snowflake

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Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 09:47

Just wondering how poor little Mickey is doing. Hope he is pulling through this. Are 7 Days interested in following up on the story? It really is a tragic story and just wish some good would come out of this for him and other animals. Pls keep us up to date with his progress.

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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 17:48

I read this and felt sick in my stomach. Poor poor thing. I so hope he recovers. To think of the pain and fear he must have felt and then to drag himself back to his home.....really is awful. It disgusts me that there are people in this world who are capable of this sort of cruelty. I so wish they would get caught, but doubt that will happen. Please, please keep us posted on his progress.

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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 21:26

Hi Shamat. No problem. I had mentioned what type of fabrics (and price range) I was looking for and he turned up with a selection and also offered to bring more if I couldn't find anything I liked. I have to admit i hate trawling around fabric shops here as they are usually so badly organised that it is a nightmare trying to find anything so this suits me. i think what i might do for one of the rooms that i want to get done, is try to find some ideas in magazines of patterns etc and show him so he knows what i am looking for. I didn't actually ask him if he operated out of a shop. Hope that helps.

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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 11:45

Just trying to sort out curtains in my own house, so thought I would add someone to your list. I am dealing with Mr Jamal from Golden Scissors (mob 050 5882773). He was recomended to me. I have to say that so far...he has been very helpful, turned up when he said and his prices were good. Curtains should be coming soon, so I will let you know, but as he was recomended, I am expecting it all to be good. He is definitely worth a try. I did the Dragon Mart trek, but could never find material that I liked and I actually found the prices quite high for what I wanted, so gave up on that. Good luck and hope you get your curtains sorted.

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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 18:58

Sorry, Ashc.....don't mean to upset anyone, but just want mums to appreciate their time with their kids. Thank you so much for the support.....it means so much, and I would be happy to help out new mums. Adopt an Aunty!!! That is the problem when you live so far away from home. New mums don't get the support network of their mums / aunties / etc and old mums like me don't have their nieces / nephews, etc to dote on. Strange thing is that so many people who have responded on this thread have either been through it or a several years away from it!!! Aren't there any others out there who are going through it now......or are they just coping better? Time to head for the chocolate again....miracle cure for most ills! I had better stop responding on this thread as I really don't want to upset any new mums. Enjoy the present and don't dwell on the future too much or you will miss today.

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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 16:17

Have to admit that while I am trying my hardest to accept this there are days when every little memory sets me off. not good I know but just going to have to deal with it. Problem is that I have thoroughly loved every minute of being a hands on mum, and yes, whilst I know that I will always be their mum, it isn't the same as being there for all the little things....the hugs, the cuddles, their first experiences of things, their little celebrations from parties to sports days to school concerts!!!! Oh no......just set myself off again! Sigh! Bless your son trying to grow up so quickly. Every half / quarter year is so important to them at that age. Just remember to hold on to all those sweet moments because sometimes you can get so caught up in school, activities, exams, etc that before you know it they have grown up. I remember people warning me and I remember thinking I had plenty of time, but time can move very quickly when you don't want it to. Enjoy being a mum......the best job in the world......and the most important!

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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 11:47

Thank you so much Burnt Marshmallows SalsB and Dal Fry. It really does help to know that other people have been through this and have survived. I am trying to keep everyone's words of wisdom in my head to help me cope. I know I am not the only one going through this....although some seem more pragmatic about it than others Wish I could be like that. I dread the actual day coming but at the same time I almost want it to be over with so I can get on with dealing with it rather than keep dreading it coming. I will hopefully post again in a few months time and let everyone know that I am having a whale of a time growing old disgracefully in a clutter free house. Trying to cheer myself up by making a mental list of all the things I will no longer have to deal with.... sweaty socks stuffed down the back of the sofa (yes, I know it sounds disgusting, but believe me it happens) equally sweaty trainers left in the middle of doorways (usually one only with the other one to be found in the back of the car blaring music playing in every available room with a music system slamming doors (not out of temper...but just because they can) fridge emptied of all food within an hour even though it had only been filled two hour before constant requests for lifts into town and pick ups while at the same time being criticized for my driving skills never having to hear the phrase 'well everyone else's mum lets them do / go / have........' I am going to have to put my thinking cap on and keep adding to this list and stick it up on my fridge....it might cheer me up. All suggestions welcome.

