2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R pmps450 anniversary reflections

yesterday

i realized last night that yesterday was our one year anniversary of joining FDMB. Like everyone, i had hoped we'd only be here for a short time and punkin would be one of the lucky ones that immediately goes OTJ. it was not to be, but i must say if we had to be stuck with something chronic, i'm glad we're stuck here with all of you! now i think if he doesn't go OTJ, it's ok. it's become a routine thing now and i'm just glad to have the little hoover around.

as i look back over the last year, there were many significant markers in punkin's Sugar Dance:

~~learning that we were using u-40 syringes with the lantus, resulting in punkin being on a dose of 7.5u instead of the 3u that we thought, with the implication likely being that punkin had acro or iaa;
~~having him diagnosed june 1st with acro along with our special buddies, Gus, Tommy & Guinness all within a couple of weeks of each other;
~~road trip to Colorado to do the SRT in September and the Best Picture Ever of Punkin (For the 10th Time, I Said 2 Cheeseburgers, Extra Rare!, Hey, you out there. HELP. Yeah you. Help us, help us!!!! We're being kidnapped. Help! ); The Cheeseburger Photo
~~getting all excited about his immediate drops in dosage and anticipating he'd be off insulin by Christmas;
~~discovering the Freestyle Lite had been measuring his BG far lower than it really was;
~~gathering all the information on glucose toxicity and realizing that he is not likely to go off because of being in too high numbers for too long

but through it all i've been grateful for the guidance of all of you who have taught us what you knew, and gave daily support through the ups and downs of it all. This has been the best part of it all. I'm overflowing with gratitude for the support of the LL beans.

so punkin & i are going to have a little toast with chicken (nom nom) today to celebrate our friends here at FDMB. like so many others have said, i feel certain punkin would not be alive if we hadn't found this site. i'm so grateful to still have my furry purry little friend by my side.

thank you.

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

good morning Julie and punkin

while Max and I have only been here a short while, I can see how important and helpful it is to have the FDMB and all it's members here to to support and help us. I'm still in the leaning stages but really don't know where we would be without all of you.

Max is certainly still unregulated and I as well get excited when I see his numbers drop and hope he will be one of the luciky ones to get OTJ soon. But then he bounces all over the place again. If he doesn't, that's ok too because he's my boy, and I'll do what I have to to keep him healthly and happy.

While I suppose it's not an anniversary to be happy about, I agree the learning experience and the people you meet here are certainly a bonus.

I thank you for being here for us

Dawn and Max

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HAPPY 1ST ANNIFURSARY TO PUNKIN AND JULIE!!!! WHAT A GREAT JOB YOU ARE DOING AND AN INSPIRATION TO ALL HERE IN LL!!
Remembering when you first came here, and where you are now in just a short year! What Spirit and determination you have for sweet punkin, and what a great fighter he is!!
Not every cat can attain OTJ, but mostly all cats can feel better, be healthy & happy by living here In LL!
That is what we strive for--You have taught us all some great lessons about devotion.
Happy Anniversary--Hugs & Love from us!!

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Julie,

You definitely are an inspiration and a perfect example of a bean with a positive attitude! (and you're really nice too )

I saved Punkin's HELP picture and laugh every time I look at it!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

You've been such a help to me and Atticus, and we're glad you're here, too!
I love the pic!

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One year is a bittersweet anniversary, but congratulations on Punkin's progress! It's hard to let go of OYJ, but there is a peace that follows acceptance. Punkin is happy and healthy, what more does the world need?!!! :lol: :lol:

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I am with Ann - it is so bittersweet, but what a journey. You are to be congratulated! It's never easy, but WOW: look at him now. I am with you. I know Mannie will never be OTJ, I am just grateful that we still have him that he is happy and furry and purry. Celebrate your special day. This is from Mannie -----> PARTY ON PUNKIN!

I do so remember all the highlights - what an incredible journey. Well done Punkin!

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Congrats! I celebrate your journey more than the time. It's a path you wouldn't have chosen, but you are an intrepid traveler. You've met every obstacle with optimism and determination. I celebrate Punkin, his appetite for life (and food!) and the joy he brings you, that you share with all of us. I am particularly blessed by your presence here and your hand out to me as we face the unique challenges of our acro kitties. Congrats on one year and many more to come!

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We're coming up on Zener's one year annifursary too and appreciate you sharing your thoughts and reflection, we completely understand! We make goof ups all the time and are amazed at the resiliency of Zener and that he plugs along in spite of us and because of us! ;-) punkin (and you) are fabulous and we watch what you are doing and cheer each and every step forward! We are celebrating with you today on having a happy and much healthier kitter than a year ago! go punkin go!
drinking24

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

Hi Julie & Punkin,
Well, it has been quite a year and you and Punkin have handled everything with grace and style. We long-termers go forward with the knowledge that our kitties are getting the best chance here in LL to be healthy and happy. Sure we would all like to be OTJ, but we also know that our kitties can thrive on their "routine", and the bonds we have with them (and with each other) grow stronger and stronger.

So here's to Punkin's new year ahead. May it bring continued good health, good numbers, and lots of joy! Party on! party_cat

Hugs,

Ella & Rusty

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

Happy annifursary!! We celebrated ours last week and it was definitely something to celebrate. You are a great bean and a great friend. Without FD we would have never known there were such wonderful caring people out there. Hugs to you and scritches to Punkin on this special day!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

I can't believe it's already been a whole year! Happy Anniversary sounds kinda' funny... but really it is a celebration day for FDMB members to have you and Punkin here offering support and sharing smiles.
So YES, it is a Happy Anniversary! party_cat

P.S. Love the road trip photos and Punkin's "Help me" face!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

Happy annifursary!

