28-JUL-2007
A rough start
We found this kitten sitting in the middle of the road on our way home one Friday night. We almost ran her over. I was half hoping she was a feral cat and would run the other way when I got out to check her over. But she ran right up to me and started purring. Well, what could we do but take her home and decide what to do.
28-JUL-2007
A skeleton with fur
She was in rough shape. Starving, she was basically a walking skeleton covered with fur. The vets exact words were, "What are you up for?" He thinks she is about 8-10 weeks old. She barely weighed a pound. You could feel every bone in her body. It was amazing she could even stand up or walk.
28-JUL-2007
Her eye is destroyed
The hair was worn off of the right side of her face. The vet said her right eye was totally destroyed. She had ear mites. Her chances were good, but she will need surgery eventually to remove what is left of her eye. The vet remarked people aren't always receptive to a one eyed cat, cosmetically its not always pleasing. I didn't care, I was willing to put forth the effort. There was just something about her. But I was also concerned about bringing her into my home where I already have 2 cats. We decided to try and get some weight on her and I will bring her back in a few weeks for testing to make sure she has no kitty diseases that will prevent her from coming in by my other cats. If she does have feline leukemia the vet has said he will help in trying to adopt her out if I can't keep her. Already she has won me over and it hasn't even been 24 hours.
29-JUL-2007
Just like having a baby again
Day 2: She hardly gets up to go to the bathroom. She is kept in a cage and she will go on one side and then moves over to the other side where it is clean. Her stool was green but amazingly she has no parasites. She has to be cleaned up just about everytime she goes. She is still purring. And she sleeps almost all the time.
29-JUL-2007
Force Fed
She has to be force fed about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. She only eats about an ounce at a time.
29-JUL-2007
What to feed her
It was a challenge to get her to eat. We started out with watered down canned food though a syringe. It had to be put through a blender to get it to the right consistancy. Eventually I went and got some kitten bottles and KMR powder and made the hole in the bottle bigger and squirted it into her mouth. Now we are getting somewhere!
29-JUL-2007
Touch & Go
She had ear mites pretty bad. They cleaned her ears at the vets office and also put Revolution on her back so we didn't have to keep digging in her ears. She slept almost all day on Sunday.
29-JUL-2007
Having Doubts
By the end of the day on Sunday I was really thinking she may not make it through the day. All she did was sleep. I had her in a cage, but removed it when it was obvious she wasn't going to move about. This is pretty much how she spent the whole day. That and getting force fed.
29-JUL-2007
What to do on Monday
I started thinking about if she did make it to Monday. What was I going to do then? I work in a food plant about 40 minutes away so I couldn't take her along, or run home to care for her. So she went to work with Cliff. Without the help of many others I don't know how we would have pulled it off. So for a while she would be a little "junk yard kitty". Oh, yeah, I'm not supposed to call it a junk yard.
30-July-2007
Thanks Mike!
That guy that owns the "salvage yard" didn't seem to mind her being around. Rumour has it he even liked her a little bit.
30-July-2007
Thanks Molly!
Molly works with Cliff at the salvage yard. Thanks for all your hard work and care. We couldn't have done it without you.
30-July-2007
My dear sissy Kris
Thank you so much for all of your help. A cat lover herself, she never hesitated in offering up her help. Love ya Sissy!
31-JUL-2007
Day 4 - Day & Night
Remarkably she is doing quite well. Eating kitten chow on her own and using a litter box. So we take her outside to move around a bit. I can't believe how well she is doing.
31-JUL-2007
Day 4 - You can't be too careful
Her eye and the area around it has to be cleaned every day. At this point its "glued" shut from all of the stuff leaking out of it. It smells horrible. Like something rotten. But I still think she is cute. She is also on antibiotics which we have to give her for 2 weeks. We also have to be very careful when we handle her and then go by our "resident" cats. We are constantly washing our hands and also not wearing the same clothes around our other cats that we wore when we handled her.
03-August-07
You have to name her
Up until this point she didn't have a name. I just couldn't bring myself to name her until I was sure she was going to live. Names make it too personal. She was lots of nicknames until now. Then my sissy Kris and Molly were persistant that she have a name. After lots of thought I came up with Zoey. She just seems like a Zoey. It rhymes with Joey. And it seems to go pretty well with Ozzy and Lucy the 2 resident cats we already have.
