Dispatch no. 18 - Updates Podcast
Trigger Warning: I talk about my elderly and sick pet.
Imagine my surprise when I looked at my calendar today and noticed August had come and gone without my recording a podcast! Things have just been packed in and rather messy this month. I'm pushing through, but today in particular hasn't been easy. Thank you for your patience with me and support ❤
Comments (66)
So sorry to hear Cleo is poorly. I have been a Cat Mum for many years and have lost a number of furry purry children. I still miss them, but have happy memories. As much as we know they don't live as long as we do, it's still heartbreaking when they go. Jjust know that you did your very best for her and take some small comfort in the fact that she is much loved. *hugs*
Thank you Luna ❤ Cats certainly need to live to at least 25, but nature doesn't seem to agree with me 😩❤
So sorry to hear that Cleo's problem is not fixable. I know you will give her the best life in her remaining time. It's so hard. You love them like family. 💔 We have our daughter's 14 year old cat who stayed at home with us when my daughter moved out( she wouldn't have tolerated living in a new place.) So she has stayed with us in the only home she has known since we adopted her. She has become my lap warmer, or I am her tootsie warmer not sure which 🙂. You mentioned finding a pendelton 49'er. Would love to see it. Bought a beautiful blue plaid at the Pendelton Wooeln Mill factory in Camas, WA. It has the discounted(2nds I beleive) fabric. My Mom always bought wool for my Dad's shirts she made for him there as well. Anyhow, I also bought the 49'er jacket pattern to make. But I would love to see an original as I don't believe they manufacture the style any longer.
Thank you Karla ❤ I'm glad your daughter's kitty has a good cuddly space to safely stay! I will be showing the 49er in an upcoming video for sure! Every once and a while they seem to bring the style back out for a bit, still I'd love to find a vintage one in green someday...
Hope your kitty is hanging in there. My cat developed kidney issues at age 10, and we treated with IV meds for almost 4 years before she succumbed to the illness (while I was pregnant). It was such a hard loss. I call her my first baby before I had my actual first baby <3 Your cotton bustle gown came out great! It's lovely. I love how you showed us a different style & materials for this gown. I would think that most women in those days were not wealthy enough to afford the fancy, silk gowns. Most women probably wore gowns made out of more affordable materials. I like that you used a more accessible material, for then & now. I like seeing what an "average" type of woman would have worn back in the day. The fancy stuff is fun, but I personally love seeing the day-to-day stuff even more.
Thank you Mel ❤ I'm sorry you lost your cat to illness as well, if only they lived a little longer.Certainly in the area where I live now they would have had cotton or wool gowns more often than silk I imagine, as back in the 1880's it was only a few ranches out in the area where I live today!
Sending lots of virtual hugs to you and Cleo. I am a new Patreon subscriber but have been subscribed to your youtube page for over a year. I came for the vintage sew-along but stayed for the personality. If you need to take some time, I'm sure we, your loyal subscribers, will be here when you get back. These past 2 years have been a little rough for everyone and we all sometimes need a little time away.
Thank you Stephanie ❤
Oh so hard. I’m sorry to hear about your dear Cleo. Our fur friends just grab our hearts tight, don’t they 💕 Sending you gentle care during this tender time.
Thank you Terri ❤
Sending you lots of love and good vibes for your kitty 💕. I've been dealing with senior pet stuff a lot this year and it's so hard. Just gotta give them cuddles and tell them they're loved. And all the treats too! I hope whatever time you have with your kitty is full of lots of love 💕
Thank you Kat ❤
So sorry to hear about Cleo. Our old Manx had a similar problem, and I diapered her. (Check online for how to put a diaper on a cat.) When that no longer worked, we provided a cozy spot that was covered in "pee pads." She actually liked being there--it was a safe space from the other 2 cats we have. She was quite happy for over a year, until her neurological problem progressed to a point that we could not save her. This may not be an ideal situation, but it can provide time for you to come to grips with what is happening and figure out next steps. Although we don't know each other, I'm sending you love and care.
Thank you Diane ❤ I'm waiting to hear back to see if the tumorous tissue over her bladder is cancerous or not, which it is almost better if it is as then I can perhaps try treatment, but otherwise there wont be much they can do ❤
I’m so sorry about your kitty. I hope things get better for you both. No stress on providing content- family comes first!
