Thursday, October 11, 2012

We are furry sad

I have some sad news regarding Squashies.

The specialist that did Squashies' bone marrow on Tuesday, called this afternoon.  The results of the aspiration were not good.  Although the FeLV and FIV tests have been negative 3 times in the last month, FeLV was found in her bone marrow.  The doctor said that it is most likely that Squashies fought off the virus when she was a kitten, which she got either before she was born or from her mother's milk.  He believes that her age and/or some other influence triggered it to active.  He also mentioned that it could be a sub-group that is caused by recombination of DNA cell structure. (It was a very technical conversation.)

We tested her blood again today, she still tests negative for the virus, so It is not outside of the marrow. Everyone agreed that she is not contagious, which is some relief given that she and the boys are quite close.

The dilemma I now face is heart-breaking.  The only ill effect the virus is having to-date is the lack of red blood cell development.  She does very well for about 3 weeks after blood transfusions.  But she has a rare blood type for which there is a finite amount in the US.   If we keep taking it, will some other little kitty, with a better prognosis, suffer?

I love my little girl...




118 comments:

  1. There's nothing I can write...It's a terrible situation to be in.

    All you can do is try to act for her Highest Good, and the Highest Good of all concerned, whatever that is.

    I guess if I were in your shoes I would try to gauge her quality of life, her prognosis, etc.

    It was bad enough when I had to let Annie go, but that was the only merciful option open at that time. It's not the same in your case.

    I pray you find the right path.

    Whatever you choose, whatever happens, we know it will be out of the deepest, purest Love for Squashies.

    Purrs from the boys, and peace and Blessings and universal Light from me.

    -Kim

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  2. There simply aren't any words of solace we can offer as you face this awful thing, so we give our purrs instead and hope you can find a small measure of comfort in the days ahead.

    xoxo
    Ms. Stella O'Houligan

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  3. What a very very difficult position this news puts you in. We love Squashies for the sweet blog self we have come to know, yet don't know her and love her anywhere near as much as you do. Maybe you would want her to have one more blood transfusion, to give all time to come to terms. OUr purrs come your way.

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  4. I'm so sorry that you all and sweet Squashies are going through this. It's so difficult to make decisions of this nature. I know that one day, I and Kassey will be making a difficult decision as well.
    Prayers and purrs offered up for you all and your little sweetheart.

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  5. We are so so sorry to hear this news about sweet beautiful Squashies. I know it puts you in a very delicate situation and one you will balance for what is right for Squashies. Our hearts are extremely heavy and we offer up our love and purrs. You will be in our thoughts and we will light our candles and say prayers to a higher power for you.
    ((hugs))

    purrs
    >^,,^<
    ✿•*¨`*•. ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥✿•*¨`*•.

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  6. Oh we are so sad to hear this news about Squashies. We are purring for her and for you...what a difficult position to be in. We know you will do what is best for her. oxoxox

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  7. How awful to be in this situation! I know you will do whatever is best for Squashies and I am purring lots for her, and for you.

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  8. Oh no.....this is so upsetting. We know you'll do the right thing for Squashies. This is a hard decision and we'll purr and pray for you.

    The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

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  9. Keeping Squashies in our prayers. And special prayers for you and your family too.

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  10. Hugs to all of you! We're purring and praying for Squashies!

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  11. Oh I am so sorry about this news. This is going to be such a hard decision for you. I am writing you an email. Life stinks sometimes.

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  12. Oh noes! This is just sucky. Since the transfusion does buy you some time, perhaps you might be able to find another donor? Meanwhile, Squashies has our warmest purrs and love.

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  13. I am so sorry you are sickly sweetie. Purrs and hugs to you.

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  14. Squashies we wish it was better news for you and your mom. We sure are purring for you sweetie.

    Julie and Poppy Q
    xxx

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  15. Squashies, Momma, Daddy and TK, momma and I are truly broken hearted. I am so terribly sad and sorry about this news for Squashies. She looks so dear and precious there in her picture. If I could only give her soft kisses.

    Mom and Katie XXXOOO <3<3<3

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  16. I am so very sorry to hear this. I do hope you investigate the two things I mentioned in my email - Dr Loops has great success with leukemia and also the petwellbeing.com Amazapet product - it can't hurt to look at the info.

