Isadora Is Three

My sweet and loony girl Isadora celebrated her third birthday this past Thursday.

Here are a few shots from the past year ...

She was still hiding a lot as her 3rd year began

But curiosity did draw her out more and more

She got cozier and cozier

Siren was still not so pleased

Isadora learns to speak up for herself

Sometimes she even starts the trouble

One of my favorite things about Iza is how she thinks we can't see her if she can't see us

Cuddling is still in the future but Siren and Isadora will calmly share the same space

Siren will even turn his back or maybe he's just saying kiss my butt

Earlier this year Isadora had surgery to remove all her teeth from the canines on back

This was in response to an autoimmune disease that created severe gum inflammation

I'm so pleased that she's healthy and happy

A lot of people celebrate the gotcha day of their adopted family members but I prefer to calculate when they were probably born and then chose a date that has some meaning

I chose August 4 for Isadora because it is the President's birthday

CAMERA CRITTERS

Camera Critters: Isn't It Ironic

Apparently my life dance of 1 step forward, 2 steps back applies to my cats as well.

Siren has been with me since he was a few months old - 6 years now . When he came here he terrorized sweet old JR to the point that I had to keep them separated - if Siren was around JR wouldn't eat and would often vomit from sheer fear.

When JR passed I waited a bit to adopt another, looking for the best possible sibling for Siren.

Along came Mia. The shelter was so full that she was living in a barn and I was told she ruled the tomcats. They followed her and never messed with her.

And that is true ... Although Mia is half Siren's size and several years older she is the boss. All it takes is a look and a hiss and Siren takes off.

It's been over a year and Siren wants to be friends. Mia is not interested.



"I'm playing here Siren, come any closer and you'll be sorry"



"I just want to hang with you. Most of those toys are mine, you don't see me being nasty and selfish"

Until last week this has been as close as they get and they don't stay that way for more than a few moments. Siren makes a move, Mia hisses, Siren leaves.

But then, one magical morning last week, I came upon this ...



Now Mia is deaf and Siren is stealthy so I assumed he got up there while she slept and it would only be a matter of time before hissing would ensue and hair would fly.

I was wrong ...



"Hey! Mom-Person!! She's awake and looking at me and I'm still alive, how cool is this? She likes me, she really likes me."

And they stayed there together for hours ...



I would like to direct your attention to their blankie. It is from the Martha Stewart Nursery Collection, part of the nursery rhymes motif.

We may be savages but we know decor.

Where's the irony?

Well Mia got sick a few days later (I wrote about it on the other blog) and when she returned from the vet Siren couldn't bear her "vet smell" and immediately went back to skulking mode. Mia is so out of sorts that she hisses even when Siren is in another room.

Oh well ... tomorrow is another day.

Go to CAMERA CRITTERS to read about more critters, most of whom are not nearly as nuts as we are.

Camera Critters: Honest Scrap From Mia and Siren

My friend Lisa of VILLAS GIRL PHOTOS and her merry band of furkids gave Mia and Siren the Honest Scrap Award.



As part of accepting the award Mia and Siren need to post 10 honest things about themselves. Of course they got into an argument about who should post but I stepped in and told them they had to share the spotlight. Treats were offered and they agreed.

1> As hard as our person tried to introduce us to each other we really do not want to be friends



2> We both really hate being groomed. She tries everything. These groomer gloves are cozy and delicious but no way will we sit still for grooming. Hair was meant to be swallowed and thrown up, preferably into shoes and on carpets.




3> Siren – “When that other cat first got here I will admit I was curious. I swear I wasn’t going to do anything to her if I had managed to get that door open.”



4> Mia – “I love how nervous I make that punk. Look at him! Peeking out at me. I rule the hallway.”



5> Siren – “Oh please! She needs to get over herself. Talk to the tail. I’m not afraid of you, I’m just annoyed that you exist.”



6> Mia – “It’s hard to admit I’m a bit arthritic. The person put this box here to make it easier for me. I never did say thanks; at first I wouldn’t even use it.”



But …

“I really do appreciate it. And she never even said anything about how I scratched the bed frame and tore up the bedspread.”



7> Siren – “Sometime when I get a feel for the old days on the streets I get a little wild, aggressive even …



… the person put a screen door in the spare room for me so I can have a comfy time-out.”



8> Early in the morning when the person is in the shower we get together to plan the day. Thank goodness the person doesn’t know about this – she’d be there with that camera of hers.



