tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34944052171277532202024-03-12T17:00:07.308-07:00Altered Cats!Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-55364026230896090372023-01-12T10:25:00.003-08:002023-01-12T21:17:35.131-08:00The Price of Ignorance is Cruelty: Losing Emmy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSUFxnVoGMgwiElzi1vwJZNRtZZwMoN1fnm42DLBDbeOrk5E3Ig7GZFZSITFn3A_qVDRPrkp38vkEZZZuUYpuE74MwWg0Bq4POpUvI3U-_dByApPXK4jBMimX_gGABGIvyf6U7zRrDpD67xy9MxHEi2Af_A-T3A2jMkHqcnj3YIYtyJj8fCyB820N/s2743/5018AF83-E407-4B6F-B8AE-15DACC3003DF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="2743" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSUFxnVoGMgwiElzi1vwJZNRtZZwMoN1fnm42DLBDbeOrk5E3Ig7GZFZSITFn3A_qVDRPrkp38vkEZZZuUYpuE74MwWg0Bq4POpUvI3U-_dByApPXK4jBMimX_gGABGIvyf6U7zRrDpD67xy9MxHEi2Af_A-T3A2jMkHqcnj3YIYtyJj8fCyB820N/s320/5018AF83-E407-4B6F-B8AE-15DACC3003DF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Is anyone still blogging? It seems time again. With the unintelligibility of the world today, the voluntary ignorance, the fools fueling not only their own demise, but all of creation’s, yes, it seems time. Oh, how jealous is evil of fragility and beauty? How jealous is death of life? The work of suffering is unintelligible to those set on believing in themselves. Yes, you drove fast, sir. You shot your wad all over the fields. She had dragged herself diagonally toward her house, our house, and away from the center of the road. It probably took her hours. And three more times you drive by. It sounded like you were going 90-100 kph. I saw your dirty car. You left her there in the thunderstorm. How do you like your migrant work? “Your blue-eyed boy, Mr. Death?” </p><p><br /></p><p>Yes, I have something to say. I have been quiet now for a long tine. But I have something to say, to you, and your ugly, cruel, progressive world. Your vanity is ignorance and cruelty. You are not virtuous. You are not beautiful. You don’t even want to be. You don’t even know enough anymore to want to be. You are your dirty, loud, ugly, speeding, cackling car, and you are all of the death, suffering, and loss you leave behind. </p><p><br /></p><div class="m-cl" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: #ffffcd; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 153); color: #000099; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold; width: 847.5px;">The Return</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: #ffffcd; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 153); color: #000099; font-family: "Times Roman"; font-size: 18px;"><pre class="m-cl" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Early is the evening,
Reluctant the dawn;
Once there was summer;
Sudden it was gone.
It fell like a leaf,
Whirled downstream.
Was there ever summer,
Or only a dream?
Was ever a world
That was not November?
Once there was summer,
And this I remember,
Cornflowers and daisies,
Buttercups and clover,
Black-eyed Susans and Queen-Anne's lace,
A wide green meadow,
And bees booming over,
And a little laughing girl with the wind in her face.
Strident are the voices
And hard lights shine;
Feral are the faces;
Is one of them mine?
Something is lost now,
Tarnished the gleam;
Was there ever nobleness,
Or only a dream?
Yes, and it lingers,
Lost not yet;
Something remains
Till this I forget
Cornflowers and clover,
Buttercups and daisies,
Black-eyed Susans under blue and white skies
And the grass waist high
Where the red cow grazes,
And a little laughing girl with faith in her eyes.</pre><pre class="m-cl" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ogden Nash<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxlnhoMg3WbTgybQuMtSuD2jfubFQsDnfyVB8hlJkRQ8o5pgaPjOWOjbLpyNd9bkG_pUUcZ_3vWt9xU7mN4HqD1fkzbAw-ddJSDIddzz3fBLlXtxU6Pzoqt3lUSIqRmQHb5y1ECj8LfK-8cOirSH0TYur_NhvthhXBZn8jflD4I6X4SOaDVw3YbRB/s1024/15D97632-1E33-408B-9B14-A245E926CEC6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1024" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxlnhoMg3WbTgybQuMtSuD2jfubFQsDnfyVB8hlJkRQ8o5pgaPjOWOjbLpyNd9bkG_pUUcZ_3vWt9xU7mN4HqD1fkzbAw-ddJSDIddzz3fBLlXtxU6Pzoqt3lUSIqRmQHb5y1ECj8LfK-8cOirSH0TYur_NhvthhXBZn8jflD4I6X4SOaDVw3YbRB/s320/15D97632-1E33-408B-9B14-A245E926CEC6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: BSTGreek; font-size: large;"> amnoß…behold the lamb of God. </span></div>Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-33769227893950228462017-10-14T04:08:00.000-07:002017-10-14T04:08:15.568-07:00Heartbreak: Losing Bashful, So Alive in My Dreams<div abp="313" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-59880361389777162402017-05-29T08:22:00.002-07:002017-05-29T08:22:36.864-07:00What It Takes to Cry<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>“But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more.” </i></span><div>
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It's spring and the fields are full of life. But this little guy is missing. <br />
I have noticed that sometimes the tears don't come until after I tell somebody. That happened today. I said, "One of my cats is missing." And the tears came. What was, over the weekend, one after another sudden attack of ungodly pain, assaults on my heart I tried desperately to run from, distract myself from, bargain with God over, were transfigured into water, and came flowing out of me in tears, only in the presence of another human being, and only after I said the words: <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"One of my cats is missing."</td></tr>
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It's something I don't understand. </div>
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<i style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">“It's so curious: one can resist tears and 'behave' very well in the hardest hours of grief. But then someone makes you a friendly sign behind a window, or one notices that a flower that was in bud only yesterday has suddenly blossomed, or a letter slips from a drawer... and everything collapses. ” </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">―</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Colette</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646;">Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">―</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"> William Wordsworth</span></span></div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-34108991612843875642017-03-17T00:34:00.001-07:002017-03-17T00:34:24.654-07:00#160Big Boy. YUGE. Came home a little lighter yesterday. He's the 160th cat I have altered.<br />
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Once at the vet, he escaped from the trap in the back room, and my vet had a heck of a time finding him and getting him back in. He said he was one of the cleverest cats he's ever seen. </div>
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Thanks to Becca.</div>
Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-12946089681658645152017-03-03T02:45:00.000-08:002017-03-03T02:45:52.737-08:00The Least of These<h2 style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.6em 0px 0.5em; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For I was hungry and you gave me food. Matthew 25:35</span></h2>
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A lot of people have tried to contact me asking me how I am, where I have gone, etc., etc. I have struggled to answer them, or postponed answering them, because I have been unable to put my feelings into words, or to explain myself to anyone. I tried with someone here, someone also in animal rescue, but she had no idea what I was trying to say. <br />
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She is not a believer, and I don't know many people here doing what I do who are. I think you might have to be to even want to understand. For the others, they shrink back in horror, or they try to lead me down a road that is not for me, giving me a pep talk. I don't want to be fixed in that sense, not if God is speaking to me through my experiences. <br />
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I don't even like to use those words anymore after what I have learned -after doing this for 6-7 years now - "animal rescue". It makes me sound like I think I am a hero, and I don't. I have learned unequivocally, I am not. Please don't say that. Meet me where I am.<br />
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But I recently I heard a homily, a podcast, which put into words for me what I have been going through, and I would like to share it here, to speak for me. For those who I haven't spoken to, I will be in touch as soon as I am able. I have been facing enormous physical and mental exhaustion, mostly mental - probably mostly spiritual. It was a blessing to me to have what I suspected confirmed by a member of my faith.<br />
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The notion that perhaps I am not on the wrong track, and this is indeed the way it is supposed to be, gives me hope in the path I have been taking, and the future. But it will require to regroup, re-evaluate my goals, and re-prioritize them.<br />
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Here is the link to the podcast, for those who might be interested. I think the truth of it is profound:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/prayingintherain/the_least_of_these" target="_blank">The Least of These</a><br />
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Funny, when I see the quote at the top of this post from Matthew is the first quote I chose for my blog, over in the sidebar, when I started this work, it makes all the more sense to me.<br />
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I have learned instead I am the one who needs rescuing, and is being rescued by God, and hopefully will continue to be, to learn of my own spiritual poverty, and that this is the meaning of God asking us to do charity, to learn this awakening, sobering truth. <br />
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But I still can't explain it as good as he did. <br />
<br />Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-4882184215761161442016-02-20T11:23:00.001-08:002016-02-25T01:44:39.931-08:00Heartbreak: Good Runs, Changing Seasons, and Losing Baba<div abp="114">
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-- Psalm 109:22 </div>
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I was there when she was born, underneath my couch. I heard her first tiny mews. </div>
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I named her Bubbles, but I always called her Baba. And I said it like, "Bah-Bah" - like a sheep, or as my Cypriot neighbour would say, "like a ship." She knew her name well. She would prance in place like a kewpie doll and wink when I said it.</div>
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One day, after I moved her, her mother, and her siblings to my bedroom from under the sofa, when she and her siblings were still tiny, she got very ill suddenly. It was the middle of the night. She jumped off the bed and fell over. She couldn't keep her balance. She would try to stand up and just fall over. </div>
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This was soon after Nick and I split. I was on my own. I had a new vet. He was a young guy from Greece. It wasn't his clinic, but the owner was never there. It was a small clinic, not too busy, and he let me call him at odd hours. I will never forget how he coached me on the phone. </div>
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He told me what medicines to give her. I sat with the door closed in the bathroom on the toilet seat holding her, talking to her. I gave her little bits of water, and of vitamin gel. I put her back in the bedroom in a closed carrier, and let her rest, so she wouldn't hurt herself.</div>
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I drew Baba and her siblings nursing their mom in my bedroom It's one of my favourite drawings. </div>
