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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  July 17, 20139:56 pm| 79 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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This is going to sound crazy to non-cat people, but I feel better already. My dad doesn’t understand and can’t figure out why I would get another cat, but after all those years as a kid with Mr. Purr Puff and Mouse and then the past decade with Tunch, there is just something about having a cat in the house that is not only soothing, but really changes the dynamic and energy. I honestly can not explain it, but I just need a cat around to keep it real and keep my ego in check, because if I relied on only Lily I might start to think I’m pretty awesome.

I also feel greedy, because many people are going to go through their life without ever having had a Tunch or Lily or Rosie, and now it is starting to feel like I just stumbled into another jackpot.

Whatever. I’m greedy. Sue me.

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Reader Interactions

79Comments

  1. 1.

    Desert Rat

    July 17, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    As a multiple cat household, I definitely get it. Glad to see you got back on the horse so quickly.

    There’ll never be another Tunch, but it looks like you picked a good kitteh.

  2. 2.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    July 17, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    /rolls eyes

  3. 3.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    July 17, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    Keep us updated on the new polykitteh.

  4. 4.

    Baud

    July 17, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    I’m a dog person myself, but love is love.

  5. 5.

    Mnemosyne

    July 17, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    I put this in the thread below, but since your new little dude is currently un-neutered, run out and buy a Feliway diffuser to prevent any spraying. They claim it works by making it smell as though the cat has already marked everything — I’m not sure if that’s it, but it definitely helped around here. You’ll need to leave it running for probably a month or so after he gets snipped until his hormones subside and the urge to spray indoors passes. You may also want to get the spray bottle to put on surfaces you don’t want him to spray or scratch on (ie the couch, etc.)

    Other than that, congrats!

  6. 6.

    Kristine

    July 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Any updates on the Madison meet-up?

  7. 7.

    TaMara (BHF)

    July 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    I am so happy for you. Like I said, can’t fill the Tunch spot, but KittehToBeNamedLater will create his own spot. Heck, he already has.

    @Just Some Fuckhead: You don’t fool me for a minute. You’re my big wuf, snuggle bunny.

  8. 8.

    John Cole

    July 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Just because you have a retarded cat who can not retract its claws and shits on the dining room floor and is named Batman, who, btw, you tried to offer to drive up here and give to me and spent the last three days giving me the worst sales pitch ever, doesn’t mean you have to be a dick with those of us who have functional relationships with our pets.

  9. 9.

    erlking

    July 17, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    Good on you, John. The Wheel of time doesn’t stop because we’re not ready for the next spin. I’m glad you stepped up.

    Hope I can do the same in turn.

  10. 10.

    MMM

    July 17, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    I forgot about Mr. Purr Puff

  11. 11.

    Lurkingtosh

    July 17, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    Ivan. Feared Russian despot? and from Wikipedia — It is the Slavic variant of the name “John”. Great cat name? Or greatest cat name?

  12. 12.

    jrg

    July 17, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    That old fat bastard was like Jesus cat. He died so other cats and dogs could live a long, happy life.

  13. 13.

    WereBear

    July 17, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    @Mnemosyne: Excellent advice!

  14. 14.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    July 17, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    @John Cole: I can’t believe you betrayed Batman’s trust like that. Do you think he’s going to be able to get better now that everyone knows he shit on the dining room floor? You are a fucking monster.

  15. 15.

    lamh36

    July 17, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    CNN and the MSM discovers the power of Black Twitter and Black Twitter proceeds to “snatch off wigs”!

    The 45 Most Hilarious Tweets From #BlackBuzzFeed</a

    @brokeymcpoverty Follow
    27 Slang Phrases White People Don’t Know Black People Don’t Use Anymore #BlackBuzzfeed

    @BlackCanseco Follow
    10 Things MLK, Jr Never Said But White People Keep Telling Us He Said #BlackBuzzfeed

  16. 16.

    Scotty

    July 17, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    I totally understand the feeling. I don’t function right unless I have a Labrador around. The newest one I got last month and his name is Duke. As such, his name allows me to play off of every quote from the Big Lebowski since Duke is so close to Dude.

  17. 17.

    Ellid

    July 17, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    I did exactly the same thing when my beloved tiger cat Arrow died eight years ago. I went to the shelter that Saturday and came home with a gorgeous little lady named Diamond, an elegant little gray tabby with beautiful green eyes.

    Your new boy most definitely looks like a Coon Cat, down to the extra toes. So glad you brought him home!

  18. 18.

    Bill

    July 17, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    I love your new cat ! Congratulations to both Mongo (for now?) and you.

  19. 19.