9> We don’t do laps. We know that bothers the person. She’s such a hugger and cuddler. Sometimes we sit close, very close. It’s our way.



10> Wow! Blogging is harder than we thought. So much to share. It left us dizzy …



… and exhausted.



Thank You Lisa and Lovey and Mr. Handsome and Pretty Girl.

And don’t forget to check out all the CAMERA CRITTERS

Camera Critters: Mia's Birthday

Mia turns 9 today. She joined the family a year ago this month.

This is the photo the rescue site sent me. They told me she never left her bed except to use the litter. She wasn't eating much either. I love her heart shaped nose. Perfect for a Valentine birthday



It wasn't much different when she got here. She had a respiatory infection and her eyes were infected. She spent the first few days trying to disappear into the sofa cushions.




Even when she did venture off the sofa she immediately found a hiding spot



Given that she was so tiny and weak I wanted her to be as comfy as possible so I moved her food and litter into my bedroom. She immediately took over and demanded purple towels to sleep on



During this time I kept her apart from Siren. I slowly introduced them in a safe and calm manner



Over time they have come to tolerate each other. I'm still hoping for some love between them but that's really up to them. Cats have a pace all their own. At least we don't need the cage anymore



She also moves around a lot more.

She spent days walking in and out of her new bed deciding if it worked for her



Eventually she decided she liked to come down to the basement office and inspect the work I was doing



She is more concerned about her appearance now that she feels better and allows me to brush her - as long as I use her favorite glove and move very, very quickly



And then she settles back in - to a place where she knows she is safe and loved



Happy Birthday Mia!

To meet more wonderful animals visit CAMERA CRITTERS

And please visit THE ANIMAL RESCUE SITE. A click each day helps many homeless animals. It's all Mia wants for her birthday.

Camera Critters: Siren Thinks He's Invisible

Siren is a master at making himself invisible - or so he believes.

I can hear you but I can't see you - so that means you can't see me



Let me peek out a little - I hope she's gone



OK fine - you can see me - but I'll be invisible again later



You can visit all sorts of animals at CAMERA CRITTERS

Ruby Tuesday: Kittie Toys

Something Historical Happened Last Ruby Tuesday!!

(yeah that too ...)

I Didn't Get to Visit All the Ruby Tuesday Posts - First Time That Ever Happened

And I Missed Them - But I Will Be Around Today

This is Mia and Siren's toy chest. Since it's in the living room I got something furniture friendly. A beautiful old chest from Pier 1.

Lots of red toys.

I tried the cartoon effect again - what do you think?

Happy Tuesday!

Go check out more RED.

A Wonderful Surprise

The lovely and gentle TERRY left a comment for me that she had a story I would like and to come visit.

Look what I found when I got there!!



Thank you Terry!!!!

This is such a lovely collage.

Please visit Terry and read the story that goes with this beautiful gift.

Mia on the Move

When Mia first got here in March she simply sat on my bed – in a corner – usually facing the wall. She jumped down to eat and use the litter and then right back up again. It was partly how sick and weak she was but even as she got stronger and healthier she was such a nervous wreck.

We passed another milestone a few weeks ago. Mia On The Move!

She joins me in the basement office each morning. Much to Siren’s chagrin.

If you need a little company – a little love – a little office help

Please consider adopting a rescued animal.

Hope you enjoy the slideshow down below.

A Message from Mia

Mia doesn’t like to be under anything. Unlike Siren she doesn’t burrow under all the snuggly things I give her when she’s cold. Perhaps because she’s deaf she feels the need to always be able to see what/who is coming?

Meanwhile Mia has a compromised immune system from all her time on the street. She just recovered from yet another respiratory infection.

This is the THIRD house/kitty cozy/snuggle sack Mia has owned. I have finally provided one that meets with her approval. Now she can go in and be warm. I was worried about the winter but feel much better about Mia’s comfort now.

Mia wants everyone to send out some good karma for two of her friends.

SILVIO just recently had surgery. He is at home with his wonderful human but is a bit pissed off at not being able to lick his fun bits. I bet some of you guys can relate to that.

DOLLY is older and having some issues. She is a beloved companion to her human and well – just send out some love.

Mia is a grateful girl and wishes everyone was as comfy as she is.

We are in post production on a new Mia/Siren slideshow and hope to release it soon.