I hope I get some responses to this. cause I need help and this is way off topic.
I've been up since midnite with my doggy. He's 11 years old and has skin allergies. He has been scratching and nawing and licking all night long. I give him bathes every other day, give him benedryl and hot spot medicine. Prednizone used to work, but because of early stage renal failure, the vet doesn't want to give him that anymore. He has open sore that I keep put triple antibody cream on, but nothing helps. Any suggestions? I can't stand to see my doggy suffer like this.

EARLY????????

HI YA SHY

IT'S LATE NIGHT FOR ME

JUST A TAD AFTER MIDNIGHT RIGHT NOW ...

WHAT TIME IS IT THERE?

BOUT 7AM I GUESS EH

I USUALLY TRY TO COME IN A LITTLE EARLIER

BUT TONIGHT I WAS WAITING FOR THE RERUN OF

SUAD ................

NEVER HAPPENED

SEEMS BRAVO PUT SO MUCH INTO THE BUDGET OF TC

THIS EP.......THEY WANT TO GET AS MUCH RETURN OUT OF IT

HAVE TO ADMIT I DON'T REALLY BLAME EM

IT'S THE FIRST TIME I EVER SAW A FOOD BUDGET

THAT LARGE ON THE SHOW BEFORE

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

I wish I had a suggestion for you, but I don't. I will say that I really feel for you. Pets can be like members of the family, and it can be particularly hard to watch them suffer when you can't even communicate fully with them.

HATE TO HEAR STUFF LIKE THAT SHY..........

BUT IF YOU WILL ACCEPT A FEW COINS OF ADVICE

MAYBE YOU'VE ALREADY TRIED THIS.........

BUT IT WORKS FOR MY BABY

MAYBE IT MIGHT HELP YOURS

I WOULD GUESS THE ITCH IS PRETTY BAD

WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER ARE PRETTY MUCH "HOME REMEDIES"

NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF DIET YOU GOT YOUR PUP ON

BUT BACON OIL IN HIS FOOD HAS BEEN KNOWN TO

HELP WITH "COAT" PROBLEMS

JUST A FEW SPOONFULS MIXED IN

ANOTHER THING YOU MIGHT TRY IS.....

TO PUT SOME HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN A SPRAY BOTTLE

MIST HIS ENTIRE BODY AND RUB IT IN

HOPEFULLY IT WILL SOOTH ANY DRYNESS HE MIGHT HAVE

AND HEAL ANY IRRITATIONS AS WELL AS

RID HIM OF ANY PARASITES THAT MIGHT BE PRESENT

THAT WOUND YOU SPEAK OF IS A TOUGH CALL

AS I DO NOT KNOW HOW SEVERE IT IS

IF IT'S AN ABRASION OR IRRITATION FROM HIM

BITING OR SCRATCHING

THE HP SHOULD HELP

I'VE ALSO FOUND BACITRATION WORKS

IF IT'S IN AN AREA WHERE HE HAS ACCESS

YOU MAY WANT TO SEE A VET ...THEY DO HAVE FORMULAS THAT AREN'T TOXIC

I'VE FOUND HP TO BE THE BEST REMEDY

AS IT IS USED BY VETS TO CLEAN ANIMALS MOUTHS

AND CAN BE USED TO FLUSH THE DIGESTIVE TRACK

SHOULD HE INGEST CHOCOLATE

GOOD LUCK WITH IT

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

JUST A GUESS...........................

CAUSE YOU TOOK "NOTES"


HHHHHHMMMMMPPPPPPPPPHHHHHHHHHHFFFFF

NOTE TO SELF

KEEP EYE OVER SHOULDER

PG MIGHT BE WATCHIN

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

MAY KNIGHTEN MAYTER WYTAOW???

INTERESTING IC

SOUNDS LATIN ........KINDA SORTA.......

BY NO MEANS AN EXPERT ON THE SUBJECT

THE FIRST TWO WORDS

KINDA SOUNDS LIKE A DATE AND TIME ..PERHAPS..

A FELLOW IN YOUR LIFE

WITH A SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE TO YOURSELF

CONCERNING THINGS GOING ON PRESENTLY

MAYTER .... NOT SURE ABOUT THIS....SOUNDS LIKE

A LIFE AND DEATH THING

WYTAOW ....... A BIT HARDER.........

