You Are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine...

 The original gang circa 2003

 Puff and Rudy 2000-ish

 Brand new Rudy - 1999

 That tail...

 Our mischief maker

 Handsome boy

 Sunshine in the late afternoon

Rudy - May 16th, 1999 - August 11th, 2018

Semper in corde meo

The Mom 'rent here. This boy, this little orange cream sickle, this big, bright ray of sunshine - he left us yesterday. The world is dimmer. Rudy Toots never knew a stranger. He loved everyone. He lived life large and made the most of it. We were blessed with 19 years of this orange menace, but in the last few weeks he struggled with kidney disease. We did fluids and medication, but he did not like being sick. He struggled with his new normal and as things normally go with Rudy, he got his way. He sat in my lap on Friday night and we had a chat. He wanted to go. Some of you may know that look, it's the worst look that your beloved cat can give you. I promised him that he didn't need to keep up the fight. Instead of the appointment for fluids yesterday morning, we said our goodbyes. He passed quietly and gently - no more struggles. The Dad 'rent and I took his remains to Wayside Waifs where they will take very good care of him. We will bring him home later this week,

Rudy is the last of our original gang. We lost Puff 2 years ago and Powder last year. The connection to our brand new marriage with kittens is gone with the passing of Rudy. That fact makes it even sadder for us. 

It seems that we have lost many old blogging friends lately. The Bridge is lucky to have so many wonderful animals. But I, for one, would like to hold on to our babies longer. 

Rudy was a lucky cat. He never knew hunger or what not having a home felt like. He always knew love and happiness. I take some comfort in that.

Love is eternal.

Powder - 4/1/1998 - 6/9/2017 - Dearly Loved, Deeply Missed

The Last Farewell -

Come with me my gentle love

and let me hold you near.

I'll soothe you with my softest words

and never mind the tears.

I'll whisper words of love to you

so you will always know...

how much my heart is breaking now

as I gently let you go.

We've traveled years and miles, we two,

you've been my constant friend.

And now the kindest gift I give

brings us to this end.

Your legs grew weak,

your eyes grew tired;

I watched time take its toll.

In my heart you're still the kitten

I held so long ago.

I cannot watch you suffer now,

my love is much too deep.

So close your eyes my little love,

I'll hold you as you sleep.

I'll stroke your soft, soft, silken fur

and gently ease the pain.

And pray to all the gods I know

that we will meet again.

I knew this day would come my love

I knew it from the start.

I did not know the price would be

a large piece of my heart.

I'll grieve for you because I must

I'll shed hot, heavy tears.

But the sorrow of this day won't dim

the love we shared for years.

~Constance Jenkins

Mere moments after arriving at their forever home 5/17/1998  - (Powder on right)

This awesome little creature was a constant part of our lives for 19 years.
How Powder got her forever home  -

Snoozing with her first dog-buddy, Jordan Circa 1998

Always enjoyed a good nap!

Loved Daddy's Skritches!

Knew the sound of the treat jar!

Mommy's Heart

Peek-A-Boo on our O-Hi-O deck

Always ready for a close-up

My lovely, calico baby...

As some of you may know from my Facebook page, Powder had a UTI that had been treated, but seemed to reoccur last week. Last Wednesday we went in to see our great feline veterinarian at Northland Cat Clinic . Labs were drawn, blood pressure was taken - Powder checked out great. The Vet even said that her kidney function was that of a cat 10 years younger than she was.  She had gained weight. She acted happy and frisky - even accepted the advances of our Vet and purred and arched her back when she was shown affection (very un-Powder-like!) Things were fine on Thursday morning - breakfast eaten and happy to relax and watch the world go by. Thursday night she seemed lethargic and she didn't want to eat (!). We coaxed a few bites, but all she wanted to do was snuggle around my neck. She shivered a bit, but I attributed that to the air conditioning and the fact that she had just received a lions cut - I just held her tight and she stopped shivering and began to purr in her normal fashion. We all fell asleep for the night. Things were much worse on Friday morning - no appetite, very weak and a bit disorientated. I called the Vet and we went right in.