As CD said, it seems odd to celebrate being here for a whole year. I do look at it as something to celebrate, though, because that was the day you took control and said "I'm not letting this disease take my Punkin from me too soon." So congratulations!

Thank you for sticking around and helping out so much, too. I know it is especially helpful for those with acro kitties to see other acro kitties doing so well. It's much easier when they can look around and see someone else who is facing the same challenges they are.

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Happy anniversary!

Cini Mini and I sure do appreciate all that you do for us!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 anniversary reflections

well, selfishly of course, I"m glad you are still here (but obviously wish punkin was OTJ!).. because you've been more than welcoming and very supportive of this Newbie. Happy Anniversary and I"m glad punkin is still around.

I have friends who say 'wow, your cat is diabetic and you give it shots... ' and look at me like I"m mad and should have him put down! I guess they don't understand that there is a place like FDMB and so much support and knowledge. And.. how quickly even a newbie can get used to this deal. Right now, for me, after the loss of hubby's horse, it's a distraction (not really welcomed,but you know what I mean) and the little bit of joy I get from seeing low numbers and how happy Rupie is, makes each day a little more fun.

hopefully Punkin will use 2012 to keep you on your toes AND go OTJ sometime soon! Don't take this the wrong way.. I hope we are both not talking to each other soon ! (ha ha!)

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Yes, we are all crazy cat people here! :dizcat

And crazy cat people love company! :lol: :lol: :lol:

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I think these anniversaries are a testimony to all of our doing things, like testing and shooting, that we never thought we'd be doing. I couldn't agree more with Libby's point -- it's a celebration of taking control of an illness that would otherwise have taken our kitties from us.

I remember all of the milestones you've recounted. I do have to admit, I like Punkin's 2 Cheeseburger photo the best!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R +8/391 anniversary reflecti

Julie, I can't believe you joined only two months before I lost Maverick. I consider myself lucky to have met so many wonderful people and you are one of them. It is like a family here. I have loved reading about Punkin and Anya and they make my day brighter. I wish I could meet you three in real life.

That picture of Punkin and Anya has got to be my most favourite picture of all time. It never ceases to make me laugh out loud and make me smile from ear to ear. What a ham.

Happy Anniversary to Punkin. Give the glorious orange boy a belly rub from me. So glad you found LL.

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R +8/391 anniversary reflecti

Hi guys, so glad I caught this and happy one year annifursary from us! I love reading about sweet punkin and I always smile when reading your condo's .. I know it hasn't been an easy road for you guys, but you keep going because you'll do whatever you need to do, to keep punkin happy and healthy!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R +8/391 anniversary reflecti

you and your furbabies are so appreciated and loved here on fdmb. punkin is so blessed to have such a wonderful bean and we are so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know you.

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R +8/391 anniversary reflecti

Julie, Darryl, Punkin, and Anya: thank YOU for sharing your amazing journey with us and that picture of Punkin's Yowl.....that's LL HISTORY!!! Punkin is so lucky to have the two of you....all you have done for him and he IS a happy, healthy boy....I will always believe that. Amazing! So we celebrate your journey, all that you have learned, all that you have taught, and the special bean and sugarbaby you two are!!

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Isn't this just the greatest place you never wanted to be??????

Happy Bittersweet Anniversary!

I had never seen the cheeseburger photo before and liked to fell out of my chair laughing!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R +8/391 anniversary reflecti

Happy anniversary to you and punkin. You certainly are an inspiration. When we first started and I was feeling down about things it was your attitude and punkin's profile that gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to manage this with a positive attitude. I looked at everything you were contending with and was astounded that not only did I never see you complaining but that you spent so mauch time helping others and thought - get your act together Serryn! I can't thank you enough for that. Also punkin is just gorgeous and I love seeing his beautiful face everyday that road trip photo is hilarious! Many scritches to punkin on this special day, I wish I could give them to him in person.

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R +8/391 anniversary reflecti

happy anniversary julie and punkin!
i agree with the others... you made a decision a year ago which not only made a difference in punkin's life, but ours too.
thank you, julie!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R pmps450 anniversary reflect

aw, you guys are so nice. this is the best group of beans ever. hahahaha. this is the glass-half-full place, isn't it!?! somehow we can manage to find the good even in this journey.

punkin and anya are washing each other's face right now. amazing they can do it at the same time.

i remember someone along the way with an acro cat saying "he's got a brain tumor. i give him what he wants." that's about how i feel too - give the little guy whatever will help him. i never expected punkin would have a tumor, that's for sure. but ya get what ya get, and then you figure out how to move on as best as you can.

and i sure love that Cheeseburger picture too! it's about my favorite.

for now, i sure wish i knew what to do about this bouncing and these high numbers. the patience thing isn't working so well!

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R pmps450 anniversary reflect

Really, punkin, that is no way to celebrate! Happy Annifursary, as bittersweet as that is. :smile:
Liz

Re: 2/18 punkin amps 332 +6/359R pmps450 anniversary reflect

Julie, I want to offer my appreciation for you and the hours of service you give to the Board. Your friendship and guidance have meant the world to me, and Mookie has benefited from your guidance as well. Thank you, and happy anniversary!