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I don't remember much more, just that she got better. I credit my vet, and my energy that morning. And of course, God. But then God is always there, we are just usually distracted. It's hard to focus on God. It takes an enormous amount of energy. </div>
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That was about three years ago. Then last year she disappeared from the garden. It was the end of summer, beginning of fall. She was gone days, more than a week I think, about 8 days. I had started the downhill slope to comfort myself, but with caveats. I knew I had seen strange things, like cats show up, when I still had the biggest hope, but only the tiniest faith.</div>
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My Aunt with kittens when she came to visit. Baba on the far left. </div>
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And, sure enough, one evening after dark, I saw a strange figure approaching. Walking funny. Tripping a little and unsteady. She got closer and closer across the garden, and when she had reached the little bit of light coming off the front porch, in the grass where I stood, I saw that it was her. I noticed she looked confused, disoriented. I grabbed her and put her straight away in a standing enclosure. Not so much because I knew something was wrong, but because I wanted to keep her with me. Sort of like a dog grabs a bone that has strayed, and puts it in bed with him. </div>
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I put her some good food and water. I don't remember if she ate. But I do remember she was so happy to be in the enclosure. I wondered why. I put an open carrier in there with a blanket for her to make her den, and a litter box. I wrapped up in the garden and went inside. She was alive. She was home. She was with me. That's all I needed to know. How do you thank God properly at a time like that? </div>
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The next morning I was tending to her when I caught a glimpse of something very red on the inside of her leg. I tried to investigate. She wouldn't let me. But after a time just watching her do her normal things, I saw there was no skin on the inside of her leg. Just the raw meat of her muscles and tendons. They weren't torn. It was a very clean display. </div>
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My young vet had moved back to Greece by then, and I never found anyone again willing to help me at all hours. I researched myself as much as I could, and because Zooty had recently been bitten by a snake, and Bonnie had disappeared just before that, the next day I concluded it was a snake bite. Because I had recently cared for another cat, Astro, who lost the skin on his leg, I knew what to do. It was too late for an anti-venom, but not too late for antibiotics. So she stayed in the enclosure until she healed, a long time, and then I brought her inside. I think she would have been happy forever inside the enclosure.</div>
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She wasn't that happy inside the house. Too many cats. She felt vulnerable. But I kept her in for months anyway, until about 2 months ago. One day I let her out. I wish I hadn't. </div>
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This morning before the sun rose I was on my way to the feeding stations, and I saw what looked like a cat's body in the dirt road in front of my neighbor's house. I know my cats go there and eat sometimes. And theirs come to my house to eat. I stopped my car and got out. At first I thought it was one of the torties, but I knew they didn't go down there. As I got closer I saw the torby coloring, and the shape of the feet, and her very distinctive head shape. I swallowed hard. I moved her off the road and put her the grass beside. I would pick her up on the way home.
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I spotted the yellow wildflowers early this year, before it warmed up. There were difficulties the end of last summer, a whole string of them, but since then, until now, I cannot complain. I had a good run. </div>
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<em abp="145">Life is, in fact, a battle. Evil is insolent and strong; beauty enchanting, but rare; goodness very apt to be weak; folly very apt to be defiant; wickedness to carry the day; imbeciles to be in great places, people of sense in small, and mankind generally unhappy. But the world as it stands is no narrow illusion, no phantasm, no evil dream of the night; we wake up to it, forever and ever; and we can neither forget it nor deny it nor dispense with it.</em> </div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-39915485733313625742016-01-20T23:43:00.000-08:002016-01-20T23:43:09.385-08:00A Very Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year<div abp="611">
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<em>Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. <span abp="154" class="highl">And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."</span></em> Mark 16:14-15</div>
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Wow this really is belated. But I want to post something I love. I love Christmas so much. I will be listening to Christmas carols for at least another month. </div>
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I love this award winning Russian animation of the Nativity so much, I am going to post it permanently in the side bar. It's one of my favourite things. It has so many wonderful creatures in it: a lion, rabbits, birds, an ox, a donkey, all an essential part of the Nativity story. In Orthodoxy we don't say Merry Christmas, we say, "Christ is born! Glorify him!"</div>
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Even the humble creatures of the sea glorify Him in this version of events, as it should be. Enjoy. </div>
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<em>I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things,...</em>1 Timothy 6:13 <a abp="54" href="http://biblehub.com/1_timothy/6-14.htm" title="1 Timothy 6:14"></a></div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-7661178792320844832015-05-10T10:10:00.001-07:002015-05-25T06:07:21.031-07:00Breathless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>“Believing isn’t wishing, Grady. What you know with your heart is the only thing you really ever know.”</em> - Dean Koontz, <em>Breathless</em></div>
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For the first time in my life, these last months, since Christmas, I haven't had very much to say. <br />
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I think that's a good thing. I am hoping so. <br />
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I do a lot of things. I do TNR. I take in cats from the streets in my village. I feed and care take colonies. I take care of sick cats in my home. <br />
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The last thing is the most trying, taking care of very sick or chronically ill cats. I imagine most people would put some of these sick cats to sleep. I imagine if I put some of them to sleep I would have more time to better care for the healthy ones. I don't know why I continue on with them except that I feel somehow it is the right thing to do. It's hard to explain my reasoning to someone who is not of my faith, and even to some who are, but then I guess you could argue we are not in the end sharing the same faith. <br />
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If you are taking care of sick cats or sick people then you know what it's like. You know how trying it can be. You know how it can turn you inside out and expose your worst weaknesses and greatest shortcomings. You may find out you are not who you think you are. You know first-hand the effects of caretaker's syndrome. You learn what a love without limits actually demands in time, energy, selflessness. You know all about the struggle to remain and become more human. <br />
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To value life more than time. To value life more than convenience. To value life more than money. To not try to solve the problems of life with death. To become a real person. To seek God's grace. To be like love. To see a few miracles. <br />
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And I guess that's why we do it. <br />
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Even when it turns us inside out. Even when we are staring at a horrible stranger in ourselves. Even when it leaves us breathless.<br />
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<em>"All will be well, if we do what is right.</em> " - Dean Koontz, <em>Breathless</em></div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-40401588785253398012014-12-25T23:15:00.001-08:002014-12-25T23:15:34.545-08:00Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Christ is Born, Glorify Him! - The "Ultimate Poverty" of LoveWhatever Holy Day you celebrate at this time of year, I wish you peace and joy. Thank you for your love for and kindness to the animals.<br />
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/AlteredCatsNativity_zps7cd81b0a.png.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo AlteredCatsNativity_zps7cd81b0a.png" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/AlteredCatsNativity_zps7cd81b0a.png" /></a></div>
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Here is an amazing story I saw in the news today. Please don't miss it. It fits right in with the mystery we experience on these wonderful Holy Days as we contemplate the wisdom of God, what His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew calls, "the “ultimate poverty” of God, which always acts as love and which surprised the wise men and the entire world."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myocn.net/christmas-song-blends-east-west/" target="_blank">nativity icon from Cappodocia</a> </td></tr>
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Joy to the world for this wonderful surprise, this mystery that always catches us off guard and sets our hearts right. <br />
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<a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_INDIA_MONKEY_LIFESAVER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-12-25-05-45-07" target="_blank">Monkey Gives First Aid to Electrocuted Friend</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/dec/22/monkey-saves-dying-friend-train-station-india-video" target="_blank">VIDEO - <em>Astounding!</em></a><br />
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<span class="userContent">ON THE NIGHT OF THE NATIVITY </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">by St. Ephraim the Syrian</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">“Pure is the present night, in which the Pure One appeared, Who came to purify us! Let our hearing be pure, and the sight of our eyes chaste, and the feeling of the heart holy, and th<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">e speech of the mouth sincere!<br /><br /> The present night is the night of reconciliation; therefore, let no one be wroth against his brother and offend him!<br /><br /> This night gave peace to the whole world, and so, let no one threaten. This is the night of the Most Meek One; let no one be cruel!<br /><br /> This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud!<br /><br /> Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offenses! Now is the day of good will; let us not be harsh. On this day of tranquility, let us not become agitated by anger!<br /><br /> Today God came unto sinners; let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners!<br /><br /> Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table!<br /><br /> Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg!<br /><br /> The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness!<br /><br /> Today the Godhead placed upon Himself the seal of humanity, and humanity has been adorned with the seal of the Godhead!”</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"the “ultimate poverty” of God, which always acts as love and which surprised the wise men and the entire world." </td></tr>
