Let's Babble Our Way to Post #4,000,000 And Win Prizes Too!

[kittens mom]

 
Okay, so AWM contacted Uber's insurance company for more information--and they have not responded. Does anyone have any other ideas?

You said she had a letter from the insurance company for Uber. That should have a return address. Usually a phone number. I know it's unpleasant but she really needs to make sure this isn't lurking somewhere waiting to mess up her life.

 

[segelkatt]

 
thanks, all the volunteers are very compassionate people. They are there for 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Also the PetSmart employees do go into the shelter area and play with the kitties during their breaks. 

I get updates from the staff each time I go in. They always have a favorite cat..

no response back from the president, but it is still early...

If you guys feel this is too upsetting, please let me know. I just had to get it off my chest...and you guys are all so compassionate, and kind of understand where I am coming from...and kind of know what kind of a person I am...thanks.

No, this is not too upsetting. You babble your heart out, we understand, that's what we are here for, to support our feline-loving friends. Where else could you go?

 

[NewYork1303]

I'm really hoping that the cuties that I work with at my local adoption center get adopted. Its hard, I know with the FIV and them being seven years old and one of them not having any teeth, people worry about taking all that on, but I wish they'd give them a chance. They are the sweetest cats. 

 

[segelkatt]

 
If your mother was being investigated or there was a pending lawsuit she would have been contacted for a deposition or interview by either the authorities, a lawyer of the insurance company.  She should also be able to get a copy of the actual complaint made against her.

Please keep Ra out of the blinds. They are death traps. Insulated drapes and or UV film work wonders at keeping the heat out. I don't have a legal background but anyone can sue anyone for almost anything. Your mother should take the letter to a lawyer because no matter how insane it may seem that is a very serious allegation. Sometimes a well worded letter from a lawyer can shut the nonsense down and make the cost more than worth it.

Is there a Legal Aid Society in your state? If so, she can ask for advice the regarding the legal situation.

 

[LTS3]

Got generic Miralax and pumpkin. I'm going to mix both in with Emma's bedtime snack later. She seems just fine today. She hasn't pooped yet but I'm not concerned. Sometimes she doesn't poop until bedtime and occasionally she skips a day but will go early the following day. Her abdomen feels a little tense but I can't tell if she's just clenching her muscles because I'm squeezing around or if there's still poop stuck. Hopefully I can get her unclogged without a trip to the vet.

Will probiotics help with gut health? Emma has had ileus (lack of gut motility) before which was treated with a course of meds. Maybe I should ask this over on Health instead

 

[kittens mom]

Well I just had a go round with Embrace. I took Mercy to the vet a few weeks ago for hind end pain. Exam and blood work revealed nothing significant. The vet did say her anal glands were pretty full though not impacted. They were expressed. She was fully mobile though you could see something was bothering her. I was given pain meds for a few days with the though it was either her anal glands causing all this fussing around or she had fallen as was a bit bruised. I was told to watch in case an abscess came up in case Mook had clawed her. During this the vet looked in her mouth and noticed the gum abnormalities so now Embrace is refusing to cover this because they say it was a dental visit. I then checked our online portal and it now has the diarrhea Mercy had at 2 months old listed as a freaking pre-existing condition.

We took Mercy for a separate consultation and our regular vet took pictures she sent to a specialist. We just need to have excess tissue removed. We know that's not covered. But they are denying the claim because the vet noted that she had some issues while they were examining her. I'm a bit on the miffed side right now.

 

[NewYork1303]

I wish that the sun was out. I want to try out the harnesses with my cats, but neither of them like to be outside when the weather isn't nice.

 

[kittens mom]

And we have a fire today and likely smoke tonight. I'll have to leave the windows shut and the AC on. Hubby has COPD and smoke is a big no-no. The sky is full of smoke and when the wind settles tonight we're going to be swamped in smoke.

View media item 354621

 

[NewYork1303]

That's scary. I don't like the sight of smoke on the horizon. It makes me weirdly nervous- but I think that's because I live in the forest, where smoke on the horizon would mean getting out of the house as fast as possible.

