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Meeehhhagggan escorted us into a waiting room. This practice is solely run by Dr. Rhodes, yet there seemed to be quite a few waiting rooms, an open area where some odd medical devices were placed next to another large flat screen TV. There wasn't a soul around. It was kinda creepy.

We were settled into a small room with an absolutely tiny, marble topped exam table. Meeeeehhagggan took some basic history and added to the information I had brought along, including some printouts of relevant BLOG posts! I even brought labels off Gracie's food and the boxes from all her medications. I wanted to make sure they had every bit of info they could-including her Heska test results (which if you recall showed Gracie was allergic to DUST MITES, some molds, some grasses and beef!) and her Vet records. Meeeehhaaggannn typed away into a fairly new iMac (KA-CHING! Up goes the Vet Bill!). I kept wondering; "Where is Dr. Rhodes?"

Meeeeehgggannn stepped out, assuring me that Dr. Rhodes would be with me shortly. Now, I had been told that Dr. Rhodes was amazing and brilliant and even beautiful! Oh boy. I prepared myself. No matter how insignificant I might feel, this woman was going to change Gracie's life. The door opened and in walked Dr. Rhodes.

She was tiny. I'm only 5'5" and I towered over her. She was striking, with raven black hair that was perfectly coiffed. I was surprised that she was much older than I expected. Finally, I had one thing on her! (I know, I'm a loser!).

We chattted about Gracie and reviewed her files—again. Dr. Rhodes didn't make much eye contact and I felt a bit awkward. Finally her attention turned to Gracie. She began at Gracie's head and looked over every inch of Gracie's bady, including looking at her paws and claws. She made quick, detailed notes which Meeeehhhhaagggan typed up on the there-goes-my-Vet-bill iMac. Gracie hadn't had ANY medications or soothing bath for over two weeks and her skin was a angry eruption of crusts and pustules. I could barely touch her.

Dr. Rhodes took further skin scrapings, then asked me to bring Gracie into the next room. I sat on a stool and held Gracie firmly. I was seated next to the big flat screen tv and an odd looking apparatus. We were going to watch a movie? "What You Should Know About Creeping Cat Crud" or "Is Your Bitch, Itchy?" and of course, "Don't Scratch That, It Will Get Infected!"

No movie. Instead, Dr. Rhodes inserted a tiny camera into Gracie's right ear. An image appeared on the big flat-screen-good-luck-paying-your-bill-TV. The camera probed into the canal of Gracie's ear. It was a bit gooey and lumpy and pale. Sorta reminded me of the curly edge of lasagna noodles (or was it that I was fantasizing about FOOD again?). The probe went deeper, as I held tighter onto Gracie, who was wriggling in discomfort. It was gross, but CLEAN-squeaky clean. Dr. Rhodes approved, then removed the probe and went on to the next ear. Another lasagna noodle (my tummy rumbled, then I felt disgusted with myself for thinking of food yet again). Canal was nice and clean, too. Great!

So now what? Dr. Rhodes was pleased. This is a good sign. A sign of what? What? What!

I took the day off from work so I could drive Gracie to New Jersey to visit Dr. Rhodes, a board certified Veterinary Dermatologist.

Dr. Rhodes, has extensive background, with over 27 years in her field, gaining numerous awards and accolades along the way. I was a bit excited to meet her and hopeful she would shed some light on what's wrong with Gracie and how we can help her.

The day was dreary and overcast. I wasn't looking forward to driving to New Jersey. At least I'd timed the appointment to avoid either end of rush hour. Even with that advantage, the roads were still crowded and filled with people driving way too fast on narrow, winding, wet roads-espeically one of my least favorites-the Saw Mill Parkway. That two lane (each direction) road was meant for traffic going about 50 miles an hour, not 80! I had plenty of time to get to NJ, so I just kept at a good pace and stayed out of everyone's way. I noticed that Gracie would cry if I drove over 60 mph. I think it's the sound of the road that hurts her ears, or the feeling of the g-forces from the acceleration. Most of the trip was highway miles, so most of the trip Gracie cried.

