Our Little Balloon

This is Skidders. She's our Balloon! (small head and big body) She was born about 7 years ago, when we owned another business. She was a kitten when we gave her away to a friend, a few times, but she was too "skiddish" and "wild" for our friend. Eventually, she was given back to us and nobody else would take her. Well, here she is, still with us. Skidder's a kind cat, very independent, eats (hence the nickname, "our balloon" and sleeps, and that's about it. She plays once in a while with the others, but, she likes her time by herself.

I forgot to mention; we have 5 cats, and another one of momma cats' kittens will come home this weekend to make 6 cats in total and 2 dogs. I'll introduce the rest of the family as time goes by.

Each of the cats have their own special personality, and not one duplicates the other. They all get along and respect each other's space.

Tahoua, a very special and smart cat......

Well, I'll start introducing the "family". Tahoua is a special animal. Tahoua was born at the restaurant by a cat we call "momma cat". Her mom has very little hair and believed to be born in the wild. She lives at the restaurant and has given birth twice since being there. (too untustworthy to catch for spaying), She gives birth every year and a half.

Tahoua, born almost 2 years ago in September and has become a full time member of our household.

A brief history of Tahoua: Tahoua's name comes from a small city in the Sahara Desert area in the Republic of Niger in Africa. She's a Calico Cat and you can see from the picture, her markings are Superb! One night when the restaurant was closed, we forgot the bottle of J&B at the restaurant so that we could have a few drinks at home. I went to the restaurant and upon arrival in the dark, I heard momma cat crying, and in the shadows I could see her staring at the curtain on the gazebeo. I turned the lights on to find Tahoua, (no name at the time, and still very small), hanging in the curtain strangling. She apparently was playing, got tangled and couldn't get out and the curtain ended up around her neck. I rushed to the bar, grabbed a knife, went back to her and momma cat and cut her free. She was gasping for air, breathing hard and could hardly walk. Momma cat took her below the bushes and I allowed nature to take over. The next day she was fine, back to playing with her mom. I was able to touch her from that day on as well as her mom which I could couldn't touch for 2 years. Tahoua came home within 2 weeks after the incident and became my buddy. She comes on call, listens to commands, sits on the railing looking out at the sea watching me on the beach, while I walk the dogs for their morning run, as well as, "Trouble, another cat who also loves the morning walks on the beach. She now weighs 15 pounds and, I think, still growing. I've learned alot about cats through Tahoua. I always say "there's a reason for everything", and in this case a forgotten bottle of J&B saved the life of this wonderful animal. She really is my buddy!

First Day of the Blog....

Well, Today is the first day of writing, creating a Blog. I heard about and knew people who wrote Blogs and was misunderstood about "What a Blog was...."? I realize after some research that a Blog can be anything you want it to be. It can be personal, it can be informative as well as a wonderful way of sharing a part of your "Life's Experience" with others. And, other people can share a part of their stories with you.
Hopefully, this will invite "future friends" and readers to join me in the "journey's of my life". I would like to say to all of those people who are taking the time to read this Blog,I'll tell you a small part of who I am....
I'm a guy who love's life, can be a hardass sometimes, I stick to my convictions and what I believe in, can't be pushed around, love people, and when I Love, I really Love, but most of all, I LOVE THE ANIMALS!
I feel, I can't do enough for these animals on this island. I have been here along time, and so many animals have come into my life, even if it was for 2 days before they died; trying to save them because of being abandoned, abused or left behind. But, for some, I gave them two more days of their life when others gave up or didn't show concern about the dirty, sick, starving, ugly dog or cat, and even outragious cases of mange. I didn't save all of them, but they died (I hope), sensing that somebody cared about them and they didn't die alone. I'm not afraid to touch or deal with the poor thing when nobody gives the animal a second look. I'm patient to gain the trust of the animal so that I can help it along. I am not always successful which becomes frustrating for me, but this doesn't stop me from helping the next lost soul.
Since living on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, I've come to realize and learn that it's not a sign of weakness to cry when you see an animal in need. Maybe, one of the most important things I've learned about this part of my life, is that I'm a sesitive human being. Animals are innocent creatures and need our help.
For now, I'll end this section of my new Blog and hope that I have some feedback. I look forward to hearing from you, whomever you are..... Bill