03-August-07
This is the life
Although she seemed to be acclimated to people from the beginning, I thought it was important that she not be alone all day. She would go to the salvage yard and be with people all day and at night she slept in a very large cage in the garage.
04-AUG-2007
A full week of care
She eats like a horse. She even has a little belly on her. Her bad eye is open now revealing a very sad looking eye or what remains of it. I wonder what happened to her. I also wonder how well she can see out of the good eye.
05-AUG-2007
Sad Eye
The vet said eventually we will need to remove what is left of the bad eye and sew the eye shut. I am told they can live happy lives with one eye. The cat that lives at the veterinary clinic is blind and relies on other senses to get around. So I would say one eye is alot better than none at all. The good eye, a beautiful blue, tends to look red at times depending on how the light is hitting it.
12-AUG-2007
We made it 2 weeks
This was also the last day of taking antibiotics twice daily for the infection in her eye. It was easy giving it to her except for the last 3 days, she got wise to what was coming. She likes roaming around the yard and hiding in the flowers.
12-AUG-2007
Time to stay home
It was also decided around this time that Cliff wouldn't be taking her to the yard every day. She was really starting to venture out and they were concerned if she were to sneak out of the busy office or worse yet get hurt. So we decided to keep her confined in the garage. The first week my mom came over a few times a week to let her out of her pen for awhile until we got home from work. By the end of the first week she will have free reign of the garage.
12-AUG-2007
The waiting is the hardest part
And so for now she spends her days in the garage while we are at work. In the evening we take turns playing with her. I will admit I am getting a little tired of spending my evenings sitting in the garage and I am counting down to the day of her vet appointment. I am glad there is an old tv in the garage!
12-AUG-2007
Do you see what I see
I was concerned about how much she can see out of the good eye. I watched her one day chasing and playing with bugs on the porch. I think she can see better than I thought she could.
12-AUG-2007
Anticipation
The vet appointment is on the 27th of August. We had to wait 2 weeks before we could get her tested for feline leukemia. We could have tested for it when I took her in the first time, but on very young kittens there is a chance of getting a false positive reading, so it is better to wait until they are older. Due to scheduling I am actually waiting 3 weeks so we should have a more accurate result. As soon as we have the "all clear" she can make the move from the garage to the house.
28-AUG-2007
Zoey's in the HOUUUUUUUSE!
Zoey got a clean bill of health on Monday, so she was introduced to "the house". There was some hissing that went on but actually it hasn't been that bad. She is still spending her nights in the garage and days, while we are at work, there as well. When we get home we barracade her in a room where the other 2 cats can look at her through baby gates. Then she gets to come out and wander around for short intervals.
28-AUG-2007
Don't even think about it
The second night in there was stormy weather and Ozzy who is afraid of thunder actually jumped the double stacked baby gate to get in his favorite spot when he is frightened. He seems to be interested in Zoey but she hisses at him when they get close. He has yet to hiss back at her though.
31-AUG-2007
Finally!! Down time
I decided to start the labor day weekend out early and take the day off of work. Zoey got to run loose in the house most of the day. Alot of the hissing has subsided, and she seems to be adjusting well. She now chases Ozzy around and jumps at Lucy in an attempt to play. They both have been very good about this new little intruder in the house. After lots of running around today, she finally took a rest. And I was glad, as I am not used to all that running and jumping about either!!
09-SEP-2007
Harmony in the House
It has been about a week that Zoey has been living in the house. She now has free reign during the day, but has her own bedroom at night...ha ha...so everyone can get some sleep. There is no more hissing or growling by anyone and she and Ozzy have become quite the pair. Lucy tolorates her and on occasion will run and play a little with her. The only challenge we have now is the food situation. Ozzy is on a prescription diet for crystals and he always wants to eat her food. We can't leave Zoeys food out when we are not around and thats been kind of hard. Now we are just waiting until the end of the month when she has the surgery on her eye. So far so good!
