12-21-12 – Goodbye, Elwood.

Posted on by Robyn

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Elwood
June 14, 2009 – December 20, 2012.

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Last night, we said goodbye to Elwood. Three weeks ago, he was diagnosed with FIP, a diagnosis confirmed by a second vet. (Note: this is FIP, not FIV. The other permanent residents and fosters were not put at risk.) We were able to get a little more time with him through the use of steroids, but at the beginning of this week he started going downhill and last night we knew it was time for his last trip to the vet.

I know this comes as a shock to most of you – we didn’t really tell anyone that this was going on, because we just didn’t want to talk about it. I kept hoping that we’d get him with us through Christmas, but in the end we had to decide what was best for him and let him go; we didn’t want him to suffer.

He went peacefully, looking at the faces of the people who love him with all their hearts. He was a few months over three years old.

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In August of 2009, about six weeks after we’d buried the much loved Mister Boogers, we came back from a day trip to find two small gray kittens playing around our side stoop. They’d been left with a big container of cat food, and nothing else.

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We originally thought we’d foster them and then adopt them out through Challenger’s House. That idea lasted maybe 24 hours before we knew they were going to stay with us. To have them – these kittens who looked a lot like Mister Boogers – just show up seemed like a sign.

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From the very beginning, Elwood was a love bug. He loved to be cuddled, and he had an easy purr. When he was especially happy, he’d purr so hard that he squeaked.

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There were three things he loved above all else: his brothers Tommy and Jake, and Fred. Fred would sit on the couch, and Elwood would climb into his lap and purr, squeaking. Then he’d move over to snuggle with Tommy. Tommy would lick his ears, and Elwood would purr like crazy with more squeaking. He was a sweet, squeaking fool.

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He was such a silly boy – usually quiet and calm unless there was food involved (snack time was his favorite time of day). He was a big cat, and his nicknames evolved from Ellie to Ellie-Belly to Ellie-Bells and Belly-Bells.

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He was great with the fosters. I’m sure to them, he was just a big warm body pillow, but he’d school them in the proper way to act (especially at snack time!), put up with them laying across him, and he always made sure their ears were clean.

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Did I mention that he loved Tommy? Because he certainly did, he loved Tommy with a bright burning squeaky passion.

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Although he was a quiet cat, the house is quieter without him here. I’m grateful that we were able to have these last three weeks with him, and that we told him repeatedly how much we love him. Fred buried him in a corner of the back yard, the place where Elwood loved most to lay and watch the birds go by.

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Goodbye, sweet boy.

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If you’re of a mind to, donations can be made in Elwood’s name to Challenger’s House, the shelter I foster for.

They accept donations by mail (check or money order), by phone (Mastercard/VISA), or there’s a Paypal button at the bottom of the Petfinder page.

Challenger’s House

112 Tristian Rd.

Toney, AL 35773

Phone: 256-420-5995

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I’ll be back on Monday with the usual Friday question-and-answer post, and pictures… of the new fosters.

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Previously
2011: SQUIRREL TONGUE
2010: I love the alarmed look on Bobby’s face, like “I feel a paw on my shoulder, but NO ONE ELSE IS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW!”
2009: I’m starting to think that maybe the floof is in the Kudzu family and we’ll wake up one morning to find it wrapped around the entire house.
2008: No entry.
2007: No entry.
2006: I said, “But (the volunteer) has fourteen cats. FOURTEEN.”
2005: No entry.

Comments

227 thoughts on “12-21-12 – Goodbye, Elwood.”

  1. Oh Robyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a young cat and my heart goes out to you. My condolences to you. I wish I could offer more. Poor Elly Belly. He was much loved.

  4. Aw I am so sorry. He sounds a lot like our Scrilla. I know how painful this is but I am glad you put his needs before your own 🙁

  7. So sorry Robyn, I remember sweet boy Elwood’s arrival, and am sad to see him have to go. Much love you to and Fred and the beasties.

  11. You brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss, he had a wonderful life with you and Fred.

  13. I don’t have much to say, except that sitting in my room in Australia I have tears streaming down my face for you, Fred, and all of Elwood’s beloved brothers and sisters. The good work you do reaches far, so much so I have two human friends, one I call Alice Mo, and the other named Elly that I have taken to calling Ells Bells. My sincerest condolences. I shall go and hug my kittens now in his honour.

