Digit Drawing!

HE LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER. Really, Lala told me that the reason she had yelled and called me in to the kitchen that night was that she didn't think that he would live until I got out of bed to see him. Now he just looks like a weak little Digit with a too-big fur suit.  They took a 2inch foxtail out of his eye, poor thing, and he'll be having surgery this afternoon to further clean out his back-end wound, but the major surgery will be put off until he's gone home and gotten stronger. He has several bladder stones the size of peach pits, and a possible GI bleed, but I'm happy to say they've located his heart, and it is, indeed, beating. He is not a zombie!

And because several (more than several, you sweet things) people have mentioned to me that I should ask for help if needed, or offer a pattern for sale, to help with Digit-costs, I have been thinking about proposing something. At first, it made me feel funny to think about. And I don't want to write a pattern, just don't have time right now, although a pattern for a CalTrans vest for kitties was suggested.....

But honestly, we're broker than broke right now. Digit is going to cost in the thousands by the time this is all done, and we just ain't got it. We'll charge it, of course, because pet injuries are what plastic was made for (that and trips to Europe, but I've curtailed that habit in recent years.....).

But hey. What about this?

I've got some sweaters I don't wear, even though they're kinda nice.

Maybe you'd like to enter a wee drawing to help defray vet bills?

Let's say every $10 gets your name in the hat, so $40 would get you four entries. Although, to be honest, $2 would be appreciated at this point.

Let's see what we're offering:

The Rowan Bomber, from Denim People

Soft, in Paton's Classic Merino, it's only been worn once. It WILL pill, because it's Classic Merino, but it will just get softer.

Artfibers Alpaca

 

This is my own design, in alpaca yarn, Jadis, from Artfibers. It's sexy and fun, but it's a little too warm for very, very hot-blooded me. I get grumpy wearing it, because I get too hot, and then no one likes being around me, so it's better if a cool-blooded person wears it, I think. Worn once at Stitches and OHMYGOD was it hot in that convention center.

Philosopher's Wool Kilim Jacket

I know, right? But doodles, it's just too hot for me. And honestly, it's not that soft, and I made it to LEARN two-handed stranded knitting, so if you win this, you will see its flaws. But it IS nice and I'm proud of it. But I don't live in the snow. You should have it. Worn once out, and once when it was REALLY cold in the house.

So, that's what I'm thinking. Make a donation by clicking the button below, and earn my undying love. No, wait, you already have that. You might win a sweater? Maybe? And you'll know that you're helping us, and more importantly, Digit-man. Otherwise known as Ole Winky.

Comments

[jeanne]

Digit looks beautiful - I'm so glad he's perking up.

You do beautiful work, and I'd be honored to help you with the Digit fund, but my cat-of-my-heart Henry is having his own surgeries (full-mouth teeth extraction - ouch!), and I don't have an extra penny to my name. If it helps, I'm in total solidarity with you with the Cat Love, and hope for full recoveries for both our bad boys!

[Juno]

done. You know, I was going to ask yesterday, but couldn't think of a tactful way to inquire.
He looks a million times better than I feared.

[Jenny]

Raffle, schmaffle. Your blog has been such a pleasure to lurk on all this time, it's wonderful to be able to give a little something back. And I totally understand the cat-of-my-heart vibe -- lost mine five years ago to a fast and aggressive cancer, and still miss him dreadfully. Fear not -- Digit did not find his way home just to leave you again -- he'll recover and be more ornery than ever, putting the kittens in their place!

[robin]

sorry it's not more - i had a cat-of-my-heart, sam bugman, and this is in his memory - the darling scrapper - and for the future of sweet digit -

[Erika]

*claps hands with glee*

OH and PICTURES, too! Man, he looks pissed! He looks really strong and healthy, though, considering what he's been through. I'm surprised, I thought he would look WAY worse!

GO DIGIT!

(You should totally write 'n sell some patterns, as well! Nag nag!)

[carol]

I agree with your mom, my Mike hopped a ride in a carpet truck across the Bay Bridge when I was living in Alameda, fortunately it was discovered on the journey and Mike returned safely. Digits return is such an amazing statement beyond love and connection and I am thrilled that thru your blog I have shared in it. Donation to the Digit fund on its way and a request 2 the spirit of St. Francis 4 blessing on your little family.

[grace]

And Rachael continues to "post the cat" . . .

For which we are truly grateful.

