Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! - cat slave entertainment coordinator back and ready to party on February 22, 1999 at 4:28:09 from 209.198.4.183:
Why don't we all tell how we 'met' Jeff and Diane on AcmePet? Or, if you can't remember, how about tell something that they have done that you really appreciate or want to tell them 'thank you' over.
You know, I met Jeff and Di back in October of '97. they had posted about Mr. Fluffy and there were like a gazillion responses to their post. It was my first time on Acme and that post was the first one I read. I was convinced Mr. Fluffy HAD to be a celebrity to get that many responses! I kept wondering if he was a TV spokescat or something! It was a month or so later that I realized Mr. Fluffy was an ordinary (if very special) cat! I remember following his story, and lurking the day he had his surgery. We were all convinced that he would make it and be fine...it was so devastating when we found out he had made it through surgery only to leave us in recovery. I say 'us' and I mean that. By that point Fluffy was part of all of us on the board. There were many that lurked that day, waiting for word...and many that sent up prayers for Jeff, Diane and Fluffy. I still get weepy when I think of that time...and the amount of pain and anger that came with the realization that it was vet malpractice that took Fluffy.
His was the first 'bridge crossing' I attended on the internet. I went to the Rainbow Bridge site that Monday for the first time...not knowing what to expect, but I had my candle ready and the door to the computer room closed...I was prepared to help guide him across to the bridge. I always imagine that the bridge angels look down and see all the candles lit every Monday night and remember how much we love them and miss them. I spent several hours in tears that night. John came in to ask me if I was ok, and why I would stay at that site if it made me cry. I showed him Mr. Fluffy's picture and he said "The bridge is getting one beautiful boy, there will be a party there tonight." He hugged me and let me mourn. The bridge was so much richer and we were that much poorer.
From that day, I felt 'linked' to Jeff and Diane and followed their posts diligently. The bridge list has added Biffy and Kelli to it's ranks and I have added a few names of my babies as well. I can't go back to the bridge site without remembering my first visit there and thinking that Mr. Fluffy was a celebrity. I feel blessed with having 'known' him and Jeff and Diane and all the furchildren they have.
Thank you Jeff and Diane for having your furkids and for loving them, for helping those that needed to to cross the bridge. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, the pain and the triumph. Thank you for being a steadying force at Acme, for being knowledgeable and helping those of us that are seeking information. You have been there for so many of us...I hope this train trip has brought a smile to your face and let you know how much you are loved.
Love and light, purrs and headbutts--LauraLee (cat slave), John, Rainbow Angel TomCat, Maggie, Shroomie, Alba, Catina, Smidget, Artemis, Argenteus, Merlin, and Sassafras
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - ladylynx
4:08:23 2/24/1999 (0) It was so far back when Di first came on....I was not good at computer etiquette. Mr Fluffy had been ill...then
sadly crossed the bridge. There was a candle light ceremony, I asked a question that sounded differently than it
was meant, since then I dont go to the candlelight cerimonies due to deep embarassment. Di has just been there,
like many of us, always, and hoping she remains. You dont think of Di that you dont think of lisaviolet , tally,
catlady , sheila, axl, tik tok and others too. Jeffs valentines to di back then were always so creative and fun, the
music too. We have all lost loved ones, so it isnt hard to relate to anothers pain. And the purpose of the board it
to help cats. Best wishes and memories of all the furred ones crossed over.....
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Chat Mechant andAJ andthefurgang
19:45:47 2/23/1999 (0) we met last year around this time. They urged us to do 'old man' tests and stood by us when the news was
devastating. Their love and support helped us to deal with our beloved Cyrus' illness...the health links gave us the
beginnings of our search...
These were the first folk that matched us in our health regime....that understood our total devotion to attaining a
quality of life for our boy.
Biffy was the first cat I never met that I fought for, and deeply cared about, and sobbed for when we lost him.
We love you Di and Jeff..and feel blessed by the knowing
I met them in March 1998, when I started posting (msg) - Andrea
12:56:58 2/23/1999 (0)
regularly. That's when I adopted my Lily-Belle the Cat from H*ll, and was in despair over her ever becoming one of the family. Di was one who answered my desparate pleas for help. As well as Tally, and Thebes, and TikTok, and countless others. I started really getting involved with reading everyone's stories between waiting for more advice on Lily.
