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.