tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post3176161957948760459..comments2024-02-15T02:13:25.912-08:00Comments on Michele Bilyeu Creates With Heart and Hands: Dementia: Is it Her? Or is it Me?Michele Bilyeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-50624839168701682612012-06-22T05:11:06.524-07:002012-06-22T05:11:06.524-07:00Oh,Tanya..you and your cats set the bar pretty hig...Oh,Tanya..you and your cats set the bar pretty high! I don't think there is anything they won't do and they all look adorable..and I know can drive you nuts, sometimes, doing them ;) But you have to love them. And like you, mine have been orphans and strays or in Willow's case, a stray that had a litter in someone's outbuilding..surprise! She made the perfect birthday gift for when my youngest turned 9. That was 18 years ago...boy, time flies almost as quickly as cats hide when you try to catch them!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-81480777853330534992012-06-21T17:19:37.592-07:002012-06-21T17:19:37.592-07:00That was absolutely wonderful! I laughed out loud...That was absolutely wonderful! I laughed out loud at some of the pictures and "AHH"ed at the one of Willow and you. Actually, I would say that Willow isn't that "off". My cats are fairly young but they zombie out quite a bit and sprint or jump at nothing. How they would love to join your Willow on a jaunt to the neighbors!!!Tanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00858446371419879296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-30599701335047662752012-06-20T06:45:11.553-07:002012-06-20T06:45:11.553-07:00It'll bring tears to our eyes when she passes,...It'll bring tears to our eyes when she passes, believe me! I picked her out to be a suprise birthday gift when my youngest daughter was about to turn 9. Through a teaching friend I learned that a pregnant stray had just given birth in one of her student's families outbuilding and they were looking for home for the kittens. We made arrangements, I picked out 6 toes on each front paws, and had her 'on hold' until the actually birthday. We partied at the "Enchanted Forest" theme park and then I brought the four little girls to this strange house where I said I needed to drop off some cupcakes..I did. But I also picked up the kitten, put a bow around her neck, and sang Happy Birthday as I placed her in my daughter's arms. Best gift of the day! The daughter grew up but Willow called our place home and we love her here, still!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-3174364943664371672012-06-19T21:13:02.736-07:002012-06-19T21:13:02.736-07:00Oh Michelle, I do so feel for you at this time in ...Oh Michelle, I do so feel for you at this time in Willow's life. Your post bought tears to my eyes, but also a smile to my face. Willow looks like the most adorable of kitty companions and to see her grow old like this must be heartbreaking. I love how she goes to sleep in the strangest of places :o) I have always believed that older animals know when it's their time to leave our lives and as that time comes closer they do the best they can to prepare us - even if we don't always see the signs straight away.<br />I do so hope that you and Willow have lots more time ahead though to give and receive all that love that you both have for each other. Just before I read your post I was reading another post that one of my blog friends had written about her kitty starting to do strange things - I have sent her the link to your post about Willow.<br />Take care and make the most of the time that you both left together<br />Hugs xxStitching Nonihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08350627941575473528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-36335171352782227202012-06-19T15:02:47.554-07:002012-06-19T15:02:47.554-07:00Than you both know, and understand, Kathi! Big hu...Than you both know, and understand, Kathi! Big hug!!!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-2248825190965704372012-06-19T11:45:25.393-07:002012-06-19T11:45:25.393-07:00stumbling upon this entry was serendipitous. i hav...stumbling upon this entry was serendipitous. i have an old, ill cat that i love too.Kathihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12197195816929534487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-22989122354179312002012-06-19T08:09:00.966-07:002012-06-19T08:09:00.966-07:00Such a great 'tom' cat name! Thanks for le...Such a great 'tom' cat name! Thanks for letting me know about Australia date and I seriously hope you're feeling better!Michele Bilyeu@ With Heart and Handshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09970101962661800705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-32316133333845867792012-06-19T08:07:33.161-07:002012-06-19T08:07:33.161-07:00Awww...thank you so much!Awww...thank you so much!Michele