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

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!





Our April Fool's Kitten Turns 17! Happy Birthday Powder!

I enjoy naps...and treats...and singing the song of my people...

So...I'm the senior member of this family and I take my position seriously. I know I've been the quiet one on this blog, but since I lost my sister Puff last December, I need to speak up a bit more. We all miss her very much. Puff and I had the same birthday, but today we'll celebrate my birthday solo and I plan on spending it doing anything I want. Last year the 'rents found out I have hyperthyroidism and now I take tasty chicken flavored medicine that helps me feel good. I still play, enjoy the 'nip and sitting on Mommy's lap whenever she tries to sit down.
I use to be an obsessive groomer, but I stopped doing that a few months ago. I also decided that Mommy isn't allowed to brush me anymore. So...clumpy mat city happened. Dr. Webster had to take the clippers to my back. I'm now sporting a reverse Mohawk. It's not a look that every kitty can pull off, but I do - I look great!

I thought I would post a blog from my sister Parker from 2007 to commemorate that great day I came into this world. Thanks for visiting everyone - be kind - purr more and hiss less!
Love,
Powder

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's April Fool's Day and it's also the day in 1998 that my two calico sisters, Puff and Powder entered into this world. Born in a barn and destined to have a incredibly short, crappy life full of disease, hungry coyotes and extreme temperatures, these two gals hit the kitty jackpot. At the same time they were born Mommy and Daddy were getting ready to enter into wedded bliss and the only thing Mommy wanted for a wedding gift was a cat. Yup...one cat. Daddy already had a D.O.G. - a sweet guy by the name of Jordan. A Golden Retriever who was about the happiest, silliest canine around. So after the vows and the short, but very sweet honeymoon, Mommy and Daddy drove many, many miles into the flat and boring Southwest Kansas country for a calico (that was Daddy's only requirement).
They arrived at the farm and were directed to the barn. The people who lived there were not what you might call cat people. They were people who had cats in a barn. A lot of cats in the barn, an awful lot of cats in the barn! Mommy felt overwhelmed. Daddy searched till he found a little calico kitten who was busy chasing around with her littermates. He scooped her up, looked her over and called it good. Time to go, right? Well, not quite. Mommy had been looking around and noticed the ittyest, bittyest kitten (calico) in a bale of hay trying with all of her might to back her little butt into the hay so she wouldn't be noticed. This just made Mommy more determined to meet her and the closer Mommy got, the more this little ball of fluff burrowed and hissed and spit and hissed some more. Mommy was hooked by her determination. Daddy couldn't say no. So, in that awful barn in Kansas is where Mommy and Daddy started our little feline family. Puff and Powder got a great home, and as a result of them being incredibly cute and wonderful, more cats have been welcomed into this family, like ummmm - ME!
So Puff and Powder, thanks for not screwing things up for those of us who got to join you later. I hope we share the same food, bed, toys, windows, home and the love of our parents for many, many, many more birthdays to come. I really do love you more than tuna juice!

Puff - Heaven's Newest Bridge Angel

Puff (left) and Powder's First Meal at Home 5/16/1998

 

 

Rudy here - it's been a very sad time. Puff got very sick last week and made the decision to ask Mommy and Daddy to help her to the Bridge on Saturday morning. All of us thought that she'd do it her way and cross on her own, but she changed her mind and gave Mommy the "look". So, the 'rents called Puff's Vet and she said bring her in and she would help too. The vet did some prodding and found a mass in Puff's belly that she thought could be an aggressive, fast growing cancer. Cancer sux...

The 'rents have always called her the "Original Cat" because they got her from a farm barn the day after they were married. You can read that story here - Our Adoption Story

Mommy says it's a new family paradigm - the rest of us say smaller words like, it sux! The Vet said that Puff indeed was ready to cross to the Rainbow Bridge. Mommy and Daddy were there with her, stroking her fur and looking in her eyes telling her how much she was loved and that it was OK to go. It took less than 5 seconds, Puff was gone - I guess she was in a hurry to see Parker and Diamond and Jordan and Payton.

Our home seems different, there is still a lot of love, but there is some sad too. We all spent the weekend grieving our loss and trying to make the 'rents feel better. I guess it will just take time for our hearts to start to heal.

A Beautiful Girl - and She Knew It!

 





 

 Puff is currently at Wayside Waifs - her remains will be cremated and she'll return to us later this week. We know that her earthly remains are in very good hands. When she comes home, she'll rest next to Parker Pie's remains.

 

Daddy's Girl

 

Chillaxin'

 

The good news is that the rest of us seem to be quite healthy, Powder is the same age as Puff and she runs around like a little nut.I am still a healthy large and in charge Man Cat and Rickey Tiki Tavi tries to be just like me. He has a way to go if I do say so myself.

 



Puff did enjoy the 'Nip...

 

Kharma kitty is a sweet gentle girl - she so reminds us of Parker Pie - the resemblance is strong, but her personality is all her own. She's a loving, sorta quiet kitty who has become best friends with Rickey Tiki Tavi and (GASP!) Fletcher!