06-OCT-2007
Hey, do you mind??!?
We're tryin' to nap here! This is Lucy and Zoey lounging on a lazy Saturday afternoon. It has been a little over a month that Zoey has been in the house with the other cats and everyone gets along very well. We still give Zoey her own private suite at night, just so everyone can get some sleep, but she gets free reign of the house with the other 2 during the day.
Her bad eye is shut most of the time. It is still draining and smells horrible. It seems like the area around the eye is red and the hair isn't growing real well there. We try to keep it as cleaned up as possible but some days it is worse than others. It really doesn't seem to bother her though as she is full of energy and purrs all the time.
07-OCT-2007
Surgery soon
On October 18th, Zoey is scheduled to be spayed and have the remainder of the bad eye removed. Her right eye will then be sewn shut. I feel a little bad about this and I'm not sure why. Its my hope that maybe through this photo diary, she will become a good will ambassador for other pets that may not seem to be perfect or the first ones to be considered for adoption. Thanks to everyone so far that has taken the time to read Zoey's story and for your kind words of encouragement.
Stay tuned.
17-OCT-2007
No food after 6:00
Tomorrow is Zoey's surgery so the vet said no food after 6:00 p.m. Only water. Going to be a long night as she does most of her eating when she is put in the bedroom for the night with her food. I'm thinking it will be worse tomorrow morning when she is really hungry. I will be very glad when tomorrow is all over. So for now she's just chillin' watching moths on the patio door screen, while other 4 legged critters in the house are not fairing as well........................
17-OCT-2007
The kingdom in turmoil
Ozzy is not taking this no food thing very well. In fact he is being straight out mean to everyone. He keeps picking fights with the other two, giving me dirty looks and staring an empty food dish. Even sitting in front of the cupboard where the treats are stored just staring, like he needs food.....NOW!! And now very pitifully meowing, like he is in pain. Just like a guy, don't mess with my food!! As soon as Zoey is locked up for the night he will get his food back, or I think it will be a very long night!
17-OCT-2007
And so I leave you with this...........
this pretty much sums up the mood here tonight in northeast wisconsin. I think tomorrow morning it could be worse. I think we could all be feeling like this.
Zoey says thank you to EVERYONE for all their good wishes and thoughts!
Good Night......
We'll see you tomorrow..........
18-OCT-2007
La La Land
Today was Zoeys surgery. My good friend and shooting buddy was nice enough to go to the vet clinic and document this for me. Thanks Fisher, you're the best. Here Zoey is sedated waiting to go into surgery.
18-OCT-2007
Preparing for surgery
Wolf River Veterinary Clinic in New London cares for all of my cats. Here Dr. James Ziegler and assistant Kara prepare to insert a breathing tube in Zoey.
18-OCT-2007
Inserting the breathing tube
Almost ready to start the surgery. I did find out today that Zoey now weighs 5 lbs. Pretty good for barely tipping the scale at 1 lb when we first brought her in.
18-OCT-2007
First the Eye
Kara shaves the area around the right eye. The eye was removed and then it was stitched shut.
18-OCT-2007
Belly Up
Next her belly was shaved. This was to prepare her to be spayed. She also had her ears cleaned, her nails clipped, rabies and distemper shots. Kinda like the spa treatment but definately not very fun.
18-OCT-2007
Almost ready
Dr. Ziegler and Kara prepare to do a spay on Zoey.
18-OCT-2007
Let us spay..............
Dr. James Ziegler of Wolf River Veterinary Clinic gets ready to do Zoeys spay.
Check out their website here:
18-OCT-2007
Laser Surgery
Zoeys spay was done by laser surgery. It is supposed to be the safest and least painful treatment for your pet. There are many benefits in doing laser surgery vs traditional surgery which you can read all about here on Wolf River Vets website:
18-OCT-2007
Dr. Ziegler
In addition to caring for small animals, Dr. Ziegler also donates his time, knowledge and facilities in helping out wild birds through a local wildlife rehabber. More on that here:
18-OCT-2007
All Over
They told me at the vet clinic that she would probably do alot of sleeping tonight. Well guess what, she didn't. At first she stumbled around like she was still a little disoriented. As the night went on she was drinking lots of water, eating and eventually she was running around. As to be expected, her eye is somewhat swollen. I am supposed to try and keep her quiet, don't let her go down or up stairs, and no jumping around.