 

[kittens mom]

That fire is pretty far away. For us it's the smoke. It's heading right for us. It's the reason I won't use a swamp cooler even though they are cheap to run. They pull in all the outside pollutants. I think the firebugs that lived behind us for years are gone. Before we had trash service. ( we'll call it that) you had to haul to the dump or burn. Those fools started more grass fires than I can count. Open burns aren't allowed anymore. We can't even use our grill most of the year.

 

[LTS3]

Only other crazy cat ladies (and guys) would understand this..... Emma just pooped normally

She did have a normal moist looking cling on stuck to her but that was easily removed. I'll still give her some Miralax and pumpkin later.

 

[NewYork1303]

 
That fire is pretty far away. For us it's the smoke. It's heading right for us. It's the reason I won't use a swamp cooler even though they are cheap to run. They pull in all the outside pollutants. I think the firebugs that lived behind us for years are gone. Before we had trash service. ( we'll call it that) you had to haul to the dump or burn. Those fools started more grass fires than I can count. Open burns aren't allowed anymore. We can't even use our grill most of the year.

Its illegal for people to burn like that here... but they do it anyway. It worries me that they are willing to put everyone at risk for their stupid burning habit.

 

[Margret]

 
I was near Petsmart this afternoon, so I went into the shelter area to see the little sick one, Sunshine.

I know the volunteer just left, but I had to....

She was so happy to have company!!! She started talking to me as soon as I came in the isolation room.

I had to take her out of her tiny cubbie. Sick as she is she still has some 'play' left in her. We played with one of those stick toys, but she wanted to be held..

I had to pick her up...she cuddled immediately. I sat down and held her on my lap. She was purring to beat the band, and kneading. She wanted to give me face kisses also...I noticed today that her previous owners did have all her teeth removed. Poor baby.. She also had a mammary tumor removed last month...The poor thing!!

I wish I could foster...but I really can't. My guy will not tolerate it. 

I reviewed all her medical records. 

This cat is so sweet. She really wanted to kiss and wash my face..she tried, but I am still wary of that. 

I had to vent and share this with people who understand how I feel. I am almost at a point, that if the shelter, under doctors advise, says that she is sick enough to leave us, I want to be there to show her love at during those last minutes....sigh...

I noticed her breathing was a bit labored today... 

I sent an e-mail to the president of the humane society, expressing my concerns. I hope I did not overstep my boundaries, (which I have a habit of doing), but this little girl has really gotten to me....sigh..

As soon as I put her back in her cubby, she started eating some food.. she just needs that love..

Originally Posted by Kittens Mom  

I wept as I read this. Sorry. I am not heartless but the kindest thing for this poor girl is a merciful end in the arms of a caring human. your gift of being willing to be there for her is priceless.

This made me cry, too. Poor dear little girl.  These stories just make me want to run in and gather up these little souls and cover them with love.  Kittens Mom is right - what you are doing for Sunshine is priceless.

 
I do not know what the shelter has planned for her. I know this shelter is a no-kill, but if her condition can be stabilized, then perhaps she can have another good year.

What I mentioned in my e-mail was that I read and completely understand the medical jargon. I told her that Sunshine has multiple cardiac anomalies, and right sided heart failure. I also told her that the x-ray reports said she had a lot of fluid in her belly, and some fluid in both of her lungs. I also told her that I noticed she was laboring a bit when she was breathing. I also said that she should be on lasix (fluid pill) and that I have not seen any pills or instructions for the pills. I also wanted them to find out when her next doctors appointment would be. I reminded the president that this baby had a mammary tumor removed last month ( we had it done) and her prior owners had all her teeth removed. 

Also mentioned that she is a cuddle bug, and that is all she wants. 

If I said too much, I could not help it. I just had to.. In my heart, I knew I had to...

This cat really wormed a hole in my heart. I really love her. 

I also mentioned that this girl does not have long to live. She needed the medication to feel comfortable. 

After this, I may not be allowed to volunteer anymore, but at least I spoke my mind.

Mentioned that the vet (whom I do not care for-did not say that), did order the meds. I said I go to a different VEt.

so God Help me..and my big mouth..

