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.

Our 18 Year Old April Fool Kitty - Happy Birthday Powder!

Look who's celebrating her 18th birthday!

Circa 1998 - a mere kitten...

Some of you may remember that Powder is the sister of our beloved Puff who left us over a year ago. We adopted both Puff and Powder the weekend of our wedding in 1998. They were sisters. And like sisters, they had their differences. We all miss Puff, and we appreciate that Powder is still a part of our life. Powder is on meds for her thyroid and she sleeps quite a bit - that doesn't stop her from playing when she feels like it and guarding Mommy's lap. All in all she has a pretty great life.



I'm 18 and I'm Gorgeous! ('cept for the eye boogs)

There will be no foolin' around as we celebrate this tiny Calico kitty today, Powder has been around as long as we've been a family. That's saying a lot! So we will bust out the tuna, the 'nip and the Temptations -





Powder Rudy and Kharma working hard for the money...

Fletcher works hard too...

Rickey Tiki Tavey Says...

...never work when you can play with your buddy!

We'll leave you today with  Puff and Powder - their first day at their forever home. Mommy wishes her camera was better back in May of 1998 - but as you can see these two were destined for a long, awesome life, and thanks to them being good kitties, more of us got to live here! Happy Birthday Powder! We Love You!





Remember Us?

Hi there - I'm Kharma - remember me?

Lot's of stuff has happened since we posted for Powder's birthday last April. Some good, some not so much. I thought for those of you who are interested, now's a good time to share.

Rickey Tiki Tavi is both my best buddy and a great guy to wrrrassle with! Even though he can't hear nothin', he's a great playmate. We're both still young and need our kitty crazy time. He's taken after Rudy in the furs department. He came >>>thisclose<<< to a Lion cut. Mommy finally coaxed the tangles out, so he's safe for the time being.

Fletcher celebrated is 3rd Gotcha' day with us on June 1st. He's pretty cool for a dog. He spends his time trying out for the Cubs. He's a first class ball catcher. He's a great nap buddy too!

Powder is 17 and doing very well. She sleeps a lot, but Mommy says that she's reached the age where she can do just about anything her little kitty heart desires. Powder is "Mommy's Heart" - she's kinda' a one human cat...

Rudy Toots turned 16 on May 13th. He's just about the sweetest thing since sugar. Loves laps and naps. He can still chase down a Temptations treat with with the best of them! Everyone loves Rudy -  (even me - he bathes my noggin' and I love it!)

Parker Pie, dear Puff and Diamond Doggie are missed every day - always in our hearts...

So - the really bad - Mommy got pretty sick in June - it was scary.

Told you it was scary!

(I blurred Mommy's face)

She had a big Kidney Stone that made her kidneys shut down. She spent three days in the Eye-See-You, then another 4 days in Step-Down. The doctor wouldn't let her work for a month. Three surgeries, 5 squillion drugs and just as many naps later - she's almost as good as new...

Daddy took very good care of her - so did the doctors and nurses - she was hospitalized where she worked. 

Her kidneys are now working at 100% - YAY! If you haven't seen us on Facebook and Twitter, that's why we've been so quiet - we've been very busy nursing Mommy back to health.

So, we won't miss this summer too much. But I leave you with a pretty picture of Fletcher and with wishes that you are always kind to one another - you never know when ceiling cat might want you to come home...

Pretty cute for a rescue mutt!

November is National Diabetes Month

Parker Pie hated Diabetes and so does Ricky Tiki Tavi. Mommy has that crummy disease and it sux! Please continue Parker's tradition and post this your blog and share all over the place. Pray for a cure!
Smoochies from the bridge from Parker and hugs from Ricky Tiki Tavi!
And thanks to Zoolatry for the awesome design!

Perfectly Parker's Mom Asks For Help

This is our little shelter's welcoming sign.

Our mission is "The Humane Society of Allen County (HSOAC) is dedicated to the elimination of cruelty, abuse, neglect and abandonment of animals. The Society will shelter animals in times of need, locate lifelong homes and promote responsible pet ownership through education, legislation and sterilization."

