Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to.

Shallow, uninformed, and lacking identity

“When somebody takes the time to draw up a playbook, they’re gonna use it.”

There are no moderate republicans – only extremists and cowards.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

The choice is between normal and crazy.

Tide comes in. Tide goes out. You can’t explain that.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

SCOTUS: It’s not “bribery” unless it comes from the Bribery region of France. Otherwise, it’s merely “sparkling malfeasance”.

Lick the third rail, it tastes like chocolate!

Hi god, it’s us. Thanks a heap, you’re having a great week and it’s only Thursday!

Pelosi: “He either is stupid, or he thinks the rest of us are.” Why not both?

Well, whatever it is, it’s better than being a Republican.

Battle won, war still ongoing.

Jack be nimble, jack be quick, hurry up and indict this prick.

Fundamental belief of white supremacy: white people are presumed innocent, minorities are presumed guilty.

We’ll be taking my thoughts and prayers to the ballot box.

It could be worse. Vance could have said “post-menopausal sows.” Waiting for that audiotape to surface.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

Marge, god is saying you’re stupid.

This has so much WTF written all over it that it is hard to comprehend.

How any woman could possibly vote for this smug smarmy piece of misogynistic crap is beyond understanding.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / Cat Rescue Bleg – Phoenix Area (Revised)

Cat Rescue Bleg – Phoenix Area (Revised)

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From commentor OnlyMike:

Longtime lurker first time poster. I’m having a rough time this Christmas. The situation is entirely of my own making but it’s also affecting my two cats whose only fault is having me as an owner (at least one of them would argue as to just who owns whom). I live in Phoenix and am being evicted and need to find homes for both ASAP…

I can’t send pictures so I guess I can only describe them. Both are fixed but their shots are not current (it’s been over two years since they’ve been to a vet.) One is a long haired male tuxedo cat – very pretty. Not the smartest cat in the world (understatement) but one of the most lovable. He doesn’t particularly like to be picked up but loves to be petted and loves to curl up at my side and purr contentedly. Named Phantom because he has a black face with white markings like the mask of the phantom of the opera. I never actually call him Phantom though – I call him Goofyboy or (don’t know why) Spoob.

The female is basically my feline version of Rosie. Her name is Sophia but I call her Skronk (again don’t know why but it seems to fit). She was left behind by her owners in one of the apartments here when they moved and I took her because no one else would. She’s a tan and black striped short hair. She’s whip-smart and very funny but can be maddening – she’s going to do what she wants to do and that is pretty much that. I love her to pieces but she can be a handful – John Cole level patience will be required.

They’re both great cats but different as night and day. The reason I named the female Sophia is I stopped and watched part of an old Golden Girls episode where the Estelle Getty character (Sophia) was being talked about for her scrappiness and obstinance and I thought “ah perfect!” I got her in 2007 and I think she was less than a year old then – she started going into heat about two months later. She’s tiny but seems to think she’s a lioness. Phantom is a big guy – not quite Tunch size but he’s big. But with the dainty little cry of a kitten. I love both of them and have spent the last few days apologizing to them. It would be nice to get them into a new (better) home.

I have OnlyMike’s email and snail-mail addresses. If you have any leads, send me an email at AnneLaurie (at) verizon.net — click on my name in the right-hand column — and I’ll give you the link so you can get in touch directly.

Reader Interactions

86Comments

  1. 1.

    JenJen

    Speaking of cat rescues, please meet my new adopted kitty, the wonderful Jonesy.

    Jonesy’s mom adopted him as a kitten and gave him three wonderful years before she had to go into a nursing home. I found him Sunday at The Scratching Post Cat Shelter in Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s been over a year now since my beloved kitty Joey-Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo (hello, Simpsons Fans!) passed away, and although I have two fantastic dogs, this house just doesn’t feel right without a kitty. I didn’t expect to visit the shelter and come home with a cat, but one look at Jonesy, roaming the halls on his own and practically screaming PICK ME!! I fell victim to his charms. (Of course, the shelter volunteers were kind of pushing me in his direction too. Fat Kitties have trouble getting adopted, they told me. Unfair!!)

