Terre Pruitt's Blog

In the realm of health, wellness, fitness, and the like, or whatever inspires me.

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Archive for the ‘Spot’ Category

These are posts about our cat, Spot.

Our Cat Spot – June 25, 2014

Posted by terrepruitt on June 25, 2018

I was going to post this picture as the Friday Photo, but I decided to save it for the actual anniversary. Today, June 25, four years ago our beloved cat was called back to her original posting as an angel. She is missed everyday. She was a very unique cat. Our current cats are great cats. They are so sweet. They are entertaining and very funny at that. But I still miss Spot. I can love new kitties but still miss kitties we had previously.

It was a beautiful day when she died. I snapped this photo as I looked up. John and I sat in the yard for a while. The house was so empty.

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I am just going to point you to some of my Spot posts.  And post a few pictures.  The pictures have nothing to do with the posts, except they are of Spot and the posts are about her.

My Assignment As A Cat Is Now Done, she was an angel.

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Sweet Memory. We used to call her Circle Kitty.

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This post was when we got a bunch of new hummingbirds in the neighborhood. They didn’t know what to make of this. Assessing The Threat Level – Can It Eat Us?

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It is so difficult when a beloved pet dies, huh?

Posted in Cats, Spot | Tagged: , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Sweet Memory

Posted by terrepruitt on October 6, 2017

Awww. Here is my first little girl. This is Spot the Cat. I came across this while looking for a picture to post for today’s Friday Photo. I decide on this one. This was from June 2011. She was a sweet cat.  She was an angel.

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Posted in Friday Photo, Spot | Tagged: , | 6 Comments »

Spot And Her Boyfriend By J

Posted by terrepruitt on August 23, 2017

Last week my husband says to me out of the blue, “Do you know who I have been missing lately?”

I said, “No, who?”

He answered, “J. I’ve been missing J. I have been thinking about her and I think I need to get together with her.”

And I said, “Well, I miss her too, the last time we had plans with them they had to cancel. So I would like to see her, too.”

Ha. I believe this was his plan all along. Well, maybe not ALL ALONG, but I bet from the finish of the project. You see, my husband commissioned “J” to do a piece of artwork as a gift for me. So he made plans for us to go to lunch today. And he had me open my gift at lunch.

This is our cat, Spot. We used to say that she had a squirrel boyfriend. There probably was more than one, but I can’t always tell them apart. There was one that used to come up to the sliders and visit with Spot. That is how it seemed. He – and I can’t swear by that either – used to come up close and just chatter at her. And she would sit there with big eyes just looking intently. Sometimes she would glance at us as if to say, “Do you believe that? Do you hear what he is saying?” Sometimes he would just stay on the fence and chatter at her. His chittering going along with his butt. He had a butt dance going on.

She had many yard animal friends.

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The print is super cute and it is framed and matted very nicely, but I am not a photographer.  I didn’t want a reflection of myself taking the picture so I took it at an odd angle and didn’t get the entire thing (frame and matting).  The colors are not showing up as nicely in the photo as they are in the actual print.

J is quiet the artist. In fact you may have seen her work . . . it makes its rounds on Facebook ALL the time. Those of us that love her come together to make sure that she gets credit for it. Many know her by J although her website is Judy Clement Wall. While I have purchased and sent many of her cards, now I am the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind commissioned art piece by JClementWall. Made that much more sweeter because my hubby commissioned it for me AND it is a reminder of our sweet angel.  And what, but a totally personal doodle would have my cat, her boyfriend, and a hummingbird in it, with a blue background (which could be coincidence).

Pretty cool, huh?

Thanks, Honey. Thanks, J.

Posted in Cats, Misc, Spot | Tagged: , , , , , | 4 Comments »

A Little Imprint

Posted by terrepruitt on July 28, 2017

You might think this is one of the stupidest things you have ever seen. In fact, you might not even know what you are seeing. (Sigh). Well, I was planning on posting it on the anniversary of my cat’s death, but I was pre-occupied as I often am at this time. I am pre-occupied with death, but that of my father’s and trying to handle that stuff. Our cat died June 25, 2014. It has been three years, but just like with love ones that you are close to you still miss them not matter how long it has been. This picture here is a picture of her paw print. The last one she made in the litter.

Dumb. I know. You can’t even really tell what it is. But I know. I know that I didn’t swish it away right away. She was such a great girl. Here is a picture of her paw print.

