Spunky Doodle Crosses the Rainbow Bridge at Age 17

The hardest thing about pet ownership is watching your beloved pet deteriorate to the point when it's time to let them go and have them put down.  Spunky Doodle was born feral and I took her in as a kitten.  She lived with us for 17 years and 2 months.  Although she was never a lap cat, she was very playful and would sleep next to me in my bed every night for quite a long stretch.  

She threw up a lot during a long stretch and had to only eat special Royal Canine food for renal support, but still was active and acted normal.  We enjoyed her playfulness with our other cats and I loved playing all sorts of different games with her. 
She was quite the entertainer and made me laugh a lot over the years.  I never once regretted bringing her home.  

Over the past year she developed a tumor which we had tested and was told it was not cancerous.  However, it kept growing bigger and bigger.  At first, I couldn't even see it and just was able to feel a slight bump on her right side, but then I saw it.  Her jumping up on things came to an end and so did her sleeping with me.  I lifted her onto her cat tree, carried her up to the den so she didn't have to climb the stairs.  The vet gave her a steroid which helped with her appetite, her eating so she didn't throw up so much and it seemed she had more energy.  She actually did pretty good for about two months until the last couple weeks when I noticed she was walking around less and less, having a hard time getting in and out of her litter box.  Sometimes, she'd even step in her waste and the litter would get caught in between her toes--yuck!  I decided it was time to let her go.  She was not well and not enjoying her days.  

It helps knowing I did the right thing for her, but I still miss her and am heartbroken.  The last trip to the vet for her was Tuesday and I just carried her in the pink cat bed instead of putting her into a carrier.  

This is the shirt I got from Spunky Doodle on Sweetest Day this year.

You can view videos of Spunky (as well as my other cats) on my YouTube Channel here.

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I'm On Steroids and Feeling Better! by Spunky Doodle

 

Since mom started squirting some pink syrup (Prednisolone) into my mouth twice a day, I've gotten my appetite back, become more active (even going upstairs) feeling much better and eating without throwing up!  At first I didn't know what was coming when mom squirted the pink syrup into my mouth.  She caught me by surprise and I was off guard, but now I don't much like it and try to escape.  Since the time I shook my head and it got all over my furs, she has been putting a small towel around my throat so I don't get any of the sticky syrup on my furs any more.  I try spitting it out, but she's on to me and keeps my head tipped back longer making sure I swallow it.  

Mom says I have to put up with it because it helps me to not throw up.  She did give me some good news though.  After Sunday, I only have to get it once a day and then, after two more weeks, just once every other day.  That won't be so bad.  I think it's worth it not to have an upset stomach, right?

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My Poor Spunky Doodle

My old cat, Spunky Doodle is having a tough time these days.  This month, she's been throwing up once a week, which isn't all that unusual for her.  She used to throw up way more often than that; however, today it looks like she threw up a little blood.  I heard her throw up sound early this morning so got up to see where it was but couldn't find anything.  About a half hour later, I definitely heard it again so got up again and still didn't see anything.  At breakfast time, she did it again and that's when I was able to catch it in a plastic lid and saw what usually looks clear looked a bit red.  Usually, after she makes a throw up she'll eat some after about 30 minutes, but not today.  She ate pretty normal yesterday, but nothing so far today.  

That's a first and I am afraid she's seeing her last days.  She is only 2 months away from her 17th birthday so is 84 in human years according to the cat age converter calculator I found.  We brought her to our home as a little kitten.  She was born feral at my dad's house.  She's had arthritis in her hip and back legs for quite some time so I brought her litter box downstairs hand set up everything she needs in our computer room so she doesn't have to climb the stairs.  I noticed she was only using her box once a day and thought it may be because she didn't want to do the stairs.  It appears I was right about that because since I brought it down, she uses it several times a day.  

I'm going to see if she eats anything today, and if not, will get her to the vet, maybe for the last time.

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Happy 16th Gotcha Day to Spunky Doodle! (Feline Friday Blog Hop)

Today my mom surprised me with two new things:  a new soft pink bed just for me and a cat scratcher wave which I had to try out right away!

It tips!

Ooh, this is good!

This is very comfy, so soft and just my size!

Thanks, mom.  Happy Gotha Day, Spunky!

