22 October 2013

A little update and our thanks to all..

Hello everyone, Carol here with a little update. Jasper has for several days been struggling in that he has eaten nothing  but has drunk lots of cat milk which I think is sustaining him somewhat. The not eating has a knock on effect because as you know he has renal failure, heart failure, high blood pressure and now the dementia. Not eating means his little kidneys cant work properly. We have tried everything to tempt him but to no avail. Because of nothing much in his tummy his meds have come back up several times. The dementia the last two days was just awful and we felt powerless to help. I was with him until work at 2:00 and were he would usually be very close to me he just didn't know what to do. I spent the whole shift just churning it around in my head and knowing we had to make a decision soon.
  All your purrs and prayers were coming in and until I got home I didn't see them. Barrie had managed to get two appetite pills to stay down and Jasper had eaten a little shredded chicken. This meant his meds given later stayed down. This meant Jasper was a little calmer in himself and he was sat quietly. When I was woken at 4:00 this morning for a call out Jasper was making the awful noise but was also maybe a little more alert.
  This morning Barrie again has just managed to get another pill down and so far it has stayed so fingers crossed he will eat a little. Two years ago next month Jasper was in the vets on a drip and we were told they didn't think he would survive, he did. Then we were told that we could have a few months, we have had so far just short  of two years and that has been a gift. I have had many cats in my life but none like Jasper who is the most loving, gentle and affectionate cat ever. The vets all love him and no matter what they do he never ever gets his claws out or bites.
   As I write this I can hear him making that awful noise which although distressing I now know is not pain but confusion. he has just walked to me as if to say what are you doing and hopefully before I go to work he will sit a while with me.
  I know one thing though and that is the fact that you all our friends from all the corners of the globe are keeping us going and hoping and it is just magical. Thank you all. We love you.. Carol, Barrie and of course our GJ xxxx

    

90 comments:

Kaz's Cats said...

Sending lots of purrs and purrayers to GJ,

(((hugs)))

Tasha, Buddy & Mum (Karen)

The Furries of Whisppy said...

We're sending our loudest purrs to dear GJ!

Catio Tales said...

We are thinking of you Carol & Barrie, and of course GJ. With very much love and purrs. You are facing the hardest time. Every second is precious.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Most handsome and lovely kittyboy in the whole world.
Gingerguy, we love you dear friend.
bonks and bronks from Miles Pierro and Rosemary too

The Florida Furkids said...

We love you too and we're purring that GJ eats some more today and has more good days ahead of him.

Love,
The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Sweet Purrfections said...

We love our GJ and are purring so hard for him to eat more. We purray he has many more quality days ahead of him and will be with you a lot longer. We're sending comforting headbutts to Mum Carol and Dad Barrie. We love you, GJ

A Tonk's Tail said...

You three are held close in our hearts and thoughts as you go through this. Sending many healing purrs your way....

John Bellen said...

I am just catching up on my favourite blogs after being absent for the weekend, and am distressed at reading about Ginger Jasper. My hopes and best wishes are with him and his mum and dad in this trying time.

Cat said...

Thinking of GJ and sending lots of love and good wishes to all of you!!!

I remember when my old Molly (19) had the dementia and would walk into a corner of a room and just stand there unable to remember to just turn around and she would yowl until I came and picked her up and set her down again facing the other direction. She also had hyperthyroid and only 1/3 functioning kidneys so I understand a little of what you are going through. It is so difficult, we love our kitties so much!!!

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

GJ is in our thoughts and purrs all day long. He's a fighter! Much love to all three of you.

Laila, Minchie and Mom Peggy

BeadedTail said...

All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love Jasper and continue to send tons of purrs for him. He's a very special Mancat .

SuziQCat said...

Jasper we are continuing to send purrs to you and your family. We hope that the pills will start helping you soon and you'll perk back up for us all.

cats of wildcat woods said...

Poor GJ has so much going on with him. Chica would go thru periods of not eating but she usually ate some baby food - just plain chicken - I would put some on my finger, insert my finger in her mouth and wipe it off on the corner of her mouth. Does GJ take Pepcid or slipper elm for tummy issues? I give that to all my renal failure cats. We are thinking of you all and sending lots of love and light to you. I know what you are going thru.

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Thinking of you!

Millie and Walter said...

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers sweet GJ.

Much love to you and your mum and dad.

Millie & Walter

Asta said...

Auntie Cawol
Thank you fow the updates..it must be so vewy hawd to see Gingew
jaspew in distwess and to have to leave to go to wowk and not be thewe , but thank dog unkel Bawwie is thewe to love an cawe fow him while you'we away
sending mowe an mowe healing smoochies and love
Asta and Mommi

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Carol, we continue to send our love and prayers to you, Barrie, and GJ.

