Monkey-n-Around
This page is always under design & Construction!!
(Amber..Japanese Snow Macaque)
We are planning to open a rescue & Foster care program for select primates & exotic animals, that fall under our class I, II & III permits.
We hope & pray to eventually offer Educational Exhibits to help educate others on these magnificent creatures that we share our world with.
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This page will eventually offer specie information, care tips, permit info, and helpful links & pictures!
So bare with us..& Check back!
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Monkeys, Primates & other exotics are not for everyone!
They are a HUGE responsibility and commitment....
Not only their care, but the expense as well.
They are all cute when they are babies, and some stay that way...but they are still wild animals!
It is important to spend as much time if not more, on learning what they are trying to tell us & teach us, as we do thinking..we are gonna teach them!!
When they are part of our families, we need to learn to make their enviorment more friendly to them, not just them more friendly to our enviorment!
Monkeys Are very tuned into their enviorment & the people and or animals in their life.
Change for them can sometimes be very devastating.
Change can affect them physically & emotionally & sometimes permenentley.
That is why it is so important to try & learn what they are trying to tell us through their own language.Since they can't tell us what they are feeling, they use their body language, facial expressions & vocals to express everything. Each Specie is different, as well as each individual.
They are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures,
that need our patience & understanding.
I could go on extensively on this topic....but that will be another page!...lol
Anyway...you should do your homework before even considering letting one in your life.
Talk with experienced people, spend time around them, and make sure you know about the proper permits, licenses and requirements for your state and the animal you are considering!
If You have always wanted a monkey, Done your research... but can't handle the expense or needs of a big one....
Consider a small monkey, such as:
Marmoset, Tamarin, or Geoffory.
They are still a big commitment....But can be rewarding if you are dedicated!
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A REALLY incredible resource, that covers just about everything about Primates is:
"Monkey Matters Complete Guide To Care & Behavior"
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If you are looking for the perfect small Monkey Companion.....Linda is your lady!
She has been raising & Offering Healthy & spoiled babies in SW Florida...for many Years!
Her Prices are great & she is always there for any questions or concerns you may have...long after your baby goes home!
*Cotton-Top Tamarins
*Red-Handed Tamarins( 2 babies available now)
*Geoffroy Tamarins
*Marmosets (1 Geoffroyi Marmoset baby)
*Kinkajous( 3 available now)
TLC Primate Retreat, INC
A Non-Profit Organization &
USDA Licensed Facility
For More Info & prices....Contact:
239-633-8665
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Rest In Peace Winston.......
June 4th, 2009 - July 14th, 2009
I miss him with all my heart....and miss him more everyday..
He will never-ever be forgotten...
Once a little time has brought some healing...
I will be writing a story about his short life..
Only God Knows why he was taken so soon....
All I know is that I was blessed to have had the opportunity to share my life with him....better some then none!
His Pictures and Memories...will always make my heart smile..:)
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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Meanwhile....Isaac is making progress!.....
Born
6-16-09 ?
I had Kind of a ruff start for a little monkey...
I came home with momma-Gena at about 10 days old.
I had a slight cold, that within 2 days..lead to phenmonia.
Momma-Gena called this really nice vet ...Alex, at Collingswood vet Hospital..
& he gave her some medicine to make me feel better.
Mom started giving me the medicine (it didn't taste very good), and put me on a nebulizer a few times
a day, to help me breath better.
Within a few days I started feeling better, could breath better, and could finally eat better!
I also had a sore & swollen leg..due to a cut on my big toe. It happened when I got brushed against the cage wire while I was still on my birth mommy.
Momma-Gena..cleaned it all up..medicated it & bandaged it.
Within a few days..it was all better and my toe was just like new!
Then I had this sore-itchy spot on my wrist.
It had been there for a while.
Momma-Gena said she didn't know what it was..but that it needed to be fixed.
She put some stuff on it that bubbled and got white & foamy....I didn't like it!!
She told me it was ok..and that It would be okay!
So I believed her!
Then she put some gooey stuff on it and wrapped it up.
It started to feel better...but was still itchy & didn't quite go away.
The doctor said it looked like a case of ringworm that got infected.
So momma-Gena treated it...and guess what?...It's all gone!
On July 14th...my buddy Winston went away.
Momma-Gena was so upset when he left.....She cried alot...she still does Sometimes.
She tells me I'm starting to look a little like him now.
Right before Winston went away...my belly started hurting, and I didn't want to eat. I was losing weight..and became fussy!
Mom took me to see Doctor Alex again.
I wish I had felt better that day, cause there were so many nice girls at the doctors that were talking to me...but I felt so yucky....that I didn't feel like talking back!
That's ok though...momma-Gena promised me that she would take me to see them again when I feel better!
Anyway...Dr.Alex was very worried about me!
He said I was way under weight...so he & momma-Gena talked about some different things she could do & that it was very important to weigh me twice a day.
