If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Hank is found and safe
Hi all.
Below is the saga of Hank, who was locked in a basement for 31 days before he was found, alive, but three of nine pounds lighter. We've done the vet route and all will be fine, but in the meantime, I really don't want to go through that again, and I'm sure he doesn't either. So the issue I ask you to help solve is: + How do I let him be a cat and go in and out but stay in the yard? I'm looking at Innotek and PetSafe, and of course am overwhelmed by the available choices. PetSafe has one version with an "ultralight" 1.5 oz receiver, but how big. Most talk about controlling dogs, what about cats? I'm not sure cats are as trainable as dogs, although Hank has been trained to not leave the boat we lived on for several years by being dumped in the water whenever he tried to leave. It only took two such events to convince him. TIA, Andy ================================================== ===================================== He had been locked in the basement of a house a few houses away for over four weeks. The little miracle is that there was a leaky water pipe that was dripping. So he was able to stay reasonably hydrated, albeit unfed, for 31 days. They had been moving in to the upstairs apartment four weeks ago and had everything open, but the ground floor apartment was unoccupied. So after moving in upstairs they locked the basement, with Hank in it. I don't know if he yowled, but if he did there was no one to hear him, at least not on the ground floor. Today the owner, a fire department chief, was refinishing the floors of the vacant ground floor apartment and opened the door to the basement and there was Hank. He called me and I came and called but there was nothing there, so he agreed to leave it unlocked. So I went home and got some food and came back to put out food and found this very hungry, upset, thirsty, and skinny Hank. So he scarfed up some food, but not too much and off we went to the Vet. Hank will be fine. His insides feel ok, his gums are nice pink, although he is dehydrated and starved. And he certainly hasn't lost his voice. We had him scanned so we're sure it really is him, not that there was any doubt with all the purring and yowling and leg rubbing and head bumping. This is my buddy, but we just needed to be sure. No stone unturned. The vet kept him for the day to hydrate him with IVs, I picked him up tonight, we'll go back tomorrow at noon for a check of the blood tests that are testing for liver and kidney functions. But he seems fine other than the obvious hunger and thirst. We just have to get him back to his 9.6 pounds, instead of his current 6.3 pounds. And we need a lot of brushing and washing and cleaning. He is very very dusty. and very clingy. He *will sit in my lap, pay no attention to whatever else has to be done. If I don't let him do that, then he climbs up on my back. Yep, it's Hank alright. He was very very glad to see me and I am very very glad to have him back. Yet another affliction of Satan, and yet another little miracle that he survived. The man who found him refused the reward, so I'll make a donation to the local animal shelter (the Potter League) in his name. And I'll take several folks to dinner who went beyond the call of duty, marching through woods, chatting up construction workers, walking the railroad tracks , searching the neighborhood, and so much more. Many others called in response to the advertisements, and the newspaper people were very kind in placing the ads. Neighbors left their basements open. Others made suggestions, such as telling me about the pet detective, which I followed up. So there are many many people to thank for their efforts and concern. You know who you are, thank you. Thanks to all for the support. One thing I've had reaffirmed with all this is how kind most people are, for which I am very very grateful. And thankful. As for lessons learned, I don't know. I now have a collar and tag for him, but that would not have helped in this case. He's always been a boat cat, and not allowed off the boat, until two years ago. But on the boat he could be out in the sun. Keeping him inside doesn't let him lie in the sun, and we both know how important that is to us both. If I could convince him to just stay in the yard that would be perfect, but I don't know how to do that. So I've kind of agreed that I needed to take my chances with fate and let him be a cat. I don't know, but I'll think about it hard, and, at least until he is back to full strength he is definitely grounded. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Did you ever have a "What WAS that before the cats found it?" moment? | Gabey8 | Cat anecdotes | 3 | May 23rd 05 07:07 PM |
Update: Brother has been FOUND!!!!!!! | Mischief | Cat anecdotes | 44 | November 21st 04 01:52 AM |
Flea treatment safe for young kittens? | Ginger-lyn Summer | Cat health & behaviour | 8 | July 21st 04 06:38 PM |
are any of the spot on flea controls really safe? | Lauralai | Cat health & behaviour | 24 | October 4th 03 07:43 PM |
is Zodiac safe to use for fleas | Lauralai | Cat health & behaviour | 33 | October 3rd 03 07:53 AM |