2/19 Lucy TWO YEARS OTJ!!! (extremely long and sappy)

I can’t believe this day is here. I never, ever thought I would be the one posting a 2-year OTJ condo!

Most of you don’t know our whole story, and everyone needs to, so I’m going to write the whole thing. Sorry this is long, but I've been waiting two years to post this so I can be longwinded if I want to. :lol:

I used to have a great remix to tell the story in pictures, but Photobucket deleted all the remixes so the best I can do is this slide show (click the photo to launch):



Lucy was turned into a shelter at the age of about 5 because she was urinating outside the litter box. The person who turned her in said she was his daughter’s cat, but the daughter moved out and he didn’t like the cat. At most public shelters, an adult cat with known litter box problems doesn’t have very much time. Fortunately this shelter has a good relationship with Siamese Cat Rescue Center, and they gave our volunteer a call to see if the rescue would be interested in this shy little thing named Precious. Our volunteer was smitten (look at those eyes and listen to her purr, how could you not be?). The rescue had no foster space, but the volunteer thought she was a special kitty so she offered to outfoster her for the shelter until Siamese Rescue had space. She also paid for a vet visit out of her own pocket. Sure enough, Precious had a raging UTI and crystals. The volunteer got those taken care of and kept Precious for a few weeks until she was able to move into Siamese Rescue. That volunteer is one of my personal heroes! Once Precious got into foster care, she went in for her spay and the vet discovered that she had untreated metritis (retained placenta) that was badly infected. Precious was a very sick kitty, and she hid it so well that nobody knew how much she hurt. The vet took care of that and her personality started to grow even more.

Fast forward 3 months. I was volunteering for the rescue and helped transport a cat to the foster home where Precious was living. The foster mom had a different cat (Neville) who I had a crush on via internet since he came into rescue. He was 10 years old and diabetic. I had been looking forward to meeting him and had a small thought in the back of my mind that maybe I could manage diabetes if he was the right cat for me. For some reason things didn’t really “click” between me and Neville. I did spend a lot of time that day talking with his foster mom about diabetes. She assured me that it was very manageable, but after our long conversation we agreed that it wasn’t the right time for me to take on something like that. I had just lost a kitty to acute renal failure one week earlier and my savings and my emotions were drained.

Somehow during the time I was at the foster home, another cat managed to creep into my heart. I didn’t even notice she was doing it! On my way home, I realized that the cat I could not get out of my head was Precious. I wanted a geezer male and she was a 5 year old female. I wanted a loudmouth “real” Siamese and she was quiet, except for a few minutes that she was singing when Julie and I left the foster room and she wanted us to come back. She was so, so shy. But she wouldn’t get out of my head. The next Sunday I went back to get her. :smile:

Within a day, I knew that Precious was silly. She renamed herself to Lucy, after Lucille Ball. She was still living isolated from the other cats in my bedroom. Everything was fine except it took a few days for the first poop to show up. On the day I planned to call the vet if nothing came, it appeared (whew). Then she stopped eating. I talked to the foster – Lucy had a tendency toward huge hairballs and it was not unusual for her to go off her food when one was brewing. She usually passed her hairballs in her stool so that could explain why that situation wasn’t regular too. I gave her lots of hairball remedy and added water to her food. She pooped some, she ate some, but not enough. Went to the vet the next Tuesday - they agreed that it was probably hairballs causing constipation and gave her more hairball remedy, with instructions to bring her back on Thursday if things still hadn't moved.

On Thursday, a week and a half after I adopted Lucy, I came home to find her in the closet. At first I thought she was dead. I rushed her to the vet. The vet grabbed her from me and took her to the back. Almost immediately, she came back and said “Lucy is diabetic, her BG is 648, her kidneys and her liver are shutting down, her body temp is way too low, I don’t know if we can save her but we’ll try.” She was in DKA and had hepatic lipidosis. There were no previous signs of diabetes. Remember, she was living in a foster room with a diabetic cat, already eating a low carb diet (except for all that hairball remedy we had been stuffing into her for several days), and living with a foster mom who knew feline diabetes. I was devastated. Now I believe she had an acute pancreatitis attack that caused everything else. My (now former) vet told me that you couldn’t really test for pancreatitis but that it was a possibility.

