Nap Away, Boys...

If you want to stay up till midnight and ring in the New Year... you best get your rest.

...And My Dad Loves Them Too.

In response to those comments yesterday suggesting my parents adopt the Finch boys,, believe me, it's been discussed. As tempting as these fabulous Finches are, my folks aren't in the market for kittens right now.











More with my Pa and kittens from the past HERE and HERE.

Falling Hard for the Finch Boys

My folks have been here for the holidays. If it we're up to my mom, we would spend their entire visit cuddling with the kittens.

She's falling hard for these Finch Boys. I think the feeling just might be mutual.

Box Seats

Drewey's got the best view of the game.

Ira and The Bean

Happiest of Holidays to You

We're having a good day here. The kittens have the run of the house and have enjoyed exploring the Christmas mess. There are boxes to climb in, wrapping paper to rustle around under, and a tree to play beneath. Fortunately, they're not too curious about ornaments, lights, or climbing.

We're so happy they are healthy and thriving. It's so good to see their little personalities shine again. I can't imagine a better Christmas gift.

We hope you are all safe and warm and spending a happiness-filled day with those you love the most.

Happy Holidays everyone. We wish you all the best.

With lots of love,,,
Laurie, Craig, Charlene, Drewey, Walter and Ira

Itty Bitty Elf Committee

Thank You, Santa!

It's just what I wanted! A Walter under my tree!! How did you know? Not to be greedy,, but where's Ira? Must be in my stocking. He's not in that box, is he?

Need I Remind You.....

Thank you,

The Management

What You Thinking, Walter?

You're off in your own little Walter world.

Everything's Better After a Bath

Here are a couple of post-bath pics of Ira. He's a lot less crusty and a whole lot happier now.

The boys are both doing great. They're eating, pooping, playing, sleeping, purring, and loving just like they should be.

Hooray!

Thanks once again for all the love you sent our way. We appreciate all of your support. What a special family you are.

: )


: )

: )

Welcome Home, Walter!

So good to have you back. Now get your suitcase unpacked and get back to business. You've got some growin' to do.

Free Bird, Free Bird! -OR- The Boys are Back in Town -OR- The Finches Have Landed

YES! They're here! As I type this, Walter and Ira are tearing about the room with bellies so big, they nearly touch the ground.

Pictures later,,, I've got to get them all settled in and give them a good scrubbin'. We've got some crusty, dusty, smelly-belly kittens here. I love these crusty, dusty, smelly-belly kittens and I sure am glad they're home.

Cutest Little Elf in All the Land

I saw this on the Feline Pine Facebook page (thanks to Kat Box Janitor) , and it made me so happy, I had to share it with you. Squeeeeeeee away, my friends....

Bouncing Baby Boys

Both boys were quite bouncy today. They were both awake when I arrived, and playing in their cardboard box. Walter was gnawing away on it, Ira was rolling around inside, batting at the flaps.

I brought them into the foster room again and set them up on the table (AKA the exercise yard). They had lots of visitors, both staff and volunteers. They also got a chance to meet Traci's chihuahua, Tobey.

Things are looking very good, and I am hoping they will be paroled on Monday. Ira has gained another ounce, and Walter gained two. They're getting a little stir-crazy in their cage, now that they're feeling so much better.

Thanks again for all you care and concern. We appreciate it so much.

xoxo G'night.

Now That I Think About It...

This sort of behavior has been going on for QUITE awhile..

MOM! She's Doing it Again!

BEAN! Let her BE!

Puddles to Patties

I have to say, the boys are doing great. Both had gained 2 ounces yesterday, which is wonderful. Ira's poo has been upgraded from puddle to cow patty.

During our visit yesterday afternoon, I sprung them from their cage, and took them into the foster room. I spread out a blanket on the table so they stretch their legs a bit. Both boys seemed very happy to be out of their cell and spend some time in their little prison exercise yard. I moved my hand under their blanket, and they pounced on my fingers. I rolled them on their backs, and tickled their wee bellies. They wrestled together, bit each other's and their own tails too. SOOO much energy and improvement!

Things are looking good ! Hopefully they'll be home soon!

Leave Her Be, Bean.

Charlene can be a bit of a pest. She gets that way when she's bored. Just ask her big sister, Drewey.

She likes to position herself so it's impossible for Drewey to walk past her without coming within her paw's reach. She'll trap her under tables, on the stairs, or in a doorway.

One of her favorite spots to trap her sister is in the bathroom. Drewey likes to drink from the tap, and Charlene will lurk beneath the sink or in the doorway and wait for her sister to jump down.

Drewey is annoyed by this behavior, but she's the most patient cat in the world and will sit it out until Charlene grows bored and moves on.


I'm in no hurry. Whatever. Sit there as long as you like. I'm perfectly happy up here on the sink.


Coast is clear, I'm out of here.




What....? I was just thirsty.

Today's Visit

I popped in on the boys this afternoon. Walter was sitting on top of their little cardboard box cleaning his toes. Ira was eating his favorite food, Paw Lickin' Chicken.