 

 

We find responsible forever homes for the animals that pass through our doors.

 

My Hubby and I are included in the hundreds of adoptions that happen every year! (Hi & welcome Kharma!)

 

We make magic happen all of the time.

 

 

Kibbles had lived with us for 5 years before finding a perfect forever home. 

 

 

Kittens (Snickers pictured here) get lucky on adoption days

 

After a home "ear docking" that resulted in a botched job, these adopters saw the beauty in Van Gogh

 

And you all know Fletcher's story. No dog alive today could be loved more than Fletcher.

 

 

We predicted a very happy life for Kessler. We were right!

 

The before photo of Slim Shady and Lemonjello. They were rescued from a woman who had put them in a box and set them in the street on a hot summer day. I went and scooped them up. Our Vet Clinic gave them TLC and the care that they needed.

 

Slim (now Alexander) got a great home with two of our awesome volunteers.

 

Lemonjello is a spoiled orange love-muffin with lots of kitty sibs. He couldn't be happier!

 

The Boney Boys spent months in the clinic gaining back their strength and their trust in humans. All three were adopted out to wonderful homes. Today they are thriving and loving life.

There is an important reason that I am posting this today. We cannot continue without your help. I know many of you followed Parker's blog and became a part of our little family in O Hi O. Today, I am asking that if you could find it in your heart to once again honor Parker or Diamond's memory by helping other animals in need - please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Allen County. I wish I could personally give you a tour of our shelter and show you the miracles that occur on a daily basis here. We do so many amazing things for so many creatures and we do it on such a small budget. To continue, we really, really need help. I rarely ask Parker's blog readers, but the need is great. Any amount is appreciated. Thanks for considering this request. Parker and Diamond send their love from the Bridge. I send my appreciation from our little corner in O Hi O.



Good Kharma

Hi Everybuddy!

My name is Kharma Kitty and I am the newest member of the house in O Hi O! The 'rents were not going to add any more kitties to the pack, but there was just something about me that made me hard to resist. I am told that I resemble a very important kitty who came before. My Gotcha' day is July 20th. I was brought in to the Humane Society of Allen County as a stray (that means I was dumped there...). Anyway, Mommy kept her eye on me and after I was there for 3 months and no one had wanted to adopt me, she asked Daddy if we could find room in their hearts for one more. Here is the video Mommy sent so Daddy could see how awesome I am...

I am about a year and a half old and I get along with everyone. It took less than a day for everyone to get use to me. My best buddies are Ricky-Tiki-Tavi and the woofie Fletcher! We like to wrestle. The older kitties think I am OK, but they are not much into playing. I love to play! THOE and wrestling are my favorites!

My Gotcha' Day! (The best day of my life!)

I know who I look like. The 'rents said that it was karma that brought me to them and maybe a little angel kitty by the name of Perfectly Parker. I'm pretty sure they are right. Thanks Parker - I'll do my best to live up to your awesomeness!
It was nice to meet all of you. I look forward to lots love of adventures here at the house in O Hi O!

Today is National Dog Appreciation Day!



Isn't Every Day Dog Appreciation Day?



Perfectly Parker - Remembering Our Angel

A year ago today we lost our wonderful, sassy, sweet, fabulous, gorgeous, loving and much loved Parker Pie.

There are no words to describe the hole that Parker's passing left in our hearts. She opened up a whole new world to us with our Cat Blogging friends. She was born a feral and died a much loved, spoiled housekitty. Not a day goes by without us thinking of something that reminds us of her. Ricky Tiki Tavi's meow, an empty (!) food dish, a chewed up toy mousie or the empty spot next to my pillow that was her special spot. If heaven means that you get to meet all of your loved ones when you pass, I look forward to seeing her and getting one of her trademark smoochies. No one gave 'em better.
We love you Parker Pie. We always will.

*Many thanks to the wonderful and talented Zoolatry for the great Parker graphic!

Hey Kitties - We're Back!

Mommy has some mad photography skillz said no one ever...