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Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 23:14

Thank you so much Burnt Marshmallows for thinking of me. That is so so kind of you. I am hanging on in there.....just! Good and bad days! Ask me again when I get back......will need a whole crate load of the red grape juice by then lol. I think my hubby will too! Actually add a box full of galaxy to that order! Keep reminding myself that this is normal and that I am not the only one going through this. Thank goodness for water proof mascara!!! Now if I could just find water proof foundation ( there is a gap in the market for that ). To all of you out there who are about to face this.....remember that you aren't the only one and it is normal to feel the way you do. We are mums after all! I know one mum (whose child didn't manage to get in to uni so they are staying here for a gap year) and as sad as she is that her child didn't make it this year, I know that secretly she is over the moon.......and I fully understand. I am trying to remind myself that I am not so much letting go as loosening the rope a bit.....but the end is sill firmly tied to me and no doubt always will be (at least I hope it will be). I really need to find some funny cartoons / jokes about this phase of life....would love to be able to pass on some funny words of wisdom. There should surely be some light hearted books on this.....any suggestions welcome.

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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 22:13

I took the time to read it too. Poor girl....she is obviously a very loving and loyal animal and so deserves a good home. Do you think she would adapt to an indoor only life or would she be best suited to an indoor / outdoor life? Would she get on with other pets / cats? I am only asking so I can ask around to see if I can find someone to offer her a home. Can't promise anything with so many people being away right now, but I would so love to be able to help her find the home she deserves.

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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 10:14

Thank you all (Paddie / Primrose / Dubai Gecko / Nomad) for your kind wishes and support. As I said, the credit goes to everyone who got involved (including the girl J who initially saw the trap (but has since left as she was on holiday) and Feline Friends for getting involved). Please carry on looking out for and feeding (dry food) to any street cats you may see. They have a hard enough life as it is. I have actually been told (by a Western expat) that people who feed strays are 'crazy'. Well, personally speaking, I would prefer to be 'crazy' than mean spirited and cold hearted. Not many of us can face up to the difficult, front line, heart breaking work that incredible organisations like Feline Friends / K9 (and others) do, but we can try to help in a small way and I know that so many of you already do. It really inspires me!

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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 19:00

Yes....seems so....keep hoping they will turn up. But, please still help us as we need to protect the remaining few. As to the possibility of being put down humanely! I have heard some awful stories from people who you would expect to know. Remember that having a cat with a collar or cut ears (as these two little one did) does not guarantee that they won't be 'picked up', although it should. I can't say for definite that these two little ones have been taken but whatever has happened to them....it is really sad not to see them playing around outside the coffee shop. A lot of the shopkeepers I have spoken to also miss them and used to feed them regularly (along with half the shoppers of Motorcity). Spinneys must have done some great sales on cat food. No wonder they were so friendly. Still hoping for small miracle that they will return.

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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 17:12

Forgot to add that although there is growing number of people who are prepared to help and get involved we could always do with more. We know that finding these cats a real home is unlikely, so we are just trying to protect their right to live in the only home they know. If we could get ok from management then we know that there are a lot of people who would be prepared to feed them etc. If they are neutered their numbers won't grow but they could make huge contribution to pest control

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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 17:01

Hi thingymabob.......here is the update. With the help of feline friends we are trying to follow up with management to get them to agree to let cats stay but we don't seem to be getting very far as no one will give us name of 'the person / decision maker' to talk to. We just keep getting stalled. This is why we need the petition to show the growing support. The playful brother and sister kittens who were so well loved by so many have still not reappeared (both disappeared immediately after first traps were set). Still hoping they will reappear but sadly doubt if they will especially after Girlanachronism's post. So sad as so many shoppers and shopkeepers had fallen in love with them. Hard not to as they were real personalities, especially the male. Girl anachronism's post is very worrying so we would like everyone to look out for traps and post or use contact details on poster in Spinneys to let someone know. There are a couple of cats left of this little family we are still fighting to protect so we can't give up on them now. Even if you have already checked Facebook and the poster in spinneys please check again for important update.

