Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Magic Whiskers


I picked an illustration from the good old days for this week's www.illustrationfriday.com theme soft. It's a selection from a story I wrote and illustrated called, The Tale of the Magic Cat Whiskers. I never attempted to get the story published.  It would need some work.  But with a title like that it really does deserve a second look.  The fairy sitting on a soft hydrangea puff is sad because she has lost her tiny fairy wand. And this is a little known fact.  But certain and very specially selected cat whiskers can be used as fairy wands.  At least in my story.  And maybe even in real life...

Hana at 6 months old.  Loaded with "magic"whiskers.

My beloved cat Hana has magic whiskers. I dare you to prove otherwise.  She was named after the beautiful road to Hana on Maui. And that's just what life is like with a cat like her.  It's full of twists and turns.  And great fun!  We knew she was special the first minute we spotted her calico coat at the humane society.  She is the boss of our household.  But a boss with an easy going catitude.  And a love for everyone that comes within a paws length of her.

Hana was diagnosed with cancer last week.  She had what we hope is a successful surgery to remove a small sarcoma on her leg.  And do you know what caused this tumor?  Well, you should.  Her vaccinations.  Be sure that your Vet injects them low on the leg or in the tail.  Because a cancer can form at the injection site.  And trust me.  If you don't catch it early like we did, they might lose life or limb.  And make sure they are necessary in the first place.  

Hana has a big scar on her leg and is spending quite a bit of time in a big tent that has transformed our living room into the wilderness.  She needs to be separated from her inquisitive brother.  And kept from jumping and playing while she heals.  It's been like trying to stop time.  Or a tidal wave. Or...you get the picture.

An Update...
 Well, just as I was creating this post I received an email from the U of M Veterinary Services that Hana's sarcoma was completely excised and should be curative! She's been such a trouper.  Sleeping in her tent like a Persian queen, wearing her clown collar with pride and purring through it all.  Yup, magic whiskers for sure.


13 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

So glad Hana did well.

Of course she has magic whiskers!

DJan said...

I am SO GLAD to hear that she'll be fine. What a relief for all of her fans. That's me for sure. :-)

Gauri said...

Hana is very cute, so glad all is well :) Liked the title and yes, thanks for the information about the vaccines :)

EG CameraGirl said...

Good news that Hana is on the mend! I never knew vaccinations could be such a problem!

Maggid said...

Yippeeee! Thank you for the story - INCLUDING - and perhaps ESPECIALLY for the happy add-on at the end. magic Whiskers . . you betcha . . made me happy w-a-y- over here.

Ida said...

Hana is just darling and I'm so happy her results were favorable. I had no idea they could get cancer from Injection sites like that.

TexWisGirl said...

my sis-in-law had a cat that had cancer in its back leg (from vaccinations) and it had to be amputated. sadly, the cancer returned and took his life. i hope hanna does well.

eileeninmd said...

Your Hana is adorable.. I hope all goes well and she is cured.. I named one of my old dogs Maui, I loved it there and the road to Hana.. Thanks for linking up and sharing your post, have a happy weekend!

carol l mckenna said...

Glad Hana is healing ~ adorable photo!

Happy Weekend,
artmusedog and carol

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing your story! I had no idea vaccinations could cause cancer at the injection site. Ugh. I'm glad to hear she's going to be okay. And you should take another look at your magic whiskers story. It sounds like a great book idea!

Unknown said...

She's adorable! How wonderful that you got good news.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Good for your poochie! Good for you.
~

Anonymous said...

That's great news about Hana. She is a beautiful cat.