Clowder 9 Ranch

19/11/2024

C9R friends...meet Pinkie. This sweet little nugget was just diagnosed with wet FIP. This darling calico presented with a slightly swollen belly and general ADR (ain't doin' right). Her bloodwork and fluid drain strongly confirm our suspicion of FIP and her foster mom called right away to see if we could get her started on medicine ASAP...of course the answer was YES! And I'm happy to say that in just 24 hours of her starting her GS medicine, she was already showing improvement. We're very lucky that she never stopped eating or drinking which means we could start her immediately on pills. I couldn't imagine trying to do injections on a sassy Calico (IYKYK). Please keep this girl in your thoughts and prayers as she starts her 168 day journey to cure.

15/11/2024

Oh man...have I told you all how much I hate FIP? 🤬 I hate that it affects kitties of all ages, sizes, breeds, and genders. I hate that diagnosing it is so hard. I hate that the medicine costs so much, and i hate the grief and heartache it brings the families of these sick kitties. You know what I love? There are people out there who care so much that they will try. I love that there is now a treatment and cure. I love being able to help families with inexpensive meds and free consulting.

This leads me to our two newest cases, Zach and Pontoof. These kitties are being cared for by one hard-working single mom and her equally hardworking sister who are trying to provide the best care for these nuggets. It's hard enough and expensive enough to treat one kitty, but imagine trying to treat 2 at the same time. Please send lots of prayers and good thoughts for these little floofs. 🙏

C9R is helping them with medicine and consulting, and I'm happy to say that these two are responding very well. But now C9R needs your help. We'd love to keep helping where we can as a non-profit and if you'd like to help us help these kitties and others like them, we would sincerely appreciate any donations you can make.

A vial of medicine and the supplies cost around $20 each, and depending on the kitty, a vial can last 3 to 9 days, which is about as much time as most kitties will tolerate the injections. Then they mobe to pills, which are $5 each, and on average, a kitty needs about 84 to 90 pills per 84-day treatment, for a total treatment cost of a out $450.

C9R would love to restock our supplies to have on hand for all kitties in need, and if you'd like to be a part of the solution, we would appreciate all the help we can get.

Donations can be made through our IG fundraiser or via Venmo, PayPal, Mail or on our website.

Venmo - Clowder9ranch (Monica Bennion)

PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4970779

Mail a Check: C9R, PO Box 255, Buhl, ID 83316

Website - www.clowder9ranch.org

12/11/2024

What once was a death sentence is now treatable and curable. If you've ever wanted to dive a little deeper into what the treatment is and learn more about some new groundbreaking therapies, register for this online seminar. I encourage all cat owners, cat fosters, cat rescues, cat advocates, and veterinarians to join in. You can register here: https://bit.ly/4fx5jB9

ALL are welcome! So share this message!!!!

11/11/2024

In April of 2024, C9R was awarded a $3,300 grant from the Idaho Pet Friendly License Plate program to help spay and neuter owned and community animals in Region 5* of Idaho. Like some of the cuties we see here. We are very excited to announce that we have produced our final grant report and have submitted that to the grant committee. You can read the full report on our website here: https://www.clowder9ranch.org/2024-spring-grant-report

We are very happy to announce that, in total, 31 animals were spayed/neutered with the funding from this grant! 😻 C9R, combined with responsible pet owners or animal caretakers, and our friends at West End Vet, Mountain Humane, and Blue Cross Animal Hospital, spayed/neutered 7 dogs and 24 cats! Generous donations from our supporters (like you) helped to make sure that these dogs and cats also received life-saving vaccines.

Typically the grant cycle is about 6 to 7 months, and with the wonderful success we have had from this pilot program, you can bet your toe beans we will be applying for more funding in the future.

In the meantime, without other supplemental funding, our program is temporarily on hold, and already has a waiting list...BUT, if you would like to donate to our spay/neuter program NOW, we can start working on our waiting list and keep this momentum going! An average cat spay is $125.00 An average cat neuter is $62.00. An average dog spay is $172.00. An average dog neuter is $160.00. And a rabies and combo vaccine are approximately $35.00.

HOW TO DONATE:
Venmo - (Monica Bennion)
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/4970779
Zelle - 2089483368
Mail - PO Box 255, Buhl, ID 83316

*Region 5 includes Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties.

08/11/2024

Isn't this SOOOO cute? But what's wrong with this picture? 🤣

Love my handmade cat mug 🐈

08/11/2024

C9R friends...can we please get a BIG round of apaws for Team Apple 🍎 For 153 days, over 41% of 2024, this sweet girl was being treated for FIP. Her journey began on June 1st, and on October 31st, she took her last dose and went into observation. Apple's case is especially curious because I am still not 100% certain she battled FIP. Her bloodwork was indicating the strong possibility of FIP, but after her first 30 days of treatment, we did not see much physical improvement, and he bloodwork hadn't really changed. We considered the possibility that she was resistant to GS and started her on Molnupiravir. Again, after 30 days, there was nearly no improvement.