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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 12:13

Thank you so much Kristina_rnmv for adding the link to the petition and to everyone involved in setting up the page. Way beyond my technical skills (or lack of).

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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 23:34

Forgot to check Girlanachronism........... Was it thus week or last week?

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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 23:32

Thank you so much girl anachronism. I appreciate you getting back to us. I will pass on the information to the rest of the group. It is so upsetting as we were promised that they wouldn't trap until a decision was made. The company concerned were contacted today to ask about traps after we saw your post but they have denied any involvement. It is so sad without the little lovable family there. So many people including several shopkeepers have been concerned about their safety and they are being missed. The problem is that they were so friendly and trusting of families that they would have been easy to trap. It will be desperately sad if we have not been able to save some of the cats but we know there are still one or two who need to be protected. Of course any agreement to protect these street cats would also help pave the way to protect other communities. These animals have a difficult enough time surviving on the street as it is with the heat, climate and inherent dangers of street life. Sad that some people dint even have it in their heart to give them a corner of a street to live on. Please please sign the petition or log onto Facebook. I will let the relevant person know about the invitation issue. Please pass message on to friends

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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 12:37

Could you read pet forum so we can get more details on the traps you saw. Big thanks!

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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 12:36

Thank you so much Assisi for taking the trouble to put up the photos. I know you are always busy with cats so I appreciate it.

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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 10:16

Thanks for your input everyone. Yes, Icfcfcm the idea of putting collars on has already been suggested, but neither a collar or cut ear (to indicate the cat has been neutered by Feline Friends) has prevented cats from being picked up. If we could just gather enough support to get the management to agree to letting this small family stay then there has been discussion of getting them 'adopted' by the community and making them 'official', but this is all pointless until we get the powers that be to let them stay. Yes Jessica_dt....I haven't seen them for ages (and the management had finally (and possibly reluctantly) agreed to wait for a final decision. I know one of the cats has a good home, and although you haven't seen any other members of the extended family around for over a week, I know for sure there are one or two around but the heat is getting to them. I just hope they haven't been trapped recently. Whatever the sad situation is re: the traps.....the reality is that there will always be cats around. Killing off one little group will only result in another group taking over their space and the next group may not be so human friendly. When are people going to realise the advantage of having street cats as pest control. I gather that a several high profile hotels here in Dubai actually keep and look after their resident hotel cats as pest control. Well done to them. Why can't others wake up and start doing something positive (other than preaching about their environmental concerns in mission statements and press, but doing nothing concrete about it). Please keep supporting us.....I would hate to think that some of the cats have been trapped and killed, but we really owe it to the rest to help them....and other cats in the area. PLEASE join the FACEBOOK campaign.......Save the Motorcity cats........and forward to all your 'friends'. Thanks

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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 08:49

OH NO.....please tell me what day this was, Girlanachronism. Do you remember? Where exactly was the trap and what time of day was it? I will be furious if they have gone ahead with trapping as they had finally agreed with Feline Friends (after a lot of persuasion) not to trap until the developer company had come to a decision. This is why we have been so desperate to drum up support to stop this. I have suspected that they are still trapping as some of the cats have disappeared. I can't believe people can do this? These animals weren't harming anyone and are so well loved by so many people (shoppers / residents and shopkeepers). This is such awful news. Please get back to me and let me know when / where and what time? And yes, you are right....they won't just trap the street cats. They aren't supposed to trap neutered cats or cats with collars, but....... these cats are neutered and I know in other areas that cats with collars (and microchips) have been trapped and taken away. This is so sad! I need to find out more, so please give me details to help us. By the way...when you do a search for the facebook page......put Motorcity as one word or you won't find it (or at least I didn't). Please continue supporting this. These animals don't deserve this.