    Ted & Hellen

    July 17, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    Mr. Purr Puff.

    lol

  20. 20.

    Bill

    July 17, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    How about naming him Aref (RF)?

  21. 21.

    Bill

    July 17, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    How about naming him Aref (RF)?

  22. 22.

    Buckyblue

    July 17, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    We had two dogs for the better part of 14 years. The first died of natural causes and then te next one we had to put down a couple of months later because of lung cancer (two pack a day finally caught up with him). We lasted less than 24 hrs before we went to the pound and got our current pup, Bentley, a Jack Russell/Beagle mix. Never regretted it one bit.

  23. 23.

    lamh36

    July 17, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    Let’s see how many of ya’ll an get this reference? I bet Doug J could.

    @KidFury Follow
    Shoulders, Chest, Pants, Shoes. 10 Ways To Wipe Yourself Down. #BlackBuzzfeed

  24. 24.

    lamh36

    July 17, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    Wesley [email protected] Follow
    23 Political Statements About Black People That Made You Want To Throw A Trash Can Through a Pizza Shop Window #blackbuzzfeed

  25. 25.

    VodkaGoGo

    July 17, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    OT: I’m not a regular commenter here but I am a daily reader and I keep getting malware warnings on both chrome and firefox for balloon juice. Any idea why that would be?

  26. 26.

    Keith G

    July 17, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    I also feel greedy, because many people are going to go through their life without ever having had a Tunch or Lily or Rosie, ….

    A big part of such relationships is the human. It’s not that some aren’t lucky as much as they haven’t found the way to provide the proper nurturance to their pets. What you have stumbled upon is available to any who have the right mindset. So there is no reason for guilt.

  27. 27.

    lamh36

    July 17, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    Khadijah M. [email protected] Follow
    The 7 white reactions to #BlackBuzzfeed (confusion, fear, apathy, guilt, thinking-you-get-it-but-you-don’t, support, CELEBRATION)

    @theferocity Follow
    Good call. RT @jesseberney: Top 10 White People Who Want To Make #BlackBuzzfeed Jokes But Think Maybe It’s Best They Just Sit This One Out

  28. 28.

    eemom

    July 17, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    @TaMara (BHF):

    @Just Some Fuckhead: You don’t fool me for a minute. You’re my big wuf, snuggle bunny.

    tee hee hee.

    Kitty ain’t the only one ’round here getting a new name.

  29. 29.

    DanF

    July 17, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    If you’re looking for regal, I humbly suggest Balthasar. One of the three wiseman – the one that did not bow down if I remember correctly.

  30. 30.

    Keith G

    July 17, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    @VodkaGoGo: Read the several previous posts dealing with the malware issues.

  31. 31.

    Comrade Dread

    July 17, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    I get it. I came around fast to our new adopted wienerdog. I don’t forget my Mitzi, but as soon as the new doggie jumped up on my lap and stuck her head on my arm and looked at me with her puppy dog eyes, I felt better. We were both the luckiest critters in the world.

  32. 32.

    susan

    July 17, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    Here is a name for your lucky cat:

    Titus

  33. 33.

    richard shindledecker

    July 17, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    My daughter and her husband have one of the sweetest, smart cats ~8yo in upstate NY (Columbia County) that needs a good adoption. Any interest?

  34. 34.

    Rook

    July 17, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    I think it’s great! I’m glad you allowed yourself to morn. I don’t think I could live without a cat. Hell, I’ve got two of them. You go. I think Einstein is great for you! Yes, I know, You’ve not yet named him, but to me Einstein just sounds right.

  35. 35.

    Rich C.

    July 17, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    So what’s little Hemingway doing right now?

  36. 36.

    Ted & Hellen

    July 17, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    I must speak up for those of us who feel that your Time of Mourning for The Tunch was shamefully brief. What, three days?

    Where was the wearing of weeds, the black veil, the black wreath on the front door and the black crepe on the balcony for a period of several weeks?

    Is there no longer any respect for those who pass through to the other side ahead of us?

    I hope Tunch haunts you mercilessly.

    Not really. :D

    Congrats on the new Beast!

  37. 37.

    A Ghost To Most

    July 17, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    @TaMara (BHF):

    @Just Some Fuckhead: You don’t fool me for a minute. .

    This.

  38. 38.

    Villago Delenda Est

    July 17, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    Whatever. I’m greedy. Sue me.

    My mouthpiece will be contacting your mouthpiece shortly.