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May we all dig for it and find it, this wonderful treasure, this gift, this "ultimate poverty", the humility of love, for which we will be one day be crowned, in every place and in every circumstance we are in. Especially the most trying ones. <br />
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<em>"Let earth receive her king."</em></div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-20312312184753680502014-12-15T12:56:00.000-08:002014-12-15T13:09:26.624-08:00The Heart of a Servant<table align="CENTER" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td>He thinks I’ll be all right</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="46"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>With doctoring. But it’s not medicine—</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="47"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Lowe is the only doctor’s dared to say so—</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="48"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>It’s rest I want—there, I have said it out—</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="49"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>From cooking meals for hungry hired men</td><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="50"><i> </i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>And washing dishes after them—from doing</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="51"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Things over and over that just won’t stay done.</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="52"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>(from <em>A Servant to Servants, by Robert Frost)</em></td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="53"></a><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td></td><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><i> </i></td></tr>
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I am really rethinking Facebook. That's where I spend most of my time talking about the cats these days. It's weird, so different than this blog, which was a lot of work when I kept it up regularly, but I enjoyed it. It was rewarding. On the other hand, I have met many nice people on FB and people who have helped the cats and me and I would miss them. <br />
<br />
The thing is, I feel like I can't tell the truth on FB, because every time I do, if people are involved, people always think what I write is about them, even when it is not. I don't know why that is. Maybe because people go there searching for a reflection of themselves. But I am really not prepared <em>not</em> to tell the truth about what the experience of trying to help and look after these cats and other animals is like. It's not all jingle bell collars, it's a little of that, and that's nice. I like that, too. And it is not all cats that are about to...<br />
<br />
"dierightthisisminuteifyoudon'thelpnowtheyaregoingtothepoundandiwon'tbeabletodothisanymore"<br />
<br />
or cars aiming at and running over stray dogs, because let's face it, I have lived here for about 9 years now and last weekend is the first time I have witnessed it, even though I hear about it all the time. I have witnessed more poisonings and shootings, and even then, thankfully that's not even 50% of what I see.<br />
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Mostly it's in the middle. Hungry cats. Sick cats. Lots of sick cats. Sick cats that pull through, and sick cats I stay up with while they die, when I can stay awake that is. Skinny cats with one good eye eating olives and bread that the locals throw out for them, Cats hit by cars I pull out of the road and bury when I can. Cats with diarrhea. Dumped kittens. Litter boxes, food orders, dirty empty bowls, endless dishwashing, laundry, laundry, laundry I never get through, cleaning floors, vet visits, failed trappings, cat fights, jumping out the window in the middle of the night to break up cat fights, trouble making ends meet, trouble with people that don't like cats, feral cats that disappear after I alter them, and missing cats in general. It's not what people want to hear about on Facebook. They either want the jingle or the gore, and, well, that's just not what most of it is, and all that middle stuff doesn't seem to fit in there, where everyone is putting either their best face forward or their goriest, most upsetting one. <br />
<br />
I do want to write about what it is really like, for the benefit and consolation of cat rescuers if nothing else, but also because I like to write, it helps me understand things, it's like a puzzle coming together. And, see, if I wrote this on FB, someone would take offense, because they would think I am talking about them, and I am not thinking of anyone in particular.<br />
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Maybe I will just put the cute pictures and the horrible things that happen there and save the rest for this blog. <br />
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Although I have to say, it's a pretty sad state when sickness and death from sickness become part of the middle thing, but they have in this world. The dog that was killed in the crusher at a hotel is gone, and yet people are still talking about him and donating like crazy to get justice. The skinny one eyed cat is still eating olives on the street corner and rescue kittens need their vaccinations and people scroll right past. <br />
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Could it be that people would rather punish human beings than save animals? <br />
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And maybe FB is no place for the truth. <br />
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How about you? Don't you find that the hardest stuff to get through is all that stuff in the middle that never stops? Even if it is not cats you are taking care of?<br />
<br />
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<tr><td>By good rights I ought not to have so much</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="53"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Put on me, but there seems no other way.</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="54"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Len says one steady pull more ought to do it.</td><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><i> </i></td></tr>
<tr><td>He says the best way out is always through.</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="56"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>And I agree to that, or in so far</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="57"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>As that I can see no way out but through—</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="58"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Leastways for me—and then they’ll be convinced.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
(from <em>A Servant to Servants, by Robert Frost)</em></div>
Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-80113200311671432992014-10-05T04:58:00.000-07:002014-10-05T14:00:56.960-07:00Best News A Girl Like Me Could Get<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9457AlethiaandToy3_zps2a50134a.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9457AlethiaandToy3_zps2a50134a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9457AlethiaandToy3_zps2a50134a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet Alethia, I never knew how she was killed, or the other two cats that disappeared that day, only that my neighbour was working in his field<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I got the best news a girl could get today. My friend Vanessa tagged me in a post on Facebook. This is what it said:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Αnnouncement</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Church of Cyprus And Animal Cruelty On July 27, 2014, CVA President Mary Anastasi, Secretary Stella Stylianou and spokesman Mr. Dinos Agiomammitis, visited Bishop Isaiah at the Bishopric of Tamasou and Pera Orinis. Accompanying us was Mrs. Christina Nellist who arranged the meeting and who has been striving for animal protection for many years. Fearing the possible reluctance of the Church to tackle matters concerning animal welfare, a subject that is not popular and many times unpleasant, we were doubtful that this visit would prove otherwise. It was indeed a great and wonderful surprise to hear Bishop Isaiah’s affirmation that animals are part of God’s creation and that any cruelty or abuse to animals is a sin. We particularly welcomed the news that the status of an animal's souls has nothing to do with the way they should be treated which is will love and compassion. We left the meeting with the best impressions and hopes that the Church will finally embrace animals. We were asked to write a letter to the Holy Synod, explaining the current animal welfare problems and asked the Church to address the people on the subject of animal cruelty. On September 24, 2014 we received a letter from the Holy Synod, dated September 15, 2014, pledging that the Church of Cyprus will remind its Christian followers, of the proper way of treating animals! This news is indeed an historic and positive step and one we have all been striving to achieve. We believe that the involvement and guidance of the Church in matters of animal welfare and protection will, if the followers of Christ truly listen, bring desired changes in attitudes and to an end to unorthodox practices. We await with excitement to hear the so-long awaited announcement. We would like to thank Bishop Isaiah for his most warm welcome and of course his positive traditional views regarding animals and their welfare, as well as his willingness to present this subject to the Holy Synod. Of course we wholeheartedly thank Christina Nellist, theologian and presbytera, for her involvement in bringing clarity on the Church's teachings on this important subject. CYPRUS VOICE FOR ANIMALS</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I feel so reassured by this. Not that I think change will come overnight. But change will come. The Church has long needed to attend to the situation in Cyprus. Animal welfare has not been what it should be in an Orthodox country. I have always felt like the ancient Chruch should be leading the way in good stewardship over all of creation. It's a gift, after all, and we were left in charge, to till it and to keep it. To keep it. Let's remember that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are many more historically Orthodox countries where the Church clergy needs to speak out, to teach, to remind the laity. They may need a reminder themselves. That's OK. As long as they are willing to learn. The Church is here to extend mercy as well, to all of us. We all are fallen. We all are disfigured. But we were created good. In God's image. We have yet to receive His likeness, but perhaps we are on our way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can die happy now. Secure in the knowledge that people will carry on. They care. They know what needs to be done, and, with courage, will prevail. Knock and it shall be opened unto you. Seek and you shall find. Ask and you shall be given. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Bravo to the Cyprus Voice for Animals for knocking, for seeking, and for asking. That took courage, and we were all greatly rewarded for your courage. Thank you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are other historically Orthodox countries where the brave animal welfare seekers need to go in love and respectfully speak to the bishops. Romania, Russia, Greece, Serbia...go, knock, seek, ask, be brave. We need to lead the way. Jesus Christ is the answer. To everything. </span></div>
