Three years later

We're celebrating an important milestone in Sheepish history--as of today, shop cat extraordinaire Bibi has been cancer-free for three years!

Some of you didn't know us or Bibi then, so you might not be familiar with this story. In February 2011, we found a lump on Bibi's side. Tests revealed that it was a type of cancer called fibrosarcoma. With the financial support of many of our wonderful customers and neighbors, Bibi underwent two rather extensive (and expensive) surgeries to have the tumor removed.

This was Bibi recovering in March 2011. Her side was shaved, she had a huge scar with many stitches, was stoned out of her mind on pain medicine, and had to wear the dreaded cone of shame.

And here's Her Majesty now! The vet is amazed at how well Bibi bounced back from such a very aggressive type of cancer.

We'll never forget the kindness of the Sheepish community during those rough weeks after Bibi's diagnosis, nor care and skill of the folks at Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists who operated on her.

We love you, Bibi!!!

Bibi: media superstar

Our very own shop kitty is profiled in the Decatur Patch today!  As if she weren't enough of a prima donna already...

Read the article here.

Photo by Ralph Ellis, Decatur Patch

One year later

Today we're marking an important milestone here at Sheepish.  One year ago today, we got some great news from Bibi's vet: after two extensive surgeries and a pretty rough recovery period, our beloved shop cat was officially cancer free.

After her second surgery, March 2011

And so she remains today (knock on wood)!  We continue to "grope" Bibi regularly to check for suspicious lumps and bumps, and are pleased to report that she is a very happy, healthy cat.  She loves mingling with the customers and napping in the window, where she can be adored by her many fans in the neighborhood.

Bibi today

Once again, we extend a big thanks to all of you who have continued to ask about Bibi's health and to express your love for her.  We--and Bibi--really appreciate it!

Bibi update

It's been a while since we posted any pictures of Bibi on the blog, so we thought you might like to see how she's doing.

It's been three months now since Bibi's second surgery to remove her fibro sarcoma. As you can see, her fur is growing in nicely and she has returned to her normal lifestyle of greeting customers and displaying herself in the window. As far as we know, she remains cancer free (knock on wood). To check for any lumps or changes, we make sure to pet her frequently and we encourage you to do the same whenever you're in the shop. :)

Bibi certainly has come a long way from those dark days of February and March when she had a huge incision, was doped up on pain meds, and was forced to wear the dreaded cone of shame. She prefers to put that time behind her, and would like to thank her many friends for the kindness, good wishes, and donations that have made her continued recovery possible. We certainly hate that Bibi got cancer, but we're so grateful for the way her illness brought everyone in the Sheepish community together!