PERHAPS WHY NOW?

KINDA LIKE SOMETHINGS GONNA HAPPEN IN MAY

EITHER WITH A FELLOW

OR A MOMENT OF DARKNESS.......

WITH THE QUESTION IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND

WHY NOW....

COULD BE A GOOD THING OR BAD

BUT WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE IMAGE IN YOUR

DREAM.......... TRANSLATION IS HARD

LIKE I SAID I'M NO EXPERT ON THE SUBJECT

BUT ON THE OCCASION I DO DREAM

FOR SOME REASON I UNDERSTAND THEM

IF THE DREAM PERSISTS

IT IS USUALLY SOMETHING THAT MIGHT COME TRUE

ME MOM TOLD ME SOMETHING WHEN I WAS A SPUD

IT'S A SUPERSTICIOUS THING SHE WAS TAUGHT TO DO

IF A DREAM BOTHERED HER

I GUESS IT'S AN "OLD WIVES" THING

PERHAPS IT WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS ...

SHE TOLD ME IF I HAD A DISTURBING DREAM

TO "SPIT" .....YES "SPIT" INTO YOUR TOILIE

AND FLUSH IT AWAY

I'M SERIOUS ......NO JOKING HERE

AS HOKEY AS IT SOUNDS ................

IT DOES BRING SOME RELIEF

KINDA LIKE HOW "TALKING ABOUT YOUR DREAM"

WILL MAKE IT NOT COME TRUE.......

SAME PREMISE

NOW GETTING OFF THE SERIOUS NOTE.........

I KNOW SPITTING MIGHT BE HARD FOR YA

AS I'VE BEEN TOLD LADIES DON'T DO SUCH THINGS

ALONG WITH THE PICKING OF BOOGERS...........

AND NOSE HAIRS

WHAT CAN I SAY

LADIES CAN BE QUIRKEY

BUT I LIKE EM

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

BEEN AWFUL EMOTIONACONAL THERE NOTE

HERE'S THE TRANSLATION

TO THAT SONG

FOR YOU AND YOURS

The moon is rising to begin another night
TONIGHT, TONIGHT - we're gonna make our move
The stars are shining as they sparkle in your eyes
SIGN OF THE TIMES - this time's For you

Dazzle me with your night moves
As we turn to the music
Finding mystery in the pounding grooves
as our spirit grows

HOLY LONELY LIGHT - you can it, just believe you're invincible
HEAVY LONELY NIGHT - find the answer, then just take a chance

I'll be there

Even if this world were mine I would not give away my love
I'm not the kind, to say that love has a price
I don't know what you're telling me
If the feeling's real inside
Is it truth or lies, I'm not for wasting time

Dazzle me with your night moves
As we turn to the music
Finding mystery in the pounding grooves
as our spirit grows

HOLY LONELY LIGHT - search for it, reach out to the starry sky
HEAVY LONELY LIGHT - when I find it, Won't look back I'll begin to fly

Take to the air

REPEATHOLY LONELY LIGHT - you can it, just believe you're invincible

HEAVY LONELY NIGHT - find the answer, then just take a chance

HOLY LONELY LIGHT - search for it, reach out to the starry sky


Take to the air

Don't Look Back Again.......
No No No
Don't Look Back Again
Don't Look Back
Don't Look Back Again
Don't Look Back
Don't Look Back Again



NOT SO BAD IN ROMAJI EH NOTE

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

It sounds like too many baths isn't helping. Maybe you're having to do it because of the flaking skin and sores, but it might be making it worse. You might try going to once a week at the most and seeing if it matters. I usually don't give my dogs a bath unless they really need it - like they get into some filth and they stay pretty clean for outdoor dogs, but Shar Peis are a bit like cats, they tend to groom themselves, plus they have a short coat. If it doesn't make it worse, I'd stick with that schedule because the frequent bathings can also irritate the hide (you might even find that you only give your dog a bath once a quarter if he's an indoor dog and it might be fine). I've used a shampoo in the past that has oatmeal in it. It was supposed to be good for skin and coat. It's from Vet Solutions called Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo (there's also a conditioner as well). You can use it for dogs and cats. On the label it says "Soothing Soap Free Shampoo Formulated with Moisturizers". I had a Shar Pei with some mild skin problems once and it seems to work pretty well.