 

Happier Holidays...

 





Such A Floofy Girl!

 

The 'rents are going to leave her stocking up - we know that in spirit, she will be with us over the holiday season.

 



I wish Mommy's camera was better back then!

 

I'm going to leave you with a few more shots of the Puffster. Mommy said her beauty was only surpassed by her loveliness...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her Basket For Her Final Trip...

 



 

I'll just say, she was a pretty awesome feline...

 

Love,

 

Rudy

 

 

That's Me!







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!

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.

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

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

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

Super Bowl Snackies

It's been over 3 months since I got the terrible news about my terrible cancer. It's taken my sight, but it hasn't taken my spirit or will to live. I have adjusted well to not seeing things and I have my memory of where things are. I'm still pain-free and actually quite happy. Today I plan on hanging with the 'rents and getting some good Super Bowl snackies. I hope you all get to do the same.
Smoochies to all of you! I love you.

Parker in January

Hi kitties. I thought I would post an update with Mommy's help. As you can see I am well taken care of and my buddy Diamond Doggie keeps a good eye on me while I rest and nap. I still have my appetite and I am not in any pain. I can still sing for my stinky goodness and I can navigate around the house with ease. I am just a lot slower and very cautious. There is nothing that I want or need. Except a cure for this rotten cancer. I am safe and warm and I feel everyone's love. The 'rents are always near by and they keep the fireplace on when I want to nap near it. Life is as good as it can be.
I allow Mommy to go to her hunting place and our little shelter. But other than going to the grocery store, she doesn't roam very far from me. Daddy is the same way.
I'm blessed to be a formerly feral gal.
Smoochies to all of you - stay warm and stay loved.

Wordless Wednesday From 2008

Parker Update

Hi kitties. I thought I'd give you a little update on how I am doing. Since it's getting chilly outside the fireplace is one of my favorite spots. It's warm and Daddy's chair is a wonderful spot to stay toasty. Puff likes to cat-nap in her ham-mick.

The fire makes me yawn-y and sleepy!

But the very best time is lap time. I have become quite the lap kitty. My days are filled with treats and stinky goodness and love from the 'rents. I'm quite content and am not in pain. My pretty blue eye is still quite pretty, but does not work, so I am hesitant about jumping up to high places and I have to think harder when I move from the floors to the bed or the couch or a lap.

I got a card from my psycho-handsome mancat Tripper. It was lovely.  It made my mommy leak from her eyes a little.

I feel all of the love and hugs and purrs from you. It makes me warm and happy. Thank you so much. We read your messages and we peek at your blogs - but much of our time is spent snuggling and enjoying our time together. We know how precious time is - no matter if we have weeks or months or years left together, we want to soak up the love and the happiness and store it all up for the future.

All of my love and smoochies to you my friends!

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Parker-Pie





Parker Pie Update

Hi everykitty and 'rent, Parker here. I know it's been a long time since I have posted on my blog, but there has been a reason. For the last few months I have not felt all that spiffy. I've been to Dr. Joe's more times than I care to remember and we've played "stump the experts" on just what is going on with me. I have been poked, prodded and x-rayed. Medicine and samples, research and worry. Last Friday Dr. Joe wanted to re-x-ray me. Less than a month ago all of my x-rays were clear. Friday they were not. It seems that I have a rather aggressive form of cancer by my tummy. It even made my blood pressure get high and now my pretty blue eye is not working anymore. I'm not in pain and I still have my famous appetite. I sleep a lot and I really love cuddles with the 'rents more than ever.
Dr. Joe and Mommy talked about my options. With surgery and drugs he thinks that it might provide me with just a little more time. Without the surgery and drugs, he is not sure how much time I have left in my body. He said weeks, or even months. The 'rents and I have decided that I'd much rather have some quality time at home without surgery and needles and medicine. If I am in pain, I'll have some medicine for that. And when I want to leave for the Bridge, I promised Mommy that I would tell her. Dr. Joe says that all we have to do is call and he will come here to help me on my journey. No more PTUs for me, no more car rides and no more going to the vet. I'm going to stay stress free and enjoy what precious time I have left with my awesome family.
I'm not going to lie about this, I am sad and so is the family. I hear the Bridge is an awesome place, but at 10 years old, I am the youngest kitty here. I still had things I wanted to do!
We'll still be blogging and providing updates. And if you could spare a prayer or two for us, it would be appreciated. The 'rents are taking this a lot harder than I am, and I think I feel the worst about that. I know that I am going somewhere awesome and I will always be with the 'rents in their hearts.
Big smoochies to all of you (I still give great smoochies!)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Parker

Whisker Hump Wednesday

Back in the 80's no kitty had greater whisker humps than Mommy's beloved T-Gray! She still misses him and knows that he's waiting for her at the bridge, whisker humps and all!

Wordless Wednesday