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<br />Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-3334121204991859352014-07-04T03:16:00.000-07:002014-07-04T03:43:03.550-07:00Updates - What Happens in Vegas Stays in VegasI have a lot of updating to do to this blog. For instance, this feeding stations map, which right now is still over in the sidebar, is no longer accurate. I have decided, for good reasons, not to draw a new one. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/Untitledpngthenewfeedingstations2_zps58393ad2.png.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Feeding Stations, updated 3 photo Untitledpngthenewfeedingstations2_zps58393ad2.png" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Untitledpngthenewfeedingstations2_zps58393ad2.png" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This feeding station map is no longer accurate. </td></tr>
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Let's just say I've decided it's between the cats and me. <br />
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I love blogging (we used to call it writing), and I find it edifying, but it is time consuming. I am busier with the cats than I have ever been. I reached my free picture host limit on Blogger's Picassa long before I reached my free cat host limit. Since then I have been using an alternate photo host and storage to post pictures here. That makes blogging take twice as long, needing two windows open. The photo host locks up. To insert a url no longer works and I have to insert them in HTML. Then all heck breaks loose on the spacing of the post. If you have ever used Blogger you understand. I have considered moving over to Wordpress, and I started to. Maybe in time I will make the switch. I suppose I could buy more storage here, but the idea of giving the big G any more information than they already have on me seems unwise, and I would rather spend the money on the cats, even if it is just a couple of bucks.<br />
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<br />
What can I say? I'm cheap. I'm cat cheap. <br />
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<br />
I will get around to updating the blog soon, in particular the pages. <br />
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<br />
But regarding updating the feeding stations map, I'll heed these words from a wise friend:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9641_zps85e594b1.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sonata eating photo IMG_9641_zps85e594b1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9641_zps85e594b1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
"What happens at the feeding stations, stays at the feeding stations." </td></tr>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-4117348610972382812014-06-07T08:24:00.001-07:002014-06-07T08:24:21.637-07:00The 20 Cats Sponsored by Cats in Need CyprusI was so happy when Cats in Need generously <a href="http://alteredcats.blogspot.com/2013/12/thank-you-cats-in-need-cyprus.html">offered to sponsor the sterilization of 20 cats</a> for me recently. Doing TNR and feeding cat colonies by yourself can not only be exhausting, it can be very expensive, so I was delighted and grateful when Cats in Need offered to help. It was a big help. And just in time, as several cats at my house were coming of age.<br />
<br />
Cats in Need is a charity organization abroad that helps people like me doing TNR in Cyprus. It is Cats in Need that donated my traps once upon a time, and they have helped me a lot since I began doing this in 2011. <br />
<br />
Please, if you would like to help Cats in Need help people like me in Cyprus, they welcome donations, and they are wonderful folks. I get a lot of emotional support from them too, even a hug or two. You can donate to Cats in Need here, a very worthy cause:
<a href="http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/cats-in-need-cyprus-77881">Cats in Need</a>
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<br />
So! Let's unveil the cats!<br />
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Here's a roundup of the 20 Altered Cats! sponsored by Cats in Need:<br />
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1. Starlight <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_3947Starlight1_zpsb6231fde.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Starlight photo IMG_3947Starlight1_zpsb6231fde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_3947Starlight1_zpsb6231fde.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starlight, mother extraordinaire, who also must have received Abraham's promise of many heirs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
2. Sox<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_6609_zps98abf2bc.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sox altered photo IMG_6609_zps98abf2bc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_6609_zps98abf2bc.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sox, who loves to do the scoop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
(Speaking of which, here is a picture of Jayne from Cats in Need Cyprus visiting with the above two, Starlight and Sox, at my house before this transpired. It wasn't planned, but they turned out to be the first two cats I altered! I thought it was funny! It must have been Jayne's tap!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/Jayneandscoopysox_zpsf0f26b11.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Jayne and Scoopy Sox photo Jayneandscoopysox_zpsf0f26b11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Jayneandscoopysox_zpsf0f26b11.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayne petting Sox with Starlight behind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
3. Crackers:<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_6160JPGCrackers163_zps6805de46.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Crackers photo IMG_6160JPGCrackers163_zps6805de46.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_6160JPGCrackers163_zps6805de46.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crackers in bed is a GREAT habit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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4. Bouncie<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_7896_zps18fab51a.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Bouncie photo IMG_7896_zps18fab51a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_7896_zps18fab51a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouncie, the toe nibbler, who prefers bouncing to walking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
5. Rudolph<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/RudiRudolph_zpsb63dda76.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Rudi Rudolph photo RudiRudolph_zpsb63dda76.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/RudiRudolph_zpsb63dda76.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudi likes to play in all the reindeer games</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
6. Bonnie<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8499_zpsa10318cd.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Bonnie photo IMG_8499_zpsa10318cd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8499_zpsa10318cd.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful ingénue Bonnie needs a pink bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
7. Boogie<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9764_zpsb7e1cc85.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Boogie photo IMG_9764_zpsb7e1cc85.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9764_zpsb7e1cc85.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boogie, the precious water artist, working on her MFA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
8. Vincent<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9449VincentandToy3_zps4932d3b7.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vincent photo IMG_9449VincentandToy3_zps4932d3b7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9449VincentandToy3_zps4932d3b7.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shy, head tilting charmer, Vinnie Vinnie Voo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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9. Vanna<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_7855_zpsedb51c8b.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vanna photo IMG_7855_zpsedb51c8b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_7855_zpsedb51c8b.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanna, with her little black leather nose, granddaughter to Big Van from Sammy's, and his namesake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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10. Olive<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_5257_zps4f91e8f1.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Olive photo IMG_5257_zps4f91e8f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5257_zps4f91e8f1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive Oil, because she goes down so smooth and heals. She likes to lick fingies and has a tiny goatee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
11. Dimples<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8564Dimples_zps9ca2bc3e.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Dimples photo IMG_8564Dimples_zps9ca2bc3e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8564Dimples_zps9ca2bc3e.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimples, one of the delectable Candies, who croaks like a frog</td></tr>
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12. Innocence<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8572Innie_zps83141eee.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Innie Innocence photo IMG_8572Innie_zps83141eee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8572Innie_zps83141eee.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innocence, better known as Innie, the adorable loudmouth</td></tr>
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13. and 14. were sisters, Dusty and Zelda, from the park<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_6423ZeldaandDustybytheSea800x533_zps916312f7.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Dusty and Zelda photo IMG_6423ZeldaandDustybytheSea800x533_zps916312f7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_6423ZeldaandDustybytheSea800x533_zps916312f7.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusty and Zelda, some serious dark sugar rush when they pile on to love you!</td></tr>
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15. Bubbles<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_6690_zpse12391f6.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6690_zpse12391f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_6690_zpse12391f6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles, but I call her Baba. Small, sassy, and in charge!</td></tr>
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16. Godfrey<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9479_zps0d87b1ff.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9479_zps0d87b1ff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9479_zps0d87b1ff.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photogenic Godfrey, found as a tiny kitten at the nearby dump, still thinks I'm a tree</td></tr>
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17. Rainbow<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8619_zps665056d3.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Rainbow photo IMG_8619_zps665056d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8619_zps665056d3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow, a friendly neighbourhood cat, taught Sox the scoop</td></tr>
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18. Alethia<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9457AlethiaandToy2_zpsd6a26d6a.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9457AlethiaandToy2_zpsd6a26d6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9457AlethiaandToy2_zpsd6a26d6a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Doris Day, Alethia, plays the acordian</td></tr>
