Jessica

We lost our sweet Jessica early this morning. She was 18 years old and passed away peacefully in her sleep. I've had a lot of cats in my life, but she was by far the sweetest cat I've ever had. She loved to be rubbed and scratched and would paw at your hand whenever you would stop. She loved to sit in the garden with us, would come to greet you when you pulled into the driveway and loved her summer haircuts. We're heartbroken over her loss, but know she is running free on the rainbow bridge. We will miss you, Jessie cat!

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  

Jessie and our dachshund, Sammy, who crossed the bridge in 2001.

Jessie’s New Do

I took our cat, Jessica, to the vet last week for her summer shave. This particular cat haircut is called the lion cut. Jessica is really enjoying her new do now that the weather is warmer, plus it's easier for her to take care of. She's 18 years old and isn't as good about grooming as she used to be. She's so soft, you just can't keep your hand off her. She loves to be petted and rubbed so she doesn't mind a bit.

Signs of Spring!

Signs of spring are starting to show in Smith county. Our bradford pear trees are already starting to bloom. The blooms are pretty, but they stink for some reason.

My willow tree is starting to green up nicely. I wish it wouldn't because I think we have more winter weather left.

Terry built three new planters on the other side of our garden fence. These will be filled with assorted flowers and flowering vines.

Our cat, Libby, in her usual spot on the deck. The cats have enjoyed this warmer weather. They've been cooped up in the garage during the winter.

Our sweet Jessie cat spends most of her time sleeping these days. She's had some health problems lately and we're making sure that she is comfortable, is eating well and is getting plenty of water. Her kidney problems have brought on a new unwelcome problem...vomiting. It's a part of it unfortunately. I have been breaking a Pepcid into four pieces. I crush up one piece and sprinkle on her canned food. It has helped and apparently the taste doesn't bother her. As soon as the weather warms up we plan on getting her a lion cut. She loves it!

Come In and Play

Bullet playing with Jessica through the front door. Jessica is unimpressed.

Jessica Update

Our 17 year old cat, Jessica, spends most of these cold days in our garage. Terry bought this thermostat controlled oil heater to take the chill off. Both of our cats are outdoor cats and I’m so glad we have a nice warm place for them to stay in the winter. Jessica has had some kidney related problems in the last few weeks. I’m happy to say that the antibiotics seem to be working. She has perked up a lot in the last week or so. One more week of antibiotics and it’s back to Dr. Adams to see if her urinary tract infection has cleared up. Keeping our fingers and toes crossed for a good report.

Jessie

Our sweet Jessie cat turns 18 in April. In the last few weeks she has developed some kidney issues. After some blood work and urinalysis, our vet has determined that she has renal failure. Renal failure is an issue that older cats develop. It isn’t curable, but there are things you can do to manage it. She is also battling a stubborn urinary tract infection. I have been giving her antibiotics for the last week which are starting to help her condition, but she still has a ways to go. After another trip to the vets a few days ago it was determined that she still has the UTI, so it’s another two weeks of antibiotics. I’ll take her back to the vet after that and we’ll see where we stand. She’s such a sweet girl. I know our time with her is growing ever shorter, but for now we will enjoy whatever time she has left.

Macro of my cat Jessica's ear. It's a whole little world in there :0)

She Be Chillin'!

Sweet Jessie cat chillin' on the front porch on this gorgeous June afternoon. Hard to believe that Independence Day will be here in less than a week!

Cat Nap

Our sweet Jessie cat snoozing in her favorite spot on the back porch. Now that's one comfy kitty!

Jessie cat is enjoying her "lion cut." She's had it for almost a month now and I bet her fur isn't an inch long where it was shaved. I hope the cut lasts through the summer months. It's so much easier for her to take care of and it's so soft.

Jessie's New Do

No, this isn't a lion, it's our 17 year old cat, Jessica. She usually takes pretty good care of her grooming. Her hair got really matted around her chest and neck area. Usually I have been very successful in cutting out the mats myself, until yesterday. My luck ran out and I ended up snipping Jessie's skin along with the mats. I felt horrible! Took her to the vet to get checked out and they ended up giving her what is called a "lion cut." Thankfully she didn't need stitches, but they did glue the cuts to shut them. They also gave her an antibiotic shot. Bad thing is they had to give her anesthesia so they could shave and glue her. It was a long, stressful day for both of us. We ended up keeping her inside last night because it was chilly and she was still under the influence of the anesthesia. Happy to say that this morning she is back to her old self and if it ever warms up I'll be letting her back outside. Her hair will grow back out, but she seems to be enjoying her new do. Moral of the story is don't ever try to remove cat mats with scissors. Always leave it up to the pros :0) A funny side note. When I brought Jessie in from the vets our male cat, Bullet, didn't recognize her with her new hair cut. He immediately bowed up and his tail and the fur on his back was puffed out. It was funny!

It's hard to believe that our sweet Jessie cat will be 17 years old this year! She is the sweetest cat I have ever owned and I've had many cats in my life. She's really been enjoying the warm weather we've been having lately. She loves to sleep on top of our spa cover. When it's cold she stays holed up in the garage. Guess her old bones can't handle the cold much anymore.

Meanwhile, Bullet has discovered a way to open the cabinet where I keep our plates. Sunday morning, he tried to jump inside the cabinet, but there wasn't any room. After several futile attempts he finally gave up.

Busted! He's thinking maybe she won't be mad at me because I'm just so darned cute.

Cats and Clouds