Hi, The person that uses the screenname bcoo has been writing to me about you. She didn't tell me your name, (or hers), but she read a post I wrote about Ballou. He's a cat that's been in, then out, then back in our shelter. He has no tongue. I think she forwarded you his post. We adore him. The shelter I volunteer at has approximately 100 cats. We have a small store front. Most of our cats are out on the floor, but Ballou can't stay out with them, because leaving him out with food available is like leaving a toddler out with finger paints. He needs to have his fill, be wiped down, and then have a food free environment, (dry food is fine), till his next meal. That means he's pretty much in a cage with us with only some short supervised times out. If you're full, I completely understand. I know what kitten season is like and I can't even imagine compounding that with puppy or baby goat season. So, did she forward you his story? Is your sanctuary a possibility? Are you as inundated as we are with annoying people trying to give you their animals? I read through your whole website. Never read your bios or blog when you've been traveling for 3 days and are emotionally exhausted! It wasn't a pretty site. I'm surprised my keyboard isn't fried from salty tear damage! Anyway, let me know what you think. Thank you! Beth

Wow, I hope they were happy tears, I cry them often too! Bcoo did forward your post to me, and yes, he is welcome here! The only qualification I ask ~ does he get along with other cats? It sounded like he lived with others, but I couldn't tell for sure. There are not only other cats who would be more than happy to help him with his grooming issues, but there are 2 dogs who would see to it that his coat glistens. Have a great weekend, Stacy

Well, the first time we had Ballou when he was somewhere in the 1 yr old range, we had him out on the floor for almost 8 months. That means he was with all of the other cats we had in the back room...that would have been about 30 of them. He was slightly more happy filthy and out then clean and in a cage. I remember that sometimes it seemed like he did get picked on by certain cats almost as if they knew he was "different." But he was pretty good at just ignoring them and going about his business. With the special ed teacher, she definitely had at least 2 other cats, so that was normal for him for almost 4 years. Now that he's been back with us for a couple of weeks, he's already strutted straight out of his cage a couple of times while we were wiping him down and walked off, (in a room with at least 90 cats). The one time we found him a few minutes later sleeping in a cat tree. So he definitely doesn't stress about things. As for the dog thing. I honestly don't think he's ever seen a dog, but I just know in my heart of hearts that a dog could end up being his best buddy. There would of course have to be a very calm, perfect introduction. Ballou's first instinct when you try to clean him up is to back up, but once you begin petting him with a warm wet wash cloth, he begins to purr and relax. His mock grooming rituals are very detailed and meticulous with 0 results. So, I think that once a friendly dog got to work licking all of the yummy wet kitty food off of his body, he'd be in a state of bliss. Maybe I'm delusional! I got in from flying last night and I might have to be on call next week, but for July, I will be off Thursday through Sunday every week. So...a Friday or Saturday sometime next month would be good for travel days to get Ballou out there. He had his teeth cleaned this last week. He had to have 2 pulled, but the rest are now clean and good. He's eating as if nothing happened. I was really worried about him because he had to go under anesthesia twice in barely a week, first to be groomed and then for his teeth, but he came out of it just fine. So...help me pick out a day for his big move. Thanks! Beth

Wow, welcome back! I'm glad he did well through anesthesia, though I'm a vet tech & know better, I worry like crazy anytime someone needs it! I work Fridays till 2pm or so, I'm off on Saturdays; I work with a housecall veterinarian, so my Fridays are often flexible. I can accommodate whatever works best for your schedule. Please give Ballou my best, let me know what works for your schedule, and also let me know if you need vet ref's, adoption app, or other paperwork completed. Stacy