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19. Punky<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9336_zps7cd94af7.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9336_zps7cd94af7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9336_zps7cd94af7.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punky da da, perpetually surprised, wonderful mother figure</td></tr>
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20. Cocoa<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8582Cocoa3_zps2f0de577.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cocoa photo IMG_8582Cocoa3_zps2f0de577.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8582Cocoa3_zps2f0de577.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, she walks like a ballet dancer with great turnout.</td></tr>
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and one for good luck :) I got a little extra discount at the vets so I was able to do one more:<br />
21. Stuart Little<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8439_zps8b5a890d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Stu photo IMG_8439_zps8b5a890d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8439_zps8b5a890d.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Stu! Tiny man with hooks for claws! Likes to scare the dog!</td></tr>
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Thank you again Sue and Jayne and
<a href="http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/cats-in-need-cyprus-77881">Cats in Need</a>
!<br />
<b><br /></b>Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-3363734539082348342014-04-25T06:28:00.001-07:002014-06-07T06:04:33.589-07:00Heartbreak - Losing Sunshine in The No Generation<small></small><br />
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<small><em><span style="font-size: small;">I believe in some blending of hope and sunshine sweetening the worst lots. I believe that this life is not all; neither the beginning nor the end. I believe while I tremble; I trust while I weep.</span> </em></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;"><em>- Charlotte Bronte </em></span></small><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/Sunshine_zps2d150513.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sunshine photo Sunshine_zps2d150513.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Sunshine_zps2d150513.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine</td></tr>
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I was asked to help this beautiful new-born kitten by a kind young man named Christopher who contacted me through Facebook. He met a kind young lady named Victoria at the vet. She found the kitten, an apparent orphan. They both brought the kitten to me late Wednesday night.</div>
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I originally posted their photo on Facebook to ask for help, along with a plea. Although there were a handful of shares, and close to 400 people saw the post, no one responded to help. I agreed to take him. I believe it would have been better if someone with more time and energy nursed him, for his sake. But there was no one.</div>
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He came rather strong I thought. He fought valiantly the first 18 hours, but then he seemed to weaken last night. I fell asleep on the sofa. I was exhausted. I didn't wake to feed him again until this morning, and he was already fading away. I blame myself. I think if I had woken in the middle of the night he would have had a better chance. </div>
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I feel sad when I ask for help and there is silence. I feel sad when I think of Jesus saying the harvest is great, but the workers are few. He commanded us to therefore pray God sends more workers into the harvest. I pray this. </div>
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I have a name for this new silent generation. I call them The No Generation. </div>
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These two young people who brought me the new-born kitten were Good Samaritans, lovely young people who I pray will never change. Yet, they put their trust in me and I failed them and I feel terrible. </div>
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Sunshine passed away this morning despite all my protesting and prayers, despite all my efforts to keep him warm and to wake him from the sleep I saw him falling into, and despite all the animal rights and welfare activists hollering on Facebook. He stopped taking the milk, his suckling grew weaker and weaker. I am greatly saddened, I feel helpless, and yet I still have faith. I said yes. I still believe it would have been better for the kitten if someone else had said yes. But there was no one willing. </div>
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9346_zps6fa1c26c.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9346_zps6fa1c26c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9346_zps6fa1c26c.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Victoria, the lovely young woman who saved Sunshine, bought formula for him. She bought a lovely carrier for him that when I look at I want to cry. She brought him wrapped in the softest blankets. </div>
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I do not know if Sunshine was a he or a she. </div>
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Godspeed, Sunshine. Your memory is eternal with me.</div>
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I pray God sends more workers into the harvest. </div>
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I pray for a Yes Generation.</div>
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Victoria, Christopher, I am so sorry. </div>
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_9340_zpsa8ecbefb.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_9340_zpsa8ecbefb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_9340_zpsa8ecbefb.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em></em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and </em></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ’When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked </em></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>and clothe You? ’Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will </em></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these </em></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>My brethren, you did it to Me.’ </em></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>- Matthew 25:35-40</em></span></span></span></div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-48311905589230435332014-03-12T05:54:00.000-07:002014-04-26T08:46:48.196-07:00Mission Accomplished! Finally! I finally trapped <a href="http://alteredcats.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-mission-trapping-and-altering-wanda.html">Wanda</a>.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_8371_zps47661c76.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_8371_zps47661c76.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_8371_zps47661c76.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanda in the trap, finally</td></tr>
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It took me forever.<br />
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Wanda was altered on Feb 27th. <br />
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Mission accomplished. <br />
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Thanks, Wanda. <br />
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Thanks to my friend, the other lady of the cats, for believing I could do it and sponsoring her alteration.<br />
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Godspeed, Wanda!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/IMG_4478_zpsef6de2e0.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_4478_zpsef6de2e0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4478_zpsef6de2e0.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Wanda<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/WandaBustedIMG_2317copy_zpsaad81b96.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Wanda, Busted! photo WandaBustedIMG_2317copy_zpsaad81b96.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/WandaBustedIMG_2317copy_zpsaad81b96.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busted</td></tr>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-4368289962327324412014-01-31T01:27:00.001-08:002014-01-31T03:25:41.705-08:00Creamy Arrives in His New HomeI am happy to report Creamy arrived in his new home in the USA. He was safe and sound and I am very thankful to God for this. I am grateful for the good care that was taken of him at London Heathrow by the vet staff there. I am grateful to his new family for offering him love and a good home, a family who were not only committed to making it happen, but did a lot of work and research to that end. I am thankful to all of my readers who shared their money and information and emotional support and held my hands through it all as I was very nervous. Finally, I am thankful to Creamy and for the day he appeared in my life. I marvel at the transpiration of events. Thank you all for your kind and wonderful hearts. His new family has sent me many wonderful pictures of him enjoying his new home. Enjoy. There are also several more recent pictures on my Altered Cats! Cyprus Facebook page if you would like to see more of Creamy in his new home.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlteredCatsCyprus?ref=hl" target="_blank">Altered Cats! Cyprus on Facebook</a>
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Thank you all again. <br />
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/1611663_450656248390529_83010906_o_zps7fc70cd9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1611663_450656248390529_83010906_o_zps7fc70cd9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/1611663_450656248390529_83010906_o_zps7fc70cd9.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/1655501_10203228069650312_96714880_o_zps6c780131.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1655501_10203228069650312_96714880_o_zps6c780131.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/1655501_10203228069650312_96714880_o_zps6c780131.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/1623986_10203238599433550_1780144531_o_zps8e75407e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1623986_10203238599433550_1780144531_o_zps8e75407e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/1623986_10203238599433550_1780144531_o_zps8e75407e.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/Creamyfeelingcomfortable_zpsb3ece451.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Creamyfeelingcomfortable_zpsb3ece451.png" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Creamyfeelingcomfortable_zpsb3ece451.png" height="400" width="300" /></a>
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<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/anitalivaditisargyrou/media/1611041_10203255228329262_188389937_o_zps0fba7a82.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1611041_10203255228329262_188389937_o_zps0fba7a82.jpg" border="0" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/1611041_10203255228329262_188389937_o_zps0fba7a82.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-89083073903462253132014-01-20T10:38:00.001-08:002014-01-20T10:38:45.709-08:00Creamy Goes to CaliforniaWell, I finally found a home for a cat. In California. Creamy is just adorable and I can totally see why his new mom fell in love with him. I did, too. Someone left Creamcicle , now known as "Creamy", at the park a while back. He was young, still a kitten, and terrified. But he has turned into a lover and with his irresistible charm, and darling expression, he has found himself a home with a lovely lady and her family in sunny California. I wonder if he will be the first Cyprus cat there? I have started a fundraiser to raise money for his expenses. I ask if you could donate and share my fundraiser. I would really appreciate it. <br />
