Java the real cat was put to sleep at home next to me late this afternoon, after a medical emergency this morning made it clear that it was time. He was 20 and a half years old... Just about as long as I've owned this house by myself. He was a really special cat with an extra dose of personality and confidence, and I was lucky to get to live with him. I'll miss him. My beautiful boy.

X-posted with FB:

Next weekend I'm doing the Walk for Animals, a fundraiser for the San Diego Humane Society. If any of you would like to sponsor me (and support San Diego animals), please see my fundraising page. Thank you!

[link]

We are sad to announce that we had to let Seabiscuit go today. He was just about fifteen years old, and had been our faithful companion through the last thirteen years of our life and work. He met many of you as students and campers and general dog friends, and all of our lives have been the richer for having him in them.

I have some very sad news to share. This is from BC's (Omnis) timeline where his friend posted on behalf of his family. He has little time left and is unable to post on his own.

~~~~~UPDATE 5/2~~~~~ Friends, Patty and Dawn (BC's mom and sister) would like everyone to know how much they appreciate your calls, texts, and visits to BC. They have lifted him during this time, more than you can know. As BC's condition progresses, he is no longer able to receive visitors. He is sending his love to each and every one of you, who has been such an important part of his life. We will be so pleased to read him any messages that you would like to send. There has been very little pain so far, and we are incredibly grateful for that blessing. Perhaps his MD has created a neuro-blocker of sorts? We don't know. Please continue to pray and wish for his peace, and also to wish his family strength during this time.

BC passed away this morning.

Daniel's mom Mary is in ICU for high blood pressure that caused some bleeding on the brain. ~ma, please.

Update on Buffista Mom Mary: She had a small stroke, but is recovering. She was transferred to a short-term stay facility last week. I spoke to Mom today, She is in good spirits and is able to get around with a walker a bit. They had thought she wasn't ambulatory. She surprised them.

I'm in the ER because of heavy bleeding for a week. I'll probably be admitted and getting a blood transfusion. Hemoglobin 7.5, if you're into stats! I could use some of that fine Buffista health~ma.

My mom is having surgery tomorrow morning (4-ish board time; 7 a.m. Eastern time) to repair an aortic aneurysm and replace a heart valve. She's ridiculously, robustly healthy for a 70-year-old woman (she's pissed that the 12-week recovery period means that she won't be able to [1] teach yoga several times a day, [2] camp, and [3] hike), so she should do just fine. But it's still scary to have a parent get cracked open and her heart tinkered with.

So any good heart-ma for my mom would be very welcome.

Surgery is all done -- mom did very well! She won't be in the ICU for 60-90 minutes, and even then she'll be asleep. But everything is good! Thanks for the heart-ma!