I felt bad I didn't get her anything last year so got her two things this year.  We've had her since she was a tiny kitten.  She was born to a stray and started as an outdoor cat but is now only an indoor cat.  She adjusted just fine.

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Where's Spunky Doodle?

Looking for me?

When I looked for Spunky in all her usual spots, I expanded my search and found her snoozing on Roxy's bed.  It's a little big for her.

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One of Spunky's Favorite Spots

Spunky Doodle's Favorite Spot to Hide From the World

Join in Feline Friday at Comedy Plus.

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Happy Birthday, Spunky Doodle!

This is good!

Today is Spunky Doodle's "gotcha day" and she is now 13!  Since she is now our only cat, she is happy to be able to have access to her food any time she wants it throughout the day.  I can just leave some out for her on the kitchen table and she can get it whenever she wants.  I am happy she is back to dry food again too.  It's so much easier and way less messy! 

She is enjoying her sun spot at the moment:

This spot is just my size and nearby Karen!

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I Have to GAIN Weight! (by Spunky Doodle)

Normally, I do not like going to see Dr. Walker, my vet.  This time though, I was down to just 7 lbs., 2 less than last time, so she said she wants me to eat more and try to gain some weight.  She agreed with mom that she thinks I regurgitate my food because I am SO hungry, I eat it too fast.  (I never had this problem when I was "Chunky Spunky.")

My mom tried slowing my eating too fast down by just giving me bits at a time, but that just made me eat faster because I wanted more quick!  Since mom took the advice of Beth, Abby's friend, who works at the desk who told her to give me more at a time, I haven't thrown up since!

I switched from all dry food to all easy to digest wet food from the vet (EN).  Mom was giving me just 3/4 of a can but found out that wasn't enough because if you take out the wetness, the amount of wet food is actually less than the same amount of dry food.  Wait, it even gets better!

Now that mom has realized I actually just need more food and that I can keep it down if she gives me a bunch all at once instead of in dribbles stretched out, I am getting some new very tasty kind called Sheba that mom bought at Giant Eagle.  So, not only do I get a whole can of the EN but also extra Sheba snacks!  So far I had salmon, whitefish and tuna and savory chicken!  Yum yum!

I have to go back just to get weighed on Saturday to make sure I am not losing anymore.  Sure hope it's not a thyroid problem like my brother Manny has, but I don't think it is.  Now I just have to make sure I do not get too fat again. 
 

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Feline Friday: Spunky Doodle

I got this cuddle thing last Christmas for our cats but yesterday was the first time we saw Spunky actually go inside it.  Usually  they just lay on top.  My hubby got the picture so I could see what she did when I was at work.

She also hunkered in under the blanket I have on our computer chair.  Guess she was cold.


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Happy Birthday to Spunky Doodle

This is Spunky Doodle's 10th Gotcha day so time to celebrate!  She is still spunky, living up to her name.

Mom says since I have pretty much outgrown toys but love to eat and hunt for food, she has a  special treat for me today.  Maybe she'll finally let me have some of Abby's dog food!  Or, maybe she'll actually share her ice cream with me.  I don't know what it is but maybe you could help me guess.  What do you think my special treat will be?

You WILL share your special treat with me, won't you?

I got my special treat for lunch:  Salmon juice and bits of salmon--yummy!

I LOVE this juice!

Manny managed to get a little too!

Thanks, Spunky.

Abby got to lick the bag.

When we got back from playing tennis, we found the recycle can knocked over and the Salmon package separated from the rest of the stuff. 

Guess the cats wanted more!

See other cats in this Feline Friday meme.

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More Mischief by Spunky Doodle: The Shirt

Karen laid her shirt that she was going to wear on the bed so naturally, being the curious cat that I am, I had to come and check it out.  Isn't it a pretty color?  It's very soft too!

Karen thinks I am being mischievous by plopping down on her shirt when she wanted to get dressed.

But whoa!  See who is trying to pull it out from under me?  I say Karen is the mischievous one here!  What say you?


Joining in the Monday Mischief blog hop.

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Spunky Doodle's Into Mischief Again: Attacking the Dog Food Bag

After a very frustrating work day, I see a big rip in the brand new dog food bag.  Even with it inside the cupboard, somehow Spunky managed to get to it, tear it open and have herself a snack!  I'm hoping she got to it because my hubby didn't have it closed all the way after he fed Abby.  How do I know it was Spunky you ask.