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I also ask and would appreciate your prayers for a safe journey for him. I will be sitting on pins and needles until I know he has arrived at his new forever home safely. This is the first time I have sent a cat abroad and it is a long journey for him. Thank you. <br /><br />Creamy, I pray for the absolute best for you. I love you and I will miss you. Thank you for the time we have had together. Thank you for coming into my life. <br />
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</iframe><br />Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-89613403685517202014-01-03T23:29:00.000-08:002014-04-28T07:39:37.209-07:00How Do They See Themselves? <div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Narcissus so himself forsook,</em></div>
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<em>And died to kiss his shadow in the brook.</em></div>
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<em>- William Shakespeare</em></div>
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There have been incidents in the Cyprus news lately that have animal lovers very upset. One was a dog deliberately dragged to death while tied behind his owner's car on Christmas morning in Limassol. Apparently his reasoning was that the dog was disobedient. He had sent the dog to training school and when he got him back, he was still disobedient. So I guess this somewhat less than human being figured he would show the dog. He killed him. He said in the event he was not successful killing the dog by dragging him, he had a hatchet in the back of the car to kill him with, just in case. (Astoundingly, he had a Plan B.) The police arrested him. What will happen? Not much. This is Cyprus. This is the Mediterranean. This is the mentality. They tolerate it. Is everyone here like this? No. Are there a lot here like this? Yes. So it is not just a few freaks? No. It is a freakish cultural attitude. It is a distinctly Mediterranean cultural attitude. You will find it in Greece, in Italy, in Spain, in Malta. I have artist friends there. I hear the same things about poisonings, cruelty, neglect, illegal hunting of birds. I have tried to figure it out for a long time. I have been here 8 years. I think I finally have a clue that, felicitously, I happened upon. I will go into more later, because I need to do some more research and think more about it. <br />
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But suffice it to say at the root is a wrong, misguided belief about their place in the world they live in, that, unfortunately, has its roots in Hellenism. Remember I am Greek American. I have a unique window into this world. I can say what a lot of expats here can't, and not be accused of racism. <br />
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On top of the Christmas incident of the poor dog being dragged to death in Limassol, there was a situation over Christmas where a Cyprus rescue group's dogs where being housed in a Cypriot kennel, owned by a former municipal worker, where neglect and cruelty where discovered. You can read about that tragedy here: <a href="http://cyprus-mail.com/2013/12/29/squalid-kennel-shuts-down/">http://cyprus-mail.com/2013/12/29/squalid-kennel-shuts-down/</a> <br />
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You can read about the tragedy in Limassol here: <a href="http://cyprus-mail.com/2013/12/27/dog-tied-to-car-and-dragged-to-death/">http://cyprus-mail.com/2013/12/27/dog-tied-to-car-and-dragged-to-death/</a><br />
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It was a just a few weeks ago that while I was walking my dog I found a live puppy tied up in a bag at the village dump. It has been on-going that where I am living my cats have been vanishing into thin air. My landlord believes my neighbour is killing them. I have effectively been shut out of three of my feeding stations. <br />
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How do they see themselves? When they look in the mirror, what do they see? It is something to think about. <br />
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<em>Narcissus does not fall in love with his reflection because it is beautiful, but because it is his. If it were his beauty that enthralled him, he would be set free in a few years by its fading.</em></div>
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<em>- W.H. Auden</em></div>
Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-24434110689367249172013-12-02T22:29:00.000-08:002014-04-26T08:45:56.321-07:00Thank You Cats in Need Cyprus!<div class="_3dp _29k">
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<span class="userContent">I want to say a big thank you to Sue and Jayne of Cats In Need Cyprus, a registered Charity in the Isle of Man, who have pledged to pay for the alteration of 20 of the cats I care for. I am over the moon for their kind offer to help. Witho<span class="text_exposed_show">ut Cats in Need I could not have done the work that I have done in the past. They donated my traps, and have aided me with bills over the last three years, not to mention been a shoulder to cry on and lean on and vent, as I have not many people to talk to here. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">They help others besides me - there are many kind people here who once upon a time moved to Cyprus, some to retire in the sun, others hoping to have a better life, who never dreamed that one day they would be doing exactly what I am doing and exactly for the same reasons. They reached their limit of the suffering they could witness while standing idly by. What joy is there in the sun when others around you are suffering? I can tell you first hand it takes the wind right of your sails. I am a happier person now. I cannot relieve all the suffering but I sleep well at night knowing I am doing what I can. This is such rewarding work. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Sue and Jayne have both been visitors to Cyprus and <br /> themselves were both moved by the plight of the abused, abandoned, sick, injured, homeless, ignored, and poisoned cats here, and that is why they started their charity. Sue and Jayne and Cats in Need Cyprus make a difference and make it possible for people like me to be in the fields and trenches doing what I do. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayne came to visit me and meet the cats at the park and my house while she was in Cyprus recently. Here she is showing me cat tapping on Scoopy Sox, with Cindy Lou Who at her knee, and Starlight in the background.</td></tr>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">We are all necessary to make a change. So are all of you that come and see my pictures, who spread the word just by commenting, and give me your moral support as well as your kind donations, which for some of you I know takes food off your plate just so you can give to the cats here, and sleep better yourselves. There are those of you who write me privately and lend me your ear and encourage me, who keep my spirits up, who send me funny pictures. Those who cry with me when I lose a cat. Those who cheer with me when I finally trap one. There are the veterinarians who put up with me calling them at all ungodly hours and many times a day, who see me at my worst, who slip me medicines and offer me their services after hours. Thank you all. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petey watching me try to trap Wanda - no I haven't got her yet, doggone it!</td></tr>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">I may not have a big crowd here but they are loyal and true and good people. Again I thank you all. Please I ask you to donate to Cat in Need Cyprus to help Sue and Jayne continue to help us. Please offer them a big thank you in the comments for visiting me while they were here, and for offering to help me and the cats I care for. <br /><br /> You can give to Cats in Need Cyprus at this address. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/cats-in-need-cyprus-77881" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/cats-in-need-cyprus-77881</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pegs at the park</td></tr>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">PS You can keep up with my most recent altered cats, thanks to Sue, Jayne, and Cats in Need Cyprus kind donation, here on my Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlteredCatsCyprus?ref=hl">Altered Cats Cyprus</a>.</span></div>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-69543076175713167362013-10-09T11:07:00.001-07:002013-10-09T11:09:57.828-07:00What I Take With Me to the Feeding Stations<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My car loaded up for the feeding station rounds</td></tr>
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I thought you might like to see what I take with me when I go to the feeding stations. I take a lot more with me than I used to. <br />
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I bring several bottles filled with water. I fill them from my home drinking tap (there are two taps in Cyprus). The cats drink so much water I cannot believe it. The kittens drink a lot, too. When the water bowls are empty, and I fill them, that is the first thing the kittens run to get. It's especially important in the summer in Cyprus to supply water because there is no rain. I do provide it all year round.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5348_zps93b1ae98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5348_zps93b1ae98.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of large water filled plastic bottles go with me</td></tr>
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I used to take the kibble in separate, doubled plastic bags - doubled because one tiny cat claw and it is over for the kibble in the bag. It was convenient because I knew how many scoops to put in each bag for each station. But now it would ridiculous. I would be scooping all day. Now I put the whole 15 kilo bag of kibble in the back seat and a scooper, and fill and refill a plastic bag as I go from one station to the next.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5352_zps8e2713c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5352_zps8e2713c9.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole 15 kilo bag of kibble goes with me in the back seat</td></tr>
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I take another tote bag for canned food, plates, tissues to wipe the bowls, and extra plastic bags for trash and dishes. This tote bag came with me from America, it's from LLBean. It's sturdy and great with all the pockets for organizing smaller stuff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5350_zps16150225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5350_zps16150225.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic plates, tissues, canned food, plastic bags, a scooper for the kibble</td></tr>
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I occasionally switch out the bowls at the feeding stations and bring them home for a good cleaning, so I carry some extra bowls with me, too, in case some look very dirty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5354_zpsad41b2dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5354_zpsad41b2dd.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large clean bowls for swapping out dirty ones</td></tr>
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Also, when they are not both occupied, I keep a small carrier in the car for emergencies. I only have two small carriers. I could really use a couple more. My other carriers are enormous and are for dogs, too big for the car or to actually carry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5351_zpsc8a7ea47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5351_zpsc8a7ea47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small carrier and a soft blanky</td></tr>