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Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 17:05

Bump!

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Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 11:08

Thanks so so much for your support Deborah and Babbs. I really appreciate people who take the time to add their voice to ours and not just walk by. The more support we get the better....so please pass the message on as much as possible. As I said, I don't know how facebook works, but I gather you can forward it to friends or something. If some people reading this are hesitant because they think we are going to pressure them into taking a kitten.....that is not the case. We are just trying to get management to re-think their position on this to let the cats stay where they are obviously well loved and like. Yes, it would be lovely to find a new home for them all, but as this is the real world and there are so many cats needing homes, this is unlikely. Added to which, these cats are genuinely well loved by so many people and well looked after too. Please check out the notice in Spinneys (late tomorrow or today as I need to get my printer working again, if I can) for more info and details of who to contact. We welcome all ideas.

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Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 20:36

Thanks so much Babbs. Please pass the message on to all your friends as it isn't just about the cats in Motor City, it is about all the cat colonies here. I am not a Feline Friends volunteer and they have my HUGE admiration for all that they do....and it would be so wonderful to convince the companies involved with this particular area as it will not only protect these cats, but also, hopefully, lend more weight to future campaigns to protect other colonies. I am so grateful for the support the cats have received from different people and so many people are doing so many great things to help these and other animals. There are genuinely nice people in this world and it is nice to have an opportunity to meet some of them through this sad situation. To anyone reading this who hasn't signed up yet.....please do so or check out the poster in Spinneys MotorCity. If you are an animal lover, please just don't turn a blind eye.

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Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 20:30

I wish you all the luck I can Assisi and SueB. I will send out some texts, etc to chase up on anyone I know who may be interested. Had one person who was thinking of adopting the other day, so I will try again to see if they have decided yet. Hope you manage to find them a good home. I truly admire you both for doing this all the time.

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Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 10:40

HI Deborah. I am finding out about so many people who have been feeding these lovely cats. They must be the best fed street cats in Dubai LOL! Unfortunately....since they put the trap down last week (which started all this rolling), they two little brother and sister (who they were trying to trap) have not been seen. I am very suspicious as to what has happened to them!!! One black female was left over the weekend. A few kind hearted people who had contacted me via a poster at Spinneys Motor City (still up there if you want contact details) met up at Starbucks on Saturday to try to help the cats and think of a way forward. While we were there, the little black female was outside and so so many people were stopping to feed, play with and chat to her. She hadn't been spayed (unlike the two kittens who had and have disappeared...so sad), so one of the kind souls who had met me for coffee immediately picked her up and took her to be spayed. The cat, nicknamed Sabrina is now recuperating with me and believe me she is the nicest, sweetest, gentlest street cat I have ever met. It looks like we may have found a home for her now with another kind family (new to Dubai) who will look after her. I can tell you, she has only been with me a short time, but i am going to find it difficult to let her go and I know the girl who took her to be spayed also fell in love with her. In the meantime, to the passer by, it would seem as if there are no more cats left (which must please the powers that wanted to remove the cats). There is a heck of a lot more details of this story to tell you, but I feel I have to be very careful what I say on such a public forum. Please contact me if you care about the cats and would like to know more (check the poster in Spinneys). I know you said you were leaving, but believe me this isn't the end of the story as there are more cats around (can't explain here) and they will need to be protected. So we have to try to open the eyes of the management company to the advantages of having cats around for these cats and other street cats. Please, please sign the petition at the salon (mentioned below) or log on to Facebook. Any offers of ideas / suggestions / advice / help, etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 09:16

There is a petition to help save the cats which is being kept in the Beauty Lab salon further up the street from Starbucks where the cats hang out. Huge thanks to them for being kind enough to help out. There is also the facebook page......Save the Motor City cats. Please, please take the time to sign up / log on. It will only take seconds of your time, but could make a huge difference to these and other street cats that perform a vital role in the community and are threatened with termination. I believe, correct me if I am wrong, that Abu Dhabi has recognized the role that street cats play in keeping rats and cockroaches down so has allowed street cats to stay on the street as long as they are neutered, etc. The cats that were there are unbelievably friendly and no threat or menace to anyone. Please help.

