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1. furryfaces
   Member Profile

   Yes, it's me, Sam. I'm back. Although I really liked the lady that adopted me, I became very jealous of the resident cat. Even at my age, one can become jealous and act out.

   So, I am back at Lien Animal Clinic and would really, really like to live out my golden years with you. I'm healthy; loving; snuggly; and it's possible I might get along with a mellow dog.

   Would love to meet you! Please call Lien Animal Clinic at 206-932-1133 if you would like to meet me.

   To see my photo and learn more about me, please go to Furry Faces Foundation's facebook page at:
   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Furry-Faces-Foundation/119492341396607?ref=ts

   Posted 6 months ago #         

2. miws
   Member Profile

   

   I think Sam would make a great office cat.

   His typing skills appear to be top-notch!

   Mike

   Posted 6 months ago #         

3. furryfaces
   Member Profile

   Yes! Sam is quite talented!

   Posted 6 months ago #         

4. furryfaces
   Member Profile

   Sam is still looking for you lap.

   Posted 6 months ago #         

5. Talaki34
   Member Profile

   He really is very handsome.

   Have you tried posting his pic at retirement facilities or housing for 55 and up too?

   Posted 6 months ago #         

6. Talaki34
   Member Profile

   Bump

   Posted 6 months ago #         

7. miws
   Member Profile

   

   .

   Posted 6 months ago #         

8. AlkiKmac
   Member Profile

   

   Yep, it's me. The human who tried adopting Sam. I miss him terribly and think he deserves a great home...so here's his plusses.....

   1. He loves to lay on your lap, or next to you snuggled up against your arm/leg.

   2. He loves to be petted and used to grab my hand and pull it to his chest as if saying "this hand is mine and stays with me". I used to make him dance a bit when he did this, which he seemed to enjoy. He also mouths your hand in appreciation.

   3. He's not much of a toy guy, but he did like tracking the fake mouse under the fabric game. Mine is battery operated and he liked catching the mousse. But I had to supervise because he didn't want to let the mouse go!

   4. Sam loved to be held. Loved it.

   5. His face looks sad....okay, actually he has a constant look of constipation (which he didn't have)...but his tail gives him away. His tail tells how happy his is....especially when you pet him, hold him, or even say his name (speaking of which, I kept with his original name, not Sam. He knew it and responded to it...less confusing).

   6. He slept most of the time and got up to roam maybe twice a day. He did get to the point of getting up to greet me when I got up each morning and when I arrived home from work.

   7. Okay, this is weird, but I only saw him drink water once a day...like a camel I tell ya. Like a camel.

   8. He's a loud eater. I gave him dry food. Once or twice a week he had canned and dove into it...loudly.

   9. They describe Sam as having a unique voice. So true. He doesn't sound like a cat at all. During play, I swear he roared once like a little lion...cool. His favorite "meow" sounds like "aaaccckkk". Gravely voice and all. He had three other vocalizations that sounded like..."iluvyou" & "willow" & "mom". If you say those phrases without pronouncing the consonants, you'll get what I mean. Willow was interesting since that's the name of my other cat.

   So...Sam is a great cat. He doesn't needs lots of attention, but appreciates it. He's not a shunner....not at all. Just an older guy who likes his naps. I really hope someone adopts him soon!

   Posted 6 months ago #         

9. JoB
   Member Profile

   sounds like Sam needs an only home...
   where he and his adopted person can hang out in harmony

   Posted 6 months ago #         

10. furryfaces
    Member Profile

    AlkiKmac...thank you for sharing all of Sam's wonderful characteristics! Know it was hard to give him back, but your resident cat had to come first.

    Yes, Sam probably needs to be the only cat in the house, however, he may be fine with a cat-friendly dog.

    Posted 6 months ago #         

11. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    Sam wouldn't care if he lived with a dog....as long as the dog doesn't care about a cat being around. I would say Sam is comfortable as long as he isn't challenged negatively. He's all about positive contact & relationships! Luv bug. By the way, he liked my aka for him....Mr. Little Man. Made his tail wag!!!

    Posted 6 months ago #         

12. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    .......

    Posted 5 months ago #         

13. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    Monday bump. He's a sweet boy deserving a loving lap. Buehler? Buehler?

    Posted 5 months ago #         

14. smy
    Member Profile

    AlkiKmac et al,

    Maybe a long shot, but how would the Little Man potentially interact with a very good-natured dog that overall knows boundaries with kitties but could possibly need a kitty-type thump on the head or tiny roar to initially remind her so kitty can set boundaries straight and proper? One thump/tiny roar would make said dog back herself right into a wall most likely and then it likely would be easy for all to adjust with human there to supervise.

    Also,kitty is indoors-only, yes?

    Posted 5 months ago #         

15. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    Yes, Sam is indoors only.

    I think he would adapt well to a small good-natured dog. It's worth a try.

