Bogart Returns
A photo essay by Jenny and Dave
Our darling Bogart, just 17 months old, became very ill in January, 1999. Let's just put it this way--he couldn't perform his daily duties. For four weeks we and the vet tried to find an easy solution to the problem, but nothing helped. We decided he needed surgery. He underwent successful surgery on February 19. The surgery basically gave him a new urethra and well, now he looks like a girl. After surgery he remained in the animal hospital for two weeks. He lost four pounds because he was very sad and wouldn't eat. We're now working on fattening him up--he's up to 10 pounds! While the pictures below in no way present the graphic nature of the surgical wounds, trust us, it ain't pretty. But two months later, he looks worlds better physically and there seem to be no residual psychological problems for the poor little guy. Now if his butt hair would just grow back in...

During all this trauma Jenny's friends on the quilting BB decided to help us cover the enormous costs of surgery and hospitalization. Checks came in from all over the world and Marcie even sent Bogie a quilt to help him feel better! Friends helped us figure out ways to coax Bogie to eat and everyone gave support and comfort when Jenny was worried. We can never thank you all enough for helping us. How nice it is to discover that there are still kind, caring people in the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We hope you like looking at our baby!

(From April 1999)

The first thing Bogie wanted when he came home was his favorite blankie! Wherever the blanket (which we received from Dave's aunt for the wedding) fell, moments later a cat would be attached to it. Relaxing on his blankie
"Toucans and rattles and small wicker baskets..."

Yes, he's cleaning the rattle right now.

 with his favorite toys
He crawled in this basket all on his own. Hasn't stopped since. Basket o'Bogie
Jenny put the covers over him and he just snuggled in more. Lately he will crawl under the unmade covers, often startling whoever makes the bed that day. In the sheets
Bogie and Eponine in a rare moment of kitty peace. (that's Marcie's quilt! Thank you Marcie...)

Note his shaved right front paw and butt. He wasn't thrilled about this. 		Sleeping with the enemy
You only slept 20 hours today -- you'll have to work harder at this. Camera Whore
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