    He’s so fat, he gives Tunch a run for his money, don’t you think?

    I hope so much that OnlyMike finds loving homes for his kitties. But don’t let distance keep you from rescuing locally. So many cats and dogs need our love this winter.

    Thanks for all you do, Anne! You played a big part in my decision to visit a shelter over Christmas weekend. Everyone needs a Christmas Kitty!

  2. 2.

    Ohio Mom

    I can’t be much help here — too far away and cats trigger my asthma — but don’t be a stranger, OnlyMike, keep us posted! We’re pulling for you.

  5. 5.

    Mnemosyne (iPhone)

    @JenJen:

    Yay! Black and white kitties are teh awesome. Though I may be a little prejudiced since I have two of them myself.

  6. 6.

    JenJen

    @PurpleGirl: Thank you!! He’s soooo fat and soooo cute and soooo cuddly and soooo precious.

    Now, if only I could get my dogs to not terrify him. Jonesy has been living in the basement since Sunday. Rocco, my Aussie Shepherd, just ignores him. But Lord Stanley, my adopted mutt, barks and growls (playfully) at him which sends Jonesy scurrying back to the basement. Stanley is harmless, but very rambunctious and playful, and I think it will all work out eventually, but any advice the Juicers could give me as to the best ways to introduce an adult cat into a dog household would be appreciated.

    Jonesy has a basement escape route so he feels safe, as my dogs are too wimpy and scared to go down the stairs. Jonesy’s litter box will remain in the basement, but of course I want to feed him upstairs and I want Jonesy to live upstairs with us. I guess we’ll all just take it slow but again, and and ALL advice from the Juicer Animal Community would be taken and appreciated!

  7. 7.

    Schlemizel

    Please let OnlyMike know that we want to keep up on his situation and he should be sure to stay in touch

  10. 10.

    JenJen

    @Maude: Thank you. I think it might take a week or two. I don’t want to move too fast. I just want Jonesy to feel safe. My dogs are sweet and harmless; Rocco the Aussie is totally aloof toward Jonesy but Stanley is super-playful which the kitty takes as threatening, I imagine. I hope they’ll all just work it out.

    @jeffreyw: That photo is gorgeous!! Idyllic, even. Merry Winter to You!!

  12. 12.

    Raven

    HALO can be contacted at 6029719222 9-5 daily.


    What Does HALO Stand for?

    HALO is an acronym that stands for Helping Animals Live On. It is a succinct, four-word definition of what we are here for. It is the reason each and every employee and volunteer puts two feet on the ground. It is a passion that goes beyond just loving dogs and cats. It is a driving force in our lives; to make this community, this world, a safe place for homeless pets.

  13. 13.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    @JenJen:

    Flossie is trying very hard to play with the kittens but those big paws are somewhat of a hazard to them. Nevertheless Harry Potter gives as good as he gets, when Flossie is trying to play with him he pins her head down to the ground with his paw and bites her ears. She gets the message then. It is almost like she realizes that the cats have teeth, and they are sharper than her own.

  20. 20.

    WaterGirl

    @jeffreyw: Homer didn’t make the cut? That’s just not right!

    If I hadn’t already volunteered to help Beth by proofreading and double-checking calendar entries for next year, I would volunterer right now.

    Beth did an amazing job, but I am bummed about Homer. I have loved Homer since he was itty bitty.

  24. 24.

    JenJen

    @Maude: Isn’t his name the coolest? Jonesy!! I usually change the names of my adopted pets immediately, but not this one. It suits him perfectly.

    I might just call him JONES. Because that is kind of bad-ass, and he is one bad-ass shelter kitty cat cat. :-)

  26. 26.

    Libby's Person

    Is there a place for us to send money for OnlyMike and his cats? I can’t send much right now, but I figure that even a little bit can help! I know how bad things would have to be for me to even think of giving away my Libby.