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Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 15:11

Thanks Babbs & Pricey. Unfortunately, I am not very techno savvy, so i don't know how you access the facebook page other than putting in a search for 'Save the Motor City cats'. I will try to get hold of the person who kindly set it up and ask her to tell me what to do so I can put it here. I think the paper petition will be placed in one of the shops on that strip and one of us will 'stake out' the coffee shop for an hour or two with it too (will keep you posted).....all welcome to pop in and sign. Unfortunately, this is the wrong time of year and if it was after the summer we would no doubt get a huge response. We will keep trying though. In the meantime, please sign and support us. It is so easy to turn a blind eye to all the many problems we see with humans and animals, but sometimes we just need to stop and say that for once we are not going to turn a blind eye and all it takes is a signature or....any other support of any kind that any of you can suggest. We are open to all ideas as we are all well intentioned amateurs just trying to help. Even if you don't live in the area, you could still sign as it is one step forward for other street cats too. Could everyone also put out feelers for anyone prepared to adopt a 'friendly' black cat / kitten. Thanks!

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Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 17:01

Thanks, Assisi. I have tried to send you the photos. Just to update. Still no solution. I gather Feline Friends have been constantly trying to get to speak to the management company but last I heard they hadn't got back to them. I am following up on a possible warehouse lead (yes, I know it is not ideal, but.....). Several very kind people have contacted me to express their concern and asking how they can help (which is greatly appreciated). I knew these cats had quite a fan club of devoted feeders as I have seen so many people interact with them while I have been there with my coffee. We just need to pray that between all of us, a solution will be found. I have been back today and the cats weren't there, so for my own peace of mind, I will go back later to see if they have returned. I so genuinely appreciate the interest and involvment of those who have contacted me and of course, Feline Friends, and if I am honest I still don't know what to do, but I am just hoping that Feline Friends will be able to convince the management to have a rethink and let them stay where they obviously already have a lot of support. If anyone has any ideas....please post. Thanks!

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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 16:22

First a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for all your help and advice. I am so so so grateful to you..(Assisi, Samarhabibi & Nomad), the girl (J) who initially found the trap and stood guard over it for three hours yesterday in the heat trying to stop them catching the cats and the two wonderful Feline Friends volunteers who turned up today. You have all restored my faith in humanity!!! As a result of some recent events, I had begun to despair of people helping with similar situations, but this has certainly made me realise that there are a lot of amazing people out there who are prepared to get involved and help out. THANKS! Now for an update my end. A great FF volunteer turned up at 8 this morning to meet me and J (who did such a great job of 'guarding' the cats yesterday). She was going to go the management office and try to speak to the guy to get him to realise what an asset the cats could be to the area. Don't know if she would have got much joy based on yesterday's events. It was as much as we could do to get him to grant them a stay of execution of 24 hours. Time is ticking! It seems that both the kittens had already been neutered and checked by FF so they are all ready to go to a new home. The few shoppers who passed by all smiled, chatted and played with the cats and we tried our hardest to see if anyone of them had a home / warehouse / stable where the cats could go....no joy so far. They seem to be so well liked and cared for by the majority of the people in the community that it seems tragic that possibly based on one or two complaints from heaven only knows who, they should be euthanized when they could be such a help with shops there for pest control. Another girl passed who also turned out to be a FF volunteer and she is going to try to catch the mother (who hasn't been 'done'). I didn't actually realise there was a mother around as I had only ever seen the two youngsters. So many people have been so kind.....and I am desperately hoping we can help them find a home. I am asking everyone I know. They are such amazing personalities and the little boy is particularly friendly and playful. The little girl is quieter and smaller. I am hoping that the first FF volunteer can persuade the 'management' to re-think their decision and she said she will get back to me with an update. If that fails, I guess we will have to think of temporary homes in the hope that we can find something more permanent for these cute guys. Thanks for the email, Assisi. I will email you asap with my details and thanks for the help. I have taken some photos of them and now I just need someone to help me put them up here. I am not familiar with Facebook or Piscaweb (which I know have been used in the past to show photos of available animals). So hoping for a small miracle on this one.......anyone know of a kind warehouse owner / stable , etc that would welcome some reliable enthusiastic mousers in exchange for some nibblies and love? I think that some good temporary names for them would be Nero, Caribou and Starbucks after the coffee shops they like to hang out around on that stretch of road. Cats after my own heart! LOL! Thank you again all. Please ask around to find them a home. Will keep you posted.