    Sending Reiki light to you both.

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  17. We are very sorry to hear that. We had a cat like that a very long time ago. It is such a hard thing half to deal with.

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  18. Oh my gosh we are so sad to hear this news. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you today :-( We love sweet Squashies, the boys are sending comforting purrs and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  19. Oh no, I just saw this post and my heart is hurting for you and Squashies. We all love you and your kitties. Please give her a hug from all of us. We are all here for you whenever you need us.

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  20. Oh, oh, oh, this is not what we wanted to read. We are so very sorry about this. If it were me, I'd have an honest talk with my vet about her long-term prognosis, possible pain, etc. and make a decision from there. My heart is breaking for you. We send love and hugs.

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  21. Oh goodness. We can't imagine being in this position and we are so sorry you find yourselves here. No one can answer the question for you, unfortunately you have to decide this for yourselves. We are sending lots of purrs, prayers and hugs for all of you. Please give Squashies some extra loves for us.

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  22. You're such a good mama to your kittehs. They couldn't be in better hands. Sending you hugs.

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  23. Oh, we are so sorry to hear this. Poor Squashie and poor Mom too! There is no easy decision but please know we're purring for you.

    Sasha, Sami, Saku & Mom Eileen

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  24. We are at a loss for words. We are so sorry about the prognosis. We're sending purrs to Squashies and to you. Enjoy your precious girl as long as you can.

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  25. Oh no!! We heard about this via Katie Isabella's mom. So all of us are sending tons and tons of purrs and prayers for all of you. We know that you will make the very best decision!!

    XXXOOO
    The Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde & their Feeders

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  26. We are so sad about the prognosis. We will be purring healing purrs for Squashies and comforting purrs for all of you. We know you will make the right decision for your precious girl.

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  27. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We love you and Squashies, and know you will do whatever is best. We will purr and pray real hard for miracles. Hugs to you all.

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  28. This is a terrible development. How awful fur you. We will be purring and purraying fur all of you. ((Hugs)) from all of us at Prancer Pie.

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  29. You are so lovely, we are so sad. We are sending purrs from the Big Piney Woods.

    Calicomom Toni, Mittens, Mistrie, Squirt, Baby Miracle 4Paws and any other strays that happen to need a bed and food.

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  30. Our hearts are going out to Squashies and her whole family! So sorry to hear this news, momma says she knows how much we are all loved! *gentle paw taps*

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  31. We are very sad too, knowing you love Squashies and want her to be healthy. Hugs, purrs and pawhugs.

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  32. I am so very sorry to hear this. We haven't known you very long, but we did grow very attached to Squashies. Such a beautiful, sweet girl. My heart breaks for you with the decisions that will have to be made. What ever you decide and whenever you do decide, we know you will have the best interests of Squashies in mind. Bless you.

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  33. Oh my goodness. You will do what is right for you and Squashies. We are sending tons of purrs and purrayers and headbutts to you and Squashies.

    Luf, Us and Maw

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  34. Dearest Dee ~ my heart is breaking ... love, Ann

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  35. Oh my friends... I wish there was something I could say. I'm going to keep you in my thoughts and purrs, whatever you decide will be the right decision for you.

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  36. We are so very sorry. We are sending love and purrs. Listen to your heart and whatever you decide will be right. xx

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  37. Oh no. We're so sorry. So so sorry. We're purring for you. Au, Target, Guido & Ellen

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  38. Little Squahies, we are so sorry to read of this turn. We know your beans will do the very best for you that they can and make things as comfortable for you as ever a kitty could wish. We send you, TK and your beans all our love and many rumbly purrs

    Luff from
    Gerry, Mungo & The Ape xx

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  39. Oh my stars. I am so so so sorry to read this. Please don't think you are depriving another for fighting for your beautiful Squashies.She's as important as all creatures. I am so sorry to read of your pain and heartache. I'm on the side of just fighting until I run out of ammunition and then some. I get quite pig headed about it all. I remember my Ol Girl and so many times her prognosis was so dire but there was always this glimmer of a chance of hope and I'd grab it with both hands and not let go. I didn't have any doubts and felt I was the only one left fighting for my Ol Girl when all said to let her go. Maybe I was wrong, I don't know but I know that what I did, I did for her.

