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!







Diamond Doggie

 

Run Free, We Love You So Much

 

Diamond Doggie

May 1st, 2002 - May 31st, 2013

 

usquequaque in nostrum pectus pectoris

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

The Prettiest Gal in O Hi O

She still enjoys the fresh air and the sounds of Spring. We cherish these precious moments with our beautiful Parker Pie. Smoochies and love from her for all of your good thoughts and prayers.

What It's Like



Parker - March 27,  2012
(She has given her Mommy full permission to blog about this)

Parker's mommy here.. I've been thinking about writing this post for about a month - I imagine if you have never lived with an animal with a terminal diagnosis you might wonder what it must be like. I thought I'd let you take a peek into our world and know what we think and go through. What makes us smile and what can make us cry.

Don't let that adorable photo of Parker fool you. She is totally blind. To look at her you would never know it. Unless of course you wave your hand in front of her face and get zero response. Or you see her slip up, falter and then run into an object. Those are the types of things that can instantly make me cry. I will never get use to that behavior from a cat who was so lithe and stealth on her snowy white paws. To see her falter may be the saddest part of this crummy disease. 98% of the time she navigates fine. We just have to be careful and not move the furniture very much.

I am a planner. I always have been. I know that when Parker's time comes she will not suffer. I have my regular vet office's assurance that they will come to our home if needed, and if that plan fails, I have another in place. I will keep my promise that Parker will never get stressed out by a car ride and a vet visit again. Her journey to the Bridge will begin right here in her home. Along with these plans I asked a dear friend a few months ago to purchase a very special basket and line that basket with soft fabric fit for a princess. She did as I requested and I now have that basket tucked away, out of my sight. It's for Parker...after. It's the basket that she will lay in to make the trip to the funeral home. I have already made arrangements with them and they will accept her when we need them to, night or day. I only speak of this now because I don't speak of it very much in my day-to-day life. It makes me feel a little lighter to share it.  I also imagine that if you have never been through this you might wonder what different people do when faced with the reality that they are going to lose their beloved pet. If you are me, you plan. You also take photos, but you take less than you use to, because you want photos of a healthy Parker to outnumber the photos of an ill Parker. Better to look back at someday down the road. It's funny, but it's hard to look at old pictures now. They tend to make me cry.

Each evening for the last few months,  Parker and I have a little ritual. She has a favorite blanket that she likes to nap on. Her Daddy molds it into a round shape with safe little walls around it. She sits in that blanket next to me each evening and she knows that it's treat time. Be it Temptations, chicken, steak, cheese, whatever - it's our time. She eats out of my palm,licking my hand as she scoops up the treat. It's so very, very precious. It also makes me cry.

Parker's eating also makes us laugh. With everything that she's going through, her appetite has never dwindled. She has never forgotten what it was like to be feral and scrounge for food. To this day she eats as if she'll never be served another bowl of food in her life. Each day, my husband feeds the cats wet cat food as a treat (we split one can of Fancy Feast between the 4 cats). Parker's little internal kitty clock knows when the time is drawing near and she begins to cry and talk to my husband. Standing in the kitchen literally yelling at him to open the can. Blind and sick, she still sounds like a bad-a** cat demanding the good stuff.. Watching that spectacle makes me laugh. It's like listening to the young and vital Parker.

Living with a terminally ill animal means that you wake up each morning wondering and you go to sleep each night wondering. It means that you treat each milestone and holiday differently. It means that you hover a lot. It means that you examine each hiccup, each stretch of a muscle. I'm sure that if Parker could see, she'd be so very annoyed at me - Parker was never a kitty to welcome hovering. I imagine that when I have to travel there's a part of Parker that goes "thank goodness'- now I'll get a little peace..."

So....as it stands we take things day by day. Parker sleeps about 20 hours a day and spends the rest of her time eating and stretching her muscles.. She's in no pain, but she is so very  teeny-tiny. I often wonder what it is she dreams of. She gives the most spectacular yawns now - that makes me laugh. She also has become much more affectionate - she was never what you'd call cuddly - now she loves to be hugged and scritched and petted and smooched. making up for lost time, I guess.