[Sarah]

Done, in loving memory of my cat Milo who was with me for 12 years...I swear, if it weren't for her, I may never have fully recovered from a serious illness about 6 years ago. Still sending so much love to Digit, you, Lala, and the rest of your four legged family. xoxoxoxo

[Kate Lathrop]

Given in loving memory of Sterling, Tigger, TJ, and all my family's other companions who are at the rainbow bridge. Give Digit a HUGE hug from me and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. St. Francis best get ready for all the prayers.

Hugs Kate and furbabies

[Janice in GA]

Dude, I'm trying to get my own dog Bouncer well right now so I can't do much, but I've got $10 I can spare for a wandering cat that came home. Worrying about a pet is bad enough without worry about whether you can pay to get him well.

Warm thoughts and best wishes for Digit.

[susan]

See? See? I told you he would get better. Right now, it can only be $2 but come the first of the month more will be coming your way.

We had a cat, Pyewacket, that hitched a ride under the hood of a neighbor's car. The neighbor saw him hit the highway and take off running. When my husband *finally* found him the only thing wrong with him was a slightly skinned butt. The vet looked at him and said "well, you've just used up about 6 of your nine lives".

As soon as I can find the right pics of my cat Frank, I'll be doing a "fur baby friday" in your honor on my blog.

Big grins and hugs!

[Amber]

Done. For you and your darling polydactyl. I'm so glad he came home...

[Kristina]

I can't believe it! I haven't read the blog in a few days and when I do, I'm greeted by this heartwarming, sweet story. I'm at work with tears streaming down my face because of Digit's courageous journey home to you and your devotion to him. I am so happy for you and the sweet kitty! Good luck! I will make a small donation (got two dogs of my own who can't stay out of the foxtails - three separate trips to the emergency vet...)

[kelpkim]

omg. he looks SO GREAT!!!
that cutie winker...
for raising money later on, cards with the LOLCats on them or even just of Digit and your other furry kids would be great too! :o)
i'm go glad that he's doing so well. lots of xoxo to you guys!
(and some $$ soon too!)

[Wendy]

I'm so happy you are allowing us to help. Lucy and I love you guys. :-)

[susan]

Rachael, I just added a link on my blog to your drawing and Digit's story.

[brenda in toronto]

my god, what a story. i don't know when i cried more - when he left, or when he came back!

donation has been made, but no need to enter me in the draw - i'm warm blooded too! i'm just glad i can help :)

[chris]

Dude, as soon as I get paid (Sunday!), I will be donating, dontchoo worry!

[ekittie]

Hope it helps. :)

I don't have time to find an email address right now, so sorry this is public, but I just wanted to say that I would prefer my name not be entered into the raffle because I wouldn't be able to wear any of the sweaters, so someone else would get better use out of them.

I've had similiar experiences with my kitties over the years, so this is also in memory of my little callie that never made it back to me.
I'm so happy for you and Digit. <3

[whosadele]

Thank you for posting a picture! I've been waiting and wishing. He looks good and has made my day. I have been thinking about you guys a lot and shared your story with my family, who remembered how you shared in our joy in finding our lost dogs last January.
Speedy recovery wishes to Digit!
I hope he is home with you soon.

[Holly]

Done, but no need to add me to the raffle. Happy to help give Digit a helping hand in memory of my dear Elloit who wandered into our yard and hearts after being thrown from a car window. He was the best cat we ever had. Best wishes on the road to recovery!

[Emily]

Rachael, I just read your last three posts and now I'm just overcome. I'm so glad he came back to you and hope he gets through the surgeries fine.
Those sweaters are so awesome (and I almost stole that alpaca one off the mannequin when it was at Artfibers...), what an amazing idea for a raffle.
hope to see you before I move next month...

[Gina]

Awww, what a great idea!

I'll donate right now. And as a conservation-minded Minnesotan with a very cold house in winters, I'm not shy about going for the raffle, too! ;)

[Inky]

It gives me a big happy smile to see Ole Winky looking back at me and you bet I'll donate just as soon as I do the month end bills and see what's free and clear money :)

Go, Digit, Go!!

[Michelle]

I wish I could give more than I can right now, but I did it because I wanted to, and not for the sake of the drawing. I'm just happy to contribute in any way I can.

And I agree--Digit looks way better than he did in my head.

[Mags]

Done. Not for the raffle. But in memory of ChloeKitty, who got herself run over real good. And she was the *smart* one. Go Digit, Go!!

[Mel]

Howdy :)

SO GLAD the kitty came home...what an amazing thing! I just paypaled a small donation, all I can afford. But pleaase, no need to put in a drawing :) Just glad to help the kitty get better!

[karen]

i could only contribute a little, but i hope every little bit helps. what a survivor he is.

[Julia]

Oh Digit! He does look tough and strong for all he's been through! Go little man go! He'll be all healthy again in no time!!

