Friday, March 29, 2019

How Mr Parker Is Now

I’d like to thank all those who read my last two blogs, and those who made such complimentary remarks upon them. The story of ‘Mr Parker’ includes some of the things that I have learned from my cats over the years, and implies, I hope, how I feel about them.

I want to apologise for frightening some readers initially for giving the impression that Puck had died. I will correct that misapprehension now in detail. Parker is doing adequately in general, and very well in view of the tumour inside him.

He continues to eat, quite heartily at times, which I take as an indication of his condition. This gauge is not accurate, I know: there are many aspects of his cancer that are unmeasured by appetite. In fact, every time I come home from work, or wake up in the morning, every time I see him dozing so still that he seems not to be breathing, I worry that his time has come when I haven’t been looking. Even so, I think his consumption of food is as good a measure as may be had without a doctor’s appointment. Parker has been eating one very good meal each day - at least half a large tin of soft-food - with much smaller portions at other times, though often he will eat nothing after he’s had his day’s big meal. I also tempt him successfully with certain hard-food and treats.


Parker still enjoys a good petting and head-rubbing session, though this depends on his mood. Sometimes he wants to be alone. He continues to take an interest in the outside world, especially now that spring has come and the warmer temperatures mean the windows can be opened a bit.


Last Saturday was very pleasant outside, and the orange-boy went for his second walk of the year. This one was enjoyed much more than the first. Parker didn’t stop purring the whole time and, at one point, rolled on the sidewalk, his forefeet kneading the air. He seemed to tire easily, however, and kept sitting or lying down after a while. I don’t think he had the energy to walk back home without a long rest, so I picked him up and carried him. He lie quietly on the kitchen floor afterward, resting and purring.



His predilection for lying in odd spots has increased. I have found him not only on the kitchen counters, but on the stove-top. I am not afraid of him jumping up while a burner is on, for I am always present while the burners are in use and they cool rapidly; I am always in a position to block any attempt that might land Parker on a hot or even warm element. What does worry me is that he could accidentally turn a knob and then fall asleep on the stove-top, and thus be oblivious to danger.



I would much prefer him to take his ease in the library. There is no danger from reading too much.

Next week, it will be two months since the sturdy-boy was given weeks to live. Though internally, he may be worsening, and I see evidence of his illness, there is no direct proof that his life is diminishing. Every day that Parker is with me is a good day for us, and if each week is one week closer to his departure, it is also a week that we have spent together, my orange-boy and me.

9 comments:

  1. I am SO glad he got put for another walk and that he is assured of a warm arm snuggle to get home if he wishes.

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  2. I hope Parker gets many more walks in yet. He certainly has exceeded my expectations for his lifespan, based on the outcome at the vet, as you posted. I also hope this continues!

    RE: the burners: You can get those inexpensive dollar store burner covers (or used to be able to get). The metal ones that just fit over the burners for protectors. (Not the aluminum burner savers that go under the element.)

    Or what about a piece of laminate countertop, a leftover at a hardware store and sized to be used as a cutting board? Our Rona carries those when they have leftovers. I got one large one (would cover one complete side of my stove, the front and back burners) several years ago for $5. Quite heavy, solid. Two probably would do for your stove top, if you could find them. Or even another leftover piece of laminate countertop that the store could cut down at your request and completely cover the stove top. Just a thought!

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  3. John, these are lovely, lovely posts about Parker. Weeks turning into months is a crazy good thing!

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  4. It's so good to hear Parker is doing well. He is enjoying a quality of life, and that's important. You're attuned to his needs and giving him love. Hopefully you and he will have many more walks together.

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  5. Maybe Parker’s longing to become a chef. :)

    I’m so glad to hear he’s still enjoying the good things in life. Like taking naps where he shouldn’t.

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  6. I am so happy to hear that all things considered, Parker is doing well. What ever length of time he has left, he knows his days are filled with love, and I hope he has many more of them.

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  7. A walk in the spring sunshine does is exactly what dear Parker needs. I hope the weather cooperates and gives him many days to enjoy his walks in the sun.

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  8. Continued purrs from Sasha and Saku that Parker stays with you for awhile longer. We had 6 months with Silas and I was so grateful for those moments.

    Eileen

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  9. If your concern is that Mr Parker will inadvertently turn the stove on (not a good thing even if he was not on it) can the knobs be easily removed and stored somewhere when not in use. Those on my stove pop off very readily.

    If not, go to a baby and child store and ask about toddler proofing the stove. They're sure to have something.

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