Goodbye to our little Ellie kitty

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, our little Ellie died this evening, a couple of hours ago, peacefully at home in her big soft bed equipped with her favorite heating pad while I petted her.
I feel so sad, so many tears... even though she had such a wonderful LONG 20 year happy kitty life in a home full of love. Ellie was the world's best mouser in her day. Tiny but tough. Sweet, tidy, and affectionate.
This is a little hard to take since we lost our beloved 8 year old Lydia kitty just four weeks ago to kidney failure, and that was just heartbreaking. In four weeks we have gone from three kitties to one. They are so innocent and sweet and loving, like little children, that's what makes it so hard to bear.

Though I don't kid myself into thinking Ellie was 'comfortable' during her last few days (who is?), I can feel good that she seemed to not be in undue pain despite not being able to walk anymore for the past 48 hours, I actually had her purring even this morning while getting her head rubbed, and she was drinking a bit all the way until this afternoon, while I held a tiny bowl of cool water under her chin. She could still hold her head up and enjoyed getting her head rubbed gently- her favorite ritual.

I was hoping she would pass on peacefully today, and she did.
She was very quiet and sleepy today. DH and I were committed to go play music for our village's farmer's market this afternoon from 4-8pm, and when we got back Ellie was only breathing intermittently. I petted her for 15 minutes and she very quietly stopped breathing. I'm so grateful I was able to get home just in time, even though I think she was probably not conscious. She had as good a life as any cat could wish for, but we'll miss her very much.

Ellie a year ago at 19 yrs, still quite spry:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3594513654_17a133ca00.jpg

Yesterday, held in DH's lap while I changed her bedding:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3598834111_b1575e0827.jpg
and in her 'hospice bed' yesterday:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3599643012_dde5c7f47a.jpg

I don't even know why I'm posting these pictures, except that it somehow makes me feel a little better, like I am sharing and celebrating Ellie with others who understand. :o I'm glad she is at peace now.

I take comfort in knowing that once we recover a bit, we will look to open our home to a new shelter kitty, thus saving one desperate homeless kitty in Ellie's honor. I know Pearl the 'prima donna kitty' will object, but she'll just have to deal.

[Owlie]

I'm sorry.

[salsabike]

Aw, Bleecker. It's tough stuff, I know. I'm sorry. Especially two losses so close together. Glad you got to love them and they you.

[ilima]

RIP Sweet Ellie. I'm sorry for your family's loss Bleecker.

[solobiker]

I am so sorry for your loss. You gave her a great life.

[Biciclista]

what a wonderful and beloved kitty. Your photos show it, I'm glad you are sharing them with us.

[Zen]

Don't worry about Ellie. I doubt she was in pain at the end, just very,very tired.
She did have a good long life and will always be remembered.

[Miranda]

Oh, BSG, I'm so sorry for your loss. Couldn't help but sit here and cry reading your post.

Your baby had a wonderful loving home with you. Sure she knew it. Glad you got to be with her at the very end. It's like she almost waited for you to return home to say one final 'good-bye'.

Sorry if that sounds too dramatic for some. But, I think our fur family members understand more than we know.

It's been a year since I had to get my beautiful yellow lab put down. For the first time, I took our new black lab out to the old dog's favorite park this week. Even though it's been that long since the other dog's death, I just burst into tears with the memories. Pets are such a deep part of our lives.

(((hugs)))
Miranda

[oxysback]

Rest in peace, Ellie. Rest in peace.

[jesvetmed]

What a sweet posting, Bleeker. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful long life she had -- and I'm sure brought you lots of treasured memories.

[aka_kim]

Rest in peace, little Ellie. So sorry for your loss.

[ClockworkOrange]

I don't even know why I'm posting these pictures, except that it somehow makes me feel a little better, like I am sharing and celebrating Ellie with others who understand. :o I'm glad she is at peace now.


It is so painful when we lose a pet but I am pleased you posted the pics, now how many pets receive worldwide recognition? Your little Ellie could not have had a better life.

Hugs

Clock

[Grog]

Ellie had a good life. She will rest in peace, especially knowing that you will give a good home to a new cat soon.

RIP.

[smilingcat]

Yes like everyone else, Ellie had a wonderful home for 20 years. I am sorry for you loss in such short period of time. We are so helpless when the time comes yet we have no choice but to accept it. Accepting with grace and love is the best thing we can do for our little babies and to remember them. Thank you for sharing the wonderful picture of Ellie.

She had a queens bed so plush. When its my time, I wish I could go like that.

Sincerely,

[papaver]

Bleecker, you gave her a wonderful and very long life. I feel sorry for your loss.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Lisa))))))) I'm so sorry for your loss.