Spot’s paw print for this Friday Photo.

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Posted in Cats, Friday Photo, Spot | Tagged: , , , | 10 Comments »

My Assignment As A Cat Is Now Done

Posted by terrepruitt on July 10, 2014

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia at the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Zumba, PiYo, Gentle YogaThanks, God.  I had a good time.  Those last few days were rough and my mama feels really bad, but they are over now.  Hopefully she can forgive herself.  I know that was one of the lessons I was there to help her learn.  Forgiveness.  I think I did ok, not that she got it, but I was good at it, right, God?  I didn’t hold a grudge like I hear a lot of cats do.  When my parents came home after being gone I would try to do the “catly” thing and give them an attitude.  I would be at the door waiting, then when I got picked up I would strain to get away, but I just couldn’t keep it up for more than a minute.  I was always so excited they came back.  And when I got scolded for doing something I just couldn’t help myself from doing, I would often be the one to go get my mama after a short while.  I did ok, right?  I do have to say, I love my wings, but I kinda miss that short tail you gave me.  I never quite understood my mom’s fascination with my paws though.  She used to hold them and stare at them. She would squeal, “Pink toes!  Pink toes!  Pink toes!”  And sometimes hold my feet saying, “Your paws are so TINY!!!”  I guess I was smaller than a lot of cats.  But I was a fierce protector of my house, my yard, and my people!  So really I wasn’t all that small.

I really had no idea what I was in for when you asked for volunteers.  I understand that being an angel is forever and forever is a long time, so I figured an assignment would be interesting.  I had heard that it could be risky because once one volunteers it is up to you, God, to place us and sometimes the placement might be really difficult.  I know that not all angels get good homes and loving families.  So I really, really appreciate you sending me to my family.  I know I was sent to teach them and like I said, I think I did a good job.  I hope you agree.  I know they loved me with all of their hearts.  I know my mama thought I was the best kitty in the universe because she told me every single day.  And I heard her thank you for me all the time.  I heard her say I was a gift from you.  I know I was special because they treated me that way.

But, God, I am afraid I didn’t teach her all she needs to learn.  I think I left too early.  I know they were hoping I would be around for longer.  I know she still needs me.  She always gave me hugs, but lately she would give me hugs when she was sad and missed her mama.  Who is she gonna hug now, God?  Are you sure she will be ok?

I might be back to my angel form now, God, but I still have some of that cat stubbornness inside.  I want to see my mama.  I want to make sure her and my poppie are ok.  Can I see them, God, please?

Well, it is really hard to see them cry.  Can’t I let them know I am ok?

Oh, I do see that even though I am not there, my mom is still learning.  Through my death she is learning to be a little bit more compassionate.  My poppie didn’t need to learn the same stuff my mom did.

God, one more thing — for now — will they recognize me when they get here even though I don’t have my tiny paws or short tail.  Will they know it’s me?  I sure would love more belly rubs from my poppie.  I loved all the kisses my mom gave me.  Even though she gave me hundreds and hundreds every day . . . . it really doesn’t seem like enough now.  If I walk around her in a circle she might get the clue that it is me.  Then she can give my head more kisses.  Is that how it works, God?

My not being there seems to make her more sad about the deaths that have happened in her family this year.  (Sigh.)  Ok, God, thanks.  I am done looking now.  I will just trust you and your plan.  I do miss ’em though.  Thanks, again.  I love them as much as they loved me.

Posted in Cats, Spot | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments »

Kitty Concessions

Posted by terrepruitt on December 19, 2013

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia at the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Zumba, PiYo, Gentle YogaYou might know I love decorating for Christmas.  You might also know my cat is sick.  She has a chronic disease.  My husband and I work to keep her symptoms under control and make sure she is a happy cat.  One thing about cats though, they don’t seem to mind vomiting as much as WE mind them doing it.  They just hurl and move on.  I was not looking forward to having to spend the additional time needed to clean with the Christmas Decorations added onto her frequent regurgitation.  But so far so good.  Every year though, her and I fight over “underneath the tree”.  She thinks it is her spot.  I think presents belong there.  Last year the second the tree went up she cemented herself IN THE MIDDLE of the underneath and rarely moved!  This year I made some kitty concessions to allow for a happier kitty.

Cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease can live up to five years after diagnosis, but you never know, so this year she gets special treatment.  For almost all of the 13 Christmases that we have had her we have put our tree up on a table.  Some think it is odd to put a 6 foot tree on a table, but it saves a lot of time and headache.  Our cat has never been one to climb the tree or even futz with the ornaments, but she does love “underneath” the tree.  And all real/live trees shed so when she would walk underneath it she would brush it with her tail and cause needles to fall all over.  While I love a real/live, I don’t care for the needles all over the place.  They are not called needles for nothing.  They hurt when they stab your foot.  So, we started putting the tree up to keep from having needles all over.

That also allows for more room for presents . . . at least so I thought.  Some years I have left room for her, but this year I hadn’t put any gifts under the tree, I was going to let her have the entire space, but after a few days of her having it all to herself she hasn’t been under there since.  So I did put a few gifts under the tree, but still have a bed for her there.

WDance Exercise, Nia, Nia at the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Zumba, PiYo, Gentle Yogahere she has chosen to lie is in my reindeer spot.  As I was decorating I was struggling with how I was going to get her to agree to a move.  We do not know why she has chosen this odd place near the curio, but it has been her spot for a few months now so I was not looking forward to the battle.  Then I realized, I probably wouldn’t really “win” no matter what, so I moved my reindeer spot.  They are now under the tree.

Also the last couple of years she has been chewing on the garland.  Last year I finally was so tired of scolding her I took it down.  This year, I decided not to put it up on the banister.  That room needs light though, so, I moved it to an impossible-for-a-cat-to-reach spot.  Yay!  Now I have my garland and lights up, AND no chewing.  Cat and decorations are safe!

Now, I mentioned this on Facebook earlier this month.  In the past we have had exactly 30 days for the tree.  At 31 days, the cat DOES swat an ornament.  I took that to mean that she was done with the tree, it was time for it to go outside.  This year since she doesn’t use her displaced tower as much now as she did then, she might let it stay longer, but really, in our house it doesn’t need to be up longer.  And I am happy for the time she allows us to have it undisturbed.

Ahhh.  I love Christmas decorations.  I think this year we have some good compromises going on.

Do you have to decorate in concession with your pets?  What do you do in order to keep your pet happy?

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Spot Update

Posted by terrepruitt on October 26, 2013

About three months ago I posted about putting my cat to sleep.  We did not do that, but she seemed so sick I thought we were going to have to.  Then when I took her to the vet he had a completely different opinion.  He is accustomed to seeing cats with the disease our cat has.  So he said she did not look as bad as he has seen.  She had just lost so much weight it just seemed so unlikely that a cat could survive being so skinny.  At one point she weighed over 12 pounds and at that point she was down to less than half that.  At the time I wrote the post I just kept thinking we were faced with that decision.  But we were not.  We might still get to that point, but since then we have come a long way.  The disease the cat has is not curable so it will be an on going situation, but hopefully she will live for AT LEAST a couple–few more years.

When I wrote that post everything coming out of the cat was liquid –  and had been for over a month.  And it lasted almost two months.  Part of the liquid was her throwing up.  She would eat then throw up, so she would stop eating the item that made her sick.  I think that part of the problem (and you will probably agree) was that I would give her something else so she would eat something.  I don’t think that changing her food that often was helping matters.  But she was so thin my main goal was just to get her to eat.

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia at the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Zumba, PiYo, Gentle YogaThe treatment for the disease she has (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) is steroids and a chemotherapy drug.  Well, the steroid we were giving her made her retain so much fluid it affected her heart.  So we stopped that.  Now she is just getting the chemotherapy.  It is a very small amount three times a week.

At this writing we are headed into our 37th hour without vomit.  Yay!  But she did that earlier this week, almost made it 48 hours.  But that is still better than multiple times a day or even once a day.  Maybe it will be that she will make it past the 48th hour then it will happen, but then maybe the next span will be even longer.  That would be nice.  But at least the other end hasn’t had any issues since August.

She was settled on one particular cat food, but then the pet store owner gave me a can of another type of food.  When the cat hesitated at her dish, I thought, well, I’ll try this one he gave me because I liked the ingredients better.  Well, she seemed to like it.  And she seemed to like it more than what she has been eating for the past two months or so, so we made the switch.  But this time we switched slowly and today was the first day she had the new stuff “straight”.  I had been mixing the two.  They are the same protein, just different brands with different ingredients.  The new one has less ingredients (chemicals) than the other stuff so I am happy.  The new one does not have “meal” in it and I think that is what was making her vomit.  We will see.