Momma -Gena tried different formulas..at different temperatures..added plain yougart...tried some fruit...tried some rice cereal....
She did all kinds of stuff!
What can I say..I'm high maintainence!
One night I had a really bad belly ache!
I was crying..biting my bear..squirming....just all upset!
Momma-gena made me some warm herbal mint tea!
Boy was it good!
At first...I didn't want it...but she put some in a tiny syringe thing...and made me taste it!
Boy am I glad she did!
It actually tasted pretty good & it made my belly feel so much better.
So much better...that I took a long nap!
I don't know what she did after that...but I started eating better & gaining weight a little each day!
I know momma-Gena hasn't gotten very much sleep over the last few weeks...cause every time I open my eyes..she is either holding me...or laying right next to me just staring at me.
I was doing pretty good for about 2 weeks..then I started having potty issues..and it made my bottom really sore!
Momma-gena tried everything!
all kinds of diaper rash stuff...sensative skin wipes..changes in my diet..but my favorite thing is my "naked time" that I get a few times a day!
Momma-gena just doesn't like the mess I make when my diaper is off...lol
But hey..when a boy has to go......a boy has to go!
I know she has to wash a lot of blankets & stuffed animals after naked time...!
She even washes me!...I hate it!
She says I will learn to love it!..yea right!
Anyway..when the potty issues started again...
She called Dr. Alex again...I had to try some new medicine.
When Winston went away momma-gena had some test run on me and winston..hoping to learn why he went away...and in hopes that I would be okay.
She said she wanted to know why Winston had to go away..& wanted to make sure that I was gonna be okay.
All I know..is she says there are still a lot of un-answered questions!
Anyway...so when I started feeling yucky again...I had to go on some new medicine..in hopes that I would get better & be okay.
I'm still on the medicine right now.
All I know is..it taste very yucky & I hate it!!
Momma-Gena doesn't care though..she still makes me take it!
I sure hope it helps!
Momma -gena says we will just take it step-by-step!
I'm eating good...gaining a little weight each day
and I'm spoiled rotten!
I have my own big bed...tons of stuffed animals, blankets, and toys!
Everyone here loves me...I'm never alone & the minute I make a noise...someone is right there!
I live with momma-Gena, Daddy-Terry, my brothers Todd & Dean & my sister Tiffany.
I also have 5 dog friends....they are ok...mom says I'm to little to hang out with them yet!
I like the birds too!
I especially like to sit next to momma-gena and watch her feed the baby birds.
Boy they are noisy eaters!
How come they don't have to wear diapers?
Momma-Gena says she wants to write Winston a "love letter"..but she is just not ready yet...
I don't understand...but I know she does though!
I'm not sure how long I will get to live with my family here.
Momma-gena says things did not go any where near as planned.
Momma-Gena says the plan was, that I was supposed to go live with some special friends , Steve & Bruce.. after they got their permits (what ever that means)...but Winston leaving..& then my "Ruff Road" ...and on-going issues...lead to a change of plans.
They still call almost everyday and check on me..and they come visit me when they can.
My family here is very attached to me & prays that I can stay here forever.
I mean we have been through a lot over the 7 weeks I have been living here.
Seems like a lot longer to all of us!
Momma-gena says there are a lot of un-answered questions & money..that determines my future.
"Only God Knows!"...She says!
I guess as she says...Step-by-step.
Momma-gena says God never closes one door without opening another!
All I know is...I hope when the questions are answered....I hope I get to stay here.
I love my family here...they are all I know & it is obvious that they love me far beyond most peoples comprehension!
I may be little now...but I have been high maintainence...and will always be a huge responsibility & commitment!
Each day I grow a little, get more active, and become more intelligent!
I guess I better go now....
Momma -Gena says she will keep ya posted....
God Bless
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August 19th, 2009
Well, I was 8 weeks old this past Tuesday, and I have a name now!
My name is Isaac.
I was not sure about it....but it will grow on me I guess.
There is a story behind it....it comes from the Bible.
Momma -Gena reads that book a lot!
To make a long story short.....The dad in the story...his name is Abraham & he has a son named Issac.
It took Abraham & his wife Sarah a long time to get Isaac. It was a dream come true!
Actually....an answered prayer....
(mom does a lot of that too!)
Just like it was when Winston & I came into the family here!
Momma- Gena says God had promised Abraham a child..but they were just so anxious & it was a long time before they got him.
Anyway...one day..God told Abraham that he wanted him to sacrifice his only son that he had waited so long to get!
I'm not sure what that means...but it can't be good, because Momma-Gena said that is kind of how she felt when Winston had to go away.
When I got sick again...she said she had to face the fact that she may have to sacrifice losing me too!
She said it was all in God's hands.
She prayed about it..did what she could...and said "it is in God's hands now"
Well....I'm doing better every day!
I'm eating better....my bottom is not so sore anymore, and I'm gaining weight a little each day.
I still get naked time though....yey!
