WCB: Seasons Of Life

Last year, it was a surprise to learn Upsie had diabetes.  That seemed like a very big deal at the time.   Then, the last few months, she seemed to take a downturn. Her coat became thin and patchy. Her glamorous tail was just a memory. It was puzzling.  Then I learned on Tuesday that Upsie has cancer in both kidneys, and possibly, her eye.  The prognosis is grim. She may live a few months, if we're lucky.  She doesn't seem to be in pain, but animals hide it well.  The vet prescribed pain killers, so I give them to her. 

And the diet that she hated so much?  It's over.  She eats as much as she wants, including her favorite kitty junk food, Pounce. 

When I took Upsie to the vet, two bicyclists had just dropped off a six week old kitten they found on the side of the road.  I could hear it's cries as I sat in the waiting room.  Of course, I wound up adopting her. Here she is world. I named her Laura, after my mom.

She's a bundle of mischief and fun, accepted by Pumpkin and Upsie. Pumpkin likes her very much and plays with her gently.

This hasn't been a good period, and I appreciate the toy that the fabulous Jenn, and the super charismatic Kamikaze, of I Got Two Shoes sent me all the way from South Korea.  The base is a magnet and you arrange the pieces any way you want. I rearrange them many times in a day, and each arrangement reflects my mood.  It's oddly soothing, and I'm very grateful to Jenn. Hugs, my friend.

Thanks to everyone who came to this blog for Weekend Cat Blogging.  I know that some people frown on cats, dogs, and other animal companions, being on a food blog.  To this, I kindly say.....sorry.  My relationship with food and my cats brings me great joy.  Joy can be a fleeting emotion at times,  and I'll hold on to it as much as possible.

WCB is being hosted this weekend by hard workers at The Cat Blogosphere. The Bad Kitty Cats Festival Of Chaos is at Pets Garden Blog, the Carnival Of Cats is at This That And The Other Thing, and, of course, don't forget the The Friday Ark.   

Comments

[Aimee]

Im sorry to hear about upsie. I would be devistated if I found that out about our cat Mica. Mica is the light of our household. I think that maybe you were ment to be there to adopt Laura, Mica was a runt and shes pretty cool.

[K]

I am so sorry to hear about Upsie.

[Jenn]

Your post makes me cry. I've been thinking about you and Upsie and little Laura a lot the past couple days. I included several huge hugs in that package with the toy. You got those, right?
Laura's a little cutie and she looks a lot like Kamikaze did when he was a tiny kitten. I found him when he was around the same age as Laura is. You make sure to grow her up big, eh? (But maybe not so big as Kami - unless you think she has a chance at becoming a professional Sumo Cat like Kami.)
I hope Upsie is comfortable and I'm sure she appreciates the return of snacks. I know you love her very much and she's been a lucky cat to have people who care about her so. Poor kitty. I worry I don't have the right words. Just take care of yourselves,....xoxo.

[breadchick]

Sher,

I am so very sorry about Upsie. Words fail me but know she and you are in LB and my thoughts. You have such a big heart between all your kitties and your "vermin" taking care of. Upsie is in the arms of an angel with you.

I look forward to seeing Laura grow up and keep the cat tails coming. They are as much a part of your blog as all the wonderful food could be.

[Cape Cod Kitty]

Oh dear Sher, this is such sad news. It is indeed a powerful love that allows us humans to take a cat (or any little critter, for that matter) into our hearts and homes, knowing full-well they will not live forever. I am certain that no sweet kitty was ever as loved and enjoyed as Upsie has and continues to be. My heart goes out to you and your family as you pass through this hard time. The new little one is so precious and how timely!!!
Thank you for sharing Upsie's beauty, wry eye and voice on her world with all of us.....her dedicated fans!
Pats and love to all of you and a very special hug and kiss to Upsie!!

[Linda]

I am so sorry to hear about Upsie.. Thinking good thoughts for all of you...
Laura is absolutely adorable.

[jennywenny]

Oh no, how sad. I'm crying my eyes out here. I religiously check every week to see how upsie is and how she's doing and she just seems like such a character. I suppose this is one of the sad things about most pets, that they have such short lives but I'm sure you've given her a wonderful life.

The little kitten looks just adorable, and I imagine is a lot like my husband says his 'Suggs' was, he used to like being pushed around in a tissue box train, bless him.

[Sheryl]

Sher,

So terribly sorry to hear about Upsie. May her last few months be as pain-free as possible, and good for you for letting her enjoy her treats. She's such a photogenic delight - she will be missed.

