Bailey Blog

The View of Baldy View

2011-11-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit, my aesthetic can be a bit... let's say, "Youthful". I grew up in Anaheim and worked at Disneyland in my teens...so there is a lot of youthful influences that I try to incorporate into some of my projects as an adult. I can't be too far off from the rest of the world, the guys on "Big Bang Theory" are always reading comics and playing with toys...right?

So, a year ago, I got an ideal client... an elementary school. I did some logos for free, and then designed tshirts to promote school pride---I even geared up the pep squads (who even knew that elementary schools had pep squads?!?)

And then, over the Summer, I got the request to help design the graphics for the new school marquee. So I sent this image:

And now, today, I got these pictures of the project moving forward:

Baldy View Marquee Installation

Baldy View Marquee Close Up

I have been able to say I am a professional designer for a while, but have not had too much proof to back it up publically. Therefore, I am posting this to validate my designs... YEAH!!!!!

KC McCasey's 1st Halloween

2011-10-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

KC was quite helpful outside, as my Halloween decorative assistant. He is very much UNLIKE any other cat I have had the acquaintance to know. He will follow me around the yard, always under foot "helping" me with everything I do.

He was, however, very photogenic with the Halloween decor...

What a handsome boy!

Bailey Cat Halloween

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

I posted this on Disneyland California RePort blog, but it probably is more appropriate here...

Here is what Bailey considered dressing up for on Halloween

perhaps, Ghost Bailey...

possibly, Vampire Bailey...

Bailey decided to be the Sorcerer's Apprentice

Put On Your Sunday Clothes

2011-10-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

When you see or hear "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" from Hello Dolly, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Do you think of dressing up for those horrible Sunday mornings of your youth?

Is it Barbra Streisand, Gene Kelly, Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford or Tommy Tune?

How about Yentl, Phantom of the Opera, or the Tony Awards?

For me, I always think of Wall-E

Portland(ia) Recycles

2011-10-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Beginning Monday, Oct 31, Portland begins a new chapter in trash pickup.

... been doing blue recycling for years.
... yellow glass pickup, also a regularity.
... green Green Waste is also done often, Often.

so what is this new chapter you ask...? (I assume you ARE asking)

OKAY, so Portlandia, the series, might have added a extra bin color or two (or twelve), but beginning on Monday, trash pickup is gonna be done only every other week in exchange for composting that will become a weekly process. Sadly, we eat out more than not. Still striving to become more Portlandic!

And Now For Something Completely Different...

2011-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sooo... I just started watching "Curb Your Enthusiasm" this past season. It makes me uncomfortable as I laugh out loud hysterically. The season finale made watching the entire season worth it, but enough about all that.

The character that had me laughing in the aisles (that is, if my living room actually had aisles) was this, shall we say "special" kid... I don't to give too much away here. I found this video clip online that summarized the story line in just 3 minutes.

Oh and by the way, I love this video... but it is just SOOOO wrong...

Jedi Kittens & Jedi Kittens Strike Back

2011-09-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Force is strong with these kittens...

Here is 16 seconds of a Star Wars style cat fight; these young pet-awan use light sabers:

And ever notice that a TIE fighter is round like a cat face and an X-wing looks a lot like cat whiskers? This short clip might explain why:

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ahoy there. Don't be fergetin' to celarrrrbrate today, matey!

Cats = Muppets.... Ok Go!

2011-08-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

The only thing more psycho and crazy than cats, are Muppets. For those who live under a rock (or worse, under a Fraggle Rock), there will be a new Muppet movie this holiday season entitled: "The Muppets"... so clever of them, huh?

So I share with you today (because it has been too long since I have posted) a new video featuring Ok Go and the Muppets performing The Muppet Show Theme.

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Waldorf & Statler have the right idea.

KC McCasey Abraham DeLacey Thomas O'Malley Cat

2011-08-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Our Neighborhood Association met 3 weeks ago, across the street. At the meeting, a stray, youthful cat waited outside the door until he was ready to make his grand entrance... which he did, at least five times during the meeting.

He was obviously interested in getting involved. This was, however, not the venue he was most suited for.

A week later, he found the kitty food dish and water bowl that we keep on our porch.

New cat on the steps, with resident FluffySox looking on.

It took all of about... 47 minutes, for this cat to figure out he struck gold on our porch. He comes running whenever the front door is opened. He heels like a dog if we walk through our yard, or up the street. He seems to have set up his new home here, it's a good thing he is quite friendly and social.

Very comfy... he's got "sleepy" eyes, not "evil" eyes.

So, as with all porch cats, we gave him a nickname: KC, short for KC McCasey, short for KC McCasey Abraham DeLacey Thomas O'Malley, the alley cat.

Introducing: KC McCasey

Feral Kitten Cuteness

2011-07-12T19:38:00.001-07:00

So cute, and needs a home. Soooo... what do ya think.

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Baldwin, the Bald Eagle, wishes you a great 235th Independence Day

Beanyland "Blast to the Past"

2011-06-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there remember the Beany & Cecil cartoon from the early 60's? No, I didn't either... until I started watching this video clip. Something strangely familiar about this video, in more ways that one.

See if you recognize these characters and furthermore, see is you catch all the Parodyland references!

Hawaiian Days

2011-06-24T19:19:00.001-07:00

Bailey wiggles out of any type of collar or harness. Apparently, he doesn't mind a Hawaiian lei.

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Introducing DL-CA Report CLARIFICATION!

2011-06-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

The BAILEYBLOG at SimbaSpot.BlogSpot.Com IS a cat blog, first and foremost. It will continue to be. Although I am gonna try to branch out a bit (if Bailey lets me), I think that the entire Disney topic should be addressed elsewhere...

...so, I am introducing the "Disneyland California Report" Blog. This is where I will post Disney news and Disney-inspired graphic art.

(FYI: Truman, this blog is for YOU!)

Disneyland California Resort Report

2011-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have decided to focus my Disneyland posts at a new blog named the Disneyland California Report

(DisneylandCaliforniaReport.blogspot.com)

Be sure to check it out!!

BTW. The more visit traffic I see on both of these blog sites, the more likely I am to post frequently!!!

Mormons Win on Broadway!!

2011-06-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

I am currently following less than 10 Twitter accounts.

No really.

Even less follow me... (FYI: @SimbaSpot)

Daniel Tosh, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Duffy Bear, Jim Henson Company, Neil Patrick Harris... which is actually the reason I checked out my Twitter account today (bonus points if you get the "In Joke" regarding that sentence)... but there is one Twitter account I follow, Stephen Fales (@MormonBoy), who posted a great homage to Mormons on Broadway... let me share it with you.

Oswald, Pluto and Figment

2011-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

One day when I was about 14 years old, I decided I liked Disney. This decision was made mostly so that friends and family had a default concept built in for birthdays and Christmas gift ideas... I mean it made sense, as I grew up in and around Disneyland. In high school, Toni Basil's "Oh Mickey" became my theme song and I acquired the nickname "Mick- the Mouse". I even ended up working at Disneyland for a summer when I was 17-18 years of age.

P L U T O

Ironically though, as much as I do like Mickey Mouse, he doesn't rank as one of my top 10 favorite Disney characters. Actually my very favorite Disney character is Pluto, a Mouse's best friend. Why? As near as I can figure, I am a lot like the loyal pup. I am a Gemini, which means I have two distinct personalities... much like Pluto (who is actually a Virgo, as he premiered on September 5, 1930). See, Pluto is an insanely loyal canine companion to Mickey, yet the moment Chip 'n Dale appear he's aggressive in defending his environment. I see perfectly eye-to-eye with Pluto on that philosophy.

F I G M E N T

My next two favorites, in no particular order, start with Figment. Actually, Figment of Imagination. Figment is a wide-eyed, child-like purple dragon with an active and creative imagination, from the EPCOT attraction "Journey into Imagination", which opened on March 5, 1983. Figment, along with his creator, Dreamfinder, explore creativity and imagination to the song "One Little Spark"---a song with my name in it! Cool! Although Disney closed the original attraction 1998, and had to alter the replacement in order to add Figment back into the newest version, Figment remains one of my favorite characters ever created by Disney, and since he only resides in one location on the planet, he remains understated and quite special to me.

O S W A L D

To round out the Holy Trinity of favorite Disney characters, I go to the oldest of all the Disney characters... no, not Mickey... Oswald. If you know the story already, skip the next paragraph. If not, let me share the details.

The first fully developed animated character Walt Disney created was Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit. (He premiered on September 5, 1927-- thus sharing a birthday with Pluto!) After a year of creating Oswald cartoons, Walt went to New York to request a financial increase for future episodes. Instead he was told he would either accept less money, or the character would be animated elsewhere, as the studio actually owned the Lucky Rabbit. Walt did not accept those terms, and as a result, the Oswald-less train trip back to California was where he came up with a new character, ~~Mortimer Mouse~~ Mickey Mouse.

Here's an awesome video that shows how everything went down in the late 1920's, at least how Oswald saw it!

(Also, this video clip is animated to music, "Oswald's Theme", created for the Epic Mickey video game that features Oswald)

In 2006, the Disney Company negotiated to bring Oswald back home to Disney for the first time in nearly 70 years. That's his story and that's why he's one of my favorites.

So just remember,

despite what the official corporate statement might be...

really, "it all started with a Lucky rabbit!"

