@critterologist His name was Belsaj. We've always had a thing for naming our dogs based on the origin of the breed, so the Laikas had Russian names (Belsaj, Radja, Zenja, Yuri, Yakov, Zoika, Borka, Pirjo and Mira), the Shiba Inus had Japanese names (Koori, meaning ice, Chisei, meaning intelligence, Ikinokoru, meaning "to fight for one's survival" or Iki - breath - for short).

Belsaj did have the most epic neck floof. So wonderful to run your hands through.

@bumplbea and @NJBob Thank you! I put a lot of love into it. ^^

He still does want to play , sadly I have to slow him down when he really gets excited.
Just afraid he would hurt his leg more then it already is.

Mopps, what a character!

He sure can be right now is the battle of getting the sweater off after his walk , it was hard enough to get it on him.

Ylis said: @critterologist His name was Belsaj. We've always had a thing for naming our dogs based on the origin of the breed, so the Laikas had Russian names (Belsaj, Radja, Zenja, Yuri, Yakov, Zoika, Borka, Pirjo and Mira), the Shiba Inus had Japanese names (Koori, meaning ice, Chisei, meaning intelligence, Ikinokoru, meaning "to fight for one's survival" or Iki - breath - for sho

Belsaj did have the most epic neck floof. So wonderful to run your hands through.

@bumplbea and @NJBob Thank you! I put a lot of love into it. ^^

Wow, We had a glass of wine with one of our new neighbors tonight and he has a beautiful Shiba Inu, I had never heard of that breed and now I come home and find you mentioning them. Her name is Ruby which is short for some long Japanese name I have already forgotten.

Bob, I can just picture Mopps inthe snow, she is pretty cute.

We're sad tonight. When we saw Mom a week ago, I thought Calvin (her little black kitty with the IBS and probable intestinal cancer) was starting to look worse again and that it might not be much longer, but he was still cuddled in her lap and purring, so it wasn't quite time. Tonight it was obvious to me that it's time, and Jim reluctantly agreed. He talked to the aide (who has 5 cats) and learned Calvin has been hiding the last couple days. He was in Mom's closet when we came tonight. The weight he gradually regained the past few months has just melted off him, and his back is arched when he stands or walks, which to me says his belly is really hurting. I'm going to call tomorrow morning for an appointment to have him PTS. Mom doesn't think she wants to come with us, which is fine. I'll go by early so she can cuddle him up before I take him. He's one of the sweetest cats I've ever known, and it just breaks my heart, but I know it's the kindest thing we can do for him.

So sorry Jill...BIG hugs to you all

Jill, .

Yes, usually when a cat starts hiding for days one knows that the time is close. So sad for Calvin but at least you will be there to comfort him.

Yes, I'll hold him as he's PTS, just as I did for Caleb (Mom's grey cat) right before THanksgiving.

I know we've all been there. I appreciate the love. I'm a mess right now, because I just finished writing Mom a note. She has short-term memory problems, so when anything major happens I write it down for her so she can read and re-read it. This way, her caregivers will have an answer for her when she asks where Calvin is.

I'm glad we found Cambridge (Cami) as soon as we did, although we were certainly hoping Calvin would have more time. But we knew increasing his chemo med was pretty much a Hail Mary pass, the one last possible treatment option. We'll send him over the Bridge tomorrow with a lot of love and tears.

Sending hugs, Jill. You are doing a good thing but I know that it will be painful for you.

So sorry, Jill.

So sorry to hear about Calvin.

Sorry for Calvin kitty.

Calvin was a neighborhood cat for 3-4 years before he, as Mom says, "took up with" them. I think he only had to jump onto her lap once when she was out on the back porch, and he found himself with a square meal and a warm bed. Dad tracked down the family he nominally belonged to, and they said they didn't want him. He thoroughly enjoyed the next 14 years of his life!

The first time we met Calvin, Joyanna was just a toddler, and we were visiting Jim's parents in NC. He heard her little-girl voice and just came barreling down the stairs, racing round the corner of the living room so fast he skidded, and flung himself down in front of her for luvs and belly rubs. Just unbelievable behavior. I could only think that, somewhere in his previous life, there clearly had been a little girl who loved him. He's always had a special place in Joyanna's heart, too.

@critterologist So sorry to hear about Calvin. The pain of having to let them go is the price we pay for all the love they bring into our lives. It sounds like Calvin's little paws have left a lot of prints on a lot of hearts that will be there long after his suffering has ended.

@ardesia Shiba Inus are in a league of their own, as if they are barely dogs at all. More like a morph between dog, fox, cat and some ancient wild fairy tale creature. I miss the ones I had the fortune of having in my life so very much.

Oh no Jill too soon to be saying goodbye again Extra for all of you

Oh, Jill so sorry and for you and your mom, to happen again so soon.

@Ylis I didn't realize you were the artist of the portrait, so amazing how the detail is so lifelike, you've an amazing gift.

I can just picture Mopps in the snow, too bad videos can't be posted.

critterologist said: We're sad tonight. When we saw Mom a week ago, I thought Calvin (her little black kitty with the IBS and probable intestinal cancer) was starting to look worse again and that it might not be much longer, but he was still cuddled in her lap and purring, so it wasn't quite time. Tonight it was obvious to me that it's time, and Jim reluctantly agreed. He talked to the aide (who has 5 cats) and learned Calvin has been hiding the last couple days. He was in Mom's closet when we came tonight. The weight he gradually regained the past few months has just melted off him, and his back is arched when he stands or walks, which to me says his belly is really hurting. I'm going to call tomorrow morning for an appointment to have him PTS. Mom doesn't think she wants to come with us, which is fine. I'll go by early so she can cuddle him up before I take him. He's one of the sweetest cats I've ever known, and it just breaks my heart, but I know it's the kindest thing we can do for him.

So very sorry.

Need to change my name to Yoyo. Bailey has had me up and down all morning...in out in out. Too cold to leave glass door open and when I put the rod across it she climbs up against it trying to get it open. She is one very determined canine. Silver lining...good excuse not to get out the windex..no point