Microchipping got a little lost black-and-white cat back to her family. I found her outside my apartment in the middle of a Texas July, trying to be friendly but without the strength to be. Raggedy little spotted girl. So, so skinny. I called her “Perdita”, “lost girl”, after the original 101 Dalmatians character. By the second time I saw her, I knew she was in trouble. Wouldn’t eat. Wouldn’t drink. Hyperthermic and dehydrated. I brought her inside into the air conditioning and she just wanted to lie on me and be held. I ended up hustling to the nearby pet-supplies store and buying a syringe and kitten milk, and stayed up into the early hours getting some liquid into her any way I could, a few drops at a time. Was pretty sure she wasn’t going to make it through the night, but at least she’d be inside and safe, and she knew someone was caring for her.
But she was still alive the next morning. I stowed her in a carrier and took her to work with me, keeping her in the break room and checking on her every half-hour or so. Drove her to the local animal shelter on my lunch break. Admitting staff ran a detector over her, and – beep!
Little girl had walked 20 miles, across multiple highways, in Texas July, and she got to go home because of that microchip. (Her name turned out to be Speckles!)
In rescue we say that “a tag is their ticket home” I just learned that the Home Safe takes this very literally, and will get them back to you as part of their service.
Elvis, I think perhaps for a dignified news reporter like you, hugging in spirit and from a distance is the perfect solution to your social anxiety. May I hug you in spirit?
I understand that microchips can be irritating. You’re basically putting a foreign object in the body, so I can see why. XD; Something to consider, I suppose.
I agree with Aspen_Bell ! Register that chip! I have heard of stories of people who got their little friend chipped… but skipped the Register! Or was that the follow up resisters? The point is to make sure everyone knows – that chip is in your friend!
She-Beneath-Whose-Noble-Paws-The-Earth-Defers-In-Awe-And-Reverence came to us via the RSPCA, so She was already vaccinated, spayed, and chipped. The RSPCA does not let anyone out of their care without those necessary precautions.
Well, since it’s almost 3 a.m. and I am unable to sleep, can I ask for some virtual hugs and prayers? Found out yesterday that Partner’s cancer has returned yet again in the same area where his thyroid and lymph nodes were removed. He woke up Tuesday and suddenly was very hoarse, barely able to talk. Everything was apparently fine at the last Vanderbilt visit in July. We were due to go back in December for a follow-up but I suspect that may now happen sooner. I wasn’t overly worried the other times but I am very frightened this time. He of course is very calm and pragmatic. I will need a lot of strength to get through this, so all good thoughts are appreciated. Thank you, Orbsters!
Don’t forget to read the microchip’s privacy policy and opt out of their tracking cookies, Beatrix. And install some antivirus on it. All these dumb digital doohickeys can get hacked.
Sebastian now has a microchip and is doing well after his snip-snip. He keeps trying to climb all the furniture and chases all the big cats around the house, wish us luck keeping him quiet
Thank you for a wonderful strip, without the anger and vitriol spewed everwhere else. It is a great respite from our self inflicted misery. I wish your cats did ALL the news, ALL the time!
Kind regards and I think I won’t be watching the six o’clock news …I will read past news from your kind anchors.
Also OT. Had my ultrasound and they want to biopsy it. It isn’t looking great for muffi! :) If it is what they think it is,it could be spreading out from my left lung. No worries, I’m cool.:)
Thank goodness that I will have lots of time to read the new Swan Eaters! :))
Also, good reminder from Muffi of the return of “Swan Eaters” on GC tomorrow. This is a great alternative comic that I love and have been a fan of for years. I wonder if she will start over, or continue on, or if it will have her signature water color? Even if it doesn’t I love the characters and story line, quite a bit edgier than BCN but still charming and addictive;) If you want to get a head start on catching up, go to Swan Eaters on GC and you can go back to the beginning to get the story line. I think it is based on a combination of Russian fable, historical real time events and a traveling (gypsy?) family who are unique to say the least. Enjoy!
PS: Here’s the url for the first comic from November of 2018, although I think I saw sketches on Georgia’s website before that?https://www.gocomics.com/swan-eaters/2018/11/02
I just noticed the date, it’s EXACTLY two years:)You will love the first day and sorta recognize a familiar character in a new body? It started off at 3 times a week but she paced down as the work on BCN increased. I hope you’ve LOTS of energy Georgia to keep up with two successful strips!!
National Hair Day —No information available as to whether it is a “good hair day,” “bad hair day,” or “wild hair day.” And I’m cutting it off right there.
National Black Dog Day —Like black cats, they get a bad rap. While there are a few real reasons for a lack of popularity, none of them are damning, and all are based on human perception—or mis-perception. Humans created dogs, and they should all be equal in our sight.