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I often take my camera. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5353_zps65d5748c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5353_zps65d5748c.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Camera</td></tr>
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And at night I take a flashlight. This one uses no batteries and is a wind up. It fits perfectly between my inside upper arm and ribcage for hands free. I have used lots of different flashlights and lanterns and this is the best. Batteries fail at the worst times, and so do bulbs. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wind up flashlight for hands free at night</td></tr>
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And I usually keep a trap in the boot of my car, a couple of beach towels large enough to cover the trap, and a peepee pad. I keep a can of trapping bait in my camera case.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4726_zps99a849b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4726_zps99a849b0.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5131_zps625f30b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5131_zps625f30b9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canned fish for trapping bait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes for an occasional treat I will bring a big bottle of milk. They like that. I have also taken them yogurt before. Most like it, some don't. <br />
<br />
A big plastic tote is best to actually carry from the car, because they are easy to clean, waterproof, and strong. The one I use now is from IKEA and it is giant. <br />
<br />
So there you have it. That's what I take with me to the feeding stations. <br />
<br />
Oh, and this doesn't go:<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5355_zpsfca71dbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5355_zpsfca71dbe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lulu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I try to make sure all the cats are out of the car before I leave the house! Sometimes I have been surprised halfway down my home road, and have had to turn back to drop off a cat or two. <br />
<br />
Sometime I forget stuff, or run out of kibble, that's a bummer, but I am never very far from home. Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-56687981542967163832013-10-08T08:19:00.001-07:002013-10-08T08:19:04.826-07:00Trapping, Altering, and Releasing Clinton<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Clinton_zps68abe7f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Clinton_zps68abe7f2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clinton</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clinton is a cat who came from the Sandra's feeding station. I now mostly see him at the park. He is a mild Tomcat who has had a bad respiratory infection since I have known him. I suspect he may be sicker than that. On Thursday when I went to try and trap Wanda and failed again, I decided it was a good time to get Clinton. If he is sick I do not want him fighting with the other males at the park, and I also wanted to get him some relief if I could.<br />
<br />
He was so easy to trap. In fact, he kept setting the trap off by rubbing on it lovingly before he even got in it. I basically had to give him a push in there. He continued eating his treat/bait and then realized what had happened. He wasn't happy. <br />
<br />
He was so heavy when I picked up the trap, I couldn't believe it. It was a long, staggered walk to the car for me.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5266_zps2b2eec5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5266_zps2b2eec5e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clinton in the trap in the back of my car, he's not happy</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I took him in on Thursday and picked him up on Friday. The vet gave him a very expensive long lasting antibiotic that appears to have helped him a lot. His breathing is not nearly so rough and wet. Also, he had been drooling a lot, and the vet found something lodged in his teeth which she removed. He is not drooling anymore. It was probably a fish bone, because a fisherman puts out fresh fish for the cats at Sandra's, and I still see him there on occasion. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5276_zps4f0d3100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5276_zps4f0d3100.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Loaded up to go to the vets with two cats, Clinton is in back</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5272_zps15ba9a45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5272_zps15ba9a45.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Starlight had to go in, too</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5280_zps58b89ede.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5280_zps58b89ede.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> At the vets</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
The vet also said he was huge. She said he weighed over 9 kilos. Well, no wonder I could barely pick him up. The traps are quite heavy just by themselves. <br />
<br />
When I released him the first thing he did was get his bearings. Then he headed straight to the hill to take a very, very long peepee. I felt so sorry for him that he had been holding it. He never sprayed once in the trap or in my car. He was the most respectful male cat I have ever trapped. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5293_zps90043ee5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5293_zps90043ee5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clinton on the hill just before I released him. That's Strike coming to take a look at the food I brought.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5296_zpse30c8188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5296_zpse30c8188.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5298_zps5495ff01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5298_zps5495ff01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5299_zpsc8970cf6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5299_zpsc8970cf6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5300_zps34327a7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5300_zps34327a7c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5301_zps4d04666c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5301_zps4d04666c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5302_zps07e53f90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5302_zps07e53f90.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clinton gets his bearings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5319_zpsd787bd47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5319_zpsd787bd47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clinton had to peepee really bad. So he did that for a long time :( Poor guy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5320_zpsda7e4d22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5320_zpsda7e4d22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Then he sauntered back over...</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5322_zps75e801a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5322_zps75e801a9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">and had a snack</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">then he went and made biscuits like he always does after he eats :)</span></div>
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He stayed nearby and ate a meal of soft food I brought with me while the others around joined in for a bite, too: Strike, Greyboy, Blabby, Topper, and Sose were there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5332_zpsf00eb368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5332_zpsf00eb368.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was starting to get dark</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was time to say goodbye for the night. <br />
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Greyboy walked me to my car. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5344_zps77cf9640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5344_zps77cf9640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greyboy </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I saw Clinton the next day, he was looking and sounding much better than before I trapped him.<br />
<br />
I hope this will take some stress off him, and he will be able to live a long life there at the park. Godspeed, Clinton. Thank you. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Clinton_zps68abe7f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Clinton_zps68abe7f2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Clinton. I love you. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-70709208353246795592013-10-02T17:57:00.000-07:002013-10-02T17:57:34.897-07:00My Mission: Trapping and Altering Wanda from the Park<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to the kind lady who sent in a donation to alter Wanda. </span></span></em></span><div style="text-align: left;">
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</span><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">THE MISSION:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;">TO TRAP </span><span style="font-family: Courier New;">WANDA</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">FOR ALTERATION</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">THIS IS WANDA:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/051a9831-c23a-4192-b4e9-fc0c104f8e7c_zpsd9f9dcc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/051a9831-c23a-4192-b4e9-fc0c104f8e7c_zpsd9f9dcc8.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"> WANDA RESIDES MOSTLY AT THE FEEDING STATION KNOWN AS THE APARTMENTS:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4845_zps5f8a5e56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4845_zps5f8a5e56.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"></span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"> WANDA WAS SEEN FREQUENTLY AT THE PARK UNTIL RECENTLY:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4697_zps5d157081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4697_zps5d157081.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: small;"></span> </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">WARNING:</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">DO NOT CONFUSE WANDA WITH MYSTERY:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/195c8f01-b356-4285-9d44-80c21edcd1ed_zpsd4ac382f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/195c8f01-b356-4285-9d44-80c21edcd1ed_zpsd4ac382f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">OR BLABBY:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4881_zps9a81bab3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4881_zps9a81bab3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">THESE ARE WANDA'S KITTENS:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">THE GOAL: TO PREVENT MORE OF THE ABOVE, CUTE AS THEY ARE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Wanda is clever.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She is known to take kittens as hostages into the trap with her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">She is known to take the bait without setting off the trap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Stay tuned, follow me on my mission.</span><br />
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THIS TAPE WILL NOW SELF DESTRUCT.<br />
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<br />Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-49674329299716052232013-09-24T11:11:00.001-07:002013-09-24T11:11:08.362-07:00Kitty Rigging for the Rain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span class="bqQuoteLink">It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said, "Into each life some rain must fall." At my age, I understand this, but how do I explain it to the new kittens? And all the cats at the feeding stations?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is the season's first storm coming?</td></tr>