* * * * *

IF YOU LIKE POST, PLEASE VISIT MY OTHER BLOG

DisneylandCaliforniaReport.BlogSpot.com

Not Just for Gays Anymore

2011-06-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Neil Patrick Harris did a sensational job as the host of the 65th Tony Award show, definitely kicking it off in high gear with the intro musical number, "Broadway! Not Just for Gays Anymore!"

I was rooting for The Book of Mormon for most of the Musical categories, and for War Horse for the Play categories, so overall, I was pleased with the results. It did kind of suck that the show ran long, and the DVR broadcast cut off the final award, Best Musical... not to mention Harris' awesome Tony recap rap.

Here are the results of the Tony Awards 2011.

Best Play
    Good People        Author: David Lindsay-Abaire
    Jerusalem           Author: Jez Butterworth
    The Motherf**ker with the Hat

Author: Stephen Adly Guirgis
War Horse Author: Nick Stafford

Best Musical

    The Book of Mormon
    Catch Me If You Can
    The Scottsboro Boys
    Sister Act

Best Book of a Musical
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Alex Timbers
The Book of Mormon Trey Parker, Robert Lopez

                                        and Matt Stone
    The Scottsboro Boys   David Thompson
    Sister Act           Cheri Steinkellner, Bill Steinkellner

and Douglas Carter Beane

Best Original Score Written for the Theatre
The Book of Mormon M&L:Trey Parker, Robert

                                          Lopez and Matt Stone
    The Scottsboro Boys   M&L: John Kander & Fred Ebb
    Sister Act           M: Alan Menken L: Glenn Slater
    Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Music & Lyrics: David Yazbek

Best Revival of a Play
    Arcadia
    The Importance of Being Earnest
    The Merchant of Venice
    The Normal Heart

Best Revival of a Musical
Anything Goes
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Best Performance by an Actor

    in a Leading Role in a Play
    Brian Bedford        The Importance of Being Earnest
    Bobby Cannavale   The Motherf**ker with the Hat
    Joe Mantello          The Normal Heart
    Al Pacino             The Merchant of Venice
    Mark Rylance       Jerusalem

Best Performance by an Actress

    in a Leading Role in a Play
    Nina Arianda          Born Yesterday
    Frances McDormand
                                 Good People
    Lily Rabe           The Merchant of Venice
    Vanessa Redgrave Driving Miss Daisy
    Hannah Yelland    Brief Encounter

Best Performance by an Actor

    in a Leading Role in a Musical
    Norbert Leo Butz Catch Me If You Can
    Josh Gad           The Book of Mormon
    Joshua Henry         The Scottsboro Boys
    Andrew Rannells     The Book of Mormon
    Tony Sheldon         Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Best Performance by an Actress

    in a Leading Role in a Musical
    Sutton Foster       Anything Goes
    Beth Leavel            Baby It's You!
    Patina Miller       Sister Act
    Donna Murphy The People in the Picture

Best Performance by an Actor

    in a Featured Role in a Play
    Mackenzie Crook     Jerusalem
    Billy Crudup            Arcadia
    John Benjamin Hickey
                                  The Normal Heart
    Arian Moayed          Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
    Yul Vázquez            The Motherf**ker with the Hat

Best Performance by an Actress

    in a Featured Role in a Play
    Ellen Barkin          The Normal Heart
    Edie Falco           The House of Blue Leaves
    Judith Light           Lombardi
    Joanna Lumley    La Bête
    Elizabeth Rodriguez The Motherf**ker with the Hat

Best Performance by an Actor

    in a Featured Role in a Musical
    Colman Domingo    The Scottsboro Boys
    Adam Godley          Anything Goes
    John Larroquette How to Succeed in Business

                                     Without Really Trying
    Forrest McClendon The Scottsboro Boys
    Rory O'Malley         The Book of Mormon

Best Performance by an Actress

in a Featured Role in a Musical
Laura Benanti Women on the Verge

of a Nervous Breakdown
Tammy Blanchard How to Succeed in Business

                                     Without Really Trying
    Victoria Clark          Sister Act
    Nikki M. James     The Book of Mormon
    Patti LuPone           Women on the Verge

                                     of a Nervous Breakdown

Best Direction of a Play
    Marianne Elliott & Tom Morris
      War Horse
    Joel Grey & George C. Wolfe
   The Normal Heart
    Anna D. Shapiro    The Motherf**ker with the Hat
    Daniel Sullivan        The Merchant of Venice

Best Direction of a Musical
    Rob Ashford            How to Succeed in Business

                                     Without Really Trying
    Kathleen Marshall    Anything Goes
    Casey Nicholaw & Trey Parker
The Book of Mormon
    Susan Stroman       The Scottsboro Boys

Best Choreography
    Rob Ashford            How to Succeed in Business

                                     Without Really Trying
    Kathleen Marshall Anything Goes
    Casey Nicholaw       The Book of Mormon
    Susan Stroman       The Scottsboro Boys

Best Orchestrations
    Doug Besterman     How to Succeed in Business

                                    Without Really Trying
    Larry Hochman       The Scottsboro Boys
    Larry Hochman & Stephen Oremus
                                  The Book of Mormon
    Marc Shaiman & Larry Blank
   Catch Me If You Can

Best Scenic Design of a Play
    Todd Rosenthal       The Motherf**ker with the Hat
    Rae Smith              War Horse
    Ultz            Jerusalem
    Mark Wendland       The Merchant of Venice

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
    Beowulf Boritt         The Scottsboro Boys
    Derek McLane          Anything Goes
    Scott Pask           The Book of Mormon
    Donyale Werle         Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Best Costume Design of a Play
    Jess Goldstein         The Merchant of Venice
    Desmond Heeley   The Importance of
                                       Being Earnest
    Mark Thompson       La Bête
    Catherine Zuber       Born Yesterday

Best Costume Design of a Musical
    Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner
                                   Priscilla Queen of the Desert
    Martin Pakledinaz     Anything Goes
    Ann Roth           The Book of Mormon
    Catherine Zuber       How to Succeed in Business

                                     Without Really Trying

Best Lighting Design of a Play
    Paule Constable    War Horse
    David Lander           Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
    Kenneth Posner       The Merchant of Venice
    Mimi Jordan Sherin Jerusalem

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
    Ken Billington          The Scottsboro Boys
    Howell Binkley         How to Succeed in Business

                                     Without Really Trying
    Peter Kaczorowski    Anything Goes
    Brian MacDevitt    The Book of Mormon

Best Sound Design of a Play
    Acme Sound Partners and Cricket S. Myers

                                  Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
    Simon Baker            Brief Encounter
    Ian Dickinson for Autograph Jerusalem
    Christopher Shutt   War Horse

Best Sound Design of a Musical
    Peter Hylenski            The Scottsboro Boys
    Steve Canyon Kennedy Catch Me If You Can
    Brian Ronan           Anything Goes
    Brian Ronan             The Book of Mormon

Finally, if you were able to watch the Tony Awards, you got to see the musical number for Stephen Sondheim's Company(clip above). The entire show was filmed on Broadway during the Spring, and the entire production will be showing in movie theaters during this next week at only 4 very special showings... I'll be there, will you?

Speaking of Star Wars

2011-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

After last week's Darth Vadar post, it only seemed appropriate to add this great video...

George Lucas Strikes Back helps explain the hidden back story about the decline of the Star Wars prequels (and other Lucas films), the Hollywood mafia, and how Short Round helped to save the day! Enjoy!

50 State Stereotypes in 2 Minutes

2011-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Need to learn all 50 states? Here's a great video to help you remember each of the 50 states via the stereotypes that clearly make identification so darn easy.

HAPPY ICE CREAM DAY to me!

2011-06-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 8 2007... I spent the morning in class. It was my very last class at Art Institute ever, as I was graduating the next week. Because I was graduating, final exams were given earlier than the other students (to make sure we'd actually pass classes) and so when the rest of the class spent the last hour reviewing for their exam the following week, I was allowed to leave early.

The day was now free. Quickly, I made a plan for me and Mike to drive up to Anaheim, and meet up with Lorrie and Bill at Disneyland. You see, the Submarine Voyage had been closed for over a decade, sitting empty, until recent construction began to transform it into the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The official opening date for the revamped attraction was set for Monday the 11th, but they were previewing it on this Friday. (Any new attraction at Disneyland gets me giddy, and Nemo happens to be one of my 5 favorite Disney films, so you know I had been counting down the days til it would open). It did not disappoint.

After Nemo, a bit of shopping was to be done. Lorrie and her Disney pin fascination led us to a pin shop nearby in Tomorrowland. While checking out the limited edition pins, I noticed some 2007 calendar selections. Fittingly, January, February, and March were no longer available... there were still a few April pins and even more May pins, but the newest and most available was the June pin. It seems that each month had a traditional holiday theme, however I don't think Flag Day or Father's Day translated too well into an easily marketable theme so June, as a representation of the start of Summer, was dedicated to "Ice Cream Day"--- with the very day we were there, June 8, highlighted as the actual Ice Cream Day!

I bought the pin, and the image above is my drawing of it with all it's details. And did I mention I now celebrate Ice Cream Day every year?

...because that day also happens to be my Birthday!

Darth Vadar's Disneyland Day

2011-06-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

On May 25th 1983, I was working at Disneyland... it was the morning in which the "New Fantasyland" was being re-opened and I was in the Grand Re-Opening ceremonies. In fact, as the drawbridge was lowered for only the second time in history, I was the third person to walk across the bridge, costumed as Toy Soldier #3. Apparently, even Sleeping Beauty used the Royal Guard services of the Babes in Toyland Toy Soldiers.