Our little friend and your little love has been a gift to all of us and we are most grateful. xx

Julie and the kitties~Tinker, Chopin, Anastasia

Katnip Lounge said...

We're holding you close in our hearts.

Sushi said...

Sending lotsa purrs and prayers for GJ. Please get well soon, sweet GJ. (((Hugs)))

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Thr Hotties are sending lots of purrs and purrayers for GJ. *hugs*

Random Felines said...

we are so sorry for all of you.... and sending purrs

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

WE kitties are sending GJ our deepest purrs and our Mom is nodding her head in understanding of your feelings Carole.

(hugs)

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We were also thinking earlier that in t was two years ago that GJ got so sick and we were all expecting the worst. he has done such extraordinary things since then. Our hearts go out to you as you tackle this new crisis.

Purrs, Woofs, Neighs and Lots of Love,
Us

My Mind's Eye said...

GOD BLESS YOU AND BARRIE FOR LOVING GJ AS YOU DO AND I KNOW THE LOVE FROM HIM IS RETURNED IN QUADRUPLETS. MADI AND I SEND YOU LOTS OF HUGS AND WANT TO TELL YOU WHATEVER YOU DO DOWN THIS LONG ROAD...LOVE WILL BE BEHIND YOUR ACTIONS...SO NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THAT.
GIVE GJ A GENTLE HUG
MADI AND MOM

My Mind's Eye said...

PS THIS PICTURE OF YOU AND GJ IS PRICELESS!!! I THINK I HEAR HIM PURRING.
HUGS c

Julia @ Purr Therapy said...

Thank you for the update. I will continue to send purrs for you all.

Milo and Alfie and our mom said...

It's such a painful crisis for you all. Sending so much love and purrs and prayers. Take care, xxx

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry that GJ has dementia and know how upsetting this can be.
Maybe the small amount of food he has eaten will stop his medication coming back up and make him feel a bit better. We are thinking of you both and our dearest friend GJ and send our love.
Take care.
Luv Hannah, Lucy & Sue xx xx xx

ButterBean said...

So very very sorry ... its a hard process - we have been through it recently, just keep loving him

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

DEAREST ONES... YOU KNOW that WE of Blogville are ALL here supporting you.

POTP fur sweet Ginger Jasper.

CATachresis said...

Such a very difficult time for you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts ache for you. Austin and Caro xox

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Sending more purrs to you all.

katsrus said...

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Purrs and hugs.
Sue B
Charlie, Cashew, Garfield, Tubby

Everycat said...

Cats of Wildcat Woods have made a good suggestion about an antacid or slippery elm. Kidney failure can cause horrible acid to come up into the mouth and throat and stop the appetite in its tracks. There's a veterinary antacid called Antepsin, which comes in liquid and tablet form, tablet is better (liquid one tastes horrid) but the tablet can be crushed and given in 1ml of water. Used this with Angel when she had Hyper T and kidney failure. It helped quite a bit.

Would you be able to syringe a little food into him?

Hoping GJ has a better night and a little more food.

Still sending little GJ love and purrs

Mungo & The Ape x

Sparkle said...

This is such a hard time for all three of you - I am purring as hard as I can for you!

Martha said...

Sending you all our love xx

Martha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jacqueline said...

I can't stop thinking of you all and hoping you still have more time together; I know how difficult these days are for you guys...Wishing you the best, sending you all love and prayers and purrs 24/7...Huge hugs to you and Barrie, lots of kisses to your darling GJ...Jacqueline, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

da tabbies o trout towne said...

mor blessings oh St Francis two ewe Ginger Jasper; we hope yur appetite stimulantz werk N ya start eatin again...

wee bits ata time...several times a day...

itz better then a big meel with 19 courses and 85 deserts anyway...

heerz ta 90 meelz two day, N boomer can tell ya all bout dementia...

him walks round de houz caterwaulin N they can heer him in de next state over....trooly

blessings two ewe frum de land oh trout ~~~~~

Colehaus Cats said...

Thank you for giving us an update on GJ. He is constantly in our thoughts and we're sending our very best comforting purrs. Hugs and PURRS....

Clooney said...

Jasper, you are a gentle Mancat with such a strong spirit. We continue to send you our love, purrs and prayers.

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We're still sending purrs and purrayers. XOXO

Brian's Home Blog said...

We love that GJ so very, very much and we know how terribly difficult all this is for you and Barrie. Please know we are thinking about you and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

Hugs and love from all of us. Brian, Sascha, Gracie, Zoe, Dolly, Precious, Kit, Dad and Mom.

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
You are doing a wonderful job,
Take care GJ.
Yvonne.

The Whiskeratti said...

Of course you have our purrayers too. This is a very difficult time for you and your family. Jasper is such a beautiful, amazing cat. Pawhugs from us all.

Kitties Blue said...