    One thought though. I kept his food separate from Willow's (she would steal it). Sam isn't a jumper, so putting his food in a place where the dog can't get it, but Sam can....that might be a challenge. He spent most of his time on my chaise lounge...I put food & water up there for him (so spoiled...hardly had to move!) He could jump up on the chaise, but he had no interest in jumping onto anything higher (like my bed or the cat tree).

    Posted 5 months ago #         

16. furryfaces
    Member Profile

    smy, If you decide to meet Sam and do bring him into your home, we would be happy to assist with dog/cat introduction information and suggestions. We're sure Lien Animal Clinic would too.

    The introduction process helps set everyone up for success.

    Cheers, F3 furryfaces@hotmail.com

    Posted 5 months ago #         

17. furryfaces
    Member Profile

    Hi smy...have you had a chance to meet Sam yet?

    Posted 5 months ago #         

18. smy
    Member Profile

    I have to go by the clinic tomorrow for meds, so I'm planning on meeting Sam then.

    Posted 5 months ago #         

19. Talaki34
    Member Profile

    Bump

    Posted 5 months ago #         

20. smy
    Member Profile

    I was going to try and lie low until I have more info and not say anything...guess I'm not so good at that.

    Now that the proverbial cat is outta the bag, Sam is going to give it a try in our household to determine if we will be deemed acceptable. He'll be arriving on Friday. What a sweetheart!

    AlkiKmac, I appreciate the info you posted. It really gave me some great insight to go on for his arrival (as well as it tugged the ol' heart strings into checking into this further from the start).

    furryfaces, thanks for your help with Sam. I really appreciate it!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

21. Talaki34
    Member Profile

    I was hoping it was so…What a wonderful gift to give Sam.

    Cheering crowds throwing confetti!!!

    I am now doing the dance of JOY!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

22. JoB
    Member Profile

    Hope it all goes well

    Posted 5 months ago #         

23. smy
    Member Profile

    Thanks!

    Talaki34, you gave me the most fantastic laugh when I read your reply - thank you!

    Do a little dance for us on Friday to spread the happiness...

    Posted 5 months ago #         

24. furryfaces
    Member Profile

    Think Sam will soon be doing the happy dance of joy too!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

25. Talaki34
    Member Profile

    smy, I will do the dance first thing tomorrow. Welllll...maybe after my first cup of coffee. :)

    Posted 5 months ago #         

26. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    Wonderful news! Post of pic of Sam wearing a tiny Santa's cap.....I know he'll let you!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

27. funkietoo
    Member Profile

    Alkimac...think your postings about what a great kitty Sam is helped smy find her way to Lien Animal Clinic. Once he climbed into her arms, she was toast. ^..^

    Posted 5 months ago #         

28. Talaki34
    Member Profile

    As promised, I did the dance this morning as I exited the shower and I even had a second cup of coffee to guarantee a little extra “ZIP” in my step.

    Unfortunately, I think my cat got a glimpse of me dancing and now has that unpleasant image forever burned in little head. Poor thing scarred for life.

    Any who…

    smy,

    Please keep us posted on how things are going. I am truly happy for you and Sam!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

29. smy
    Member Profile

    Talaki34, your dance must have sent some good juju to this household! Sam is getting settled in - we're still at the start, but so far it's going just fine.

    Ooops, I never mentioned that Sam is now stuck with 2 border collies and a human that doesn't sit still well, did I?

    Sorry but I have to laugh a little and will start a new post at some point soon about rescues and being a foster parent/intros with new pets/etc, but Sam is doing pretty okay. He's happy as crap to get a freshly dryer-warmed blanket wrapped around him while he sits on the couch and watches the chaos unfold. He has his own guest room for quiet time, but he's letting me know more frequently and loudly from the quiet room that he would like to join the household. All is good.

    Posted 5 months ago #         

30. smy
    Member Profile

    Sam’s Update:

    Sam has (almost) taken over the couch but not quite. Both border collies have quietly slipped onto the couch tonight next to him, as carefully as possible to not poke the tiny bear. After a few minutes, Sam will start quietly edging closer to them to snuggle into bigwarmdogfur until he’s smashed himself in like mashed taties. When he’s in cranky mode, he will slooowly and stealthily (granted, like a sloth) follow them around until they scatter like fleas or huddle up while staring at me for some words of wisdom for what to do with this tiny determined feline.

    He enjoys doing laps around the house while following me around. Maybe he’s making me do laps actually, but I wander rapidly while trying not to step on him and call him while he trots a little faster and we do loops together. His little wobbly legs are gaining strength I think.

    It’s all going well overall. Sam is a cranky old cuss at times and can herd a border collie better than my herders can herd sheep or dogs at the dogpark. Granted, my b.c.’s are a little wussy, however…tiny Sam (all 6.9 lbs of him) is apparently a force to a) be avoided or b) be reckoned with. The dogs have chosen the former, so that's good. Still some settling to be done and none are allowed together unless supervised still, but it's going along okay.

    Sam’s border collie eye or what I call”stink-eye” is something to behold… good grief!

