Bad experiences

As some of you noticed in last week’s comments, Mulberry Spot has relapsed. Two days after finishing his antibiotic he broke with diarrhea again. So we restarted his antibiotic and will keep him on it for another two weeks.

  Jabberwoky Glitter and Mulberry Spot

I’m writing this while watching Iowa State University Cyclone football. Now, I love cats and I like Cyclone football (only Cyclone football) but I don’t believe the two should be combined. I watched in horror, the video from some football game this week, where a feral cat got trapped inside the coliseum and kept running and running and running, trying to escape. All I could think was, that poor cat. Once he got free of that nightmare and all the adrenaline was gone he had to be exhausted. Cats weren’t meant to run long distances.

Have you ever seen a cat in such a harrowing situation? Have you ever seen your cats just totally exhausted from some experience?

Mewdy Blue and Cyclone colors

One year, I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, my beloved Mewdy Blue escaped my house at night and was gone for almost 24 hours. When he finally showed up again he came inside and collapsed. He must have slept for another 24 hours. He was usually one of those unflappable cats but I guess being outside alone was just too much for him.

I’m a big proponent of keeping cats indoors but in both of these examples the cat is outside due to some unfortunate circumstance. We are joining The Cat on my Head for today's Sunday Selfie.

Hawkeye in the news again

Recently an Iowa native made news worldwide when he displayed his closeness to his best friend. Hawkeye, a chocolate Labrador, made an appearance at his owner’s funeral. Jon Tumilson, a Navy SEAL, was killed while serving in Afghanistan. At his funeral, attended by thousands, Hawkeye led the family to the front of the gym where he then chose to lie at the foot of Tumilson’s casket. The image (link) was caught by Tumilson’s cousin and made the rounds of websites, news programs and many discussions.

As if that didn’t bring a tear to anyone’s eye now the word is out that the Iowa Hawkeye Football team has invited Hawkeye to one of the November home games. In order to honor our fallen SEAL and other Iowa veterans Hawkeye may be leading the team onto the field at the beginning of the game or maybe accompany the team captains mid-field for the coin toss. Officials are working with the family to determine the best way to accomplish this feat.

Here’s a link to the Des Moines Register’s report:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110827/NEWS/308270036/Let-fallen-SEAL-s-dog-lead-Hawkeyes-ex-player-says?odyssey=obinsite

The thing that really touches my heart is to see that the family and friends understood just how much Tumilson loved his best friend and chose to include him in the funeral plans. I only hope that people remember my pets when I'm gone. And I'm glad that Tumilson thought to have his friend take care of Hawkeye while he served in the military.

Have you made any plans for your pets if they outlive you? Do you have family or friends who are willing to take care of them if you are unable to? I'd like to hear your plans or ideas.