[divingbiker]

So sorry to hear about Ellie. You've been through a lot this month.

But what is it about pets named Ellie? My first dog as an adult was named Ellie, a randomly bred dog who was going to be drowned in a river if I didn't take her, and she lived to be 17, robust till the end. Maybe every pet should be named Ellie.

A new shelter kittie when you're ready will be thrilled to live in your home.

[7rider]

Sorry for your loss.
I just went through this very thing with my dear Tasha girl in April. It's hard, I know.

[Selkie]

Lisa - I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. What a long, love-filled like Ellie had on earth with you and your family. I hope you find comfort in your memories of the sweet fluff-girl.

[Crankin]

I am sorry, Lisa.
You have a healthy attitude, though.

[short cut sally]

Lisa, double hugs for you...so sorry...

[PamNY]

Ellie was such a pretty girl. I'm glad you posted pictures. I know you will miss her.

Pam

[Tri Girl]

I'm so sorry you lost your Ellie, Lisa. She had 20 wonderful years with you, and both of your lives are better for having known and loved each other. She was a beautiful kitty.

[Aggie_Ama]

((Lisa, DH, Ellie and Pearl))

You poured so much love into her final days and her 20 years. It isn't easy even if you know they are ready to leave. Rejoice in what made her special and how much love you gave her and got back.

[mtbdarby]

Aw Lisa - sorry to hear of Ellie's passing. Even when we know it's coming it's still very difficult to lose a family member. Thanks for sharing the wonderful stories and pix of your felines. You guys are wonderful parents and we can't wait to see pix of the new kitty and Pearl in the next chapter of your lives.

((hugs))

[NoNo]

I'm so sorry for your loss:( I'm all choked up now, looking at my little Ruthie curled up sleeping next to me. I think it's wonderful you've already made the decision to open your home to a cat in need. I wish you much strength these next few days.

[channlluv]

What a great life she had. I'm glad you can celebrate her here. Much love to all of you.

Roxy

[bmccasland]

Lisa,
Sorry to hear about Ellie's passing. :( She'll joing the other TE fur kids at the Rainbow Bridge, and will soon be chasing butterfiles and savoring sunbeams. Remember the good days. But know she will always have a warm spot on your heart.

[badger]

She has lots of friends across the rainbow bridge showing her way around. I'm so sorry for your loss and the grief you're experiencing. But like you said, this opens a door for another desperate kitty in need.

[sgtiger]

((((((Lisa)))))) I'm sorry for your loss. She was fortunate to have such a loving home.

[uforgot]

Just read this. Sorry about Ellie. I lost an older cat last summer, and it's amazing how they are a part of the family. She grew up with my kids, and it was hard on them too. Take care.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just got back home and read all your comments and am overwhelmed by all the sweet posts from all of you, my 'TE sisters'. Your messages are very comforting to me- it's so good to know there are so many of you out there from all over who deeply love animals and who truly understand what we all go through when our little furry 'babies' must leave us.
It does my heart good. Thank you all! :o

If indeed Ellie is frolicking around up in some Kitty Heaven- well I happen to know she'll be totally ignoring the butterflies. She'll be stalking chipmunks to munch on instead. ;)

[7rider]

If indeed Ellie is frolicking around up in some Kitty Heaven- well I happen to know she'll be totally ignoring the butterflies. She'll be stalking chipmunks to munch on instead. ;)

That's okay. As long as she stays away from the bunnies! ;)

[nancielle]

I'm so sorry for your loss:( I'm all choked up now, looking at my little Ruthie curled up sleeping next to me. I think it's wonderful you've already made the decision to open your home to a cat in need. I wish you much strength these next few days.

Going through the same as I see the little widget (aka Hunter) fast asleep on a corner of my bed.

Lisa, so sorry for your loss so soon after the loss of your other cat. Loved the pictures. Her face clearly shows she was loved.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's okay. As long as she stays away from the bunnies! ;)

I'll channel that message to her. Sweet little Tasha can rest assured up in bunny heaven.


Going through the same as I see the little widget (aka Hunter) fast asleep on a corner of my bed.

My wishes go out to littlewidget/Hunter to have a peaceful loving end too, when the time comes.

You have all been through the very same thing.
{{{{group fur hug}}}}

[shootingstar]

Next new cat (plus your present one) will be another lucky one under your care. :)

[spindizzy]

My heart aches for you and DH..your fur-baby losses so close together...
((((((lisa, dh, pearl)))))
Ellie was a beautiful kitty...sleep well little one.