By this time, we were considering other diagnoses, including lymphoma, dehydration, and depression. Her x-rays were clear and showed no signs of cancer. So, with that out of the way, we looked to dehydration and depression. As fate would have it, we literally treated both in the same day. When her mom came to C9R to get stuff for fluids, she met Dahlia, and it was love at first sight. She adopted her that day. Back home, she got Apple set up on a fluid therapy program coupled with a round of antibiotics, and within 24 hours, she was nearly back to 100%. And in a few short days following, Apple and Dahlia were getting to know each other, and that too seemed to perk Apple up. Her vet wasn't convinced, though, and worried that the FIP meds we were using were not "good enough." So Apple's mom did another 84-day program of the newly legal GS from Stokes. Finally, on October 31st, she took her last pill 🙌🥳 Apple is doing well and enjoying the company of Dahlia. We will continue to monitor her during observation, but for now we are beyond thrilled and so proud of all the work and efforts for Team Apple 🍎

31/10/2024

No tricks, ALL treats today for this sweet girl! C9R is supurr excited to share the pawesome news that Miss Jessica is CURED of FIP! In early May, she started feeling p***y and was losing weight. Her bloodwork showed markers of FIP, but the vet wanted to try a round of antibiotics first to see if we were fighting an infection...not a bad place to start. But after 2 weeks, she had lost more weight and was showing more and more signs of FIP. We started her FIP treatment on May 17th, and on August 10th she took her last pill in the 86-day treatment. And now, today, October 31st, she is CURED! Her mom and dad say she is doing so well and is a whole new cat. They love seeing her appetite, sass and energy reaching levels not seen even at the time of her adoption in March. This girl is so lucky to have a mom and dad who are so diligent and focused on her care, and their hard work has paid off! Please join me in congratulating TEAM JESSICA on their success in kicking FIP's @$$!

21/10/2024

Hey Southern Idaho - Let's get these super darling floofs "HOME FOR THE PAWLIDAYS". As winter approaches, we are determined to find loving and warm homes for the 6 remaining kittens and their momma before the cold sets in and the snow starts to fall. Due to their foster family's allergies, they have been residing and well-cared for in a safe and cozy barn, but we know that Idaho winters can be brutal, and we desperately want them inside ASAP. Momma and a few of the kittens are the beautiful flame point with medium hair. The orange kittens look just like dad with unique orange tabby stripes and silky smooth fur just like mom.

If you're looking to add a new furry member to your family, comment or PM for more information.

Momma Uno is spayed and fully vaccinated. The kittens have been vaccinated and will get fixed on 11/1.

20/10/2024

C9R friends...let the good news roll. Please join me in congratulating Team Dani on kicking FIPs @$$ 😻 Dani and her mom and dad did 88 days of ALL INJECTIONS and on June 21st this sweet thing started her observation period, and on Sept 14th she cleared observation and is considered cured of FIP. Just in time for her new human sister, Rosie, to be born 2 days later. Friends, please give a round of apaws to Team Dani, their ameowzing success, and their newest member of the family. Here's to wishing you all years of snuggles, purrs, and love.

18/10/2024

C9R friends...please join me in celebrating Team Rory! After 200 days of treatment (yes, that's more than DOUBLE the normal treatment plan), we are so excited to announce that Ms. Rory was able to enter her observation phase on Sept. 28th. This sweet and salty calico started on injections, then moved to pills, and when she started showing signs of relapse and her bloodwork started to show signs of resistance, we changed medicine yet again and literally started treatment over again! But here we are nearly 3 weeks into observation and she is doing great! She's up to a chonky 10.6 lbs and is enjoying cuddle time with her sister Meri (not the norm before treatment). Rory's momma has the patience of a saint and her persistence has paid off. A normal treatment plan is not easy...never mind doubling that plus some. C9R friends...please join me in congratulating Team Rory! True FIP stars!!!!

17/10/2024

It's time to get back on track with updates from C9R...the last 6 weeks, well... we'll just go with "well...".

But we do have LOTS of happy news...starting with Team Sully. Team Sully connected with C9R almost 4 weeks ago to get started on FIP meds and we are supurr happy to report that this boy is kicking FIP'S @$$ 😻 He's gaining weight, getting his energy back, eating well again, and right on track with his treatment. He'll have his 4 week bloodwork soon, and that, in connection with his outward improvements, will give us a good picture of his treatment plan and how it's working. This boy is looking great, and I know his momma is super happy with his progress, as are we at C9R 😻

11/10/2024

Legal FIP treatment is gaining traction in the US - Check out this article on DVM360 about a kitty in Illinois who is winning his battle against FIP. After more than six decades of having to watch kitties and their owners suffer through a deadly FIP diagnosis and then having their hands tied and unable to offer treatment when it did become available, I am so happy that veterinarians in the United States can now legally help kitties beat this once-deadly disease. Clowder 9 Ranch is proud to say that we will continue to support the kitties, their parents, and the veterinarians with consulting, emergency start-up medicine, education, and advocacy.