Mr. Fluffy was gone, and there were updates on the malpractice suit. I backtracked to hear the whole pitiful story, and cried buckets. Biffy was already sick at that point, too, and my heart ached for these kind people. I became a faithful follower of the BB, and became addicted. The hundreds, or thousands of prayers I've sent up for all the cats & humans there!! What a marvelous community. To me, Di embodies it's caring and generous spirit. Even with her own heartbreak, she always had time to help me and everyone else. And Jeff is just the best possible husband for her. His pain runs so deeply, just like hers. Sometimes the husbands or wives don't really share the full gamut of emotions of the "primary cat-person" in the family. Jeff & Di both care so so very much.
I'll never forget Di's thoughtful questions and suggestions about my cat and how to solve the problems. When Biffy kept having good and bad turns, I really felt that he was one of my own. And when we lost him, and then sweet Kelli, my heart broke along with theirs.
I'll always be grateful that I found Acme, and all of you guys, and Jeff & Di. You are such good friends. I love you all!
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Tik Tok
8:34:29 2/23/1999 (0)
I love you Di! By holding each other's hand you and I can and have climbed the highest mountains together, and returned safely.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB!msg - Cecilia
23:08:51 2/22/1999 (0) Being a dratted "newbie", I haven't yet had the pleasure of directly meeting Jeff or Diane.
I started posting questions about Twig's yowling at the end of December and just sort of lurked about for a couple of weeks. I was amazed to see the support and love this community had to offer to each other. It was obvious that Jeff and Diane were special people, by the passionate responses each of their posts got.
I'm honored to have been invited to join this train. It's been a hoot and a half...I hope, Jeff and Diane, that it brings you some joy.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Pat
19:27:28 2/22/1999 (0) It was almost a year ago. In April '98 I posted my first time on the Cat Health board. I posted "Max has epilepsy". I was still focussed on "late onset epilepsy" though the words "brain tumor" had already been said to me ...
Someone named CatLadyDi, who I liked right away because of her choice of name, responded. I don't remember the words but I know there were links and I was educated on what I and Max were then facing. I remember two posters to that first post of mine. The other was MaryL who told me Leonard's story. Between Leonard's ability to have a full life with his epilepsy and the thorough information from Di's post, I felt some relief, and a great deal of comfort and understanding. I know there were many responses, but I will always remember these as the ones who helped me beyond my expectations.
It was barely six weeks since my first rush with Max to the emergency vet, and just four since the diagnosis, when ... after knowing all that time that I could not get him the operation he needed ... that it was time. Max crossed the Bridge in my arms May 31, 1998.
One day, sometime later, Di had posted about Biffy's champion fight. I responded, but found myself in tears because ... I hadn't been able to help Maximum Pooh Bear ... I so wanted to be able to do what other posters like Jeff and Diane seemed able to do ... everything possible. I don't know what I said, but I know where my head was at. I was cheering for Biffy, Di and Jeff and hurting for me and Max, oh Max ...
I remember I told myself afterwards that I shouldn't respond to posts like that until I could get out of my own pain and give my all to the poster. I felt bad. The next day I got an email from Diane, gently asking me if I was alright, that I had sounded "a little down". I'm sure I had sounded more than that and was so touched by Di's tenderness and rememberence and generousity.
It hadn't taken long for me to see how much the people at the board admired, loved and deferred to this cat loving couple ... and it only took a moment, and a one sentence email, for me to see for myself, why.
After Max's death, I received many emails. Tucats, who had turned out to live just a few blocks away, spoke to me everyday, by phone email or ICQ. Jeff and Diane sent an ecard with a beautiful poem "in rememberance of Max". You know those ecards only last a couple of weeks. Well, theirs lasted til just before Christmas. I had bookmarked it and checked it often. I was constantly amazed that it was still there ... I don't believe in coincidences (should be my catch line) ... and I truly believe that that ecard had angels' blessings and angels' wings. There is something magical and blessed about Jeff and Diane's touch. It goes straight to the heart.
From mine to yours, thank you.