    I know you will do what's right for your sweet beautiful darling Squashies. Please take care. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    x

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  40. Such an awful position to be in. We're sure you'll make the best decision for Squashies. And we'll be purring for the family.

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  41. Paws crossed with prayers coming your way.

    Tom, Mom Julie, Mitty, Tinker & Anastasia

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  42. I am so fuwwy sad that you awe facing such a howwibull decision. I think Squashie will let you know what to do. If she wants to keep fighting, I'd do anything that needs to be done, in the meantime I'm sending my love and healing smoochies and hopes that you have lots mowe fuwwy happy days wif hew
    Asta

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  43. Mom and I are so very sorry about Squashies what a precious picture of her today.
    Many hugs and lots of purrs
    Madi and Mom

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  44. We sure do send all the purrs possible from here.And some mighty prayers too. The donks are crossing their hooves too. Take care

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  45. Squashies, we are purring and purraying so very hard for you, sweetness! XOXO
    Maggie May and The Creek Cats

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  46. Sending good Doxie thoughts and prayers your way.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  47. We are so sorry to hear of your dilemma with Squashie - perhaps you could try one round and see how she reacts to it - if she is distressed she will have given you her answer but if she is putting up a fight she is telling you she wants to try to stay longer with you all.
    Love and purrs Hannah and Lucy + Mum Sue xx xx

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  48. Our hearts are breaking for all of you. I have had to make a similar decision before, and it's definitely not easy. {{{{Hugs}}}} and purrrrrrrz to all of you, especially to Squashies.

    Love, Marilynn and Grace & Company

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  49. We are purring and praying for all of you. This is just so heartbreaking for everyone. (((hugs))) and love.

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  50. Oh gosh, I don't know what to meow, other than we're purring for you & Squashie. We DO agree with Hannah & Lucy however; as long as she keeps doing well, she's meant to stay ... she will let you know when it's time to do ... something else.

    Meanwhile we send lots of purrs & love & hope ...

    Selina & MomKatt Laura

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  51. It seems to me that as long as there is a treatment and she is doing well, its okay to be "selfish" and get her the transfusions. She's your little girl ... if the option is there, take it. Good thoughts and prayers from me and my furboys.

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  52. Ann at Zoolatry let us know that Squashie could use some extra purrs, so we are stopping by to offer ours. I do hope the transfusions continue to help Squashie.

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  53. I believe that you must do what is best for Squashies. There may be another cat who needs the blood, there may be many - but there may be enough blood for them and Squashies, too. I don't think you can let her treatment go on the chance it may hurt someone else. If this will help her, then I'd recommend doing it. If it ever stops helping or becomes too much of an ordeal, then, perhaps, it will be someone else's turn. Right now, though, she can continue to lead a good and happy life. In any case, you will make the correct decision, because you know Squashies best. Good luck to everyone there.

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  54. oh Squashies honey we are sending many purrrss to you and your mom. we love you too sweetie pie

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  55. The blood is there to be used - use it. Don't worry about other kitties. You are her momma and she is your little girl. I deeply believe that our animals look to us for their well being - we are their parents. She knows you love her - and, with that she trusts that you will do what is right for her and her health.

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  56. What a difficult and challenging situation. You have our purrs and purrayers.
    DMM, Charmee & Jessica

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  57. What a sad situation...I hope a solution can be found! (came here from Katie's blog)

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  58. It is a difficult situation. We send purrs and kind thoughts to you all.

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  59. Oh we is so sorry to hear this news. We will send you our best purrs and purrayers for Squahies and for you all. PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRS All of us Hotties even George

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  60. so very to hear this. Purrs to you and your family during this difficult time.

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  61. Oh we are so very sorry to hear this. Praying for you in this difficult time.