  27. 27.

    cckids

    @Raven: How is that doggie not named Winston? Bulldogs are so . . . not cute, but just awwwww some. Our across-the-street neighbors in NE used to have two enormous bulldogs they’d dress up each Halloween as a Cornhusker FB player & a ballerina. Completely cool.

    ETA: OK, the name’s in the family. It just fits bulldogs so well.

  29. 29.

    JenJen

    @Raven: HOW DID I EVER MISS POPEYE!!

    Oh mah gah. OH MAH GAAAAHHHH! What a beautiful and regal beast!! As is his noble son, Winston!!

    OH MAH GAH gorgeous precious scratches and licks and woofs!

  38. 38.

    Maude

    @jeffreyw:
    LOL.
    Your best comment was last year when someone said a female relative and her child were driving him crazy and he was about to jump out the window. You told him remember, women and children first. I still laugh about it.

  42. 42.

    Rosie Outlook

    Jenjen, as long as Jonesy has a retreat, I’d let the pets work it out amongst themselves. He’ll be snuggled up with them in a week or two. And he’s got to leave the basement soon. No cat can stand knowing there is a house left unexplored and spaces therein left in-fitted-into.

    The most fun thing about cats is if there is a nook or cranny or crevice or sink or shoe about, they MUST see if they can fit into same. You could probably assemble an entire book of cat-fitting pictures.

  46. 46.

    JenJen

    @Rosie Outlook: Oh Rosie, thank you so much!! I want to let them work it out amongst themselves so that we may reach Peak Peaceable Kingdom. Great advice! A week or two? You really think so? I hope, I hope, I want, I hope…

    @Yutsano: Lord Stanley also likes teh fishy seafood stuff. :-)

  49. 49.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    @Raven: Popeye! What a handsome devil. I wasn’t ignoring him; I hadn’t seen any others.

    Did you and your bride get through the rough GA weather in good shape?

  51. 51.

    Rosie Outlook

    You never know–Jonesy may turn out to have an inner tiger. When I was a kid, there was an admirably no-bullshit tomcat in our area who scared off dogs twice his size with a growl and a raised paw. Even our extremely territorial poodle, who chased off dogs twice HER size, didn’t tackle him. They maintained a wary neutrality, like two gunfighters in the same town. The Tom loved kids but had no use for dogs.

  55. 55.

    JenJen

    @Rosie Outlook: Well, Jonesy and Lord Stanley the Puppeh just had a growl-off and I’d say Jonesy won. Stan went whimpering off into the bedroom and Jonesy headed for the basement.

    Jonesy growls like a dog. This cat cracks me the hell up.

  59. 59.

    Rosie Outlook

    @Raven: They are pretty. But I bet the in-laws wouldn’t trade Popeye. I hope his breathing problems aren’t too bad. It’s sinful what the AKC has done to many breeds of dogs, and bulldogs are among the organization’s greatest victims.

  61. 61.

    Raven

    @Rosie Outlook: He is a total mess, more of a money pit than Lil Bit. He also was not trained worth a shit and wants to hump everything in site. He’s so strong he grabs your leg from behind and you have to spray him with water to get him to let go. I have popped him in the nose as hard as I can and he just shakes his head and wants more. One time we were there and decided to block the stairs on the deck with a huge stainless gas grill. We put our dogs in the yard and he bolted down the steps, knocked the grill right over and attacked Bohdi. He’s a pain in the ass.

  63. 63.

    Rosie Outlook

    @Raven: Er, uh, well, I’m sure he has many fine qualities that would come to light in a situation where leg-humping was not considered a problem. (Sorry, Popeye; there is only so much a resume writer can do.)

