I hope this update finds you warm and well and enjoying the good things in life, as you so generously provide for Newman. He has had a great month and is loving his outdoor time in the solarium, even when April is “showering” upon him. In fact, he can’t get enough of it! And Newman is in good company out there.
Have you ever had a friend who didn’t quite grasp the difference between “best friends” and “conjoined twins?” Newman has such a friend/admirer in Buddy. Seeing them together reminds me of a big-hearted Big Man on Campus with a wobbly plaid-clad freshman. About 90% of the time, Newman’s patience with “barnacle Buddy” is spectacular…but 10% of the time, Newman just can’t take it anymore. Buddy wants to cuddle, and there’s no such thing as “close enough.” Buddy wants to groom Newman…ceaselessly. If Newman delicately steps away from Buddy, or attempts to take a bite of food, Buddy leaps up and walks with him, doing his best to remain physically touching at all times.
Newman seems to realize that Buddy needs lots of reassurance, and his grace towards Buddy is touching…but sometimes, he gives Buddy a nip on the ear or neck. “ENOUGH YET ALREADY!” is the clear message. (OK, it’s not all that clear to Buddy, who continues doing the exact same thing that provoked the bite. But it seems to make Newman feel a little better to have asserted himself.) Happily, Newman’s affection for humans seems to be rubbing off on Buddy.
Meanwhile indoors, where it’s more common for an occasional kitty to attempt to ‘break out’ of her suite, Mimi was attempting to ‘break in’ to Suite FIV+. She so wanted to get her paws on the toy she saw through the window!
In other news, our FIV+ cats may soon be participating in a new clinical study. A Colorado veterinarian is studying a new FIV test, which shows promise in differentiating between the antigen and the antibody for the virus. This could be a lifesaving development: presently, even an FIV- cat will test positve for the virus if he’s been vaccinated against it. This new test will hopefully be able to distinguish between vaccinated cats and truly FIV+ cats. Newman and friends’ participation will involve cheek swabs and a bit of blood work.
Thank you for your generosity, love and support for Newman. Please stop to visit him if you possibly can. He would love to see you.
Have a great month! Happy Spring!