You are never ready and I don't try to fool myself that I've become prepared for the inevitable. I cry at the drop of a dime and I know it's because deep down, I am always thinking what a raw deal this is - for her - and for us, the family that loves her dearly.

Both Parker and I say thank-you for all of the support you have shown to us. We don't know how much longer we have together, but we make the most of what we have.

Big smoochies from her, big thanks from me.

xoxoxoxox



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

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.

Of Naps and Snacks and Things...

Hay' 'ya kitties, it's me, Parker here. Daddy caught me in this rather jaunty pose last week and I thought I would let Mommy share it with all of you. I have become rather picky about my photos because of my eyes and my weight. But I think this one is sort of nice. And yes, those are fresh-out-of-the-dryer flannel sheets that I am lying on. Warm and comfy I tell ya'...
I continue to hang in here. I feel your prayers and I know I am very loved. My appetite is a tiny bit less than it was this week and that has the 'rents a little worried. I don't know what the near future holds but all of here at Casa de' Parker are choosing to live and love one day at a time.
Thanks for all of your words of love and encouragement. We read every single one and it gives us such a good feeling to know that I have so many positive vibes out there in the universe!
Smoochies to all of 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

Parker's New Year Eve Annoucement

I am happy to report that I will ring in the New Year with my family. The 'rents are thrilled at my determination. I'm still eating well and napping about 22 hours a day. But I AM STILL HERE! Happy New Years to you and yours. And 2012 smoochies to you from me!

In Our Little Corner Of The World...

Goober, with his new forever family!

Hi everyone! I thought I would give you a little update between my naps. As you can see, Goober, the dog who showed up on our front porch (poofy tails!!!) and almost became a member of our family, was adopted last week. Mommy said he's going to a great family who will love him AND he has a dog-sibling. I just hope that they change his name...

As for me, naps are my favorite thing. I am so tired all of the time - well, except when it's time to eat. Yup, I still have my famous appetite and I get treats like you wouldn't believe kitties. I am doing my very best to make sure that I get to see Santa Claws come down our chimney and fill my stocking. That's my 'rents Christmas wish as well. I think your prayers and sweet good wishes are helping me hang on for a while. Thanks kitties and beans.

Our Christmas tree has been up and we take turns napping underneath. It smells wonderful. I don't see very well any longer so my nose has been helping me identify things - like roast chicken and Temptations! I'll say see you later for now, I need to take a little nap. Mommy has not taken a very good photo of me lately, so I leave you with my tried and true profile photo and a smoochie.

Peace kitties, I love you all.

Parker, circa 2007



The Rudy Report

HiYa' - It's ME! RUDY! With the Rudy Report. I do not know where to start. We first and foremost have our attention turned to Parker Pie who keeps on keeping on, slower and quieter, but she keeps on.
Your prayer and purrs are helping, so thank you from me and  my little sis and all of our family here in O Hi O.

This is Newton at our little shelter.. kitties, you have no idea how close this boy came to live at our home (Poofy tail!),I'm going to let Mommy tell the story...

Mommy here- we thought we could make a smooth transition with Newton sharing our home. we took Diamond to the shelter today to meet Newton, It did not go well. Even with the proper way to introduce dogs, Diamond was having none of it and that sealed the deal. I had lots of reservations with Parker being sick and that, with the combination of Diamond hating the idea and Newton being so LARGE-well, there is a better place for him, There is aready a family interested in him. He's just not for our little family, He gets his neuter tomorrow and will be on the adoption floor on Saturday. I'll make it my mission that he gets his forever home.

She's having a good day! Her appetite is still great and she's a lap hog. We just take one day at a time.

Parker Pie Speaks

Hey kitties - what's up? I'm feeling good enough to give you an update today. The radiator is warm and I have a belly full of Stinky Goodness. The 'rents are taking it easy today, so there is a lot of lap time in my future. I am in no pain and most of the time I just wander around the homestead and meow at the 'rents to give me food and treats. Most of the time it works - they are such suckers...