Upon examination, her body temperature was very low. But even worse, her heart rate was decreasing by the minute. Powder was in heart failure. Our Vet explained that given her age, there were not many options and that her prognosis was "very guarded". After a few moments, her heart rate was checked again. Even lower than the last time. Our Vet then said, "I think she is making the decision for you". So for one last time, I held my little girl. We put her back on her travel bed and gently helped her to the Bridge. I had the privilege of  stroking her fur and looking into her eyes. Powder left us quickly and peacefully.

We know the grieving process far too well. We know that eventually it gets easier to think of her without the grief and the tears. But like all of the ones who came before - the absence of her being here  - well, it still hurts and stings like hell. We've loved every one of our fur kids - we know from the beginning that this is what you sign up for - and every time - with Jordan, Payton, Parker, Diamond and Puff - the pain swells and almost sweeps you under. But you get better. You have other little mouths to feed and fur to stroke and they need you and count on you. So, as each day passes, you get a little better. You start to smile when you think of them and cry a little less...

Until we meet again little girl. ❤

Semper in corde meo

Diamond Doggie

 

Run Free, We Love You So Much

 

Diamond Doggie

May 1st, 2002 - May 31st, 2013

 

usquequaque in nostrum pectus pectoris

Why My 11th Birthday Sucked, By Diamond Doggie

Not the Birthday Hat I had in Mind...

Hey kitties. Diamond Doggie here. Two and a half weeks ago I went outside for my morning inspection of the yard and saw an introoder in my territory. I ran to chase the introoder and popped my knee. Ouch! That bought me a trip to the vet. Guess what I did? I tore my doggie ACL. Which means that I bought myself a longer trip to Columbus Ohio to a place called MedVet. They took pictures of my leg - not only did I tear my ACL, but I had a Luxating Patella! Mommy had a consultation with a doggie orthopedic surgeon - Dr. Kennedy. He's a very nice guy, but look what he did to me! I'm a mess! I have a big boo-boo on my leg and I have to wear the cone of shame so I don't mess with my boo-boo. I hate it!
I had my surgery on April 25th. I got to come home the next day. I have to do exercises and take all sorts of medicine. I turned 11 years old on May the 1st. I spent my birthday at the shelter with Auntie Megan (she works there and took me to work with her), That's because the 'rents had the nerve to go on vacation! She took very good care of me, but it wasn't much of a birthday.
The 'rents have been home since last Friday and tomorrow I go back to my regular vet for a check up. I also managed to get a fluid sac on my boo-boo, so that's slowed down my recovery. AND I got bopped in the eye by some kitty around the time of my popped knee and have a prolapsed eye.
The only good thing is that I get a lot of treats when I have to take my medicines and Daddy has slept downstairs with me every night.
I could use some good vibes - this has been a no good, very bad birthday.
OH - and the 'rents say that I have a new name - "New Fence". They say that's my new name because that's what it cost for me to have my surgery. Funny, real funny. Sigh...

A Day At Our Little Shelter

What's in here?

 



Oh dear, it's another rescue mission.

 

Nine lab mixes were brought to our shelter after a hoarding situation was discovered. More than 100 dogs were found in various states of illness and neglect. Shelters in a 4 county area stepped up and took in as many of the dogs as they could. Our awesome employees took in nine dogs, gave then a medical exam, vaccinations and tests for heartworms. They were scared and many of them had never known the loving touch of a human. They were given their own kennel, warm and soft blankies and toys. Oh, and food, lots of good food.

 

Many of the dogs suffered from sores from laying on hard surfaces. All were covered in fleas.

 

 

 

Some had bitten ears from fighting for the food that was tossed into their outdoor kennels.

 

 

This scared boy will soon know what love and good care is all about.

 

 

It's no secret that many shelters are low on funds. Very low. We are no exception.