Bilyeu@ With Heart and Handshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09970101962661800705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-46075479652965781662012-06-19T08:06:49.488-07:002012-06-19T08:06:49.488-07:00You have said it all, beautifully! Thank you :)You have said it all, beautifully! Thank you :)Michele Bilyeu@ With Heart and Handshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09970101962661800705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-47512097862729224622012-06-18T22:16:27.846-07:002012-06-18T22:16:27.846-07:00Cute cat and great story.Cute cat and great story.Sandra Coleman Clarkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13858516393335601050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-85883202999865376542012-06-18T22:07:01.856-07:002012-06-18T22:07:01.856-07:00Willow is beautiful and it was both smiles and tea...Willow is beautiful and it was both smiles and tears as i read your post. it can be a double edged sword indeed to see them get up in years . . . every day is a mixed blessing. enjoy her and love her and yes, even indulge her. you both deserve every sweet moment of it.<br /><br />:-)<br />libbyQlibbyquilterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03360109482795842401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-65632411550042644522012-06-18T19:27:35.856-07:002012-06-18T19:27:35.856-07:00That last photo reminds me very much of WM and our...That last photo reminds me very much of WM and our cat, Tom (short for Tomodachi, which means "friend" in Japanese). Fathers' Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September in Australia.Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07760744006915967397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-62892237271361827142012-06-18T16:46:11.459-07:002012-06-18T16:46:11.459-07:00Penny, I sure do! I fuss about it all, but I love...Penny, I sure do! I fuss about it all, but I love all of my animals dearly! And I am grateful for each special bit of love that they have all brought into our lives!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-6897678838844343052012-06-18T16:45:06.310-07:002012-06-18T16:45:06.310-07:00Anne Marie, You and all those muddy feet around yo...Anne Marie, You and all those muddy feet around your place would certainly know! And all the rest of it..you are so right on! Mine last kitty to cross was 7 and I wailed like a banshee when we found out she was missing because she had drowned in our neighbors pool. And thank you...she sure is enjoying the time she is having now. It's me who is worn out ;)Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-30166272652124398982012-06-18T16:43:06.922-07:002012-06-18T16:43:06.922-07:00Ha, ha! You're right and I love your Miss Kitt...Ha, ha! You're right and I love your Miss Kitty story! And you know..darn cats, sometimes they are smarter than we are, because they sure figure all of us out ;)Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-44859365922875380252012-06-18T16:42:05.453-07:002012-06-18T16:42:05.453-07:00You and me, both! Eccentric is a very good word fo...You and me, both! Eccentric is a very good word for it! Maybe our cats and dogs are, too! And I told Willow that a lot of my online friends, know and understand how hard it is to age into eccentricity ;)Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-42181809482980545952012-06-18T16:40:26.981-07:002012-06-18T16:40:26.981-07:00Winifred. You've hit it all right on!
Yep, it...Winifred. You've hit it all right on!<br /><br />Yep, it makes me laugh and cry too. If you could see me outside in my pajamas tromping through tall wet grass looking for a cat, peering through the neighboring acres of fences, you'd either laugh or call the police! But the rest of it...you have described her to a t. <br /><br />I forgot to put in that howling! Sometimes, I think I need to get a baseball bat because we must have an intruder, nope...it's the cat! And break your heart when they are gone...oh my goodness! I cried for months after the last one. Months. But then I also cried every day for two weeks over our ducks! Now, it's chickens and we've lost one and she was so ill, it was better for her and me, in the end. But, yep I even love ducks, chickens, guinea pigs, and other rodents I shall leave unmentioned. I did cry over the 11 canaries, I must say..one by one. I'm a lover and a crier..what can I say!