She goes back October 30th to get the stitches removed in her belly and eye.
19-OCT-2007
Franken Kitty
Oh boy! Zoey is really hyper today. Doing all the things she's not supposed to. Running around like she is crazy, running up and down the stairs. Jumping up on to and off of things. It looked like the swelling around her eye went down, then she was tearing around like mad and I think she bumped it because she has one huge goose egg on the incision. And it is bleeding. She is getting blood all over everything, as you can even see on the blanket she is on. You can also see her belly incision here, which she keeps licking, another thing she is not supposed to do. I'm glad she is feeling good, but wow, I never thought she would be like this!! I gave her some pain meds and it almost seemed like it made her more hyper. I am not sure if I will give her any tonight. I really don't think she is bothered by the discomfort she has to be having. Usually she is a total lap cat, well she wants none of that! Maybe she is mad at me for putting her through what she went though yesterday.
Gonna be a long 12 days until the next vet appointment!
23-OCT-2007
Guess who's feeling better
Okay, I have a rule around here. If you walk in your toilet, you can't walk on my kitchen counter. Zoey is breaking that rule as you can see. We are still working on implementing the rule via a squirt bottle.
The surgery did not really slow her down at all. She is doing very well, and goes to get her stitches out in 7 days. We did have to make an unexpected trip to the vet yesterday because I thought her belly incision looked sort of swollen and sticking out. They checked her over and said it was fine and nothing to worry about.
Again, I can't say thank you enough to all of you who took the time to read her story and continue to check in every now and then to see how she is doing. Never did I think a little kitten from Wisconsin would generate the attention she has. And just so you know, I have and continue to read each and every comment you post. Thank you so much for that. Your kindness has been overwhelming.
Now, wheres that squirt bottle................
28-OCT-2007
Trick or Treat
It was kind of a trick and not so much a treat trying to get some halloween shots of Zoey and company. They weren't very cooperative. I don't know how the pros do it.
28-OCT-2007
Not my Boo-st side
Her eye is healing up pretty good. I wanted her to turn her head so you could see the good eye too. But then I realized this is who Zoey is. A little one eyed kitten. And I don't think she really cares. She seems pretty happy.
28-OCT-2007
Spook-tacular Job
I will admit Ozzy is pretty cooperative when it comes to getting a good picture. As long as his belly is full and we are not messing with his food!
28-OCT-2007
Happy Meow-loween!
Not as scary looking as the first time you met her, wouldn't you agree? She seems to be healing up quite well. The hair is growing in around her eye and on her belly. On Tuesday the 30th she goes back to the vet to get her stitches out.
Hope everyone has a spooky but safe halloween.
30-OCT-2007
Don't keep me in stitches
Today the stitches came out. Megan of Wolf River Veterinary Clinic removes Zoeys stitches from her eye. She said everything looked really good, that it is healing nicely. She also told me that the area around the eye is going to be tender for awhile.
30-OCT-2007
That Tickles
Megan removes the stitches from Zoeys incision on her belly. She said that also looked really good. It must have tickled some because Zoey started to squirm around so I put the camera down and held her so Megan could finish getting the stitches out.
07-NOV-2007
Lookin' Good
It has been about 3 weeks since Zoey had her surgery. The hair is growing back in around her face and on her belly. In the last week she also has been turning colors like the leaves around here. Some new friends, Lisa & Tiki, tell us she may possibly be a snowshoe breed. I am still trying to figure out what point color group she would be considered.
She has a pretty good life. All the food she wants, warm places to sleep and a couple of buddies to hang with. She is a lap cat and a snuggler, which is nice now that the cold northeast wisconsin weather is kicking in. And she now has the run of the house at all times. She doesn't get her own private suite at night, which means we may have to invest in a bigger bed. 3 critters and 2 people all in a full size bed is a bit crowded. But I wouldn't trade her for anything. We can't imagine life without her.