Thanks to my trusty GPS, we made it to NJ in good time. I was really excited to get to the appointment, but we were an HOUR early. I hustled us out of the rain and into the graciously appointed waiting room. The walls, painted olive green, were filled with awards, certifications and announcements. There were wide oak plank floors and oriental carpets. What once was the lower floor of an old home, was now comfortable place to relax, along with a huge flat screen TV. This Vet bill was gonna be a BIG ONE! A sign, placed by the glass-partitioned receptionist area, read: "Will Return at 1PM." It was only 12:30pm and the place was silent. They must all be out to lunch.

My tummy was rumbling. Lunch would be nice right now. Thankfully, they had a nice, meticulously clean Kuerig coffee maker thing and I made myself a cup of hot chocolate. Gracie was relaxing in her cat carrier and I let her snoop around a bit.

A gentleman entered with an enormous German Shepherd by his side. The dog was completely submissive. This giant was easily commanded by his "Dad," who told him to sit, which he did right away. I was glad because that dog could have made an easy snack out of Gracie-who had gone quickly back into her carrier when she saw him. The man and I had a nice chat. He'd had shepherds all his life. This dog had a problem with ear infections. A few minutes into our conversation, a Vet Tech appeared and took Zeus (Yeah, good name!) to check on his ears. Two seconds later and Zeus was back. His ears were fine! No problem. I was hoping it would go as easily for my appointment-AND NO CHARGE to his owner, too! If only!

The Tech introduced herself as Megan (which I heard as: Mehhannggan, so I didn't refer to her name until I saw it on some paperwork later in the visit. Ahead of schedule, we were called in to see Dr. Rhodes. This was it! At last we might finally get some answers for Gracie.

Or would we?

I told you this cat was RELAXED!

Chip must have been truly enjoying life. He was free from being caged and was on the cusp of...maybe...being adopted! I didn't want to stop hanging out with him. He made my heart swell with joy. No wonder Trapper Jeanne had a tough time letting him go. I realized I was going to have the same problem and I had only known this cat for a few hours!

Finally Miss L. arrived. She seemed to be a very kind and loving person. She couldn't wait to meet Chip and once she did, she was smitten. She didn't mind sitting on the floor with me while Chip rubbed all over her black coat. She played with him and we talked about what was best to feed Chip, when to feed him, how to add some fun to his life since he'd be home alone during the days. Miss L. assured me that even though Chip would be alone during the day, she would lavish attention on him every night and during her summer holiday break and any school breaks, too. She already bought him toys and a cat bed and although I didn't push the matter, I knew she was going to adopt Chip. How could she not?

My nephew wanted to be part of this adoption, so his mom dropped him off just after Miss L. and I filled out the adoption paperwork. I gave her some cans of cat food and a cardboard cat scratcher from my own stash. I wanted to give her some extra things not only because she was so nice, but because I wanted to help Chip, too. He was one of the most affectionate cats I have ever met.

Miss L. and her new kitty, Chip!

Our brief time was coming to a close. Miss L. was ready to get Chip home. She was planning on giving him a new name. "Something Italian" I suggested Valentino. We'll see what she choses.

Regardless of what his new name will be, Chip is finally where he was meant to be, all this time. He's in his new forever home where he and Miss L. can have a happy life together. One less kitty will know the harsh cold of winter and an empty belly. One less kitty will live in fear and suffer from loneliness.

One less, is one more victory! Hurrah!

I got Chip brushed out. Although he'd been bathed, his coat felt gummy and too thick. I grabbed the Furminator and went at him. He LOVED it right away. I could NOT believe how much fur I got off him and if I'd had more time, I would have gotten even more. I truly lived up to the name of my website, though. There was a lot of excess fur floating around and it COVERED MY PANTS!

I've never had so much cat fur on me in my life! Between the dry air causing static electricity and my black stretchy pants, I was a gonner!

I decided to give Chip some alone-time, plus I couldn't very well sit on my bathroom floor for six hours, could I? He sure was cute and once brushed out, his coat was silky and luxurious. Nah, I had to get some work done (Twitter about Chip). Yeah, work.

