Conference misery::feline_v1

    Is she an outside cat?  Has she been vaccinated for Leukemia?
    Is she less than a year old?
    
    Unfortunately, or fortunately, the symptoms of leukemia are almost
    identical to the symptoms of other cat illnesses.  The only definitive
    diagnosis will come through the bloodwork.  Are they doing an FIP
    titer too?  The low temp seems odd to me.
    
    Is there any chance that it could be an intestinal blockage.  Symptoms
    sound a bit like Jesse's were when he had a blockage.  They would
    need to take x-rays, and maybe a barium swallow to be able to tell.
    
    Keep us informed.  I hope little Landshark will be okay.
    
    Jo

    that temp looks a little on the low side; Isn't 102 normal for a cat?
    
    Deb

    Her temp is low--and her ears are cold.  I've made sure that the
    spot on which she's sleeping on our bed is comfy, near the heating
    vent, and protected from drafts.
    
    She's 1 1/2 years old, leukemia tested (negative -- a year ago)
    and vaccinated, and an indoor/outdoor cat.  Right now, she's isolated
    from the rest of the cats who are really miffed at all of the attention
    she's getting.   When she sits, she sits hunched up; when she lays,
    she curls up on her side.  Both the emergency vet and we felt her
    abdomen, but none of us could detect anything.  Nor did she react
    as if she was in pain from our examinations.
    
    Once our vet sees her later today, LandShark may receive X-rays
    to see what there is to see.  The only other symptom the emergency
    vet noted was some partial fluid in one of her lungs; I think that's
    why the antibiotics were administered and prescribed.
    
    She's not breathing any shallower than usual, if anything, she's
    breathing slower.  I timed her respiration Saturday night a number
    of times and came up with 19-20 per minute.  Average is supposed
    to be 25 - 30-something, I think.  
    
    She's just so cold and lifeless, and nothing holds her attention.
    She didn't even purr again until yesterday.
    
    Jill

    Jill,
    
    I would get her on a heating pad.  You can either put one on the
    bed where she is sleeping, or make her a safe bed in a cardboard
    box.  Sick cats seem to like small, dark, warm places.  Are you
    checking her temp for changes?  You might want to do that in the
    mornings and evenings.  All you can really do right now is make
    her warm and comfortable.
    
    Let us know what your vet thinks.  I hope she will be okay.
    
    Jo

    Eirene had a similar problem a couple of years ago when she was about 2
    years old (only she had a 105.5 temp,and no incontinent problems). The vet
    put her on anti-biotics and within about 2 days she was herself again.
    I was able to get her to eat by tempting her with baby food
    (unfortunately, this became habit forming). The vet doesn't know what
    was wrong, just called it a problem of "unknown origin", but said that
    this kind of thing can be common, and whenever a cat is not well and
    hiding it is best to being them in to the vet.

    I hope things turn out all right for your LandShark like they did with
    Eirene. 

    Deb

    P.S. If kitty is slightly dehydrated, and is on antibiotics, keep an
    eye out that she doesn't get diarrhea.

    Jill,
    
    This may sound a bit weird, but it occurred to me as I read this
    to wonder if it could be a delayed reaction from the earthquake,
    and if LandShark is in fact in shock? In which case, I guess keeping
    him/her warm and comfortable and unscared is pretty important.
    
    Shayne (New Zealand)

    Sounds like it might be poisoning.  If he/she goes outside,
    that would be the first thing I could think of.  I had a cat
    once that got poisoning somehow - they get *very* sick.
    
    Good Luck,
    
    Anna/Zildjian/Spunky
    

    RE .7
    
    That was my first thought too but was afraid to enter it.
    
    Sandi
    
    

    
    	check her pads and gums - are they whitish?? 
    

    We got the results of the bloodwork while we were at the vet's
    yesterday:  LandShark has kidney failure probably due to poisoning
    of some sort.  Antifreeze is the current candidate although we don't
    know who has changed their antifreeze lately.  We're checking
    with our neighbors.
    