  14. Oh ROBYN. 🙁 All your cats are special, but there was always something about Elwood I found utterly irresistible. I know that life for a kitteh just doesn’t get much better than Crooked Acres, and how he and Looney Jake came into your world is one of my favorite stories because, OBVIOUSLY, it was meant to be. But I’m so sad and so sorry he was taken from all of us at such a young age. Hugs to you and Fred and the rest of the furry family. Rest in peace, sweet sweet Ellie Belly. {{{}}}

  17. Oh my, what a sad way to start the day. I’m so sorry to hear about this. Sending you and Fred my condolences.

  19. Speechless. My sincerest condolences to you, Robyn, and to Fred… and to all those across the internet. Extra love and h-kisses to Jake and Tommy. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.

  20. Oh no!!! I’m so sorry (and so crushed!) My cat Bear died of FIP 2 years ago at the young age of 7. It’s such a horrible feeling to not be able to do anything. Jake and Elwood have been my favorites since they showed up on your blog.

    🙁 Stupid FIP.

  23. Oh Robyn… I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you, Fred, and all of the Crooked Acres residents (especially Jake and Tommy). Goodbye, sweet Elwood. I’m sure the angels have instructions to provide special snacks and to induce squeaky purrs frequently.

    Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go hug my rotund boy. It will help me get this something out of my eye…

  25. Thank you for sharing this lovely little man with us and for all the love you give. I will be thinking of you and Elwood and Jake. Poor Jake – I hope he can still be as loony without his brother.

  27. I am stunned and so saddened! I actually yelled “What!!!!” at my monitor this morning! R.I.P. little Elwood, you had sooooo many fans and you enriched soooo many lives, human and kitty!!!

    My Sidney squeaks when he purrs hard, too! First cat I have had that did that. Special and precious is what that is!!!

    Sincere and deep condolences to you, Fred, Jake, Tommy and the rest of the crew.

  28. Oh, I’m so sorry, Robyn. I was actually just telling my husband the story of how you got Jake and Elwood the other day. Give your other cats a squeeze for me.

  29. Robyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you, Fred, and all your kittehs in my thoughts and prayers. I can picture Elwood on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge waiting to care for other kittehs. He will be greatly missed.

  31. I am so sorry for your loss. Bless you all for giving him such a wonderful home and calm ending.

  32. I’m so sorry to you and Fred. I’m a long time reader/not often commenter, and Elwood was one of my favourites, he looked so much like two of my cats. He was a beautiful boy, and so lucky to have turned up on your doorstep.

  38. Delurking to extend my condolences to you and Fred. I am very sorry to hear of his passing… There is no doubt whatsoever he was extremely, utterly loved and he looks soooo content.

  39. That was a beautiful memorial, Robyn. My heart goes out to you and Fred and all the Crooked Acres gang. Rest in peace, sweet Elwood.

  40. Oh, Robyn, my heart just breaks for you and Fred. I’m so sad this has happened and will miss him so. Thanks for sharing his journey with us; it’s been a privilege <3

  41. I’m so very sorry for your loss, RIP Elwood. It must happen more often for you than most of us, and I’m certain it’s every bit as heartbreaking for you each time as it is for us with only a few cats.

    Hugs…

  42. Gutted for you, his brother, and his friends but trying to concentrate on all the happiness Ellwood gave and had. Rest peacefully in the land of pillows and perpetual snacks, young man.

  43. Elwood had the best of life for the three years he was here with you all. He knew how loved he was. I am so thankful that he spent his short life there at Crooked Acres with lots of love and bunches of buddies! SO sorry for you and Fred.

  45. I am so sorry for your loss of Elwood! He lived a truly blessed life with you, Fred, all his brothers and sisters and fosters. He was so loved and happy.. He came to you when you needed him most and you have been there when he needed you most.

    Give Tommy and Jake an extra hug and kiss from me.

    Karen

  46. *sniff*

    Aw, sweet Elwood. You make sure you look in on your humans and kitty siblings from time to time, ok? They’re gonna need to feel your sweetness around them. Hugs to Crooked Acres!

    (Gotta go see who the hell is chopping onions and garlic at nearly 8am in the morning…)

  47. Wow, FIP in a 3 year old.. from what I have read that is a bit unusual, but then again textbooks aren’t real life. I hate FIP with a burning passion, and I am so very very sorry it has touched your life.

    my deepest condolences for Elwood’s loss.

  48. I am so sorry that Elwood is gone. He found the right home and had a wonderful life there and shared that life with all of us. I feel so sad for you and Fred but do know the joy that has been brought to you also. Time to go find and hug each of my cats.

