Pam Update, 7-21-26

I kept Pam in the quilt shop overnight but this morning she actually wanted outside so I just let her. Then I took her to the porch where her friends were.

Then she wanted outside so I let her out. She went right back to that old cupboard.

And now she’s right outside my sewing room door.

Obviously I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?

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This came from a reader named Brenda F. I said I’d post it and I’ll bet someone will be interested. I think if she mails you part of her card collection, you should pay the postage.

“Idon’t know if you will be interested in this or not, but I am very old and have collected many cards over the years.  I found bags of them at thrift shops several years ago.  They are very nice cards.  I have birthday cards, sympathy cards, pretty cards with no defined messages, etc.  I know that I will not be able to use them all and I would prefer not to give them to a thrift shop.  Cards can be expensive, so I was wondering if you know anyone who might want them.  I would be happy to send them in a package to anyone who would want them and put them to good use.  I don’t have many friends or family left who would enjoy cards.  Let me know if you are interested?”

From Brenda

I think if you’re interested I could give you her email or you could leave a message here. Anybody?

Hoyas

More reader Hoya plants:

Farm pictures

And this is why I had Hazel’s face trimmed so short – her nose is always down in a hole or a fallen limb.
Sunflower’s hens who all want the same nest!
I would love to talk to anyone else who has read this book.

I’m almost embarrassed to post all these pictures of my Hoya plants – I didn’t realize there were so many and honestly there are a couple more smaller ones in the house. Eegads!! (On second thought I think I’ll wait till tomorrow’s post.)

Pam is hanging in there which I’m very sorry for. I will take her for euthanasia tomorrow morning if she makes it thru the night. This is so hard – I honestly thought she would die yesterday! I do not think she’s in pain – she’s very quiet with shallow breathing, almost as if she’s asleep and I can only hope and pray she’ll die in her sleep before morning. My vet is not always in the office and I think one of those days is Wednesday. ☹️

18 thoughts on “Pam Update, 7-21-26

  1. JanetB

    Mary, if you will send me Brenda’s e-mail address, I’ll reach out to her about the cards. My church has a ministry to send cards to shut-ins and they are always asking for donations. Thanks so much!

  2. Charlotte

    Oh, Mary, it is so hard to see a beloved, furry family member at this stage. Prayers for Pam that she eases out of her earthly life. And prayers for you for peace.

  3. Sue in MN

    Mary, that is sad to hear that Pam is leaving you. It’s so easy to get attached to our animals, and them to us. I bet you’ll always think of that cupboard as Pam’s cupboard. What a heart you have for all your ‘kids’. On another note – the Hoyas! Mine is small compared to the pictures from your readers. I had no idea they get flowers. Maybe mine isn’t old enough to bloom?

  4. Suzanne Hillestad

    Recently I read an article about cats and their sense of end of life. One thing they will do is isolate themselves and hide in secluded spaces. My cat did this before I had to help her cross the rainbow bridge.
    So sorry for anyone who goes thru this.

  5. Fran Dixon SW Iowa

    Hang in there Mary. You are doing your best with Pam. It’s in God’s hands.

    Yesterday was beautiful day and what a relief in temps. Today is even cooler with rain showers expected. I might even get a short walk in.

    No sewing yesterday but getting a quilt ready for the long arm. Always enjoy all the activities and photos here. I start my morning off with your blog and coffee!

  6. Cynthia in Minnesota

    Hazel is not concerned that she just got all primpted up and a haircut too! I loved her pose. She is a huntress for sure! I had no idea there were so many varieties of Hoya..and I got mine in 2020 at the Hy-Vee floral department in New Ulm, MN! I am surprised at how it grew, waiting for those beautiful flowers too. Today it will check-ins my bluebird trail and going to a couple of thrift shops in Marshall. I watered all my gardens last evening, and I need to weed again! I am getting the label on my quilt also. I would love together some new cards from your generous blog reader. I would send $ for postage! The bird in the background is a barn swallow. I will email you with my email address!

  7. Henners

    Mary “prayers for Pam”. I’m sure it will be a very sad day and beyond but passing I keep sleep would be a tad easier on you.
    I live the pic of Dot and ?…..
    They look like they’re off for some “tomfoolery “ hahahaha
    I haven’t decided on MC/scones yet.

  8. Cindy Strauss

    I am so sorry about Pam. It is so very hard to watch them decline in older years, we love them so.
    As for the cards, I would be happy to pay postage for part of them. My 94 year old mom loves sending cards and can no longer drive. I would give them to her to send out to friends and family. It would just make her day to get a supply to send out.

  9. Lynn in Scottsdale, AZ

    So sorry about Pam. It hurts when they are approaching the end. You seem to be doing the right things for her. When my kitties couldn’t walk anymore, I called the vet.

    Beautiful Hoyas. My husband asked what a Hoya was so I showed him a picture from your blog. You are educating us.

  10. Alice in SW Ohio

    Mary, I enlarged the picture of your two girls & I do believe that’s a hawk. I showed it to Ron & he agreed. It’s a different species than what we have here. What a beautiful picture of those two girls & love the one of Hazel with her nose in the log. Poor Pam! It’s hard to know just what to do. It’s been years since I’ve had cats since my husband was highly allergic to them, so we had dogs. Dogs are just a bit different. I’ve held my dogs until they passed. I know you will do what you feel is best for Pam. ❤️ That quilt from Sandy certainly is pretty. Also, I never realized there were so many varieties of Hoya plants, how pretty. And the blooms are beautiful!

  11. Angie from Baltimore

    I can only say I feel the emotional you are going through having been there as so many of us have. I know how special she has been to you but all the love and caring she has received from you.
    May she rest in peace and I think of all the animals waiting for her and you at the rainbow bridge

  12. Sally in Southern NV

    Mary, two of my cats became very sick and just wanted to be near me. They didn’t want to eat or drink, but followed me around the house and wanted to sleep with us. We made each one as comfortable as possible and eventually took each to the vet because they were suffering. Always so hard to do.
    I would love some of Brenda’s cards, maybe split with a couple people. Definitely will pay postage. I’l You can forward her my email. Thank you!

    1. Brenda Furlong

      I would be happy for Sally to have my email. Thank you so much for helping me.

  13. Phyllis Rosenwinkel

    Pam seems to want to do this on her own way. Make a soft bed for her wherever she choses. Should she choose to not want a comfy bed, remove most of it. Make water available and any soft food she might eat.
    Tell her that you love her and that it is okay for her to go. Stay with her for a while and give her some love.
    I’ve been where you are with my four legged friends. It hurts.
    Typing this brings tears to my eyes.

  14. Sunflower 🌻 from Michigan

    Thinking of you and Pam.
    Is that a hawk flying in the picture with the goats? If so. What a great shot!
    Our weather was much cooler today and we had rain several times during the day. Tomorrow is supposed to be real cool. We need a break from the heat so I’m ok with that.
    I have not read that book but will look to add it to my list. Take care. 🌻

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sunflower – I’ve got all kinds of things hung on the fence to scare hawks away so I hope it wasn’t!!!

      1. JustGail

        It’s hard to judge the size, but the pointy wing looks more like a falcon than a hawk to me.

        I hope the vet is in today. It’s never an easy thing to do, and it’s so much harder when they are not in pain or sick. I was going to suggest a collar with air tag or other locator and leave her in peace and quiet, at least you’d know where she’s at.

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