wouldn't have all that much room? No matter what I find I feel like its not big enough.. Lol. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LYHJ...olid=10L1UCZ8LR6U3&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I am so sorry for such a long delay on my response! Its been a rough couple of days, for sure.

Now, I did things a bit, um, extravagant for our travels since we were going so very far away. Here is the link to the YouTube Video that shows exactly how I set the car up. I did get him a pretty big kennel, but it fit nicely in the car. I used cardboard flats for temporary litterboxes and those were the perfect size for traveling with.

Here is the link for the Kennel that I bought through Chewy.

I am so thrilled you decided to go through with the surgery! You certainly cannot beat that price! It is not easy to take them for these things, but we know it is for the best! You will do just amazing and Schmee will be a superstar! I cannot wait to hear of all your adventures! Please, ask them all the questions you can! I am so curious to see how they do things! This is invaluable data for us!

I am sooooo excited!

 

[LuvinThisPig]

And that's the exact vibe I got from the FB lady, all I can do is shrug, I can't imagine the message board without Wendy either!

I wish I had gotten to you before you had a run in with her. Honesty, she means well and in reality, she was the first person to pin Pig as an Acro. However, I will say this... I have had many conversations with her and when you get through it, she actually is a big old softy. I get the impression she has been hurt by many people and therefore has this massively large and insensitive shell. She does not have any bedside manners, I agree and many of times I wish that she would be a bit more gentle. We lose a great many people over that.

But, I will say this... I came to the FDMB after I had joined that group. While I still post the group and find some very valuable information there - I have learned far more here on the FDMB and from @Wendy&Neko . Her advice is a little calmer and based out of solid logic. And I have said this once and will say it again, I have yet to catch Wendy in a falsity. The knowledge and character that this woman has is untouchable. I trust her word more than most anybody around.

With that being said, there are several incredibly worthy people on the group for sure. There are 3 ladies from Alaska that I converse with on a regular basis. I call them my Alaskan Angels because they actually helped me with a very large chunk of the cost for Pig's procedure. If you, Amanda, can get past the 'woman' then you will find a lot of support there, just as here. In fact, I had the same dilemma with the group as you and was seriously concerned about getting booted from the FDMB when I mentioned it and I asked one of those Alaskan Angels what she thought I should do. She told me something that I will never forget... She said, "Sarah, I think at some point in all of this, we all just sort of learn to do what we must". That is exactly what you are doing and never doubt that! Both of you are strong and you both are just inspirations!

And, @Wendy&Neko I have heard tale of the story you mentioned above and genuinely want to apologize, even though I was not involved. I have encountered the brashness and to be honest, I had no idea that that deal was between the two of you... It is sad when we cannot set things aside for logic and the betterment of care for our kitties. I am sorry that you had to deal with that. Regardless, you have an enormous fan base that would be lost without you! Please.... Do not ever leave!

 

[JeffJ]

Yes, there was a big blowout on the FDMB Acro subforum. It was before my time. About kittehs - can you believe it? Sweet little kittehs. I'm glad it's gone. So far I haven't really seen any nastiness on the forums.

I know, off topic, but I used to moderate a wood turning forum. We had to boot old dudes off every 6-8 weeks for something that was supposed to be fun. Jeez.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Just checking in to wish you and Shmee all the best of luck in this venture. I'm glad you made the decision.
Rusty was always a perfect traveler on long trips. We expected him to be a good traveler and he listened. We have an SUV, so his litterbox went in the very back and the rear seats were down. His carrier was about midway back, with the door always propped open with the seatbelt. He sometimes slept in his carrier, but mostly sat on top of it to look out the windows. He also enjoyed sitting on the armrest between Edward and me. He never tried to sit on my lap while the car was in motion.

We always used newspaper rather than pee pads, even though he rarely got sick. Vomit or pee on newspaper can be easily dealt with: just tear off the soiled part. We carried his travel food in a plastic dish with lid in a separate lunch carrier with it's own cool block. When we stopped to rest we took out the food and poured him some water and put both in a cardboard catfood tray (from an old case of canned food).

All will be OK as you move forward. We will all be thinking of you.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

No apologies Sarah @LuvinThisPig That was then, this is now. It's all about helping the cats and supporting the beans.

 

[LuvinThisPig]

No apologies Sarah @LuvinThisPig That was then, this is now. It's all about helping the cats and supporting the beans.

A job you accomplish beautifully!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

We all do, it takes a village.....