Pat, Hunny (as Pooh himself would spell it) and Pegapus.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Momcat
18:56:00 2/22/1999 (0) I first came to Acme in Sept. or Oct. of 1997 and followed Mr. Fluffy's story, along with Biffy's and Kelli's.(Another of my favorites of theirs is Sandy..a very sweet kitty.) It makes me feel very proud and privileged to know Di and Jeff after seeing the way they've fought to gain justice for Mr. Fluffy. I lost my beloved cockatiel Sydney just six days after Mr. Fluffy died and I will never forget how wonderful and supportive Di was, even in the midst of her own terrible grief. We've shared experiences and problems about managing a cat with pancreatitis (theirs Biffy, mine Guinevere) and Di was there with wonderful supportive words for me on the anniversaries of my Juliet's and Guinevere's passing to the bridge. How glad I am that the Gallaghers are a part of Acme. We wouldn't have become what we are, nor would we stay the same, without them. My prayer and wish for you, dear Jeff and Di, is that the veil of sadness will lift from you and you and your dear furry ones will enjoy robust and happy health for many years to come. Thanks for everything!!! Love and hugs from Ellen, Ben Jonson, Emily Bronte, and Rainbow babies Guinevere, Juliet, and Sydney.
What a wonderful idea this is...msg - Fran
18:15:38 2/22/1999 (0) When I came to the board there were two people with more knowledge than I had ever known, CatladyDi and DebD. I quickly noticed that there were no questions that went unanswered by Di, there were no problems that she couldn't find information on and certainly no lack of determination to help others. I wasn't the recipient of that determination until I had already known Di and considered her my friend.
After I adopted Magnum, who was trapped by animal control when he was seven weeks old, getting him to the vet for his shots was easy because he was such a little guy. Getting him there to be neutered was an entirely different matter! What I thought would be an easy trip to the vet turned into a nightmare. It was Magnum's first trip without Frasier and he showed me his true feral ways as I tried to put him in the carrier. Anyone who knows about ferals knows that you do not want to hold a wild, clawing, hissing, biting cat from hell in your hands! To be perfectly honest, he scared the crap out of me.
As he crawled under the couch to hide I just knew I would never see him again. He would stay under that couch forever, not eating, not drinking. I was in a panic with worry and fear. I posted at the board and within minutes I had an email from Di. Throughout the day Di was with me, offering advice and asking how we were. There wasn't a single time that I logged on to the internet that she wasn't there helping me.
I know that Di has done this for many others. I know that she will do anything she possibly can to help. I know that she will always be there and that you will not be alone even when you feel that you are.
Thank you, Di, for being my friend. I love you.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - VikiKat
17:53:16 2/22/1999 (0) I first me Di through a mutual friend, Bev Meglio. Bev was instrumental in helping me through Joey's death...and we developed a close friendship. She told me about Mr. Fluffy, who had just passed away. I started following Fluffy's story, and then Biffy's. I don't know Di well, but I do know she is one of the most wonderful and caring people on the planet. Even in all the trauma and grief she has experienced, she has always been so sweet and supportive towards me when I've needed {{{hugs}}}. Di is truly special, and I'm very glad to count her as a friend.
All my love and lots and lots of {{{hugs}}} for you Di, and your wonderful husband. I hope the rest of this year brings you much peace and happiness.
Love Victoria
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Margie
16:49:50 2/22/1999 (0) I think I found the BB in March or April of last year. I was immediately drawn to Diane's posts about Biffy because my cat Aishah was also diagnosed with lymphoma. Biffy became like one of my own cats, and he was never out of my prayers. I have learned so much from Diane and Jeff - their health links page is my starting point for any feline health question.
I have one little story that shows how wonderful Diane is. This fall I posted my joy at Aishah's unexplainable good health. I felt guilty about posting this when I knew Diane was going through some hard times with Biffy. Why should Aishah be given this gift when it was not given to Biffy? I got an e-mail from her sharing my happiness and telling me never to feel bad about something so wonderful.
Diane and Jeff, I hope this train returns to you a little of the joy you have brought to so many others!
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Collie Mom
16:42:43 2/22/1999 (0) I used to be a regular on the d*g board, so Acme was the first place I turned for help when I found a 3 day old abandoned kitten last summer. Diane (with many others) was there with advice on raising him, and later introduced me to the dangers of vaccination site sarcomas. That tiny scrap of life is now a delightfully healthy adolescent cat.