    Her blood levels of different items (phosphorus, BUN--blood urea
    number, and something else) are astronomical.  The vet took her
    immediately to see if he can get her kidneys functioning again.  
    Catheter, IVs, and the such are all on her agenda for the next few 
    days.  He'll do another blood work-up tomorrow to see if there's 
    any improvement.  If there's some improvement and he feels he can 
    get the kidneys functioning again, there may be some hope.  If not, 
    we'll be there when it's time to put her down.  This is so awful--I'm
    crying here at work.  Our vet's opinion is that it doesn't look
    good. 
    
    Jill

    Jill, I'm so sorry.  Give Landshark a big hug for me.  I'll sit
    here and pray that she will pull through.
    
    Be strong for her.
    
    
    --Roberta
    
    
    

    I hope and pray that everything works out.  
    
    anna
    

    jill,
    
    you and l.s. are in our thoughtz and prayerz.  i lost my cissy to
    kidney/liver related problemz 2 1/2 yearz ago.  it is so sad.
    
    good luck!
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    Dear Landshark, our thoughts are with you.  I remember hearing on the
    news that one of the people trapped in the freeway collapse had kidney
    failure, and it took several days for his kidneys to start working
    again once they started treatment, so there is still hope.  His
    treatment included dialysis, can they do that for cats?
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    Thank you so much for all of the good thoughts.  If we can, we'll
    stop by the vet's on the way home tonight and give her some special
    hugs and attention so she knows she's not forgotten.  I called a
    while ago and she's still sick but she's still alive.
    
    Jill
    

    We're thinking about you too, Jill. When Sura was much younger he
    had serious kidney problems once, he was a very sick little fellow.
    It was frightening. But he pulled through, and is the picture of
    health now. I'll be praying that the same thing happens for LandShark.
    
    Shayne (New Zealand)

    Jill, I am very sorry to hear about Landshark's condition.  Keep
    thinking good thoughts.  Your vet is doing everything that he can.
    
    The antifreeze could have been spilled during the quake, if you
    keep it in the garage.  Or maybe your neighbors had some spilled
    and didn't know how dangerous it is.  
    
    We'll all be thinking of you and Landshark.
    
    Jo

    Jill,
    
    I'm so sorry to hear that Landshark is so sick.  We'll be praying
    for her and remember, that you can share your worries with us
    as much as you need to.  We care.
    
    Barbara

    Jill - We'll all be praying for Landshark.  Poor baby.  Do visit
    him so he knows he's not forgotten.  It will help his will to live.
    As long as he's still alive there's hope - don't give up.  Miracles
    do happen sometimes.
      Nancy DC

    Jill,
    I, too, am very sorry to hear about Landshark, please give her a hug
    for me.  I think its encouraging you got her to purr, maybe with your
    visits and love she will have the will to pull through.
    
    Paula (who's also praying for good news tomorrow)
    

    We stopped by to visit LandShark last night.  The poor baby is strung
    up to two IV bottles (on a rack like for a person), had a huge collar
    around her neck, but was trying to walk to us and jump down to the
    floor.  She had a lot of phantom feelings evidently because she
    twitched this way and that.  She purred up a storm and I know she's
    getting good attention there, but she's still not walking right
    and she's still not herself.  The vet wanted to give her a full
    24 hours worth of treatment before he did her bloodwork again so
    he's going to be doing it this morning.  The original vet at the
    emergency hospital called to check on her, too, when she found out
    the blood levels and said she would continue to check with Dr. Atton.
    
    I know she's getting the best care and we'll stop again tonight
    regardless of the results of the bloodwork today.  I'll post the
    results here as soon as I hear.
    
    Thank you for all of your good wishes.  I'm taking heart by those
    of you who have had similar experiences and had their cats pull
    through.  LandShark definitely knew us yesterday and nudged Jim's
    beard and gave me kissies like she used to.  God, I hope she's going
    to be okay.
    
    Jill
    

    Thanks for the update Jill.  I'll keep praying.  At least it lets
    me feel like I can do something to help.  :-)
      Nancy DC

    
    Here is hoping that she is on the mend!  Our prayers will be added
    to all the rest for a good recovery for LandShark!
    
    Feline hopeful,
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
    

    
    
    I too hope she's feeling better and everything will work out okay!
    
    You have my prayers and sympathies.
    
    F.

