Debi's Page

ZEB

Zeb came into our life born to Freeway on April 15, 1996. She had 5 kitties, one which was lost as a kitten, the other 3 we found homes for, and the last, ahhh that was Zeb. He fit right into our family and my husband Tim and him had a very close bond. Since we had him since birth he became the ultimate lap kitty. I could take him to the vet and just hold him like you would hold a baby and he was completely mellow even around dogs. His playmate became Nakita, our 50+ pound chow/malamute. They would wrestle and play together, Nakita jawwing him as I called it. She would open her mouth and playfully nuzzle his head or neck. When they were done Zeb would have a wet head, neck, ears or all of the above. He in return would reach with his paws to playfully grab at her face or legs. It was a pure joy to watch.

When he was about 3 or 4 he was diagnosed with FIV (feline immune virus). We never heard of it before and they get it through fighting with other infected cats which living in a suburban area there were lots of (they have since found a vaccine). He was ill at the time at that's what led to the diagnosis and my heart was doubly broken when we had Freeway tested and she tested positive as well. On one instant I was saddened thinking I should have done something to prevent it. On another hand I was greatly relieved Freeway was already positive because I wouldn't have to try and keep them separated so she wouldn't be infected. Things just have a strange way of happening and I did my best to take it in stride. The vet said many cats live long health lives without hardly a problem. Zeb had 2 close calls during his life but pulled through each time. I just always focused on giving both Zeb and Freeway as much love as I could. Just thankful for each moment I got to spend with them.

The next dilemma came about letting the cats outside. We wanted them to have fresh air, but not infect other cats. Freeway took very well to just staying in our yard, she never was much of a fighter. Zeb definitely wasn't happy being locked up inside so we tried to find a solution. We had tried putting a harness on him with a long lead. that seemed to work fairly well and he eventually learned he needed to stay around our yard and could go without his lead. Looking back I was always wondering if I was doing the right thing for him, second guessing my gut and creating more stress and worry than were necessary. It's still a challenge at times, but over the years I have found great ways to honor a listen to my heart, not only with my 4 legged kids, but all parts of my life!

NAKITA

FREEWAY