  39. 39.

    mostlygray

    July 17, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    Cat lurker – polydactyl fanboy here. I lost one earlier this year to cancer and just a couple of months later, a big old poly turned up at the humane society near here. Took about a minute(if that) in the meet and greet room and he had a new home. I hadn’t even noticed he’d been declawed in the front because I was mesmerized by the giant six-toed rears. He’s indoor only, so it’s ok and I completely agree with the declaw post from the other day.

    Is the new guy a quad poly?

  40. 40.

    Steve Alcott

    July 17, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    Good for you, John-you did the right thing-I’ve always waited, and every time I’ve ended up asking myself “Why”? I need feline companionship, and there are a lot of cats out there needing homes. He’ll name himself soon enough.

  41. 41.

    lamh36

    July 17, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    Have ya’ll seen this story? Apparently Tucker Carlson high school douchebags at the Caller sent some 16 year old intern to the WHPC to ask a question the Jay Carney. I guess Turker and the douches thought they were gonna troll the press secretary, but Jay Carney very calmly was having none of that!

    Daily Caller sends 16-year-old intern to question the White House

    A conservative publication sent a high school junior to the White House briefing on Wednesday.

    Gabe Finger, a 16-year-old intern at The Daily Caller, asked White House spokesman Jay Carney if President Barack Obama was providing protection to George Zimmerman and his family. Carney informed the boy that such protection was the duty of Florida authorities and that Obama had spoken out against violence.

    “So they’re on their own?” the intern responded.

    “You can editorialize all you want, and I have no doubt that you will, but that is a ridiculous statement,” Carney said.

    http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/17/daily-caller-sends-16-year-old-to-question-the-white-house/

  42. 42.

    Keith G

    July 17, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Your kitty may have had an accident on the floor, but we will see how affable Cole is once his unneutered male cat purposely starts spraying indoors.

  43. 43.

    Redshirt

    July 17, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    I just tuned in. What’s the cat’s name?

  44. 44.

    Mary G

    July 17, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    I took a week; but I see no point in waiting. My two are orbiting me in anticipation of their evening snack. Such great company.

  45. 45.

    VodkaGoGo

    July 17, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    @Keith G: Whoops, didn’t see it. My bad.

  46. 46.

    Manyakitty

    July 17, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    As I sit here amidst my three cats, including my beautiful dilute tortie, Manya (Mme. Curie, but whatever), who is curled up around my arm and shoulder and purring loud enough to hear outside, I understand how empty things must have seemed without Tunch and all the space he took in a room.

    It’s wonderful to see how quickly your new furry little freeloader is getting the feel of his new digs, and even better to hear real happiness in your updates about him.

    Right on!

  47. 47.

    NotMax

    July 17, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    Train this one; don’t let it train you.

    And no spoiling it with tuna, not even for a ‘special treat.’ Let a variety of flavors of cat food be it’s treat.

    (Oh, who am I kidding?)

    Maybe this one will make use of that overpriced piece of sculpture cat tower, particularly if the food is placed in it from the get-go.

  48. 48.

    beltane

    July 17, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    @lamh36: There is so much wrong with that story I wouldn’t know where to begin. I mean, it starts with an intern named Mr. Finger and just goes downhill from there.

  49. 49.

    Denali

    July 17, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    I feel so much better now that Balloon Juice is accessable and John Cole haz a cat.

  50. 50.

    NotMax

    July 17, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    @beltane

    Dunno, but always a possibility that he has both an older and a younger sibling, so is the middle Finger.

  51. 51.

    Redshirt

    July 17, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    I like cats in theory, but I am incredibly allergic. Is there any hope for me?

  52. 52.

    Percysowner

    July 17, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    I have had a multi cat household for over 20 years. I used to have 3 kittehs but my youngest went into chronic renal failure and now I’m down to 2. They are old and don’t want another cat. They get all upset if another cat even gets into the yard. Fortunately they are 10 and 12, and they could go to 20+ (I vaccinate and keep them indoors as much as possible.) so I’m not going to have to deal with it for a while. OTOH, I’m working on adding a dog, who is being a bit of a challenge. She will work out in time, but right now she is scared and sad and doesn’t care much for me. I don’t know how to tell her that once she settles in and feels safe, she will get a dog buddy so that she can have her own teeny tiny pack.

  53. 53.

    Culture of Truth

    July 17, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    Previous Cat was a stray who came and stayed. At first I liked him, but was not too attached, although I liked cats. He wasn’t even mine or in my house. But circumstances changed and I had to take him in and required he be an indoor cat. He got older, and we became so attached his picture was my avatar. Then one day I took him to the vet and the doctor said he had cancer and would die in 48 hours. I couldn’t accept that, so I gave him medication and injected him with IV fluids for six months before he died peacefully at home. I was grief-stricken and certainly had no intention getting another cat.

