Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

I got a copy of the Humane Society newsletter yesterday. I was giving it a read this morning and discovered a lovely little surprise inside.

They have a list of "In Memory Of" donations in the back, and who did I see listed? Dear little Jerry Lee Pickett, followed by a list of familiar names from the IBKC comment section.

I'm feeling a tad weepy already this morning knowing Trudy and Lyle will be departing soon,, and seeing this, just opened up the flood gates. I had heard donations had been made to the Humane Society and other shelters, in his name. Seeing the names in print, just made it seem real.

Thank you, all of you, for caring so much. You are special folks, and I appreciate all of you and your supportive ways.
xoxo

Laurie

Thanks for the Love

Wow. Thank you all for the beautiful, heartfelt words you left in your comments and sent in your emails. We were all touched by your thoughtfulness, love and warmth.

I wanted to share with you a few more pictures of Jerry Lee, then tomorrow we'll move on to happier things. I've got some updates on and pictures of IBKC graduates LeRoy, Auggie, Clementine and Porter. Hopefully that will lift all of our spirits a little bit.

Thank you all,, we appreciate every single one of you lovely,lovely people out there following, and cheering for, our itty bitty kitties.

One Tear-Filled Tuesday

Jerry Lee's trip to the vet yesterday provided no good news for us. After talking with the doctor, who is the perfect balance of compassion and logic, we decided that sadly, little Jerry Lee would have to be put down. It was such a hard decision to come to because on the surface, he seems fine. But inside, things are very, very messed up.

Kim brought him home from the vet and we took him out to play in the back yard. His toes had never felt grass or dirt before, so we thought that would be a great way to spend his last afternoon on earth.

He had so much fun bouncing around and exploring the yard, pouncing on bugs, and watching Kim's cats, Nate and Tate chase and leap after their feather toy. We invited Sue over, so she could see him one last time too. When he started getting tired, we sat in the grass and took turns letting him sleep in our hands, laps, on our necks,, wherever he wanted to snuggle in.

He spent the evening romping with his siblings, and after a goodnight sleep and good breakfast, we delivered him to the Doctor, and said good bye.

For all us, in the back of our heads, we have always known that this would be the most likely out come for this precious little fellow, and because of this, I think he always got a few more pets, kisses and snuggles that the other kitties in the litter. So even though his life was brief, I assure you, it was good.

I want thank all of you for all the love, well wishes and support. I always told Jerry Lee about all the fans he had out there, loving him from afar.

I also want to thank Dr Sperlich at Browns Point Vet for gently guiding us through through this difficult decision making process.

Thank you everyone, for being there for all of us.

What's Going On

Jerry Lee is back home with us now, but we'll be taking him to another vet on Monday to have him checked out again. Basically, what's going on with him is that he's not able to poo or pee on his own. He has the instinct to jump into the litter box and squat, but he waits and nothing comes out. I got a lesson from Sarah (our friend and chief medical advisor) on expressing his bladder and I have been giving that a try this weekend. It's not easy, and it's not fun for either of us.

Looking at Jerry Lee, you would never know there was anything wrong. His energy level is great. He plays just as hard as the others. His appetite is strong. He is, of course, a sweet little loving, purring machine.

For now,, we're keeping a close watch on him and we're hoping for a positive report come monday. I'll give you an update on our little guy as soon as we know more.

Don't be Scared, Little Man

Once Jerry Lee was old enough to start using the litter box, we started to realize that his tiny plumbing system might not be operating like it should. Often kitties born without tails experience such problems. I will spare you all the gory details, but little Jerry Lee had to pay a visit to the Humane Society vet yesterday. They decided they needed to hold him there for a spell to observe our little man. I am sure he is doing absolutely fine, but I hate, hate, hate it when we have to leave the kitties at the vet. I know, of course, they are well taken care of, it's just that I don't want our kitties to be scared or feel alone for even just one second. Seriously, it breaks my heart. So I know there are a handful of you reading this blog work down at the HS (hello Shana). Maybe you can pop on in on your lunch break and give Gerry Lee a little loving. You can't miss him,, he's the cute little tabby with extra toes and missing tail.

Don't be scared Jerry Lee. We'll have you home soon.

Caption That Kitty Contest

That's right, we're having a little contest over here. I've supplied the photo, now you supply the caption. Just post your witty caption in the comments section, and next week, we'll post the funniest four in a poll. You all will have a chance to cast a vote for your favorite, and we'll announce the winner on Friday, May 30th. There are no actual prizes, you'll just the satisfaction of knowing you are the funniest.

Here are the rules:
*Post as many times as you like.
*Keep it clean.
*If you post "anonymously" without logging in, put your name after the comment.
*NO Cheezburger speak. There's a website just for that.
*Any comments that break the rules will be deleted.

So show us what you've got! Lovell And Jerry Lee are especially excited to see what you funny folks come up with.

I Heart Gerald Leland Pickett

I am NOT saying he's my favorite. I would never say that in front of the kittens. But you might just me hear me whisper it if I knew for sure they weren't around. Might, I say.

I will say he's the sweetest, squiggliest , extra toed, tailless kitten I have ever met. How could you not love a kitten that gazes at you like this.

Itty Bitty Mani Pedi

Some squirmed, some cried, and everyone got their nails trimmed.

More Kitty Milestones

I have to wonder, does Jerry Lee know he doesn't have a tail? At first, he was a little bit more of a wobbly walker than the rest, but now he's doing really great. It just took him a while longer to figure it all out because he's missing his "rudder".

He too is using the littler box. He also is drinking from the water bowl and eating crunchies too. This weekend all the kittens got to try wet cat food. Beulah is starting to push the babies off her when they try to nurse, so the weaning has begun.

Jerry Lee Tells All

His full name is Gerald Leland Pickett, but we ALWAYS call him Jerry Lee. It just suits him. Jerry Lee has something he's been hiding from you. If he'd turn around you'll see what I am talking about. ( He's the one on the far right.)

Yep, little Jerry Lee was born without a tail. All he's got is a teeny tiny bump on his teeny tiny hiney. It doesn't seem to slow him down a bit, he's right on course with his brother and sisters. What he lacks in tail, he more than makes up for in toes. Just like Mama, he's polydactyl.