They're Missing Bones But Not Spirit
In addition to Blanca, here's what also arrived this past weekend: Two adorable 12-week old kittens who came to us from the Panhandle Animal Shelter in Sandpoint, Idaho. The shelter had named them Spazzy -- that's him on the left -- and his sister Teeny. They were born with missing bones in their rear legs -- it looks like both the tibia and fibula are simply not there. Perhaps as a result of that, their back feet are upside down and backwards ... notice how Spazzy's left rear foot is positioned.
When we hold them up in the air, their rear legs just dangle and kind of spin around. And yet ... put these two on the ground, and they can get around just fine. Teeny does a modified bunny hop while Spazzy scoots around at a blur.
The shelter had placed these two with a foster mom, Nicki D., who emailed us with some background on them. In her message she wrote, "So basically, these guys are hardly any different than taking care of a normal cat. Except that they are disfigured, and people start talking euthanasia and removal of limbs around them." (Nicki's emphasis.)
Nicki also told us that Spazzy is the "great adventurer" while Teeny is "a dreamer." They are both sweet and affectionate, and Teeny just starts purring as soon as she sees you.
But ... I think it's time for a name-the-kittens contest! Please post your name suggestions on the blog, and if we pick your names, we'll send you either a Rolling Dog Ranch hat or a set of our greeting cards ... your choice!
Here's some video of this duo that I shot in my office this afternoon. You'll see that except for those back legs, these two are happy, healthy and spunky little guys.
Animal lovers!
There's a dog here in Springdale Wa., he showed up on an acquaintance home, he is elderly but fat, friendly but has what they say is a crushed skull, they think he has been that way for a long time. They aren't really dog people and have two little grand-kids and are worried although he's friendly that he might accidently hurt them. I have five dogs and can't take him, I need a rescue or individual to help him. I'm running an ad in the local paper to see if an owner shows up for him, I'm not describing him in the ad, if he abandoned then we need some help.
Thanks.
Posted by:Marilyn Wilson | December 10, 2007 at 10:18 AM
To me, Teeny's movement looks like she's trying to be a kangaroo -- so I'd name her "Kanga." As for Spazzy - why not call him "Scooter." They are adorable, and I'm glad they will have good lives with you guys.
Posted by:Helen Rietz | August 26, 2007 at 12:23 PM
How about the names of oscar and emmy?
Posted by:marcia | August 22, 2007 at 09:46 PM
My daughter and I they are so adorable and deserve names with character.
Our favorites are:
Calvin and Opal
Elliot and Olive
Posted by:Tamara Charles | August 21, 2007 at 12:31 AM
A fan of your site, I am also the home to a variety of stray and abandoned dogs and cats, one cat of which has been determined to be a "special needs" kitty, and his name is Aslan, or Assy for short-his problems are more mental than physical, and it has taken alot of work to get him where he is these days. Anyways, back to the kittens. After doing some research, I have come to the conclusion that Achilles-which I have seen has already been suggested-should be the name for the male and Hero, the name for the female. I have a tendency to reflect upon the animals entirety, including perosonality, background, etc, when coming up with names. And so there u have my suggestions! And ty for providing such a great place for disabled animals! There needs to be more like u!
Posted by:Lu | August 18, 2007 at 11:52 PM
I like Ernest and Emily. Very poetic :) George and Gracie are also cute names (btw, the little one on the right looks like my kitty, Sweetpea).
Posted by:Kristen D. | August 16, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Oh my, two more little beauties for the RDR! How about Moppet and Mittens (as in the Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter).
Posted by:Mary | August 16, 2007 at 07:20 PM
They are adorable! They look happy and comfortable. As for name suggestions...how about naming one of them "Honey" and the other one "Buns"?? :)
Posted by:Priscilla Smith | August 16, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Okay....My vote for names are Lilac and Poppy. Two little sweethearts with lots of appeal.
Posted by:Elizabeth Mahony | August 16, 2007 at 11:39 AM
How about Sampson and Delilah??? Congradulations on your newest additions. They are ADORABLE! God Bless you both!!
Posted by:Veronika | August 16, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Any chance they would benefit from little wheel carts for their back ends?
Posted by:Janet | August 16, 2007 at 07:48 AM
What a pair of cuties these two kitties are!!!
My suggestions for names are: Cricket and Jiminie (I am a Disney fan!)
Posted by:Nina | August 15, 2007 at 07:29 PM
I have no imagination for naming pets (or even my human children) so after reading everyone's posts, I would have to vote for Heidi's Hansel & Gretel. Original yet easy.
Posted by:Kathy Goog | August 15, 2007 at 05:15 PM
I think Legs and Lily are a cute name :)
best of luck through the rest of the summer!
Posted by:Kylie Payeur | August 15, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Mirth and Mayhem. They look like troublemakers.
Posted by:Tom | August 15, 2007 at 01:23 PM
They are adorable! And sure to have a wonderful life ahead of them at RDR! My 2 name picks are Mickey & Minnie or Pooh Bear & Tigger....can you tell I love Disney?? :)
Karmen & the zoo
Posted by:kcborrs | August 15, 2007 at 10:08 AM
It doesn't matter which one is which but i think!
Snuggles and Cuddles
Sound good ;)
Posted by:Roxi | August 15, 2007 at 04:42 AM
Love those cute little kittens! I like the names Lucy and Ricky, but I also like George and Gracie, as suggested in another comment. They look like they bring a lot of joy to the ranch. Give them a scratch under the chin from me.
Shelli Smith
Bob and Stew (my two 14 yr old "kittens")
Posted by:Shelli Smith | August 14, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Welcome to your new home sweet kitties!They are so adorable with working back legs or not.I can't imagine anyone wanting to put these 2 life filled lovers to sleep.They have so much to give and I know they make a great addition to the RDR family! I suggest Scooter for Spazzy since he scoots around and either Maggie,Mabel or Bunny for Teeny since she hops around.I really like the name SCOOTER for Spazzy,not sure on Teenys' name. Love & Peace, Elaine,Jake & Brave
Posted by:Elaine Miller | August 14, 2007 at 10:53 PM
They are such cute "little rascals" that Spanky and Darla just seem to fit! What is the
prognosis for these sweet little
guys? I'm curious as to how they
will adapt to this challenge.
Posted by:Lynn | August 14, 2007 at 09:47 PM
Aw, they are cuties. I bet they will be cuddlers.
Posted by:Bruce Small | August 14, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Since one's an adventurer and one's a dreamer, how about Indiana & Jones? They're adorable!
Posted by:Susan | August 14, 2007 at 06:45 PM
I don't know...I kinda like the name "Spazzy," but the name "Teeny" has got to go. How about Bonnie & Clyde--they both look like they could be trouble! :-) Lucy & Desi might be good, too, as I'm sure they will provide hours of entertainment!
Posted by:Cassie B. | August 14, 2007 at 06:20 PM
I second the motion for "Anna" and "Purrna" !
They are so cute!
Posted by:Nancy | August 14, 2007 at 05:21 PM
Hi Steve and Alayne!
My suggestions are Hopalong and Cassidy (Hopalong Cassidy was the name of an old cowboy character and show on TV back in the dark ages). Well, now I'm really showing my age!
Take care,
Pamala at Dogs' Little Acre in Shadow Hills, SoCal
Posted by:Pamala Brown | August 14, 2007 at 04:57 PM