Thankful Thursday
On Thursdays, I try to participate in the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. So, once again, I am doing just that. I am starting small, but am no less thankful for what occurred.
Raleigh
A couple of days ago, Raleigh gave me a cat kiss. Woo-hoo!
My second two thankfuls today involve occurrences for which I am not thankful. As that is totally contradictory, let me explain.
Lisbeth
Yesterday, Lisbeth returned to the vet. The infections on her face from a couple of months ago healed nicely and her lovely fur grew back. But, a few days ago, I noticed what looked like crusty scabs on the edges of both her ears. When housekeeper/treat lady Chris told me Gibbs had Lisbeth cornered in the laundry room, I suspected the worst. Had he been attacking Lisbeth? Obviously, none of this was anything for which to give thanks.
Then, unfortunately, Dr. McBane was not working yesterday, and our appointment was with a vet I had never met. Well, she turned out to be terrific, especially as she telephoned Dr. McBane to discuss what was going on with Lisbeth. So, as it turns out, Lisbeth now has some sort of bacterial infection on her ears and front paws, and Gibbs had absolutely nothing to do with it. There is lots we do not know yet and will not until blood work comes back. For now, we have oral antibiotics, wipes for her paws and ointment for her ears.
The following two photos are Lisbeth at the vet and then after we returned home and we had taken care of her paws and ears.

She already seemed to be feeling better and asked me over and over again to pet her. Obviously, she had forgiven me for taking her to the vet. Just being downstairs (where she has remained all afternoon) is a big deal! Additionally, Lisbeth asked me to tell you that if your vet has not started using an electronic thermometer to take your fur baby’s temp in its ear, that you should recommend it.
I am not thankful that Lisbeth has another infection or that I had to take her back to the vet, but I am thankful for the care she received and what I hope is now the road to recovery.
Jackie Avery
When we reach a certain age, we know that we will begin to lose friends who also fall into that age group. But that never makes it any easier. Like most of you, I found out that our dear, sweet friend, Jackie Avery (mom to Angels Eric and Flynn [Two Devon Cats], had left this earth, when I visited her May 1st post in memory of Flynn’s passing on that day in 2017. Though I didn’t always get there on Friday, I never missed Jackie’s Friday posts, which always included stunning art she created of the boys for the Caturday Art blog hop. I also loved doing the puzzles she created from that art work.
Many of you have already written about the amazing Jackie. I had planned a rather frivolous post for Monday and the celebration of May the 4th (Force be with you). That post no longer seemed appropriate, so I started over by looking for a Spark more befitting the loss of a friend. Though, I found a Spark I thought would work; I honestly could not wrap my head around writing something meaningful at the time. I thought I would do it Tuesday, but I still wasn’t ready. Then I realized that Thankful Thursday would be the day to do it.
I was thinking of Ivor and Jackie when I selected the Spark. They were married for 54 years. I cannot imagine the extreme loss and grief Ivor must be feeling.

Tom and I will celebrate our 53rd anniversary in less than two weeks, so I think I know that this Spark would have spoken to both Jackie and Ivor.
Jackie was a friend to so many of us, even though most of us never met her in person. She had a huge heart and love for everyone and their fur babies. If you visit her blog and check the Rainbow Bridge pages, you will see she rarely missed including a badge for our lost loved ones, including the humans.
I often asked Jackie questions about her health, cancer and treatments and she never failed to answer and explain things. And I truly believed she would beat it again. She was a fighter with an indomitable spirit. I will miss her!

A Final Thanks
Kitties Blue and I always appreciate each of you who visit and comment on our posts and join the Sunday Selfies blog hop.
We will be joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop at Brian’s Home. To do the same, click on the Thankful badge.