The fluids they gave Ira had settled into one of his front legs. He looked like he was wearing a pair of baggy tights, stretched out at the knees.

Walter was spunky. Earlier he had tried to engage his brother in play. Ira wasn't interested. Walter's got an upper- respiratory thing going and was sneezing a lot, but his poo is well-formed.

Ira seemed slightly brighter than yesterday, but still nowhere close to Walter's energy level. He's still has diarrhea, but isn't sneezing like his brother.

They we're looking pretty crusty,, but still are adorable.

We miss them.

Another Finch Update...

I visited the boys again last night, shortly before the HS closed. At dinner, Walter ate well, but according to their attendant, Ira wasn't too interested in eating. When I arrived, and said "Hi Boys!!!", Ira jumped up and started scarfing down his dinner. It was sweet.

Walter seemed peppier. When I held him, he wiggled around and batted at my fingers. Ira was calm, and seemed happy to be held, but still seemed a little low.

I'm heading over there it a bit to pay another visit. If anything changes at all, I'll let you know.

Thanks again for all the love.

The Finch Report....

I stopped by Vet Treatment this morning to visit the boys. Walter was having a snack, and Ira was all hunkered down in a little box inside their cage.

Walter seemed perky, not quite playful, but perky. I held him for awhile and he seemed happy to see me. After I was through giving him some love, I scooped up Ira. I thought he seemed a little weaker than yesterday, but seeing a perkier Walter, gave me hope for Ira.

When I put him back into his cage, he had a little drink, then stepped into his litter box. His poo was a tad thicker than the gushers of previous days, which is a good thing.

The staff was awfully busy in there, so I didn't get a chance to ask too many questions. I hope to speak with them later today.

We're missing the boys terribly, but putting their care into someone else's hands, is a bit of a relief. I gave their room a good clean yesterday, and laundered all their blankets. As soon as they're ready to come home, we're ready for them.

Thanks again for all your thoughtful comments and notes. We really appreciate them.

Thank you for caring and loving the kittens like they're your own. It means the world.

xo Laurie

PS The photo above was taken the day (or maybe the day after) they moved in with us.

Thank You, Friends

I just wanted to than you all for your many kind words and well wishes. We appreciate you so much.

I don't have anything to report yet today, but as soon as I'll do, I'll post again.

Thanks for being here,

xoxo

Laurie

Frail Little Finch Boys

There's a lot I don't tell you. I tend to sugar-coat things and make it look pretty rosy most of the time. One reason is because it's a feel-good place. Many of you have told me you come here because it's a little escape. Because of that, I like to keep it positive. I don't want you to feel worried, sad, or stressed.

The second reason is, I don't want to scare off any potential adopters with stories of ill kittens. Our kittens leave here healthy, but often, actually almost every time, one, if not all the kittens in the litter can have upset bellies, vomiting, diarrhea, colds, fleas, or an occasional worm.... it's just part of being a kitten. Especially a kitten coming from Lord knows where, eating who knows what.

Usually the first week is a rocky one. Then once the kittens adjust to their new home and diet, they begin to thrive. By the time their two week quarantine has passed, they are usually A-OK.

With Ira and Walter, it's been rough from the start. They came to us all roly-poly, but from the day one, there's been lots of vomiting and diarrhea.

They ate well the first day or so, but after that, they lost all interest in food, and for the next week, they had to be syringe fed. I've been giving them fluids as well. It's sustained them somewhat, but when everything just rushes through them, they drop weight. As their weight dropped, so did their energy and zest.

Finally, this weekend, they started eating like little piggies. They would devour anything you put in front of them. I was feeling hopeful. Their energy seemed better, there was less vomiting, but the diarrhea continued.

I brought them into the Vet today, they didn't get a good report, and sadly, our boys will be spending some time in Vet Treatment. Hopefully they will be able to come home soon. Hopefully they will come home. Period.

I'm sorry for any sadness this post may cause. Like I said before, I like to keep this a happy place, but I felt the need to share this with you. I guess mostly because I know that good and powerful things happen we join together. We all witnessed it this summer. So let's all think good thoughts for our frail little FInch boys. Let's hope they're healthy, happy and home soon.

Yes, Walter. There is a Santa Claus

This year I want a furry mouse... a purple mylar ball... bunk beds for me an my brother, Ira ...mittens... a feather wand.... and a...


What? Shut up, Ira. That's not funny. He does too exist.



There really is a Santa, isn't there?

Yes, Walter. There is a Santa Claus

Free Shipping! Hooray!

Today through this Friday, we're running a little special in our Etsy shop. We're offering FREE shipping (within the United States) on all Itty Bitty Kitty card orders.

We're shipping everyday (except Sunday) so all orders placed by Noon (Pacific Time) will ship out that same day.


Click HERE to visit the shop!

Thirty Seconds With Ira Finch

Shy Ira

Brothers Belly-Up in a Basket