Thank you Susie ❤
Beautiful photo of Cleo - our second cat was a grey stripy furbaby and I still miss him - we only had him for 7 years sadly. Although the sadness is tough at the time I think it would be sadder if you didn't feel the loss. Lennie was a rescue cat and I feel we gave him a great 7 years and a peaceful and dignified end. He's buried in our garden along with the cat that followed him. They are all such characters and enhance our lives for the little time that they are with us. And as the others have said - take the time you need. I would rather you were kind to yourself than stress about uploading, etc.
Thank you ❤ The time with them certainly makes life so much better, I'm getting all the cuddle time and kitty kisses I can
I hope your kitty gets better soon xx
Thank you Lizzie ❤
So sorry to hear about your fur baby. Happy, leaky girls can still have a long, fulfilling life! And ditto on the puppy pads, they really are great to place everywhere and so easy to clean up.
Thank you Kelly ❤
I'm so sorry. If you need to take time, do it. Spending that time with her will be a blessing to both of you, and like others have said, if she's otherwise still interested in being around (talking to you, eating, grooming) then I think it's worth it to her. She loves you. We've lost a few of our companions in the last couple of years, and I never regret spending the time, no matter what else I drop to do it. I know I'll still be here if you need a break, and I bet most everyone else would be too. Editing to second the puppy pads, also. Those can be a huge help.
Thank you Amber ❤ I'm definitely trying to spend as much time with her as I can, especially in the evenings when she stays on my lap all night ❤
When you get to Los Angeles, try catching a show at The Cicada Club. You cannot possibly overdress for The Cicada Club. Everyone one is in vintage, vintage repro, or at the very least evening/cocktail dress. Amazing big bands and smaller ensembles play everything from gypsy jazz, to jazz of the the 30s and 40s, up to the big band swing of the 50s and 60s. It's fun to watch all the swing dancers. Not that you need to dance. Many of us Cicada guests just like enjoying the music and the atmosphere whilst having cocktails in very fancy frocks and vintage hair and makeup. https://cicadaclub.com/Index.asp p.s. The Cicada Club is asking all guests for proof of vaccination, and for all guests to wear masks indoors when not actively eating or drinking.
Hello Bianca, I'm sorry to hear about Cleo's decline. I, for one, would not mind if you need to take time off from posting. I agree with Alexa if it's just leakiness, but Cleo is still being herself otherwise, and eating and grooming, there's no reason to put her down. I have a cat who won't pee in a litter box, but she will on these puppy pads. They are waterproof and nothing goes through them. You can layer them between your bedding and Cleo's towels to cut down on the laundering and to keep her close to you. https://www.chewy.com/frisco-dog-training-potty-pads-22-x/dp/117282 https://www.chewy.com/frisco-large-eco-conscious-dog/dp/253956 I think if Cleo could speak to you, she would tell you that, despite the pain of eventually having to part from one another, that it's all worth it; and that she loves you, too.
Thank you ❤ Her bladder issue turns out to be because her bladder is mostly tumor now and doesn't really work anymore, but yeah I've been buying up a lot of crib liners and water barrier blankets so she can still cuddle up wherever she likes 😅
Wishing you strength at this time Bianca. As an animal lover myself, I know how truly hard it is to be going through this. I was happy to hear you've been getting out and about and seeing some friends. Seems like this lock down has been going on forever! Hope you have a great trip ahead! Much luv, ~t
Thank you Tracy ❤ I hadn't even realized how social I had been until recording this and realized all that had happened in August!
I hope that talking to all of us has helped you a bit. Grief is hard no matter who it is that passes on. Sounds like she is in good health other than the leaks (at 16 that's not too surprising). As others have said if she is still herself other than the leak then she is good to keep going. Once she looses interest in food, drink, and keeping herself clean then may it's time. I am looking forward to your next videos costumes, hauls, look books whatever (and when ever) they may be :) Hugs to you and ear tickles to Cleo
Thank you Alexa ❤ She's still acting her usual self, so I feel lucky to have a little more time.
Sending hugs and warm thoughts again <3 They are our furbabies. I've recently had to go through similar things as you and it's just horrible. I for sure understand completely that you want to give your cat more time *hugs*
Thank you Helga ❤ I'm sorry for your recent situation too ❤❤❤
Sending lots of love and hugs. We used to have a dribbly dog, there was something that the vet gave her (propranolol rings a bell) that really helped the problem; wonder if it would work similarly for Cleo? Was drops on her food. I know that putting drops into a cat's food is likely to get you an evil look...