[kate]

Oh Sher, this makes me so sad, especially with so recently losing Sundance too. Upsie is almost always one of the first cats I visit in WCB and you gave her a unique voice and personality that came through in every post. I will dearly miss her.

What a blessing that Laura came into your life to help guide you through this difficult time. Give Upsie lots of gentle hugs and kisses for me.

rubs and purrs from Harmon and Bustopher too

[kate]

Oh Sher, this makes me so sad, especially with so recently losing Sundance too. Upsie is almost always one of the first cats I visit in WCB and you gave her a unique voice and personality that came through in every post. I will dearly miss her.

What a blessing that Laura came into your life to help guide you through this difficult time. Give Upsie lots of gentle hugs and kisses for me.

rubs and purrs from Harmon and Bustopher too

[Francie]

So sorry to hear about your beloved Upsie. It's no consolation but Laura looks like she's going to be a wonderful addition to your family.

[Layla42]

I am so terribly sorry to hear that. I have always loved reading about sweet Upsie and her pals.
Much love and hugs.

[sammawow]

I just heard about Upsie being ill over at Kate's and I am so sorry. I have so enjoyed reading about her and seeing pictures of her since I first started blogging almost 2 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with Upsie and your family. Laura looks like she will be a wonderful addition to your family.

China Cat & Willow are sending over purrs.

[katessisterkris]

Sher-
My thoughts are with you - it's so difficult to say goodbye to a dear friend - give Upsie a hug for me.

Laura looks just like my Dave when he was that age - it brings back good memories.

[kristi]

Oh Sher, my eyes are full of tears for you and Upsie right now. Life is so, so unfair, and the time we spend with our dear animal companions is never long enough. I will hope and pray that Upsie remains strong, and that she thoroughly enjoys as many treats as her sweet little heart desires.

[Pia K]

So very sad to hear about lovely Upsie. I've had my fair share of cats dying in cancer, it happens so quickly and as you say cats keep their pain hidden so *well*. I know you treasure all the moments you've had and will have with this great personality called Upsie, hugs from Sweden!!

And Laura looks absolutely adorable, she must be both a great comfort as well as a bundle of joy. It's so very lovely to hear about a poor abandon kitten getting a new welldeserved loving home.

[Samantha & Mr. Tigger]

Oh Sher, we heard about Upsie from Kate. We are so sorry, we always enjoy her at WCB. We will purrr and purray for you all during this time. Give Upsie a big hug from us.

Laura is a cutie and so lucky you were there when she needed a wonderful home!

Your FL furiends,

[KC]

O, i's so sad to hear tha bad noos about Upsie. i's enjoyed reading abouts her since i joined in cat blogging.
i's get this posted on tha Cat Blogosphere so effurryone will know.
Lots of purr and purrayers going out for sweet Upsie an her wonnerful fambly.
Love & Purrs, KC

[KC]

O, i's so sad to hear tha bad noos about Upsie. i's enjoyed reading abouts her since i joined in cat blogging.
i's get this posted on tha Cat Blogosphere so effurryone will know.
Lots of purr and purrayers going out for sweet Upsie an her wonnerful fambly.
Love & Purrs, KC

[Radcliff, Allie, Luna, & Ozzie]

Sending comforting purrrss to Upsie, and a {{hug}} for her Meowm.

We're sorry.

[Ley]

Oh, no. I am so, so sorry. I look forward to your Upsie updates so very much...it's so cruel that animals bring us immeasurable joy and comfort, yet are taken away from us after such a short time. I hope Upsie is graciously blessed with a gentle, pain-free illness for as long as she is with you.

Kitty treats help. :)

[CatSynth (Amar and Luna)]

This is such said news :(. We enjoy visiting with Upsie, and will continue to do so as long as she can. We are so sad for your family, with Upsie's illness now, and Sundance last year. You were among the first we really got to know after we started cat blogging.

Laura looks like I'm absolute delight, a little "baby Luna" :). We look forward to seeing more of her.

Take care, friends, you will be in our thoughts this weekend.

Love,
Amar & Luna

[Zippy, Sadie and Speedy]

We're sorry to hear this about Upsie, it's hard enough when it happens suddenly, but to know it's coming...

[HotMBC]

Oh we're all so sorry to hear Upsie is so sick. We will all send her lots of purrayers and purrs to enjoy everything in life as long as she can. Big *hugs* and lots of purrs and purrayers to you too Sher. We's so sad for you.
Purrs and hugs,
Robyn and the Hotties

[Artsy Catsy]

Oh, we're so sorry to hear such sad news about beautiful Upsie. You're in our thoughts through this difficult time.

Hugs & Purrs from all of us.