Thankful

Five years ago last month, A Tonk's Tail began.

Some of you have been with us from the beginning, as we took our first fledgling steps on this digital canvas. You were with us when Allie came into our lives, and you were there when we lost Ryker so very suddenly.

Thank you.

You shared our joy as two six month old blue-eyed terrors charmed their way into our lives, and my personal terror they'd be named after elementary particles!

Some of you joined us more recently, and together we've enjoyed moments of mischief and mayhem, of laughter and learning and love.

Thank you.

This year alone we've had the joy of bringing before you 40 Waifs and Shelter Sweeties. Thirty-six of these have found forever families, and we know that a large part of this has been because of you. You cared, and you shared. And we are forever grateful.

We're humbled and amazed at the strength and compassion of the community of animal advocates, a community that spans the globe.

Thank you. 

We want you to know how very thankful we are -- for your friendship, your warm and funny comments, your fellowship and support.

We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.
So, from all of us to all of you:

 ***

Maxie's Musings: Gratitude

Maxwell: Momma told me tomorrow is World Gratitude Day. It made me want to sit and think for a moment about all the things I have to be thankful for.

Like a comfortable bed, food, safety - after all, deaf kitties are more defenseless out in the Big Bad World than the average feline....

Oh yes, and a roof over my head, too.

What are you thankful for?

***

The Gift of Air

We want to take a moment to thank all of you for your encouraging words and kind thoughts as our feline family has been through the wringer these past few weeks.

Allie is thankful for kitty morphine, as she sits staring out at the melting snow this afternoon.

Our overnight was filled with deep rumbling coughs and labored wheezing as Allie struggled to breathe comfortably.

This evening we're happy to report she is doing much better. (It was a reaction to the anesthetic tracheal tube, and it's now noted in her chart.)

We also have a new appreciation for the simple things, like the ability to draw a deep, cleansing breath of air.

(And if we can just make it through next Friday - and Maxwell's dental - without incident, we'll feel great relief indeed!)

Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable Sunday.

One Month...and a New Blog

For those of you who have followed us this past month, 7:21 PM last night marked the one-month anniversary of the Shawnee Fire.

It's amazing what can transpire in a month...yet at the same time, some wounds feel as if they'll take forever to heal.

Case in point:  

11:00 PM last night.

Kathi is over at Amy & Lee's apartment, saying goodbye to Stormy the rescue cat who is heading to Wayside Waifs tomorrow to find her forever home.

A fire truck comes screaming into the apartment complex. Again. Conversation comes to an abrupt halt as, hearts pounding, they rush out -- to find a medical emergency in an adjacent apartment building. Needless to say, the timing isn't exactly great. But as far as Amy & Kathi are concerned, when sirens are involved, the timing may always be bad.

And it doesn't help that Kathi's new apartment still smells like smoke from fire #2....

***

After a month, most people tend to drift away from tragedy. Other things vie for their attention, and at any rate, the victims seem to be adjusting well. At least in public. But we know that grieving and healing take time.

So on this anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to let Amy & Kathi know: your friends are still here for you.

Thanks to everyone for your support of Amy/Sebastian and Kathi/CJ - both financially and emotionally. Words cannot express how much that means!


And now, by popular demand...CJ now has his own blog, CJ's Paw Pad. Go take a look at how well his fur is beginning to grow back in!