We feel so badly for G.J. We hope he can continue to manage to keep his meds down and eat a little bit. Keeping him in our prayers always. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Katie Isabella said...

Mom here: Jasper, I love you so so much. My heart aches for you, AND for your mom and dad. I understand. I have been through much of that with Admiral but not as long. God's blessing on all three of you.

Poppy Q said...

We all understand how difficult this is for you. What wonderful parents you are to GJ and I know how much he loves you. Don't be scared, this is the journey you take together and I am sure he is much calmer having you both with him.

Love
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx

SailorEdgar said...

I learned about this at Katie's blog. This must be terribly distressing for all of you. You must feel so helpless. At least you know that many people are hoping for the best.

Life with Ragdolls said...

We are purring extra hard for him!!!!!!!!!

(((((HUGS))))

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Ginger Jasper, just take it one day at a time ok? We're here for you and your family!! We love every little fluffy hair on ya mate. Gentle hugs to you oh fluffy friend.
No worries (especially for you GJ) and LOVE, Stella and Rory (and Carol)

Cathy Keisha said...

Sending lots of Healing Purrz to handsome GJ.

Max said...

Jasper, my man, I am sending you a ton of Max Mojo...I hope you start eating more and feel better really fast. I know when you stop sometimes it's hard to remember how to start again...but man, if it's time...just give the people a chance to wrap their heads around it first. And know that a billion kitties are pulling for you...

Fuzzy Tales said...

Slippery elm is a good idea, I do have a recipe for that:

Slippery Elm Syrup Recipe
(A good “food herb” tonic to help with vomiting, diarrhea, and other intestinal upsets in cats)

Put 1/2 cup of COLD water and 1 teaspoon of slippery elm powder (you may have to open the capsules if you don't have it as loose powder) into a small saucepan.
Whip it up with a small whisk or fork. Bring it to a simmer
over a LOW flame, stirring constantly. Do this for about
1 to 2 minutes, continuing to stir. Cool it off and refrigerate.

This will keep for about a week.

The best thing to do is to give to kitty about 1 teaspoon
of the syrup about 15-30 minutes or so before meals. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some of the slippery elm powder on the food, but in acute situations (vomiting,
nasty diarrhea) giving the syrup BEFORE meals can be much more effective.

Continued purrs from Nicki and Derry and Light from me. Palliative care is a very difficult thing...It's agonizing to watch those we love slowly deteriorate and wonder if today is the day to make a decision. All I can say is that GJ definitely will let you know--I never was sure about that until Annie's loss.

In the meantime, all you can do is what you ARE doing: loving him with your entire heart and soul.

Kim

meowmeowmans said...

Thank you for keeping us posted, Carol. Please know that we love you, Barrie and Jasper, and that you are all in our constant thoughts, purrs, and prayers. Hugs to you all.

JC said...

I'm thinking of you during this terrible time. Reminds me so much of my Cashmere. She would yell in the hall where it echoed and I'd come to her. She was also lost.

You will know when he can't do it anymore.

Til then, just love him and talk to him.

xo,
JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

Pattyskypants said...

We love GJ and we love you! Patty & Bhu

san said...

Be Well GJ.

The Lee County Clowder said...

We just found out GJ is doing so poorly. We are so sorry.

Sending comforting purrrrayers and gentle headbumps to you all.

Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady said...

We haven't met, but we heard from Oscar that you were in need of some love and good thoughts. Sending you the best. Power of the paw. Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady

Oui Oui said...

Oh, we feel for you all! And we remember how sick GJ was 2 years ago, and how touch & go it was. It would be wonderful if the same miracle happens again, and we are purring hard that it does.

The mom's first cat, Leia, had dementia towards the end, and it was very sad to see. She also forgot how to use the litter box. Carl "sings" every evening and night, and can get quite loud, but the mom thinks he just likes to hear himself talk.

Mickey's Musings said...

We send big purrs to all of you.
We are thinking about you too and sending positive vibes.
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Treasure,Tiger, JJ and Julie

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

Sending tons of purrs and prayers from all of us for GJ and for you too. Xoxoxo

Lorenza said...

My paws are crossed.
I hope everything goes well.
With lots of love
Lorenza

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are all here crossing our paws and hoping for good things for Ginger Jasper. You all have done so well by him, no wonder he keeps hanging in.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

Mr. Black said...

You are in our thoughts.

Kari said...

We love you so much, sweet Jasper. Your friendship has been a gift from God. We are praying our hardest for you and your family. We are in awe
of your strength and courage in these
difficult times. Let the love of your
friends bring you comfort and their
prayers bring you peace of mind and
heart. You have given so much to all
of us, sweetheart. Please let us
know if there is anything you want or
need to help you feel better. God
beless you, darling boy.
P.S. Since you haven't been eating
much you might have an
uncomfortable stomach. Do you have
Famotadine ? A 1/4 tablet really
helps our brother Ollie who is fighting
lymphoma. Check dose with your
vet. Your dad is doing a great job giving you pills. He loves his kitty son very much.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Thanks for the update. More healing purrs headed GJ's way.

jen and edda said...