Lucy is an amazing fighter, though. After 6 days in the hospital, she came home!

We started on Humulin N (blind shooting). Then PZI (mostly blind shooting, a little bit of testing. I get very faint at the sight or thought of blood and I thought I couldn’t manage testing). In the middle of all that, I got a new job and moved to Charleston. Shortly after my move, I started getting very concerned. I couldn’t get her numbers under control and they were too high. I was afraid I was killing her. I found a new vet who suggested Lantus. I knew I had to get serious or I was going to lose Lucy. I couldn’t let that happen, after she had fought so hard to stay. Seven months after her diagnosis, I got some Lantus and joined LL and asked for help. First I was told I had to test more. :lol: At that point, I was ready to do whatever I had to do so I dove in.

Boy, was Lucy ever a challenge to regulate. She was famous for her late-night showings of the Lucy Show. No two episodes were the same. :lol: I never knew what to expect. She loved to bungee jump from high numbers, and then bounce back high. She loved to surf low. She loved to do all of that in the middle of the night. She climbed up, up, up to 4.25 units. Then she zoomed down the dosing scale to under a unit. Then she climbed up to 4.25 units again, then zoomed down again. FINALLY Lucy got to the point I had been aiming for - she finally learned to surf blue/green without much drama. Life was easy and that was something we could live with comfortably long term. Hooray!

But Lucy wasn't done yet. My miracle kitty still had another miracle left in her – 10 months after coming to Lantus Land, and 17 months after almost dying, we had an OTJ party for Lucy! (unfortunately this video was eaten by Photobucket too). The very best part was discovering that the shy little thing I had adopted actually was a goofy loudmouth “real” Siamese, just like I wanted! Most of you know what your cat’s personality was like before he/she got sick. I didn’t know, so the whole time she was starting to feel better I was discovering fun new things about her.

Now she has been OFF insulin for longer than she was ON insulin. Even when she went OTJ, I assumed it was a fluke and that she would be back on shortly. I can’t believe it has been two years. Her last test a couple of weeks ago was 46. I could never, ever, ever begin to repay the gift that was given to me here. Thank you, Jill and Jojo and Lantus Land! I love you all.

So, if your cat was DKA or very sick or on a bunch of insulins or likes to bounce to the moon or surf the 40s or has been on the juice a long time, please know that you are not alone and that you CAN do this.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

WOW. I never knew her full story and seeing those pictures hit home. What an inspiration. Its amazing what she went through. She was meant to find you and was waiting for you. Just Wow.

The pictures made me tear up and laugh all at the same time. The shoe in the bowl was the best. What a ham. Glad you got your vocal siamese. She is so beautiful.

Big hugs to you Lucy. You ROCK!!!!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!


Lucy deserves the celebration.

Being the bean for a cat that has survived DKA, pancreatitis, and hepatic lipidosis and that bounces and dives in much the same way as Lucy, I have learned to appreciate learning how to be patient. I just hope that our outcomes are the same!

Thank you for sharing goofy Lucy's story and for all that you contribute to LL.

 

((( LIBBY - LUCY))) What can anyone say. This is a tribute to you and your dedication not only to Lucy and Jazzy but to all of us on LL fighting the sugar dance. You have gone above and beyond to help your sugar kitties and all of the sugar kitties in LL. Thank you for all you do. This is truly a wonderful day in LL And, on Oldtimers day and Caturday. YEAH

WE LOVE YOU LIBBY AND LUCY AND JAZZY TOO​

:dizcat :RAHCAT HAPPY TWO YEAR ANNIFURSARY LUCK :RAHCAT :dizcat​

I'm glad you posted Lucy's story. Everyone should be aware of the battle that can be fought. Thanks. Have a Blessed Day.

