Thank you for being a special part of our lives

Wishing you a peaceful day full of self discovery and compassion towards others....

"What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen."

-- Henry David Thoreau

Our hearts are connected by paws, CK-Angel

Happy Thanksgiving From the Rainbow Bridge

Dearest Friends,

I wanted to wish you a very special Thanksgiving Day! I am celebrating and giving thanks with all my angel friends at the bridge. We are watching over all of you.

I know this has been a difficult year for many of us....and yet, we get through each day the best we can....we keep hope and realize that no matter what, we have each other for support…something to truly be thankful for.

Often we spend a majority of our time working so hard to overcome and deal with the bumps in the road of life that I like to get up on Thanksgiving morning and truly clear my mind allowing me to focus on only the good...the things I am thankful for. Although we try to do this on a daily basis, life can get in the way.

Interestingly enough, we have to also remember that some things which we consider to be "not so good" can still help us grow and become stronger....therefore, something to be thankful for. With most all experiences in life, we can find something to be thankful for...we simply have to look and sometimes harder than others.

Today, as I celebrate Thanksgiving, I reflect on all that I am thankful for in my life....and my heart is over-flowing with an abundance of thankfulness.

There is too much for me to simply put into words to express my thankfulness, but I want you to know....how thankful I am for Dogster/Catster, community spirit, acceptance, valuable friendships and each of you.

As I count my many blessings, you are on top of my list.

Our hearts are connected by paws!

Shy hugs of thanks, CK and family

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie, bestselling author and journalist

I have received my wings....

Dearest friends,

It has been almost 3 months since I arrived at the bridge. I still miss my family and I know how much they miss me. I am so thankful Jazzi Sunshine Angel and I were able to guide Ivy Joy to lives and hearts.....what joy they will have together on earth.

My family really needs her love at this difficult time...since Sissy has joined us here.

I received my beautiful angel wings....thank you Smudge for making them for me. They are purrfect.

Our hearts are connected by paws.

Purrs, CK-Angel

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Dearest Friends,
My family and I thank you for all the support, love, encouragement, rosies, gifts, cards, Nina Vase, poems, frames, sun-catchers, handmade towels, and so much more….Thank you does not even begin to express our appreciation and gratitude during this difficult time. The out-pouring of love has been overwhelming. After 20 plus years of being my family’s special needs cat, suddenly leaving for the Bridge left a huge whole in their hearts. I thank them for loving me enough to let me go peacefully and join my Jazzi Sunshine Angel….we are happy, full of peace, and together forever with all our other angel friends. The Rainbow Bridge is a special place….so beautiful….so peaceful…so full of sunshine and warmth.
I learned what love truly is……I can never thank my family and friends enough. Jazzi and I knew how heartbroken our family was and decided they needed another special needs kitty to love…..
Please welcome Ivy Joy to our earth family. Her page is http://www.catster.com/cats/1204739.
Jazzi and I are watching over you and sending purrs of peace to all….thank you for accepting me as I was on earth and as I am now…..
Our hearts are connected by paws, CK (and family)

CK has joined Jazzi Sunshine Angel at the Rainbow- Bridge...read his farewell message written by Jazzi.

