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.

November is National Diabetes Month!

Hi kitties - Ricky Tiki Tavi here and I want to ask you a huge favor. My Mommy told me that every November Parker would take a stand against the awful, rotten, crummy disease of Diabetes. So I thought it might be a good idea if I continued in her tradition. The wonderful Zoolatry lady made these sidebars for us. When Mommy saw what she had created, her eyes got very, very leaky. After she dried her tears, we decided to ask all of you to share this sidebar on your blog.
You see, Parker always wished for a cure for Diabetes as Mommy has the no good disease. I want the same thing. So if you would, help spread the word that a cure must be found.
Last week it was 5 months since Parker Pie left for the bridge. My family misses her very much, but the good news is that they are so happy that I have arrived. I help fill the hole that Parker left in their hearts.
Mommy is super, super busy helping the animals at our little shelter. She always tells me how very lucky I am, but I already know that. Rudy and the Calico gals are learning to love me - kinda. I want to play all of the time, and they don't always like my advances. Rudy is a great wrestling buddy. He kinda likes to throw down with me. The Calico gals, not so much. Puff throws a mean left swat and a pretty big hiss. She still holds the "Queen of Everything" title. Powder just gives me the stink eye and runs away. Diamond just sighs and stays out of my way. He's pretty smart for a dog.
I went and saw Dr. Joe for my rooster shots last week. I am happy to report that I am healthy and have gained 1 pound and 1 ounce since my visit three weeks earlier! Mommy says I am growing before her very eyes. I am sleek and shiny and very, very handsome. I'm called the little house panther!
I hope you are all doing well. We all love and miss you.
Love and Hugs,
Ricky-Tiki-Tavi

The Rudy Report

Me 'Splorin' Dr. Wendys Stuff

dzień dobry kitties! It's me - RUDY! with you Rudy Report! Last Friday I went for my final check up with Dr. Wendy. The news was awesome! If you remember at my very sickest, I weighed 7 pounds. Today kitties, I am proud to report that I weighed in at 10.5 pounds! Dr. Wendy was so shocked that she weighed me on 3 scales. I was happy, alert and full of cuddles for my favorite vet. She said I was "special" and that I was a "miracle". Here is some more good news. She doesn't want to mess with perfection, so for the time being I do not have to get the shots that I am due to have. She wants to wait until April - and I am A-OK with that! All of the vet techs, the receptionists and Dr. Joe came in to say hello. They all said that I was such a good cat and that they are so happy that I have my health back. I still have a teensy bit of weight to gain as my ideal weight is about 11 pounds. Not a problem, I'll get to work on that right away! I know that I had a close call with seeing the Bridge up close and personal and I am one grateful kitty. All of your good thoughts, prayers and purrs got me back on solid ground. I am not ready to leave this little corner of O Hi O just yet. Thanks kitties.

The Mom-'rent here - my hubby and I want to say thanks to all of you as well. We are so very happy that we got our Orange Menace back. Dr. Wendy had one word of caution, once Hemobart is there, it's there. He can have a relapse, but she thinks that the probability is slim for our Rudester. We have to always watch his stress levels as stress can bring on another onset. She did say that it was OK to make a grooming appointment for him. So - don't tell Rudy, but in a few weeks he gets the pleasure of going to see Tiffany, his favorite groomer at Diamond Doggies vet. Heh-heh...

Wordless Wednesday

Flirting With Disaster...

Rudy feels better enough to tread in dangerous water. No One messes with Puff's tail! For the record, he did give it a whap and Puff decided to let him live...

A Rudy Update

 

This is my worried look...

Hey guys, Parker here. Thought I would let you know that my bro - aka the Orange Menace is hanging out with Dr. Joe. He's been there since yesterday morning. And to be honest with you - I sort of miss him. He's easy to blame for stuff and while he's in the joint I have no patsy to pin things on. So, yes, I am worried and yes, I miss him. There - I said it - now you all have evidence. And, I am sure that I will live to regret ever admitting that...

...Anywho - The Rudster is stumping Dr. Joe and Dr. Wendy. He's got no lumps and bumps, he uses the box, his labs are perfect...so is his temp. I guess there are more diagnostics in his furry little future. If they get everything done by close of business tomorrow, he'll get to return to casa de Perfectly Parker in time to help destroy trim the tree that's going to be coming inside (see why I need him back here?!? A TREE! - INSIDE! I really need a patsy!)

Good thoughts are appreciated. We want to thank everyone who left such sweet comments yesterday. Opinions and ideas are welcomed. Mommy is all over the internets trying to figure out what might be going on and she and Daddy aren't a lot of fun right now. So, my job is to try to get them to relax just a little. I have laps to fill and love eyes to make. Take care kitties, we'll update when and if we learn more.