  49. Oh god, what a shock! I am a bit teary too now, but thank you for all those photos and that lovely tribute to him, it sort of brought me back from the shock a bit after reading that first line. You write so well and keep us so updated that i feel a part of your cat family so i really feel for you, i’ll miss him too somehow! Rest In Peace Elwood, may you scamper and doze happily in the big kitty heaven in the sky. 😀

  50. My sincerest condolences for your loss. What a beautiful boy he was and clearly very, and deservedly, beloved.

  52. Oh Robyn! SO SORRY to hear about Elwood! And right at Christmas is the worst! But you guys gave him a wonderful home!

    Bill also sends a meow about Elwood…

    Hugs and peace,
    Ann & BillCat

  54. I am so sorry. He was a beautiful kitty with a beautiful life, including two humans with beautiful hearts. I’m going to find Dorfy and squeeze her and tell her how lucky she was to have met Elwood while she was at Crooked Acres. RIP, Elwood.

  55. Robyn and Fred – I am so very sorry. Hugs to you both and to Jake and Tommy and all the kitties.

  56. Oh, no, so sorry about EllyBellz! I’m sure some of the permanent residents will really miss him, although I can’t remember which ones loved him the best. Tell Jake he has to carry on the loons for two now!

  59. Saying I’m sorry seems so trite, Robyn. I know that even though you have a bajillion cats, you love each and every single one of them for their individual selves. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Looney Boys and this just breaks my heart.

    I’m so glad that Elwood found his way to you and that he got to spend his short life being loved and cared for and giving love back to Tommy in return 🙂 I know there will always be an empty spot in your heart where Ellie-Bells is supposed to be.

    Give all those kittehs an extra ear scritch from their internet stalker, er, admirer, wouldja?

  60. Robyn, you and Fred gave Elwood a wonderful life, filled with love: love that he returned in purry squeaks and washed kitten ears, love that his spirit will forever carry on its journey. Hugs of comfort to you both, and to all your clowder, especially Jake and Tommy.

  61. Oh no! I’m so very sorry for your loss. You gave him a great life in cat paradise and I’m sure he was very grateful for that. Hugs to you and Fred, to my love Jake, and to the other permanent residents.

  62. o.o OMG 🙁 Yes, I know what FIP is. Ouch. Poor guy. Saying I’m sorry just doesn’t seem like enough. And … right before Christmas. Double ouch.

    *hugs* to you and your family.

  63. I’m so sorry about Elwood! I’ve been reading you for so many years that I cried when FancyPants disappeared, when Tubby got ill, when Mister Boogers died, and now Elwood…I still use my Tubby coaster every day at work. I know how much you love your kitty babies–as much as we do our dog babies (and our kitties). It’s hard, and I’m sorry. I know you guys gave him the BEST life he could have had, and I’m sorry you lost him so soon <3

  64. We lost a sweet, sweet boy to FIP. It’s really just a horrible disease. (The vet teared up when he went to put Duncan down). I’m so, so sorry for your loss.

    Your cats have such a good home! Elwood was a GOOD BOY, and we will all miss him.

  65. Robyn & Fred, so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing everyday your kitties & other Crooked Acre’s residents. Being a daily reader I feel I have become part of your Crooked Acres family via the web. Even though you can’t see us I hope you can feel the love from us all. Thanks for sharing the pictures of Elwood in celebration of his life here on earth. HUGS to you all..

  66. Oh Robyn and Fred, I am so sorry. Poor Jake and Tommy and the others must be so confused. I don’t know what else to say but know I said a prayer for all of you.

  67. Big hugs…how very sorry I am about Elwood…every cat holds a different piece of our hearts…he was a big sweetie…lovely tribute to your dear love…

  69. Awwww. *sniff* That’s the saddest thing, I am sorry that you had to say goodby to Elwood so soon. Our TinyCat was very ill this spring and FIP was the first early diagnoses. We were pretty devastated since the only cure would have been to put our smallest cat down so I can imagine how sad you and Fred must be. It turned out that Tiny is just deathly allergic to certain proteins so she recovered; I wish the same had happened for Elwood.

  72. Your Elwood looks just like my Kiero. Same build and all. Such lovable sweetness. I’m so sorry to all of you that he’s gone. But what a wonderful life he had. xoxo

  73. Darn, Darn and triple darn! I’m so sorry. Elwood is going to be missed by many, many people. Sending hugs to you, Fred, Tommy and Jake. I’m sure the kitties are going to miss him as much as you and Fred (at least for a week or so until they move on).