 

congratulations to lucy and libby!!!!

Thank you for sharing lucy's story .. she is an amazing kitty and you are an amazing bean .. I can't wait to read lucy's 3 year OTJ story!

 

What a great story! Congratulations!!!

​

 

CONGRATULATIONS LIBBY AND LUCY!!!

I can't believe it's been 2 years already. You've done an amazing job with Lucy. You know, if it wasn't for you she probley wouldn't be around today. She was a pretty sick kitty but with your care and love she bounced back. [she likes to bounce] :mrgreen:

Lucy's story is one of love, will, and strength. Thanks for sharing this.

I love Lucy. She is beautiful and her name fits her perfectly.

Thanks to you for all your caring and paying forward all your knowledge about diabetes in our felines. When Libby talks, I listen. :smile:

jan and sara

 

Congrats Libby & Lucy
Hugs & Cheers
Wendi & Milo

PS: not here enough to have figured out how to do all the fancy posts, so just picture lots of balloons, cakes, and tunacolata's for all

 

What a wonderful story Libby. And loved the slideshow. Lucy is sooooooooooooooo beautiful....Her eyes are so captivating.

 

party_cat CONGRATULATIONS LUCY & LIBBY!! HAPPY TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! party_cat
What a wonderful story!!! Thank you for sharing that with us all! I didn't know she was named after Lucille Ball!! And seeing the way she decorates her food bowl, I guess I understand a bit of what she is really like What a character! SO funny!! Loved all the pictures of beautiful Lucy! Gorgeous Princess!!
The things that she faced in her life are totally unbelievable....all the issues that she has overcome! How great it was that the other kitty was not for you, Libby! SHE belonged to you form the beginning and I am thankful that you finally realized that!

You and Lucy are my heroes! The things you have come through together, well, you are really amazing...both of you! I am so happy that you are celebrating two years OTJ...you both are so deserving of that!! All you hard work paid off and it lasted and lasted and lasted! Good girls!! :mrgreen:
Thank you for all the help you give to us all here. There is no one that should loose hope after reading what you two have accomplished. You are shining examples to each and every one of us. Bless you both!
Scritches to Lucy on her big day...and hugs to you Libby! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

:RAHCAT :RAHCAT Congratulations Libby and Lucy on your two year OTJ anniversary!! What an inspirational story, one that gives hope to everyone on the board! Enjoy your day!!

 

Happy Annifursary Lucy and Libby!! Two years OTJ is amazing especially after all you have through together. You are an inspiration to us all. Enjoy your very special day.

 

(((((Libby)))) a wonderful update on Lucy's biggest milestone yet.
((((we love Lucy)))) and you too - of course!

Congratulations Lucy!!! You're a very special special sweet girl!

 

Although I have been with you here & seen the Lucy video many times, It still brings tears to my eyes when I read it!! Truly a story of Love & Determination between you & Lucy!! Those oh so late nights with Jojo & Jill, Lucy's being one of the great bouncers of all time, and then, that wonderful day when Lucy made it after 17 months to the Falls!!!!! dancing_cat flip_cat dancing_cat
You gave many of us oldtimers inspiration that day..and still give all LL your knowledge & expertise..
And for all that, we love you & Lucy..Please know you are a treasured part of Lantus Land--
Thank you for sharing this with all of us--Thank you for all you do for Moonie & I and for everyone in FDMB!!
HAPPY 2 YEARS OTJ TO SWEET LUCY & MANY MANY MORE!!! party_cat party_cat party_cat party_cat party_cat

 

drinking24 Congratulations, Lucy!! (And Libby, too!!) :RAHCAT party_cat

 

Congratulations Lucy (and Libby of course!) Two years is a great achievement especially since Lucy was so sick and bounced so hard for so long. She is truly an inspiration.
Those photos of Lucy's food art always crack me up. I adore them and I agree with Karrie - the shoe in the bowl is the BEST! It's a classic.