I still get bathes though too & I still don't like em!!
I'm even getting more brave! I climb off my bear..(mom calls it my "security blanket")
and I play a little...I always keep my eye on it though..just in case I get scared!
I like TV too...it is pretty cool!
I'm learning to pull myself up on things & I'm getting real good at using my hands!
I have a tail too!
I just discovered it! I'm not sure what it is for yet...but I can tell you it hurts when I bite it!
I get to go with mom all kinds of cool places!
I'm not afraid off the car rides anymore.
I go to church..Home Depot...
This weekend I got to go to the pet store & look at fish!
I enjoy the Golf Cart rides outside too!
Oh!..back to the story....anyways....Abraham must have done all the right things too...cause when he got to the place to sacrifice Issac.....God let him Keep him!
Isaac didn't have to go away.
So Isaac got to stay with his family!
So....maybe God is gonna let me stay with my family!
Mom tells me that sometimes..God just wants our undivided attention.
So anyway...mom says she felt at one point she was going to have to make the sacrifice of letting me go...
But now she feels as though God has let her keep me!
So..that is how I got my name!
She says maybe when I get bigger, and have had time to learn a few things....may be we can go visit some people & share my story...
If it is anything like when I go to her ladies meeting at church on Tuesday nights......I'm all for it!
I'm a big hit with them ladies!!
Well...time to go for now....
God Bless..
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Update!!
August 31st, 2009
Well, I Guess I will tell this part of the story instead of Isaac..... because he doesn't know the news yet!
It appears that Isaac has to find a new home.
Well..first things first!
He gave us a scare last week.
Tues & Weds he was not quite himself.
Sleeping a lot more then usual & slightly cranky when he was awake.
Then Thursday, his appetite decreased.
Friday....He just wouldn't eat at all & seemed very weak.
So..We rushed him to the vet.
The vet..Alex, that had seen him before, was away...so we ended up going to Dr. Mckelvie in Cape coral.
He is supposed to be exceptional with primates.
Everyone there seemed nice and just loved Isaac.
Anyway...Isaac once again had to have a fecal done.
Under the microscope, the vet detected bacteria & fat.
The fat in their stool, means their body is not absorbing as it should. This can be due to food allergy.
So the Doctor prescribed some strong antibioitics..and we changed his formula once again.
Usually this many problems & food allergies is a sign of genetic issues.
Saturday he seemed a little better....
By Sunday afternoon...Issac was back to his old self as far as eating !
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Anyway....It is a long story..but for weeks I have been trying to contact the original owners ....I guess you could say "breeders"...Dennis & Mike.....where Isaac originally came from .
When Steve & Bruce decided that adopting Isaac was not the right choice for them, I contacted Mike & Dennis right away.
I explained Steve & Bruce's concerns, and asked what they wished for me to do about Isaac now.
I explained that I had no problem trying to help them find Isaac a new home, but that not many people were gonna want to pay the $6000 they were asking for him.....considering all the issues he had been having.
Not when they can get a healthy baby with a health guarantee for the same price.
I also explained that anyone interested, would be educated on the death of Winston, and all the medical history of Isaac upon meeting him.
I feel it is only fair that people know his issues up to this point..and that he may or may not continue to have problems.
I still never heard back... after several attempts.
Then.......
today I get a call......
They weren't even the ones that contacted me.
Someone else did!
To make a long story short....Isaac has to find a good home.
I am not financially able to do what it takes..in the time frame demanded....to purchase Isaac.
Vet bills among other unexpected things....have altered that.
Isaac will be 10 weeks tomorrow, and has been here since he was 7 days old.(possibly younger)
He knows only us ..as him family.
He loves us & we love him.
Change for monkeys can be devastating.
I'm being told that the reason for no response to my emails, is because....the breeders are upset with me.
They Blame me for winstons death....and say that both babies were 100% healthy when I took them...
Even though within a few days of his arrival here...Issac was being treated for Phenemonia....then infected ringworm..then a bacterial infection.....
Now being treated for the same symptoms again!
Winston struggled with severe gas like symptoms from the 1st day he came here.
Even after trying several different formulas...he still showed signs of abdominal discomfort and sometimes diareha.
Then I'm told that the vet I took them to was not qualified.....!
I'm being told that I was not qualified!
Seems a little funny to me...been working with and raising babies for years..never a problem!
If I wasn't qualified...why were the babies sent home with me?
Anyway....I'm getting way off topic.
My emotions have the best of me right now!
So...now we are hanging in the wind..trying to figure out how to deal with this situation.
All I know..is I want Isaac to have a better life then he deserves.
He is a wonderful little creature.
All of you that have been here or met him know exactly what I mean.
He steals your heart!
We will miss him dearly.....
What I thought was a dream come true
Has become one of my worst nightmares.....
Don't know that we will have a lot more to write about Isaac after this point.
I guess only time will tell.
Thanks to all of you who wrote to me by way of my "Contact" page.