 

You see those injections and the white package? That's the minimum testing and medicine needed for each dog. Each medicine and heartworm test costs us $100. So, 9 rescue dogs x's $100 = $900. We want to keep on helping the abused, neglected and abandoned animals in our county. We really need help. So if you have any spare change, a rich uncle, just hit the lottery, or know of a way that we can raise funds, please let Mommy know, or go to www.hsoac.org and make a donation. We have over 300 little lives depending on us.





My Wonderful, Wonderful Life

Me, circa 2009

My life has been an awesome one. There is no kitty who could have asked for more than I have been blessed with. That being said, it's become my time to go to the Bridge kitties, I asked Mommy yesterday if she would help me on the journey. This morning she called Dr. Joe and he's going to come and see me tomorrow morning between 8:30 and 9:00 Eastern time. Dr. Joe will ease me across where I can see again and run and play and hang out with TOWCB*. I ask that you think of me around that time and send some good vibes. I know I will be going to a very good place, but the 'rents are very, very sad. I think they could use your good vibes as well. My sibs are going to be a lot of comfort too - they have already promised that - even Rudy.
Our little family has been together as this unit for 10 years and my leaving is going to put a big dent in the 'rents hearts. I can remember back when Daddy worked so very hard to tame me and trust him. I owe him my life. Mommy has worked hard for me to keep this blog and I am glad that she did because now they can look back and remember the good times.
Today I am being loved and watched over. tonight will be our last evening together - there will be tears and laughter and maybe some treats.
I want all of you to know that I have felt the love you have sent and I think that's one of the things that kept me feeling good for so long. Thank you for your love and for your friendship. Thank you for always smooching me back. Mommy says she thinks she will miss my smoochies the most.

So kitties - stay kind, remember me fondly and send those good vibes tomorrow.
I love you all -
One last time...
SMOOCHIES!
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Perfectly Parker.
*The Ones Who Came Before

How I've Been...

Hi there. Just because I can't see does not mean that I can't enjoy a window open. There are awesome smells and wonderful sounds. The breeze felt so good on my furs. This has been a very mild winter, we have had the windows open a few times. Once we were allowed on the deck. I did not like that as much. I was a little scared and hung close to Daddy. It was OK. but I prefer windows now.
I have gained some weight. Mommy thinks that I am a little more active. She brought home some Popeye's Chicken when she went traveling last week and I inhaled some (meat only, no skin!).
My friend Whitey went to the Bridge a few days ago and all of us here are very, very sad about that. We loved that boy and felt such joy as he discovered his forever home and healed form the terrible boo-boos that he mysteriously had on his face. Whitey was a gentle soul and a very handsome cat. Godspeed Whitey. To honor his memory, Mommy is going to name a shelter kitten Whitey - there were some kittens born at the shelter last week and one of them will carry on the Whitey name. Photos to follow. The kittens are still too new to be fussed with.
Our little shelter keeps on keeping on and yesterday Mommy adopted 2 cats to their forever homes. It's a good thing!
I feel your love and wish that I had the energy (and sight) to blog more. Know that I love you all and that I send you huge smoochies.
xoxoxoxoxox

For Misses Peach



Dear Friend, We will miss you



She was an angel on earth. Now she has her wings...

 

Where to Bury A Cat

There are various places within which a cat may be buried. We are thinking now of a tabby cat, a striped cat, whose coat was like watered silk, and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or an unworthy thought. This cat is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at its proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree, or an apple, or any flowering shrub of the garden, is an excellent place to bury a good cat. For beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer, or chased bees, or lifted head to challenge some winged intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. For if the cat be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, questing, asking, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that cat sleeps at long and at last. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in kittenhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture land, where the most exhilarating moles burrow. It is all one to the cat, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a cat. One place that is best of all. If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have guessed, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well-remembered path, and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living cats, they shall not hiss at him, nor resent his coming, for he is yours and he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no mew pitched too fine for mere audition, people who may never really have had a cat. Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good cat is in the heart of his owner.

by Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, 1921

A Sad, Sad Story



What kind of "human" lets this happen?