*HUGS*

TwoSpecialWires said...

You've been in our thoughts and prayers all day ... and as we send this we wish for a love-filled night with new hope, faith, energy, strength and courage for the next day. GJ is an amazing ManCat ... he has a plan and you are the most supportive and loving Mum and Dad to help him see it through. How lucky for all of you. A most amazing family ... loved by so many ... including us. Sending hugs ...

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Teri started a new job and hasn't had time to let us visit til now. We are sad to hear of GJ's worsening health. Teri said she gave her Bo fluids under the skin every day and that was a big help to his kidneys, rather than trips to the vets to do that occasionally. Can you try that at home for GJ and if it helps, then continue doing that every day, so his kidneys are helped as they aren't functioning very well. Bo had heart disease too, so he only got 60cc under the skin once a day, a smaller amount than the usual 15cc per pound that normal cats get. Please see if you can do that and we will keep our paws crossed that will help get him through this crisis.

GLOGIRLY said...

Many, many purrs and prayers for you, dear GJ.
You are in our thoughts and hearts.
xo

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry that we have not been able to keep up with what is happening the last week or so. You know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we send love to all of you and Flynn sends his purrs.
The internet is very intermittent but I will try and email now.
Love Jackie, Ivor and Flynn xx

Anonymous said...

Sweet Carol we may not get around to visit often but you can always be assured that sweet GJ, you and Barrie are always in our prayers. Our hearts go out to you and we are hoping for the very best for all of you in during this sad and hard time. Hugs and nose kisses

Selina said...

Carol & GJ: I'm sorry we've not gotten around to wishing you purrs before now but we've been reading & we hope ... well, we're just so sorry. We are keeping GJ in our thoughts and I'm purring for him & MomKatt is thinking of you.

Purrs,
Selina & MomKatt Laura

mayziegal said...

Dear Miss Carol,

I just want you to know how my whole family is thinking of you and dear GJ. You are doing the very best you can for him and he knows it and feels your love. I hope YOU can feel the love coming to all of you from all over the world.

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

LP said...

We dropped by to say we understand how difficult this is for you both having recently gone through it with our angel Tulip. We hope Gj is comfortable and pain free. We know he senses your love and loves you back twofold.Know that you are in our hearts as you move through this difficult time.

Love,

the critters in the cottage xo

animal lover, quilt lover said...

OH I hate to lose an animal and I KNOW how hard this is for you and your Hubby.
Poor GJ Poor GJ I feel so sad for him!! I pray and I will pray and pray for him!!!!!!! Poor baby!!! He is suffering so. I wish I could help in more ways then just pray for him!!
Bless you Carol.

Tamago said...

We are sending lots of purrs to you and your precious baby.

Unknown said...

Carol, Barrie and GJ - wes is sending yous purrayers for strength and l0ts of love.
Kisses
Nellie

How Sam Sees It said...

Sending hugs and love. We've been following your blog for a while, but have not commented. We are saying prayers for your boy.

Monty and Harlow

Marilia said...

Sending my best wishes and purrrrs to sweet GJ!!!!
Love and hugs from Brazil

Photo Cache said...

we unite with every one in sending our purrs to GJ for healing and for you mom Carol we are sending you love and hugs.

emma and buster

Ann Boyajian said...

Oh dear, this is a very hard time for all of you. We know how agonizing it is to go through this. We are sending biggest purrs.....

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Oh my eyes are just leaking from all of the beautiful emotion that was conveyed through this post.
We just adore ALL of you and want you to know just how special ALL of you are.
Sweet GJ, I am so happy that he ate and is keeping his pills and food down.
The dementia is hard enough for humans to cope with, let alone a sweet kitty.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love,
Caren and Cody

Anonymous said...

All we can do is send our love out to you all.

We have all been there is one shape or form and know the pain mum and dad are feeling watching dear GJ.

Love and hugs to all,
Christine, aka Possumlady
Sweet Pea, C. Lisa, Oliver, Toby and Figaro

Carolina Cats said...

Sending our love and purrs to GJ and all his fambly.


Love and hugs and purrs,
Finny, Buddy, Jazzy and Mom Nora

Jacqueline said...

Thinking of you all, praying and purring for sweet GJ...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are reading your posts back from front. Dad has been giving A&D to the bottle baby he is helping. I do not know if they have a similar at your vets but the little guy does like the taste along with formula. Maybe kitty formula would be good for jasper as it is very nutrient dense.
Love from the Tomcat Home
Timmy Dad and Family

Team Tabby said...

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Mindy
Moe
Cookie
Mike
and our mom, Nina