Thanks for your compliments about the site and the story.
Thanks for your concern..and comments!
We will make every effort to stay in contact with Isaac...and hopefully be able to let everyone know how he is doing.
He is a special little monkey.
I Love You Issac...
"Love Never Fails"
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September 17th,2009
Well....Isaac took a trip to the vet this morning.
He seems to be doing okay at this point.
Vet expressed that his stools look better then a few weeks ago, but his weight and size are below average for a typical 13 week old capuchin baby.
So we sent out another fecal!
In fact..he is not gaining weight as he should & weighs less then he did at the visit 2 weeks ago.
At this point we are going to concentrate on him gaining some more weight....then possibly going for some blood work & x-rays.
Putting a baby his size under anethesia...can be life threatening if you don't know exactly what you are doing!
He is still having some issues with eating....coughing, sneezing & weight gain.....so we want to dig a little deeper.
At this point we strongly believe that Isaac has genetic issues that are causing this "medical roller-coaster ride"
We are praying that he will grow out of it...but,
we love him either way!
The other issue at hand....is the lack of communication with the breeder where both Isaac & Winston came from.
This has lead to what looks to be ...another long drug out battle in my life!
As always..it is all about the money!
What ever happened to honesty?..trust?...helping one another?..
People live now with their doors locked & their guards up!
It is really sad & pathetic!
People hide behind their computers and voice mail....afraid to stand face to face for what they believe in or what they know is right!
I mean just look at our country!
Some people would rather see the wrong prevale....in order to protect their image & reputation.
Seems to me..if you are doing things right..you wouldn't have to worry about it!
I don't take other peoples word for anything!
I check it out for myself.
No 2 people are alike...and neither are their opinions!
Their are to many things in life I would have missed out on, had I taken other peoples word for it.
Probably could have avoided some pain as well...but i would rather take my chances!
Communicating....is everything!
Anyway, in this situation...had the lines of communication & honesty been open from the get-go......Things would not be as they are now!
All I know..is my main concern is what is best for Isaac now, which at this point..is him being healthy!
I can't bring Winston back...But I won't loose Isaac either.
Now..the USDA & Florida Fish & Game are involved!
Fine by me...I have nothing to hide....never have!
Pretty soon...I may see if the local news paper might find an nice "Personal Interest" story in all this.
Who knows..maybe PETA might like a bite of it!...lol
For now....I will fight with all I have, for what I know is right.
Isaac's life depends on it!
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September 24th, 2009
Well, not a whole lot has changed with Isaac. He is slowly gaining weight, but it fluctuates.
He seems pretty content..but not very active.
He is up to 1lb 8oz & he will be 15 weeks old next Tuesday.
(one of my favorite places to be)
He spends most of his time sleeping.
except of course when it's late & you want to go to bed..lol
If he could have his way..he would be held all day ....every day!
(nap time with big sis)
He is eating pretty good...still not as much as I would like..but he eats small amounts frequentley.
He is still way below average for his age.
What I think of being woke up!
He does not seem to show a whole lot of interest in new foods..unless of course it is something your eating that he s not supposed to have!
Just eating the same ol' mixture of formula, fruit & cereal in his bottle.
Today he had a little swelling in the face & under his chin. No idea why...but we are monitoring it..and he will be going to the doctor this week for a check up & maybe some blood work.
I guess all-n-all he has been acting about the same for the last few weeks. I would just love to seem him playing a little more like a monkey should at this age.
Anyway...we love him & will continue to do our best for him.
Thanks again to all of you that send the emails with such nice things to say.
It means a lot...& helps keep me going!
God Bless
Hanging with big bro'
(they have the same eyes..lol)
October 8th, 2009
Well, Not a whole lot has changed with little Isaac.
We still Love em"...lol
We have been starting to take him out in the sun a little each day...a little more often.
The sun is really Important to help prevent "Rickets" in baby monkeys & a very important vitamin supplement.
Some good news..
over the last few days he has finally
started to show a little interest in eating some "Real food"
So....were hoping he will start eating better, put on some weight, and start making better progress.
Still seems to be quite content napping with his favorite bear or clinging to one of his humans...lol
We plan to try him on a new mixture of mild fruit, zupreem monkey biscuits, formula, & a vitamin..all well blended into a "monkey smoothie!"
Had he been a typical baby monkey, he would have been started on this a little bit ago, but getting him to eat was task enough.
So....I guess if we pretend we eat it..and act like we like it...He may fall for it...lol
Well..that's about it for now....
This has been my first day out of bed in 6 days!
I had an awful urinary-tract & Kidney infection!
If there is one thing I can say guys & girls...1st time you suspect a urinary,bladder or kidney issue....
Race your butt to the doctor!
I think I would have rather gone through natural child birth again!!
Thank God for the help of my family....But a Priceless thanks goes out to my daughter Tiffany!
She was a jack of all trades for last week..on top of juggling tons of college crap!