Late in the afternoon after everyone had left the shelter for the day, the board president came back to the shelter to do some more work. These two puppies, plus another were found dumped and abandoned outside the receiving door. You can see every bone, they were covered in fleas and they were starving. I cannot tell you how sad this is. These poor guys were fed and given a flea bath. Please pray that they make a great recovery, our little shelter is determined to see that they get healthy and find awesome forever homes.
Mommy does not cry very often, but last night...she did.

Godspeed Sweet Praline

Sweet Praline
September 25, 1995 ~ April 25th, 2011

We lost a very dear friend yesterday. Sweet Praline acheived angel status at the Rainbow Bridge. Praline was such a beautiful kitty that had a loving and devoted Mommy. I know that her Mommy must feel all kinds of sad and heartbroken over the loss of such a special kitty. We send her our love and we hope that soon her memories of Sweet Praline will make her smile more than they make her cry.

In honor of Miss Sweet Praline -

Where to Bury A Cat

There are various places within which a cat may be buried. We are thinking now of a tabby cat, a striped cat, whose coat was like watered silk, and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or an unworthy thought. This cat is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at its proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree, or an apple, or any flowering shrub of the garden, is an excellent place to bury a good cat. For beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer, or chased bees, or lifted head to challenge some winged intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. For if the cat be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, questing, asking, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that cat sleeps at long and at last. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in kittenhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture land, where the most exhilarating moles burrow. It is all one to the cat, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a cat. One place that is best of all. If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have guessed, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well-remembered path, and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living cats, they shall not hiss at him, nor resent his coming, for he is yours and he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no mew pitched too fine for mere audition, people who may never really have had a cat. Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good cat is in the heart of his owner.

by Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, 1921

Godspeed Sweet Praline,  you were loved so very, very much...

Godspeed Mickey

We have lost a very sweet and dear friend. Mickey was one of the nicest and loving mancats in the blogosphere. He loved his Mommy, his family and his lovely wife, Misses Peach. Our hearts are broken today as we honor this lovely kitty.

Where to Bury A Cat


There are various places within which a cat may be buried. We are thinking now of a tabby cat, a striped cat, whose coat was like watered silk, and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or an unworthy thought. This cat is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at its proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree, or an apple, or any flowering shrub of the garden, is an excellent place to bury a good cat. For beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer, or chased bees, or lifted head to challenge some winged intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. For if the cat be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, questing, asking, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that cat sleeps at long and at last. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in kittenhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture land, where the most exhilarating moles burrow. It is all one to the cat, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a cat. One place that is best of all. If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have guessed, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well-remembered path, and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living cats, they shall not hiss at him, nor resent his coming, for he is yours and he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no mew pitched too fine for mere audition, people who may never really have had a cat. Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good cat is in the heart of his owner.


by Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, 1921
 
Godspeed Mickey...

For Our Friend Pablo

Pablo, CEO of Pablo Enterprises and captain/coach of the West Hobart Tigers in the Southern Feline Football League.


There are really no words to express how sad we are for the loss of our pal Pabs. He was a wonderful cat that had a wonderful life. His 'rents had to make a hard decision since he was so very ill. Please visit and leave a kind word to his family. They are heartbroken. Godspeed to the Bridge my friend. You shall never be forgotten.
 
Where to Bury A Cat


There are various places within which a cat may be buried. We are thinking now of a tabby cat, a striped cat, whose coat was like watered silk, and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or an unworthy thought. This cat is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at its proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree, or an apple, or any flowering shrub of the garden, is an excellent place to bury a good cat. For beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer, or chased bees, or lifted head to challenge some winged intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. For if the cat be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, questing, asking, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that cat sleeps at long and at last. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in kittenhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture land, where the most exhilarating moles burrow. It is all one to the cat, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a cat. One place that is best of all. If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have guessed, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well-remembered path, and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living cats, they shall not hiss at him, nor resent his coming, for he is yours and he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no mew pitched too fine for mere audition, people who may never really have had a cat. Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good cat is in the heart of his owner.


by Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, 1921

Godspeed Rocky

Our friend Rocky decided it was time to head to the Bridge. We will miss him very much. We send our purrs and our prayers to his family - the Food Lady, the Man, Skeezix, Mao and my beloved Tripper. We're sure the Bridge 'nip is preemo and the vixens are happy to see you. The only problem is that we'll miss you so very much.