Dearest Friends....
I visited with CK a long time last night and he let me know he was ready to fly….I gave mommy the sign and she knew in her heart, it was right for him….she also found comfort in knowing I would be there to escort him in my angel wings of sunlight and peace. With the loving help from our family, I watched CK very peacefully fall asleep today at 1:45pm-----he was not afraid and felt so loved….Once mommy and daddy had held him one more time and kissed him good-bye, I gently lifted his tired 22 year old body and started our journey back to the Rainbow Bridge…..Fly Free in Peace with me, Angel Brother of mine.
Don’t be afraid of the journey as the sun shines so brightly from the rainbow bridge. I am with you always….and swept you peacefully from mommy’s loving arms and tear stained checks to be with me. So many other angels were with me for your journey, as well. As we fly through the peacefulness, Ck and I turned our heads for one more glance to see our mommy and daddy for the last time....together again for a moment, all of us….. Now I led CK to the warmth of the sun and the colors of the rainbow to fly free and be forever with me.
We will miss you mommy, as you will us! I know losing another beloved fur baby deepens your grief for all those you have already lost…. I know many truly understand the bond we all had...I look back on all we have been through and know we could have asked for nothing more. The love and care you and daddy gave us was more than words can express…....We have been through more than most and not nearly as much as some....but together, we always found our way. Death can never take that away. Please remember that mommy! We are always your strength...Always your heart….nothing can take that away.
As far as CK goes, mommy, you and daddy gave him a beautiful loving life….you rescued him from a horrible situation of pain and despair and helped him through all his challenges and obstacles he had to face….he was your special needs boy…You gave him more that most….the best life and the best death ever. You made a promise to rescue him, care for him, love him, and make him know that not all humans are bad….....and you told him, as you once told me…. you would let him go peacefully when it was time....I know it broke your heart as I saw it and felt it so deeply…and the pain is so raw....but I thank you for loving him enough to let him go. Our hearts will always be one and I know yours is filled with a huge hole that no one can fill.....reach out to others, mommy....Sissy is there for a tad bit longer and CK and I will be back for her when the time comes....all of Catster/Dogster are there....when you are ready mommy reach out.....be gentle with yourself...as you are with others. I know Daddy is hurting so much too.
Mommy, I remember when Daddy was so sick with Cancer and could no longer speak to us….when CK could not hear his voice, he starved himself for weeks….you forced feed him and kept him alive as he was Daddy’s strength…..I know he was a difficult kitty, but you never faltered and loved him no less….your love was more generous because of all his challenges. He knew how much you loved him….as I watched the two of you sleep together last night; he would gently purr…..it was his way of saying thank you for all you gave to him in this life.
I thank each of you, my Catster/Dogster friends for coming into my heart and leaving forever paw prints. Thank you for accepting CK as he was….and being there for him after I left for the bridge….he was such a shy boy and I am so grateful he finally found his way on Catster.
Ck and I will watch over all of you. Thank you for walking this journey with us...and know, my heart can never really express how much I love and appreciate each of you. CK is at peace and so very grateful for all the love he found from everyone. Mommy is now “catless” for the first time in her life in 21 years. We are worried about her as Sissy will come be with us soon, too.

It was time for CK to spread his wings and fly.....

Here is CK’s Biography written by mommy: July 7, 1992-August 1, 2011;

“My husband (then boyfriend) and I were taking a walk. We heard loud dog barking/growling noises and squealing kitty noises which really concerned us. We followed the noise....and were totally stunned by what we found. We will spare the details as it is gruesome and graphic....we just knew we had to get the cat away from that situation. When the man with the dog saw us, he pulled the dog away and left....and the cat ran off. Luckily we found him under a car....catching him was a whole different issue. This cat was hurt and scared beyond belief. We finally got him and took him to the vet. After he was released from the vet, he went to live with my boyfriend (now husband) across the street. He remained under the bed and couch for weeks/months and would not let anyone near him. If you approached him or touched him, he would attack you and fight for his life. Not a good situation.
We were not sure we could handle him, but we had to try...he deserved a second chance at a good life. We knew if we didn't keep him, no one would....so we did. In his golden years, he calmed down some and learned how much we loved him….always will; however, he could still be defensive, somewhat aggressive and had reactionary trust issues. Who could blame him? However, it did make it difficult in certain situations. We have had him for almost 20 years and despite all the love, he still attacked on occasion when he became scared. It is simply a fear based reaction. He did try so hard to be gentle and loving...and he was, in his own special way. He was my special boy. We love him and accept him for who he was.....We simply allowed him to be.
Before we knew a lot about him, we wanted to name him Cuddles....but given his personality we changed his name to CK....the short version of Cuddles Kitty. He has been a great addition to our family and has a special place in our hearts. He is our special needs kitty who really learned to be a part of our family with the help and support of his bridge kitty sister, Jazzi Sunshine Angel. They are together again….which I know brings them both comfort.
Twice is CK’s life time, he almost grieved himself to death: The first time was when my husband had cancer and could not speak for months due to radiation to head and neck….CK missed his voice so much, he stopped eating and for weeks, I had to force fed him to keep him alive….The second time was after Jazzi left for the Bridge….he almost grieved himself to death and went into kidney failure. We were lucky enough to have him another three years. Thank you for allowing us to be your humans and for teaching us about pain, suffering and healing….. We love you, Mom, Dad, Sissy and Jazzi Angel."

Welcome to the Bridge Angel Brother....