    Nubbin wiggles & hugs,
    Oskar & Pam

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  62. So sorry to hear about your baby, but you have to seek out all options for her. My sable -shes was a cat, my vet told me it was it was this, and that she started doing better but and always saying it was Cancer, she had a growth comingout of her nose took it out came back again, and always Cancer, she got a growth in her mouth so big my son hand fed her with a spoonn till finally i said take it out, they took what they could did a biopsy and it wasnt Cancer it was Cripticocus, she said treatable, in my state too much money but we cot meds from Arizona but ultimatly it was to late ad 3 or 4 days later we put her to sleep if we would have known sooner maybe we could have saved her but we tried every thing before we did the finally thing , so ck. all options and may God be with you cause i truly know the hurt and position your in . Ill pray for you,Sandy

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  63. squashies; R mom noes what a trooly heartwenching time this iz for yur mom...pleez tell her to rely on faith, friends and her "furst impressions"....we will ask ST Francis ta watch over ewe...with like a bunch oh blessings.....R purrayers two ewe squashies N yur mom N familee two

    XOXOXOXO

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  64. Oh Squashies, your pawrents have certainly traveled by your side this entire journey, helping you in every way possible, and to hear this news is very difficult, but it does explain a lot. Teri's very first kitty had FELV stay in her bone marrow, too. She lost her to intestinal lymphoma and she always wondered if there was a link there.

    We will keep purrin for you to have many more good days ahead, in spite of this news...Remember, every day being loved is worth it!

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  65. We are so sorry to hear the news about Squashies. One hates to see such heartbreaking situations. We are sending lots of hugs and purrs to your house.

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  66. That is such a sad thing to hear. We can only imagine what you must be feeling right now. Sending comforting purrrrrss to you all.

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    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    2. Hey, TK Mom. Feel free to delete this dipsh*t's comment when you get chance.

      mutter, mutter, mummble...

      Delete
  67. My heart aches for you and your decisons as to what to do.

    xo,

    JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

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  68. We are sending our purrs to you...we know how hard this must be.
    Harry, Dexter and Tipp and the Momma

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  69. We're sending soft purrs for Squashies. We can't imagine how heart breaking this is but know that we're sending positive thoughts for all of you.

    Purrs,
    Angel & Isabella and mom Sharla

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  70. Sweet Squashies, we're purring extra loud for you today and hope you'll be able to hear us wishing for better days ahead.

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  71. It's always sad to get news like this. We're still purraying for you sweet Sqaushies in the hopes that you get better.
    xoxo Kassey

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  72. We were sorry to hear this sad news. Hoping that Squashies can get better.

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  73. Just come over from Margs to say how sad we are about Squashies. We send purrs and hugs to you all and hope she gets better xx

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  74. We are so sad to hear about Squashies and are sending our purrs and prayers your way. Lots of love xx

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  75. Such a difficult time for you and your family. We're purring loudly for Squashies and for you.

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  76. I am so, so sorry about Squashies and the difficult decision you are facing. Only you know the right things to do and I'm sure you'll find it. I offer Comforting purrrrrrrrrrrrrrs.

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  77. How very sorry I am to learn this. One of my favorite kitties passed way when he was 7 from FeLV. He too had it from when he was a kitten. The good news was none of the other cats got it, even though they were around him when he was shedding the virus.

    I think it is natural to doubt ourselves, but you will know what to do, and do it at the right time. Part of it is being able to live with your decision, part on how Squashies is handling everything. How good of you to worry about what other cats might need, and maybe the blood bank can give you an idea how much demand there is right now. Blood stays good for only so long, so don't worry too much about future needs. If Squashies's quality of life is good with transfusions, then it is a good thing to do. At least, maybe do another transfusion to give yourself time to think everything through. You might have an answer by the time the next transfusion is due.

    Please call me if you need to talk for any reason. I know there is nothing I can say to make any of this better or less painful, but sometimes another person listening can be a comfort. If you need any help, I am just down the road, so you are not alone. If you don't have my number anymore, just leave a message at my blog.

    All of us here are purring and praying for you and Squashies. I know how hard this is, and am sorry all of you are going through it.

    Paula

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  78. Howdy Everybuddy, we just popped in to say hello and send our gentle hugs and love to Squashies. You are in our thoughts. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  79. Bhu is doing big purrs fer U! xxoo Patty

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  80. oh oh...our hearts ache for you....many many healing purrs for Squashies...

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  81. We are so sorry to hear this news about Squashies.
    It is a situation no one ever wants to face.
    Oui Oui ( Paula) has some good ideas.
    We support any decision you make. We feel your pain.
    Hugs and headbumps.
    Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
    Tiger,Treasure,JJ and Julie

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  82. I'm very sorry to hear about Squashie's medical problems.