Once skin problems start, it's sometimes hard to get rid of, so I wish you lots of luck.

A SONG FOR YOU IC..............

AND FOR ALL WHO LIVE LIFE WITH

THE HEART OF YOUTH

Koko ni kuru to omoidasu
Mada yume bakari mite ita koro wo
Hoshi kara tanabiku kaze ga ore wo kinou e to saratte 'ku

Hade na buruu no sora
Egao wo utsusu kimi
Futari de egaita sennen saki no mirai

Mada wasureta wake ja nai n' da ze
Ano toki no yakusoku wo
Onaji tsuyosa de Onaji supiido de yume no tochuu
REMEMBER 16

Sukuriin ni shizumu yuuhi
Sayonara to te wo furutta kimi wa
Anmonaito no sasayaki ni biru no sukima ni kiete yuku

Moeru kusa no nioi
Hajimete no kisu
Futari de kiita kaminari no you na kodou

Mada nakushita wake ja nai n' da ze
Hitamuki na ano ai wo
Ochikonda toki wa kokoro no naka de itsu mo omou
REMEMBER 16

(kansou)

Hokori-darake no gin-iro no gitaa
Nando mo nando mo "Yume wa kanau" to
Naki-nagara sakenda hibi

Mada wasureta wake ja nai n' da ze
Ano toki no yakusoku wo
Onaji tsuyosa de Onaji supiido de ima mo yume no tochuu

Mada nakushita wake ja nai n' da ze
Hitamuki na ano ai wo
Ochikonda toki wa kokoro no naka de itsu mo omoidasu yo

Mada wasureta wake ja nai n' da ze
Ano toki no yakusoku wo
Onaji tsuyosa de Onaji supiido de ima mo yume no tochuu

Mada nakushita wake ja nai n' da ze
Hitamuki na ano ai wo
Ochikonda toki wa kokoro no naka de itsu mo omou
REMEMBER 16



TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

Thanx for the advise. Do you use the hydro peroxide straight or mixed with water. I have been using mix for his open sores. He gets them from scratching. Also, can you get the bacitin otc? I layed down and got about an hour of sleep. 2 bendryl knocked the dog out so he's sleeping too. Again, thanks

VERY TRUE TELE

WAS GONNA ADD THAT POINT ABOUT THE BATHS

BUT ME POST GOT TOO LONG LOL

PERHAPS ANOTHER TIP IS TO USE BABY SHAMPOO

WITH LANOLIN ...YES THE HUMAN KIND...

REALLY TOUGH TO DIAGNOS WITHOUT

REALLY SEEING THE PROB

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

Thanx tele, I was giving him a bath 1/wk, but I increased it cause I thought it would help. I recently started using the oatmeal, cause the stuff I got at the vets ($20/blt) wasn't working either. I might add that his sister also had this problem only worse, and I did everything to help her, but just to make her more comfortable I kept her on the pred. After 3 yrs, she died with many complications. Blind, diabetic deaf (from too many ear infections) and of course skin irritation. I don't know whats right anymore, but thanks for the adviseand concern. We were recently in SC for a week, and not changing anything (food, medicines etc.) he was almost completely healed up, then we came back to Ohio and it started all over. sigh

NO PROB SHY

I USE THE HP STRAIGHT UNDILUTED

AND YUP THE

BACITRATION CAN BE HAD OVER THE COUNTER

USE IT ONLY IF HE CANNOT BITE ON IT

AS IT CAN PROVE TOXIC

YOUR VET MIGHT BE ABLE TO PRESCRIBE A NON TOXIC TYPE

THAT ONE IS BY PRESCRIPTION ONLY ...SHRUG NOT SURE WHY

I HAD SOME FROM MY OPTOMITRIST

MENT FOR USE IN THE EYE

WORKS PRETTY GOOD AS IT'S PRIMARY PURPOSE

IS TO EASE INFECTION AND ITCHING

OH.........BEFORE I FORGET

BACTINE WORKS TOO

AND AS TELE JUST POSTED

TOO MANY BATHS COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR

TO THE SKIN DRYING OUT........

