Sunday, June 2, 2019

A Slight Drinking Problem


If I seem to be writing a great deal about Parker, I hope I will be forgiven; there may come a time soon when I won’t be writing about him at all, except in the past tense.

Very recently, I noticed that he was eating crouched low, and tipping the deep water-bowl when he drinks from it. I think he is very weak in the limbs now. He supports himself only with his front legs when drinking, and actually prefers lying down to drink. As a consequence, I have provided a lower, shallower bowl for him, and this seems to serve his needs, though he still spills the water quite a bit.


Yesterday, I did take him for a walk, though it was that in name only. He did stroll a few paces, but spent most of the time lying on the sidewalk. He purred and smelled the scents in the air; much walking appears to be too much for him. I think his time is very near. So far, he still makes it to the litter-boxes, though he cannot always avoid what is in there, and tracks it out. (A box with a lower threshold to the entrance is not practical as several of the beasts – but not Parker – wet with their bums toward the door, and the stream would simply be projected onto the floor.) I will be watching his food- and water-consumption closely – not just whether he can eat and drink, but how he does it – and his litter-box visits.

I am grateful that he has survived so long, especially into the spring, when I can take him outside again. The fresh air in his lungs, the sun on his furs and the fragrances in his nostrils must be a preview of Heaven for him.


9 comments:

  1. I’ve been keeping Parker in my prayers. I’m so glad that he is still getting pleasure from life, and I’m hoping he will do so right to the end—whenever that may be.

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  2. The tears are flowing here - I have to agree it would seem Parker is not long for this world. I only wish it were different. That he continues to have moment of joy in being outdoors is a blessing and Parker is fortunate to be with you. Thinking of both of you.

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  3. I am glad Parker is able to enjoy the fresh air outdoors and think of him daily.
    I haven't been able to read previous posts as we went on holiday a week ago Friday. Usually I would visit a few while we are away but unfortunately this time I had a full blown gallstones attack on the Saturday. Today is the first time I have been able to eat something more than a bowl of soup, so not much of a holiday. At least everything seems better once you are back home.

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    1. Oh no, gallstones... If they are anything like kidney stones, I don't envy you at all, and can easily understand the inability to eat. Home is best, isn't it? I wish you health and the good feelings that go with it.

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  4. Tears are flowing here too. I'm so sorry to hear that Parker is not doing as well as he had been. But he is still able to enjoy the things that mean so much to him - the outdoors and your love. We'll continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

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  5. I love to lie on the concrete too Mr Parker to soak up all the warmth and smells.

    Good on you for hanging in there.

    Julie and Poppyq

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  6. Oh Parker. Even if he is too weak to walk the spring warmth and the outdoors scents are still bring him pleasure.

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  7. Oh dear, just take care of dear Parker as you are and he'll know he's in the best hands for the remainder of his time here. We're sending purrs and prayers your way.

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