1991-2006
I got Digger when we moved to Kansas in 1992, he was a year old. He was my buddy from the start and was always there when I came home from school. When I moved away to go to college Digger came with me, whever I moved Digger came too. He was the kitty tester for countless rescue dogs and was always the welcome commitee to anyone who came to visit. Digger was tough and taught dogs to respect him. He remained incharge of this household until suddenly suffering paralysis of his hind limbs from a bloodclot. This genetic condition affects Persian cats. There is no treatment.
Saying Goodby to Digger that day in my veterinarian's office is one of the hardlest thing's I have ever had to do.
1999-2006
Max was my other kitty buddy and one of the very few other cats that Digger got along with well. Max was a very gentle soul who was rescued by a friend from death row at the Tallahassie pound.....no one wanted to adopt a 20 lb cat. Despite our best efforts Max was always a "big" guy all his life. A few months after Digger died Max joined him at the Bridge.
A disease called FIP took Max's life. We are not certain how he got it and I didn't know that he was not vaccinated against it. I assumed that his yearly shots contained everything he needed. Many vet's do not vaccinate for FIP. If you are concerned and think it might be in your area please ask your vet about the vaccine and the pro's and con's of giving it.
2002-2007
To this day Taz is the worst case of neglect I have ever been involved with since I have been involved with rescue. Taz is the only foster dog that I kept as perminant member of my doggie family. Taz was turned into rescue by a woman claiming she was his breeder. When I picked him up he was nearly dead from starvation. He was 6 months old and only weighed 4 lbs. (Note I did not pick him up from the location of this person I do not know where she lives). In a panick as I drove home I called my vet (who was about to close for the day) and told him of the condition this poor baby was in. He and his wife stayed at the clinic and treated Taz that day. Had they not done that I don't know if he would have made it until morning. In addition to starvation (to the point that his muscle tissue was dissolving), he had sarcoptic mange, numerous skin infections, respratiory infection, and a very bad case of hookworms. Taz survied but took him a long time to know he would always have a meal and for a long time he would growl and hover over his food as he inhaled it. As time went by his hair grew back and we were able to see that he was a bi-black Sheltie (we had no idea of his markings or if he was a tri or bi black because he was nearly hairless when I got him and covered in scabs.). He had a love for people and was very outgoing despite what had been done to him.
The nursing home residents loved Taz and it was a resident that gave him his name. He was an inspiration to all who knew him his entire life. I just wish he could have been with us a little longer.