I never dreamed I would become a semi-regular on a cat board. I am, after all, a d*g person - my Collies are a lifetime passion. It's wonderful people like Jeff and Diane, and all of you riding this train, that keep me coming back. Every time I think "Oh, I don't need to check the board today" I immediately think "But what about ......." There are so many fascinating stories of the kitties and their people. I've enjoyed knowing all of you.
Deb & Timmy
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Tammy thinking this is the perfect time to come back
15:05:34 2/22/1999 (0) Hi. This seems like the perfect time to "get back on the train". I've decided that Critter would want me to finish this journey. She is the one who brought me to the board -- I took her to the vet because she was getting thin, and the vet suspected liver disease. So, thinking I might find something on the internet, I typed "cats, liver disease" into the browser, and up came Acme. Jeff and Diane's pages brought me answers on liver disease, and I was drawn to all the postings from people who loved their cats as much as I love mine.
Unfortunately, Critter had cancer. This drew me even closer to the stories of Biffy and Kelli. A few days before Critter crossed over the bridge, I was petting her. I told her, "Someday you'll leave me, but you're going to a place where there will be friends. I want you to look for two special kitties -- one is named Biffy, and the other is named Kelli. They'll keep you company until we can be together again."
Little did I know that she would be crossing the bridge so soon. But I have a feeling she's up there with Biffy and Kelli, and she would want me to finish this journey with you.
Thanks, Jeff and Diane, for your friendship, your good advice, and your love of humanity and cats.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - granny
12:09:04 2/22/1999 (0) It was the early part of '98 when I stumbled across Beware of The Cat. From there I found a link to Diane and Jeff's. I saw the banner "Pray for Biffy" and read his story..Something about Biffy completely grabbed me..I have never felt so totally bonded to an animal in person as to this cat. I realized that it didn't matter if I could see well or get around much, I could pray for him..The grandkids began to read Biffy's story too and would ask how he was doing when they came over. Diane didn't update her diary near often enough to suite an old worrier like me so I found CWBB amd would read there for news on Biffy. Someone there would always post what they had heard from Di. Between reading the stories of Diane and Jeff's cats and the posts at CFBB I finally came to terms with the grief and guilt I carried all these years about losing my angel cat, Felipe..After Biffy passed I was reading their guest book and it dawned on me that they have actually helped thousands of cats and cat owners(I'm slow but I'm still new to this internet thing).I am still awed by what remarkable people they are. They shared their knowledge and made the world so much better for others. How very proud their furrbabies must be of them.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Jean
10:10:43 2/22/1999 (0) I just know them through their love and dedecation for all of their cats and for all of us. I've gotten replies from
Diane that are thoughtful and caring throughout the short time I've been at Acmepet. It's obvious to me what kind,
sensitive people they are, and it makes me glad to know that there are people in the world who love their pets as
much as they do.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Peggy
10:01:06 2/22/1999 (0) My first time finding and posting on ACME was Tuesday, September 8th, 1998. Smudge had been hit by a car on Labor Day evening, the night before, and he was in the hospital with his hips badly broken and some fluid around his heart. I was searching for any information that I could find about his conditions when I found ACME. I wasn't familiar with BB's or how they worked. I was desperate! I just jumped right in. I didn't even read any other posts, I didn't know what I was doing, but I needed help from people who may have information. The vets had all given me very bad odds for Smudge's servival, but I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to let him go, I loved that cat so much, but I didn't know how fair it would be to put him through what he may be going through. It was bad!!
That was how I met CatladyDi. She posted a very helpful post and gave me a link to her Cat's Health Page. The next day, after the most terrible night of my life, I let Smudge go to the Bridge. I knew that I should tell you all what had happend so I came back to ACME to let everyone know about Smudge. I received more support then I could have ever dreamed of. I was so so sad, and the ACME boarders were there for me, CatladyDi and Co. How could I not come back?
I began reading other peoples posts. I didn't want to be selfish, only caring for myself, once I realized that other people had needs too. So I started posting to others, to "give some back", I guess. That's how I learned about Biffy. I read his story and I realized how special Jeff and Di were. I didn't know Mr Fluffy, but I prayed and prayed for Biffy and then when Di posted about Kelli, my heart broke for them. It wasnt' fair! No family deserves that much heart ache in such a short time. Yet, Di still was posting to help others!! I was so impressed! These are two very special people! I am glad to know them on ACME and thankful for them, and all of their efforts to help cat owners everywhere. (((Hugs))) Jeff and Di. You are the greatest.