An hour later, I went to check in on my little foster cat. He was GONE!!!! GONE GONE GONE! Oh SHIT!

In my laundry room there's a hole in the wall behind the dryer where the vent is located. The hole is abnormally big due to the jerkwad who initially installed the dryer. It needs a major repair to really fix it. I had HOPED Chip would not GO INTO THE HOLE, but I looked all over the bathroom, called him many times, and NOTHING. My heart sank into my gut. He was IN THE WALL and it was TOO QUIET!!!!! MAYBE HE WAS DEAD.

SHIT SHIT SHIT!

I called out to Sam to help me move the dryer. Since he's six feet tall and I'm a short squirt, he checked behind the dryer. Guess who he saw?

Chip was casual about coming out from behind the washing machine. It took a broom and some shoving, but he sauntered out and rubbed some more fur off onto my leg. We put a drop cloth up against the hole behind the dryer so he wouldn't have the chance to get into trouble again.

Miss L. wasn't due for a few more hours, so we all went back to waiting. Of course, I had to pet Chip for another half hour before I could leave him alone again. You know, just to make sure he was relaxed. Who am I kidding? This cat ONLY knows RELAXED!

The day began with a quick call to Trapper Jeanne. Her boss is not such a warm-fuzzy guy when it comes to housing stray cats in his office (even though he is a Vet that specializes in cats!). Jeanne directed me to sneak around the side of the building, where her car is parked. She'd pop Chip out of his cage and leave him in a carrier in the back of her car. I should just help myself to the cat and get out of there before cranky boss-man discovers what we're up to.

Nothing like a little intrigue to start the day.

I got to the car, grabbed the carrier and put it into my car. I could hear Chip meowing, but the carrier was covered. Once I got behind the wheel, I quickly took a peek at Chip. My heart was racing. I really shouldn't take the time to look. What if crabby-Vet caught me?

I peeked and saw Chip's cute face. Covered him back up and made a beeline for home.

Since Gracie is in the Foster Room, the only place left for Chip was my newly painted bathroom and laundry room. If all went well, Chip would only be there for six hours, right? No big deal. If the adoption didn't work out, BIG DEAL! I'd be stuck with Chip in my bathroom! I hoped Jeanne didn't over exaggerate when she told me how Chip was so friendly. What if he was a nervous nut? Oh boy. What have I done!?

About two seconds after I let Chip out of the carrier, I knew Jeanne wasn't kidding. This was a FRIENDLY cat! He purred the second he was free. A second later, he was rubbing up on my leg.

He was completely relaxed, as he inspected, rubbed and sniffed his way around his temporary home. He enjoyed getting petted and even was a complete lump in my arms. I couldn't believe how content and lovely this cat was!

Not only was Chip friendly, but he was ready to play! For a cat new to a space, I would expect him to hide or be fearful. This cat only wanted to enjoy life.

Now all we had to do was to hang out, relax, and wait for Miss L. to arrive. I hoped she could see what a remarkable kitty she had the chance to adopt. I kept waiting for Chip to do SOMETHING bad. I know I shouldn't think that way, but where is the bad cat here? Why would someone get rid of such a GREAT cat?

Your calls are urgently needed to save feral cats!

The Department of Agriculture is proposing regulations regarding the control of rabies in public settings. This is a dire situation as these regulations in their current form will make the feral cats we care for, and the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) work we do, illegal.

The proposed regulations state that an animal must have a “current” rabies vaccine to be in a public setting. The definitions in Section 22-359-1(4) of the proposed regulations define a “currently vaccinated” animal as an animal who received a vaccination “at least thirty days previously.” Specifically, the regulations would mean that a newly vaccinated feral cat would not be a currently vaccinated cat for 30 days and would therefore have to be held for at least thirty days. This would be impossible for anyone who is doing TNR. It also means that any unvaccinated feral cat is in violation of the regulations and we are concerned that these regulations could be interpreted to allow these cats to be trapped and killed.

It is the responsibility of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee to review regulations proposed by state agencies and approve them before regulations are implemented. The proposed regulations will be subject to a vote on March 24th.