 

Lucy's story is just amazing, and Libby, what an inspiration you are to those of us just starting out with a FD kitty. The pictures were wonderful and all the things that Lucy brings to her dish are hilarious. Thanks for sharing her story.

 

lucy's videos are still locked in my memory banks, too.
two years -- way to go, miss wonderful!

(bobby says he's trying hard to emulate lucy's artistic food wraps but she's still the master. )

 

((Libby)) this story was so wonderful, it touched my heart soooooo much!! Thanks so much for sharing!! How lucky Lucy is to have you in her life!!!! Congrats to u both for your 2 year anniversary!!!!! Thanks for playing a huge role in Scrabble's journey, we are still going strong @ 9 months!!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS LUCY!!!​

:RAHCAT :RAHCAT flip_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat flip_cat :RAHCAT :RAHCAT​

What a great day - two years otj! I am so happy for you - and Lucy. Reading your story gives me hope that maybe someday, maybe it will be so for Mannie. Three years for us come May. My hopes are revitalized! Thanks for sharing Lucy's story - it is a story that should be told.

PARTY??? Did someone say party??? I am so there - Congratulations to a fellow FD kitty - Lucy you are my hero! ~~ Mannie

 

drinking24 Happy Two Year Annifursary Lucy and Libby!! drinking24​

Such an inspirational story the two of you share. Thank goodness you took her home when you did, I really do think it was meant to be. And Libby, words cannot express our gratitude for your presence here on the board, your endless sharing of your knowledge, and your tireless support to each and every person on this board. You are an amazing woman. And Lucy is an amazing diva cat!

 

Congratulations Lucy!!!​

Libby, thanks for taking the time to tell her story. I really enjoyed reading it. Lucy was very lucky to find you and you were obviously meant to be together. I hope one day Choco can do as well as Lucy. Whoooooot whooooooot!!! dancing_cat

 

:thumbup :RAHCAT
what a wonderful story. I think I remember the cat that covered her food dish with everything and anything. so funny and I needed that laugh

 

WE LOVE LUCY! WE ALL LOVE LIBBY!​

HOORAY for 2 YEARS OTJ and CONGRATULATIONS!!! ​

:RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT for Lucy! drinking24 for Libby!​

Lucy's is such an inspiring story. Loved the slide show, especially Lucy's "installations" and the pics of her with her favorite toys. Thank you, Libby, for sharing Lucy's day with us, and thank you for being here and always ready to help. Have a grand celebration!

Ella & Rusty

 

:RAHCAT :RAHCAT YAAAAAAAAAY!!!! :RAHCAT :RAHCAT

OMG I am so happy to see this! Lucy is one special gal and she has one special mama bean! I remember those late nights and crazy bounce-fests, it seems like it was only yesterday but.......IT WAS OVER TWO YEARS AGO!

So the other night, a friend of mine sent me a link to a video of a cat burglar. A REAL cat who burgled the belongings of all the neighbors and stockpiled the loot in the home of his family. Funnily enough, this clepto-cat, as he's known in the neighborhood, is also a meezer. Anyway, long story short.....I told my friend..."Oh yeah, well I know a cat who turns her meals into art. Lucy, a now diet-controlled, diabetic cat goes around the house and drags anything she could get her paws on and plop it on top of her food dish. They were the most beautiful works of abstract, sculptural, art ever done by a kitty". And he was all "WHY? LOL, why does she do that?" "I dunno" I said, "She's just artsy". Well he thought that was hysterical and now, with Lucy's "this is your life" video, I can show him her artwork! :lol:

Thank you Libby and Lucy for sticking around and being an inspiration to us all. A million hugs for you both, we heart you.

Oh, and Punkeldrunk says "Thanks for the tunaritas, congratulations and who gave me this mustache weave?!"