A 10-month-old kitten survives FIP with 2 recently available medications

08/10/2024

Day 5 - We made it from Jacksonville FL to Boca Raton FL around 11 AM this morning (~300 miles) 🎊 The roads were clear, and traffic was very light. We did drive through a few down pours, but nothing scary. We got dad and Will C all set up in their condo, and then I headed home to see my hubby and fur kids. Man, did I miss them all. ❤️ We're hunkering down for the tropical storm watch they say Milton will blow our way, but according to the predicted path, we will get some wind and rain and maybe a little temporary flooding. Fortunately, the trailer is up high, and there aren't many trees in our direct vicinity. For some reference, on the second picture, we are the blue dot between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. We will continue to stay safe and alert...but please, please, please pray for this in the direct path of Milton and the storm surge that they say is going to be unprecedented 🙏🙏🙏🙏😿😿😿

08/10/2024

Day 4 of DWCTF (and dad) - 740 some odd miles today and we made it from Ruston LA to Jacksonville FL in very good time. The weather was simply beautiful across the gulf, and we have not had any trouble on any of the roads. It was definitely the "calm before the storm". Tomorrow we will make the last leg to Boca Raton FL and will be there before we get the rain from Milton. We should not experience too much damage from this hurricane, but will be prepared the best we can. Thank you everyone for the prayers and concerns, I'll make sure we keep you updated as we can. In the meantime, continue to pray for those on the western side of Florida.

07/10/2024

Day 3 of DWCTF (and Dad) - Today was our longest mileage day so far (about 730 miles), and strangely enough, the best day so far. Maybe because we ended up in one of my most favorite states in the US; Louisiana ❤️ We left New Mexico at 6 AM and watched the sunrise over the desert (stunning), the drive across Texas was super-sized and it's true, the sky is bigger in Texas. Funny enough, we did make Amarillo By Morning 😊 Made it to Ruston LA a little after 6 PM and have settled in at the Fairfield Inn (5-star service, exceptional room, and even got some laundry done). My favorite part is that there's a Cajun restaurant just across the street. 💖 I got dad some fish and chips, and for me, I got one of my all time favorite foods, red beans and rice with sausage 😋 the people here in Ruston are super friendly and welcoming...I love Louisiana ❤️

Oh, enough about me. Will C is doing great. His Gabapentin seems to be helping, and he's taking his subcue fluids like a champ (and peeing 🙏). Dad is doing well, and I love the stories he's sharing about his time in the army and growing up.

Tomorrow is probably just a little longer than today as we set our sights on Jacksonville FL (744 miles). But that's our last long leg, and if we don't have to fight much traffic (like outside Dallas today), we'll do just great. We should be to Deerfield Beach FL by 11 AM on Tuesday 🙏

06/10/2024

Day 2 of DWCTF (and dad) - Short post, long day. Smooth sailing from Bullhead City AZ to Tucumcari NM. Will C seems to enjoy hotel life, and loved watching himself in the mirrors last night at the Days Inn. And as Y'all know, i have the best travel luck, 🙄 so to stay ahead of Milton, we're pushing it to Ruston, LA tomorrow for about 730 miles. Planning a slightly earlier start than today, and we should be all good. I'll get pics of Will in our room here in Tucumcari...he likes it very much. ❤️

04/10/2024

Day 1 of Project "Drive WillC to Florida" (DWCTF)... we should have just started with this plan from the beginning...he is doing SO well in his tiger cage. I'm sure the gabapentin, catnip, and Feliway are helping a lot, but he actually seems very comfortable and content. He's even eating and taking in the sights 😻 Left Citrus Heights, CA at 6:40 am, missed all the morning traffic, and are just cruising down I5. Destination today is Bullhead City, AZ. If we're this blessed the whole trip, it will be smooth sailing. 😻

03/10/2024

How does something so cute and silly cause so much trouble 🤣 On Monday, I flew to California to help get Dad and Will C get packed up and ready to fly back to Florida on Saturday to move into their new condo. Well, this little 💩 flipped that plan upside down...and now we're going to drive. The plan changed Wednesday when he had his vet visit for vaccines, tranquilizers, fluids, and a full exam. Not 3 minutes in the car, he shredded his airline approved cat carrier. I'd like to say that the answer would be to trim his nails... but he did all this with his teeth 🤯 And no amount of tranquilizers would be enough to stop him from doing it again. So, with this, we made new plans. Canceled the (refundable) airline tickets, trashed the kennel, returned the harness and leash, and made Plan B.

Now, this tiger has his indestructible travel kennel. I bought 2 small wire dog kennels, zip tied them together, set up the back seat car cover, and now he has the whole back seat with a full view.

After watching him in his little kennel yesterday and his behavior around boxes and small enclosed spaces, I believe he suffers from severe claustrophobia. Something traumatic occurred in his past, and he hates small, dark, enclosed spaces.

But this plan actually makes me feel better and i know Will C will be less stressed. And I'm really looking forward to the road trip with my dad. It will be a fun adventure and something we will always remember.

Tomorrow we head out for the 3,000 mile coast to coast trip. First stop, Bullhead City, AZ. Stay tuned...