International Raccoon Appreciation Day —They can be pests, nuisances, and very destructive, but I cannot help but like them. I like them almost as much as I like cats. Raccoons have adapted to the problems we created for them. Being gentlepersons, we should return the favor and adapt to them. Queen Mags agrees!
Homemade Cookie Day —They’re always better, and healthier, than anything you can buy in a store, and sometimes even in a bakery. They are also lower in calories—you burn calories in your effort to make them! I wish it was still relatively safe to sample the batter, but at least this way we get more than a single cookie …
Studies are still underway to determine whether broken cookies suffer “caloric leakage.” More research and funding are required, as no conclusive results have been produced. And what could be better:
International Coffee Day —The importance of coffee cannot be exaggerated. That’s why there are both a National and International holidays for it. Human beans cannot thrive without it. Now pass the cookies.(continued)
Less Than Perfect Day —If you choose to be too much of a perfectionist, it won’t work, unless, of course, you are a cat, in which case perfection is a given. Just ask one. Perfectionists cannot help striving for perfection, but need to realize that it is an ever-retreating goal. It has been said that only the divine is capable of perfection. Perhaps, but considering all of creation, it should be obvious that he/she/them/it does not practice it much. And this post is as good as it’s going to get. Enough. Done. I need another cookie …
Quick query. Way back when Lupin had a pen issue, the crew said they hoped it was non-toxic because if one went to the vet they all went to the vet. So why is Elvis alone at the vet and not with them all?
Note to all humans: It’s not enough to microchip, you also have to register the microchip. It’s not a GPS tracker – it just lets the vet or animal shelter know the number when they scan it. Then they look it up in a variety of databases to see which one has it. If you don’t register the microchip with at least one database of your own, the name that’ll pop up is the name of the vet, shelter, or organization that gave the microchip. Hopefully they have your current phone number and address.
There are a few different free microchip registries. I don’t feel it’s worth it to shell out for a paid registry, but you might consider those as well. Ask your vet what they prefer, or go to google.
LuvyaBebe05 about 4 years ago
Elvis got a hospital gown this time. Last time the Good Boys were in their underpants.
deadheadzan about 4 years ago
This is priceless! Three cheers for microchips, group hugs, Elvis in his patient gown,and Lupin hugging in spirit! Love, love , love it!
Le'letha Premium Member about 4 years ago
Microchipping got a little lost black-and-white cat back to her family. I found her outside my apartment in the middle of a Texas July, trying to be friendly but without the strength to be. Raggedy little spotted girl. So, so skinny. I called her “Perdita”, “lost girl”, after the original 101 Dalmatians character. By the second time I saw her, I knew she was in trouble. Wouldn’t eat. Wouldn’t drink. Hyperthermic and dehydrated. I brought her inside into the air conditioning and she just wanted to lie on me and be held. I ended up hustling to the nearby pet-supplies store and buying a syringe and kitten milk, and stayed up into the early hours getting some liquid into her any way I could, a few drops at a time. Was pretty sure she wasn’t going to make it through the night, but at least she’d be inside and safe, and she knew someone was caring for her.
But she was still alive the next morning. I stowed her in a carrier and took her to work with me, keeping her in the break room and checking on her every half-hour or so. Drove her to the local animal shelter on my lunch break. Admitting staff ran a detector over her, and – beep!
Little girl had walked 20 miles, across multiple highways, in Texas July, and she got to go home because of that microchip. (Her name turned out to be Speckles!)
ctlum about 4 years ago
I’m hugging everyone in the Orb in spirit! I’m with you, Elvis! IMAGINE ME HUGGING EVERYBODY! The world needs hugs!
maggijoseph Premium Member about 4 years ago
El Biss in his patient gown is so cute!!! OMC! I’m giving him a hug in spirit!
Lifeflame about 4 years ago
In rescue we say that “a tag is their ticket home” I just learned that the Home Safe takes this very literally, and will get them back to you as part of their service.
Biskits about 4 years ago
I don’t understand. Is elvis wishing to be included or is he. Being very sarcastic?
Sue Ellen about 4 years ago
Elvis, I think perhaps for a dignified news reporter like you, hugging in spirit and from a distance is the perfect solution to your social anxiety. May I hug you in spirit?
Ruth Brown about 4 years ago
I got your hug, Elvis! ❤️
infranscia about 4 years ago
I understand that microchips can be irritating. You’re basically putting a foreign object in the body, so I can see why. XD; Something to consider, I suppose.
I Mad Am I about 4 years ago
I agree with Aspen_Bell ! Register that chip! I have heard of stories of people who got their little friend chipped… but skipped the Register! Or was that the follow up resisters? The point is to make sure everyone knows – that chip is in your friend!
WelshRat Premium Member about 4 years ago
I love Lupin ‘not’ hugging Goldie. He’ll pat her back but he won’t hug.