 

Congratulations Libby and Lucy! :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT

Thank you for sharing your story. I LOVE a meezer kitty. Here's to another 2 years

 

CONGRATULATIONS LIBBY AND LUCY OTJ TWO YEARS!!!!​

Libby...your post brought tears to my eyes and the slideshow was wonderful....how hysterical are all those photos of Lucy's plate!! You two are such an amazing inspiration to all of us. Thank you for all your sacrifices to teach us all and provide us with the hope to find the dream you and Lucy are now living. Cheers to you both!!

 

Congratulations Libby and Lucy!!! Beautiful art, Lucy!!

 

What a joyous day this is. Lucy's story gave me such hope when Max was near death. So many things were similiar to what Max was enduring. And now to see that she is 2 years OTJ, I am just so happy for the both of you.

WAY TO GO GIRLFRIEND!!!!! :RAHCAT flip_cat :RAHCAT flip_cat :RAHCAT flip_cat

 

Thank you for sharing that wonderful story, Libby, and for all you do for the beans and kitties on this board.

 

HAPPY 2 YEAR OTJ ANNIVERSARY LUCY AND LIBBY​

Know matter how many times I read Lucy's story or see the video I react with happiness and tears as if it was my first time. I love Lucy's story. You are both such an inspiration to everyone here fighting FD.

Libby thank you for sticking around and paying it forward over and over. This is for you drinking24

 

WHAT A JOYOUS ANNIFURSARY!!!

AND NOT ONLY IS LUCY AN INSPIRATION...YOUR AMAZING WAY OF PAYING IT FORWARD BY BEING A MENTOR AND SAVIOR TO THE REST OF US IS A TRUE EXAMPLE TO LIVE UP TO, LIBBY!

 

CONGRATULATIONS, LUCY !!!!!

BUT - congratulations to you, also, Libby - for without your hard work and persistence and never-dying love, Lucy wouldn't still be here with you (and with us). She (and you) are truly inspirations to anyone just starting out who is fighting DKA and all sorts of other problems - nothing worth accomplishing is truly easy.

You've done a wonderful job with your sweet girl and I'm sure she adores you for all that you've done for her. Job well done- again, congratulations.

Emmy & Dude (I wish I nu her sekret to OTJ cat(2)_steam ) - & Mittsi too

 

Thank you for sharing your story, for helping Lucy through her illnesses, and for continuing to be there for all of us here.

 

Hi Libby-

Congrats to both of you girls. What a success story.
Thank you for your help in getting Boomer OTJ while he was a member in LL.
And thanks for intoducing the Siamese Rescue Center...I've had Merlin for 7 months and he's a delight after my loss of Boomer.
Happy anniversary and many more!

 

Wow, Libby, I never knew the whole story either. I know I loves me some Lucy, though. That fridge photo has always been my favorite, she looks like some kind of muppet that invites much much smooshing. Congratulations to you both. I loved reading your story - what a wonderful connection you two share. I am left with 2 questions:

1. PLEASE may we see the food dish art photo series?

2. Will she be getting Chick-Fil-A today??

(((!!!Libby and Lucy!!!))))

 

CONGRATULATIONS LIBBY & LUCY

party_cat party_cat party_cat party_cat party_cat party_cat

Max and I are so happy to celebrate this wonderful anniversary with you.
I can never get enough of hearing Lucy's story and seeing those pictures of her.

We are all truly blessed to have crossed paths with you on our journey of healing
our diabetic kitties. Your support and knowledge cannot be measured.

 

Happy TWO years OTJ Lucy AND Libby!!!
I did not know Lucy's story & I am so very thankful that you took the time to share.. heartwarming, sad & sweet :YMHUG:
You are her angel here on earth & our Lantus Land angel too.
Libby, you continue to be such a blessing to others & deserve every bit of happiness Lucy brings, she is a blessing & an inspiration to all.
God knows what he is doing when he places furbabies & furmommies together o
Now lets get this party started & cheers to many more OTJ blessings!

party_cat party_cat party_cat ​

 

party_cat Happy Two Years OTJ, Libby and Lucy! party_cat

Thank you for sharing Lucy's story.
Akane was told the same thing when he developed DKA.. Lucy's journey gives us lots of encouragement.
Wishing you and Lucy a long, happy life together!