As they pointed out the last time I visited our local no kill shelter, the name is not entirely accurate.  No kill shelters do euthanize cats, for exactly the same reasons you or I would.  But I've never heard of a no kill shelter that didn't care about the cats in their custody.  If they have enough money to do it I'm sure they will give this little one as long as they can without causing her additional pain.  And the more they know about her, the better, which is what you're giving them.

 
I think the rescue should be thrilled to have someone has experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate as you as a volunteer.    Hopefully they will recognize that, too.  I am in love with Sunshine myself from what you've written about her and she is lucky to have you as an advocate. 

Exactly.

 
thanks, all the volunteers are very compassionate people. They are there for 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Also the PetSmart employees do go into the shelter area and play with the kitties during their breaks. 

I get updates from the staff each time I go in. They always have a favorite cat..

no response back from the president, but it is still early...

If you guys feel this is too upsetting, please let me know. I just had to get it off my chest...and you guys are all so compassionate, and kind of understand where I am coming from...and kind of know what kind of a person I am...thanks.

 
Before RB left for Virginia, he brought home a cat that had been abandoned on his friend's street. (His friend found the cat because his dog--who thinks of cats as friends--brought the terrified little thing to him.) RB, thinking that we'd never even notice another cat (hah!) and not thinking that our kitties might not take kindly to the intruder, brought it here. It was a calico, and her previous owners had gotten her front paws declawed. (I have never believed in declawing and have been very vocal about it to anyone who brought the subject up.) The cat was also starving--we had to (quite literally) fatten her up before we took her to the shelter (and we had to take to her to the shelter, all  of our cats wanted to kill her). It took a little while to figure out why, even though the cat was starving, that the cat wasn't eating (we fed her the same mixture of wet and dry that our babies get). It turned out that she wouldn't  eat unless she was being physically touched (gently pet) at the same time she was eating. Sometimes I wonder what happened about the cat--but if you take a cat up to the local no-kill shelter and turn it over, you're not allowed to ask after it. 

My point is this--the cat needed  someone to not only find those things out, but to point them out to the shelter volunteers. You've made a record for this kitty so that even if you get dismissed as a volunteer, the other volunteers will know.

Quote:

@Artiemom I also believe you did the right thing. If you hadn't said anything, you would probably beat yourself up about it for the rest of your life. I'm so happy she has you to give her lots of love. Thank you.

I agree wholeheartedly.

 
No, this is not too upsetting. You babble your heart out, we understand, that's what we are here for, to support our feline-loving friends. Where else could you go?

The situation is upsetting.  Your posts about it are not.  One of the major reasons we're all here is to help one another deal with these upsetting situations.

 
Well I just had a go round with Embrace. I took Mercy to the vet a few weeks ago for hind end pain. Exam and blood work revealed nothing significant. The vet did say her anal glands were pretty full though not impacted. They were expressed. She was fully mobile though you could see something was bothering her. I was given pain meds for a few days with the though it was either her anal glands causing all this fussing around or she had fallen as was a bit bruised. I was told to watch in case an abscess came up in case Mook had clawed her. During this the vet looked in her mouth and noticed the gum abnormalities so now Embrace is refusing to cover this because they say it was a dental visit. I then checked our online portal and it now has the diarrhea Mercy had at 2 months old listed as a freaking pre-existing condition.

We took Mercy for a separate consultation and our regular vet took pictures she sent to a specialist. We just need to have excess tissue removed. We know that's not covered. But they are denying the claim because the vet noted that she had some issues while they were examining her. I'm a bit on the miffed side right now.

As well you should be.  This is an insurance company playing games with the facts in order to avoid paying what they owe. 

  I'm with you on this one.  This is what we buy insurance for.

Margret

 

[kittens mom]

As well you should be.  This is an insurance company playing games with the facts in order to avoid paying what they owe. 

  I'm with you on this one.  This is what we buy insurance for.

Margret

WEll , sadly for them I've got some miles under my belt dealing with riff raff now. 

Mercy was taken in for pain issues on the opposite end of the mouth and diarrhea was never mentioned. One of the caveats of the policy is you must take your pet in when they get sick. If you let the pet malinger they aren't going to cover it. She most likely skidded off something during a Flying Wallenda moment.