 

 

Hi everykitty! Ricky Tiki Tavi here. So, what do you think of Zoolatry's redesign of our bloggy? We think it's pretty spiffy! Maybe we can convince Mommy to post a little more often now that we look so darn good!

When last we left you, Daddy was getting ready to have surgery on his leg and foot. Fun times kitties, fun times...His accident was in mid-October and it's just been the last few days that he is able to walk without a cane and wear a shoe. Daddy tends to be a little on the hyper-active side, so all of that sitting around just about drove him over the edge. All of us kitties (and Diamond Doggie) were the very best nurses he could have. We kitties acted like blankets and kept him warm and anchored. Diamond stayed at his side and made sure he kept his foot off of the ground. We were invaluable I tell you...just invaluable. So what do we get as a reward for all of our 24 hour nurses duty? We get abandoned by the 'rents. That's right kitties. The 'rents have the nerve to go on vacation at the end of this month. Before you start to send us tea and sympathy, know that we are being left in awesome hands. Our pet sitter - Auntie Megan, is going to stay at the house. Diamond even gets to go an a spa day with her. Since she works at our little shelter she is going to take Diamond for a day of nail trimming, baths and grooming. HAHAHAHAHA! I'm so happy that I am a cat.

Speaking of me, I think you all know that I am deaf. Does it bother me? NO! Do I use it to my advantage? Yup. Do I know hand signals for treats? Yup. Do I use it to garner sympathy when I do stuff I shouldn't? You betcha'! Life is good kitties, life is good. Rudy Toots and I are best bros. Powder is a lot of fun to chase and terrorize, Diamond is fun to mess with, But Puff - no one messes with the Puffster. I learned the hard way that she is NOT to trifle with. She keeps me in my place and I give her the respect that she demands and deserves. She and Powder turned 15 on April the 1st. You'd never know that they were geriatric kitties, Mommy says thank Cod that they are happy, healthy and very playful.

Mommy is now the board president at our little shelter. She spends a lot of time trying to help them help all of the animals that they care for. I think that's great. All of the animals there deserve the very best care and they deserve forever homes. It's still Mommy's passion.

Out of all of this they still miss their Parker Pie. I know that without her, I would not be where I am today. Because of her, we have a blog and a set of 'rents who do all that they can to help animals in need - like me. Thanks Parker, I owe you a lot.

Peace out kitties. Love is all we need.



A Bittersweet Holiday Season

We have discovered that there is room in out hearts to love and enjoy our new addition Ricky Tiki Tavi and honor our most precious gal's memory at the same time. We are enjoying Diamond Doggie, Puff, Powder, Rudy and RTT's antics around our Christmas tree.
Love is all we need, right?

What We Are Up To

Mommy here - We've had a roller coaster of emotions for the last six months. The loss of Parker has no words to describe the sadness of her passing on her Daddy and me. The other "kids" felt the loss as well. Little Ricky Tiki Tavi has made her loss a little less painful. He's fit so well into our little family unit. He's sunshine and happiness and laughter. Anyone who doubts that Parker sent him to us has no idea how wrong that they are.
The truth is that I have had a total of 5 stray cats show up in our yard since Parker's death. I've taken all of them in to the Vet's to have them tested and vaccinated and spayed or neutered - then straight to the shelter for adoption. Of the five, one of the was FIV + and we humanely euthanized him, which killed my heart. But the reality of living in a nation that treats animals as poorly as we do, you have to make some very difficult choices. Action Jackson was his name and it's going to take a long time for me to forgive myself for making that choice. He was a good boy, but in our little corner of O Hi O he had zero chance of being adopted and we could not have him at our little shelter. He faced a future of no home, no love and no where to go to. He now lives in my heart and his remains are next to a beautiful Hydrangia plant where he used to gratefully eat his meals from us. Little Ricky was different in that something spoke to our hearts that he was sent to us straight from Parker - he has many of her ways, right down to her meow and her mannerisms. There was no doubt that she sent him to us.
I'm lucky in a weird sort of way - being on the board of our humane society allows me to rescue the strays that find their way to my yard. Not every animal lover has that option. Don't get me wrong. my strays are fully vetted, spayed or neutered and vaccinated before they go to the shelter. The only cost to the shelter is the boarding until they get adopted. And I am happy to report that every one has found their forever homes. The county that I live in has an estimated 90,000 stray cats. My rescues are a drop in the bucket of all the kitties that have no where to turn. It's heart breaking. Our shelter is operating on the thinnest of shoestrings and we face the very real possibility of having to reduce our services or even closing our doors if things don't improve next year.
I tell you this for a few reasons. I know I do not blog as much as I did in the past. It's because I spend all of my "free time" at the shelter helping kitties (and doggies too), getting forever homes. And then there is my real job which is both important to me and something I am equally as passionate about. It leaves very little time for much else.
Parker's blog will remain and I will try to update as much as I can.
And if you can, instead of buying something that you can live without, consider donating to a shelter. The animals that live there need your help and your support. Very often, their little lives depend upon it. We work very hard to find them their forever homes. Every dollar makes a difference.
Smoochies from angel Parker Pie and hugs from her Mommy who misses her so very, very much.