 

amazing and a TRUE inspiration!!! Congrats!!!

 

Libby, I LOVED learning about lucky Lucy's beginnings in your home. The pictures are wonderful.
Thank you so much for sharing.
:smile: Congratulations on a job extremely well done with your sweet girl :RAHCAT

 

Such an awe inspiring story of love, hard work and dedication......Congratulations on 2 years! You were always a help to me and Zoe during our journey with FD.

 

"From sick to sassy." Super! That's our girl, the lovely Lady Lucy. Congrats on your OTJ anniversary!

 

Happy two years OTJ, Lucy!

Libby, I never can hear this story too many times. Thank you for the extremely long and happy post!

 

Congratulations to you and Lucy on Two Years OTJ! What an inspiration and story of how she came into your life!

 

This is the email correspondence twixt me and Antonio:


Me: "this is a video of Lucy, the cat who makes artwork out of her dinner.

http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/kk24 ... 4db318.pbw"

Antonio: "that was wonderful. she is the beautiful and fabilis kiddins! the shoe/dish made my jaw drop."
:mrgreen:

Thanks again for Lucy, I love her story.

 

Lucy is truly an inspiration for any diabetic kitty, especially those who are DKA at time of diagnosis.

She's a fighter and is so lucky to have found you, and you her (though, not sure it was luck, I'm pretty sure Lucy knew what she was doing!)

Please give her an extra few scritches for me, and let her have extra snuggles with your shoes.

Congrats, Libby and Lucy!!!

 

I never get tired of hearing Lucy's story! THANK YOU for sharing it once again. It is awesome, hopeful and inspiring to all of us here on LL...and we all LOVE LUCY and thank you for all that you give to this board every single day!

CONGRATULATIONS LUCY & LIBBY party_cat party_cat party_cat

xoxo,

Caryl, Alex & Jackson

 

happy anniversary, Lucy!! What an inspiring story. If a kitty as sick as Lucy can get better, than any kitty can. What a fighter!!! I am so happy for you both- you're living the dream! :mrgreen:

 

Happy 2 years Lucy so happy for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT flip_cat dancing_cat

 

WOOT! TWO YEARS AT THE FALLS!
CONGRATULATIONS LIBBY AND LUCY!!!
​

Thank you so much for this post and for all you do here. It gives us all hope and that is an import a gift as any other. Lucy is a wondercat and deserves the wonderful home she has found.

I'm sorry we are late to the celebration, somehow i missed it yesterday. Tess had to tell me to get on the ball,

 

I was posting in this condo yesterday when we lost power, so I guess I lost my post.

Congratulations Lucy!!! ​

Libby, I love your slideshow! It should be published. I'm glad you finally got the "real" siamese Lucy you wanted, but mostly I'm glad she found you, and you found this board. Thanks for all your help and guidance
​

 

Such a wonderful story, Libby. I never realized why her name was Lucy!

And there's another gift wrapped up here - that Lucy brought you to all of us. You've guided so many of us through tough nights and weeks.

Big hugs to you both.

 

So 3 days late and bumping an old condo But I had to stop by to say congrats to Libby and Lucy!!!

I so love her food dish art! She is so verra creative :lol:

And gotz to see Punkeldrunk and dat Bear!

I hope you two enjoyed your verra special 2 year annifursary!!! I remember some of those late nights too. So happy she is still OTJ and you are so wonderful for staying and paying it forward Libby!

:YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

I remember the first time I watched Lucy's video. You two just continues to inspire. Hugs and rubs!

 

Inspirational! Congrats to both you and Lucy!