[wackyjacky1]

Ah, Bleeker, I'm so sorry to read about Ellie. My heart goes out to you. :(

[bambu101]

Very sorry to hear of Ellie's passing. It sounds like she had a good, long life, and went peacefully.

(((Hugs)))

[sundial]

Aw, bless your heart. I'm so sorry. :( :( It's so hard losing little family members--especially when they have been with you for quite a while. She looks so peaceful in her daddy's lap and I can just hear her purr. She knew when you were coming home and her little body held out until you two could share those last few moments together. I believe it was her final gift to you.

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

[Over50Newbie]

Lisa,

I just wanted to add my heartfelt sympathy.

Ellie was lucky to have such a special and loving family.

Lynette

[GLC1968]

Oh Lisa - I'm so sorry for your loss and so close on the heels of Lydia's passing, too! I'm sure they are both happily frolicking together - both strong and young and healthy in kitty heaven.

[Iris616]

I just had a chance to read this- I'm so sorry you've lost your little one- her spirit shows in the pictures. And, I'm sorry you've had to lose both cats so close together.

[lunacycles]

Lisa,

Ellie was absolutely beautiful. Sounds like she had an ideal life and a beloved ending. Lucky cat.

That's the amazing thing about pets: they teach us so much about loving and letting go, over and over.
xx

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's the amazing thing about pets: they teach us so much about loving and letting go, over and over.
xx

Oh you have put it so well! Thank you. Thank you all.

And an update- have made a first visit to the humane shelter to begin the process towards bringing a new needy kitty into our home. Looked at the kitties there, and filled out the application so we would be pre-approved to adopt. There's an empty space in our home and hearts that can be filled with love for some little desperate fur-ling.

[Jolt]

Oh you have put it so well! Thank you. Thank you all.

And an update- have made a first visit to the humane shelter to begin the process towards bringing a new needy kitty into our home. Looked at the kitties there, and filled out the application so we would be pre-approved to adopt. There's an empty space in our home and hearts that can be filled with love for some little desperate fur-ling.

That's great--you gave Ellie a wonderful life during her time with you and now you'll be able to do the same for another kitty who needs a home. Sorry to hear about Ellie--it's always tough to lose a good friend.

[spokewench]

I just saw this today - I'm so sorry it is so hard to loose your little loved ones. Big Kitty is hanging in there at 23, but has a bed just like your lovely little Ellie had. He loves it.

Hugs to you and your hubby.

spoke

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just saw this today - I'm so sorry it is so hard to loose your little loved ones. Big Kitty is hanging in there at 23, but has a bed just like your lovely little Ellie had. He loves it.

Hugs to you and your hubby.

spoke

Twenty three....that is amazing!! I hope your sweetie pie has a peaceful time when it's his time. How lucky he is to have you!

[Tuckervill]

I'm sorry to hear about Ellie. I hope you're comforted that she didn't linger too long. I'm glad you posted the pictures.

Karen

[andtckrtoo]

I can't believe I'm just seeing this! I'm so sorry Lisa! Losing a pet is losing a member of the family. Your Ellie was such a pretty, sweet girl! {{{HUGS}}} and thanks for posting the photos to let us see your lovely kitty.

[tzvia]

Just saw this, oh so sad, but oh so glad to know that a kitty had a good home for 20 years. When my Boobie dog left me, she was resting in front of the TV (her favorite place) with me next to her rubbing her belly. Before she died, she took pains to crawl to all her favorite places and gather up all her balls (she never went anywhere without one). She chose the place, and the things she wanted near her. Even though I can't prove it, I know that she knew I was there, as your little Ellie did I am sure. They have a way that we just don't understand...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Just saw this, oh so sad, but oh so glad to know that a kitty had a good home for 20 years. When my Boobie dog left me, she was resting in front of the TV (her favorite place) with me next to her rubbing her belly. Before she died, she took pains to crawl to all her favorite places and gather up all her balls (she never went anywhere without one). She chose the place, and the things she wanted near her. Even though I can't prove it, I know that she knew I was there, as your little Ellie did I am sure. They have a way that we just don't understand...

Oh that is such a touching story, her gathering up her toys! Reading it brought tears to my eyes.

I have been visiting two local shelters over the past couple of days, have spent time trying to get to know about 60 or 70 homeless kitties.
We have applied to adopt one kitty in particular. :) Now I must wait another 1-3 days while the Humane Society calls all my references to check on me before the new kitty can be released to us.
I know Ellie and Lydia would both approve. There has been so much sadness for the past seven weeks here. It's time to help a new kitty in need and move from sad farewells to new happy beginnings. If the adoption gets approved (no reason why it wouldn't) then I will introduce our new furbaby in the "Show us your Pets" thread. :)