    All you can do is the best you can do for her. She is surrounded by safety and love, and that is the most important thing.

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  83. My heart and purrayers go out to you.

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  84. Lots of prayers and purrrs for Squashies and You!!!
    YOUR TX furiends,

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  85. I am really sad to hear about Squashies' condition. Lucy, the cat I had before Diamond, was adopted as a kitten with FIV, although I didn't know it at the time. She lived four years, but didn't die of the FIV virus, but was run over. After that I decided to fit my home so I could keep a cat inside. Lucy took half a cortisone tablet every second day, which kept her going. Without that she picked up infections, viruses etc all the time. With the cortisone her life was okay.

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  86. We are very sad to hear about Squashies' condition. We know this is awful. We wish there was an easier way for Squashies to continue to get the blood she needs. Mom can't help but think of the procedure for kidney transplants where the owner of the recipient adopts the donor cat. Maybe it's not possible, but maybe there's a cat out there that needs a loving home and can share their blood with Squashies? We just love her so much too and are purring for Squashies and you.

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  87. Hey TK, Hey Squashies, Jet here.

    Sherlock, Ash and Traveler asked us to send you some Jetty kisses and JJ hugs. Please import as many as you need to feel stronger, supported and loved.

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  88. Oh we are so very sorry to hear about your sweet Squashies. We know how much your heart must be breaking. The Monkey's idea is a promising one. But we know you must do what is in your heart and what is the best for Squashies. Bless you....hold her tight.
    (((purrs)))
    Katie & Glogirly

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  89. We are so sorry to hear about this. We don't have a word but...purring and praying for your sweet baby.

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  90. hello squashies its dennis the vizsla dog hay we wer sorry to heer abowt yore condishun we are all sending yoo lots of tail wags!!! by the way yoo luk verry much like my layt sister trouble the kitty!!! ok bye

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  91. Oh beautiful Squashies, I am so sorry you are so feeling poorly. I hope you know how much everybuddy loves you and is purring and purring for you.

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  92. I am so soory that this is going on. Please know that we are all sending purrs and prayers from O Hi O! (((hugs)))

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  93. We are so very sorry to hear about your sweet Squashies. Our hearts are hurting and our eyes are leaking full of tears. We send our love and comfort to you. We are purring our hardest for sweet Squashies.
    Love and (((hugs))) you and
    Squashies are in our prayers xx

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  94. We are so very sorry to hear about your sweet Squashies. Our hearts are hurting and our eyes are leaking full of tears. We send our love and comfort to you. We are purring our hardest for sweet Squashies.
    Love and (((hugs))) you and
    Squashies are in our prayers xx

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  95. We are so sorry to hear this terrible news, but know you will do everything you can for your precious Squashies...The Monkey's idea is a good one...Wishing beautiful Squashies the very best, sending you all much love and many prayers, sweet friends...big hugs...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki

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  96. we haven't visited you before but found you through Fuzzy Tales. Saddened very much to read your unhappy and worrying post. We are sending you many purrs and willing that all will be ok. Helen, Darcy and Bingley xxx

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  97. What a terribly sad and difficult spot for you to be on. We wish you the best, and hope for some miracles!

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  98. You can see she is the sweetest cat. I had a cat once for whom the felv went into her bones. I definitely hold the two of you in prayer. This disease can be so hard.

    please visit my blog about a colony of abandoned/feral cats near my home. And you might decide to sign on as a follower to my blog since it has stories and information helpful for cat caretakers everywhere.
    Thank you,
    Debby
    http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com/

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  99. We are purring for you, Squashies, and your mom, too! Purrs.

    Laura & Taffy

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  100. We're sorry to hear your Squashies is having such a difficult time. We understand how hard it is to decide whether or not to procede with treatments. If she is doing well with transfusions I think she is just as precious and deserving as any other kitty who might use the blood. We're sending comforting purrs for everyone.

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  101. Sending loving purrrs to you all some more.

    xoxo
    Ms. Stella

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  102. Just checking in again....purring for Squashies....hope she continues to hold her ground....thinking of you!

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  103. I am so sorry that the vet's news was not good. I will send purrs your way and good thoughts. Wish I could make things all better for you.

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  104. Warm light and healing purrs for beautiful Squashies.

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  105. We are so very sorry to hear this news about Squashies - you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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