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

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!







Three Months As An Angel

Three months ago today you left for the Bridge. We still miss you so very much! Parker Pie, we love you. Your memories now make us smile a little more and cry a little less. We still miss your smoochies tho...

Parker's Memorial - One Month

Note from the 'rents...
My better half thought that we needed a memorial for Parker to sit next to the one that we have for Payton. I am a lucky woman to have such a sweet and thoughtful husband. Now we can look out our window and think of both of much-loved, much missed girls.
I found a poem that did a good job on saying how I felt the day we lost Parker.
It was a month ago today. The pain is still sharp and deep. But there are smiles in some memories of her. Parker Pie was such a great kitty.

The Greatest Gift

I always knew this time would come,

From the very instant our eyes first met.

How I loved you then! How I love you now!

I made a promise then, and I will keep that promise now...

You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;

You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.

It is for me alone to make this decision,

The price for the bright joy and pure laughter

You brought me during the time we shared.

I am the only one who can decide when it is time.

When my hope dies, and my fear rides high,

Just when I need you most, I must let you go.

It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready

For without your guidance, I will not know

When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger

My sorrow and my selfish heart aside

and give you this last gift, this greatest gift.

You eyes will speak to mine and I will know.

The pain of this moment is excruciating.  

Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow. 

And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.

For you have spoken and I have listened, 

and unlike other decisions I have made

This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace.

For if there's one thing you've taught me

If there's only one thing I've learned....

Unconditional love has a condition after all,

I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me

I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone

And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.

Go easily now, go quickly now,

Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.

Go find your strength, go find your youth

Go find the ones who have gone before you

You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar

Rest easy now; your pain will soon be gone.

I pray I will find comfort in my memories...

in the dark and lonely days ahead.

I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.

For only my tears can heal my broken heart.

But I promise you this; as long as I live, 

You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.

So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,

And this will be my greatest gift...sending you away.

It is the measure of my unconditional love....

For only the greatest love can say

"Goodbye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,

Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."

By Karla Bertram

11/23/96

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

Introducing Whitey 2! A New Kid in Town

ACHOO! Oh, Hi there. You will have to forgive me, but I am a little sneezy and boogery. Four days ago I was sitting on some wood out by our little shelter here in O Hi O and Parker's mommy saw me. I don't know why I was sitting there. I do not remember a lot about my life before I came here. I just know that Parker's Mommy spoke to me so sweetly and when she walked toward me and went to pick me up, I just let her. Something told me I should trust her. I was tired and hungry and I have a pretty bad cold. This is me right after Parker's Mommy took me inside the shelter. I was trying to get her to pet me some more.

I was hoping for some dinner, but the nice people at the shelter had to give me some tests before I could eat anything. I must be pretty smart because I passed all of them with flying colors! Lemme' tell you, I chowed down after the tests, I was a very hungry boy. Even with my sneezing and boogery nose, I wanted to eat, eat, eat!!! I am taking medicine now to make me feel better.

Here I am yesterday getting some lovin'. You can see that my eyes are much better. Everyone at the shelter thinks that I am very sweet and that I will get all better and then I get tutored (I thought I was already pretty smart, but the shelter people still thinks I need tutoring - oh wait - neutering!) - really?!? Yikes! But if that what it takes to get one of these "forever homes" I keep hearing about, it will be worth losing my boy bits...
Since I am a white kitty and a stray, Parker's Mommy asked a friend of hers if she could give me a very special name. She told me about a special kitty boy that lived with a wonderful family in a swamp down south, He left for the Bridge and Mommy thinks that his spirit guided me to our little shelter. Her friend said yes, so now I have a very special name! I like it a lot and Parker's Mommy says that she will see to it that I get a home that is just as awesome as the one my namesake had. So Whitey - I want to thank you for guiding me here. Life is looking up and I promise to be as good a boy as you were.
Boogery Love and purrs,
Whitey 2

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

Our Little Shelter



The Board of directors of the Humane Society of Allen County with Santa

Hi kitties - I wanted to show you the board that makes sure the animals at our little shelter are well taken care of. Mommy is the lady standing to the left of Santa. She says her work there makes her heart sing. They are a great group of people and they all have one common goal - to improve the lives of the animals in our county. Mommy says that they are what's called a "working board". That just means that they clean kennels, do adoptions, paint walls, scrub floors and anything else that needs to be done. They also run the shelter on a skinny shoestring. Anyhow, I just thought I'd share this with you.

I'm so very, very tired anymore. I have enjoyed getting holiday cards from all of you and I want to say thanks. I nap most of the time. When I'm not napping I am eating. When I am not napping or eating I am sticking close to the 'rents. Mommy is calling me her Christmas Miracle because I'm hanging in there. No pain and no complaints, but I am slowly fading and sometimes I dream about the Bridge. I'm not scared and I feel surrounded by love. I will try to post more this Christmas week. Mommy has time off from her other job, so maybe I can convince her to help me.

Big smoochies to all of you - I love you all very much and realize your prayers and good thoughts are keeping me going...