    Then a few months later I was in an industrial area near my home when I heard a tiny kitten crying for help. It was only 5 weeks old, too young to be away from his mommy or even adopted out. I couldn’t leave him there so I took him home. That was 7 years ago and I can honestly say I am closer to Tiger (my current avatar) than I was to Previous Cat. He’s a great buddy and I can’t imagine life without him. I guess he’s my Tunch. My message to John Cole is, my sincere condoloences, and you never know what the future holds.

  54. 54.

    seaboogie

    July 17, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Okay – that exchange between you and Cole was epically funny and carthartic. What a ride since Saturday – politics shunted aside for shock, grief, mourning, huge community suppport, one new cat finds a home, and hundreds more to follow (not at Cole’s, via MARC and the Tunch memorial donations). Sorry about Batman dude, he sounds kind of messed up. Then again, my Zoe-Bob shits outside the box sometimes these days, but she’s almost 18, so I’m cutting her lots of slack.

  55. 55.

    Violet

    July 17, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    Lily is right–you are awesome, John. But it’s always good to keep the ego in check. So glad the new Prince Mr. New Kitty is helping you feel that all is right with the world.

  56. 56.

    Keith

    July 17, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    So I flipped to CNN today for the first time since the trial (the Zimmerman one, not the Arias or Castro ones)ended to see if my hunch that they’re still talking about the it. Sure enough, it’s Jeffrey Toobin talking about…what the jurors were doing during their time off. That channel really doesn’t have anything left.

  57. 57.

    Mike in NC

    July 17, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    I’m totally hooked on having a purring alarm clock with sharp claws. Keeps you focused.

  58. 58.

    A Ghost To Most

    July 17, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    Could the cat be named General Stuck? Not regal, but martial.

    What do I know? I now have a cat named Maple, which, surprisingly, fits.

  59. 59.

    Misterpuff

    July 17, 2013 at 10:36 pm

    Believe it or not, my first name is Purr……

  60. 60.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    July 17, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    @Keith G: He didn’t have an accident. He had an on purpose. He’s dark and brooding and uses his bowel movements as a weapon.

  61. 61.

    seaboogie

    July 17, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    @Misterpuff: Referencing an earlier thread when one commenter said that cats have 2 names, the one we give them, and the one they call themselves. As in “That’s Mister Purr Puff to you”…perhaps the Cole brood who named him could read his thoughts…..

  62. 62.

    Culture of Truth

    July 17, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    Your kitty may have had an accident on the floor

    Who said anything about an accident?

  63. 63.

    MomSense

    July 17, 2013 at 10:46 pm

    What about Percival (another Maine reference for Percival Baxter) but call him Purrcival or Purrs.

  64. 64.

    MathInPA

    July 17, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    @Redshirt:

    I like cats in theory, but I am incredibly allergic. Is there any hope for me?

    Yes… but… a rather expensive one and not an easy one. There ARE hypoallergenic cats, but they are extremely expensive and there are some fairly shady people who will try various things to pass off non-hypoallergenics and crosses, which I believe are not hypoallergenic. If you’re interested, I’d talk to an actual allergy specialist; among other things, I don’t know if there’s a state past which even a hypoallergenic cat is not an option.

  65. 65.

    kuvasz

    July 17, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    John, I’m greedy too. After losing two of my beloved kuvasz, Abba, and Aja, which I raised from 8 week old pups and were 12 &13 years old when I had to put them down over the last year, I restocked the pack by getting an eight year beagle rescue (named Rosie) three months ago and an 8 week old kuvasz pup (named Lilly) two weeks ago, bringing the pack back to the optimum number, seven.

  66. 66.

    kc

    July 17, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    I felt the same way after my beloved first kitty died. I wanted to get another one as soon as I could. I needed a cat!

  67. 67.

    kc

    July 17, 2013 at 11:43 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead:

    Let’s be honest: You probably had it coming.

  68. 68.

    LongHairedWeirdo

    July 17, 2013 at 11:44 pm

    Heh. I can’t remember if I made that recommendation – to follow your heart about getting another cat now or waiting – but I’m very glad you did. Congratulations.

  69. 69.

    khead

    July 17, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead:

    I laffed. Heh.

    We have three KITTEHS. Our lives revolve around them. It’s not just soothing, I can’t even sleep without one of them on the bed at night.

  70. 70.

    YellowJournalism

    July 17, 2013 at 11:59 pm

    I love my dog, but there are days when I ache to have a cat again. My boys would be overjoyed if we had one. If we ever get a bigger home, I may just come home one day with an adult rescue kitty.

  71. 71.

