Ameera

My friend Azra, and I were playing tennis that the university where I work. On our way out, there was a cat desperately pleading for help.  She had a badly mangled leg.  I was certain it was broken; it was so twisted and bloodied.  Nonetheless, she hobbled after us with these pathetically desperate cries for help.

There was NO way I could ignore her or leave her like that.  Azra tried to find a box to put her in.  She was going to have to take her home until the vet opened the next day, because if I took the cat, we both new she would likely become a new addition to my growing brood of 3 rescues.

We couldn't find a box, so I picked her up and put her in my car until our friend arrived with a cat carrier.

Me at my beautiful university after an afternoon of tennis.  Little did I know that a desperate creature was awaiting me on the other side of the gate.

Ameera hiding in her box for the first week.

Home from the vet, freshly spayed and stitched up.

A close-up of her wounds.

Thankfully, her leg wasn't broken, but it still looked twisted.

A stretch with wounds healing nicely.

I was so lucky that a Facebook friend saw the picture of her that I posted and thought her husband in Abu Dhabi would like to have the cat. They are from my hometown in the US!  I was ecstatic.  

Unfortunately, she started sneezing...a lot.  I knew it was a bad sign.  I got her to the vet and they said they were sure it was an upper respiratory infection due to feline herpes virus, which she probably was born with, or had developed earlier in life.  Since there is no treatment for the virus, all that can be done is to be sure that cat is eating, drinking plenty of water, and doesn't develop pneumonia.  

I took her home with me.  I put her in my bedroom, so I could sleep with her and closely monitor her. I also had a humidifier to help her with her congestion.  At this point she could barely breathe, and was constantly sneezing snot all over me.  I also knew that I would be putting my cats at risk because the virus is highly contagious.

Ameera, cuddling in bed with me as she did every night.

After about 10 days, she was clearly feeling better. She was getting restless as well - ready to run around and explore!  I decided she was well enough to go to her new home in Abu Dhabi.

Video of sweet Ameera, I had never seen her so playful.  She was well on her way to recovery!

Saadiyat Beach Club apartments in Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island- Ameera's new home.

Checking out her new digs.

Smelling the fresh sea air.  "I'm gonna like it here!"

I love happy endings.  I'm gonna miss her, but I'm sure I'll see her again!  *sniff*

New Year in Edinburgh

The next few days were spent doing a bit more sightseeing in Edinburgh.  The weather was cold, but sunny on New Year's Day.  The next two days were pretty miserable and rainy.  It was difficult to drag myself out of my room and outside to walk around.

New Year's Day.  Sunny but cooold.  Here I am posing for a mystery friend that came to visit me for 2 days.  Edinburgh Castle behind me, the Pet Shop Boys sign, and my new scarf.

I loved this Italian restaurant so much that I ate here twice.  Both times I ordered the Cannelloni.  No, I was not brave enough to try the Haggis Ravioli in whisky sauce.

The ice cream was fantastic!

St Giles Cathedral more properly termed the High Kirk of Edinburgh. It is sometimes regarded as the "Mother Church of Presbyterianism."  The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Giles, who is the patron saint of Edinburgh, as well as of cripples and lepers and was a very popular saint in the Middle Ages.

The present church dates back from the late 14th century, but its history goes back more than 900 years.

Robert Louis Stevenson of "Treasure Island" and "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" fame is has a memorial here.

In the eerie Thistle Chapel at night.

Old Town

Saint Cuthbert. It is believed a church has definitely stood on the same site as currently used since 850 AD, making it Edinburgh's oldest building in terms of foundation.

A view of Edinburgh Castle from Saint Cuthbert cemetery.

My last night.  A good friend of mine told me to go to King's Panto theater for a show.  It was right around the corner and they were doing a live performance "Peter Pan."  It was a great mix of the old story mixed with modern music, some raunchy jokes, and a drag queen. It was a great show, and the perfect way to end my trip.