    When I called this morning, the technician said, "She sure is active
    for a sick kitty!  She rubs against everyone and purrs all the time."  
    :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)
    
    That was the best news so far since she was so lifeless the other
    day.
    
    They had already taken a sample of blood and it goes to the lab
    at noon.  We expect to hear the results sometime this afternoon,
    anytime from 2:00 to 6:00, depending where it is in their stack
    and route.
    
    I'll be stopping by on the way home again tonight and hope to hear
    some of the results by then.  
    
    If she's purring and rubbing so much, maybe those are good signs??
    I certainly hope so.
    
    Jill
    
        

    we'll be thinking of you!
    
    Best wishes...Michele & Nippa
    

    Jill,
    
    Me and my crowd are saying prayers too.
    
    cin...

    Good Luck, Jill

    I'd certainly be encouraged by the purring and rubbing, Jill. When
    SUra had his kidney problems we knew he was on the mend when he
    started responding again - he had been very listless up till that
    point.
    Thinking about you,
    
    Shayne (NZ)

    Always the optimist, I'm taking the purring and rubbing as a good
    sign.  Keep us posted.  Bailey, Amelia, Carrie and I all have our
    fingers and toes (toes and toes in their case) crossed hoping 
    Landshark will improve.
    
    Hang in there Jill,
    
    Jan

    Even Jesse is sending good wishes!  That is good news Jill.
      Nancy DC
    

    
    Jill,
    
    I have been following LandSharks progress and would just like to
    add my good wishes to all the others. My cat Percy suffered from
    poisoning 2 months ago - he was V ill but survived and is now 
    fighting fit! Keep smiling - cats know when you are worried!
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Lisa ( Percy and Pooky - Ginger and perfectly formed! )
    

    Hi Jill,
    
    I just heard from Lisa (.32) about LandShark.  It's really saddened me, b
    as I know how awful it is when your cat is sick.  There seems to be
    a glimmer of hope with all the purring...and I hope you'll be giving
    us some good news soon.
    
    Best wishes,
    
    Karen and Georgie (with our fingers and paws crossed)
                           

    Today's news:
    
    I saw LandShark last night and got the results of the blood work-up.
    LandShark is indeed loving (I had so much cat hair up my nose and
    in my eyes from her rubbing and nuzzling me that I could hardly
    see!) but the news on the blood is not too encouraging.
    
    The vet told me that the actions of the cat and the bloodwork don't
    seem to be from the same cat.  She showed slight improvement in
    3 of the 4 waste products (BUN from 267 to 217 (normal is 10-30
    and BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen)) but the other one (Potassium,
    I think) is higher than it was and can lead to hardening of the
    kidneys.  The vet believes the improvement is due to two factors:
   
    1. LandShark is no longer dehydrated since she's on an IV drip.
     Her blood is therefore less dense and the waste products less
    concentrated.
    
    2.  The diruetics and other fluids are doing the job for her.  Right
    now, the kidneys are resting and are not functioning at all.
    
    The vet is very concerned that once we take her off the IV
    drip and ask her kidneys to do the work they're supposed to do,
    they won't be able to.  LandShark is alive essentially because she's
    on a respirator of sorts.  In addition, she's not eating at all
    so they've had to add a glucose drip, too.
    
    The vet told me that in a toxic case, most of the irreparable damage
    is done within the first 12-24 hours.  Since she started vomiting
    on last Thursday, getting her to the vet on Saturday was already
    too late.  The vet did say, though, that in a cat so young (1.5
    years), probably no one would have expected renal failure 
    anyway.  If one particular portion of the kidney is damaged, there
    is no way she can recover their use.
    
    For the time being, we'll continue to visit her everyday and we
    will bring her blankets and other things from home with our smells
    on them (I had the kids sleep with special blankets last night that
    they could give to LandShark).  We'll continue the IV drip until
    the vet recommends we remove it to see what her kidneys can do.
    Alternatives down the road include an ultrasound to determine the
    overall condition of her kidneys and maybe even a biopsy.
    
    She is such a wonderful cat, and she's still so loving.  They told
    me, too, that they had to tranquilize her a bit yesterday to get
    blood from her because she fought so hard.  No one believes she
    is as sick as the tests show.
    