We plan to still keep posting pictures of her so we hope you will come back and visit us from time to time. Thanks again for sharing your stories with us. Keep them coming. I know there are lots of Zoeys out there and not all of them are so lucky. I would have to say in this case though, it was me that was the lucky one.
18-NOV-2007
You know what they say about curiosity & the cat
Well, that would be a little harsh, but she did get scolded for trying to hijack my popcorn. Also note, still breaking of the toilet/counter rule. That whole squirting thing (plan A) is not really working for us! One of you mentioned about putting some coins in a can and shaking it, that may be plan B.
18-NOV-2007
I am not amused
You wouldn't be happy either if someone was always biting your tail.
Note, little white critter......Who Me??
18-NOV-2007
The Instigator
Yes, Zoey is an instigator. She is always trying to start something with someone. Ozzy seems to take alot before he gives it back to her, but Lucy will instantly lay Zoey out flat. So Zoey for the most part leaves Lucy alone. But poor Ozzy! So as you can see, it was a very eventful night here all in a matter of 10 minutes.
18-NOV-2007
The Cuteness Factor
Its easy to get away with stuff when you are the littlest and kind of cute.
**wink wink***
22-NOV-2007
Happy Thanksgiving
This was supposed to be a shot in a cornucopia but you can't find those things anymore, so we had to settle for a basket. So if you celebrate Thanksgiving today, we hope its a good one for you and you get to eat lots! If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving in your part of the world, then we are sending a basket of good wishes your way today. We are so thankful for many things, and something else I am thankful for and it seems to be the common denominator among all of you that stop by, no matter where you are from, is that you are all caring, kind people. I can see that by your comments you leave and your stories you share with me. For that I'd like to say thank you.
08-DEC-2007
Livin' Doll
Just for our friend Raymond in Quebec!! He recently reminded me that there have been no new updates on Zoey. So Raymond, here you go and Zoey is doing great, thank you so much for asking about her! But she is harder to photograph now. I have had this idea in mind for a few weeks, but when I finally had time to try it, Zoey would not cooperate. By the time I would put her in the trunk and grab the camera she was gone before I even had the camera up to my eye! So I had to wait until I had reinforcements to help me. Unfortunately this was the best of about 6 shots, thats all I could get before she ran away!
We have a few ideas for Christmas shots, but its hard telling how they will turn out.
So I guess its back to putting the lights on the tree, oh, no...........suddenly they are "animated"............see you soon!
08-DEC-2007
You Light up My Life
I had help with the Christmas lights today. You know how they are always a mangled up mess........well add one curious kitten in there and then see what you have! So far the tree has remained vertical, Zoey is very curious about it and she and Ozzy and Lucy seem to get great joy out of chasing one another around it.
More fun coming, just add ornaments!
13-DEC-2007
Over 100,000 Hits!
Whew, I'm tired! Going around the world and back is exhausting.
I can't believe it either, this gallery has hit the 100,000 mark. Thank you to all of you for that. We have heard from people all over the world and made some very nice friends.
13-DEC-2007
Holly Jolly
Okay, time to try for some Christmas pictures. Okay, as you can see Zoeys paw is pretty sharp and focused. Okay, as you can see her head is not. She doesn't hold still for very long. I liked though how she was all wrapped up in the garland. But we don't leave it out when there is no human supervision. Remember your cat/kittens/pets safety during the holidays. This has been a public service announcement!
13-DEC-2007
Holly Jolly part 2
Another one from trying to get Christmas shots. Just not what I had in mind though.
13-DEC-2007
Holly Jolly part 3
I give up! She held still long enough for me to get a nice focused shot, but she is looking down. I still have a few other ideas, maybe we will try it again!
17-DEC-2007
High 5 Sister
This wasn't real friendly. Zoey started batting at Lucy, so they play a little bit but Zoey doesn't know when to quit. So Lucy ends up taking a swat at her and walking away. Lucy seems to tolerate Zoey for the most part. She will knock Zoey flat in a second if she is not in the mood, where Ozzy really takes alot, like tail biting and back of the leg biting from Zoey. He in turn takes it out on Lucy. Its a vicious circle here I tell you.