A Very Sad Saturday

We send our love and our healing prayers to the families of Miss Patches and Inigo.

The Bridge is a more beautiful place today.

Wordless Sorrow

It isn't yesterday, Wednesday, which by the way, was about the saddest day ever. But today, I find myself wordless - unable to describe the sadness I feel over losing two of my oldest and dearest blogosphere kitty friends.
Godspeed to the Bridge my friends, I will miss you very much.

 Fat Eric was a role model to Rudy and such a dear friend.

Luxor was about the most beautiful boy I have ever seen, and such a gentle soul.

You will both always have a special place in my heart. We pray that your 'rents will find some comfort in knowing that both of you touched so many lives and brought many, many smiles to kitties and 'rents all over the world. May the memories of both of you bring them smiles through their tears.

Formerly Feral Friday

So what do you think it was that I spied with my little eye?

If you think it was a Temptation, you are correct! If I were still feral I don't think I would get to sit on the dinig room table and get snacks!
ps - Dear Auntie Lois, we are gonna' miss you very much. Please drive safe with my cousins Jimmy Mack, Thomas and Olivia - oh -  and have a nice life in Missouri - Smoochies
ppss- what Parker said -  Parker's Mom.

Easy Like Sunday ?

It's not the easiest Sunday here in O Hi O. Our lives have been disrupted! Daddy has moved all of our furniture out of the living room. There is plastic on the floor and there are containers of stinky colored stuff all over the place. We are not allowed in the living room! Diamond is having a hard time being a good boy and staying out of the living room because he always has to be where Daddy is.
We'll show you photos of the whole mess this week.
We are also very sad because our friend Halloween left for the Bridge. Please take a moment to send some comfort to her Food Lady and Food Dude.

In Memory of My Friend

 For a friend

Our thoughts and prayers to LC's family. She ran to the Bridge yesterday and became it's newest angel. I posted this poem when her brother Skeeter passed away a little over a year ago. I hope it brings some small comfort to LC's family. LC, someday we will meet at the Bridge, save a sun spot for me.

Where to Bury A Cat


There are various places within which a cat may be buried. We are thinking now of a tabby cat, a striped cat, whose coat was like watered silk, and who, so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or an unworthy thought. This cat is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at its proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree, or an apple, or any flowering shrub of the garden, is an excellent place to bury a good cat. For beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer, or chased bees, or lifted head to challenge some winged intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. For if the cat be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, questing, asking, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that cat sleeps at long and at last. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in kittenhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture land, where the most exhilarating moles burrow. It is all one to the cat, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a cat. One place that is best of all. If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have guessed, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well-remembered path, and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living cats, they shall not hiss at him, nor resent his coming, for he is yours and he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no mew pitched too fine for mere audition, people who may never really have had a cat. Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good cat is in the heart of his owner.
by Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, 1921

It's Official...

...the holidays are over...

My poor tree is going to become mulch.

Clean up in aisle 10!

In Memory of My Friend

Princess - April 15th, 1991 - December 17th, 2009

On of my very sweetest friends in the Blogosphere earned her Rainbow Bridge wings yesterday. Dear gentle Princess (Prinnie) was 18 and a 1/2 years young. She joined her angel brother Caesar who left for the Bridge in January of 2008. Prinnie leaves behind her wonderful, loving bean family and a great little kitty brother Pierro.
Godspeed Prinnie dear, I will miss you very much. Someday, we will meet at the Bridge.
Smoochies to heaven's newest angel.