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Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 21:41

Hi Assisi.....thank you so much for even getting someone to help out. I know feline friends are inundated with cats and they can't provide an instant solution, but I truly appreciate you and them taking the trouble to get involved. I have already spoken to my friend and she said that she will be happy to go down to meet the Feline Friends person at 8 am. The cats usually hang out by Starbucks next to Spinneys, so she will be there at 8 am. She has given me the names of the people she spoke to at the management company, but it might not be a good idea for me to publish them on this forum. She will, however, be more than happy to give her all the details tomorrow. I know there was another lady involved this morning who was also trying to help, but as she is only visiting she isn't in a position to offer a home, although she was totally committed to trying to help the cats out and even removed the food from the trap and closed the trapdoor to stop them catching them. I will make sure she knows what is happening. I know FF are constantly busy with so many cats so I really do appreciate this input and we are certainly not going to walk away and expect FF to sort it out....not fair....but would be so grateful of any possible solutions.

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Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 21:31

Hi Assisi. I know you by name from this forum and I know you are a caring, active cat lover, so I appreciate you taking the trouble to answer our plea for help. Both my friend and I are trying to convince our hubbies to take them on temporarily, but as we both have cats already this is proving difficult. Unfortunately my methods of persuasion are being undermined by the difficulties we had with a past experence of trying to get my spoilt indoor cats to accept a foster one. Unfortunately this is totally the wrong time of year to be looking for a home, but at this stage (when the management told my friend they would only give her 24 hours before they took them) I would be grateful for a cat loving warehouse that would welcome two active enthusiastic mousers. I wish there was a kindly farmer near who would welcome them as pest control. I had thought of keeping them in my spare bathroom, but would that be cruel when they are used to being free to roam outside? Would it be cruel to bring them over to my house and keep them as outside cats until, hopefully, something turns up? What do you think? Although that too is fraught with problems as I just don't know what I would do when I go on holiday in a few weeks. I know these are the sorts of problems you and other active animal helpers face every day and I do appreciate you even considering taking them with your house already full. I would be grateful if you could keep these two little ones in mind when you are looking for homes for your crowd. My friend is desperately hoping the management company give them a stay of execution (24 hours is awful) and we just hope that we can find a solution. I know my friend has put up a poster in Spinneys. The sad thing is that we have seen so many people chatting to / playing with / feeding them, but these people may not be aware that they are now on death row and in desperate need of help. Please if anyone has any ideas......let us know. I know they are two of thousands, but as they have always been so friendly with all the passers by it seems doubly tragic that they are being threatened with being euthanized.

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Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 13:56

Ooooh! Might as well have that piece of chocolate cheese cake that has been calling my name! What the heck! Live on the edge! As for worrying about everything and anything after having kids......personally speaking, I think that is perfectly normal. Mother Nature's way of making sure we protect our own. I experienced the same thing when I had mine and even now.....years later, I am still the same. I used to be a sane, practical career minded womand before I had them and then that went all out of the window after they were born. Worry about 'worst case scenario' for nearly everything, how it would affect my kids and how I would protect them. Maternal instinct and the desire to protect your own are incredibly strong and powerful emotions. Doubt if it will change while I am on this planet. On that note.....better head off for the chocolate cheesecake!

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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 23:17

Thanks Kuchy and Fido....very much appreciated.