Robin Harwood about 4 years ago
She-Beneath-Whose-Noble-Paws-The-Earth-Defers-In-Awe-And-Reverence came to us via the RSPCA, so She was already vaccinated, spayed, and chipped. The RSPCA does not let anyone out of their care without those necessary precautions.
Robin Harwood about 4 years ago
I see Elvis has smuggled a mike into the vet’s office again. Another hard-hitting report to come?
shirins Premium Member about 4 years ago
I love this!!! Chip away Chip away Chip away all!!!! And Hugs to all!!!
Oh, and why do YOU think the “Pat Pat” is in the final panel. It took me a second look, but I think I know.
Catmom about 4 years ago
Well, since it’s almost 3 a.m. and I am unable to sleep, can I ask for some virtual hugs and prayers? Found out yesterday that Partner’s cancer has returned yet again in the same area where his thyroid and lymph nodes were removed. He woke up Tuesday and suddenly was very hoarse, barely able to talk. Everything was apparently fine at the last Vanderbilt visit in July. We were due to go back in December for a follow-up but I suspect that may now happen sooner. I wasn’t overly worried the other times but I am very frightened this time. He of course is very calm and pragmatic. I will need a lot of strength to get through this, so all good thoughts are appreciated. Thank you, Orbsters!
lalybarger about 4 years ago
Sending prayers and boops for both of you. Stay strong.
Gent about 4 years ago
Don’t forget to read the microchip’s privacy policy and opt out of their tracking cookies, Beatrix. And install some antivirus on it. All these dumb digital doohickeys can get hacked.
Santana about 4 years ago
I’ll get you under my skin
I’ll get you deep, so don’t start with me
So under my skin, you’ll really be a part of me
I’ll let you under my skin
I tried so not to give in
I said to myself, “This shot never will go so well”
But why should I try to resist when, chippy, I now know it’ll be swell (you bet your sweet bippy)
I’ll get you under my skin
(Nelson Riddle / Cole Porter – I Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra)
ConnieEmbury1 about 4 years ago
Sebastian now has a microchip and is doing well after his snip-snip. He keeps trying to climb all the furniture and chases all the big cats around the house, wish us luck keeping him quiet
cat19632001 about 4 years ago
Pucky toe beans!
cat19632001 about 4 years ago
I love how the BCN clowder is addressing Beatrix’s fears as well as cheering her on.
arolarson Premium Member about 4 years ago
OT. Yen
Kitty Katz about 4 years ago
Bill Withers: Lovely Day
When I visit with the Vet whom I love
And realize there may be a shot or chip
And something without warning, friends
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I hear from Three Good Boys (and Goldie)
And the world’s alright with me
Just one word from them
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
…….
When the thought of a chip or a shot
Seems impossible to face
When kitten enthusiasm runs too low
My friends all know the way
Then I hear from Three Good Boys (and Goldie)
And the world’s alright with me
Just one word from them
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
cat19632001 about 4 years ago
Did Goldie already have a chip or did we just not get to see the People take her in to see Dr. Man?
JDP_Huntington Beach about 4 years ago
Thank you for a wonderful strip, without the anger and vitriol spewed everwhere else. It is a great respite from our self inflicted misery. I wish your cats did ALL the news, ALL the time!
Kind regards and I think I won’t be watching the six o’clock news …I will read past news from your kind anchors.
davanden about 4 years ago
Is Elvis wearing a hospital gown?
Miss Mina about 4 years ago
Imagine Elvis hugging everybody. It’s easy if you try…
fullmoondeb Premium Member about 4 years ago
Just a note to piwismom— I am with you in spirit today as you begin your treatment. Hope you can feel the virtual hugs going out your way.
Also, to muffi— sending prayers and hugs every day for you, too.
golfgranny47 about 4 years ago
Elvis wearing the same little dress as Beatrix!
Pet about 4 years ago
OT:
TOMORROW IS SWAN EATERS RETURN! 8-D
Also OT. Had my ultrasound and they want to biopsy it. It isn’t looking great for muffi! :) If it is what they think it is,it could be spreading out from my left lung. No worries, I’m cool.:)
Thank goodness that I will have lots of time to read the new Swan Eaters! :))
Love and Light shining to the Orb! xoxo
DorseyBelle about 4 years ago
You hugging everyone is kind of hard to imagine, Elvis. But then, so was you in a hospital gown, before today.
misty about 4 years ago
(for Helen and Bea)
I am kitten, hear me roar
In a voice too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back and pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
No one’s ever gonna keep me down again
Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (Strong)
I am invincible (Invincible)
I am kitten
[Helen Reddy ❤️ / Ray Burton]
Caerin Premium Member about 4 years ago
Also, good reminder from Muffi of the return of “Swan Eaters” on GC tomorrow. This is a great alternative comic that I love and have been a fan of for years. I wonder if she will start over, or continue on, or if it will have her signature water color? Even if it doesn’t I love the characters and story line, quite a bit edgier than BCN but still charming and addictive;) If you want to get a head start on catching up, go to Swan Eaters on GC and you can go back to the beginning to get the story line. I think it is based on a combination of Russian fable, historical real time events and a traveling (gypsy?) family who are unique to say the least. Enjoy!