I USE HUMAN SHAMPOO WITH CONDITIONER FOR MY BABE

TAKE CARE OVER THERE

ALOHA

HAVE FUN

Thanx for the concern. He is my baby. Kids are grown and gone, hubby works 7days/10-12 hours, so its just me and my doggy.

Maybe this will help


There are more then 500 different things that can cause your dog to be itchy. If your dog is scratching all the time it is important to find out what is causing the itch. This can be quite difficult. While there are many common causes of canine scratching, it can take quite a bit of detective work to figure out the culprit. Try not to scratch your dog itchy spot for him. Believe it or not, scratching the itch, will only make the dog more itchy.

There are several things you can do to ease your dogs itch while you try to figure out, with the help of your vet, what is causing the irritating itch.

1. Bathe the dog regularly in cool water. Warm or hot water will only make the itch worse. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding some Epsom salts, baking soda, or colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) to the water will increase the soothing effects. This will provide only a temporary relief lasting from a few hours to a few days. After the bath, pat the dog with a towel. Do not rub the skin, this will only increase the dogs itch. Do not use a hair dryer on a heat setting. A cool (no heat) setting would be okay. Heat and rubbing the dogs skin will increase your dogs itch, making the bath ineffective.

2.Fatty Acids, found in either marine oils or evening primrose oil, can be very effective in easing an itch. You can try giving one of these fatty acid supplements. It will take several weeks before the benefit will take effect, so they are for treating long term problems rather than an on-off irritation. You can find these at your local health food store.

3.Antihistamines can sometimes be effective with short term itches. For example; insect bites or a flare-up of hay fever. You can use an over the counter antihistamine such as clemastine (Tavist), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Be sure to consult your veterinarian first. Your vet will give you the proper dosage and tell you if this will be a good thing to try for your dogs problem.

Shy ...my dog Dino had the exact same symptoms and the ONLY thing that worked always
was Prednisone......We tried EVERYTHING.
I still have boxes of stuff.
Here's some tips I found on alternatives to Prednisone..It also said Hyrdrocortisone orally was a good alternative too.

My heart goes out to you because it is a horrid thing watch them suffer like that.




http://home.ivillage.com/pets/cats
/0,,jdn7,00.html

Prescription For Natural Cures (Balch & Stengler) lists:
Essential Fatty Acids; Magnesium 250 mg 2-4 times daily;
Vitamin C 1000 mg 2-4 times daily; Astragalus 500-1000 mg daily; in addition to many other useful pieces of advice and information.



Q From B.R., St. Paul, Minn.: I've suffered from diabetes for years. Unfortunately, I am facing the possibility of some kidney dysfunction. Is there anything I can take?

A There have been some excellent studies showing that fish oil (EPA/DHA) is very protective against kidney damage. It has been shown to reduce both the inflammation and damage that can occur as a result of complications associated with diabetes. Studies have looked at several types of kidney problems - most notably glomerular nephritis. A high dose of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in supplement form may also be of benefit. You can take these two supplements together; they work similar to natural prednisone and are extremely safe and effective.

Where did you get this info? I've been doing several things wrong. I scratch his itch, I give him baths in hot water, I blow dry him using hot setting. Now I'm really feeling guilty. My vet didn't offer as much and you wouldn't believe how much money I've spent! Thanks so much.

You know if he was healing up when you were in SC, I gotta wonder if it's something he's allergic to in Ohio. Maybe try the benadryl.

I just googled itchy dog. I'd believe how much money you've spent at the vet, have 2 dogs myself. It costs as much to keep your pets healthy as your humans these days.

Still think it may be allergies but much good advice and at least a place to start.

Thanx Kristl, as usual you provide a wealth of info. Just wondering tho' the info about the fish oil and GLA was for a human, I will have to call the vet to see what she thinks and also for amounts. Is your Dino still with you? Hope I haven't hit a sore spot. We do love our doggys don't we?

Oh, I know its something in Ohio. Whenever I go to ocean or mountains or anywhere for that matter, I don't have to do my allergy meds, use my inhaler or anything allergy related. but as soon as I hit the Ohio boarder, my nose starts stuffing eyes water and I reach for my inhaler.
We plan to move elsewhere as soon as my mom passes, but for now I'm needed here to help take care of her.

No he passed away at 16 years of age....this past year.