Peggy
Mary Ellen told me about Acmepet when baby Alexander msg - Lunatuna
9:45:29 2/22/1999 (0) needed a loving home with his own mommy and FeLV kitties to play with. She is a fellow rescuer, who taught me when I was first learning about helping cats and kittens. On Acme, I quickly noticed that Di's answers to posts were ALWAYS excellent, and among the posts i opened first. Then, I think I was poking around her web site - that must be it, I can't really remember - I came upon Kelli's story. I was heartbroken for this little kitty and the fear she must have felt. What a Godsend that Jeff found her - what a great relief for her to be rescued onto his strong chest as he held her in the rush of traffic and got into a quite car and closed the door. I can feel it with her. And then to find that this was a wonderful loving home, how wonderful for Kelli. From this I knew Jeff and Diane must be GREAT people, valuable people. I have e-mailed the Jeff and Diane health sites to many friends. I was touched when Diane took the time to answer my post about liver disease in a friends cat, when I knew she was having such a difficult time of her own.
That heroic rescue, and Kelli's difficulties and the patience of her loving parents, has affected me greatly. I am so happy I can say I "know" Diane! My heart aches for their loses -- and now that Rachel (who did find my Alexander on Acme) and I have lost Alexander, I wish there were more I could do for both Rachel and Diane. But I am just wrapping myself up in my own 20 cats, little FeLV Tiger, and trying to help even more cats in DC alleys. This hard work is to handle my grief, but it is for you, too.
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! - Guardian_of_4_Cats
9:35:39 2/22/1999 (0) I first 'met' them on the board sometime in mid '98 when they had posted about Biffy, and I have been following their posts ever since. I have also visited their website a few times.
While I have never had to ask for advice myself [my cats have been blessedly healthy -- knock on wood] I have seen the wonderful advice they have given others.
Jeff and Diane are very special people with big hearts, who obviously love their pets very much. Despite the deep pain and sorrow every loss has brought, I hope they can take comfort in knowing that they gave their pets the best possible lives. No one could have done more. Every one of their charges lived and died knowing they were loved, and that's a lot more than so many, far too many, others could ever hope for, let alone receive.
Jeff and Diane: I'd like to thank you simply for being you. You are reminders of the good side of humans, and give me a reason not to be so cynical all the time. Peace.
Chris [Yoko, Data, Ocho, Samantha]
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - tucats
9:28:53 2/22/1999 (0) It was just over a year ago that I met Di & Jeff. I was new to the computer and brand new to the internet. How I stumbled on to Acme Pet I don't recall....but I have always been grateful. My little blind cat Bella had just had a serious heart mummer detected at a routine exam, and I was really worried. I posted a message asking for information (my first ever post), and Di was one of the many people who offered information and support. Soon after that Bella was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy...again Di and others came to my support. By this time I had started corresponding with Di by e-mail and was deeply touched by her compassionate nature...by both what I saw on the Board and what I experienced personally. Biffy was ill by this time, and as I prayed and cheered for him I found myself really caring for this little fighter. Also I had explored Jeff & Diane's site and was very impressed, not only by their care and compassion for furbirds, but also by their knowledge and willingness to help others find solutions to their problems. Last August Diane did something that ranks right up there in my life with "the nicest things anyone has ever done for me". Without telling me, she created a web page about my Bella and Bella's seeing-eye cat Gracie. I was so touched when I saw what she had done that I cried. It really restores your faith in human "kindness" when someone does something as kind as that. I still find it strange that I have come to sincerely care about people and their pets...people who are 'names on a computer screen'...but I have. Jeff and Diane...you are the best! Thanks for all you have done for me. I hope this train brings a big ray of sunshine to your hearts. You really deserve it!!!!!! Love, Elizabeth
Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - DaffnMeandDestiny
9:24:27 2/22/1999 (0) I have been involved with CWBB since about the summer of last year. I started posting some things about my cat
and read about other people's cats with great interest. I have learned so much since that time, especially from all
the links Jeff and Di have to refer to. This is when I knew I wanted to be part of the Acme group. I sent my bio to
Jeff and Diane and have been here ever since. I sure hope they will be able to post a little more often.... I would
love to get to know them better!