  67. 67.

    onlymike

    hi all. eclare has helped out – sent to western union at the safeway about half a mile away. but i didn’t have all the information that western union requires – they need the first and last name of the sender and the city and state. i asked her to email AL with the info (we’ve been back and forth in yesterday’s cat bleg post) so I’ll check my email.
    I haven’t called the VA yet it’s evening now but it’s a 24hr hotline so i’m going to try to call later – for some reason i feel apprehensive about calling – makes no sense I know.
    I would love to somehow keep both of them but i literally can’t take care of myself at this point so I don’t know how i could keep them. I’ll miss them terribly but will feel good knowing that they’re in better home with an owner who’s better able to care for them. I just wish i could go to sleep and not wake up at this point.

  69. 69.

    Raven

    @onlymike: Call em. I’m a Vietnam Vet and pulled tour in Korea and I’ve got a number of buddies that have been helped by the VA. You need to dig deep brother, you’ve got people pulling for you.

  72. 72.

    Jane2

    @onlymike: I’ve emailed AL re how to help. You have a BJ community willing to assist, and as several have said, the VA is there for the long haul. Please don’t give up.

  73. 73.

    MazeDancer

    @onlymike:

    Call the VA now. Like Raven says, they can help.

    Calling will help you.

    Calling will really help the kitties. Because if you get help, you can better help them.

    Call the VA number now. Of course, you’re apprehensive. That’s okay. Call anyway.

    Everyone of us who has gone from the nadir to thriving had to get help. Many of us made it because we had cats to help get us through. But knowing that you’re doing right by your kitties can help get you through. The more help you get the more you can help your kitties. Even if it’s to help them get new homes.

    Call the number.

    Anyone who wants to help OnlyMike, and his kitties, which is what this thread is about, Anne Laurie has his snail mail. If Western Union requires so much disclosure, perhaps we can send money orders snail mail to the apartment? Money orders do not require the sender info, and can be cashed even without a checking account.

  74. 74.

    mai naem

    @onlymike:

    Call the number already -1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
    ■The other number is the 24 Hour Nurse line: 602-222-6550 which gets transferred to Texas after hours.

  76. 76.

    onlymike

    @Raven: I will call – i nkow it makes no sense not to do it right now but I’m at the point where i have to psych myself up to do anything – even making a phone call. I am going to call. I desperately want to sleep right now – I feel like I can barely stay awake but when i try to sleep I can’t.
    It does make me feel good to knwo that the Balloon Juice community cares – I’ve felt like part of thet community for a long time now. I’ve been reading since 06 I think – it was after John’s conversion and I came here through Andrew Sullivan’s site (haven’t read Sullivan in a long time now.)
    I want to thank everyone ffor caring.
    and your dogs are beautiful – that’s a great picture

  78. 78.

    onlymike

    In addition to the VA number i’ve got the number for HALO and a couple of other no-kill shelters. I’m glad to have them and will go that route if necessary but i’m still hoping that local BJuicers will take them or know people that will take them. I don’t want them to be caged for any length of time if it can be avoided. I want to minimize any trauma for them.

  79. 79.

    onlymike

    @karen marie: I often feel that way as well but at this point i really think they’ll be bette off with someone else. I may be able to get pictures tomorrow night – i don’t know how to post them (i’ve let technology pass me by – blu-ray, ipods, HDTV all of it – i feel Amish.) But I know you guys will be ablt to walk me through it. I’m hoping pictures will help.
    Earlier tonight i was thinking as i was petting Phantom, how much pleasure it gives me – he loves it of course – you can hear him purring in the next room. But I love it too – he’s a beautiful cat with the softest fur. Really it’s a pleasure to pet him. And I tell what a good boy he is because he really really is.
    Sophia is often maddening but just as often hilarious – her willfulness is so funny in such a tiny creature – and she hisses. all.the.time. She hisses over the smallest slight – i have her in my lap for a half hour kneading away and then when i have to put her down for some reason she hisses and me and walks away with her nose out of joint. Then 30 seconds later she’s back and being loving again. The hissing certainly took some getting used to but I came to realize that hissing for her is like a teenager rolling her eyes – I just say “oh shut up” and a minute later she’s trying to climb back in my lap – she always comes when i call her but she will often act diffident at first. I say “you know you’re going to come over here” and sure enough she does. She’s adorable and I don’t know which one I’m going to miss more

  80. 80.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    Please call the VA – they can help. wasn’t someone’s mother in Phoenix perhaps looking for a roommate and would take pets? I can’t remember who it was but it was in the earlier thread. That could be worth looking into.