[Terri]

Hey you, that cat looks like he'll be okay in a while! What a trooper! And how could I resist, I did throw a little $omething into the kitty.

(ducking)

HEY! SOMEONE had to say that!

Take care Miss A-Go-Go, Lala, and Kitty

[Cece]

Done. Sweet little guy (and his mom) deserves it!

[Kristin Wood]

I'm glad to help! And, I don't mind saying I have wanted the Artfibers Alpaca since the first time I saw it and begged you for the pattern. :D I'm so glad to hear how much better Digit is. I have to wait to donate until tomorrow, but I will.

[Denise]

I've been lurking quietly here for sometime, and was so sad for you when you thought Digit was gone. Wonderful news that he's home and on the mend. Nothing short of miraculous! I've sent a little something to your fund, but no need to put me in your draw. Big hugs to you, Digit, Lala and your whole menagerie! Love Denise

[claudia]

Dude. Do you want my sample spreadsheet? Seriously, you are gonna need it.

[Anne]

I think it's a terrific idea. I'm glad Digit will be able to rest at home while he regains his strength before they go in for the peach pits. He looks kind of unearthly in the photo! And a 2" foxtail... How scary! Does he have the kind of bladder stones that dissolve with proper food--not to avoid the surgery but to make him more comfortable in the meantime?

(I know vets have to pay bills too and they don't want to be in the debt-collection business, but maybe they'd be willing to work out a payment plan so you didn't have to pay huge interest rates on the credit cards?)

[Chatty Ali]

Hi Rachel! I made your good ole cabled scarf a while back and we emailed about it briefly. I have three cats, and your story made me cry at my desk. I cannot imagine what I would do if one of them disappeared, and then reappeared in such a condition. I just paypal'd over something to help out (and hope to win awesome sweaters!) Also I second the commenter who suggested working out a payment plan with the vet to avoid credit card bills... they're usually open to things like that im my experience. Good luck and god bless!

[Carrie]

Done, in honor of my sweet Greta schmoo. Dude, I would be beside myself with excitement to wear a Yarnagogo knitted creation. However, I am also beside myself with excitement that Digit already looks so handsome, if a little on the skinny side. GO DIGIT GO!

[Julie S.]

I don't need to be included in the raffle, but I just made a donation, with a lump in my throat, remembering my past kitties. Here's hoping for an amazing recovery for Digit!
-Julie

[Chris]

I'll post about this Monday, 'k? Digit the Pirate Kitty, ahoy matey!

[robin]

Please no need to include me in the drawing, i just want Digit home where he is so loved. Kiss his precious face for me!

[Chris]

Oh yeah, just donated. :)

[Brigitte]

Oh, our Mom is so happy that Digit is OK!

We've donated our allowance money. It's not much, but if it helps Digit - then we're just that much happier!

Love and head licks from, Atticus, Mae and Gandalf

[MX]

Thanks so much for the picture!! He looks good and you're such a terrific mommy.

I can't help much but I hope lots of folks pitch in. Good idea! Everyone wants to help that Digit baby!!!

[Ginger]

Forget the raffle, just sending a little help in memory of the kitties I have loved.

[Maia]

done!

We would be happy to feed you and ply you with alcohol (for medicinal purposes of course) too.

[Linda "K"]

Don't put me in the raffle itself either plz - becuz I'm waaay past height weight proportionate. Might be good to tell people who want to be in the raffle the size and measurements of the sweaters so they can opt in or out if it won't fit them. That boy is on his feet!

[sara in chicago]

I have to echo several other posters' sentiments -- no need for a raffle, darlin'. Your blog has been one of my daily pleasures for too many years not to contribute. And like others, I lost the dog of my heart almost three years ago and would give anything to have her back. Enjoy your boy!

[Angela]

So glad your little man is on the mend. I made a donation in memory of the dog of my heart, Sophie, who never found her way home.
Give Dig' some kisses for me.

p.s.I like your Rowan sweater, too. :)

[michellenyc]

i can only send a few bucks cause i'm broke and not really employed at the moment - but every little bit helps, right?

seriously - if there is any money left over buy him a cat cam- cause next time he goes on a hike, we want pictures. LOL

http://www.mr-lee-catcam.de/index.htm

(sorry - i just can't get over the fact that he is back AND the fact that this guy invented a cat cam)

[deborah]

So happy to be able to help Ole Winky Himself! What a sweetheart - glad to see him sitting up. I don't need to be entered in raffle, tempting as it is! I, too, am always too hot. I keep the cotton yarn people in business. :) Hugs all 'round.