 

[NewYork1303]

I've always wondered how insurance companies can live with themselves. It isn't okay for them to hassle people like this all of the time. 

 

[Margret]

 
As well you should be.  This is an insurance company playing games with the facts in order to avoid paying what they owe. 

  I'm with you on this one.  This is what we buy insurance for.

Margret

WEll , sadly for them I've got some miles under my belt dealing with riff raff now. 

Mercy was taken in for pain issues on the opposite end of the mouth and diarrhea was never mentioned. One of the caveats of the policy is you must take your pet in when they get sick. If you let the pet malinger they aren't going to cover it. She most likely skidded off something during a Flying Wallenda moment.

Ah, the poor dears.  My heart bleeds for them.  Or something.

 
I've always wondered how insurance companies can live with themselves. It isn't okay for them to hassle people like this all of the time. 

You've been confused by the Citizens United decision, I think.  Insurance companies are companies, not people.  They don't have to live with themselves.  All they have to worry about is how the bottom line looks to their investors.  Anyone with a genuine conscience who climbs too high within the corporate structure gets weeded out as soon as their "superiors" find out where their priorities lie.

Margret

 

[margd]

 
As well you should be.  This is an insurance company playing games with the facts in order to avoid paying what they owe. 

  I'm with you on this one.  This is what we buy insurance for.

Margret

WEll , sadly for them I've got some miles under my belt dealing with riff raff now. 

Mercy was taken in for pain issues on the opposite end of the mouth and diarrhea was never mentioned. One of the caveats of the policy is you must take your pet in when they get sick. If you let the pet malinger they aren't going to cover it. She most likely skidded off something during a Flying Wallenda moment.

Am I wrong for feeling sorry for any insurance company that tries to give @Kittens Mom the bum rush? 

   They will not know what hit them.  

  (I love the image of Mercy having a Flying Wallenda moment!)

 

[tallyollyopia]

 
Did she send a certified letter?  Also, some of it might just be the normal delay associated with dealing with a bureaucracy.  My experience with dealing with them via email is that it takes anywhere from two weeks to a month to get a reply.  However, the best thing she can probably do is to take advantage of the free first hour consultation with a lawyer to find out exactly what steps need to be taken.  And then it might be worth springing for that lawyer to write a letter to the appropriate office. 

There's no way to pay  a lawyer for that. We're barely making enough to pay bills as it is. Is there a cheaper alternative?

 
You said she had a letter from the insurance company for Uber. That should have a return address. Usually a phone number. I know it's unpleasant but she really needs to make sure this isn't lurking somewhere waiting to mess up her life.

They sent the letter via email, so the only return address is an electronic one. And no--no phone number. She plans to go into the police department closest to the incident as soon as she gets a chance (my hours have been crazy, and we've been sharing a car).

 

[margd]

 
There's no way to pay  a lawyer for that. We're barely making enough to pay bills as it is. Is there a cheaper alternative?

They sent the letter via email, so the only return address is an electronic one. And no--no phone number. She plans to go into the police department closest to the incident as soon as she gets a chance (my hours have been crazy, and we've been sharing a car).

Some lawyers offer the first hour of legal consultation for free - one could probably give you the basics of what needs to be included in any letter so you could write it yourself.     You might also contact Legal Aid or check with local Law Schools.  The latter often run legal clinics where you can get free legal care.  You should definitely be able to talk with a lawyer for free to find out what steps you need to take to find out what's going on.

Another thing your AWM might try is running a background check on herself.  I don't know how much those cost, and know that some go into more depth than others but a background check might show up anything that's in the legal pipeline.  

And finally going to the police, in the area where the incident occurred is a good idea, as you're planning.   I would think that anyone trying to make a claim on an insurance company would need a police report.   You have a right to see that.   Probably if it were me, I'd go to the police as well as try for an hour of free legal consultation.

Good luck with this.  It sounds like a nightmare. 

 

[LTS3]

Emma drank her soup of pumpkin/ Miralax / Weruva last night

She wasn't sure of the pumpkin at first but I added a little more Weruva on top and then she ate. Hopefully that will take care of any remaining clog. Leroy being the pain he is, tried to eat Emma's snack so I had to distract him with the yummy covered spoon.