Kitty Katz about 4 years ago
OT: It’s probably nothing, but….
Caerin Premium Member about 4 years ago
PS: Here’s the url for the first comic from November of 2018, although I think I saw sketches on Georgia’s website before that?https://www.gocomics.com/swan-eaters/2018/11/02
I just noticed the date, it’s EXACTLY two years:)You will love the first day and sorta recognize a familiar character in a new body? It started off at 3 times a week but she paced down as the work on BCN increased. I hope you’ve LOTS of energy Georgia to keep up with two successful strips!!
just another cat lover about 4 years ago
I love how Lupin isn’t hugging Goldie, just the little details.
kangtourcat Premium Member about 4 years ago
Breaking Cat News! Shadow’s in our backyard!!
Susanna Premium Member about 4 years ago
Georgia posted some sketches she did for prizes for the Man’s Nightmarathon:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxrb2SpMCA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Michael G. about 4 years ago
The inconvenience is temporary. The improvement is permanent.
just another cat lover about 4 years ago
OT: October is officially here, yay!
la_momcat about 4 years ago
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya!! You’re only a day awayyyyyyyy….
christineracine77 about 4 years ago
Aw, Elbiff getting all sentimental!
mistercatworks about 4 years ago
One good thing about microchips is that they have verified previously apocryphal stories about cats wandering long distances.
willie_mctell about 4 years ago
Good thing for cats that have the slightest chance of going outdoors.
scaeva Premium Member about 4 years ago
Today is:
National Hair Day —No information available as to whether it is a “good hair day,” “bad hair day,” or “wild hair day.” And I’m cutting it off right there.
National Black Dog Day —Like black cats, they get a bad rap. While there are a few real reasons for a lack of popularity, none of them are damning, and all are based on human perception—or mis-perception. Humans created dogs, and they should all be equal in our sight.
International Raccoon Appreciation Day —They can be pests, nuisances, and very destructive, but I cannot help but like them. I like them almost as much as I like cats. Raccoons have adapted to the problems we created for them. Being gentlepersons, we should return the favor and adapt to them. Queen Mags agrees!
Homemade Cookie Day —They’re always better, and healthier, than anything you can buy in a store, and sometimes even in a bakery. They are also lower in calories—you burn calories in your effort to make them! I wish it was still relatively safe to sample the batter, but at least this way we get more than a single cookie …
Studies are still underway to determine whether broken cookies suffer “caloric leakage.” More research and funding are required, as no conclusive results have been produced. And what could be better:
International Coffee Day —The importance of coffee cannot be exaggerated. That’s why there are both a National and International holidays for it. Human beans cannot thrive without it. Now pass the cookies.(continued)
scaeva Premium Member about 4 years ago
Today is (continued):
Less Than Perfect Day —If you choose to be too much of a perfectionist, it won’t work, unless, of course, you are a cat, in which case perfection is a given. Just ask one. Perfectionists cannot help striving for perfection, but need to realize that it is an ever-retreating goal. It has been said that only the divine is capable of perfection. Perhaps, but considering all of creation, it should be obvious that he/she/them/it does not practice it much. And this post is as good as it’s going to get. Enough. Done. I need another cookie …
about 4 years ago
Right you are, Puck! It’s nice to feel loved.
Mx Crazy Cat Person about 4 years ago
I will join in on the virtual hug. Everybody, imagine me hugging.
Mx Crazy Cat Person about 4 years ago
Quick query. Way back when Lupin had a pen issue, the crew said they hoped it was non-toxic because if one went to the vet they all went to the vet. So why is Elvis alone at the vet and not with them all?
knight1192a about 4 years ago
Wait, is Lupin patting Goldie while Goldie and Puck hug? If he is, that’s the closest to a hug those two will get.
conuly about 4 years ago
Note to all humans: It’s not enough to microchip, you also have to register the microchip. It’s not a GPS tracker – it just lets the vet or animal shelter know the number when they scan it. Then they look it up in a variety of databases to see which one has it. If you don’t register the microchip with at least one database of your own, the name that’ll pop up is the name of the vet, shelter, or organization that gave the microchip. Hopefully they have your current phone number and address.
There are a few different free microchip registries. I don’t feel it’s worth it to shell out for a paid registry, but you might consider those as well. Ask your vet what they prefer, or go to google.
Daeder about 4 years ago
Head-butts all around!
1946 Catman Premium Member about 4 years ago
Wonderful story. So glad it turned out for the little lady. I have many walk up cats here. They know it’s safe and the food is good!