After clocking out around noon, I raced back into the park solo, and rode only one ride, the brand new Pinocchio attraction. I would have liked to have stayed longer, but my day was just barely beginning.

That particular day was also Senior Ditch Day at my high school... and you guessed it, I was a Senior in High School. I had already planned to miss the day at school because of my Disneyland work opportunity, but as it turned out, Ditch Day was planned for this particular day because it was the same day "The Return of the Jedi" opened in theaters... so after my Castle encounter, I had to rush back to my home town and join my friends in line at the movie theater for the Jedi premiere.

Which makes this Disneyland video clip all the more awesomely awesome to me.

War Horse on Broadway

2011-06-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Tony Awards are next weekend, and it is no surprise that I am favoring "The Book of Mormon" to win the Best Musical award. It is written by the South Park guys, along with one of the "Avenue Q" writers... so really, it is already the winner in my eyes.

However, I am writing this post in order to express my thoughts on the Best Play category. I admit I wouldn't mind it if "The Motherfucker with the Hat" won--the show sounds great and has a great title! Rather, I really favor the WWI period play, "War Horse". The show is about the friendship between a young man and his horse, but the horse is sent off to the war front. The equine puppetry is absolutely mesmerizing. There really are no words to explain how awesome the emotions are expressed by the horses through amazing puppetry.

I'll be rooting for "War Horse" to win next weekend and I found a video clip that does it some justice, so that maybe you'll be rooting for it too.

Yet Another Cute Kitten

2011-05-26T19:25:00.001-07:00

Unlikely Friends

2011-04-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

An animal that hates water befriends an animal that lives entirely in the water.

Really, the Dolphins should know that befriending a sea otter would be basically the same, yet much more practical.

Bailey's 5th Birthday

2011-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bailey turns 5 years old today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAILEY!!

(There is fish waiting for you in the kitchen!)

Pink Easter Bunny

2011-03-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

This year is the year of the SimbaSpot feline graphic design explosion.

Which is why I am posting my latest "feline" creation.... a pink Easter Bunny.

Pink Easter Bunny 2011

So, if you need a cute pink Easter bunny, for your kids this year... certainly qualifies as Easter Sunday Best attire... follow the link below:

"Click Here" on image above to link to shop

SimbaSpot Shirts

2011-03-11T15:31:00.001-08:00

It looks like Bailey really approves of the new SimbaSpot shirts. Or at least he approves of their comfort to sit upon.

Check out the web page for these shirts at SimbaSpot.com

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Do Dogs Chase Cats?

2011-03-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Just saw this on TV and was amused enough to find it online in order to share with you. This video begs to ask: Who's a better driver?

One Year Later

2011-02-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

After weeks of cloudy, overcast, wet weather, this weekend is offering a bright, bold, blue day to help coax out the reticent spring flowers. Same thing happened last year, on this same weekend.

You see, last year, it was pretty clear that Kira was in decline. We had planned on spending the weekend showering her in love and saying our goodbyes. She had been hanging in there for weeks and we knew that the tide had turned, but one thing we hoped she would get to have before the end was a few hours of the sun's rays to warm her tired little body. That weekend, the winter weather took a break and Kira was able to bask in the warm sunlight and daddy loving that she thrived on.

Thinking about you today, Kira.

This year, we got the exact same weather pattern. However, in her absence, the change in weather is marked by the presence of the porch cats... FluffySox, 50/50, Sharkbait, and Brillo. (Found cat, Kasey, even popped up, practically knocking at our front door about a week ago). Our front porch faces the west and the afternoon sun is ideal, as it beats down and helps recharge all the solar powered cats in the neighborhood. Not to mention the free cat food, beds, and shelter, our porch is the ideal kitty haven. We even have a new visitor, another orange and white tabby like 50/50 only smaller... we nicknamed him 40/40.

So, as a reminder not to become overrun by stray/feral cats, I post this picture. It is to remind me what a homeless critter might look like on our porch if is gets to be a little too comfortable...

New Years Balloon Attack? Cat

2011-01-03T12:44:00.001-08:00

After killing one New Years Day balloon Bailey sets his sights on a second balloon... with little enthusiasm.

Holiday Greetings

2010-12-09T10:57:00.001-08:00

Hallee & the CheeseChase

2010-11-12T12:43:00.001-08:00

This is Hallee. She is still a temporary guest, but as you can see she is quite comfortable and has made herself at home.

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Two Many Kitties

2010-11-12T11:38:00.001-08:00

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Been a while since I posted, so let me get you up to date.

On Halloween Night, two bonus Trick o' Treaters, dressed as felines, came to our door. We took them in and posted signs looking for their owners. The grey boy, nicknamed "Kasey", had a home and was claimed immediately... the little tabby girl with white feet, nicknamed "Hallee", is still with us. (FYI: HALLEE is HALLOWEEN without an OWN-er)

So, I got up this morning, and Hallee was awake in the Living Room. Bailey was watching over her from "his" red chair. He seems to be very fascinated by her. But what's this... also FluffySox and Sharkbait are found on our porch... seems only Sidney is doing his own thing.

Jason Mraz & Elmo on the BaileyBlog

2010-08-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Jason Mraz's awesome song "I'm Yours" is one of my favorites, and I certainly didn't think it could be improved upon. I was wrong.

Jason sang his song on Sesame Street, and before long he is joined by Elmo. Pure Sesame Street brilliance! Add to the mix Baby Bear, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and others and how can you not just LOVE this song!?

On the Cat Walk

2010-08-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

I know this is probably too soon to post, in that I have failed to post for over 2 months, and now, in just a few days since my last post I feel compelled to post a second item, but seriously, this is just too cool.

For me, personally, shoes do not titillate me in any manor whatsoever. I acknowledge women's fascination with shoes, yes, but I wear my basic tennis shoes until the soles wear thin with no worries.

THAT BEING SAID, a friend of mine re-posted this image on FB, of the absolute coolest shoe I have ever seen. Now, I certainly don't envy women... as they gotta wear those damn high heels, yada, yada, yada... but this IS reallty cool. Don't ya think?

Who wants to walk the Cat Walk in a pair of these for me? ...on the Cat Walk, and do a little turn on the Cat Walk...

SimbaSpot Inspiration

2010-08-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it has been far too long since I have posted on here. I apologize and ask you to forgive me. Pleeeeeease!

That being said, let me get you up to date. Fortunately, we have not had any dying pets (nor know of anyone who has) which sadly had been the focus of this blog for far too long. Instead, animal art (especially, cat art) has inspired me for the last few months. You recall my last post which announced simbaspot.com...? Simba, Bailey and Kira & Sidney have inspired me to create graphics large and small. I have my own animal menagerie now.

Late June I created (nearly-)lifesize 2D animals, creating a "Jungle Safari" for a bicycle event here in Portland. I "hid" 20 animals in neighbor's yards and challenged kids (and some adults) to seek and find these hidden animals. I intended for the younger set to find many, but not all, so that I could really challenge the older crowd with a few "very well hidden" creatures. I was very pleased, that no matter the age, every last kid sought to find each and every hidden creature. My favorite kid was the one who wanted his picture taken with Bailey & Sidney, who were easily located on our front steps--the kid loved the fact that B & S were wearing ties around their necks.

After Jungle Safari was over, I felt compelled to utilize my 2D cats wearing ties, and embarked on a new adventure during July (and still ongoing) in which I take my 2D Bailey, now christened "Bailey FlatCat", and photograph him where ever he ends up tagging along to. During July, we visited many Portland landmarks with Bailey FlatCat, including a couple visits to the Oregon Zoo.

Photos from both the Jungle Safari and the adventures of Bailey FlatCat can be found on simbaspot.com.

My next direction, aside from shirts of my critters, is perhaps some more formal art-like endeavours... what do ya think?

BaileyBlog at SimbaSpot has inspired SimbaSpot spinoffs

2010-06-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Meet the new Simba.

BaileyBlog... located at SimbaSpot.BlogSpot.com has inspired a future website: SimbaSpot.com.

And a future Twitter account: @SimbaSpot

Why, oh why? you ask (especially concerning a Twitter account)

The reason is pretty simple actually. You see, Simba has inspired me to do a great many things in life, even though he is no longer with me every day. This blog, now 2 1/2 years old, for one and many of my best design projects (both interior design and graphic design) are great examples of his inspiration. My latest project, a kids activity for a city event, also has Simba written all over it--two dozen animal cutouts (made entirely by me) that highlight my creativity, but this time Simba and I are taking it public, beyond Portland.

Introducing SimbaSpot

Be sure to visit my graphics shop at Zazzle, and if you like what you see please make a purchase--- I receive royalties and referral fees for my work, so you really would be supporting me if you like what you see and make a purchase.

CLICK HERE

www.zazzle.com/simbaspot

Oh, and don't forget... coming soon: simbaspot.com and @simbaspot on twitter.

One final shameless promotion

News: Keep abreast of all your cat's riveting daily activities using Sony's prototype lifelogging collar.

2010-05-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Photo of fake cat wearing experimental Twitter collar.

(Credit: Tech-On)

Sony's Computer Science Laboratory has seen the future of location-aware lifelogging, and it's probably curled up on your couch.

