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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Good News Open Thread

Good News Open Thread

by WaterGirl|  December 13, 20228:27 pm| 67 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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Guess who had successful surgery, doesn’t need the surgery on his other leg, and has been adopted?

Good News Open Thread

If you said Van Helsing, the first Athenspets to use our emergency fund, you would be wrong!  His name is now Donnie Darko.  Although after seeing this photo, I wonder if maybe that was a typo and his new name is Donnie Dorko?  :-)

He has 7 cat friends in his new home – I think you can see two of them in the photo – and he certainly seems to have come into his own.  I have it on good authority that the couple who brought him home are both completely devoted to their animals.

What a sweet boy.  Our first $500 from Walter’s Fund went toward his surgery.  I hear that Balloon Juice is seen as kind of a fairy godmother for some of these guys at Athenspets, and that we are helping with morale at the shelter.

“We all want to know who did this” https://t.co/MuzEHJnS3z

— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) December 12, 2022

Tell me that this guy doesn’t have the same expression as Donnie Dorko’s Darko’s friend in the top photo.

Open thread.

 

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Reader Interactions

67Comments

  1. 1.

    lurker

    December 13, 2022 at 8:28 pm

    Cole … the first picture, that’s Cole, right?

  2. 2.

    zhena gogolia

    December 13, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    So cute.

  3. 3.

    lurker

    December 13, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    so the friend also wants to know who did this?

  4. 4.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    Nice of them to have windows so close to the ground, for easy kitty viewing of birds and wildlife.

  5. 5.

    suzanne

    December 13, 2022 at 8:34 pm

    @WaterGirl: We call that “Cat TV”.

  6. 6.

    Sure Lurkalot

    December 13, 2022 at 8:36 pm

    8 cats?!? That’s a lot of litter. But the heart is warmed by knowing Donnie Darko has been mended, has a boatload of companionship and loving adopters.

    As for the tree cat, my caption would be, “I still get to sleep with you in the big bed, right?”

  7. 7.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    @suzanne: Great name for that!

  8. 8.

    Barronius

    December 13, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    Beautiful kitty I can see he’s already well into his assimilation process!

    Speaking of which, I am wondering how Max’s ever worked out.

  9. 9.

    Roger Moore

    December 13, 2022 at 8:40 pm

    @lurker:

    Obviously, it’s the fault of the human for not fastening the tree adequately in the stand.

  10. 10.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 8:40 pm

    @Sure Lurkalot: To which I would reply “You should have thought about that earlier, before you broke all my ornaments.”

    I talk a good game, but of course she would still get to sleep in the big bed.

  11. 11.

    Alison Rose

    December 13, 2022 at 8:40 pm

    @suzanne: My living room has windows filling one wall almost side to side, with a wide low sill. We’re on the third floor and there’s a big tree right outside the windows, which functions as a sort of playground for tons of birds and some rather adventurous squirrels. Plus everyone walks their dogs through the courtyard below. It’s like Cat IMAX. She spends tons of time keeping an eye on the neighbors, as it were :)

  12. 12.

    BRyan

    December 13, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Caption?     “The star was crooked.  I fixed it.”

  13. 13.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    @Barronius: Is Max the name for the new black cat that Cole talked about getting?  If so, I think that’s still the plan, but it hasn’t happened yet.

  14. 14.

    Steeplejack

    December 13, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    Can’t remember if this was posted here. If it wasn’t it should be. Cat vs. Christmas tree.

  15. 15.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    @Steeplejack: That was awesome.  I have never seen that.

  16. 16.

    SuzieC

    December 13, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    OMG so cute.  My cuties:

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=6126071824104897&set=a.113569628688510&notif_id=1670946413593984&notif_t=feedback_react

  17. 17.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 9:01 pm

    @SuzieC:

    Sorry, this content isn’t available right now.

    Maybe you have to have a facebook account to see the picture.

  18. 18.

    CaseyL

    December 13, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    Wonderful to see Walter’s Fund making a difference already!

    @Steeplejack: WOW!  I am impressed.

  19. 19.

    SuzieC

    December 13, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    @WaterGirl: I emailed photo to you.  Hope it works.  Sorry I am so inept at posting on internet.