H-E-Double Hockey Sticks Has Freezy Cold Water!



BFF's In Training

Well kitties, I have wore Rudy down. After a few months of chasing him, hugging him, swatting him, kissing him and just generally staying in his personal space, I think he's willing to let me sit next to him. For a second or two... Mommy and Daddy say that I am irresistible - they think that soon I'll be BFF's with all of my sibs!
I went to meet the wonderful Dr. Joe - I purred the entire time I was there. I like riding in the car. It's fun!
I also purred so much that Dr. Joe had a tough time listening to my ticker! But he pronounced me very healthy. I got my shots and go back and get a "rooster" shot in a few weeks....sounds like good times!
All in all kitties, I am one happy boy.
I thank Parker every day for sending me here.
The 'rents say they thank her too...

Introducing Ricky Tiki Tavi!

Well, Hello There!

Um, Hi! I am a new kid here. They are calling me Ricky and I think I like the name! I don't remember how I got around the brick house in O Hi O, but I felt drawn to the big front porch outside of the house. Some nice man saw me and brought me some yummy food. I was very, very hungry. Then a lady showed up and she seemed awfully nice as well. I ate - a lot - but I had to keep scratching while I ate. I was very itchy! The nice lady saw me doing this and  took me to another building where lots of nice people fussed over me and put something on my coat. Squillions of fleas fell off of me! I really felt a lot better after that. I slept at the other building that night and the next morning I had a lot of tests and then I feel asleep. When I woke up - I was a changed kitten!
Back at the brick house the nice people were planning on taking me to a shelter. That's where many kitties go who have no home. But there was something going on that was magic. The Nice People (TNP) felt a stirring in their hearts. TNP had a talk and the lady thought maybe I was "the one". You guys all knew Parker - she's now one of my OWCB*, the lady always thought that there would be a day when Parker would send another little feral around that would help fill a hole in their hearts. TNP felt that I was "the one!" YAY!!!
So, I live in the brick house now and after a few days in a room, I made my debut with the other kids who live here. So far, so good. TNP tell me "it's a process". What ever...
I am about 5 months old. I have medium black hair that has some silver in and under the black. Oh, and I'm a boy. Well at least I was until I fell asleep Thusday night. TNP say that my name is Ricky Tiki Tavi, Ricky for short. They also told me that I have a beautiful kitty named Parker that lives on at the Bridge to thank, So Parker, Thanks - I heard you liked smoochies - me too!
*Ones Who Came Before

A Post From Parker's 'Rents

Parker on her last earthly day and Parker back home and living in our hearts

How hard this is. Such a tiny little creature. She brought so much joy into our lives and the absence of her physical presence is painful. Today is one week. We miss her so much.

Your comments, your posts and cards, your prayers - all of it eases the sadness. There are no words to tell all of you how grateful we are for the support. All of the outpouring of love for that tiny little kitty that gave the very best smoochies. All we can manage right now is a very heartfelt thank-you.