During an Open House on May 28, the SCSL team showed off a prototype cat collar called Cat@Log, equipped with a still camera, GPS, accelerometer, and Bluetooth, capable of reporting your four-legged friend's minute-by-minute activities over Twitter. The end result plays like a mashup of Crave favorites: the kitty cam and the Twitter cow.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Where are the lasers? We can only pray Sony will add both laser and 3G compatibility before the product hits store shelves.

Obvious disappointments aside, Sony's team of engineers has figured out how to associate your cat's activities with preset Twitter-ready phrases. Currently, the device is capable of communicating 11 phrases based around movement (jumping, walking, running, sleeping, etc.), as well as facial gestures. In time, the engineers hope to expand the device's vocabulary, giving Twitter squirrel some worthy competition.

Thankfully, this is only a concept model. Should a consumer version ever materialize, it's only a matter of time before our new cat overlords turn the devices against us.

A BIG Thank You

2010-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

My Very Special THANK YOU to:

Sue & her kittehs
Mike & the Boys
Megan & Audrey Grace
John, Dan, Rupert & Digby
Nicole
Steve & Samantha
My kitteh cousins
David & Odie

These are my friends, kitteh friends & goggie friends who donated to the Oregon Humane Society in the memory of Kira. On a personal level, it meant the world to me that these people were kind enough to support my request and I am very grateful for their support. We raised a total of $305 in Kira's name. Once again, Thank You.

Look at the Birdie!

2010-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I was surfing the web when Sidney started "chirping" at the window.

So, I got up to see why he was chirping... it was a birdie sitting right outside the window, a mere 18" away.

Before I knew it, Sidney's message was intercepted by Bailey, who immediately rushed to the window to investigate.

They then began to plot and scheme to "get the birdie"... however, the window remained an obstacle in their quest.

Those are my boys... keeping the house safe from birdgulars.

Moving Forward

2010-04-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

"What did you do with your kittys as you sent them up to heaven?? Did you cremate them or bury them?? I've had plenty of cats die before, but that was when i lived at home and my parents dealt with it. It was also different than it is now."

I already forgot what a big deal this is. Growing up, "my dog" Max was my first pet in which I had any real responsibility-- and even so, looking back, I don't really think I can claim being truly responsible. After I moved out of my parents home, Max stayed behind, but he always barked in excitement as I parked on the street for a visit. But I was 1000 miles away when I got the news that he was gone.

My first cat, Biff, fit in the palm of my hand when I found him and brought him home. He was only nine months old when he disappeared. We suspected neighborly foul play, and a few days later, my sister found him deceased in the crawl space under the house, directly beneath my bed. I was saddened, and opted not to deal with the grief and morbidity of the situation.

So I understand that it truly IS different now. My experience with losing, grieving, and moving forward with Simba and with Kira are two very different experiences.

* * * * *

Simba's passing happened quickly and unexpectedly. We had missed seeing the signs of his illness. At midnight on a Friday, we took him to the hospital, where he spent the next 48 hours, and it was at that time we learned that his time was near. We took him home, thinking we still had days or weeks, but after 6 final hours at home, we returned with him to the hospital. We had to say goodbye, decide what to do with him, fork over money, and leave the hospital without him-- and I was kinda in shock through the entire experience.

As I recall, in my shocked state, we were given a few options, at different financial levels: Say goodbye and be done with it; bury at a pet cemetery; or cremate and bring home his ashes. We chose cremation, paid the hospital, and never saw his furry body again after he was carried out of the exam room. Fortunately, I had had the foresight to clip some hair before we brought him in. Four days later, I dropped everything to go pick him up at a place I had never been to before, once I got the call that it was time. I really wanted to have him come home. It ended as a favorable experience, but I felt I had very little control over what happened.

His ashes were in a small cedar box. I collected every photo I had of him into one location and framed some of my favorites. I filled an empty box with his toys, medicines, and other Simba related memorabilia.

I decided I wanted to create one place in my home that was Simba's place where I would display the clock that ticked away his final hours with me and my favorite photos of him. In the center is the cedar box that contains his ashes.

The cedar box containing his ashes, a candle we lit the week he passed, my wooden Siamese, St. Gertrude (patron saint of cats), his cremation records, his fur clipping, and one of his toys (as well as my only photo of Biff)

* * * * *

Kira, on the other hand, was an entirely different experience. We had plenty of time to prepare mentally, plenty of time to photograph and video her, we had a reference on which to act, and we had a relationship with her veterinary team.

We were given an option; a stranger could come to our home to take care of the event or we could bring her into her vet's office. We knew we wanted her vet, Dr. Tobin, to handle this for us, so we went into the office. They gave us all the time wanted with her, before and after. They tied a ceramic heart around her paw, which remained with her through the cremation, and we retained the companion piece. They offered to clip hair for us. We were given the option of taking her to the cremation service ourselves or they would do it for us.

We were unsure if we wanted to transport her body or not. We visited the crematorium a couple days beforehand and concluded we thought we would prefer to do it ourselves, although we had reservations. I was very happy we chose to do it ourselves for a few reasons. One: we didn't leave the vet office without her. Two: the vet team prepared her body so peacefully, wrapping her up in her own blanket-- it was calming to see her like that. Three: we got to be the ones to select what our final remembrances would be. You only get one chance to make these decisions.

We selected a redwood box for Kira's ashes, to compliment the Simba's cedar box. We were also able to have her paws cast in plaster and opted to get a green pendent (which matched her green eyes) that contained some of her ashes.

We have yet to assemble a set of photographs to frame, as we literally have hundreds to go through. For now, we have her bed filled with her life. Candles, fur, toys, cards, and her redwood box.

Kira's pink leash, a candle we burned in her honor, her fur clippings, condolence card from her vet staff, paw prints in plaster, pendent containing her ashes, ceramic heart, and the redwood box containing her ashes (and ceramic heart center)

* * * * *

Two other experiences worth sharing, that are not my own, include things to consider during and after. During the experience with the vet, be sure you needs are being met. I posted a few weeks back about my friend John, and the passing of his dog Digby. When he shared his story with me, one of the most poignant moments I recall, was how after he said his goodbyes, he didn't want to walk out of the room and leave with a last memory of her still laying on the cold floor. Digby was not a small dog, but he asked if someone could come in and carry out while he was still there. I thought this was brilliant and beautiful. His very last memory is of her being carried off to that which comes next.

Finally, my parents did a wonderful thing when their dog Cora passed away. They donated her to a veterinary school for education. After about a year, Cora was cremated and returned home to my parents. I think that was so awesome-- even more, knowing that I couldn't have done that with my cats.

So, I hope that I answered the question at the top of this post. Knowing what you are able to do and knowing what you would like to do are the two key details. You don't get a chance to do it over, so don't be afraid to seek out solutions that help you accept the loss and solutions maintain the proper memories of this special relationship.

Kaci is Leaving

2010-04-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

I have not posted anything in a couple weeks. I just got a new mobile phone last week and I have taken some fun pictures of the boys... both Bailey and Sidney have their own little photo spreads I wanna share soon. I am also off to the theatre tonight so we will see if I can manage to work a feline storyline into Dreamgirls so I can post about it here.

In the meantime, Angi sent me sad news about her cat, Kaci. Seems Kaci was just diagnosed with lung cancer and the Christensen family is preparing to say goodbye in the next week or so. My thoughts are with them.

Angi sent a photo of Kaci with the news... which was very smart of her, cuz I was gonna ask for one anyway. She said it was one of her favorites, and I can see why. This is one of the most awesome cat pics I have seen. Kaci looks so sweet and adorable in the leaves... she certainly knows how to work it for the camera. I am sure she'll be missed.

Disney Animation Redux

2010-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

So the other day, I asked Bailey if he knew what the Disney Classics Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Wind in the Willows, Jungle Book, Aristocats, and Robin Hood had in common. He had no idea, which kinda makes sense, since the only Disney movie he has ever been interested in enough to watch was Finding Nemo. (Couldn't even get him to sit through Little Mermaid)

Well, the answer is, easily enough, identical animation scenes. Snow White=Maid Marion=Duchess in the same way Baloo=Little John, Kaa=Sir Hiss, and the monkeys=the weasles, etc. Don't know what the heck I am talking about? Don't believe me? Don't care? Of course you care, so I have included a 3 1/2 minute video clip that explains it all below.

(This clip has existed for a number of years, and this version includes a French rendition of a Snow White song... and since Aristocats takes place in France, this clip seems appropriate from this cat themed blog, right...?
Just go with it)

Disney Animation Redux video (3:29)

So, could you identify these movies:

Snow White,
Wind in the Willows,
Jungle Book,
Aristocats,
Robin Hood?

How about these movies:

Sword in the Stone,
101 Dalmatians,
Sleeping Beauty,
Beauty & the Beast?

If you couldn't, no worries, Bailey couldn't either. Actually, he couldn't care less.

PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS POST ("Comments" BELOW), IF YOU FOUND IT INTERESTING. THANKS!!

Mission Impossible Kitties

2010-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cats, The Musical

2010-03-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight we're off to see Cats. It has been 25 years since I last saw it and I am really looking forward to seeing it again. Mike has never seen it.

We decided to make this show extra special. We will be having dinner at the theatre beforehand, and we got tickets much closer than we usually do (Orchestra J, seats 1 and 2; our usual seats are twice as far away) to make this an evening to celebrate Kira's life.