Thank God Isaac loves her as much as me...cause he didn't have much choice for several days!....lol
But....on the other hand, it gave him some quality time helping teach his big sis how to brush up on her typing skills!
.....And, he helped her add some of his new pictures to her "Face Book"....lol
God Bless
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October 9th, 2009
HURRAY For Isaac!!
Isaac picked up a piece of food, and started eating it all by himself today!
For Isaac...this is a big deal!
He thought he was big stuff...lol
well....at least until it got small, wet & sticky...then he was upset...lol.
He does not like anything on his fingers.
Anyway..we are hoping this is going to be the beginning of a good thing!
He is very picky...so, one day at a time.....
October 19th, 2009
Well...where to start??
Isaac was at the vet again last Friday.
What's this..like the 6th time in the last 7 weeks??
This time he was put on yet another antibiotic!
One step forward...3 steps back!
No one offered to take his weight, take his temperature, nor any of the things any typical doctor would do!
I'm sorry....I don't mean to step on anyones toes...or down anyone,
but I have had about all I can take!
(Which by the way he is down to weighing 15oz!!)
I think some of these "professionals" are just afraid to step up to the plate and just admit ...."they Just don't know!!"
If you don't know what is going on..or how to treat an animal, just say so!
Maybe refer me to someone else!
It takes more balls to stand up and admit it then to hide behind lame excuses!
Isaac has steadily been going down hill.
It is obvious something is very wrong.....and I need to know what it is.
I keep asking about blood work & ex rays.
We have to start the process of elimination somewhere!
All I get is excuses!
Isaac's appetite should be much better then it is.
He should weigh more and be bigger then what he is.
All he wants to do is lay in my arms and sleep.
He shows no interest in food or playing.
This is not typical behavior for a 4 1/2 month old capuchin monkey!
He is spitting up more....sometimes loses his voice, and he just seems miserable.
I have been looking & looking for someone to help,
someone to talk to.
Most never even return a phone call!
I guess my only option at this point, is to raise several hundred dollars (just for starters) and take Isaac 3 hours over to the other coast, in West Palm Beach.
There is a vet there that is supposed to be one of the best with primates.
He is very expensive...but knows is stuff.
So.....I have just posted several of my best pairs of birds, some cages, and some other things to sell, to help raise the money to get Isaac over there.
Not sure what the outcome will be...but I'm running out of options.
I have been through months of hell with this little guy, and this nightmare has to stop somewhere.
I'm tired of the roller coaster ride!!
I don't sleep well at night.
I spend hours laying there trying to figure out what could possibly be wrong or what I can do or where I can go or who I can turn to!
I read & I study & I research......only to find nothing!
Isaac is just like a 4 month old human to me.
He looks at me as if to say..."help me"...
As long as he is curled up in my arms...he seems quite content.
Like any child when they are not feeling well, he just wants to be held & to feel secure.
I just need some answers!
A little over a month ago, Isaac was starting to crawl...play with his toys...hop across the floor..swing from his toys...
then all of a sudden...he started going down hill.
He has never quite came back.
All I know is that I love this little guy, and I want him better!
I want him to live a normal, healthy, happy monkey life.
Whether it be here or with another family.
Somehow, someway.....I have got to make that happen.
I guess just keep us in your prayers.
We are doing all we can do......one step at a time.
I feel alone...and helpless.
It's like money is everything!
If you have the money...you can get all the help you need...people crawl out of the woodwork!
Life & love...have a price tag now!
Sad to see what our world is coming too....
I know I have seen enough!
I was told by someone a few weeks back...that I shouldn't be posting adds on my site for others people stuff..because I'm not licensed to sell certain things!
I said why not?
I'm not making anything off of it....I do it as a friend!
He said..."lol...no one does anything for free!"
Well....He couldn't be more wrong!
I guess what he really meant was....he would never do anything for anyone for free!
Sad huh?
It amazes me!
When a person calls here or emails me about a bird or animal
question or need.....It doesn't matter if I know them, or if the animal came from here....I do my best to help, and If I can't help.....
I do my best to help them find someone who can!
That is how I was raised!
Society will never change that!
I guess I feel what comes around goes around!
I have had people help me in the past....so I know they are out there and I'm not alone!
Hopefully I will find the help I need, to get Isaac through this!
I still believe, that True Love....never fails.
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October 20th, 2009
Well, I finally spoke with a very reputable Primate vet today.
As I thought...he said that Isaac should have had Blood work &
x-rays several visits ago.
He couldn't understand why this had not been done!
We won't even go there right now!
Anyway, to make a long story short....It looks like $500-$700 and a 3 hour trip to the other coast, will get Isaac started with someone who can actually help find out what is going on & what to do about it.
So...I'm doing my best to raise money to get him over there ASAP.
I sat with Isaac last night, and cried out to God for help.
After all, anything & everything good comes from God!
I know when it comes down to it...he is the "Healer"...the almighty physchian.