    We’re pulling for you, man. Medical treatment can change your life – I know, from personal experience. Nothing to be ashamed about, (better) living through chemistry is what type I diabetics do, along with many others. Hang in there. We care, and the VA can help you out. Try to hang onto your cats. A wonderful dog and some kitties once kept me alive until the (right kind of) docs could help.

  81. 81.

    onlymike

    I will call the VA – I know they can help. I’ve dealt with them before but gave up on it – but that’s because I wasn’t really telling them the truth about waht was wrong with me. There was a discussion on mental illness in one of the threads after Newtown and one of the things pointed out was how hard it was to get someone help if they don’t really want it – even if they think they do. People can be secretive with therapists just as they can with everyone else. Commenter Hep Kitty said something that really struck home with me when he/she talked about the effort it took just to appear normal and move about in the world as if ther’s nothing wrong with you. It’s wearying and – I don’t know how old Hep Kitty is – I’m 56 and really really tired. But this time when I deal with the VA i’m going to tell them everything and really try to fix this – not to merely be minimally functional which is what i’ve done in the past. Because when i’ve done that i’m minimally functional until I’m not basically and I just cant’ keep going through this.

  82. 82.

    Ruckus

    @onlymike:
    I’ve been through therapy(5 yrs) and it was the best thing for me. At first I was going once or twice a week after a while down to once a month or so. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. It took me a while to open up and get to the issues but once I opened that door things happened quickly. And about 20 yrs before I had been a mental health counselor for almost 4 yrs so I’ve been on both sides of this. My life improved in so many ways, I will forever be grateful to the person who helped me to change my life. Please make the call. You have taken the first step and opened the door, now take the second one and call. It will be worth it. Well worth it.

  83. 83.

    Ohio Mom

    As soon as I got to the computer this morning I checked this thread to see if OnlyMike had called the VA.

    Okay, looks like you probably haven’t — YET. Please do. You deserve to feel well, you are entitled to feel well, it is possible for you to feel well.

    Do you think your Aunt would be pleased with you not calling them? Do it for her memory!

  84. 84.

    Darkrose

    @onlymike: Seconding what lots of other folks have said: please make the call. Therapy didn’t fix everything that’s wrong with me, because a lot of it is simply screwed-up brain chemistry. But therapy did help me see that there were tools for dealing with said brain chemistry in addition to meds, tools that didn’t involve self-harm. I’m as functional as I am today because of Big Pharm and an amazing therapist.

    One thing to note: if your therapist isn’t working for you, find someone who will. I went through several before I found one that I felt I could trust to be honest with me. I wouldn’t have made it through 2000-2004 without her.

    I also wouldn’t have made it without my Joxurkitty. He was the one person in my life who was always there and never judged me (unless I left him alone for more than a day). Having him race to the door when I came home from work meant so much, and I’ll never forget how he came and just sat next to me, purring, after I got laid off.

    We’re all in your corner.

  85. 85.

    onlymike

    Hi all – I’ve made the call. I kept putting it off and putting it off and was still going to do it later and then I just did it – it almost felt like it was on impulse(?)

    The gentleman I spoke to has put in a consult meaning that that someone is going to be calling me back today (or tomorrow morning but hopefully today) and let me know my options. So now I have a kind of in-limbo feeling. I’m relieved to have called of course. Last night i was starting to feel better about everything – and feeling better physically as well. And I felt better still this morning – actually energetic. Now that seems to have dissipated – on the other hand I don’t have the crushingly depressed feeling I’ve for at least the last week or so. I’ll post in another open thread to let everyone know – I think this one may be just about dead.

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