He was
*The President Of The Arfitty Council*
as per my ex and he was a regal mutt with a tude' and Duke's (our other dog) grand grasshopper wise master..He taught him everything he knows....Dino didn't play.

He was my son's brother more or less being an only child and his death sent him into a tail spin. Enough so he didn't go back to school for months.

I'm not kidding you..... We tried EVERYTHING..EVERYTHING and I spent much time researching it....Food to nuts...we tried it.
It does seem very strange that it went away when
you left Ohio as I was sure it was internal.
But no matter...it will not go away with anything but a steroid as it would have by now with all your other efforts.

Gentle hugs for your precious baby.

Hi, Jan. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you take care of your mom. And give your pup a big hug from me--loves me some dogs.
Everyone--thanks for your salad suggestions. I have the fixins for the pea salad, so I'll be making that to take to potluck this evening. And now Jim has me thinking about pie, so I need to see how many apples I have. We're trying very hard to not use the car, so to the larder, I guess.

Oh, and Jan--are you living with your mom in her farm house? If so, you might want to have the ducts cleaned; dander builds up very quickly in homes with forced air furnaces. Just a thought.

You know I was thinking of sending him your way for a vacation. but since you seem to have the same problem that cause the symptons down there,I guess I'll avoid the anxiety separation and keep him here.
HeHe! Sorry about your Dino

I do live in rural OH, had my air ducts cleaned about 2 yrs ago, then installed an airfilter and ultraviolet cleaner for molds etc. I am trying, just nothing seems to work. Also vacuum is hepa, made especially for pet hair. Well, I'm making my list to go to the store to get fish oil, GLC, baby shampoo, hopefully after using you all's advise, I'll get things under controll. Let you know in about a week. (oh, also some Xanax for me)
LOL

Oh man ...PG wins the side dish contest?????

She got on Phs's sig tower first and made me look bad with Actor when she picked him as her
favorite living actor....and now this.

Hey PG ......You sure you don't like the IMDB
boards better????

Oh, Snap, KK! Was news to me!
I don't wanna go to that shark eat em up board! Nooooooooo!

pssssst!...River!... I'll send ya the $20 for picking my salad just don't tell KK!

We must be on the same wave length about the pies...
I was looking at the number of them rolling around in the fridge thinking they'd look mighty happy in some cinnamon and pie dough...

Hey! Enjoy the salad. My aunt never forgets to bring it, other wise she would be sent home... It's delish

She would be sent home!!! My mother-in-law makes Ambrosia, not my favorite but everyone else loves it. On a few occasions she has forgotten it so now we call it Amnesia. My husband drops everything to go and get it.

Amnesia salad... that's a good one!
[b]It's funny/cool how some dishes become so ingrained with our families' gatherings.
My grandmother went to one of her senior club functions, a dinner, and no one was eating. They asked her not so polietly, "Where are the dang rolls!" She was mortified! She didn't make any! Grandma is the chief roll maker not just for the family, apparently... [/b]

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE !!

A live performance trumps a recording every time. I'm glad you had the opportunity. Actually I was thinking of you the other day -- my local classical radio station ran an ad for a performance of BOTH the Fauré and the Duruflé Requiems on the same program down in Canton, Ohio about 60 miles south of me as the crow flies. I thought to myself, "If psh were there he'd think he'd already died and gone to heaven!"

Awwww poor Grandma.

We used to live in a house with a half bath that had a pocket door (the kind that slides into the wall). One Thanksgiving my husbands 93 year old grandmother went in closed the door and it came off the track. Years later we still talk about the time we trapped gramma in the bathroom.

LMAO! Just don't let anybody at senior services hear you!

That was my first thought, as well. If the benadryl works it would be a pretty strong indicator of an allergy.

Jane, try to think of anything that might have changed around your house in the time leading up to onset of the symptoms. Also, what differences there are in his surroundings at home and in SC. New house plants/outdoor plantings, new laundry detergents/fabric softeners/dryer sheets/etc., different soaps used in cleaning his food/water bowls, air fresheners, carpet "powders", hygiene products that you or hubby use - anything DIFFERENT might be a place to start in figuring out the possible allergen.

Is he indoor or outdoor or combo?

Best of luck!

KK!! Wasn't meanin' to leave you out! I'll make the mac & cheese next, promise.