  20. 20.

    indycat32

    December 13, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    More good news – I captured kitten number four today. Two weeks until spay/neuter day. In the meantime they’re in the large dog crate in the garage.

  21. 21.

    raven

    December 13, 2022 at 9:11 pm

    Yay, thanks ya’ll!

  22. 22.

    TriassicSands

    December 13, 2022 at 9:12 pm

    Tell me that this guy doesn’t have the same expression as Donnie Dorko’s Darko’s friend in the top photo. — WaterGirl

    Okay, they’re different.

    In the bottom photo we have a obvious “perp” in search of an alibi. S/he knows the circumstantial evidence is compelling, but s/he will never break even under enhanced interrogation techniques. S/he also knows that humans can be easily misled and her/his brain is working overtime to figure out how to get someone else to take the fall.  There’s also a hint of worry, since every once in awhile humans get it right. Guilt with an accent of deviousness and concern (S/he knows s/he would fail a polygraph).

    In the top photo, an innocent fellow/gal is trying to figure out why Donnie is dressed up in such an undignified outfit and why the photographer isn’t paying more attention to her or him, instead of Donnie. Jealousy. And possibly thoughts of future revenge against the photographer for his/her failure to recognize true greatness. Mild jealousy coupled with possible plans to become a perp.

    Cats always follow the adage “Better to ask forgiveness than permission.”

    Of course, I could be wrong and my six decades of studying cat behavior have all come to nothing. And I couldn’t pass a polygraph either.

  23. 23.

    raven

    December 13, 2022 at 9:12 pm

    Intense film on HBO
    The Banshees of Inisherin

  24. 24.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    @indycat32: Congratulations!!!

    You have worked so hard at this.  I’m very excited for you!

  25. 25.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 9:15 pm

    @TriassicSands: That comment made my day.

    edit: I think you are spot on, by the way.

  26. 26.

    Omnes Omnibus

    December 13, 2022 at 9:15 pm

    @BRyan: “What?!  Oh, that?   A mere trifle.”

  27. 27.

    TriassicSands

    December 13, 2022 at 9:18 pm

    @indycat32:

    Is it a carrier or a kennel? If it’s a carrier, see if you can borrow one or two large kennels (spacious cages with lots of exposure to light and the outside world) from a local shelter.

  28. 28.

    zhena gogolia

    December 13, 2022 at 9:20 pm

    @TriassicSands: Great analysis. I agree that the two expressions are totally different.

  29. 29.

    piratedan

    December 13, 2022 at 9:21 pm

    Caption This:

    You said you couldn’t reach the top, consider that problem solved…….

  30. 30.

    geg6

    December 13, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    @indycat32:

    Been following this saga.  Glad to hear this. You are a wonderful human.

  31. 31.

    Suzanne

    December 13, 2022 at 9:23 pm

    @Alison Rose: My in-laws installed a greenhouse window so their cats get a similar panoramic view.

    Spoiled little punks.

  32. 32.

    indycat32

    December 13, 2022 at 9:25 pm

    @TriassicSands: It’s a large crate, approx. 48×36. Large enough for litter box, food, water,and a nice cushy bed big enough for 4. The fun part is when I have to transfer them back into  the traps, which the clinic requires all feral cats be in.

  33. 33.

    TriassicSands

    December 13, 2022 at 9:25 pm

    @WaterGirl: That comment made my day.

    I’m glad.

    I like dogs and they can be wonderful companions, but cats are so beautiful and simultaneously inscrutable.

    f you want a friend, get a dog. If you want to be constantly amazed and surprised, get a cat. They won’t fetch your slippers (though, like dogs they might rip them to pieces), but they can also be wonderful companions. Even if they will eat you if you die at home. (Not really.)

    Dogs want to please you. Cats want to give you the opportunity to please them. Both are rewarding for humans.

  34. 34.

    C Stars

    December 13, 2022 at 9:28 pm

    We had to clip our rabbit’s nails a few hours ago and now he is lying under the couch with just his face showing so he can give us the stink eye whenever we walk by.

  35. 35.

    TriassicSands

    December 13, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    @indycat32:  The fun part is when I have to transfer them back into  the traps, which the clinic requires all feral cats be in.