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-2560085836794366892012-06-18T16:27:00.779-07:002012-06-18T16:27:00.779-07:00I have had cats and a dog that got old enough to s...I have had cats and a dog that got old enough to seem to have dementia and it is sad. I hope that you treasure each moment she has.stitchinpennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06341867288910993051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-51271290982280314982012-06-18T16:18:34.448-07:002012-06-18T16:18:34.448-07:00Mary! Glad you stopped by and left a comment! (I ...Mary! Glad you stopped by and left a comment! (I know M. in real life) Chows are gorgeous animals! And I thought about creating kitty diapers but I've changed too many adult ones in my life and go back to doing that in August again to deal with cats, too ;) But oh, you sure do have to love them when you have them, because you sure miss them when they are gone!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-49868412756362264042012-06-18T16:16:31.104-07:002012-06-18T16:16:31.104-07:00Thanks, Teresa! We had a dog names Gypsy! She was ...Thanks, Teresa! We had a dog names Gypsy! She was a min. schnauzer mix who ran away and roamed the countryside..true to her name! We once followed her for 5 miles in our VW bug and still couldn't catch her or get her into the car until DH did a footrace with her and won! Oh animals are such joys and such work. But you just have to love them!Michele Bilyeuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15979296861999606692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-5196274336715178492012-06-18T15:20:27.941-07:002012-06-18T15:20:27.941-07:00Willow sounds like a typical cat, they wander all ...Willow sounds like a typical cat, they wander all over, and sleep wherever and whenever they feel like it. Missing the litter comes with age, everyone of my older animals ended up with potty problems, diapers helped the dogs, the cats always wanted outside, even though they had lived inside for all their lives. We let them, even the ones on special diets. They would come when called after work to be fed. Then one day, you see them, the day you dreaded, but knew was coming. Yes it hurts, but then it feels good to know they lived their last days doing what they wanted, not what I wanted them to. They were free to enjoy the outdoors too. Glad to know you have had 18 long years with yours. The last one of mine that went to the rainbow bridge was only 6, that one hurt the most. May Willow have many more wondrous adventures left in the future.Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18043510561974011878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-24765780534415768712012-06-18T13:36:38.735-07:002012-06-18T13:36:38.735-07:00I think you are the one who had a work out that da...I think you are the one who had a work out that day! Our old barn cat decided one day she was a house cat. Until that point she wouldn't allow us to bring her into the house. Her name was "Miss Kitty" because she ruler all the other cats in the barn. Once she started losing her eyesight and her teeth she couldn't rule any longer. That was when SHE decided she was a house cat!Linda Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06250098093891396814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-80143721884186369312012-06-18T12:37:27.472-07:002012-06-18T12:37:27.472-07:00What a wonderful post about Willow. It made me lau...What a wonderful post about Willow. It made me laugh & it made me cry. I've been through some of this with my 2 elderly cats, the last of which I sadly lost in March. Willow is lovely and you're right you'll do anything for them. Thankfully mine didn't roam too far from home as we live in a built up area but they were both stone deaf, picky about what they would eat and took to sleeping in some strange places. One used to almost give us heart attacks and drove us bats howling in the middle of the night. Still you just have to enjoy every day with them. Once they're gone it breaks your heart.Winifredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12415302188575538163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-91134426463764672422012-06-18T10:46:30.939-07:002012-06-18T10:46:30.939-07:00Your post made me laugh, and also feel a lump in m...Your post made me laugh, and also feel a lump in my throat! As a pet owner for many years, I dread our pets aging, and of course it happens anyway. Like it is happening to me too, and my kids tell me I'm getting more and more eccentric! We should all be as understanding as you are. Give Willow a stroke from us!mtnquiltrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00688379183641020051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36789084.post-2904250097387886602012-06-18T09:11:53.501-07:002012-06-18T09:11:53.501-07:00Love your story about Willow. Reminds me of our 1...Love your story about Willow. Reminds me of our 15 year old Chow Chow Tasha who became deaf and blind and incontinent (doggy diapers helped here). She slept most of the time but knew we were there and we were there until the end when she died in our arms. Love them while you have them.Mary Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751368551327881526noreply@blogger.com