Well, because every day she jumps up on the counter trying to get some dog food as I get it ready for Abby for the next day.  I load up Abby's Kong and puzzle toy for breakfast, then put some in a ziploc baggie for her supper the next day.

Maybe if you fed me more often, I wouldn't have to go on a food hunt every day.

Oh, and the day after the bag was ripped, the litter box had a big long tootsie roll deposit in it.  One day last week I picked her up off the counter and put her down on the floor or the kitchen table at least 12 times and she kept jumping back up.  I had to laugh because she was so persistent, she wore me down and I finally gave in and worked around her. 

Of course, when I wanted her to do it again when my hubby was ready with the video camera, she wouldn't do it.  Cooperating is not her strong suit, but she has other endearing qualities--she's so cute!

 Joining the Monday Mischief blog hop.

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Friday Fragments (pets, books, teaching, news)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post.

Spunky Doodle

Spunky Doodle lived up to her name again this week. She cracked me up when I was getting Abby's dog food ready for the next day. She always jumps up on the kitchen counter where I'm working and tries to get some. Last night I tried putting her off and she jumped right back up over and over again about 12 times! She is one persistent cat and I finally gave up and let her stay. I emptied one bag into the other and she stuck her head all the way in trying to get crumbs. I really should have gotten Gerard to video this. Maybe we can do it again. She also got into some mischief this week but you'll have to wait for our Monday Mischief post for that.

Abby

Abby went to get groomed this week and didn't make a fuss, just walked right in but then couldn't get out of there fast enough! Boy, did the fur fly! She came home smelling real nice with a brand new pink bandana and all soft (softer than usual). Karen and Gerard found a car fence online for dogs to keep them safe in the car. I'm not quite sure if I'd like this contraption or not. Do any of you have this? Do you like it?

Good News

Got a call from my hubby at work yesterday saying that he can have off to help in our church sports camp too! He will be a blue shirt worker which is basically a "go-for" job. The blue shirt people assist the coaches, escort children to/from the restrooms and first-aid, set out the snacks, take care of attendance and giving out the free gifts each day. I'm glad he will be involved too. He also is going to help set up the Wednesday before camp starts.

Good Book

We both just finished reading Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline and liked it. Gerard didn't care for the ending but I liked it even though it wasn't very believable. I like happy endings! It's about a modern-day family of three, who are struggling in their marriage and have a teenage son, Ryan, who is a good student and a good basketball player hoping for a scholarship. When the father and son decide to keep quiet about the hit-and-run accident they were in, things go from bad to worse. Click the link to read our reviews.

New Class

Last Sunday, the new 6th grade girls were added to my class of new 6th grade boys for the summer. We still only had six so that's one reason it makes sense to combine classes. It went well and I think I'm going to like it. It certainly changes the dynamic of the class!

Opinions on the News

I am so sick of hearing about the "Gay Games" coming to Cleveland. I want nothing to do with this.

The President making deals with the Taliban is UNBELIEVABLE! How does he get away with this? Can anyone explain this to me?

In Cleveland, I like the talk about the "sin" tax which goes to help pay for the sports facilities. The talk is to have the teams "compete" for it. It may be based on the team's performance. I like that!

What say you?

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AWW Monday and Monday Mischief

Abby visited the Pleasant Lake Villa nursing home Saturday and made this lady's day.  She loves dogs and was so happy we stopped by to let her pet Abby.  Abby was very friendly with her and even looked at the camera for the picture.  She was thrilled when we asked if she'd like us to take a picture of her with Abby and will give her a copy next time we go.

Abby actually got to stop in at Pleasantview Care Center too so we could pick up Confessions--Private School Murders that I got for Olga.  She loves James Patterson books so I got her two of his books and an audio book by him.  She was so happy for them and loved the extra visit time with Abby.  I was glad she liked them.

See more Aww Mondays.  Now for some Monday Mischief from Spunky Doodle:

Any ideas as to how I can keep Spunky Doodle from walking around behind my computer monitor?


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AWW Mondays with Spunky Doodle

 I like Saturdays because I get to jump inside the boxes after the groceries are unloaded.  Yay!

Joining in the AWW Monday blog hop.