    For now I guess we just wait and see and rely on the vet.  He seems
    to be doing well with her so far, so we'll trust his judgement.
    
    Thanks for all the good wishes--they're helping LandShark get better.
    
    Jill
    

    One more bit of good news when I called in this morning:  There's
    no evidence of calcification like they would expect if she had lapped
    up antifreeze or any similar products.
    
    The current recommendation:  Hopeful but with reservations.
    
    More wait and see.
    
    Jill
    

    Re: .35
    
    What do they think actually caused her to get sick if
    it wasn't antifreeze, etc.?
    
    Hang in there landshark,
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    Jill,
    
    Lots of extra heavy prayers will be headed west tonight!
    
    Hang in there...
    
    Barbara (Melody, Missy and Brittany)

Jill,

me and the fearsome four have our fingers/toes crossed for Landshark....
Possible source of poison could be the newer forms of mouse/rat killers
that don't kill immediately....if Landshark hunts, maybe an already
terminal mouse came her way?

Good luck....I know how much it hurts to lose one..

				D

    Re .38
    
    That is exactly what happened to my cat Percy - he made a meal of
    a rat that had just eaten poison! It took a day for him to get
    really ill, but he recovered within a week. We moved house the
    day after he got ill - it was quite worrying at the time!! He is
    so healthy now that he is STILL fighting the local cats 2.5 months
    after we moved. He is usually a real coward!!
    
    Keep those reports coming, we are following LandSharks progress 
    from Reading ( I nearly missed a meeting yesterday because I was
    waiting for the latest news ).
    
    Everything crossable is!
    
    
    Lisa (Percy & Pookie)
    

    Jill, still thinking of you here in Mass.!  Looks like all our prayers
    are working!!  Hang in there Landshark... we're on your side!
    
    --Roberta and the guys
    

Your prayers and thoughts are making a difference!!!

We saw LandShark last night, but we didn't get to talk with Dr. Atton too
much since he had a full surgery yesterday.  This time they unhooked LandShark
from all of her lines, took off her collar, and brought her out to us.  As
before, there's good news and bad news.  

The good news is that she is still loving and purred up a storm.  She also 
began eating again yesterday!!!  She had some CD there and we brought in some
Gerber's veal and chicken for her.  She ate some from us but not a lot. 
After about 10 minutes of rubbing and purring, LandShark wanted to settle
down.  So she curled up and we continued to pet her.  (We took the kids with
us yesterday, too, so they could see her.)  After about 10 minutes of that,
LandShark let us know that she had had enough petting--she started to meow,
move away from hands, and eventually let out a curt meow when one of the
kids kept touching her.  We then sent her back to her cage so she could 
get the rest that she needs.  As far as we know, she did not get sick
at all from the food.  That's the best sign--this is the first food she's 
kept down in a week!!  And I called just now, and she ate some breakfast
today, too!!

She undergoes more bloodwork today to see if there's any improvement in
the numbers.  This will be the real tell-tale sign, I think.

She was so tired by the time we left yesterday that it was easy to see how
sick she really was.  For a cat who is normally very active want to sleep
after 20 minutes of petting, it was easy to remember that she's still very
ill.

As far as what she could have eaten, no ideas yet.  I'll go over there
before closing today and hopefully be able to spend some time with Dr.
Atton to get the blood results and our next step.  

She still alive and now she's eating, purring, and even looked like she
might want to play with a finger yesterday!!  Surely those are good signs??!!
She still needs to rest a lot, though, poor baby.

Thanks for all of your prayers.  I'm sure that they're making a difference
to this wonderful kitten of ours.

Jill                                                                         

    Really wonderful news!  I'm so glad - hang in!
    
    E.T. & the kids

    
    I really wish the best for you.... it sounds hopefull!
    
    I really empathi                            

    sorry about that last entry, my system is acting bizzare and unpredictable.
    
    What I was going to say was how I empathize dealing with a sick cat.
    I had to work with my best buddy, Tucker, as he was getting sicker
    and sicker.... you wonder whether you're doing the best for them by
    continuing treatment.  You end up weighing hope against pain, odds on
    life, odds on death.
    