As you can see, I'm skinny as a super-model. I guess I could go to Hollywood and be a superstar with my own talkshow and I could star in movies - I should have gotten in touch with Puss-In-Boots, I bet I would have made a great leading lady...
Smoochies to all of you - I so very much appreciate your thoughts and comments and prayers. I also appreciate those of you who are displaying my Diabetes banner. Mommy appreciates it too - you see, she has Diabetes, not me. I know some of you kitties thought that I had it - but nope, at least I don't have that.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
You are all so kind.

The Rudy Report

Hey kitties - it's ME - RUDY! With your Rudy Report. I am trying very hard to be a good big brother to Parker. As you can see I let her nap next to me in front of the warm and toasty fire. The 'rents are proud of me because I hardly ever tease or chase her. She still has her famous appetite, but she is still skinny. She does not walk fast but she can still jump up on the sofa and radiators. The bed is a little high for her now, so Daddy carries her up the stairs and helps her on to the bed. She still enjoys sleeping by the 'rents heads all night long. She's in no pain, but Mommy says that she is slowly beginning to fade. We all make the most of our time together and Parker loves it when Mommy shares her dinner with her. I think that is the favorite time of the day for her. We thank you for your kind comments, prayers, purrs and encouraging emails. They brighten our days. We also thank you for supporting Parker's hissing and swatting out Diabetes - what a wonderful thing to do!

Soon it will be the day where mommy makes turkey - now that's one of my favorite days!

Keep those tails high kitties and keep praying for my little sis - she plans on being around for a long time. We pray that she gets her wish.

Smoochies from Parker! Purrs from me!



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

The Pink Glove Dance

A few months ago Mommy and about 600 other employees particpated in taping a video to raise awareness for breast cancer. The Pink Glove Dance has gained popularity with hospitals across the nation. Our hospital decided to join in to help fight this awful disease. There are no kitties in this video, but you will see one sweet woofie who joined his Mommy (who is a breast cancer survivor - Yay!). We were all very proud that Mommy rocked the pink - I'm not telling you exactly where she is, but I will tell you she was with a big group outside in the hospital's Serenity Garden. Wearing Pink. Ha-Ha!
The local TV station taped the video and edited it for us. Here's what the news said about it...
"It's a light hearted dance video, but the message couldn't be more serious.

Employees and administration of St. Rita's Medical Center gathered for the premiere showing of the new pink glove video. 600 St. Rita's employees and 40 breast cancer survivors are featured in the dance video wearing pink gloves.
The message is about the importance of mammograms and early detection when it comes to breast cancer. The pink glove dance will be used in house at St. Rita's and it will be used in a variety of ways as a marketing and advertising tool about breast cancer awareness, weaving the message throughout the community in an effort to fight breast cancer."

Rock on hospital beans, breast cancer sux!

Thankful Thursday

Hi there, Powder here to tell you why today is thankful Thursday for me and my family here in O Hi O. Last week we were all very worried because Mommy had to have her insides checked to make sure that she was healthy. Everyone was so kind, sending purrs and prayers that she would be OK. You know what kitties? She is! We got the great news that everything is OK. We are so thankful that Mommy is B-9! W00-Hoo!

Saturday Caturday - Puff

Hi! Puff here to give you a Mommy update. We are all very grateful for all of the purrs and prayers for Mommy. Thanks from the bottom of our little kitty hearts! Those purrs and prayers are very powerful because Mommy is home and the doctor thinks that things look very promising! They won't know for certain for a few days but we are hopeful that the doctor is right! We have been busy with nursing duties around the clock. It's a good thing that there are four of us, we take shifts and that ensures that Mommy is never without one of us to keep her calm and relaxed while she recovers. Diamond has been a great nurse-woofie and will not leave her side. And Daddy? Well they don't make better beans than our Daddy, Mommy says that he is the best husband that a gal could ask for!
Things are getting back to normal here in O Hi O and we are glad for normal!
Have a wonderful Saturday!

I Am Asking For A Huge Big Favor

Hi there everybuddy...

Back in February of this year Mommy had a health scare. Today she has to go back in to the hospital for another look around her insides. I have a big, huge favor to ask of you kittes and my NOMS pals. Could you send a little purr or prayer to us in O Hi O? We know the power of positive thoughts and prayers and we sure could use them now.

I may not be able to visit for a little while but I will keep you updated when I can.

Thanks in advance kitties...Smooches!