Years ago – 2014, to be exact – a friend posted on social media about a Bengal kitten who needed a new home. I have always loved Bengals and was instantly smitten. I wanted him based on his photos alone. I wasn’t reading the details; I had to have him. And, have him, I would, for over a decade. While every one of Park Cities Pet Sitter’s office cats is special, there was just something about Kruzer. Today, I want to honor his memory by sharing all that made him who he was.
Kitten Kruzer
Kruzer Was No Kitten
Kruzer’s photos drew me to him instantly, but I had no idea the story behind his sudden rehoming. As I started digging in, more information surfaced, but it didn’t change a thing. I still had to have him.
Three-year-old Kruzer
From my understanding, Kruzer had been part of a divorce settlement. Neither party could care for him moving forward; therefore, here he was, looking for a new home and family. The photos my friend shared in her post were of Kruzer as a kitten (left) but Kruzer was 3 years old and 22 lbs at the time. I remember thinking, “How does a cat get so fat?” when I read he was over twenty pounds. Well, as I’d soon find out, Kruzer had an insatiable appetite unlike anything I had ever seen!
From California to Texas
Kruzer lived in California and had to make his way to Texas. After a quick exchange on the side of the road, he was ready to join the ranks of PCPSI office cat. The photo to the right is him at age 3.
When he arrived we noticed that he was in need of two things: TLC and a weight loss regimen. When I tell you that Kruzer looked like a roly-poly, I am not joking. He was enormous. He also came with a significant amount of medical issues. The “free” Bengal we acquired was far from free but, boy, did he make for a great office cat.
Kruzer at 23 lbs vs at a healthy weight
Kruzer’s Weightloss Journey
Upon his arrival, we got to know Kruzer and quickly fell in love with him. The office team enjoyed his company immensely. He was confident, friendly, loved attention, and could be very loud – in keeping with his Bengal brethren. Did you know that Bengals can be extremely loud and vocal? I did, and Kruzer lived up to the expectation.
Our Operations Manager, Christy, was determined to get Kruzer to a healthier weight. So, in February of 2016, we started posting about Kruzer’s journey on PCPSI’s Facebook page. “Weightloss Wednesday” (aka The Biggest Loser: Kruzer the Bengal edition!) featured Kruzer’s saw Kruzer from 23 lbs to 15+ lbs in a little under a year. Using an scale and treats/toys to reward his progress, Kruzer changed before our very eyes. While his health was still a concern, his weight problems became a thing of the past. Kruzer looked and felt fantastic. His energy levels and agility after the weight loss were impressive!
Carl, Henry, and Kruzer
Kruzer’s Office Mates
Kruzer was not PCPSI’s only office cat. He had a few other kitties to contend with. Before Kruzer, the office kitties had free-fed, but that all changed when he arrived. The other office kitties had also thought they were in charge but Kruzer made sure they knew he was at the helm.
Over the years, Kruzer shared our office space with Henry, Carl, George, and Gracie. Henry is a diabetic cat that still lives in our office. His condition is well controlled by Bexacat and it’s impressive to see how well he’s doing. Carl was born with a deformity in his hips but he’s a happy little guy. George and Gracie were two of eight kittens born in my bathtub in February 2021, during a freeze. George now lives with one of our star employees, but he shared a big chunk of his life with Kruzer. Needless to say, Kruzer ran the show at the office – he was a bit of a bully, as Bengals can be. What can we say? Kruzer was a natural leader. He loved leashed walks and lounging in our enclosed patio almost as much as he loved being the boss!
Kruzer’s last social media update – Holidays 2022
Kruzer’s Decline
Last year, after years of health concerns including chronic urethral blockages, which had been managed by a special diet, scheduled feeds, and lots of visits to Metro Paws Animal Hospital Skillman, Kruzer started to display concerning symptoms. Because the symptoms – lethargy, weight gain, and a touch of grumpiness – were reminiscent of his urethral blockages, we consulted with Metro Paws, where Kruzer had many fans, only to learn that his situation was worse than expected.
His vet noticed masses in his abdomen, which led to a cancer diagnosis, a consultation with a veterinary oncologist, and the discovery that Kruzer did not have much time left. Because he was still eating, we opted to keep Kruzer comfortable until things took a turn for the worst. There was nothing more we could do for him.
About a week later, his voice changed and litter box habits became unusual. While he was still eating, we knew it was time to say goodbye to prevent unnecessary suffering. The team took loads of photos of him, celebrated in every way we knew how, and Kruzer crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving a void in the office and in the hearts of our staff.
Kruzer’s Legacy
Kruzer came to us because of my love of Bengals but I believe be came to remind us of the impact that tender, loving, and conscientious care can have on our companion animals. We suspect Kruzer was almost 15 years old when he passed. We know he lived a life of love, attention, and companionship – when he wanted it. We know we gave him a wonderful home full of safety and spoiling. He truly thrived in our care and we are grateful we had the opportunity to turn his life around when we did. We will miss him but his legacy will live on in the hearts he touched and pet lovers he inspired, myself included!
Park Cities Pet Sitter’s Conscientious Care
At Park Cities Pet Sitter, we take our work very seriously. We work hard to ensure that your pets’ needs are met while meeting and exceeding your expectations. Our office cats, our personal pets, and your pets are our “why.” They remind us that we have the power to make them feel safe, loved, and cared for and we are proud to do so.
Park Cities Pet Sitter proudly provides cat sitting, dog sitting, and dog walking services in Bluffview, Deep Ellum, Downtown, Highland Park, Knox Henderson, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Lower Greenville, Medical District, North Dallas, Oak Lawn, Northwest Dallas, Northeast Dallas, Old East Dallas, Preston Hollow, Turtle Creek, University Park, Victory Park.
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