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Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 21:19

Explain so she doesn't think you are being rude by not going to the shower and then definitely turn up in person with the gift. She will have loads on the day, so may not even notice the absence of yours, but it would be far nicer to receive it in person at a later stage, especially if you are a good friend of hers.

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Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 21:17

Ditto! Love it. No problems, apart from having to empty the water container (small task) and actually mine seems to work better than my old dryer.

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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:42

I went to the old terminal (departures section)...is that Terminal 2? I can't actually remember if Terminal 3 was open then as it happened about two years ago. Hope you find it. I know it sounds ridiculous, but take someone with you as I found it quite un nerving to go down to what was a very quiet (and felt isolated) area of the airport on my own. They can help you search through the stuff, too. Good luck!

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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:39

I agree with every single one listed by you all! What a great thread! I will probably spend the rest of the night in bed compiling a list of all the other things that make me happy!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:31

This happened to me (actually it was hubby's fault). I also had the same problem with the number....but after several attempts got through to a guy who didn't quite understand what I was trying to say (my fault, not his), Ended up going down there...asked at information....and was directed to a back office (seem to remember going down in a lift to get to it)....down corridor to a lost property room with a guy at a desk surrounded by tons of 'stuff' in what appeared to be random bags and boxes. I took one look at it and thought there would be no chance of finding the stuff we left on the flight, but after giving details of flight and date....guy started pulling a few boxes / bags down off shelves and started rummaging through contents....and lo and behold....with our help in sifting through the odds and ends, we eventually found our stuff. At the time, it felt more by luck than because of any system in place...but I may be being very unfair and maybe this guy had a system to the chaos before me. Anyway...best advice is to go down to the airport....as you won't get very far on the phone. Good luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:18

Absolutely disgusted. What is the matter with the law that this is even being considered. There is absolutely no way she should be allowed to profit from this appalling situation and the tragic death of her child. What does it say about the UK that this is going on!!!!!!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:14

Will definitely call and add my voice.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 17:56

Good point about never using your hand, SueB. I forgot that one. Same with feet.....I had to stop my then younger son playing with the kitten with his feet as it gave her the wrong message and she then started to attack any foot that moved. As SueB said...same with hands. Good luck with the kitten. PS Like the Italian name!!!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 12:08

You are more than welcome, SueB. If the cats can't say it....someone needs to. I know that there are lots of 'helpers' out there (whose names I can't remember), but I have often read posts by you and Assisi and thought you must be really nice ladies with big hearts.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 12:03

Hope I have given you good advice nonnoniente. I really hope blowing in her face helps, but I would suggest that if you see it is making her worse, then stop blowing air into her face as each cat is different with their own personality and what worked for my cat, might not work for yours. I would hate to make things worse for you and her. Another thing I though you could try is to ask the vet for a plug in cat calmer. I don't know what it is, but our vet advised us to get one when we had our little 'devil'. You plug it in to the the socket and it is supposed to let off some substance that calms cats. I don't know if that helps. We ended up leaving it in our old house by mistake when we moved so we didn't give it a fair try. About her biting your daughter.......unfortunately, as I mentioned before, most kittens 'play' by jumping / attacking / biting etc. Just think of the way puppies chew, bite and play. I have always had a variety of scratches from kittens. It is just their way of playing and learning how to attack. Ususally they do calm down.....as they get older and after they have been spayed. One final question.....have you had cats before? If not, you may not know where a cat likes / doesn't like to be stroked and you (or you young daughter) may not know how to read the signs that a cat has had enough. Most cats (although this can vary too from cat to cat) will instantly attack if you tickle or stroke them on their belly (unless they are very laid back or asleep). And although a lot of cats like to be stroked on their backs, they don't like it to carry on as far down as their tail (again depends on cat). Favourite spots are to the side of their face / chin (unless they have a tooth problem). Warning signs that they have had enough........quick swishing of tail / one of both ears flattening out.....these signs mean that they don't like what you are doing. Just try to spend one on one time with your cat and get to know what she likes / will / won't tolerate. Then you can help your daughter to do the same. I know it sounds a lot of work, but it is worth it. I genuinely hope she calms down for you. I can't say all cats are angels, but she obviously had a rough start and had to fend for herself for quite a while, so she deserves a bit of patience. I hope she can be brought around to be a lovely cat for you all. If all of the above fail.....seek advice from a vet. Maybe they will have better ideas than me. Good luck