I have decided that Simba was part Mr Mistoffelees (amazingly talented) and part Skimbleshanks (kept our house on schedule). His personality was so big, he embodied two characters. He might also embody Growltiger (adventurer), but since Growltiger fights the Siamese that may be a conflict for Simba.

Bailey and Sidney are definitely Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer (stealth, trouble-making duo). They get into trouble night and day. Bailey gets blamed for most things, but I think Sidney is equally guilty--he is just smart enough to play innocent.

Even though she isn't really one of our cats,

FluffySox reminds me of the Old Gumbie Cat, Jennyanydots (neighborhood caretaker).

Other neighborhood cats, if they were in Cats, would include

SuperFluff as Bustopher Jones (cat-about-town),
50/50 as The Rum Tum Tugger (the sexy tom cat),
BrilloCat as Gus (aging, with stories to tell),
and Felix as Macavity (mysterious cat burglar).

I expect the conclusion with Grizabella will remind me of Kira, so I am bringing tissue. Kira worked hard at maintaining her dignity and glamour up to the end. She was a little boney and thin at the end, but she was always a loving, beautiful girl.

Tonight's show is in her "Memory".

Bailey Is Four

2010-03-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Bailey's Fourth Birthday

Happy Birthday Bailey!!!

Happy Simba Day!!

2010-03-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Today is the day to remember my awesome Simba. It was four years ago on this day when I said goodbye to him. Here is one of my favorite pictures of him

And here is a picture of Sidney two days ago. Hmm...

The Other Grey Girl

2010-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Shortly after we moved to Portland, we met Dan and John, and they quickly became our valued friends. Let me be clear here... Dan and John are very nice, but their dogs, Digby and Rupert had all the personality! ;-)

At the time, we just had Kira and Bailey... sweet grey girl, Kira and hyper young boy, Bailey. Dan and John were always out and about with the dogs, Digby and Rupert... sweet grey girl, Digby and hyper young boy, Rupert. (I have to admit, I was extremely jealous that Digby and Rupert socialized so well--- and we had cats)

Other than species, this pair of dogs was so similar to our pair of cats, that I adored them immediately. Both girls were "little" old ladies who were battling old age and both boys were young and fearless.

We were informed this morning that Digby had passed on last night. We knew she wasn't doing well, but it still makes Mike and me sad to know she is gone. We will miss her, too.

So here's to Digby...and tell Kira we miss her.

Thank You, Mr FluffySox

2010-03-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

It has been more than two weeks since Kira passed, and I have to admit, my enthusiasm for posting here on the BaileyBlog has been somewhat lacking. The Boys are in the prime of their lives, and while they love us immensely, they are pretty self-sufficient-- I am definitely missing the daily grind/responsibility of meeting Kira's needs.

The same afternoon Kira left (a beautifully sunny day), I got home to find FluffySox on our front steps sunning himself. He hasn't been around much since the week of his captivity in December, but as the weather has improved we have seen him more often. It was really nice to see him on this particular afternoon, as this home certainly benefits from a feline trinity.

Silly Bailey, made no secret that he enjoyed the full access upstairs that had been denied to both Boys, for Kira's benefit. While Sidney has been enjoying upstairs more fully by utilizing the entire space, Bailey made his appreciation evident by moving in to Kira's empty bed the very first day it was available.

So, in the end I return to my appreciation of having FluffySox "on our porch". He is not ours, but I feel strongly that he feels comfortable with us, as he has been spotted in all areas of our yard, front/back/side, sleeping or lounging as if it were his own home. Despite being an independent soul, he does provide a sense of comfort in the midst of our loss...

Happy Cat

2010-02-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

Because the BaileyBlog was created to celebrate the kitties, let's break it down and celebrate (as only a grey kitty can!)

In Memory of Kira

2010-02-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

I have created a fund for the Oregon Humane Society, where I volunteer, to accept donations on behalf of Kira. I would very grateful for any donations you would be able to make in her memory.

Oregon Humane Society: In Memory of Kira

The Oregon Humane Society does not euthanize any animal it takes in, if the animal can still lead a loving and productive life. As long as their condition is not dire, animals with medical conditions are cared for and adopted out to homes that are willing to take on the additional needs of the animal. Because these animals require extra care, they may live at the Humane Society for many months, unlike most animals, but they have no time limit at the shelter. The Oregon Humane Society lets these animals remain and fully cares for these animals for as long as it takes to find them the proper home. This extra care is provided entirely by donations. Kira could easily have been one of these shelter pets, needing extra care. We all have our own pets to care for, but even a small donation here can help out the ones that will spend a longer time in a cage, until they find someone willing to take on the extra responsibilities they require.

Kira... Goodbye

2010-02-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Kira left us this morning.

We had the most beautiful weather this last weekend, and she was able to spend the days lying in the sun. She didn't have energy to do much more than that.

This morning, was sunny and clear, and even the cherry trees were beautiful and blossoming. She still had interest and curiosity as we drove to Vet office for the last time. After she left us, she looked so sweet and peaceful

Once we got back home, a bird landed on a branch outside her window and sang a farewell song to her.

* * * * *

RAINBOW BRIDGE
Author Unknown

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

I know Simba was there to welcome her. He was always very kind to her and understood how special she was.

* * * * *

I shot hundreds of photos and video of Kira over the last few months, and here are a couple of my favorite ones from her final weeks.

Our little angel, glowing bright, reflecting, ready to slumber

Sitting up and showing off those Pretty Green Eyes

I think the Boys, Bailey and Sidney, will also miss her.

Taking Bailey "For A Walk"

2010-02-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am sure you have heard that it is possible to leash train a cat. I decided Bailey "wanted" to go for walks outside.

We did buy him a leash and a harness when he was young. Bengals are known to be rather dog-like and I thought we could encourage him to walk with us, especially if we started him young. Another thing Bengals are known for is their independent spirit. Bailey absolutely HATES being held in my arms--it seems he dislikes his loss of control/options. Put him in a box and carry the box around... he is fine with that (he feels he is more in control of the situation if he has the option to jump out of the box), but put him in your arms and he screams bloody murder to be set free.

So I dug out the leash and harness we had given up using on him years ago. Being slightly more mellow now, I figured I might have some better success. At the very least, I could see if he was big enough to fit the harness properly... as a spastic kitten he always squirmed his way out.

After a bit of a struggle to get him geared up, I picked him up and set him on the front porch, video in hand, waiting to see how much he would protest this indignity. This is my wild boys response:

Bailey Called Dibs

2010-02-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

Kira has really been slowing down this weekend. Purring is still there, but some of the sparkle is missing. Time to spend extra time with Kira.

Sunday night, television was watched upstairs from the bedroom so we could spend time with her. Monday night was more of the same, with the addition of the boys, Bailey and Sidney... normally kept downstairs as of late, but under Daddy Supervision, allowed access within Kira's domain for the evening.

Kira was sacked out on the bed, with Mike and me petting her... as well as keeping Bailey at bay.

Amid the affection and attention we were paying Kira, we paused to find Bailey exploring the top of the dresser, checking out Kira's catbed in the window. Bailey is rarely allowed upstairs, so that Kira can have needed peace and quiet away from him, so it is understandable that Bailey is curious about the details of her space.

After focusing on Kira a moment more, I glanced over at Bailey once again... he was curled up in Kira's bed, with heavy eyes... nearly asleep.

Bailey called dibs on Kira's catbed before Sidney could... despite it still be Kira's!!!!

Having to Say Goodbye: Looking Back at Simba

2010-02-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago, I was asked how Kira was doing. I mentioned some of the rough patches she had recently been through, but otherwise she seemed to be doing pretty good. We were, after all, doing every thing we could for her... so much so, that we were scheduling our lives around our ability to meet her medical needs.

"Why don't you just put her down?" was this person's response.

Time stopped for about five seconds... Obviously, this person wasn't a pet owner and certainly couldn't understand. But wait, perhaps it was the time to take this action, and we were blind to her needs because we were selfishly avoiding the inevitable, still unable to bare the thought of losing her.

Ultimately, I know that I get to take the easy way out of this emotional conundrum.

Simba was MY cat and confidant since he had been a kitten, long before I met Mike. Mike claimed not being a pet person (and certainly not a cat person) for two years, however, when I was out of town one weekend he watched over Simba for me. A few weeks later, photos from that weekend revealed that Simba had worked his magic on Mike---

So, a year later, we found Kira at a shelter organization for Mike to have a cat companion and to be a compadre for Simba. Only nine months later, it seems we had missed the signs that Simba's health had severely declined, and with only three days of medical care, I reluctantly knew it was the time to say goodbye and let him go.

Such a profound moment for me. So much so that I can still vividly recall the details of that single, early morning hour. Simba looked into my eyes, yet through me, as to say he was tired and ready to go, Daddy. With a quivering voice, and tears welling, I said out loud, that it was time, partially to let Mike know and partially to make it real for me. We dressed, and Mike drove us to the hospital with Simba wrapped in my arms the entire way, consciously holding on to every last moment with him. After our private last goodbyes and love, I held him in my arms as we began the final process.

At first, he felt as he had hundreds of times before, alert and strong. Then, with the first injection, he lowered his head and rapidly dozed off.. For a few moments more, I was holding my beloved sleeping kitty. With the final injection, I felt everything change within seconds. My arms felt the life leave his body. I remember having to adjust my hold of him, because he had become limp, almost droopy, certainly like a ragdoll, and I wanted to keep him as he had been just a few seconds earlier; always regal, always dignified, always handsome, a cat, MY cat. I remember thinking how irrevocable that moment was, how incomprehensible -at that moment- the future would be without him, yet confident I had made the right decision... and calm.

...so I have the easy way out of this emotional conundrum with Kira. I had to make that decision for Simba, but Kira is Mike's call. I assume our grief over losing Simba will certainly be matched with Kira when the time comes, yet the circumstances are entirely different. We don't want to say goodbye to her, but it is inevitable. As I felt with Simba, it is an irrevocable decision, and in the end, Mike needs to be at peace with it.

I visit my friend's comment regularly. I ponder if we are still doing what is best. Kira remains affectionate, social, hungry, observant, curious, and vocal. For sure, she tires easy and we are seeing some decline in these activities, but absolute "bad" days are still infrequent. She is getting more wobbly and sometimes walks like a poorly driven hook & ladder fire truck, usually right after a nap. I think she'll let us know when she is done fighting and ready to move on... we just have to watch for her signal.

Kira Health News VII

2010-02-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

So, it seems that every time I post that Kira is not doing well, she bounces back. I did watch Monty Python's SpamALot with her, on Google Video some time back. (If you are not familiar with this Broadway musical, knowledge of the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie, will do here.)

Me (on this blog): Look's like she's about to die.

Kira: I'm not dead yet.

Me: Gonna be any day now.

Kira: I'm feeling much better, akshulee.

Her original 6 - 24 month diagnosis, is now solidly in its 25th month, and I doubt she'll make 26. Since every time I post dire news, she reacts to the contrary, I refrain from posting good news in fear that she will react to that in the contrary, as well.

So interpret my lack of recent Kira news accordingly, but I am not saying anything specific here.

Bailey's Groundhogs Day Prediction

2010-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Bailey saw his shadow this morning, indicating 6 more weeks or Winter.
To this news, his shadow merely meowed in disbelief.

Happy Groundhog's Day from Bailey (and his shadow, Sidney)

Sharing our Pet Pharmacy Experience

2010-02-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

So, Kira has been on medications for Lymphoma etc., since January 2008 (Mike was in St. Louis at the time, dealing with the passing of his father, so I was charged with Kira's well-being) For each visit to the Vet office I made with Kira, Mike was always on the other end of the speakerphone--but more importantly, because Mike was so far away, I tried to keep detailed notes as to Kira's health needs and all her medical requirements.

After her initial visit, Kira was prescribed six different medications. Five of the six were smaller, "kitty sized", portions, with some requiring twice a day dosing. As a result, I created an AM and a PM dosing schedule to make sure all her medications were given as required. The schedule I created was:

Marbofloxin; 1/2 of an oblong tablet, once a day (AM)

Zantac; 1/4 of a round tablet, twice a day (AM & PM)

Cyproheptadine; 1/4 of a round tablet, twice a day (AM & PM)

Metronidazole; 1/4 of a round tablet, once a day (PM)

Ursodial; 1/6 of powder inside gel capsule, once a day (PM)

All the 1/2s, 1/4s, and 1/6s of each of these medications were sorted for daily AM and PM combinations, each placed together within empty gelatin capsules, so that Kira only had to suffer one dosing each AM and PM.

This schedule has remained virtually unchanged for over 2 years.

After the first four months of this regime, we moved from San Diego to Portland. She had to endure a new veterinary, and we had to locate a new pharmacy in which to fill her prescriptions. Keep in mind, these are not "people prescriptions", and thus, may be a little less likely to be at your nearby neighborhood pharmacy in the needed doses. Fortunately, the medications were easy to come by. Surprisingly, it was the simple gelatin capsules that were a to challenge to find.

We inquired at the Fred Meyer (Kroger), RiteAid, Costco, and Walgreens pharmacies that were nearby. The local Walgreens seemed to be surprised at our request, but was the only nearby pharmacy that carried the supplies to meet our needs. Because they did carry the capsules we needed we continued to purchase them from Walgreens. The fact that the price always changed, from as low as $8 for 400 to a high of $8 for 300, only confirmed our belief that our request was out of the ordinary. (FYI, That is approximately .02 cents to .02 1/2 cents per capsule)

So, why am I writing this post? With Kira nearing the end of her days, we went to make our (what is likely to be the last) capsule purchase. This time, only 150, as we feel 75 days at twice a day dosing is very optimistic. Suddenly, because (we were informed) there has been a demand for the past 18 months, that the price for 150 has sharply risen to $30... (equals .20 cents a capsule; an 800% increase in price). We questioned the price increase, but ultimately paid it, for at that exact moment there isn't really a choice in the matter.

So, I have contacted Walgreens (and am waiting a response). It is very difficult to navigate prescriptions for ourselves, and for our pets--substantially more so. Due to all my interactions with pharmacies due to Kira, pet requests seem unusual and foreign to most pharmacies, usually requiring lots of explanation and out-of-the-ordinary responses. I don't want to believe that Walgreens seized an opportunity for greed, nor do I want to believe the employees were dishonest, so I hope--for the sake of all animal caretakers--that this was just a simple misunderstanding of some sort. It is already hard enough to have a supportive voice for our pets.

w e d n e s d a y, . f e b r u a r y . 3, . 2 0 1 0
* * * U P D A T E * * *

I am sharing our experience with Kira's Lymphoma diagnosis and treatment in hopes that it may be helpful and provide insight to anyone else who may have to go through similar experiences. Needless to say, lacking such info ourselves, there was some shock and anger after leaving the store, due in part by our limited options at that moment combined with the eminent loss on the horizon, so I waited a couple days before contacting the Walgreens corporate customer service number. Also, I chose not to call to complain about my experience (in which I tend to make too personal, get emotionally charged, and thus an angry situation), but instead my call inquired more generally about how to find valid Walgreens price information in the future, (I repeat:) "in hopes that it may be helpful and provide insight to anyone else who may have to go through similar experiences".

That being said, my corporate return call came about 24 hours later, and unfortunately, I missed the call. The caller was friendly enough, and this is the message (with names edited out for privacy):

Hi… This is… the Walgreens store manager for the Lombard store and I had received a complaint about some pricing issues. It looks like the compound pharmacist… charged you $30 for 150 pills. We went back and looked at the pricing and the best that we can do on that is $8 per 100. That basically… protects us from our margins and covers our cost. So the best we can do at this point is $8 per 100 and we have that down, so if you have any questions, you can always talk to me. I am the store manager… and just give me a call… Thanks.

So I guess a small success. We can't return our purchase for a lesser quantity and Kira most-likely won't be around long enough for another purchase, but any reader who is going through a similar pet experience and needs gel caps (or any other unusual pharmacy item) should inquire and establish a standard product price immediately once the need is established, no matter at Walgreens or any other pharmacy. Had we done that, instead of being surprised at $30 for 150, the $8 per 100 is reasonable and we would have made exactly that purchase (150 was just a random number anyway; even purchasing 100 is optimistic at this point). Walgreens did provide a satisfactory resolve for this situation; however, I doubt we'll have the opportunity to take advantage of it. (Where to find a valid price list remains elusive)

And a bigger success... she still is hanging in there.

Happee Birthdai, Ellens

2010-01-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Bailey is a big fan, and watches The Ellen DeGeneres Show everyday

Editor's Note: Bailey logged in as me to post this without my permission

Three Kitty Update

2010-01-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

Kira just keeps ticking. Despite our concerns about how well she is doing, she still rebounds back from the brink time and time again. I think her down days are an elaborate act she puts on just to see if we are still gonna give her lovin's. There are still times when she sleeps all day, doesn't eat, and is wobbly on her feet... but more often than not, she is alert, hungry, purring, and follows her daddies around for more love. Every time we are about to write her off, she bounces back with energy and affection. Right now, I give her a couple more weeks... but anything could change at any time.

The boys, Bailey and Sidney, are behaving irregularly as well. I think it is part S.A.D. (seasonal affect disorder) due to grey skies and rain outside, plus closed windows and curtains that result. I think it is also due in part a result of Kira getting extra daddy time. (Bailey still thinks "pouncing" on Kira is a fun game, so we have limited the boys' access to upstairs, thus allowing Kira to remain relaxed-- especially important now that she has lost most of her hearing and can't hear when Bailey is closing in on her)

As a result, the boys have come up with an ingenious new strategy to get noticed--thus getting more daddytime. For months, Bailey has claimed the red, bust patterned chair as his "bed" in the living room, and Sidney prefers Simba's old cat bed. Seems only fitting that Bailey has the dark patterned chair to match his dark patterned fur. Likewise, Sidney naps fittingly in the simple tan bed, that matches his simple tan coat.

BUT NOW, they have inexplicably switched... creating kitty contrast. Dark cat on light bed, light cat on dark bed.

Xanadu (and how I link it to Kira and the BaileyBlog)

2010-01-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

So, last night we went to see the stage version of Xanadu. How could that be a topic for this blog about (my) cats, you ask. Well, follow along, if you will.

Xanadu is a 2007 Broadway stage production, based on the 1980 movie that starred Olivia Newton-John. You may recall the movie as being a big hit, but really, it sucked. The music from the movie, however, was very popular and many of the songs topped the charts. The Musical plays off these facts with a slightly adapted storyline that humorously mocks and follows the movie's original plot (more or less). And the music is still awesome.

If you know the movie plot, Olivia-Newton John plays a Greek Muse named Clio. She visits an LA artist to help him achieve his dream, disguised with a new name and a pair of roller skates. They team up with an auditorium owner, who also had a muse whom he lost decades earlier. This partnership results in the creation of a roller-disco/nightclub called Xanadu.

I don't recall the movie very well, but in the stage show, Clio is the muse of both men, and her big disguise is really just being known by different names (plus a lack of aging).

Are you with me so far?

So see if you understand this irony(?), coincidence(?), or message from beyond(?). During this week in which we are giving so much thought to losing our sweet Kira, we spent the night at the theatre watching a show in which the main character, Clio, comes to earth in 1980 disguised as a woman named... wait for it... Kira. Oh, and the name she used as a disguise in the 40's... Kitty.

Kira Kitty. That has been her nickname since we brought her home from the shelter. Ok, Kitty, that is not a big stretch since Kira ia a cat. But Kira is not a very common name-- the only other Kira I am aware of is the Star Trek:DS9 character whom we used as our inspiration. But what are the odds of a character with (multiple) names of Kira/Kitty?

How odd to have purchased our season tickets months ago, and that Xanadu plays during this week, featuring Kira/Kitty... AND one of the next shows is Cats (Kira has always been Grizabella to me, and deserves to be reborn)... AND the last show of this season is The Lion King; maybe our own beloved Simba is letting us know he's ready and waiting for her to cross The Rainbow Bridge whenever we are ready to let her go and join him.

Kira has had to put up with two daddies and three brothers, so when you think of it, she has always been our sweet little Muse.

Here are some pictures of a playful Kira taken this week.

Kira Health News VI

2010-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Kira had her visit to Dr. Tobin's office yesterday morning. But let me back up...

In addition to the pill we shove down her throat twice a day, the twice a week chemo pill, and a squirt of anti-nausea liquid as needed... she is also getting a vitamin B12 shot regularly, periodic insulin shots, and a subcutaneous fluid infusion. As much as we want to do what is best for her, it is difficult to subject her to so much, and we occasionally grow exhausted at both the physical process involved as well as the mental process it takes to follow through completely.

We do skip dosings, we call it "Giving Kira a drug hoilday", and it is infrequent and calculated, making sure her well-being isn't compromised. For example, we probably skipped 30 of her twice-a-day pills, (after more than 2 years of this, that means approx 1500 opportunities), so we're not neglecting her. The subcutaneous fluids are psychologically the hardest to administer, poking her with a needle and keeping her still for 5-8 minutes while the fluids flow.

So to get back to the story, we had been slacking on administering the fluids, but after a very down weekend, we made sure to give fluids to Kira both Monday and Tuesday nights before her Wednesday morning Vet visit. She was full of life, interest, and energy all morning. She explored the Exam Room and was very vocal and curious on the drive to and from. She had the usual tests done. It was so awesome to see her so interested in everything. Dr. Tobin did remind us of what we were already monitoring: Good days vs. Bad days.

Understandable, Kira was wiped out last night, after such an active day. Her test results showed no change, but her results have been out-of-whack for so long already, that is of no comfort. As for her activity level today, she has been inactive and uninterested in most everything.

:(

Here is a video of active Kira at the Vet's Office. She was exploring the room while waiting for Dr. Tobin to come in and Kira sought out and found her red travel bag hidden under my green jacket. Our little explorer kitty would prefer to be safe inside her bag.

Kira Health News V

2010-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Subtle changes are happening...

Kira's time with us is coming to an end. She has started having difficulty sleeping, has begun losing her balance regularly, and has become even more picky about eating. Her hearing is all but gone now. She rarely is bothered by her brother, Bailey, which we always felt would be one of the last things we'd see happen, as she got more tired out. She moves very slow and calculated, and the stairs have become difficult for her to navigate. (She walks so slow and tenuous now, with her back arched... we have nicknamed her "Our Little Grey AT-AT" a reference to the slow, lethargic Star Wars transports used on the ice planet, Hoth)

We first identified her health issues 2 years ago this week. She was given 6 to 24 months in her diagnosis. I am proud of her being such the trouper and making it a full 24 months. She has had four different veterinarians during that time and had to move twice to new houses. She has had Mike and I visiting the Vet with her at least once a month for the last 24 months. She has had to take 2 capsules of medications twice every day for the last 2 years, plus other needed pills, shots, liquids and tests throughout to help with chemotherapy, nausea, diabetes.

She has an Vet appointment tomorrow morning, but I think the writing is on the wall. I don't think we'll make the decision for tomorrow, as we'd still like a few more days with her... she still is loving, affectionate, and constantly purring when she is with us, and because of that, we can afford to take some time to say our goodbyes, tell her how much we love her and how much we'll miss her(of course, we'll have to yell these intimacies to her, in hopes she'll be able to hear it). Her little body is wearing out.

So just an update on Kira... I'm gonna go spend time with her now.

UPDATE: Pictures from today...

Kitten Slide Video

2010-01-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

After watching this, I think we should put a slide in our backyard for Bailey and Sidney to play on...

Hey Slide Kitteh, yoo doin it wrong...

Play 2009 Off, Keyboard Cat

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Play Him Off, Keyboard Cat" is a viral video from 2009 that jumped from its original form, simply showing this cat playing an uptempo beat on the keyboard, to a much bigger and more viewed internet sensation... being tacked on to the end of 'Fail' videos of all kinds. A search on YouTube will yield hundreds of results in which a video clip ends in disaster and the same feline video is added in order to... Play Him Off, Keyboard Cat.

This clip is just one of hundreds, all different, except for Keyboard Cat Playing 'em Off at the end. HAPPY 2010!!!

Holiday Greetings from the Our Gang

2009-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

Christopher, Bailey, Mike, Kira & Sidney

Elf your Cats

2009-12-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

Elf Sidney, Elf Kira, Elf Bailey and Elf Simba offer Holiday Greetings.

Remember, Feline spelled backwards is Enilef... but it also spells Ein Elf

Christmas Eve Greetings

2009-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

icanhascheezburger.com

Why We Don't Own a Roomba

2009-12-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

Bailey Blog Turns Two

2009-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

BaileyBlog was started two years ago today. I was a bit slow to post at first, but now I think I got a system in place so I can post regularly. Anyway, in celebration of two years, I thought I would post some pics that represent why I started this blog:

Cheezburger...

...and Simba! (I miss you, Simmers)

Kira Health News IV

2009-12-16T16:05:00.000-08:00

After her vet visit last month, Kira didn't seem to be doing too well. Since then, she has regained a lot of her pep and energy. This morning we took her in for another checkup, and she showed a lot of interest and curiosity.

She has been doing this for so long now, that she doesn't really stress out much. Here, she takes time to view the photos on the walls of the exam room.

Finally, Dr. Tobin comes in and gives her a check-up. While things could change at any time, we are all pleased with how positive Kira's current well-being is.

She is such a great cat. She just takes this all in stride!

FluffySox Comes Back (Sort Of)

2009-12-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

FluffySox was inside the crate we had set up on the porch this morning. Unfortunately, Mike scared her as he left for work. She heard him come out the front door, she panicked and dashed out of the crate. She landed in the water bowl we set out for her, completely emptying the contents. She zipped down the steps of our walkway and ran off as Mike headed toward his car.

The good news: She DID come back.

The bad news: We apparently freaked her out, somewhat.

FluffySox Returns to the Wild

2009-12-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

With the combination of FluffySox spending her days pining out the windows, depressed by her incarceration, and the return of an outdoor temperature above 32, we made plans to return her to domain she preferred. Only one problem... we weren't sure how to do it.

Getting her indoors was easy. Put a pet crate outdoors, next to where we put out food. Furnish crate with cat bed. Cover with blanket to temper the elements. Heat it. She spent many hours in the crate when the temperatures ran low. Once the mercury hit the teens, despite the accommodations we set up, she was still terribly cold and exhausted by it. All we had to do was walk up to the crate, shut the door with her inside, and carry her, crate and all, inside.

After spending nearly a week in our guest room, she was spending all her time on the top of the crate bed, no longer needing to seek shelter from within it. So removing her from the guest room within the crate wasn't an option. She has become used to us and has been unafraid of us for many months now, and after sleeping next to her for the past week, we were allowed within a few inches of her... but she is very adamant that we don't touch her.

Attempt #1: We put Sidney and Bailey upstairs and closed all the doors downstairs. We opened the front door and blocked off a path that leads directly to the front door, so once motivated, FluffySox would leave the guest room, wander toward the living room, and dash out the open door. Well, I got her into the hallway, she panicked, and rushed back into her safe room (the guest room), and hunkered down under the bed.

Attempt #2: We opened the windows so she could dash out on her own. Problem A: We couldn't get the storm windows open enough to get a cat to squeeze through. Problem B: She was still unwilling to come back out from under the bed after the first attempt.

Attempt #3: Take apart the bed and gently encourage (scare) her out the door (in a similar process to attempt #1) Well, that was our plan, anyway. We tore the bed apart, and she just froze. We ended up grabbing her using a towel to keep ourselves safe from claws and teeth. She took it in stride, and I carried her to the doorway, released her, and she was on her way.

