A Quick Update on the Homer Bear
I haven't written in a few days because, honestly, I wouldn't have had anything good to report. Homer's been on a bit of a hunger strike, and you all know how frightening and sad that can be. BUT, I am pleased to report that Homer's eating again! Hooray!
Those of you who've been following us the past couple of weeks know that we've been hiding Homer's meds in his food, as attempting to pill him is a non-starter. (You're thinking, Pill Pockets, pill shooters, wrap him up in a "kitty burrito"! Trust me, all these methods have been tried and have failed.) Even compounding Homer's medicine into a yummy-tasting tuna flavor doesn't do much good, because Homer has always been highly resistant to anything entering his mouth in any fashion other than his choosing to put it there himself--even if it's something that tastes good and that he'd otherwise enjoy.
We did manage to come up with a concoction of Homer's favorite things that we could successfully hide the medicine in, but his stomach became terribly upset. We tried putting him on a more boring diet, but he wasn't eating at all. Finally, today, I had the idea of bringing home Kitten Chow, which Homer hasn't had since he was a kitten 14 years ago. And, I'm thrilled to report, he's eating again! With enthusiasm! I guess there's something for all of us in the comfort foods of our childhoods when we're not feeling well.
So he hasn't gotten his meds in a couple of days, but at this point I'm just happy to see him eating. Later today I'm going to try mixing the yummy-tasting medicine compound with the less-yummy crushed-up antibiotic mixed in with some baby food that's mixed into the bigger bowl of Kitten Chow. We'll see how that goes. Honestly, I'm just so happy to see food going in him again that I have tears in my eyes as I'm typing this. As long as he's eating happily, everything else can be managed. At least, everything feels pretty manageable around here for the first time in days, and I will accept the goods the gods have given me without going out to look for the downside just yet! :-)
I don't have the camera phone handy (and I don't want to disturb him by looking for it!), but here's what Homer's doing with me right now...
Comments
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Good Cheer to Homer and Family
I guess we are all in the happy "aw" mode as we look at this picture of the boy stretched out on your arm. One more pill suggestion that might work: I use liver sausage/braunshwager, the good old fashioned kind in a tube. All my fur people have quickly started to lunge for it while it sits in the bowl with the regular offering. It's so dense that it really covers and disguises the taste and texture of the pill. We are rooting for you and Homer in Baltimore, Susanna, Bill & Ivy (both of whom love liver sausage!)
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Hooray for Homer eating!
Aw Gwen I bet you are so happy he has decided to eat again, he is such a monkey, I hope he keeps eating and he keeps improving, we love you Homer, Tom and Rosie send head bonks and murups.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Hang in there Gwen, you're doing good. We're all behind you and little Homer.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Keep Strong for him, I know you will do everythng possible and keep in mind the peanut butter! Love you sweet homer!
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Good news
Gwen, I am so happy to hear he is eating again. I just took in a stray kitten and my oldest cat Pepper loves eating her kitten food. My other cat Dusty is always in my arms when I am on the computer. She just purrs her little heart out while I check my mail and FB, etc. Homer is such a special cat and I know you are doing everything you can for him. Give him a smootch for me!!
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Glad to hear from you!
So happy he is eating again! I have been faithfully checking to see what the progress was. Hope he continues to eat! Have you tried canned makrel? That stuff is so stinky and cats love it! In the canned fish isle. Good luck! I hope he continues to get better.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Suggestion for Homer Bear
Gwen, check into the topical transdermal gels that can be compounded by certain pharmacies. I am sure that you have some there in Manhattan that the vet can send the prescriptions to. My Georgie was TERRIBLE about meds, he had antibiotic and a steroid gel that I just rubbed into his ear flap. He loved ear rubs! Also there is a medication that will stimulate appetite, sorry I have forgotten the name but the vet might know. Prayers for you guys too!!!!