    I lost my battle to have a happy, healthy cat and I had to make the
    hardest choice ever to put him down.  But I hope so much for you that
    your perserverance, prayers and dreams for your cat come through.  Some
    people just don't understand our love for animals (and hence the 
    willingness we have to spend small fortunes on their health) but you
    must know from all these notes here, that *we* care and support you
    
    Good Luck
    
    Sue
    

    
              It will be tough having to wait till Monday to hear more!
    
              Hang in there!!!
    
              OUr thoughts are with you.....
    
                   Denise, Max, Silvy, Chief, Pepper, Mitties, Pumpkin
    

    We lost our Nuggett dog to poison many years ago and have some idea
    of how you are feeling. Recent signs sound promising and we all pray
    for LandShark to pull thru O.K.
    
    Chuck, Jane, Doobie, Peaches & Cassandra (the flea)
    

    
    jill...
    
    i can't help but think that the longer she hangz in there, the stronger
    she must be getting, and the better her chancez.
    
    keep up hope.  good vibez are being sent from the hotlanta trio...
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    We're hanging in there, too.
    
    Update:  She's been eating since Thursday.  She even hissed at another
    cat on Friday just to show them that she's got her rights!!!  The
    blood test on Friday was encouraging--but it's a slow process. 
    The BUN number dropped from approximately 220 to 183.  The other
    numbers (Creatinine and Phosphorus) also dropped a bit but none
    of them are in their normal ranges yet.
    
    Right now, the vet gives her a 50/50 chance of pulling through with
    her attitude and her eating being the positive parts.  He's also
    adding medicine to her treatment since she's starting to get 
    sores on her mouth from the toxins in her body.  He's been on the
    lookout for them so he was prepared when they started to appear.
    
    She gets another blood test later today (Monday), and Dr. Atton hopes the
    results will show BUN in the 120s.  The results of her tests today
    will swing his opinion of her chances one way or the other; if they
    hang in the 160-170 range, he'll downgrade her chances, if they
    get down in the 120s, he'll upgrade her chances. 
    
    If she recovers, she will be on medication for many weeks to come
    and she may even have a life-long special diet.  That's okay--I
    can handle a special diet with no problems.
    
    Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers--I just know they're
    doing the trick.
    
    Jill
    

    Hi again,
    
    I've been thinking about LandShark all weekend...
    
    Let's hope those numbers drop further.
    
    Best wishes,
    
    Karen and Georgie
    (we've still got our fingers and paws crossed!)

    landshark,
    
    attitude is *everything*!  as long as you know you are gonna get
    better, and you fight as hard as you can, you can make it.
    
    expect a miracle.  make miraclez happen!
    
    diane, stanley and stella
    

    
    
    Oh I was so relieved to hear (read) the good news!  We are all so
    hopeful, our prayers will continue.  I really hope for a happy ending
    for all!
    
    Feline hopeful,
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
    

    Sounds like great news!! I logged over the w/e just in case there
    was any news - been on a course all day, so I had to wait until now
    (6.15) to read the news! I'm really pleased ! Can't stop grinning!!!
    
    
    Fingers crossed, touch wood etc!
    
    
    
    Lisa ( Percy and Pookie )

    That sure is encouraging.  Give LS a pat for me and tell her
    we're all pulling for her.  Keep the news coming.
      Nancy DC

    We're going in tonight to see the little pumpkin.  We couldn't go
    in this weekend 'cause we had to rebuild part of our house, but
    now we're really anxious to see her.
    
    I spoke with the vet:  LandShark will only eat babyfood!!  So they
    went out and bought her some.  I'm beginning to think she's enjoying
    this!!!  What a brat she's turning into!  ("Oh, would you please
    bring me veal this time?")  She's also peeing up a storm so hopefully
    it's washing all of the toxins from her body.
    
    Bloodwork results by 11:00 tomorrow morning.  
    
    Jill
    
    p.s. She'll probably want a TV by then. (Gads, I hope so!!!)
    

    Oh, and, Mummy, please, more salmon mousse.....
    
    Jill,
    
    I've been catching up on my 800 unread notes and I'm happy to read that
    LandShark is making progress.  You might ask the vet about mixing some
    Gerber's rice cereal in with the baby food.  She'll have to watch her
    protein intake (protein is hard on the kidneys...I'm on a low protein
    diet to help my much damaged kidneys mend).  The rice will add some
    bulk without altering the taste.
    