17-DEC-2007
See where that squirt bottle is??
HA! It can't get me! I just want to help and all that rustling of paper drives me CRAZY!! Really I just want to help, and I like walking way up high. So what if I walk in my toilet??
Fast as fast can be, you can't catch me!
17-DEC-2007
Naughty & Nice
"I'll tell you who's been naughty or nice around here. Us two that you're looking at, we're nice.....guess who the naughty one is".
Yeah, Ozzy, he knows everything that goes on around this joint. You just ask him, he'll tell you everything.
17-DEC-2007
Meet Lucy
Zoey's other buddy. By all accounts Lucy was a feral cat, she is also Ozzy's litter mate. We didn't know that she existed until about a month after finding Ozzy. She and the mother cat of these two were hanging around our property. We couldn't get near Lucy or the mother cat, so we decided to put food out and it was okay if they hung around outside.
After about 2 or 3 months we noticed Lucy always by herself, the mother no where to be found. So very very slowly we would coax her into letting us pet her for short periods of time. And eventually she would let us pick her up and hold her. I think she was very lonesome. About this time it was starting to get cold out and I couldn't bear the thought of her outside and all alone.
So being that she is Ozzy's sister we brought her in so the two could be together and have each other to hang out with. They are strictly indoor cats. Lucy is very shy and skittish and will let you know when she wants attention.
I believe she can only see shadows out of the eye that looks clouded over. When she was a kitten living outside, we noticed one day the area around her eye was very swollen. We thought maybe she got stung by a bee and it affected her sight in that eye.
So thats Lucy's story. Thought she deserved some "blog" time as the other two seem to get all the attention!
17-DEC-2007
Santa's Little Helper
is going to cause me to "go running for the shelter of her mothers little helper"! Okay, I'm probably aging myself with reference to that song, but wow that Zoey sure gets into everything! Maybe I should put her in the bag and stick her under the tree!
22-DEC-2007
The Kindness of Strangers
A few weeks back a very kind person by the name of Brenda posted that she would like to help out with Zoeys expenses. While this has left me speechless (for once!) and totally blown away by the generosity of a person I have never met, Brenda, Thank You, but I must with the utmost appreciation and respect to you, decline.
I have been fortunate that I have a job that allows me to provide veterinary care for my critters. Even for Zoey, who proved to be a bit more of a challenge, I look at it as an investment rather than an expense.
Now I know not everyone is in the position to take in a stray animal even if they would want to. But there are other ways you can help. So I was thinking that maybe this holiday season if you find yourself with a few extra bucks in your pocket, thinking, Hey how could I do something nice for someone or something, maybe you would consider donating to your local humane society, animal rescue group, shelter or even your local veterinarian. The vet I go to has a stray animal fund which is funded by private donations that helps to off set the cost of caring for stray animals at their clinic until they can be adopted out. I bet if you check in your area you could find something similar and I know they would welcome the help.
So remember, its better to give than receive, and if you do decide to help out, Thank you so much and tell 'em Zoey sent you.
23-DEC-2007
From Zoey & Co
Meowy Christmas!
Each critter here has their own ornament. This is Zoey's. I liked it because it resembled her markings and it was a one eyed kitten! I usually put up another tree with all cat/dog ornaments on it. (We used to have a beloved springer spaniel named Barney) However, I opted not to put it up this year because all of this is quite new to Zoey and I didn't want it destroyed. lol
Hope you enjoy the following outtakes I got today in my quest for "the" Christmas shot.
23-DEC-2007
While visions of catnip danced in her head.........
.......or she could be dreaming about her next move. Hmmm, bite Ozzy, swat at Lucy. Run around the tree, chew on the tree. Run around the room, trip someone going down the stairs........you get the idea!!
23-DEC-2007
He sees you when you're sleeping..........
23-DEC-2007
He knows when you're awake............
..........and what you plan on doing next!
23-DEC-2007
He knows if you've been bad or good............
Who me?? I didn't do anything! No sir, not me! Probably was one of those other two that live here. But certainly not ME!!
23-DEC-2007
So be good for goodness sake!
23-DEC-2007
Hey is that mistletoe above your head??