    That  is one of the most questionable uses of the word fun I’ve ever encountered. Trying to handle truly feral kittens and cats is fun…to watch if you hate the person doing the handling.

    Good luck to you. You’re doing a very, very good thing. I hope it all goes smoothly.

  36. 36.

    indycat32

    December 13, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    @geg6: thanks.  It does mean no new kittens, so one problem solved.  Doesn’t solve the problem of 10 cats using my back yard as a litter box.

  37. 37.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    @Suzanne: Are you Suzanne on one device, and suzanne on another?

  38. 38.

    LeftCoastYankee

    December 13, 2022 at 9:34 pm

    Seems more like a “new cat initiation” ritual.

    “Don’t worry new guy DD, it’s almost over, then we can wreck the tree when the two-legs go to sleep.”

  39. 39.

    raven

    December 13, 2022 at 9:35 pm

    @WaterGirl: The former mayor of Urbana and his former wife had a “catquarium” made from an aquarium and attached to their living room window. She was allergic but she loved cats.

  40. 40.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 9:39 pm

    @raven: Is this the former mayor who owned the bar and then was a total dick as mayor?

    edited

  41. 41.

    David ⛄ 🎅The Establishment🎄 🦌 🕎 Koch

    December 13, 2022 at 9:43 pm

    Megyn Kelly is gonna lose her shit when she finds out about black cat Santa

  42. 42.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    @David ⛄ 🎅The Establishment🎄 🦌 🕎 Koch: These folks are so hard to keep track of.  My thought process:

    Is the the one that had blood running out of her whatever?  Not sure, but that doesn’t have anything to do with Santa.  Oh wait, something about Santa not being black?  Where do they get these people?

  43. 43.

    David ⛄ 🎅The Establishment🎄 🦌 🕎 Koch

    December 13, 2022 at 9:52 pm

    @WaterGirl: ​

    During Fox News’ ‘The Kelly File’ on Wednesday evening host Megyn Kelly began a debate with guests regarding the race of Santa, emphasizing to kids that Jesus and Santa were white.

    Jon Stewart did the appropriate mocking of her looney racism and claim of victimization (link)​​​​

  44. 44.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    December 13, 2022 at 9:53 pm

    @WaterGirl: she’s all those things, trump turned on her when the Murdochs told her to turn on him

    “For all you kids at home, Santa is white”

    and the part that didn’t get enough attention, IMHO: “Jesus was a white man, too… that’s a verifiable fact”

  45. 45.

    columbusqueen

    December 13, 2022 at 9:53 pm

    A good time for a clowder update.  Quentin, Archie, & Smoky have all adjusted nicely, & are romping around happily. Kermit is still mostly hiding, but he’s coming out occasionally to look Mike over when the human is downstairs.

    Teddy is struggling a bit with both being odd man out in the boys’ club & not being the baby anymore.  And Athena?  She loathes them all, since she just chased poor Archie into the kitchen snarling all the way. Such is life in the Queen’s cathouse.

  46. 46.

    Jackie

    December 13, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    @Roger Moore: We always put our tree in a corner and screw a coffee cup hanger in the wall on both sides of the tree, and use fishing line from both hooks to the tree trunk. Never have had a toppled tree 🤞🏻

    I also hang little bells through out aka kitty tattletellers. (Also good for grandkiddos)

  47. 47.

    schrodingers_cat

    December 13, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    @indycat32: :Photos or it didn’t happen.

    Congratulations on becoming a successful cat-herder. BTW, did you get that cat bite looked at?

  48. 48.

    Barronius

    December 13, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    @WaterGirl: Yes, thank you! I was wondering since Cole posted about it before Halloween and I was worried it had fallen through, with all the horrible traumatic events he has had to suffer.

  49. 49.

    trollhattan

    December 13, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    @C Stars: Rabbit checklist:

    “Pellets for you, pellets for you, extra pellets for you, say, just look at all these lamp cords.”

  50. 50.

    WaterGirl

    December 13, 2022 at 10:01 pm

    @David ⛄ 🎅The Establishment🎄 🦌 🕎 Koch:  @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    “For all you kids at home, Santa is white”

    and the part that didn’t get enough attention, IMHO: “Jesus was a white man, too… that’s a verifiable fact”

    Oh my god.  What the fuck is wrong with these people?

