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| Owl - waiting hopefully for chicken (March 2017) |
I think we all know
what it feels like to say farewell to a beloved pet – especially
when we have to take the final loving steps with them at the vet’s
office. We all have favourites at the Sanctuary, and we grieve when
the word is passed that one of them has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
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| Sadie enjoying the sun (Aug. 2017) |
Many of the
Sanctuary cats have lived here for years, and an aging population
brings increased vet bills, as well as sorrow for all of us when
there is nothing the vets can do.
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| Treacle was full of "tortietude" (June 2017) |
I try to celebrate
life at the Sanctuary in the Neko-blog, but there are times we need to look back and
remember the cats we’ve loved and lost.
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| Sweet Piper didn't like other cats much, but she had many human friends (Oct. 2017) |
During our summer
volunteer party we take time to read the list of the cats that have
passed in the previous year, and the well-known legend of the Rainbow
Bridge. It’s a moment that is named for raggedy Chance who passed
several years ago, and there are always tears and fond memories.
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| Dekka liked to be tucked away on her shelf (Feb. 2017) |
So, as we end the
year, here’s a last look at some of our feline friends who passed
in 2017, with love
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| "Belly-rub" Bobby had a big fan-club (Oct 2017) |
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| Laredo was another loner... (July 2017) |
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| Marmalade always looked so worried... (Dec 2017) |
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Salty (centre) was a cat-magnet. (Sept 2017)
Ridley (left) misses him and Sid (right) (Dec 2017) |
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| Cheetah has gone to be with his best friend, Silverfox (Aug.2017) |
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Deety was an icon at the Sanctuary -
and lived most of his life on HIS shelf in the Double-Wide (Oct 2017) |
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| Freckle was another chickaholic (Oct.2017) |
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| Elliott was always one of the greeters at the front gate (April 2017) |
I need to acknowledge the burden carried by the Sanctuary med staff - every cat that passes, passes in the care of someone who accompanies them to the vet on that last journey, reminding them about how much they are loved. For every cat we lose, there are more waiting to come in - cats with medical conditions, or cats who have lost their owners to illness, feral cats who might finally come to accept human touch, or cats with behaviour issues. And without forgetting the ones who have gone, hearts will be opened up to care for a new clowder of cats who need us.
Blog by Brigid Coult
Photos by Michele Wright
Posts
rest in peace sweet elliott
ReplyDeleteI recall Elliott's final Sunday. He chose one visitor, a woman in a red hoodie, and spent a long time cuddling with her. If that was comparable to a meal, it would've been a multi-course feast, leaving him well satiated.
ReplyDeleteMister Marmalade grew almost silent in his final 2 weeks. He slept much more and wasn't begging for attention, like in the past. No orange roadblock by the stairs waiting for treats. No crying by the med cage after his meds. He had a big presence.
what a wonderful write up thank you...you are all missed ...miss you Deety you handsome fellow
ReplyDeleteDianne