I know he already has a plan & a purpose.
So I know he sees what I'm going through with Isaac, and I know he has a plan.
It may not be what I want, when I want it....But I know he is always right.
I'm just not good at waiting..
I just prayed that he would give me the strength to get through this & a sense of peace.
I am willing to do whatever he wants.....as long as he guides me through & that I was hoping he would heal little Isaac.
I know from lots of experience, that he will get me through this, just as he has with so many other things...so many other times.
Seasons in my life may change....but Thank God, he never does!
Just as I ended my prayers.....eyes full of tears....heart full of hurt...
I heard softly....."Be Still And Know That I am God "
Gives me goose-bumps!
I know somehow, someway...it is all going to be okay...
One prayer at a time..
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October 23rd, 2009
God Answers Prayer!
Well, thanks to a Phone call bright and early this morning from a dear friend ......we have almost met our goal to get Isaac to the vet!
I got a call this morning from a good friend, Debbie Brees`e.
I have bought several birds from her...one being the pair of Fancy Green cheeks I listed to sell.
I didn't want to sell them...but this one of the only pairs I had left that I knew could provide a big chunk of the money needed.
Anyway she offered to buy the pair back, plus a few other birds that I had listed for sale.
So I met her this morning, and we traded birds and money....lol
I just want to say a special thanks to Debbie!
Not only are we just a few bucks away from the money we need to raise...But I know my birds are in a wonderful home!
So...Isaac has an appointment set for a week from today.
He will have to be put under with gas...blood work will be done, as well as x-rays, fecal exam & possibly a few other test.
Hopefully..this will shed light on things, and we can get little Isaac on the road to recovery.
I mean there is the possibility that they find nothing,
but I'm praying that is not the case.
As always...step-by-step we go!
I have to say, the last 2 days Isaac has seemed a little more active, and showing a little more interest in eating.
He discovered last night that he really likes the baby sweet potatoes. ....at least for today...lol
So that is a good thing.
Anyway..that's all for now.....
God Bless
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October 29th, 2009
A-h-h-h.....the "Big Trip"!
Well, tomorrow is the big day!
The 3 hour drive to the vet in West Palm Beach!
I sure hope this sheds some light on things.
The last few months have been some of the longest, hardest months of my life.
(for more reasons then one!!)
He has been eating a little better the last few days, (as far as hi bottle goes)..but not much changing with his weight.
This leads me to believe it could be liver issues.
Guess we will find out huh?
Anyway....I want to give out a few more special thanks.
I wanna thank the Brudell family over in West palm.
They are meeting me tomorrow to purchase a few birds from us.
This money...will take care of the balance needed for Isaac's visit,
& just in the nick of time!
Isn't God great!!
He truly does answer prayer & provide!
We has almost all of it saved..the blew a tire Sunday night.
There went $100 out the window!
Hey, at least it happend a few miles from home & not half way to West Palm beach!
I'm Thankful!....Anyway,
I also want to thank a friend Abby...she purchased a love bird from me a year ago. She sent me an email a few days ago, and said she had read Isaac's story, and wanted to help by filling up our gas tank for the big trip!
Wow..what a blessing!
I have to stop and say...that every time I feel like giving up...getting out of the birds & animals...with drawing from people ..and crawling in a hole.....
God sends me people like this!
& Not just people....friends!
I have met & got involved with some real "doosies"...over the last few years...(especially the last few months)
But I have to say...I have also met some of the most unique people & made some of the nicest friends as well.
....and you know who you are...& you out -weigh the bad by far.
I thank God for you everyday.
As for the "doosies"....lol
I just flat out pray for them!
I am greatfull to a lot of people.
Not just those of you have bought a bird..or have given a monetary
gift.
Some of the emails of support & prayers are priceless!
Friends like Nisa who always offer to ride on my long road trips or lend a shoulder to cry on.
Friends like Steve & Bruce who call and check in weekly, come & visit, and offer to help in any way they can.
Some who just call and offer a few hours away & out to lunch...
Some who offer to come and help with the plants...or the bird cages...
I still laugh when I think of the person who told me a few weeks back, with such certainty...."No one does anything for free!"
I guess what they really meant, was they them self would never do anything for free, because I sure have experienced a lot of it lately....
& God knows I've done my share!
Anyway...thanks for everything!
I can't say it enough.
Even if you weren't mentioned...or maybe you read about Isaac and we have never met...
Thanks for your interest.
He is quite the special lil'guy.
As soon as we get the results back from the doctor..I will update the site.
Hopefully I will have some new pictures of Isaac to post as well.
Isaac may even be getting his own little News Paper story!
Well, a lot to do before tomorrow.
Take care & God Bless You all......
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October 31st, 2009
Sorry I didn't get to update the site about Isaac's vet visit yesterday.
We had a long day, and shortly after arriving home, we almost lost him.
Thank God For Knowing CPR!!