    Citizen_X

    July 18, 2013 at 12:12 am

    @mostlygray:

    polydactyl fanboy

    Cat names, shmat names. At least I got a band name now.

  72. 72.

    ihop

    July 18, 2013 at 12:41 am

    i ain’t kissing ass, not going there. but i feel that if the critters in your life like you, like to be with you, then it is because they feel something more than just empathy.

    they feel home.

  73. 73.

    Gretchen

    July 18, 2013 at 1:00 am

    We lost our dear Golden Retriever Bosley suddenly in April. We lasted all of a couple of weeks before we got another dog. He’s not Bosley, but he’s a good dog, and I couldn’t stand the quiet when I got home. It helped a lot to have a new guy to focus on, and I think in time he will be one of the great dogs. Good luck with Boss.

  74. 74.

    Paul in KY

    July 18, 2013 at 11:00 am

    I think cats give the house a more chill vibe. Dogs tend to be a bit hyper & they are usually always watching you, etc. etc.

    Also, as John said, you can get an unhealthy ego-stroke from their slavish adoration.

  75. 75.

    Kelly McGee

    July 18, 2013 at 11:27 am

    I am so happy for Boss. He is a lucky boy to find a human slave as well trained as John. Tunch is smiling somewhere <3

  76. 76.

    Elie

    July 18, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Great happy times in multi pet households

    Seriously, however… are you not going to spay him? Mnemosyne up string said that there was a cat spray diffuser. I dono but my experience with unfixed male cat spray is not optimistic about the effectiveness of any such devices. Also, their personality is quite different unpayed and they want — well — pussy — and don’t mind fighting about it with anyone. Since you like to let your kitties out, he will be getting into a few fights and have a few cat bites and other adventures that will make his life (and yours), a bit harder.

    Of course, just my opinion. For all the “cat naturalists” in this community, including yourself, perhaps neutering is mutilation. Whatever. But don’t whine if you have consequences for that… your choice.

    Not to end my comment on a sour note, I am truly thrilled that you have a new family member and particularly happy that you chose one of my faves — the brown tabby.

  77. 77.

    Elie

    July 18, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Great happy times in multi pet households

    Seriously, however… are you not going to spay him? Mnemosyne up string said that there was a cat spray diffuser. I dono but my experience with unfixed male cat spray is not optimistic about the effectiveness of any such devices. Also, their personality is quite different unpayed and they want — well — you know what that starts with a p — and don’t mind fighting about it with anyone. Since you like to let your kitties out, he will be getting into a few fights and have a few cat bites and other adventures that will make his life (and yours), a bit harder.

    Of course, just my opinion. For all the “cat naturalists” in this community, including yourself, perhaps neutering is mutilation. Whatever. But don’t whine if you have consequences for that… your choice.

    Not to end my comment on a sour note, I am truly thrilled that you have a new family member and particularly happy that you chose one of my faves — the brown tabby.
    (I re-submitted comment without the offending p slang word for cat)

  78. 78.

    Deb T

    July 18, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Good for you John. I felt the same way when my dog died many years ago. I was never lonely as long as I had Pup (I was catless then as well). Having something else breathing in my house was a necessity. I ended up with the most dysfunctional, crazy, energetic, dear dog (puppy really, about 6 months old). The first week he bit me and drew blood (it really was an accident. Those puppy teeth are sharp). He’d gotten so excited he knock his concrete head against mine and almost knocked me out. He was afraid of everything – even airplanes flying overhead. I had him for 16 glorious years.
    Now I have 2 1/2 cats (one feral who eats at my house) and my Mom’s ancient, smelly ShihTzu (I promised Mom I’d take care of her if she passed before the dog did. Dog is going strong at 16). It’s a family.
    I’m happy for you John. Looks like you got a fine cat and it proves how much you loved Tunch. I love tabbies.

  79. 79.

    InternetDragons

    July 18, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    @Elie –

    Whatever gave you the idea that John doesn’t plan to neuter his cat? He’s always been a big advocate for spay/neuter and has referred several times to the fact that his new kitty will of course be neutered.

    I don’t think I have ever read a single anti-spay/anti-neuter comment from anyone on this blog except for one really weird and irrational comment from some guy who tried to equate spaying with declawing.

    Since John’s new addition is an indoor cat, there is nothing at all wrong with giving the poor guy a few days to adjust before shipping him off to the vet for his surgery. It’s just a matter of John being willing to tolerate any spraying in the meantime, but somehow I think he’ll cope.

    Just as a side note: “spay” is the term commonly used for the surgery (hysterectomy) done to females. “Neuter” is the term commonly used for the surgery John’s new guy will have soon!

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