Friday’s Five

– new goodies I look forward to trying –

– baked chicken parmesan that with a little truffle olive oil, is a game changer –

– these beautiful trees outside our apartment window –

– beautiful baubles from Derng –

– daily snuggles with my Lu –

It is with a sad heart that I share that I received some sad news about my precious Lula LaShonda this week.  Last Friday I noticed a lump at the top part of her front left leg that I had never felt it before.  On Tuesday I took her to the vet who referred me to a veterinary oncologist.  The lump turned out to be a tumor and our veterinary oncologist, surgeon and pathologist all agree that the tumor must be removed with an amputation and they want to move quickly.

After many days of tears and lots of questions between C and the veterinary oncologist, we have decided to move forward with a recommended amputation if it means Lula can continue to enjoy her life.  The x-rays don’t show that anything has spread to her lungs which is something I am incredibly grateful for.  I cry as I type this because I love this little rescue cat so terribly much.  After a few margaritas with my girlfriend, this parking lot cat ended up in my car and after almost three years she has brought me so much joy.  She chose me and I am the lucky one.  I have only her best interest at heart and this blog has been incredibly helpful at preparing me for the journey that is ahead.

I’ve been joking that Lula’s two favorite things are to sit in my lap and snooze on my side of the bed – both of which she can do with only three legs if she has to. 🙂

I ask for your prayers for Queen Lu as she undergoes surgery today and ask for your advice if you have been through a similar situation.  Thank you SO much to all of you who shared your sweet words on instagram.  As the saying goes, our pets are not our whole life but they make our lives whole.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and love – XOXO –

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25 thoughts on “Friday’s Five”

  1. That breaks my heart 🙁 My thoughts go out to your family and sweet Lulu – I know you love her dearly and will be helping her make this transition as easy as possible!

  2. Oh no. I am so, so, sorry for this news. Must be grateful that you are attentive enough to catch a small lump. Thankfully, I’ve never had a pet need an amputation, but about 10 yrs ago, my dear cat Tigerlily had a series of massive strokes that left her blind for the last 2 years of her life. I thought it might be helpful for you to know how incredibly adaptive these amazing little animals are! I lived with my parents then, and we were all just constantly in awe of the way she carried on with life, barely missing a beat, navigating their three story house with relative ease & fearless against their much-larger dog (albeit a dog who was always more afraid of her, but nevertheless… lol). Im sure Queen Lu’s astonishing adaptability will leave you in wonder, as well. Thoughts & prayers for you both. =)

  3. I’ve never had a cut undergo surgery, but I did have a cat with a chronic illness that required a lot of scary vet visits. I know so well the stress of having a sick animal so let me reassure you that everything you’re feeling – the fear, the anxiety, that particular kind of sadness – is totally normal and okay. What I did learn from my experience with my sweet cat is that they are INCREDIBLY resilient. My cat’s rescuer told me something during that time period that I always think of in times like this – cats don’t know that they have a choice to feel any way other than they do right this second, so they pretty instantly learn how to deal because they don’t waste time on self-pity. Sweet Lu will absolutely be okay. She will adjust and she will be an awesome tripod cat and she will live a long happy life, all because you decided to get her the care she needed. She is lucky to have you and you are lucky to have her and it will really really be okay! Hugs to both of you.

  4. Oh my gosh Kathleen, I am so sorry! I definitely cried while reading that. Lula is so cute and she will be even cuter with 3 legs! I am thinking about you guys today and just stay strong for her! Can’t wait to see some great pics of you guys in the future 🙂

  5. Aww Kathleen!!! This brought tears to my eyes!!! Being an animal lover myself and having my own little baby dog…. I cannot imagine the stress you are feeling! My prayers out to you and Lu! I wish her a fast recovery!! You are such a good Pet Mama!!!
    xo
    The ” New York” Kathleen

  6. So sorry to hear about Lulu. It sounds like you caught it early and did the right thing by taking her to the vet immediately. One of my dogs is a rescue who had his left hind leg amputated and at first glance, many people do not even notice his missing leg. He gets around just as well as my other dog (they are both Bichons) and has a good life full of all the things that dogs love to do:) I will keep your little Lulu in my thoughts.

  7. My whole heart goes out to you! Lula is loved an incredible amount and is so lucky to have chosen you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you today and the coming days of her recovery. She is a fierce little lady and I have total faith!

  9. I’m so sorry to hear about Lula 🙁 I’m sending both of you prayers for a fast and painless recovery. With a mom who loves her as much as you do, she will get through this! xoxo

  10. Oh Kathleen I am so sorry to hear this! I lost my first cat when I was a freshman in college. He was 11 and had a tumor on his stomach, so he would eat anymore 🙁 My friend drove me back to my hometown in the middle of a snow storm so I could say bye to him! I still miss Play-doh so much! Just be so grateful that you were able to catch it quickly! I will pray for a fast and complete recovery!

  11. I’m so sorry little Lulu is sick, but it sounds like she is in GREAT hands with you, your hubby, and your vet. She *will* be okay and will still lead a full life. It’s shocking how quickly these precious ones adapt to big changes, and I know Lulu will adapt the same way. You are doing the right thing in saving her life…she is truly blessed to have found you, and vice versa :). Hugs to you and Lulu as you go through this!

  12. I am so very sorry about your Lu. Fur babies for sure make our lives whole. I lost a sweet pup a few years ago to cancer and I wish we had been able to have the option to amputate something to make him better. It just wasn’t possible. I’ll be thinking about ya’ll.

  16. When I saw this last night on Insta I was so sad BUT THEN I started googling cat peg legs and they are so precious! It just adds another layer of fabulousness to Miss LuLu. Just think… you could bedazzle the peg leg for her! 😉

  18. She’s clearly a fighter cat, and will survive this! 🙂 I knew a cat with 3 legs and he was just fine!

  21. I really feel for you, that must be such a hard decision to make. I wish Lulu a swift recovery and a new lease of life. Sending you positive thoughts.

  22. Oh wow so sorry about Lu! Praying for her swift recovery so that you can snuggle her very soon! 🙂

  24. So sorry to hear about Lu…I’ve had cats all my life, they will amaze you 🙂 She will be fine, she will be back to her old self in no time 🙂 Take good care..

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