Dogs, cats and Spiderman!

Yes I know its a weird title but it explains this post – a bit! And may attract others to read it!!

I revisited the SPAP the dog, cat, horse, pigs and horse sanctuary, yes they have extended since I was last there into whatever animal they find in need that needs help. In fact I’ve not been there for a couple of weeks and I was feeling a bit guilty. I didn’t go because I wanted to spend time with friends and then ‘Spiderman’ attacked me.
I woke up on Friday morning with the planned early alarm to find that some one had let Spiderman into the flat overnight. He’d woven a web around my arms, legs and head and I just was not able to lift myself more than a few inches off the bed. I was surprised at my symptoms returning so strongly as I didn’t think I had done too much. Dog walking, yoga twice, cleaning the flat ready for my friends, shopping a bit of socializing in the sun. Perhaps I missed an early warning sign or for some reason my medication (T3, liothyronine) wasn’t working. I knew it had to be a day of rest, rest and more rest. Guilt tripped me and forced me to try to make a move, but defeated by pain in my ankles, neck, head and arms I knew I had to miss dog walking.

So with a real strong feeling of guilt, I went today. Stronger again having found out that the medication is at fault and I’ve had to increase the dose and having taken time to chill out over the last 2 days.

Beautiful tribute to the person who started this centre off

The tree in the entrance was just past its flowering best and this was the first time I had seen it in bloom. It is a wonderful tribute to the person who started off this sanctuary.
It was also now time to explain to Maria that whilst I loved her ordering me about and I was willing to walk as many dogs as possible, that perhaps I would have to walk less and could I spend more time with the cats. I had to explain a little bit about my illness and she was pleased that I had come back at all, as she had noticed after my last visit that perhaps I was a bit worn out.
Anyway she was happy as it meant no cat litter cleaning for her and no cats having a go at you as you try to feed them. Win/Win I think you call it.

Today we had 5 helpers in all and the wonderful news came in that a dog is being adopted today. He’s getting his jabs and paperwork done and is flying to a new home in Scotland at the end of June. The new owners were there taking their new dog for a walk and it just lifted our spirits.

Can I get out please!

He was lovely but too lively for me today.

My wolfdog, behind the bars that imprison him.

Can I get out, well he did. He caused a dog fight and escaped his pen! Maria and Amber had to go running after him, then we had to collar all the dogs whilst Maria climbed the walls to get out. What a nightmare.

The alsation is so sweet, he wanted a fuss and kept barking at me over his wall whilst I was feeding the cats, but he was too lively for me today.
As for Wolfie, he got taken out for a walk with Amber, he is a real  love and no trouble at all, just look at those eyes. I managed to give him a good pet and get rid of some of that fur he had! Any one want stuffing for a cushion, then come and groom these dogs…..

Then I took time for the cat pen, maybe you remember the Mum cat and her kittens that were not expected to survive. Well what a treat for me.

Mum and one of her kittens

The biggest and bravest of the litter

Tabby kitten

Kittens in a basket

She has managed to keep them all, even though they are the smallest little things yet with the most amazing open eyes, scared of human touch and yet after watching me fuss Mum for a while out of the basket they came. The bravest one, who I hoped would survive, went straight to the clean litter tray I gave them and claimed it. Time for another clean. The cat food that I put in, well Mum stood back and let them all eat before she moved in to clear the plate and with a purr she put her paw on it and moved it to the door for me. I do hope someone gives her a home as she does love a cuddle.

Ginger cat!

Last time I mentioned a Ginger cat.

This time again, he waited till all the others were fed and just looked at me and a fresh only for him dish of food, just somehow appeared.

Well I don’t know what it is about Ginger cats and water. Just as I turned my back and then glanced round to check all was OK I saw this, it made me want to cry and laugh as I miss my Ginger boy so much.
At least this time I got to feed the cats and give those that wanted it, a fuss. Ginger even crept onto my knee for a quick cuddle.

I’m learning still about pacing myself. Sometimes the strain on me is physical, sometimes emotional and sometimes damned medication issues. We all have our things to deal with and I will deal with mine with a smile, a laugh and the knowledge that things will get better. I hope you have your own rescue plans.