Parker did not suffer. She left for the Bridge in my arms with her Daddy right next to us petting her. She left quickly and peacefully - I believe in my heart that she was ready to go. No more blindness and weakness, no more uncertainty. She went with Godspeed and with love. I know she went straight to the Bridge and was greeted by all of our beloved ones who came before. Dr. Joe and his vet tech Becky could not have been more kind or more gentle. We allowed Puff and Powder, Rudy and Diamond to approach her afterwords. Rudy stayed the longest - he sniffed and looked and then just sat next to her basket. They all know what had transpired. It was tragic and precious all at the same time.

We drove her to the funeral home about a hour later and left her in very good hands.

By Friday morning, she was home with us again.

The remainder of this week has been surreal. I know that time helps ease this pain. Someday there will be more smiles than tears when we think or speak of her.

Her blog will go on. There are three more wonderful kitties and a good doggie who have things to share and say. 

I think Parker would like that...



Parker's Obituary

Parker's final basket. She looked like a sleeping angel in it.

Parker Pie Miller

Parker P. Miller "Paaahkar", passed gently to the Rainbow bridge at 0905 Thursday morning, May 24th. She was 10 years and 9 months old.
She was surrounded in love by her family and held by her Mommy.
Parker passed away at 0905 in Lima, O Hi O with the gentle help of Dr. Joe and his assistant.
She died of stupid, rotten Cancer 
Parker was born in Southwest Kansas, she started life as a feral cat.
She is survived by her 'rents, Scott and Helen Miller
She's also survived by her fur-siblings, Puff, Powder, Rudy and Diamond Doggie.
She graduated from the school of feral hard knocks.
She was a self-employed blogger.
Parker lived in Southwest Kansas, Kansas City Missouri and Lima O Hi O
Her hobbies included eating, napping, smooching, lounging on the deck, playing and nip sniffing.
Parker was an active member of the Cat Blogosphere where she made many dear friends.
Parker's greatest achievement was her ability to say what she thought and get what she wanted.
Her only disappointment was that she had to go so soon.
She had the ability to brighten any day and eat like there'd never be another bowl of food.

Parker is being cremated and her remains will return home so she can always be with her family. 

She asks that donations be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Allen County to help other kitties find forever homes like the one she had. The link to that is here - any amount of support would make her angel heart so happy.

Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love and support.

"Love is All We Need"

Smoochies, Smoochies, Smoochies

aeternum in corde

August 2001 - May 24th, 2012

"aeternum in corde"



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 Parker, we love you so very, very much. xoxoxoxox

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

A Little Parker Pie Update

Hi Kitties! Here I am in my Daddy-Crafted blankie enjoying some whiffs from the open door. I wanted to let all of you know how I am doing. It's all OK for now. The 'rents are still astounded at my appetite, I eat like a little piggy and love it when I get special evening treats. In the days before this rotten cancer, treat were fair game for all four of us. If treats were out we'd try to outsmart each other to get more than our fair share. Now my brother Rudy and Puff and Powder don't even try to horn in. It's as if they know I am sick and they let me have as much as I want. They don't even beg for evening treats when I'm sitting next to Mommy. I think my sibs are pretty awesome.
I am so very tired now. I have no pain. I sleep almost all of the time and I struggle to walk to the kitchen to get noms. Every once in a while I miss the box. It's embarrassing, but the 'rents are so cool about it.  I can't lie kitties, I dream a little more about the Bridge every day. I hope I rally for the sake of my 'rents...but I just don't know. I think I might be ready to meet TOWCB*, I hear they are awesome. I send all of you smoochies, I am never too tired to do that! We just take it one day at a time.
*The Ones Who Came Before

A Lazy Afternoon

It's a good time to nap and wait for Mommy to return from the shelter this evening. I watch over Parker Pie and hope that some shelter kitties find great homes. I hope your afternoon is shaping up to be a good one!
Love,
Rudy Toots