Oh well I'm very good friends with most of the folks at our regional Area Agency on Aging. I got tremendous help from them when I moved my ailing stepmother in with me before she passed away. I think they already have my spot picked out in the *home*!!!

Mostly indoor, since his sister died 2 yrs ago, he barely leaves my side, I take him everywhere. Benadryl works, but only for about 2 hours and he usually sleeps for that 2 hours. Vet thought it was a food allergy, but I'm sure its enviromental. Again thanks for your concern, I got your pm.

I didn't get the money there fast enough

I'm feeling a little sentimental about Mother's Day coming up. Kinda bittersweet for me as I lost my own mother around Mother's Day.

I'd like to celebrate and acknowledge the people here that don't fit the *traditional* profile of *Mother*. You don't have to have given birth or even be a woman to live a "mothering life". If you love, care for, nurture and mentor----anyone, not just young children---you fall into my definition of Mother. So I'd like to wish everyone here a Happy Mother's Day early!

That difference between allergens in different states is very interesting. I grew up in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley. It acts like a bowl in that it collects all kinds of allergens and they stay there. I have problems with certain tree pollens like apples oak and white pine which are prevalent in that area. When I visited SC it was the height of my allergy season but the trees there had no effect on me. We were right in the middle of pecan tree bloom. I could have buried my face in that pollen and not so much as sniffled. Put me near the trees in VA and I'll sneeze my brains out. Certain areas of the country are worse for allergens than others. Recently Baltimore topped the list with places like the Shenandoah Valley and the Ohio area valley right up there simply because surrounding areas contribute to the amount of air borne allergens. While at school in Kentucky I referred to that area as a cess pool of allergens. So, factor in the types of trees, their prevalence in your area, and what type of land feature in which you live and you can find a pretty good explanation (sometimes) to your allergies.

And Happy Mommies Day to you too!

We had a cat with food allergies. In specific... red food dye. His problem didn't manifest itself in skin irritations but more of the up chucking in my mom's shoes kind.

I wish you all the best with your pup, sweets. It can be frustrating when they can't really tell you what's bothering them.

Mine is Pine (rhyme NOT intended). I only started having "allergies" a few years ago. I don't know if its age, health/weight, global warming or what but they do suck!! I take Quercetin, per my naturopathic doctor's instruction, and it really works! Something to investigate for those who aren't crazy about "drugs". I had never heard of it before.

That was sterling Radys

What is your real name btw????

My first without Mum ......I'll probably go out to eat with my son and b*tch and complain and send everything back in her honor

Oh and I will make sure and tell the waiter.
This doesn't taste fishy enough!!!

Cheers for all the mums...After all.. without us
the word guilt would nowt even exist.

I just had a big fight with my sister Hitler.

Once I was at her her house and I was tawking
to my Welsh luv on the phone and she came in and started barking orders and he said
Hitler?????
I laughed out loud and said
How did you know we call her that????

She was a nice despot for awhile but the magic
spell has worn off...Time to see the soothsayer once again.

As we are on pets, I have one. My rescue kitten (indoor) is going into heat. I can't afford her girl-surgery at the moment and was wondering if there was anything I could do to help ease her through it.

Aw honey...You are a good daddy...I have never owned a cat....Mum didn't like them and I do not like the idea of kitty litter boxes....But aww and I hope you can get good advice...I know the ASPCA does like 10 dollar spayings at times...Call them!!!

Real name is Rady---my first name but really an Irish last name. My dad was in the Air Force--special services to begin with, they entertained the troops. Had a good friend, a magician, name Michael O'Rady. Dad told Mom--first kid, boy or girl, will be named Rady. Dad was in Korea when I was born, asked Mom on the phone what she had named me and she said Rady----he cracked up and said *I thought you knew I was kidding*!!! So last name as first name, masculine spelling and no middle name. And the real kicker is I had a Scottish last name!!

I own 5 cats, all from the local shelter but all fixed.

This one was rescued from a storm drain and I would guess she was 6 - 8 weeks old at the time. It was a sign - as I had been considering a new addition to the family after losing my last baby (age 22) on the previous New Year's eve. She was a shelter rescue and had been fixed and declawed by her previous parents. My "boy" cat (16 y.o.) was rescued as a kitten from bad parents and he's fixed with no front claws.