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There is thunder and lightening outside. Will it be the first rain of the season in Cyprus? The kittens living outdoors now have never seen rain or lightening, or heard the sounds of thunder before. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5156_zps5f1272f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5156_zps5f1272f4.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm clouds in Cyprus, brewing over my village today</td></tr>
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In case it rained, I ran about earlier rigging the front porch for the cats and kittens who won't come inside. The signature of a girl is everywhere, as I rigged things together with strings and bows. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5152_zps13b72bcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5152_zps13b72bcc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'fight like a girl' attempt at keeping some of the rain off the front porch - a use what you've got approach</td></tr>
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The front porch floods terribly when it rains, and when you mix the rain with the high winds off the sea, you get a real mess. I did the best I could today with the short warning, but I am going to have to come up with something better. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I moved everything I could off the veranda over to the less exposed side of the porch<br />
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5161_zpse14a8656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5161_zpse14a8656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Gini checks out my make do kitty shelter</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I</span> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">guess he thinks it's pretty OK, but it is not raining yet</span></div>
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The houses in Cyprus aren't built with any thought for rain. I am not sure most are built with any thought at all, except perhaps to protect investments in the poured concrete industry. Still, I love this house. It's the best one I have lived in here.<br />
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Meanwhile the kittens were highly alarmed and terrified at the strange new sight of lightening and the strange new sound of thunder. <br />
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I shuddered to think of what was going on at the feeding stations. The food would be soaked. It would be a mess and I was praying all the kittens and cats out would find shelter. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4495_zpsf3bcfd43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4495_zpsf3bcfd43.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this broken plastic chair last year to keep the food in the grotto at the park dry over the winter, it's still there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It works really well. I need more like it for the other feeding stations.</td></tr>
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It indeed poured, and nearly everything got soaked on the porch. When I peered out calling for any last takers, there was only one cat, Astro, taking refuge there, rain was flooding in under the front door, and Gini came wailing to the window to be let in. Thank God most of the kittens have at least their first vaccinations. This is when flu season starts. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5170_zps0e9fa7e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5170_zps0e9fa7e4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A soaked front porch after the rain and no cats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5168_zpsd48e569a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5168_zpsd48e569a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pegs checks out the indoor flood. Pegs has seen rain before. She's lived it and has the T-shirt as she came from the park. </td></tr>
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About ten minutes after the rain let up, there were five soaked kitties at the porch door begging to come in: Twiddles, Krystallo, Bashful, Sweet Corn, and Bouncie.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/un-pequeno-problema-anita-dale-livaditis.html">Bashful</a>, safe and cozy dry now</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5178_zps09a442b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5178_zps09a442b0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/krystallos-anita-dale-livaditis.html?newartwork=true">Krystallo</a>, drying off in my lap<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5181JPGcrop_zps080c6cef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5181JPGcrop_zps080c6cef.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouncie, having a good bath</td></tr>
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Sweet Corn and Twiddles are already back outside. :) Go figure. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5163_zpseea5c908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5163_zpseea5c908.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters Boogie and Bouncie playing before the rain</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5164_zps079be28e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_5164_zps079be28e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudi atop the dog house watching his changing world. </td></tr>
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It's dark now, and I still have to go out to the feeding stations. It's going to be a mess, and the cats will be desperate, but there is nothing I can do but cleanup, and start making better preparations for the next rain.<br />
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Thank God my sister sent me some rain pants. <br />
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<em>The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.</em></div>
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- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</div>
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<br />Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-51362506053148412082013-09-22T06:04:00.001-07:002013-09-22T06:04:05.926-07:00 Collars for the Cats<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><em>When you are safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure, you wish you were safe at home.</em><br />
-Thornton Wilder<br />
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That can't be truer than of cats! Personally, I am done with adventures in my own life. Waking up every day is only adventure I need. But I do wish the cats would give them up, too! </div>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Collars_zps03176eb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Collars_zps03176eb9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collars for the cats</td></tr>
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Until I have a real cat sanctuary or a gigantic home, I can't keep all the cats at my house safe, which means inside, which is the only safe place for a pet, though I wish I could. And, as it is, I can't keep the ones outside from having their adventures, like crossing the road, chasing rabbits, dining at neighbors, batting at snakes, and being curious about the horses across the way. But I would like to do everything I can for them under my present circumstances.<br />
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I have been wanting to get some collars and tags for the cats at my house for a long time and have been pricing them at pet stores. Even at a volume purchase they are still very expensive.<br />
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But recently I found the collars pictured above at a grocery store nearby at one euro each. They are nice, too, being very soft, and with a clasp instead of a buckle, which I like. <br />
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Best of all, which I didn't even notice until one night driving up to the house, headlights on, they have reflective material sewn into the bands.<br />
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The grocery store only had five, but I bought them all. I am hoping they will bring in some more.<br />
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Since they were pink, I gave them to five of the girls who spend all or most of their time outside: Giblet, Bette, Minnow, Krystallo, and Cindy. I tried to put one on Mandy but she wasn't having it. Maybe she will have a change of heart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/BetteCollars_zpse9c05941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/BetteCollars_zpse9c05941.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bette</td></tr>
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<a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Cindycollars2_zps3ceeb538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Cindycollars2_zps3ceeb538.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4320_zps97df0ea5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_4320_zps97df0ea5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnow<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/GIBLETCOLLARSIMG_51363_zps5a0f8c76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/GIBLETCOLLARSIMG_51363_zps5a0f8c76.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giblet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Krystallo_zps1b7895b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/Krystallo_zps1b7895b2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krystallo<br />
( I don't have a picture of Krystallo in hers yet, in fact, I think she is dining at the neighbors this weekend - at least I hope that is where she is )<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_3118_zpsb46be720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/IMG_3118_zpsb46be720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy wasn't having it</td></tr>
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A kind person sent in a 20 dollar donation this month and this is what I did with part of it. I will save the rest to buy more collars when I can find some. Hopefully they will have some blue ones for the boys!<br />
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To the kind lady who donated the money, I thank you. Twenty dollars can go a long way for the cats. I appreciate your heart. <br />
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My hope is it will protect them and keep them a little safer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/GIBLETCOLLARSIMG_51361_zps32546c11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q255/anitalivaditisargyrou/GIBLETCOLLARSIMG_51361_zps32546c11.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet little Giblet in her collar. Giblet is vaccinated, spayed, and ready for adoption!</td></tr>
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<em>Fear is the father of courage and the mother of safety.</em></div>
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-Henry Hallum Tweedy</div>
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Amen. <br />
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PS If you would like to donate some collars and or tags for the cats, please contact me and I can give you an address to send them to. Thank you!Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3494405217127753220.post-24961987140969362622013-09-15T05:28:00.000-07:002013-09-15T05:28:14.617-07:00North Carolina Cat Rescuer - "The Mother Teresa of Animals"Great NYT feature article about 72 yr. old cat rescuer and artist Siglinda Scarpa who lives in the woods:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/garden/300-cats-and-counting.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&">300 Cats, Yes. Craziness, No.</a>Anita http://www.blogger.com/profile/03027168158963687468noreply@blogger.com0