    I'll include you and yours in my prayers, too....
    
    Mary

    We're bringing LandShark home tomorrow night (Thursday).  We'll
    find out then if her kidneys are functioning or not.  The vet seems
    to think the fluids they've been forcing through her system are
    the only reason her toxins have dropped.  This could be over shortly.
    
    It doesn't seem possible that it's only been going on a week and
    a half.  It seems so much longer.
    
    Jill
    

    
    
    We all hope that everything continues to go well.  The Vet may well
    be right, and the toxins may be flushed out right along with all
    the fluid!!  (Here's hoping, fingers and paws crossed!)
    
    Feline hopeful,
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
                                    

    We are holding good thoughts for landshark.  please let us
    know what is happening.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit.
    

    I'll keep my fingers crossed.  Let us know how she's doing.
    I guess if her kidneys aren't functioning you'll know it
    pretty fast.
      Nancy DC

    Thanks, everyone, for all of your good wishes.  I'll keep you
    posted.
    
    Jill
    

    Jill,
    
    We'll be praying harder than ever this weekend!  All our love to
    Landshark and your whole family!
    
    Barbara (Melody, Missy and Brittany)

    Jill,
    
    I've started a couple of notes and got distracted and then I couldn't
    get into Notes to find out how Landshark was.  :-(  Fingers crossed 
    from me as well - your notes have been so detailed and I've been
    thinking of you all the way.  My husband gets a regular update as
    well!
    
    Best Wishes,
    Pam, Vitamin & Mineral.

    Jill, still thinking of you in Mass.  Hug Landshark for us!
    
    --Roberta
    

    
    
    Thats wonderful you can take her home now!!  Maybe at home she'll
    start recovering even faster, with the confortable enivornment...
    
    
    Good luck!!
    
    Still hoping everything pulls through okay!!
    
    F. mumma and baby kitty and now kitty kitty..
    
    

    We are asking our vet to put LandShark down today.  Jim will be
    there with her at the end and I may be there, too--whether I am
    or not depends on the kids and where they are when it's time. 
    
    She hasn't eaten since Friday evening, is hardly drinking, and is 
    obviously near death.  Right now it feels so horrible, I don't 
    know whether it feels better to be numb or to grieve.  I guess
    everything in its own time.  
    
    I'm glad that she had the weekend at home with us, anyway.  We all
    had a chance to spend some time with her.
    
    Thank you for all your prayers and wishes.  I wish I had better
    news to report.
    
    Jill 

    Jill and Jim, I am so sorry about Landshark.  You are making the
    right decision no matter how awful it feels and how much it hurts.
    Landshark had a wonderful and fulfilling life with your family.
    She was loved more than anything and received the very best of care
    throughout her ordeal.  Take comfort in knowing you did all you
    could and made your decision in her best interests.  She knows that
    you didn't want her to suffer anymore.
    
    Our thoughts and love our with you at this difficult time.
    
    
    --Roberta and family
    

    Jill,
    
    I'm so sorry to hear your news.
    
    My thoughts are with you.  Be brave.
    
    Best regards,
    
    Karen

    Jill,
    
         So sorry to hear about LandShark.  I was hoping so much ... as
    were we all ...
    
         My deepest sympathies ...
    
    					- Andrea
    

    
    	Jill,
    
    	All our best wishes and deep sympathies for you at this
    	hard time.
    
    	JJ (Sasha, Brandi, Chloe, Duke and foster kitty Jiffy Jeff)
    
    

    Jill,
    
    What a fight you put up - I don't know if I could have been that
    strong and brave.  LandShark was lucky to have a family like yours.
    
    With sympathy,
    
    Anna/Zildjian/Spunks
    

    I am so sorry.......
    
    My love to you all
    
    Barbara

    We're extremely  sorry.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    I'm so sorry, Jill. You must be worn out with emotion right now.
    
    Shayne (New Zealand)

    I'm so sorry to hear this news!  I've been following the story and
    my eyes are filled with tears as I type this.  Be happy for the
    time you had with Landshark.  I'm sure she knew how much you loved
    her!  And know that we're thinking about you out East!
    
