Reader’s Forum – Week of October 1, 2012
For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.
In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Not Enough Verbal, Edward wrote:
Concerning telephone numbers during TV commercials, you can call the public library and get reference to look up info on the Internet. If you have Internet access at home, you can do a Google search about the TV commercial product and its accompanying telephone numbers.
For weather emergencies, you can Google as well or call the public library. Now, Newsline has a service for registered users to get weather info over the phone as well.
I get free 411 services by using the reference librarian to look up telephone numbers. There are resources available around you.
Edward Zolotarevsky
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In response to Valerie Moreno – SNOW: A Great Way to Go, Gloria wrote:
Hello,
I would like to take time to write and thank Valerie for her wonderful article. I just lost my beloved husband almost five months ago and it isn’t easy. I will always remember her article and use it when I am feeling like I cannot go on.
Again, thank you Valerie!
Sincerely,
Gloria Whipple
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In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – Feel The Love With Felines, Marcia wrote:
Tucki and Sumo
I lost Sumo in 2007 to one of those cat diseases called CRF (chronic renal failure). I was so brokenhearted at the time and thought I just couldn’t live without him.
Then, I came to California about four months later and my boyfriend’s aunt brought home a cat to just stay “one night,” because it was raining hard and she didn’t want the cat outside in the rain. Well, as many cat people know cats have a way of working their way into your house and into your heart and this one did. I petted her and loved on her constantly. She began sleeping with my boyfriend and I instead of his aunt. We cared for her needs and of course we were her pick.
Well, two months after she came here to our house in California, she had kittens. She was a manx cat and had two rumpies, two longies, and two nubs. We gave the kittens away to this organization and they had Tuxedo (her name at the time) spayed for us.
Then, my boyfriend’s aunt left to get married or something and I asked her if I could have the cat. She said that I could have her. I was so excited at the time and the cat followed me everywhere.
My boyfriend suggested we change her name to something that we would like, so we picked Tucki.
Tucki has truly healed my broken heart. I’ve learned to love her in a way that I just don’t know if I’ve loved any cat. Being a girl kitty cat, she is so loving.
I was just in an accident and burned myself. I had to stay in the hospital three weeks. When I came home, at first Tucki growled. But then, when she came around, she really came around. When I would get up at night in pain or to take meds, Tucki would be at my side. She would rub my legs and give me those kitty kisses. She is so wonderful. I’m still recovering and Tucki is still my nurse.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Harrison
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In response to Terri Winaught – Feel the Love with Felines, Betsy wrote:
I have always been a cat person, but I discovered a whole new love for them 3 years ago when I inherited a couple of feral cats who had taken up residence under the house I had just moved into.
I wouldn’t have even known they were there if someone hadn’t mentioned seeing one run under the house, but when they finally did make themselves known when they were desperate for food, that began a long and rewarding process of taming them.
I never could tame Mama, but she trusted me enough to bring me her babies and six months later they became some of the most well behaved house cats I’ve ever had. They even got along very well with my 2 indoor cats who have also been amazing throughout this experience as they adjusted to each new member of the family.
I’ve managed to successfully socialize 6 of them now and each time the 3 or 4 month long process is as rewarding and exciting as the first time.
Interestingly enough, my first one was the easiest to socialize and my youngest has been the biggest challenge.
There is nothing sweeter and more special than the first time I am lucky enough to finally hold one close to me.
There have been a couple major heart breaks along the way, but the joy of the successes far outweighs the pain of the losses.
I cannot find the words to express what a wonderful experience this has been and how much I’ve learned from those little angels, but I can tell you that it is well worth the time and patience it takes to gain the love and trust of a feral cat.
There is something extra special about watching them work through the process of going from a fearful wild animal to a loving comforting house pet and I thank God every day for putting them into my life.
Betsy Sawyers