Listed below are the members of the committee. Please check to see if your representative sits on the Regulations Review Committee. If so, please call your representative today, Monday, March 23rd, and respectfully request that he/she oppose this regulation. Please advise him/her that the regulations, as currently written, would prevent TNR of outdoor cats and that TNR is an essential part of humanely addressing cat overpopulation.

If you are unsure if your representative is on the committee, please visit TOWN LIST to find your legislator and compare it to the names on the Regulation Review Committee.

Your calls will make a difference! Please take a few minutes to contact your representative and forward this email to any friends or family living in the towns listed below. Thank you for taking action on this urgent and important matter!

Regulations Review Committee:

House Chair, State Rep. T.R. Rowe (R): 860-240-8700; 
tr.rowe@housegop.ct.gov. Rep. Rowe represents Trumbull.

State Senator Dan Debicella (R): 860-240-8800; 
dan.debicella@cga.ct.gov. Senator Debicella represents 
Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford.

State Rep. Carlo Leone (R): 860-240-8500; 
carlo.leone@cga.ct.gov. Rep. Leone represents 
Stamford.

State Rep. Arthur O'Neill (R): 860-240-8700;
 arthur.oneill.@housegop.ct.gov. Rep. O'Neill 
represents: Bridgewater, Roxbury, 
Southbury & Washington.

State Senator Andrew Roraback (R): 860-240-8800; 
Andrew.roraback@cga.ct.gov. Senator Roraback 
represents: Goshen, Brookfield, Canaan,
 Cornwall, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, 
North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, 
Warren, Washington, Winchester.

State Rep. Christopher Caruso (D): 860-240-8500; 
christopher.caruso@cga.ct.gov. State Rep. Caruso 
represents Bridgeport.

State Rep. Paul Davis (D): 860-240-8500; 
paul.davis@cga.ct.gov. Rep. Davis represents
 Milford, Orange and West Haven.

State Rep. Juan Candelaria (D): 860-240-8500;
 juan.candelaria@cga.ct.gov. State Rep. Candelaria 
represents New Haven.

Senate Chair, State Senator Joan Hartley (D):
 860-240-8600; Hartley@senatedems.ct.gov. 
Senator Hartley represents:
 Waterbury, Naugatuck and Prospect.

State Senator Sam Caligiuri (R): 860-240-8800; 
sam.caliguiri@cga.ct.gov. Senator Caligiuri represents 
Waterbury, Cheshire & Southington.

State Senator Paul Doyle (D): 860-240-8600;
 doyle@senatedems.ct.gov. Senator Doyle represents 
Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill, Middletown 
and Wethersfield.

State Senator Jonathan Harris (D): 860-240-8600; 
harris@senatedemsc.ct.gov. Senator Harris 
represents West Hartford, Farmington, 
Bloomfield and Burlington.

State Rep. Vincent Candelora (R): 860-240-8700;
 Vincent.candelora@housegop.ct.gov. State Rep. Candelora 
represents: East Haven, North Branford 
and Wallingford.

State Rep. William Hamzy (R): 860-240-8700; 
William.hamzy@cga.ct.gov. 
Rep. Hamzy represents Bristol and Plymouth.

Special thanks to Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats and 
The Animal Center for alerting us to this important 
animal protection issue.

If this wasn't happening before my eyes, I'm not sure I'd believe it. Chip is on the cusp of being adopted!

In this crappy economy, a full-grown cat who was living behind a hardware store-dirty, cold, hungry. This kitty who got kicked out of a shelter for misbehaving with other cats, which would put his chances of being adopted to that equal of getting hit by lightning, just may be enjoying his new home by this time tomorrow. (CROSSING FINGERS AND TOES)

If you've been following Chip's story, you already know the road he's had to travel in the past month. But if you've missed it, scroll down the page or go to page 2 and you'll see a few articles and photos of him. Here are some things to know and a few extras I haven't included until now.

I didn't spend Christmas with my nephew last year. It had become a joke that his Christmas gift has been sitting on my fireplace for almost three months. Yesterday, Ryan IM'd me out of the blue. He was home, bored, did I want to get together? YES! Sure! While Ryan was here, I was showing him some cat photos on my computer. Suddenly, Ryan asked if I had any cats up for adoption? YES! Chip!

