Useful Links

**Walt34** · 05-16-2010, 07:44 AM

"Quality time" with DW. That always works.

A motorcycle ride on a twisty road.

Drifting downstream in the boat.

An airplane ride in a small plane, preferably with some acrobatics thrown in.

Purron · 05-16-2010, 03:49 PM

Yes W2R, darling kitty is in a bad way. You've gotten to know me all too well. I'm trying not to talk about it too much here 'cause it's a bummer.

You guys have cheered me up. Kinda like that best buddy from my workin' days I could gripe to about the boss, the lousy commute, or how upset I was not to be selected for a promotion. Bet many of you had one of those.

W2R · 05-16-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purron

Yes W2R, darling kitty is in a bad way. You've gotten to know me all too well. I'm trying not to talk about it too much here 'cause it's a bummer.

You guys have cheered me up. Kinda like that best buddy from my workin' days I could gripe to about the boss, the lousy commute, or how upset I was not to be selected for a promotion. Bet many of you had one of those.

Aw!! I am so sorry that kitty is doing poorly. I'm glad we could cheer you up a little bit. Yes, I had a best buddy at work like that! Margaret and I worked together very closely and became best friends. We could say anything to each other, and in that high stress work environment it really helped. So, I know what you mean. If/when you need a shoulder to lean on, I would be happy to lend you mine and I think many others on the board feel the same way. By the way, this thread is great! I love everyone's suggestions and really got a kick out of the laughing baby video.

WhoDaresWins · 05-16-2010, 06:16 PM

Talking with a trusted friend
Taking a long walk
Snuggling with my little dog
A soak in a warm tub with a glass of wine
A good book

antmary · 05-16-2010, 06:52 PM

When I have been really blue in my life, the greatest gift I have received is, simply, the gift of a friend or relative being there for me and listening. Sometimes I just need be with the pain - and, gradually it works itself out. Time really does heal.

tuixiu · 05-16-2010, 08:43 PM

Dog.

She doesn't have many duties but she consistently performs the "cheer up" one every time. If I could only get her to ease off the bark one we'd be perfect.

NW-Bound · 05-16-2010, 08:44 PM

Once, when I felt blue, freebird5825 introduced me to this song, Blue.

ksr · 05-16-2010, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purron

Yes W2R, darling kitty is in a bad way. You've gotten to know me all too well. I'm trying not to talk about it too much here 'cause it's a bummer.

I'm so sorry to hear this, Purron. I lost a beloved cat over 3 years ago and still not a day goes by that I don't think about him. I think there are plenty of us here who can relate and would be glad to listen.

Glo · 05-17-2010, 06:16 PM

I never feel down. My life started when I retired 3-1/2 years ago; DH and I are in the best years of our lives. We're happy with where we live, with our house and 1-acre property, with our friends and family, and our volunteer activities. We couldn't possibly ask for more.

Westernskies · 05-17-2010, 06:24 PM

Think about everything that is right in your life, and remember that usually the things that aren't are out of your control.

Hang in there; better times ahead.

Purron · 05-17-2010, 06:55 PM

Took Hummer to the vet today and my vet, who is more than a vet but a friend, gave me that look. That look that said "I'm so sorry". He's down to about 5 pounds now - my beautiful boy whose "cruising weight" was 12 pounds for most of his adult life.

She gave him some meds for the nausea but the reality is he has a tumor now that's pressing against his tummy inside and makes him unable to keep food down. She also gave him some IV fluids which never hurts in a case like this.

So I bring him home and what does he do? Comes out of the pet carrier and rubs his head against my leg. Gives me that big, beautiful green eyed look and climbs into his favorite chair in the living room.

I have managed to use an oral syringe to get some food into him tonight. He just keeps looking at me and I fall to pieces.

brewer12345 · 05-17-2010, 07:03 PM

A long hike, especially in a pretty place
Time with DW and the kids (especially if they are not going nuts)
Homebrew

Indulging in the last tonight. A wonderful braggot made with pale male, wheat, and a whole lot of the finest tupelo honey I have ever found (from this guy Tupelo Honey from Wewahitchka Florida - Smiley Apiaries ). It smells like heaven, is almost 9% ABV, and goes down smooth.

Sorry about the kitty, Purron. I have one elderly dog with lymphoma (on chemo), and a 15 YO beagle who is on like 6 meds a day. We get the privilege of their presence for as long as we get it and then we have to let them go.

CoolChange · 05-17-2010, 07:04 PM

+1 on the long walks outside when the sun is out and strenuous gym workout when the weather is bad.

Kittens and puppies also make it very hard to stay blue. We recently lost a cat to congestive heart failure; but, we adopted two kittens from a local shelter before the older cat passed. Not only did the kittens cheer us up (and, keep us too busy to mope) but I also honestly think they provided some distraction/amusement for the older cat in her last days when she wasn't really able to do much.

Purron · 05-17-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolChange

Kittens and puppies also make it very hard to stay blue.

I agree. I took in 5 kittens from the shelter almost 2 weeks ago to foster. High maintenance ones - a bit over 3 weeks, no momma and not yet weaned. I hesitated because Hummer was so ill. But then I thought, hey, they're at the same shelter I adopted him from 13 years ago. Seemed poetic somehow.

They are doing great and have helped me from free falling into the "negativity spiral".

Here are some pictures of them.

bbbamI · 05-17-2010, 07:37 PM

I'm so sorry you're going through this Purron...I know it breaks your heart.

But let me tell ya.....you are a loving, strong woman. Not only do you adopt pets, but you foster them as well. You are able to give the foster 'kids' to others that would love a pet. Even though you know they need to go to other homes, I'm sure you get attached to them.

This flower is for you...

...I wish we had more Purrons in this world.

ksr · 05-17-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purron

She also gave him some IV fluids which never hurts in a case like this.

Has your vet suggested that you give subcutaneous fluids at home? I don't know if you've done this yourself or not, but I learned to do it in the last couple of years of my 20-year old cat's life.

It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job caring for Hummer, and he knows it too. I know how very difficult it is when a beloved pet is sick. Please feel free to PM me if you would like some moral support.

Purron · 05-17-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksr

Has your vet suggested that you give subcutaneous fluids at home? I don't know if you've done this yourself or not, but I learned to do it in the last couple of years of my 20-year old cat's life.

Thanks. I thought about it because DH and I did subcutaneous fluids at home years ago with a very sick kitty. Sadly, I don't think Hummer has much time. Depending on how he does tomorrow, we may do this as it does often help ailing pets very much. I'd need a "refresher class" but know it's not hard to do at all. I appreciate your suggestion very much.