Looks like Zoey is trying to give Ozzy a little Christmas kiss!
23-DEC-2007
Psssst.............
............yer gettin' nuttin' fur Christmas!!
23-DEC-2007
Aaaaaaaghh...........................
23-DEC-2007
The Spirit of Giving: Looking Into the Future
We would like to dedicate this photo to fellow Pbaser John Galt NY, his wife and in memory of Lilpup. John and his wife have had many "Zoeys" come into their life and they have my respect and gratitude for what they do.
John, all the best to you and your wife. A very Merry Christmas to both of you and to all of your furry friends! Love, Zoey & Tammie too!
23-DEC-2007
Waiting for "Santa Paws"
Lucy takes up watch where Zoey left off.
24-DEC-2007
A Very Zoey Christmas!
No matter where you are in the world, how you celebrate or how you say it, we wish all the best to you.
A very Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays to Everyone!
25-DEC-2007
Hey, when did the fat man sneak in??
Hope everyone had a nice Christmas. Thought you might like to see how Zoey spent her day.
25-DEC-2007
If I ignore her maybe she'll go away......
Poor Ozzy, even on Christmas Day he has to put up with Zoey biting on his tail!
25-DEC-2007
Every kitten should have a boy.....
Might as well play with the boy while we are waiting to open presents.
25-DEC-2007
Keeper of the presents
This looks like a good place to rest until someone moves me.
25-DEC-2007
A little Shrek bowling anyone?
Even the wild throws couldn't deter Zoey from checking out the Shrek characters in this bowling game. Shrek even talks when you knock him down.
25-DEC-2007
Beware of low flying aircraft
Do yourself a favor and get one of these remote controlled helicopters. The big boys will be happy, the little boys will be happy and it amuses the cat. Seriously, it will be the best 20 bucks you ever spent.
So this is how Zoey spent her first Christmas. I think she had a blast. See you all next year!
01-JAN-2008
Happy Mew Year!
Okay, thats corny but you knew it was coming right?!!?
When I first started this blog all I really wanted to do was keep friends & family updated on Zoeys progress. No one was more surprised than me when her story started attracting thousands of viewers and generating all the support and comments it has. As of tonight we are at 116,500 hits. I really hope that Zoey will continue to inspire others to consider helping/adopting special needs animals or the ones that may not get a second look. Perhaps even supporting local rescue and shelter groups. There are lots of ways to help even if you can't actually adopt a pet.
As with all good things they do need to come to an end, sort of. I mean really how many cat pictures can you stand to look at?!? We can still post every now and again, but not nearly as much as we were. Wildlife photography is my passion and winter eagle watching is starting. And I think Zoey is getting sick of me always pointing "that thing" at her. If it looks like I have a death grip on her in this shot, I do! Ask my friend Fisher who photographed us, Zoey wanted no part of it!
So to all of you who took the time to read our story, share it with others and share your thoughts, Thank you so very very much. We appreciate that more than you can know. All the very best to you in '08.
*** The Power of Purr ***
*February '08 *
Something awesome is going on out there. Since we last posted a month ago, I have received many messages about how much Zoey has inspired some of you. You wrote about donations and helping out local organizations in caring for strays and animals with physical challenges. Its overwhelming to me that one little purr has been heard around the world, literally!
You CAN make a difference!
A stray kitten who started off life by riding the trains in Brooklyn, only to be injured and now physically challenged. Truly another story of the will to survive.
02-MAR-2008
It's A Zoey-ful Life
Just thought we'd drop in and say hi! Its still amazing that we are getting hits every week and requests on updates and more pictures. I have decided to try and post once a month until we get to the year anniversary of us finding each other.
Zoey has settled into a pretty comfortable life. And even though she is the littlest one, she rules the roost here.
She is still being Zoey by walking on the counter (the water bottle thing seems to be a game now) and she still picks on poor Ozzy. She likes watching birds and squirrels out the window and at night she sleeps right above my head on the pillow. Right now she is curled up on my lap where she often is when I am on the computer.
We have broken the 150,000 mark for views on her gallery, it is in fact right now at 151,015.
So thanks for stopping by we'll see you soon!
