Monday, March 30, 2009

Spring cleaning, Gus and more WIPs on the way....

I took a weekend break from my artwork....needed to rest my brain and catch up around the house. I cleaned and put out some Easter decorations and organized our closets for spring. It was 40 degrees yesterday, but i am just SO tired of looking at sweaters and dark colors! We went out to dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant on Saturday night with some friends....such a yummy outing! Here is a photo taken in my springy kitchen... this is a massive clock that i made last year. I can't take credit for the idea. I saw it as a decor idea in Country Living and had to create one. My super handy brother-in-law made the round wood backing for me, and i got to do the fun part!



So, it's back to work today! I have so much to do. I should have some WIPs ready to show you in the next day or two. In the meantime, here's a little story about our dear boy, Gus.



We adopted Gus from a fantastic no-kill cat shelter called Good Mews in Atlanta in 2001. He was about 8 weeks old and had been attacked by another animal which had permanently damaged his back legs and digestive system. He was the only kitten in his litter that survived. Let me tell you, we had NO idea what we were getting into when we adopted him but we committed to love and care for him as long as needed. He is the true definition of "special needs". He has megacolon, bladder issues, neurological problems, skin allergies and has had hematomas in both ears. I can't even begin to express what we have been through with him over the past 8 years...medications, tests, near death scares, etc. But now, we have things down to a science. I express Gus' bladder twice a day, and my saint of a husband stimulates his bowels every morning. This cat has taught us more patience and perseverance than we ever thought possible. Gus has THE most amazing spirit. Even during his low points, he remains full of life. He purrs incessantly, runs around like a lunatic the best he can (he used to drag his legs but can now use them quite well in his own special way), and can hoist himself up into our bed or onto the sofa. He has made us laugh and cry harder than any other cat we've known. Our relationship with him runs deep and will never be repeated. To know him is to love him, and we'll do whatever it takes to keep him trucking for as long as we can. I always say that as long as he is still purring, everything is going to be ok.

8 comments:

Jenny Carter said...

Ahhh, so sad but yet happy. I am a bit jealous that your husband is such a saint. I complained to mine yesterday about his lack of support. URRGG. If I would have known I would be doing this today, I would have had a requirement...lol

I am so glad he has such special parents.

Talking Horses Arts said...

Love you Carrie!!!
You are the most amazing person ever and so is your husband!
Andrea.

snippetgirl said...

It's funny because when I met Brian he wasn't sure if he liked cats and thought he was allergic to them. Well, thank goodness he isn't and thank goodness he is a HUGE cat lover now!!! He puts up with a lot of cat craziness, and i am very grateful.
Thanks so much for you kind comments!!

Jennie said...

There is no greater bond than when you have a pet with special needs. I had a little Peke that had a host of issues as well and to this day I miss him terribly. He was MEAN as the devil to everyone but me but I just adored him. Like you said...to know him is to love him. You are so wonderful to your animals; I wish more people were like you and your husband.

Also LOVE the clock. That is such a wonderful idea. I have a huge blank wall in my den that I may borrow this idea for.

Best wishes and high hopes to you,
Jennie and all of my little ones

Totally Timmy said...

I took care of a senior dog who lost the use of her hind end. She lived a year like this in my care. It is so tough yet so rewarding. It's great of you and hubby to care for this fellow so well.

Jake and Micah said...

You and your husband are to be commended for having adopted a special needs cat! I can't imagine the amazing bond it's created between all of you. Taking care of our Jake, administering his many medications, daily Sub-Q fluids and scheduled feedings is mentally and physically exhausting but our love is even deeper because of it. I gladly do it every day if that means seeing his bright eyes and furry face when I wake up and fall asleep each day.

snippetgirl said...

Thank you to all of you kind, loving souls! I appreciate you sharing your own stories with me. I LOVE reading about other people's pets.
Many purrs and woofs to all~~
Carrie

Jill said...

You & your wonderful husband are absolute angels!!! I too have a very cat tolerant hubby. He even talks to our cats in a cutesy voice-ha! It's just so good to know there are people like you out there doing amazing things for needy cats. Bless you! ~ Jill