
Andy likes the north bathroom window for bird watching.

This isn’t the time of day the sparrows hang out on the rose bush, though.

Andy makes a new plan.

Yep, there still are some Greenies there.

Andy contemplates the treats first, then he snacks on a few of them. Do they come in sparrow flavor? No, so Andy gets the baked chicken-flavored ones instead.
=(^+^)=

Lucio grooming the kitten Marcus.

Marcus
Marcus died today of complications of kidney disease. Once again sadness strikes the Rosses of Salmon Brooks Farm. Marcus fought kidney disease issues for the past three years.
Lavinia sent me an e-mail, noting this about his last days:
As you know, he was diagnosed with kidney problems back in December of 2020, and he has battled that valiantly since then. I had thought this might be his last year. Marcus developed vomiting and diarrhea over the last week during the power outages and ice storm. All the usual remedies were tried at home given weather conditions. We were not able to get out of the driveway until Thursday morning. Marcus had his appointment with his vet today, and diagnostic tests were done one at a time, given his age (16.5 years) and deteriorating kidney condition. X-ray showed an unusual area the vet could also palpate, so an ultrasound was then done to get a better view. A large mass of about 4 centimeters was choking off a section of intestine. He was agitated and in pain, and the decision was made to put him to sleep and end the suffering now. Rest in peace. Love, Marcus. You will be sorely missed.
RIP Marcus, those of us who followed you and your fellow kitties on Lavinia’s Salmon Brooks Farm blog join in sadness with the Rosses on your passing.
It hurts so much, losing a furry. We still miss them years later. Their face come into my mind so often. I wish I could sayu something else other than I’m so sorry.
Thank you so much, Inchie. We never forget them, do we? They are not on the front lines with us anymore, but they are only a thought away. 💙🌈🐾😿
So, so hard to come to grips with each love we lose. Typing this now, with visions and memories of my beloved Tabitha and Cyril. Thanks. X♥
So sorry. Prayers for all
Thank you, Cats and Coffee. Marcus was a dear kitty.
So sad.
Thank you, granny1947. Marcus will be missed.
Such sad news about Marcus. Thanks for letting us know.
You’re welcome.
Thank you, Ellen. It is always hard to lose a companion.
We are sorry to read abut Marcus., and send purrayers to his people.
Thank you, mcmcneil1. We miss Marcus very much.
I am so sad dear Lavinia, sending my love and prayers to you all, nia
Thank you, dear Nia.
It’s always sad to lose a furry friend.
Thank you, Kate. It was a sad day yesterday.
❤️
Doug thanks for sharing the news. I’ve had cats deal with a condition for a while and the longer they soldier on the more you hope they’ll continue to, until the day. I feel so badly for Rick and Lavinia.
Thank you, Angela. Cats can hang in there quite a while before they make it known it is time.
Lavinia, I am sorry for your loss my friend. Hugs from far away. 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you, John. Many hugs back to you. The house seems all too quiet now.
🙏🏻❤️
Me, too. Hope against hope….
Very sorry to hear about Marcus. Kidney disease is nasty in cats.
Thank you, cat 9984.
Thank you for your support and friendship, Doug. Marcus was a charming, chatty kitty boy and we will miss miss his presence and conversations with us. Our best to you and Andy. May he have many more birdwatching years with you.
Marcus was part of the cat family. Many of us followed Marcus for years and feel his loss as well.
Looks like Andy has a very good vantage point for his birdwatching! We’re very sorry to hear of the loss of Lavinia’s Marcus. My heart goes out to them. I know how hard it is to lose a cherished animal friend. Love and purrs to them from us.
Thank you, Leah. He is at peace now.
The birds land inches away from him in that rose bush, so it’s pretty exciting for him!
Yes, Marcus will be in their hearts forever.
I am so sad to hear this dear Doug, Thank you for sharing with us, As you said Marcus will be in their lovers’ hearts forever, as our cats too, dear Doug, Love, nia
You are right about that, Nia. I know there are lots of Salmon Brook Farms blog fans who might not know about things like the passing of Marcus unless someone still blogging shares the news. Lavinia e-mails me about things happening to the Rosses in Oregon, and I am willing to pass that on to those who enjoyed her blog and became friends.
How sad, but the right decision to end his suffering.
Thank you, John. The decision never gets any easier.