  51. 51.

    trollhattan

    December 13, 2022 at 10:02 pm

    @David ⛄ 🎅The Establishment🎄 🦌 🕎 Koch: I would make her watch “Bad Santa” incorporating the “A Clockwork Orange” method.

  52. 52.

    Alison Rose

    December 13, 2022 at 10:07 pm

    @WaterGirl: There’s not enough space on this blog to list everything that’s wrong with them.

  53. 53.

    indycat32

    December 13, 2022 at 10:08 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: yes I did.  Doc put me on antibiotics for 10 days.

  54. 54.

    Quiltingfool

    December 13, 2022 at 10:12 pm

    I was rudely awakened this morning by a chonky cat pouncing on me.  I looked at the clock and it seems I slept a little later than usual and Miss Sassypants was having none of it.

    Why, yes, I am retired.

    Miss Sassy had no regrets.

  55. 55.

    Jackie

    December 13, 2022 at 10:21 pm

    @indycat32: YIKES!!!

    Get a preventative prescription of antibiotics – no way you’re going to avoid cat scratches and bites!

  56. 56.

    C Stars

    December 13, 2022 at 10:40 pm

    @trollhattan: Yup. The last time he gave us the stink eye like this was a few days ago, when he managed to nab one of the Christmas tree light cords and bit one of the wires clean through. We were able to repair it, and then arranged things so he definitely can’t get to the tree/cords again, and he was quite insulted by that. “Why would you put cords out if I’m not able to eat them??”

  57. 57.

    Steve in the ATL

    December 13, 2022 at 10:57 pm

    @raven:
     

    ya’ll

    Y’all. Gotdam yankee!

  58. 58.

    mrmoshpotato

    December 13, 2022 at 11:09 pm

    “Would you believe that?  The tree just fell over!  Just fell! over!  This is my surprised face.”

  59. 59.

    mrmoshpotato

    December 13, 2022 at 11:14 pm

    @David ⛄ 🎅The Establishment🎄 🦌 🕎 Koch:

    Megyn Kelly is gonna lose her shit when she finds out about black cat Santa 

    Black Canta?

  60. 60.

    sdhays

    December 13, 2022 at 11:22 pm

    @WaterGirl: And then MSNBC stumbled over itself to give her millions of dollars to poach her from Fox, which was a predictable (although not to the wizard leadership of the snooze division at NBC) failure.

    It’s interesting that no one was fired, as far as I’m aware, for that debacle.

  61. 61.

    mrmoshpotato

    December 13, 2022 at 11:42 pm

    @sdhays:

    And then MSNBC stumbled over itself to give her millions of dollars to poach her from Fox, which was a predictable (although not to the wizard leadership of the snooze division at NBC) failure.

    It’s interesting that no one was fired, as far as I’m aware, for that debacle.

    Oh, NBC should’ve burnt itself to the ground in atonement for that stupid, Trump-trash decision to hire “Santa is white!” trash.

  62. 62.

    Amir Khalid

    December 14, 2022 at 12:57 am

    @mrmoshpotato:

    My own experience contradicts the notion that Santa Claus is white: every shopping-mall Santa I ever came across was Asian.

  63. 63.

    Chetan Murthy

    December 14, 2022 at 1:19 am

    @Steeplejack: Caption should be “Now what,  Einstein?”

  64. 64.

    Elizabelle

    December 14, 2022 at 2:44 am

    @mrmoshpotato:

    “Don’t you think this downed tree brings out the green in my eyes?  What??”

  65. 65.

    Dahlia

    December 14, 2022 at 3:08 am

    “Mistakes were made, but not by me.”

  66. 66.

    WereBear

    December 14, 2022 at 6:11 am

    @Sure Lurkalot: One of the reasons so many people have so many cats is because as their numbers increase, our tasks increase in much lower proportions.

    I invested in a top-notch automatic litter box. Costs less than a deli sandwich a month and worth it.

  67. 67.

    Josie

    December 14, 2022 at 8:25 am

    @indycat32: That will be challenging. Maybe figure out some kind of funnel setup. Or, wear some really strong gloves. I don’t envy you. You are a true hero.

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