    ZZ, Malasha, Mr. Bunny, & Gershwin
    

    Jill,
    
    What can I say?  
    
    It's so hard but know that you all did the very best and the most that
    you could for Landshark and, when you couldn't do any more for her,
    you gave her the most loving gift of all--freedom from suffering.
    
    Our continued prayers and love go out to you and your family.
    
    Barbara 

    Our utmost sympathy for what was and is a very difficult period.
    LandShark both gave and received unconditional and unselfish love from 
    and to you and your family.
    
    Our hearts are with you in this awful time.
    
    Chuck, Jane, Doobie, Peaches and Cassandra
    

    
    
    Oh how sad, we feel for your in your pain.  You are a wonderful
    family and Landshark was lucky to have you!  Prayers for peace for
    all of you.
    
    Feline So Sad,
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot & Jerry (Pop cat)
    

    Words always seem so inadequate at times like these.  I hope you
    will find comfort in knowing that you did all you possibly could
    have done and I'm sure Landshark knows that.  You are very brave
    and so was she. 
    
    Landshark's name will be added right after Cinnamon's on the Silver
    Lining Memorial Gift.  I hope that will bring some comfort.
      Love
       Nancy DC

    Jill and Jim,
    
    I'm so sorry to hear about Landshark.  You all put up a brave fight.
    She knows you love her very much.  
    
    Steffi (Misty, Lizette, and Misha)
    

    My condolences.  I'm so sorry.
    
    Flo

	Jill,

	So sorry to hear about Landshark.  I know exactly what you are
	going through now.  I guess you have to lose someone close to
	you before you can understand and Cinamon was the first friend
	that I ever lost.  I could never have imagined the pain I'm 
	feeling and I now can understand what others have gone through.

	I hope Landshark and Cinamon find each other.  Cinamon loved
	other cats and I'm sure he and Landshark will make great buddies.

	Karen 

    Thank you so much for all of your wishes.  At the vet's last night we
    held LandShark and loved her as much as we could.  The vet and his
    assistant were wonderful--we all cried, knowing that we had done the
    best that we could but it still couldn't make LandShark any better.  I'm
    just trying to remember now that she had a wonderful life with
    us--jumping up on the bunkbeds to put the kids to bed and then again to
    get them up in the morning.  All those nuzzles and head-butts were hers
    alone.
    
    She died painlessly with two of her people telling her how much they
    cared.
    
    Jill
    

    Jill,
    
    I'm so sorry to hear about LandShark.  You did your
    best, and now LandShark will not have to suffer 
    anymore.
    
    
    Mary-Michael, Niniane, Charm, Dream, Boogie, Mips
    and Belle

    
    jill...
    
    also sitting here bawling my eyes out.  so sorry to hear of landshark's
    passing.  words are so useless at times like these.
    
    you and family have my deepest, deepest sympathy.  i hope landshark is
    with cissy now.  i think they would have liked each other...
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    Jill,
    
    I've been in class for the last 2 days and haven't been able to keep 
    up with the file.  When I called Jo Ann during a break she told me
    what had happened.  I'm so sorry to hear that Landshark lost her 
    fight to get better.  She seemed to be making such a good comeback.
    I am sure that Landshark is in Kitty Heaven now and that she knows
    how much she was loved by her people.
    
    Our thoughts are with you,
    
    Jan...Bailey, Amelia and Carrie

    Jill,
    
    	I am sorry about the loss of Landshark.  It's so painful to lose a
    close friend.  You were there and her last experience was one of love. 
    Wherever she is, I am sure she is happy knowing how much you cared.  I
    am sorry for your pain.  Please take comfort in knowing that she loved
    you and you did what was right.
    
    Denie

    We are sorry to hear about Landshark
    
    Michele & Nippa
    

    Thank you so much for caring and writing.  I tell anyone who will
    listen about this wonderful network of friends we have and how we
    help each other and share information.  I don't know what I would have
    done without your sharing, your caring, and your friendship.  This 
    notesfile has really helped ease a great deal of pain.
    
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone, and let's be thankful for
    what we do have.  Even at a time like this, I'm a very lucky person
    to have so many friends. 
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jill