    Val

  74. I’m sorry you lost your friend Robyn. I’m sure if he could speak, he’d have been fit to burst with thanks and love for all the wonderful times you gave him and the happy memories you can look back on. Saying goodbye to any friend is hard, but I am sure all of us feel in a way like we knew him just a little bit, so your goodbye is not alone (((hug))) xxx

  76. Oh Robyn, I am so, so sorry about the loss of your sweet gray squeaking lovebug!! My heart is breaking for you guys, truly.

  80. Oh I am so sorry Robyn and Fred! My heart is just breaking for you right now… Godspeed to the Bridge sweet Ellie Bells and thank you for all the smiles you brought to all who saw you! *hugs*

  82. Robyn and Fred: I am so very sorry for your loss. Ellie-bellz will be missed so very much by all. {{{hugs}}}

  83. Oh, Robyn, my heart is breaking again – for you and Fred, and for myself and my spouse. We also lost a wonderful kitty, Tango, to FIP in August. We only had a week from the diagnosis until we had to let him go. FIP is a horrible, terrible disease that takes the young ones. The hardest thing about losing Tango is that he was just two years old.

    Sorry, I’m crying again. I’m so glad you had Elwood. He knew he was loved, from the moment he came into your life. That is the one gift we can give our kitties – to love them for as long as they are with us. And, when the time is right, to open our hearts to another kitty. We just recently brought home Squirt, a 5 month old love bug, to help fill the hole Tango left.

    Hugs to you and Fred, and skritches to all your kitties. Know that you are not alone in the pain. And that it does get better, with time, and with the love of the other kitties.

  86. Robyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s terrible at any time of the year but being this close to Christmas makes it seem worse. Take some small comfort in knowing that he had a wonderful, loving life with you and Fred.

  87. Robyn and Fred, I am so, so sorry about The loss of Elwood. I remember the day you found them both on your door-step. Loosing a beloved pet is so hard. I have lost two dogs and one cat. Our present cat is 13 years old, but seems to be in good health. No problems so far.

  88. Oh Robyn … your words that he died peacefully looking at the faces of those who loved him with all their hearts was a shot to the gut. How lucky Elly Belly was to live his short life with your wonderful family. My sympathies to you, Fred and all the furbabies who will miss their brother.

  90. I can’t add much to everything that has already been said, but I wanted to at least let you know that I am thinking of you, Fred, and your other furry children. I am so sorry and this post was a beautiful tribute to him. Hugs from Michigan!

  91. I am SO SO sorry. I’m sending you hugs. Elwood will always be one of my favorite permanent residents – I always wanted to snuggle him. So sorry for your loss, but he knows you love him, and now he’s waiting at the rainbow bridge.

  92. I’m so sorry to hear about Elwood. My condolences to you and Fred, and to Jake. What a fantastic life he had.

  93. Robyn and Fred,
    I am so very sorry to hear the news. I love the gray kitties so much. My heart is breaking hearing this news.
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your furry family. I know the other fur-kids will be missing Elwood too. Purrs and hugs to you all.

  94. Robyn & Fred,
    So sorry to hear this. I know you will miss Elwood with all your hearts. FIP is so heartbreaking. I lost my beloved Zina to FIP in 1994 and still miss her beautiful face. Your tribute to Ellie-Belly was wonderful. Please know that we are all thinking of you and Fred.

  96. From the first time I saw a picture of Jake and Elwood I knew it was meant to be and they were sent by Mr. Boogers to keep you company. I am so sorry Elwood had to leave so early in his life and leave you and Fred with holes in your hearts. I loved those two gray boys and Elwood’s stalking of Tommy always made me smile. Each of our furry friends is special in their own way and that is true of Elwood. I will miss seeing his belly keeping a kitten warm. I am sure you are giving extra love to Jake as he misses his brother.
    I am so sorry this happened. Elwood had a great life with you and Fred. He is up there with Mr. Boogers comparing notes and practicing their looks of Het for when they see you next. We will be thinking of you all.

  97. RIP Elwood. He got lucky when he landed on your doorstep and his life was short but sweet 🙂
    SOB :(((((

  98. Robyn, I’m so sorry about Elwood. What a precious creature he was. He had the best life possible on this earth. How hard it is to have to give them back!

  100. Robyn,

    I’m so sorry about Elwood. I know you guys gave him a wonderful life. I know how hard it is to let them go. Hugs and good thoughts to you and Fred.

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