Ryan's Teacher, Miss L., lost her kitty last week to lymphoma. The cat was only five years old. I'm not sure why Miss L. is ready for a new kitty companion, but Ryan emailed her about it, just in case.

Miss L. called me shortly thereafter and told me she would like to adopt another kitty. She was ready. She told me she wanted a cat between 1 and 2 years old (CHIP!), a boy (CHIP!), a kitty who would be the ONLY kitty in her house (CHIP, who attacks other cats!), a love-muffin (CHIP!!!). I told her Chip's story and before she even saw a photo, she was ready to adopt him!

I'm a cautious person about rushing into adoptions, so I made sure she had photos of Chip (she thought he was adorable!) and I reminded her that she should really feel a connection for him and to wait to decide until she meets him. She asked me who to make the adoption fee check out to! She already bought a cat bed and toys! She's coming over at 3:15pm tomorrow.

So where IS Chip? He's sitting in a cage at a Vet's office. He's been there for TWO WEEKS-since he got kicked out of the shelter. Apparently, he has done well, being confined, but I'm glad to bust him out of there tomorrow morning. I hope he'll be able to relax and adjust quickly in my home, so by the time Miss L. arrives, he'll be relaxed enough to meet another new person. We'll see how it goes.

If Jeanne hadn't called me and talked to me WHILE she was TRAPPING Chip, I wouldn't have known about him or gotten involved in his plight. There are so many other variables that, at first, didn't seem to make any sense and, in fact, Chip getting kicked out of the Shelter made me seriously worry about his fate and what would missing Christmas have to do with helping Chip, but it did! It's amazing to me how this is going. Yes, it could blow up tomorrow and we're back at square one, but in my heart, I feel this is a match made by the good efforts and compassion of a lot of people and I'm deeply excited and thrilled to be a part of it and not just be the one to report from the sidelines.

More TOMORROW!

I took my big guy Trooper to my regular vet since I adopted him yesterday (I had been s**tcanned when I adopted him, which lasted for 6 months, which puts one about 2 years behind financially, but I digress). The reason I bring this up is because I told the (awesome) vet tech Miranda and then the (awesome) veterinarian Dr. Doucette at Paris Hill Cat Hospital his story for the first time in a long while.

Nope. I didn't get a new cat. I made one of my own! Who needs Mama cats?!

More on what the heck this is, how I got it and the cool device behind it all.

Stay tuned!

Remember Chip, the recently rescued stray? The one who found his way to a kind-hearted soul, our friend, Trapper Jeanne? (read Chip's story here, here, and here.

Well, things didn't go so smoothly for Chip, as we had hoped. Chip got a placement at a shelter in Ridgefield, called R.O.A.R., but that wasn't the end of Chip's worries. Within a few days of his placement, he began to attack the other cats—one was 14 years old and a diabetic.

Now I will state, for the record, that I have never been to R.O.A.R, but I hear great things about them. I do, however, have to wonder aloud, HOW DID YOU INTRODUCE CHIP to the other cats at the shelter? Did you just turn him loose after having a harrowing week and a BATH on top of all of that?

Did you give him a chance to get used to his surroundings or what? Seems suspicious to me.

Trapper Jeanne, was contacted and told to come get Chip. She had, coincidently just trapped and neutered another friendly stray, so she took Chip back and dropped off her new rescue. Maybe this cat would fare better in a crowd. Meanwhile, what would become of Chip?

A few days ago, I got the local paper, low and behold, was Chip. Our group, The Animal Center, jumped in to help Chip out. I'm sure Chip is still with Trapper Jeanne, but at least we can help get the word out and get this kitty another chance at a good home.

I'm not convinced he needs to be the only cat in the house. I think if he had time to come around and another mellow friend, he'd be fine. I know it hurts his options if he has to be the only cat in the home. Jeanne has six cats so maybe he will find a way to get along with them?

I'm crossing my fingers, and then some, for Chip. If you live near western Connecticut and have any interest in this lovey-dovey boy, please visit his ad on Petfinders CHIP