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 11:41

Hi Shoyz....I don't think his experience will fit in directly with the work that a friend of mine does.....but I will copy the details and let this friend know and see if they know of anything for him. I am really sorry that I can't offer any more help than that. In the meantime I hope you find something.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 21:47

I obviously don't know you, SueB, but I have often read the cat / pet related threads and I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to know that there are people like you and another poster Assisi who devote so much love, time and care to animals. People like you make the world a better place.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 21:43

I would like to be able to help Shoyz, but I don't know if I can. Could you give me a bit more information eg you mention sales / marketing....but in which field? What type of sales / marketing work has he been doing? Is it in retail / construction / pharmaceutical / etc?

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 15:12

I forgot to add that pouncing is quite normal for a kitten. They will do it all the time (especially when you are in bed and trying to get to sleep). The least movement and they go for it.....all part of learning to look for their own food, I suppose. So don't be too harsh on that behaviour. It will most probably calm down as the cat gets older. Always has with mine. As for the cryiing / talking. Some cats are just naturally chattier than others and like to get your attention. One of mine is like that.....miaows all the time....hungry / thirsty / looking for affection or just wanting some attention. While another cat I have doesn't chat at all....she just gently head butts you when she wants your attention and if you don't give her any, she goes to look for something naughty to do (like leaping at the curtain) to get your attention. Just like a child. She will get your attention with good or bad behaviour. Your choice. As soon as you then play with her, she is happy again.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 14:54

I am not an expert by any means, but I love cats and have had a few in my time. The last kitten we took on was so wild at the beginning that even I had doubts that we had done the right thing by having her. She used to bite and scratch us all.......but now we have an adorable, calm cat who is the diva of the house. Please don't give up. Ours was so bad that even the vet was reluctant to handle her and said she reminded him of a tazmanian devil!!!! Luckily for us, she did change. We trawled the internet for ideas. Tried the water spray but that didn't work as she just got more frightened and less likely to accept strokes, etc. I felt really guilty doing it too. In the end we got a good idea from a veterinarian site on the internet. Apart from lots of love and affection (cuddles weren't acceptable to her at the time) we would also blow a short breath of air at her face (not too close and not directly at her eyes) every time she went to bite or scratch us. It always startled her and made her stop. It didn't hurt her and after a few months of doing this, she started to calm down (although she took out her energy on our curtains instead by leaping at them and climbing up to the top....hey ho....cats you gotta love them. She is now a beautiful cat and with age (she is not old, just past kitten hood) she has mellowed into such a laid back creature that she can barely lift herself off the sofa to go to eat. Please perservere and hope it works out. I would never advise anything cruel....but this seemed harmless and worked for us....but you have to stick at it and dont' forget the love and affection.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 10:22

How about trying to think of all the things you missed about Australia (if that is your home town) or wherever home is...while you were in Dubai. Any overseas move is really stressful and it sounds as if you have a baby too which must take a lot of your energy, so give yourself some time. Don't expect to love your new life straight away...because if you do, you are setting yourself up for more disappointments. Take it slowly and try to find positives in your new life, even if they are small ones. I know from my own experience....when I came out to the Middle East a long time ago, I hated it for the first 10 months and missed home so much, but very, very slowly (without me even realising it) I started to make friends, learn to love my new environment and basically settle in. Just give yourself time. If you still really hate it in a year....talk to your husband and see if you could come back for a few years. Just don't jump back yet.....what you are feeling is perfectly normal after such a big move. Big hugs and hope you feel better about your new life soon.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 10:12

Loved it! Thanks for posting it sticky Wicket. Cheered me up! Can't imagine my old school teachers ever doing anything like that, but then again.... Things like this work wonders for teacher / student relationships. Good for them for doing it and being good sports.

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