With love and appreciation, Jazzi Sunshine Angel and CK, our newest angel

P.S. A message from mommy: Thank you for all the pmails, love, support, rosies, calls, etc............I hope you truly understand I can not even begin to respond to them....I know I will even have difficulty reading them. I need some time and I hope you all understand...it is so hard right now and I simply can't do it, especially knowing we will soon make that decision for Sissy, too. I thank and love each of you....you make our lives’ complete. Our hearts will always be connected by paws…always.

CK needs purrs and power of the paw...and update from his- mom!

I was hesitant to ask for purrs and power of the paw for CK today, given the circumstances (Margo's passing yesterday)....as it felt selfish, but knew she would have been upset if I did not....

As most of you know, CK is our special needs boy and he is over 20 years old. He got really sick late last night and appeared in distress. Sissy was not doing well at the time, so Michael stayed with her and I took CK to the animal ER....unfortunately, the animal ER did not want to treat him because he was not current on vaccines unless I signed a form agreeing for quarantine at animal control if he bite someone....I could not sign the form. For those of you who know CK, you know he can be somewhat aggressive due to his background and I could not risk him being taken away....he would not survive that and it would be horrible....and we could not risk that happening to him.

We even take CK with us if we have to travel as He gets so stressed without us and no one can give him medications but us......

Many years ago, CK got a huge 7 inch long tumor on his leg and back with a pathology report stating it was caused as a result of the rabies vaccine. He had a horribly painful surgery and we have not vaccinated him since….we can’t….

So we came home and Michael and I took care of him until our vet called early AM....and we met him at the clinic.....he was given IV fluids, and three injections to see if her responds well....he is having kidney failure and IBD. They vet said if we let him go today, we could do so knowing we have given him everything...more than most would have for the past twenty years....we decided to bring him home and see what the next 24 hours holds....He is so resilient...my fighter boy...he had to be to survive his "kittenhood".

He does not appear in pain, is calm, hungry and resting comfortably....say a prayer for both my fur babies.....We love them so.

Our hearts are connected by paws.

Celebrating and honoring you, daddy......14 years cancer- free!

This day is not an ordianry day, but an amazing day because it is the anniversary of my daddy being 14 years cancer free. My PaPa has also been 5 years cancer free! What a gift to truly celebrate how lucky we are to have wonderful men in our lives.

Sometimes we get so busy in life, we forget how lucky we truly are...
However, our family does try to make time to reflect within our hearts each day and be thankful...

For each day is truly a gift we have received....and what we choose to do with this gift is up to us....

Life is what it is and it is what you make it....it's about living in the moment and never being afraid to dance in the rain....

Today, June 21....we dedicate to our special daddy.

You are our hero....our champion...our gift.
Today marks your 14th year anniversary of being cancer free...

We remember being so scared when they said, "you won't make it....", but you did! Who were they to say that???? They did not know your motivation and determination....they didn't know your heart, but we did.


For all those who are struggling with cancer or know someone with cancer or have lost someone to cancer...take time today to reflect and truly live....live as if today was the best gift you have received!


What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

~Author unknown

You are my hero, CK

Purring sunshine and happiness to all...

Dearest Friends,

Hope you know we are always thinking of you and sending the power of the paw.....Our lives have still be hectic given all that is going on with grandma, etc....we find comfort in knowing we have all of you thinking of us....We are one lucky family to have all of you in our lives.

We are also still most saddened by all the unresolved issues in the Caster/Dogster Community....here's hoping one day things get back to normal....until then, know that doing what you believe in and feel passionate about...is the right direction to travel...for knowing your heart is truly knowing yourself....standing by your convictions speaks volumes.

"Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong."

~Ella Fitzgerald

We love and appreciate what each of you bring to our lives...continue to empower yourselves to be all you can be....and if your day ever becomes cloudy, put your paw over your heart....you will feel us there sending sunshine and happiness always.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

`Maya Angelou

Thank you for making us feel loved.

Our hearts are connected by paws, Jazzi Sunshine Angel, Sissy, Ck and family

I am home! Vet update....

I am home…..thank you for the power of the paw!! It has amazing strength and healing power!

Friends, my page has never been so full of special gifts, rosies and love! Wow, and my heart is overflowing with appreciation. I know it probably won’t be possible for mommy to thank each of your personally due to health limiting her pc time….but we are sending each a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Thank you for always understanding and accepting us as we are.