Anyway...I am still running around today trying to get all the things that the doctor ordered.
As Soon as I get a chance to sit down and catch my breath...I will fill ya in.
Stil waiting on some test results, but I did get a call on the blood work this morning.
Things don't look good for lil Isaac....
First off....Yesterday was a long ride to West Palm.
We got there , talked with the vet about Isaac's history up to this point.
I brought along all of his medical records to the day, as well as the journal that I have been keeping on him.
I discussed my concerns with him about the spitting up, the random face swelling, lack of energy, weight loss, not growing, and every other concern I could think of.
After we talked a few minutes,
they took him, put him under with gas...then they did blood work, 2 ex-rays, fecal-culture, fecal smear, & a comprehensive-profile.
We went over the ex-rays first. The ex-rays showed so much gas & bloating that the he could not see the kidneys.
Vet said he is a little puzzled about the excessive gas.
He also explained that his bone density was awful.
He said Isaac is very under-nourished.
His body is lacking calcium & protein, and is absorbing very little if any nutrients from his food.
Said the color of Isaac's stolls were of some concern...but the fact that they were well formed was a good thing...yet a little puzzling considering all the other factors.
He said that this is something that could very well be genetic.
He recomended some mylanta..a few drops several times a day for the gas.
He recomended trying to get as much protein & calcium in him as we can.
Trying hard boiled egg whites, scrambled eggs, fresh meal worms, even some beef or chicken baby food in the formula.
Said we need to get him on a vitamin containing D3....
so we found and infant vitamin called poly-visol.
we are to give him that..just a few drops several times a day as well.
He said Isaac is a very sick little monkey......
said he is not sure what he can do for Isaac at this point.
He recomended that we start over...rule everything out, & start with a process of eliminatio
So...$757 later..we headed back home.
The whole way home Isaac was very sleepy and out of it.
he sounded congested and his breathing was vey labored.
Shortly after we arrived home...Isaac started doing his."I'm hungry cry"...I guess si, he hadn't eaten in 8 hours!
So I made him a very small bottle.
He started to take a sip, then turned away.
I figured he was still a little out of it...so I didn't pursue it.
I took him over to his bed, changed his diaper, and then proceeded back the hall.
All of sudden..I noticed him raise up, hunch over, and looked as though he wanted to vomit...but nothing was coming out.
Then he started gasping like he could not breath.
I ran him into the bed room..laid him down and began CPR.
He became very limp, he stopped breathing, and when I listened...I heard no heart beat.
I screamed fro my daughter...and said "he is not breathing...I can't go through this again"
I didn't give up.
Still no response.
I stopped for sec...and he just laid there...no sign of life.
I screamed out" please God...don't let this happen!!"
I began CPR again..I noticed his eyes move and he twitched..
I held him up-side down, & swun him through my legs (as I was taught to do with aspirating puppies)
He spit up a little clear liquid...started to gasp...and was trying to cry.
All I know..he he is still alive...and he never left my sight all night!
I slept on the couch, with him on my chest.
Bloodwork: (this morning)
The vet called me bright & early this morning.
He said he had the Blood work back.
His Exact words were...."I don't know how Isaac is still living, his bloodwork is atrocious!!"
He said his white blood count is 1.8..(not good!)
...he is extremeley anemic,
....his hemoglobin is only 1/2 of what it should be,
...protein is 1.2 and should be between 3-6,
....SPTP, a enzyme in the liver is very high, while one of the other liver enzymes was very low...said this was puzzling too!
...said his kidneys look to be normal,
....said as we know, he has very poor digestion.....
He explained...Basically..it is like he is slowly starving.
He mentioned the low white blood count, can sometimes produce fluid in the lungs..which could possibly be what is causing the congestion sound, but infection can't be ruled out either.
We have to be very careful how we treat Isaac, because some of the medicines and such, can counteract other problems.
We are still waiting for some other test results, that will be in on Monday.
I spent all day today trying to get all the stuff the vet recomended we get Isaac started on.
So here is where we are:
Along with his normal sensative stomach formula, I have to try to mix in *baby food with beef of chicken (for protein)
* a little powder protein (more protein & weight) & Pancrea-zyme
(this is to help his pancreas break down food so he can better digest it)
He has to have a few drops of Mylanta several times a day to keep the gas & bloating down.
He has to have a few drops of Rennet,several times a day, another type of enzyme (it is used in making cheese)
this will also help him process and absorb nutrients from his food.
* Bene-bac...1cc 3-4 times a day...to help replace good bacteria in his body , that alot of his previous medications may have depleted him of.
*Poly-visol...a liquid infant vitamin, a few drops many times a day.
this will help provide vitamin D3 & Iron.
* As much sunlight as possible!
Dr. Zeitlin said that more extensive testing should be done..like some biopsies of the intestines and so on...but Isaac is just to little & under nourished to under-go all that right now.
Also TB testing should be done, but once he is older & in better health.