Since IBD is where the body does not absorb all the necessary nutrients from the food, I am giving her Vitamin B12 shots.  Normally a cat can produce it, but without all the nutrients needed to function properly I don’t think her body is able to produce it.  So I am giving it to her.  I have increased it from once a week to twice a week.  It really seems to help.

The last visit (Thurs., October 24, 2013) to the doctor was good.  Again, she is frighteningly skinny to my husband and I and she even lost a couple of ounces, but the vet was pleased with her progress.  He said it seemed the heart problem cleared up . . . while there still might be an issue it is no longer the problem that he was hearing when she was on the steroid.  Her latest blood work came back fine.  They test it often to see how the chemotherapy is affecting the cat.  He seemed happy with her.  Again, he is used to seeing cats with IBD so he thinks she is fine.  Yes she is skinny, but her blood work was fine, her coat is great, no temperature, her eyes are bright, and she is stronger than she was two months ago.  Aside from being so skinny she is good.  So we are staying the course and enjoying every minute we have left with her.

She is a very good cat.  So we are doing our best to make her happy.  Fat and happy would be AWESOME, but I’ll settle for happy.

Again, thanks for listening.  I thought I would give you an update since I brought the situation up in August.  She has days when she feels great and days when she feels not so great, but I believe for the most part she is good.

Do you have a pet?

Posted in Cats, Spot | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 10 Comments »

One Thing More Important Than A Blog Post

Posted by terrepruitt on November 19, 2011

I went to a Nia class this morning.  Grateful Hearts Nia Celebration is an annual event, it is in its third year although this is the first time I have attended.  It is a free Nia class put on by a friend Anita Christensen, a Brown Belt Nia teacher.  She collects food for the Second Harvest Food Bank.  Today she collected a pretty good haul.  She had a great turn out for class.  Then I came home and got ready for a party for a friend that is moving away.  Yesterday, even though I only have one Nia class, I had to go visit a friend who is saying goodbye to his mother, and did not have a chance to write a blog post.  Although there is plenty of time to do things, I don’t SEEM to have enough time to do some of the other things I have on my schedule to do.  It has been a bit of a trying month.  There are a lot of things more important than a blog post for me right now.

A lot of things are changing and although I am committed to posting and doing it on my self assigned schedule, I just have been working through some stuff.  I don’t always have a post just popping off my fingers into the keyboard.  Often times it takes a lot of research.  I come up with a topic or an idea I think will be easy to post about and then I sit down and start writing and looking into the subject and so much information is out there.  Often a lot of it is conflicting and I don’t like to write about something without at least being aware of the other side.  I know I don’t always succeed and I even might just think there are two sides when there are many more, but at least I know there is at least one more side.

dance teacher, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, Nia, Kitty Cat, Lap Cats, Nia workout, Cardio dance classAt times lately, I am thinking I am just not grown up enough to be able to handle all that is going on.  So much makes me want to just go into a corner for a self-imposed time out, but that is not how I believe I can live.  I believe that in spite of all the death and loss that is going on I still have a lot to be grateful for.  That is why the dance today, the Grateful Heart Nia Class was so important to me to attend.  What all this boils down to is that I don’t have a lot of time to write a blog post.  I am just writing some things about what I am feeling and what is going on and as usual, I am hoping other people can identify.

I have not taken the time to think of a topic.  I tried.  I let my mind wander to see if it found something, but I have been a little distracted.  So I didn’t think of one and I didn’t do research because I felt that there were other things I needed to do.  I needed to visit with my friend as he is going through this transition.  I needed to go to a Nia class.  I needed to grab some food and go visit with one of my best friends who is moving.  I didn’t think we were be as long as we were, but then again, we needed to spend that time together.

Then, as I am sitting at my computer trying to figure out what to write, I have this cat that wants to sit on my lap.  She doesn’t always do that, she will usually let me work then later when I get out of the office she will sit with me but for some reason there she was sitting on my lap putting her head in my hand as I tired to typed . . . another more important-than-a-blog-post thing taking me away from my post.  Sometimes I just have to go with the flow and ride the tide.  I hope you understand.  I also hope that sometimes you are able to stop trying to work on your to-do list and just do what you have to do.

Posted in Cats, Misc, Spot | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »