BTW I have a houseful of cats and dogs already – almost all of them strays/abandoned animals that we rescued – so believe me, I’m sympathetic.
I should also mention that all our animals are spayed or neutered; it’s truly the kind thing to do. Praise to all of you who are good caretakers of the animals that come into your life, the children of our hearts.
my very bad, guys. i didn’t even think of that. my sincerest apologies to all for sticking my foot in it.
i’ve supplied** XaMcQ** with some particulars on me and info on my vet’s office. the tale of speck jumped out at me because this afternoon i will likely have to say good bye to my dearest boy murphy. he is 20 and has lived a good life, but i’m afraid he is very ill. in our family, if you lose a pet you go get another one as soon as you can. 
TubaDiva, please email me if i’ve screwed up big time on something that needs to be clarified by the mods, and again, my apologies.
Sorry. Hadn’t reviewed the rules lately. I forgot. My bad. :rolleyes:
for those keeping score today, it was indeed the day that my murphy passed from this world and set paw on to the rainbow bridge.
his kidneys had simply stopped functiong.
go with god, my sweet boy. we’ll meet there at jouney’s end.
I am sorry for your loss, Scubaqueen. All the fuzzbutts are getting extra lovins in Murphy’s honor.
My deepest sympathies are with you, Scubaqueen. Speck and I will be in touch tomorrow. I discussed it with her, and she said you are absolutely making the right decision by getting a new cat a.s.a.p.
Scubaqueen, I’m so sorry about Murphy. I hope that Speck will lighten your heart.
i’m sorry to hear about murphy.
i hope you and speck become a great team.
Sunspace, I know an Ontario farmer who always has plenty of kittens in his barn and would likely be happy to let you have one or two. His farm is about an hour away from Toronto. If you’re really thinking about getting a cat or kitten, I’d be happy to speak with him and get you two in touch.
Scubaqueen, I’m sorry to hear of your loss, but I hope Speck will help you cope. She sure looks like she will–good luck with her, and keep us posted as to her progress and activities!
many, many thanks for all your good wishes, fellow dopers. they’re deeply appreciated. it’s been a very bad week at casa scubaqeen.
provided i pass muster with speck’s fairy godmother, the ‘girl squad’ (my girlfriends) and i head south in a week or so. if all goes accordingly, i will then attempt to bore you to death with kitty pix ad nauseum until you all want to run and hide. 
i’ve discussed speck with my turk, and he seems agreeable to the proposal. i’ve made him promise that if speck comes to live with us, he has to treat her as well as murphy treated him.