My beautiful boy Neelix died quite suddenly on Wednesday (October 9th). He was perfectly fine and normal up till late in the day Tuesday and then he got a little lethargic and sniffly. He slipped into a coma overnight and passed away peacefully at home in my arms on Wednesday afternoon.
More than one vet told me that Neelix got many more years than he should have. He was surrendered to the Ottawa Humane Society in March of 2007, emaciated, filthy, and showing signs of abuse and neglect. He had spent four months with a foster family when I met him in July of the same year. The last time he went to the vet, I was told that he was an ‘old man.’ So while I’m shocked that this happened, I’m relieved that it was much quicker than with Tabitha and that it happened naturally. I just thought we’d have a few years together. I’m glad to have had the time we did to truly bond. He was such a sweet soul.
Thank you to everyone who left a kind comment on Facebook. Here are some of my favourite pictures of my boy.
This was early in our traveling days. He always liked to drape himself over stuff!
This is during the winter from hell in Oliver. I didn’t like having him on the counter, with the heater under it, it was the warmest spot in the rig!
This was in the rental house just before I moved into the rig.
I’d love to know why he thought this was a good idea.
One of his MANY oh-so-cute poses!
He loved to perch at the top of those stairs!
The day I brought him home.
Here he is again on his favourite perch!
The very first picture I ever took of him. July 2007.
I was babysitting Ken and Donna’s dog Midnight in the fall of 2010. Neelix thought that getting into the dog bed was a good idea.
Probably my favourite picture ever of him! LOL
Mmm! Mom’s dirty laundry!
My favourite picture of my two together. It’s hilarious how Bitha is waiting patiently in line for water!
In his last months, Neelix would often spend the day like this by my side.
Soooooo cute! I will miss rubbing his belly.
Soon as they saw I caught them together, the sprung apart! You didn’t fool me one bit you guys!
My favourite pose of his. Still makes me giggle. I love how the feet are straight up with the tail between them.
Neelix always wanted to get into my luggage.
I have no idea why he’s got his face in the corner.
Mom’s iPad makes a great pillow!
Non-cat people claim cats can’t love. Bull.
Neelix with his ball of catnip. I am SO glad he finally learned how to play, even if it took recreational drugs!
Another silly pose; notice the eye staring me down.
The first time he showed me his belly, accepting me as his person.
Another one of Neelix on my suitcase. This was the summer of 2007 days before I flew to San Francisco.
All my love.
Nice tribute and send off for your kitty.
Always loved this poem:
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author Unknown
Wiping away a tear, gets me every time I read it.
So sorry to hear about Neelix. One of my kitties went suddenly like that on June 1st. Loved seeing all the pictures….and yes, kitties DO love. It’s only people who don’t live closely with animals who think they don’t have any emotions.
Aww, so sorry to hear about Neelix but glad for the happy memories you obviously have. Take care!
So sorry you have lost your great friend. Both of your cats were locky to have you for their Mom.
Thank you very much everyone.
Gina, I love the Rainbow Bridge story. I like to think that Neelix is there with his siblings Herman, Peggy, Samuel, and Tabitha.
Man, you made me miss him and I never even met Neelix. My heart goes out to you. Think I’ll go over to Dave’s sister’s house and rub a cat belly; I seem to have a sudden need to do so.
Linda, you would have loved him. Everyone who met him did! I was at C&C’s yesterday and Caroline plopped one of her cats in my lap. Felt good! Then at Laura’s in the evening her two came and cuddled. So I’m at least getting a little feline love these days.
So sorry. They do leave a hole in our lives when they go. You gave him a wonderful life full of love and he most certainly returned it. Lovely tribute to him.
Enjoyed all your pictures of Neelix!! Pretty cute guy.
Take care and keep warm……
What a handsome cat. Such a love too it looks like. Thanks for being his forever home.
Oh, Rae —{{{{HUGS}}}}}
He was such a sweetie.
We are so sorry.
Sorry to hear about Neelix but if you have to go he sure went out the best way. Just keel over in the arms of someone who loves you; what’s wrong with that!
don, what a lovely way of phrasing it. Thank you!
I am saddened to hear of Neelix´s sudden passing. Pets’ lives are too short and like our own, over too soon. He sounds like he was a good companion. Set aside those kitty accoutrements for now in some dark corner. I have a feeling the felines of the world aren’t through with you yet.
Thanks, Wil. I definitely won’t be ready for another cat for a while, lonely as the rig is right now.
An incredibly cute guy, thanks for the pictures.