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Monday Mischief: My Mom Is So Smart! (Vlogging Workshop)

Linking up with Mama Kat's Vlogging workshop--said we could link up any we haven't used yet so though you might enjoy this post. The video is at the end.

Spunky Doodle at the scene of the crime

Since I do not get much to eat because my mom wants to keep me at 10 lbs., my perfect weight, I get hungry and go looking for food.  I watched mom getting the wolfie's breakfast tray ready and it got me to thinking that I could get some of that during the night when no one would be watching me.  (Yes, I know God sees all, but He wouldn't care.)

Last Tuesday night I think it was, for the first time ever, I jumped up by that filled tray and manipulated the puzzle to get at some of Abby's food.  I thought that maybe if I ate dog food, I might become more dog like and Gerard would like me better.  He's always bragging about Abby but never really pays any attention to me, which I'm usually okay with.  I didn't eat it all, just the first row and some from one of the other bigger holes but in the morning, mom knew it was me!

The dog food was pretty good!

She saw the pieces upturned and the food gone and knew I had been watching her prepare it very closely the night before.  She is very good at reading my mind.  She also knows that I am the one who is always looking for something to eat.  If only I had just replaced those puzzle pieces when I finished, I could have done this every night and no one would ever have known!

She quickly came up with a way to keep me from getting at that food puzzle anymore by putting it inside the kitchen drawer after she fills it up even though the vet said it wouldn't hurt me.  Mom was surprised I didn't vomit it up because the pieces are about 4x the size of my cat food.  I hate it when she out smarts me and ruins my plans.

You stay away from my food, Spunky Doodle.  Thanks, mom!

As you can see from this video, I do not give up easily and still try to get some when mom fills the tray:

Joining the Monday Mischief, Aww Mondays and Cats on Tuesday blog hops. 

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Spunky Doodle's Vet Visit a Success!

I had to go to the vet for my routine checkup Saturday but got a very nice lady named Dr. Walker.  She did not give me any shots, congratulated me on losing one pound since our last visit and pet me a lot!  Then they cleaned a lot of gunk out of my ears.  She even said they should take a video of me to use as a promo to encourage people to take their cats to the vet too because I was so good!  

 Because me mom told them about my vomiting problem and everyone agreed it was just because I eat so fast because I am hungry, I got this new feeding toy.  The food goes inside and then as I bat it around, some drops out the holes in the side a little at a time.  It slows me down quite a bit, but it's kind of fun to play with.  I found if I just knock it off the table, a whole bunch tends to fall out that way.

The next day though, mom made it even tighter which made it too challenging for even me so I gave up and went to lay by the heater.  My mom actually brought the food toy down to me and made it a bit easier.  My sisfur, Abby Dabby Doo came over and watched me very closely the whole time I was eating.  I hissed at her when she came too close though because she is sneaky and I do not trust her not to take me food.  Then mom made her back up.

Spunky was taking so long, I just wanted to help her out.  I am very good at food puzzles.  Woof!  Woof!

Mom explained to Abby that the whole idea of this toy was to slow me down so it is okay for me to take it slow.  It took me about 20 minutes to get the food out, but this way I got more to eat than usual so that's a good thing.

Does anyone else have to work for their food?  I recommend this toy for any cat who eats too fast like I do.

What do you think, would I have taken Spunky's food?  Woof!  Woof!

Joining Aww Mondays and Monday Mischief.

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Monday Mischief: Up on the Stable Spunky Goes

I had to go after that ribbon!

Be sure to check out our Christmas Quiz that we posted yesterday!

Joining Aww Mondays and Monday Mischief blog hops. 

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Spunky Doodle Surprises Me

I like when my cats actually use the things I buy for them. One year I bought a double-decker wicker cat bed but mostly they just used the top part of it. It's unusual to see them inside it, but once in a while, they actually do go in.

Is that Spunky inside?  I had to get a closer look:

Go away, leave me alone and take that bright flashing light with you!

Yup, sure enough, there she was!  Manny went in too the next day, but didn't stay long enough for me to get his picture.  She also rotates sleeping spots at night. 

When I went upstairs to say goodnight to her last week sometime, I was surprised to find her lying in the cat carrier.  I leave it open in the den in the hopes that if they see it all the time, they won't think anything of it when it's time to go to the vet. 

Joining the Awww Mondays blog hop.

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