Anyways...this has been a lot to take in, and I'm so emotionally drained it is pathetic!
At this point, Isaac is running a low fever, and all he wants to do is sleep.
His breathing is still labored, still sounds congested on and off and he seems a little restless at times.
At least he is still eating at this point, and his stools have been good today.
One step at a time.
I have to face the fact that I could lose Isaac at anytime.
All I can do..is what I have been doing....My best!
I can tell you...Dr Zeitlin is a very intelligent man, knows his stuff, and I wish I would have found him 4 months ago!
Bottom line, God has a plan for little Isaac.....& nothing change that.
While he is in my life....I will give all I can to do what is best for him.
Just feel like I'm running out of options....
No one could love him like I do....
I will keep ya posted with monday's results.
Thanks again for caring & prayers...
God Bless
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November 2nd, 2009
Opened this up first thing this morning..I needed to hear it!
I know it, just needed to hear it!!
You're Not Going Under
"Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." - 1 Peter 4:19
I've said it for years, there is nothing good that God brings into your life by way of transformation that He doesn't bring through the funnel of perseverance. If God can get that one characteristic into your life, He can truly make you what He wants you to be.
First Peter 4:19 encourages us with, "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
Did you hear what you're supposed to do? Entrust your soul to your faithful Creator. God is faithful to you. He's got His hand on the thermostat. The fire will not get too hot. He's watching the depth gauge; this trial will not get too deep. God puts up the boundaries to your trials. "That's all. That's my daughter. I know what she can handle. Not that much. Not there. Not now."God protects His own. He will not allow youto be tried beyond what you are able to take. And in the middle of it all, He tells you to entrust yourself to His care.
God knows you better than you know yourself. You're not going to lose it; you're going to be okay. You don't know what you are capable of when you're resting in God's strength and not your own. You're going toget through this one way or another. It's not going to last forever and you will get through it - because God is faithful. He's not tired and He's not wondering when this is going to be over.
Reassure yourself, "I'm not going under." You can keep going for another day, another week because God is producing staying power in you. The ability to remain in that marriage - as hard as it is. The ability to remain in that job - as hard as it is. The ability to stick with it in that difficult circumstance - no matter what. If God can produce in you that staying power, He can give you everything else.
The good's not coming if you quit. Listen, God can get every characteristic of Christ into your life if He can just teach you to stay in the game.
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November 3rd, 2009
I got a call from the vet this afternoon.
The fecal results came back, and he said Isaac had grown no bad bacteria..and things looked good as far as that was concerned.
He asked how Isaac was doing, about his apetite, and breathing.
I explained that he breathing was better..he still sounded a little congested on and off.
(As I mentioned earlier..we think this may be due to fluid be produced due to low blood count.)
For the most part, he is about the same as he has been.
He is eating about the same, but I'm having a hard time getting some of these medications in him & he is not always welcome to new foods!
The vet said most important at this time is getting the vitamins, protein and nutrients in him.
The sunlight is pretty important too!
We started him on the pancrezyme yesterday.
As soon as I added it to his bottle...he knew it!
He doesn't want anything to do with it.
This is gonna be fun!
It is a powder...so you have to really be creative.
It is important though..because it will help his pancreas break down the food better, so he can digest & absorb more.
He hates the vitamins too!
The vet said to keep up the good work..and maybe there is a chance we can get him turned around.
I have my work cut out for me!
So I journal everything each day.
What he eats.. when..how much...color of stools, weight, ect.
So..at this point..it is day by day.
We are to keep him notified of any changes and if all goes well, and Isaac puts on some weight & gains some strength, then we can persue some more extensive testing.
For now...we just take each day as it comes.
We will keep ya posted...and try to up date some new pictures.
Happy Fall everyone......
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November 15th, 2009
Well...Just a little update on Isaac...
He is holding his own for the most part...for the moment.
He had few bad days last week with some diareha and vomiting.
The vet put him back on some antibiotics, typically used for bacteria infections.
Anyway..within 2 days he was back to what is normal for little Isaac.
He is starting to eat better...and pick up a little weight.
He has went from barley 14oz up to 15.5oz now.
Still WAY below what he should be...but hey..something is better then nothing!!
Just over the last 3- 4 days he has started to play a little more..
You look over and he is playing with his toys...and starting to pull himself up by his toys...
He is so dang cute.
Anyway..we have to remind ourselves, that Isaac is still not out of harms way.
We just have to take each day as it comes, and take the good with the bad.
It is very hard, frustrating & painful sometimes.
The Dr says he sure hopes we can get him turned around.
Not a whole lot more we can do at this point.
Once Isaac grows a little..gets some weight on, and is a little more healthy..
He will have to go back for more blood work and e-xrays.
I need time to raise the money again..lol
So..anyway...as for today..he is doing pretty good...
As for tonight......
Well lets just say we take each moment as it comes.
Thanks again for
all you concern
& Prayers.
God Bless