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Happy Holidays to Homer & family
Oh, Homer, we love you so much. Just wanted to wish you, your siblings, and your wonderful Mom and Dad a very Happy Holiday. You are such an awesome cat, Homer. Please, please eat your food & take your meds.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Homer's a fighter!
Thank you soooo much for the update. I woke up in the middle of the night checking FB for an update. I am glad the little man is eating. Prayers comin' your way!
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Eat up, Homer!!
So glad to hear Homer is eating again. I always look forward to reading about his adventures. You're a good mommy, Miss Gwen. Hugs to you and dear Homer. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2013.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Keep on eating little Homer
Hi Gwen and Homer
I was waiting for the news. So great to hear that Homer is eating again.
Big hugs from France
Véronique and my two girl cats Obi and Plume -
Friday, 21 December 2012
Yay for Homer!
Just an idea, you might want to look in to some homemade bone broth or stock for him. Kitties generally go crazy for it, and it is SO good for them, and you too! I know you are super busy, but there really isn't that much hands on time. Nourished Kitchen has several good guides. You could make the sauce, then reduce as much as possible, then mix in with fitten food/meds. Affirming his health and your peace of mind!
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Friday, 21 December 2012
So Relieved that he is eating!!!
I have been so worried when there was no news for a few days and am SO GLAD to hear that he is eating. Of course he needs his meds, but eating with no meds has to be better than no meds and no food. Hopefully he will accept the new concoction, at least some of the time.
Homer is such a little love boy. Thank you for sharing the better news and for sharing precious Homer with all of us. -
Friday, 21 December 2012
love
Aww Homer loves you. :-)
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Friday, 21 December 2012
So glad to hear that you are eating again Homer. It is really scary for mommies when their kitties don't eat and we can't figure a way to get the medicine, that you so need, into you. I tried all of the same things your mom tried with one of my cats and it just breaks our hearts when we know you aren't getting what you need. So glad you are eating and I pray you get better with every bite. Don't scare your momma anymore.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Thank you
Thank you for keeping all of us informed about this boy so many have grown to love. I understand how upsetting it is when our babies won't eat. You may have tried this, but JIC you have not, I have bought the freeze dried salmon or cod (something stinky - whole life makes a good freeze dried cod) and turning it into a powder (easy to do with finders) and sprinkling it on food. It helped us a lot with someone that did not want to eat.
Keep up the good work of being such a great care giver and advocate for your boy. He's lucky to have you. -
Friday, 21 December 2012
i CAN BREATHE
Thanks for the update. Personally, I have been a wreck. Little Gatsby has been getting a great deal of extra loving. I told him we were praying for Homer the other morning when I awoke at 4, worried sick over Homer. Praise the lords above!
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Friday, 21 December 2012
Homer
Gwen, thank you for posting. I know this has to be so hard on you. We all love Homer so much - you are such a good mom, doing everything you can for him. God bless you.
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Friday, 21 December 2012
You are amazing Gwen
I love this photo, it makes me cry and smile at the same time. My black cat, Cubby, just passed in July and it's still so difficult. It was because of Cubby I was even attracted to your book on Homer. I've never had a black cat, but I so fell in love with Cubby, I bought EVERYTHING black cat. After I read your book I went out and bought more and started handing it out to people. Your boy loves you so much!!!! I am so happy to see that he is eating again!!I know Homer is still here because of his love for you. I never did see a post saying what was wrong with Homer, I saw that the vet thought he would have died but what's wrong with him? My prayers are with you both. Thank you for bringing us into your world. Take good care of yourself Gwen, you need to stay strong and healthy for your precious Homer. Hang in there Homer, there is so much life for you to enjoy, we love you tremendously!!!
Homer
Oh Gwen, My cat puts her head in my hand when she doesn't feel well. I think that's a big comfort for them. I am SO GLAD he's eating, that can only make him stronger. I've been thinking of him and all of you because he has a very special place in my heart. Your books just came through with so much of his love and your love for him.