Ravishing Ralph!

[phesina]

Dearest Ralph, what a gorgeous Tuxedo gentleman you are! You are absolutely ravishing indeed, with that Tuxie trademark black and white fur that looks so soft, and that sweet face with those long, curly white whiskers and eyebrows and those lovely big pale-green eyes. Thank you for sharing those great photos with us! You are so beautiful in then both, in that big catnip-plant pot with the green leaves all around, as if you are a pretty catnip flower growing there in the garden! I wish I could reach down to Newnan, GA to pet you! I can't, of course, but I know your loving and beloved Purrrsons will pet you for me .

And what a story you have to tell! Your earlier years were full of dreadful experiences. You were front-declawed, and you had a digestive disorder that I bet was not well cared for. And then about thirteen years ago, you were abandoned or dumped by whatever heartless villain had been mistreating you so far. You were nearly dead, very thin and malnourished, every bone showing, and you looked to be a hundred years old.

And that's when your luck and your story changed, right along for the good that you had deserved all along! Somehow you just knew which house to come to. You arrived in that back yard at night, howling bloody murder. The people opened the door, you walked in, and you were home! They took you to the vet, who found digestive disorders and conditions. You finally started getting the treatment you needed to manage your health. Now you are living your Purrrfect life, full of Tuxitude! You're fussy about food, and you want laps and pets and chin scratches NOW, on your terms. You can be a totally sweet lap cat or a cranky dictator, whichever you want to be and it's in your interests to be. You're cranky and outspoken, just like your namesake Ralph Kramden. And your dear Purrrsons would not trade you for the world! You all love each other very much, don't you. What a wonderful love-filled home you share!

Congratulations, darling Ralph, on being chosen Cat of the Day! We hope you and your dear Purrrsons and all your family and friends are enjoying a fine celebration, full of fun and lovies and all your favorite games and treats.

[gillcieri]

What a character, and congratulations on keeping him going for so long! I always have multiple cats and no one lives close to 17. You are also a very good writer — love the humor! Cheers to Ralph!

[cassiesmom]

Hello, Ralph, most handsome tuxedo kitty! Happy Cat of the Day!

I smiled as I read your story about how you walked into your Forever Home! Your life had a bit of a rough start, but you chose the right back yard to call for help. Now your paw-rent knows about your digestive issues and helps you with them. You curl up for a nap in the catnip plant! You are particular about petting and lap time. Sometimes you get cranky, but that's okay too. You are a very handsome and loved kitty!

Happy Cat of the Day to Ralph!

[bowlkat]

Our beloved Ralph came up with a fibrosarcoma about a year ago- it formed a tumor on his throat which grew to about golf-ball size, then inexplicably separated itself, slowly necked itself off til it was dangling by a thrread of skin, then the tiny attachment dried up and it broke off- we never found it. A second one formed, grew to about two golf-balls size, then started to do the same separation thing- but it was large, and getting in the way of his eating, so we checked him out and decided to operate, hoping he would survive the operation (he's about 20 at minimum!)- he came through fine, then turned into a feline Cuiisinart eating like mad to make up for lost time- he gained back almost 2 pounds- then another tumor started. We'd biopsied the one removed and it was a fibrosarcoma- very aggressive and invasive. This time it didn't separate away, it just grew- then a second started growing on his throat below the first. They've both continued to grow and this time they're totally inoperable, they're involved with arteries and nerves and everything in his neck- to attempt to remove either would mean removing a ton of muscle and other tissue, very hazardous (even if he weren't 20 years old at least), and lots of pain in recovery- and it WOULD come back anyway-- so we just let him keep going as long as his quality of life was good, he was eating and getting pets and getting around and feeling good. He's been doing great so far but he's slowing down, eating less, eating is more difficult (he needs dishes elevated so he can get into them around the huge tumors on his neck), and he's starting to indicate he's ready...... we've made him an appointment this afternoon and if he doesn't pull another rabbit out of his hat and bounce back- as he has done so many thousands of times in his lifetime-- it'll be time. So please pray for our wonderful and indomitable Ralphie- odds are he'll be going to his potted catnip plant in the sky.... and please pray for us too - this is going to be VERY VERY tough.............

[phesina]

Dearest Ralphie, what a wonderful and indomitable cat you are, so full of energy and spirit and love all those 20-odd years!

We are thinking of you and your dear family. You have all shared many years together, haven't you! Years so full of love that is always there and will go on forever.

Blessings to you and your family, Ralphie. We're sending wishes and prayers for peace and comfort and love and joy to you all.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and from Pat and Sparkler and Tinker