18-APR-2008
Cat Fishin'
Zoey and the kitty crew recently enjoyed a little "fishing". There was a little snap (no hook of course!) on the end of the fishing line. They chased that thing all around the house. As you can see Zoeys colors have really developed. At times her backside almost has a dirty look to it! I'm surprised at how big she looks on this shot. I think it might be the way she is sitting. She is still quite small, much smaller than the other two.
And speaking of size, check out that boy Oz:
Thanks to our friend
Ed for helping with the title of this entry!
18-APR-2008
The Stare Down ~ I can wait all day
If I stare at you long enough, you might move.
If you move, I WILL chase you.
If I chase you all will be well in my world!
Yep, its all good here!
This one especially for mit. Thanks for checking in on us mit!
31-MAY-2008
Pop Goes the Zoey
My sissy Kris gave the kitty crew one of those tube things for them to play in. Its open on both ends and there are 2 openings on the side. Zoey and Lucy spend alot of time chasing each other through it and Zoey likes to pop out the holes on the side. Its pretty funny when they end up scaring each other. Zoey will also hide in there and just swat her paws through the open holes. She has drawn blood on us on more than one occassion.
22-JUN-2008
Watching birds is Zoe much fun!
Having only one eye has not hampered Zoeys ability to see the birds and other small critters that run around the yard. This is one of her favorite things to do. Sit in the window and watch what is going on out there. I would say she sees just as well as the 2 eyed cats that live with her. She can sure give them a run for their catnip!
Its hard to believe it is coming up on a whole year that Zoey has been with us. It sure went fast and it sure has made things pretty interesting to say the least.
Life is good in Zoey Land!
03-JUL-2008
You've Got Mail!
A few weeks back a very nice lady by the name of Gaby, asked if she could send Zoey something. Well imagine our surprise when 3 handmade blankets from California arrived along with a jar of treats! Gaby sent one for each one of the kitty crew. Seems she has been making the fleece blankets and sending them all over the world! She herself has also rescued and adopted a physically challenged kitten who lived 11 wonderful years with her.
03-JUL-2008
Three paws up!
The kitty crew puts their paw of approval on Gaby's beautiful fleece blankets. And the treats were great too!
Thank you meow-y much Gaby!!
20-JUL-2008
Close Encounters of the Zoey Kind
Zoey got to meet the newest member of our family, grandson #2, Mason.
20-JUL-2008
Check out the little human
Another boy, just for me??!! Boy, oh Boy!
20-JUL-2008
He ain't so bad
He smells pretty good (for now), he doesn't make alot of loud noise (for now) and he doesn't seem to move around much (for now)
This kid ain't too bad!
08-AUG-2008
Believe
It's hard to believe a year has come and gone since Zoey has come to live with us. I can't believe that little rag a muffin from the first post is the blue eyed beauty she is today. I can't believe that you all are still checking in on us, hundreds of hits everyday. I can't believe I was put in her path to help her, in the right place at the right time if you will. I can't believe I was able to help something that seemed so far gone and that she could be so healthy now. I can't believe alot of things.........
I had planned on doing a lot of pictures to commemorate the year anniversary of Zoey. But life is what happens when you are busy making other plans and sometimes you can't believe it when it happens. So I thought who better than Zoey to get yet another story of animal cruelty out to you. Be fore warned, it doesn't have a Zoey ending.
I can't believe I couldn't do anything about this. I can't believe something I've watched for years, I will never see again. I can't believe there was nothing I could do to stop this. I can't believe she couldn't be saved. I can't believe someone could do this.
I hope that someday the person(s) responsible for this will be caught.
I can only believe.
28-AUG-2008
Tail of a Happy Ending
.........and she lived "Zoe-ily" ever after!!
Even though this tale is ending, you can still get your Zoey fix at
Zoey Nation
Thanks so much for all the support and interest you have shown in Zoeys Story over the past year. Without you, the viewer, we couldn't have gotten the word out.
Spay or neuter your pet.
Support your local animal/rescue shelter.
But more importantly if you are looking for an animal companion please consider one with physical challenges or special needs.
You won't regret it. Peace Me-owt =^..^=