A UK study finds that gene for autism is linked to the gene for genius. Makes sense to me.
I enjoyed this post that analyzed one of Jenny McCarthy’s media events to hype her new book. This post talks about the costs of autism treatment. Our work is providing treatment costs for children under 12 with an autism diagnosis. Not really helpful to me, but at least it’s a start.
This morning I woke up around 3 AM. Our cat Velvet (we always called him Velvie) was in the bathtub, acting strange. About a year ago he was diagnosed with some kidney issues. The vet told us to change his diet. We did that and Velvie seemed fine. He had lost a lot of weight, and now he could jump and pounce and kick the crap out of his brother.
So we didn’t think too much about the kidney thing, as he seemed very happy and stable.
Until about a week ago. He tried to go outside. Which he never ever does. Brianna is at home all the time because she almost broke her ankle, and Velvie drove her crazy with his crying this week. Then every time someone would turn on the water he’d hope on the sink and beg for a drink.
We were going to take him in Monday to see what was going on. But yesterday he started acting really bad, like he had a stroke. It got worse and worse and worse. He couldn’t walk. Couldn’t cry. Nothing.
We took him to the vet ER at Tuft’s. And they put him to sleep.
He was a good cat. He’d get up early in the mornings with me and look out the window while I did work on the computer. Then when I’d get in the shower, he’d get on my pillow and make lovey eyes at my boyfriend (his true owner). Velvie was so in love with Brian, it was a little disturbing. And he knew he was not supposed to be on my pillow. As soon as I would come in the room he’d jump down.
I also think he had sensory issues. He loved getting deep pressure pets, which calmed my daughter down so it was a good match.
Here is a picture from before he got so skinny:
More pictures of both the kitties are in this flickr set.
I’ll miss his company in the mornings. I hope he didn’t suffer too much.
Claire Danes will be playing Temple Grandin in a movie about her life. It should be good - and probably pretty painful to watch I would guess.