Thank you Catherine ❤ Sadly Cleo's ultrasound showed her bladder is mostly mineralized (tumor) and therefore just isn't able to work much any longer so there is little we can do.
How about using up and go diaper and cut a hole for her tail?
I am so sorry that your kitty is so sick. It sounds she has had 16 lovely years with you, and you with her.
Thank you Dalana-Michelle ❤
Sorry to hear Cleo hasn’t gotten any better. Sending love to you both! By the by you mentioned once in a video that your family friends live in Auxerre. Love that place!! We stopped there for a couple of nights while cruising on the river/canal a few years ago. Looking forward to your vids etc as always Big hugs to Cleo ❤️
Thank you Marie ❤ My mom was indeed just in Auxerre, though she went to visit other friends in Bordeaux this time too!
Aww sweet baby elderly kitty. Lots of love for you and her. Try and take things slow if you can for a bit - the algorithm may be fickle but we're not going anywhere!
Thank you Dee! ❤
Hoping for good news for you and Cleo. Its OK to be sad at times like this. Sending good vibes and best wishes to you and Cleo.
Thank you Rhonda ❤
Feeling your behind the eightball pain. It was too hot to sew in July. So now I’m frantically trying to finish a ton of items for the Balloon Fiesta in (early) October 😬 I’ve got an 10 year old dog with Cushing’s disease. She’s nearing the end poor dear :( She’s still enjoying her foodie and her barking updates about what is happening in the street. We have been here before with other pets. My best advice is to draw your line in the sand (ours is foodie and barking: when she doesn’t care about who is driving down the street, it is time) and enjoy the time you have left. Also, you can get pee pads to protect your bed under the towels…
Thank you Susan ❤ And yes definitely have got the water barrier blankets so that I can let her snuggle up wherever she wants to!
While out for my evening walk, I saw half a dozen kitties and they all reminded me of you and Cleo. To quote a song: "May all your storms be weathered and all that's good get better."
I need to move somewhere where walking involves cats! I'd walk a lot more often ❤
Tons of love and support! We're all so honored to bear witness to everything you've got going on.
Thank you Shannon! ❤
Cleo is lucky to have such a caring companion.
Thank you Chloe ❤
Deciding when and letting them go is the bad part of living with animals. I really hope you get best-case news and lots more time with Cleo.
Thank you Ulla ❤
Fur babies wiggle into our hearts and it is ok to be sad when they aren't doing well! Many hugs!
Thank you Rachel ❤ She's got my heart that's for sure 😩
I dont know what to say, but Im sending you and Cleo hugs <3
Thank you Riley ❤
Thoughts and prayers for your fur baby. I still remember my childhood cat. Jesse. They are a blessing.
Thank you ❤ They are indeed
I am so sorry to hear about Cleo's health. I hope you receive positive news. As for your trip...have you ever listen to Desert Oracle Radio? The podcast might be a good companion while driving.
Thank you Ronda ❤ I haven't heard of it so I'll have to check it out!
I am so sorry about the Cleo's continued leakiness. I've had to deal with a variety of cat health issues in the last few years and I will gladly continue helping to pay for Cleo's vet bills. I'm hoping for good news.
Thank you Chae ❤ Honestly it's actually best case scenario they get back to me and /do/ say she's got cancer, as then there is at least something we can do/try, but her bladder is pretty far gone sadly. Just going to spend as much time as I can with her ❤
It's the waiting for results that gets the anxiety up so I hope they get back to you with all speed. The not knowing is what always gets me, our cat Luna developed this really terrifying cough last winter and the vets had such a difficult time figuring out what was going on. A round of steroids and a chest x-ray later we found out she just had some lung inflammation and needed a puffer for a few months. Thankfully, the puffer cleared up the cough and Luna is back to being her normal bratty self. I hope that barring a little extra laundry, Cleo's quality of life continues to be good and that the leakiness can easily be resolved. <3 <3 <3
Thank you ❤ I'm glad they were able to find what was causing Luna's issue and get it resolved! Unfortunately Cleo's bladder is mostly mineralized (tumor) which is why she's having trouble, and little can be done other than keeping her comfy as things deteriorate further sadly. I'll be giving her all the pets and extra time I can!
