The Amadeus Diaries

October 2001

Oct 7, 2001
Another short visit.  I did help a small amount with the new cage for Tigra, she has to be moved 50 yards to get her out of Orange County (a long and silly story.)  Amadeus and I got to play for a bit, and pictures were taken by the official photographer for the Center.  It was lots of fun playing with the guy.  He's still very submissive and won't protect his food or treats.  Though I wouldn't encourage him to defend his food, I was expecting it a bit.  He did wine and complain when we came near his treats, but no show of any degree of protection.

Oct 14, 2001
I spent most of the time there working on a den box for Tigra.  I meant to spend much more time with Amadeus, but only spent a few minutes with him.  The sky opened up and we had lots of rain, which put a dent into the days efforts.  I'm still disappointed I didn't find more time to spend with Amadeus.  Next week I need to finish the den box, but I also need to spend more time with the big guy.

Oct 21, 2001
I spent more time with the big guy today, but still not enough for my taste.  I got there later than I wanted and was again working on the box for Tigra.  I really want to get this box finished for the big girl so she can have good shelter from the cold weather that's coming though she's OK for the time being.

Oct 27, 2001
A very big day.  We brought in Wicicala Hopa to join the big guy.  She was rescued from (and with gratitude for a great assistance to) a local county animal shelter.  She has some injuries which are being treated.  Ami seemed very curious about her.  We put her in the pen next to him so they could see and smell each other.  The initial interactions are very good, with no hostility of any kind.  She finally did get up and eat.  She's clearly stiff and sore, especially in her back legs.  I also played with Ami a good bit.  He's such a joy to be around, and very curious about his new neighbor.

Oct 28, 2001
Ami and Hopa apparently "talked" quite a bit last night, and slept next to each other across the fence barrier.  Hopa is allowing some limited contact with people and has not shown aggression toward people, so it looks extremely promising.  As for interacting with Ami, all looks great.  She just needs some time to heal first.  As for her healing, she is clearly sore and stiff, with a bit of a limp on her back leg.  We'll have to keep a careful eye on her to see if more vet care is necessary.  Ami is a really happy boy.  I gave him some of the puppy food we have for Hopa (she needs to gain weight.)  He really wanted to tug it away from me.  A big game at this point, but something to watch for the future.  I finally got the box finished for Tigra too.  It's quite a relief to get it done.

Oct 29, 2001
Hopa went to the vet today.  Her back leg seemed worse this morning and she needed to be checked.  The X-Rays show she had several breaks, including one near the open wound and on in her hip.  It appears the wounds are at least 2 weeks old, and already starting to knit.  The X-Rays were sent off to a specialist for a consultation, but it appears the best course is to just let her heal.

Oct 30, 2001
She's eating pretty well, and that's a good sign.  Hopa and Amadeus are becoming quite attached.  I brought some short ribs I have cooked for her.