Before leaving for the vet this morning, Mommy gave me choice…to stay with her or go to the bridge. She told me to do what was best for me! We had a great talk and she gave me permission to do what I needed to do…..I decided to stay! I even bite mommy to let her know I had decided to stay with my earth family longer. I am so sorry mommy, I do try hard not to do that….just can’t help myself. I hope your arm is okay.

My beautiful angel sis, Jazzi Sunshine Angel, thank you for being by my side and for bringing all those beautiful angels from the bridge to sprinkle angel dust on me….what beautiful dreams I had while under anesthesia. I felt the love and healing energy of everyone surrounding me….it helped me make my decision to stay a while longer....I find comfort in knowing how beautifully peaceful all you angels are at the Bridge...and one day, I will join you.

The vet says….I am one strong cat!! Guess I would have to be to have survived my earlier years. He believes I am between 20-23 years old. I got my teeth cleaned, the infected ones out….and a lion cut! I must admit, I look pretty handsome....I am really skinny, though. I did perfectly under the anesthesia, and woke up meowing. They call me Mr. Meow -Meow at the vet….hum………

While I was under, the vet gave me a complete exam. X-rays showed no major problems. The vet was able to really examine me under anesthesia and check for all kinds of potential problems….all he found was worsening CRF, my chronic IBD, and low potassium. Mommy and Daddy will have to add potassium pills to my daily routine. I now take Carafate, pepcid, Cerena, prednisone and potassium two times per day. I also got another antibiotic shot to ensure no infections for today’s procedure. Mommy has difficulty giving me meds, but Daddy can usually do it.

I am feeling tired and cold…..the vet said to keep my quiet and warm. He must know by now, I am not the quiet type!! First thing I did when I got home was grip mommy out as she hadn’t feed me. She gave me a tiny spoonful of food and said more later, if I hold that down. The vet expects my IBD will flare from today’s procedure. He says he is amazed that he didn’t feed anything more major, given my chronic issues and age!!

I decided myself it was not time to go to the bridge, I woke up and was ready to come home. Mommy says whatever I need….she will be there for me. Many don’t understand how my parents could love me so unconditionally given my 18 years of behavioral issues, but they do and I thank them for that. I love them very much….and they know that.

Thank you again for all the love and power of the paw. I feel so supported and loved. Thank you Jazzi Sunshine Angel and Sissy for sharing your friends with me. I am glad I was able to come out of my “shell” enough to have them in my life. I am one lucky boy!

Purrs to all,

CK

　

Please keep me in your heart and send the power of the paw!!

Dearest Friends,

Thank you for welcoming me to Catster/Dogster with open hearts and paws. Jazzi Sunshine Angel was right….this is a safe and wonderful place full of great kitties and pups!!! I realize I am shy and remain in the background a lot….but that has never stopped any of you from accepting and loving me as I am. I feel truly blessed.

I am loved and I realize that more than I can express. My mommy and daddy say I am there special needs kitty and they love me unconditionally. I express my love to them in the only way I know how….My mommy and I have such an incredibly special bond. She is my life line…..my courage, my strength. All of you are too. Jazzi, my kitty angel sis, I miss you, but know you are with me always.
Well, a decision has been made about my health. As many of you know, I have been sick with some kind of infection, etc. I am an old guy and difficult to treat. Although I do have many chronic health issues, I am relatively strong. I am going to the vet on Friday. Due to my stress level while at the vet (and my somewhat aggressive behavior), I will be put under induction gas and properly examined so we can all determine what is exactly going on….x-rays, blood work, etc. If the vet (we trust whole heartedly) and my parents decide I have something which can be treated with not too much trauma, we will do that. I may have some dental issues and the vet feels I can more than likely tolerate that and bounce back well. If it is something which is not treatable for a kitty my age, 20 plus), I will gently fly to the bridge with Jazzi carrying me in her wings….or if I can live on earth for a while with medication, I will come home. You see…..we simply don’t know at this point.

I know my parents are scared…..I must admit, I am too. I don’t want to leave them….despite my special needs….we are so close. I would like to ask all of you to please send healing thought s, purrs and the power of the paw for me on Friday…..for everything to go smoothly and with as little trauma as possible. Please support my family……I have been with them for more than 19 years….

Friends, we love and appreciate you so…..Jazzi, I know you will be by my side…something I have truly missed since you left.

I love and thank you all for being my friends. Amazing the strength in love:

“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen.”

~Anonymous

Our hearts are connected by paws,

CK