We set up her porch bed and crate in the same manner that it had been a week earlier. We placed food and water nearby as well. We hope to see her back on our porch very soon. We'll keep you posted on her return

Kira: Bad Days and Good Days

2009-12-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

Kira has been doing relatively well, despite having a morning drug everyday, an evening drug everyday, a chemo pill twice a week, fluid injections approximately every other day, and periodic insulin shot.

Despite all that, she still has time to watch Finding Nemo.

Foster home for FluffySox

2009-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

So.... our "half cat" (the feral cat that came with the house, and whom we feed on our porch everyday), that we named "FluffySox", was visably miserable on the porch-despite the warming blanket we put out for her-as the outdoor temps only range in the teens and 20s. We brought her indoors Monday night, in order to keep her from freezing to death (literally).

Anyway, she spent two days hiding under our guest bed. She also refused to eat anything--even the same food we had been feeding her on the porch for the past several months. Top it off, she only used the litter box twice--in 2 days. I was beginning to worry we had done the wrong thing for her.

Finally, we caught her dashing under the bed (obviously she had been looking out he window before we had entered the room). And better yet, 5 minutes after I got into bed on Wednesday (I had been sleeping in the room with her each night), she came out from the bed and returned to her window viewing/nap spot and wasn't bothered that I was nearby. She spent the entire night there, just a few feet away from me. AT 5:30 am, she finally decided she would eat! Yea!!

Anyway, here she is, in her safe place.

Ninja Cat Video

2009-12-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Posted here for those who haven't yet seen this typical cat ritual

Video Bonanza

2009-12-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I just figured out how to post my own videos on this site, so I have a few to put up now and you can be sure there will be more in the future.

Surprised Kitty Video

2009-12-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Cutest Kittie Ever Yes, even cuter than Bailey, take a look!

I'll Take Bin #7

2009-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

How Much Is The Kitty In The Bucket?

The Bright Side

2009-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Instead of dwelling on losing cats, here are the neighbor cats that we have befriended. Ironically, they hangout on our porch in nearly the same place as the recently missing decor cats.

This picture is of the neighbor cat we nicknamed FluffySox. She is sitting in a bed we leave out for her right next to where Metal Cat used to stand guard.

This photo shows the neighbor cat we nicknamed 50/50 (cuz he is the color of an Orange Creamsicle), and he is sitting in the exact location Baxter the Stone Cat used to occupy 24 hours earlier.

When Losing 1 Cat Just Isn't Enough

2009-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

After spending the morning giving Kira her IV fluids, not to mention having a good cry with her...

...turns out someone stole two of our cat decor items last night, right off the front porch--

Both traveled with us from California and were part of our Halloween decor for the past couple years, and Metal Cat was a big part of my memories when Simba passed away. I never expected to lose either of them (and boy does the timing suck)

Kira being a Trooper

2009-11-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

Having to administer IV fluids to Kira is very stressful. We do it because it makes her feel better and as long as she remains prominently happy we will continue to do what is necessary. It is hard to watch her deteriorate, and even harder to evaluate when it is appropriate to let her go. I don't plan on taking too many pictures of her that show her dying so obvious as this picture, but I want to remember enough of this process so that I never regret the final choice that will have to be made soon.

Sidney Too

2009-11-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Mr. Sid was also watching the leaves fall

Bailey Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

Either Bailey was in the Thanksgiving mood, or he was just irritated that one of his favorite lookout spots was cluttered with autumn debris -- either way he posed for Holiday pictures.

Kira Health Rollercoaster

2009-11-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

Kira went in for a second appointment in 2 days. We are gonna be giving her IV fluids and needed to learn how to do it, so I took her in to the vet office for a hands-on lesson. On the way home, I had to stop at a pharmacy to pick up a new chemotherapy medication; she waited for me patiently in the car. By the time we were on the road home, she was obviously feeling much better...

Kira Health News III

2009-11-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Kira has had some noticeable weight loss, is drinking a lot (too much, actually), and her energy levels are quite low for the past week or two. When she was first diagnosed with lymphoma in January 2008, we were told she had anywhere from 6 months to 24 months left. To date, she has been a trooper for over 22 months... but we can see her getting weaker.

Kira had another vet appointment today. Dr. Tobin walked in the room and could see immediately that Kira was not as active as usual. We decided to run a few additional tests, but things don't look too great at the moment. We also discussed how to proceed when we have to make the final choice and say goodbye, as it is inevitable.

While some test results are still pending, the lab results that did come in this evening are not quite as dire as we have been preparing for... she may still possibly have a couple months or weeks left in her, rather than just a couple of days. As long as she still purrs when she is with her Daddies, we will continue to keep her comfortable, happy and loved.

Oregon Humane Society - Volunteer Orientation

2009-10-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

www.oregonhumane.org

So I spent my day at the Oregon Humane Society today... Volunteer Orientation! I decided this was a better option than trying to adopt all the great cats I come across in shelters.

This is the 3rd oldest Humane Society in the country, their facility is first rate, and their cat adoption rate is 93% (versus an approx 30% national average).

Plus, I LOVE the advertising campaign: End Petlessness

Oregon Humane Society - Adopt - Avery

2009-10-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Oregon Humane Society - Adopt - Pet Detail

This guy looks exactly like our own Sidney, so I hope he gets a home soon.

UPDATE: Avery found a home Nov 11 -- We wish him well.

Oregon Humane Society - Adopt - Sporty Spot

2009-10-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Oregon Humane Society - Adopt - Pet Detail

This guy has been at the Humane Society for too long. He is currently the longest resident at OHS, since February '09... it's time for him to find a home!

UPDATE: Sporty Spot finally got a forever home on December 12... along with with shelter companion Boxcar... Great news for these two guys!

Sidney's 1 Year Anniversary

2009-10-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sidney has been with us for 1 year TODAY!

...and he has made himself quite at home...

Kira's Alter-Ego

2009-10-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

Kira (?) at Epcot

(photo: MiceAge.com)

The Phantom Menace

2009-07-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Kira's shadow in the stairway; a daily lunchtime occurrence. She patiently waits there to be fed, as she is convinced Bailey is waiting around the corner in order to pounce on her.

Simba & Sidney???

2009-07-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

This makes me think about how much trouble two Siamese cats could really get into...

Guy Love

2009-06-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

It's Guy Love... between two boys.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Sidney & Bailey... Together

2009-05-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

They do EVERYTHING together

Kira at the New Office

2009-05-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Kira is proofreading Mike's work.

Kira's New Sun Spot

2009-05-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Kira found a new place to lay in the warm sun. Since we have no South facing windows with direct sunlight, she outsmarted the boys and found sun below the skylight.

Meeting of the Minds

2009-05-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sidney and Bailey discussing details regarding the new house.

"Um, where you eavesdropping on us?"

Bailey Blog

The View of Baldy View

KC McCasey's 1st Halloween

Bailey Cat Halloween

Put On Your Sunday Clothes

Portland(ia) Recycles

And Now For Something Completely Different...

Jedi Kittens & Jedi Kittens Strike Back

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Cats = Muppets.... Ok Go!

KC McCasey Abraham DeLacey Thomas O'Malley Cat

Feral Kitten Cuteness

Happy Fourth of July

Beanyland "Blast to the Past"

Hawaiian Days

Introducing DL-CA Report CLARIFICATION!

Disneyland California Resort Report

Mormons Win on Broadway!!

Oswald, Pluto and Figment

Not Just for Gays Anymore

Speaking of Star Wars

50 State Stereotypes in 2 Minutes

HAPPY ICE CREAM DAY to me!

Darth Vadar's Disneyland Day

War Horse on Broadway

Yet Another Cute Kitten

Unlikely Friends

Bailey's 5th Birthday

Pink Easter Bunny

SimbaSpot Shirts

Do Dogs Chase Cats?

One Year Later

New Years Balloon Attack? Cat

Holiday Greetings

Hallee & the CheeseChase

Two Many Kitties

Jason Mraz & Elmo on the BaileyBlog

On the Cat Walk

SimbaSpot Inspiration

BaileyBlog at SimbaSpot has inspired SimbaSpot spinoffs

News: Keep abreast of all your cat's riveting daily activities using Sony's prototype lifelogging collar.

A BIG Thank You

Look at the Birdie!

Moving Forward

Kaci is Leaving

Disney Animation Redux

Mission Impossible Kitties

Cats, The Musical

Bailey Is Four

Happy Simba Day!!

The Other Grey Girl

Thank You, Mr FluffySox

Happy Cat

In Memory of Kira

Kira... Goodbye

Taking Bailey "For A Walk"

Bailey Called Dibs

Having to Say Goodbye: Looking Back at Simba

Kira Health News VII

Bailey's Groundhogs Day Prediction

Sharing our **Pet Pharmacy** Experience

Happee Birthdai, Ellens

Three Kitty Update

Xanadu (and how I link it to Kira and the BaileyBlog)

Kira Health News VI

Kira Health News V

Kitten Slide Video

Play 2009 Off, Keyboard Cat

Holiday Greetings from the Our Gang

Elf your Cats

Christmas Eve Greetings

Why We Don't Own a Roomba

Bailey Blog Turns Two

Kira Health News IV

FluffySox Comes Back (Sort Of)

FluffySox Returns to the Wild

Kira: Bad Days and Good Days

Foster home for FluffySox

Ninja Cat Video

Video Bonanza

Sharing our Pet Pharmacy Experience