    Time to poke the bear and feed/play the crew out for the night. Sam will be supervising, trust me.

    Posted 5 months ago #         

31. Anonymous
    Member Profile

    This may be asking too much and I completely understand but ... a picture of Sam with his new buddies would be awesome.

    Posted 5 months ago #         

32. miws
    Member Profile

    

    Thanks for the update, smy!

    Mike

    Posted 5 months ago #         

33. EmmyJane
    Member Profile

    

    Smy - congrats and thanks for the update. It made me laugh out loud! Our Milo kitten has a "Golden Retriever eye" so I know the look.

    Posted 5 months ago #         

34. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    Hi smy! Sam is only 6.9 pounds? Poor guy. He was super skinny when I took him home, but he quickly picked up weight. I noticed he "forgot" to eat....even though his bowls were mere inches from him! I'd shake his bowl or pick it up and set it back down, then he'd dive in. Also, I fed him dry food (Natural Balance original ultra from Mudd Bay), but gave him canned food (Fancy Feist) twice a week (more often his first few weeks with me). He dove into the wet food....but I still had to remind him to eat. He also loved Greenies treats. Hope that helps you get him gaining weight. Good to hear he's back to doing laps. Yes, he likes to follow you around, but he's so darn quiet. I had to constantly look down for him before I stepped. Thanks for the update!!!!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

35. Talaki34
    Member Profile

    Hi smy!

    LOL! Yes, yes! We need pics!

    I am so happy to hear that you both are doing so well. I think having the BCs around is going to be a huge benefit for him. They will keep his mind and body active along with your laps (both kinds.) May be you can get a little t-shirt made for him inscribed with:

    “Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.”

    I cannot wait until your next post!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

36. smy
    Member Profile

    I cannot give him that tee to further his boldness. For dogsake, he's got border collies slinking around corners in fear of his potential wrath!

    Being the only member of the household somewhere between old and youth, I think I'd have to reverse that proverb for my own tee. Or I can put one on the front side of my tee and the other on the back, reversible-like depending on my mood!

    I have some notsogreat pics of Sam and dog-clan and an adorable pic of Sam snoozing. Uploaded to flikr per blogger-instructions, but I haven't yet figured out how to resize and load curent pics (3) to blog. Can anyone help?

    Thanks to all on Samstuff,

    S

    Posted 5 months ago #         

37. Talaki34
    Member Profile

    Hi smy,

    Just wondering how things were going. Are the collies still “sneaking and peeking” around the house?

    Posted 4 months ago #         

38. smy
    Member Profile

    Hi all,

    I don’t know quite know how to send this update and have been dreading sending it. Sam passed away peacefully a week ago.

    In the last couple of weeks, things started changing rapidly and making little sense with weight loss (even though he was finally eating voraciously) and some extreme behavior that came on suddenly. Medical tests weren’t showing any definable cause and probably wouldn’t have turned up anything without invasive measures, but that didn’t seem the best thing to do for him when it came down to it. Based on how quickly things were happening and the symptoms he was showing, it’s likely he had a brain tumor. Last Monday, he was clearly deteriorating over the course of the day. It was time.

    I wish the little guy would have had more time than he did. On the other hand, he did have a good place to settle into at my home, even though it was brief. He loved wandering the house, climbing all over the couch (it became his personal jungle gym) and snoozing/riding around in the kangaroo pouch (aka, tucked under my sweater while I puttered). If he was here now while I’m typing this note, the little bugger would likely be doing the laptop-crawl over the keyboard to take over my lap in a very determined way!

    To Sam’s wonderful vet and all of the staff at Lien Animal Clinic, his amazing rescuer Teri at Furry Faces Foundation, and everyone out there taking care of him and rooting for him – Thank you. Your notes for Sam were huge support!

    [My favorite pics of Sam are not inserting here due to technical difficulties on my end... I think they will be coming.]

    Posted 3 months ago #         

39. DBP
    Member Profile

    Indeed . . .

     
     
     

     

    Posted 3 months ago #         

40. JanS
    Member Profile

    

    prescious little baby..so sorry he is gone :(

    Posted 3 months ago #         

41. miws
    Member Profile

    

    Sorry to hear of Sam's passing. :-(

    Thank you for giving him such a good home, his last few weeks, smy.

    Mike

    Posted 3 months ago #         

42. goodgraces
    Member Profile

    I had not followed this story but just read through the whole thread and now have tears running down my face. What a testament to love and compassion. Thank you so much, smy, for cushioning this creature's final few weeks in this world. I think you should definitely get another cat. ;-)

    Posted 3 months ago #         

43. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    Thank you.

    Posted 3 months ago #         

44. AlkiKmac
    Member Profile

    

    SMY...thank you for loving him during his final weeks. I know he enjoyed hanging out in the kangaroo pouch, sending you warm love while you shared yours. I'm grateful he was surrounded by love at the end.

    Posted 3 months ago #         

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