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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.”

  2. I’m sorry to hear that, Robyn. Ms. Shins and I had to put down Acorn, the Tortie Matriarch of our feral cat colony on Sunday. It was a very sad ending to Chanukah this year.

  3. Oh, Robyn, I’m so sad for you and Fred. Elwood was such a good guy — and he knew he was beloved.

  4. This was the first thing I read this morning and it brought me to tears. I am so, so, so sorry, Robyn. Elwood was such a sweet cat and he was one I always loved hearing your posts about. I can’t believe he was only three years old – it feels so much longer than that. I hope you and Fred (and Jake and Tommy and the rest) are doing okay. Elwood is in my thoughts today ((hug)).

  6. This just breaks my heart reading this post this morning. I am so very sorry to hear of Elwood’s passing. The person who left him and Jake on your doorstep had no way of knowing what a beautiful life they would have with you and Fred. He was a beautiful boy and I will remember him with fondness. So very sorry for your loss.

  7. All I can say is how very very sorry I am that it was Elwoods time to go…And that my heart is breaking for you all. Him was a very good boy !!
    xoxo

  8. When the page started to load I just thought Oh no.. I am so, so sorry. FIP is such a horrible disease. I lost a cat to it seven years ago, my Akuma, who I’d had since he was a kitten. I felt so helpless and angry. But I’d loved him so well and he’d been a happy, confidant cat, and that’s what stayed with me. It’s clear Elwood was deeply loved and secure in a family that adored him. I am sorry he is gone. I am so glad you had each other.

  9. I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I always enjoyed reading about his escapades with Jake, Tommy and all the fosters. I’m sure he will be missed as much as he was loved. Special prayers to St. Francis for sweet Elwood will be said today. Hugs and love to you, Fred and the rest of the Crooked Acres gang :_(

  10. So very sorry, Robyn to see you and Fred lose such a wonderful love bug so suddenly and so near Christmas. He couldn’t have had a better life. My heart breaks for you two and all his kitty friends too.

  11. I’m truly sorry Robyn. We lost a kitten to FIP a few years ago and I know how horrible it is. My heart goes out to you both.

  12. I’m so sorry Robyn and Fred. He was such a love. Thank you for going the extra mile for him and letting him have more time with you and with his family. Love those pictures of him with the fosters. It takes a special heart to nurture children and it’s so uncommon among males.

    He was special. Please give Jake and Tommy and all the others a special hug.

  13. Aww, I’m so sorry. (((you)))

    My parents had to put their old dog down last night. She was a Rottweiler mix, which my mother insisted was impossible because she was “too sweet and loving to be a Rottweiler.” She had been horribly abused and neglected before being taken in by a rescue, and my mom had just decided to start fostering. She went to pick up the dog, and found a skinny, sickly creature so terrified of people, and with thick hair so full of mats and tangles, that she couldn’t and wouldn’t stand up. She moved around by crawling across the floor on her belly, with her tail wagging the whole way. It took three days to get all the mats out of her fur, and for all those hours that my parents spent trying to untangle and comb out or cut out the tangles, she licked their hands the whole time. We named her Patience.

    As she got older, she learned that she was in a safe place, and although she was supposed to be a foster, we all knew that she had already found her forever home. For some reason, she’d get especially excited when I came over to my parents’ house. When TJ came over she’d come inside if called, but when I came over she’d start scratching on the door and whining to come in. No idea why. When she wagged her tail, her whole hind end would swing back and forth, knocking over the other dogs and, until he got tall enough to outweigh her, TJ.

    In the last few years she was getting cataracts, losing her hearing, and developing a weird chronic cough. Any time she’d eat anything other than dry dog food, she’d get an upset stomach, but she continued to beg for it with very effective puppydog eyes. But she was always happy, wagging her butt the entire time anyone paid her any attention. Then a few weeks ago she started vomiting, a clear foamy liquid. I told my mom that it reminded me of an acquaintance’s cat’s illness, which turned out to be a tumor blocking the esophagus. My mom said that Patience was eating everything she could get her mouth to, but losing weight. They tried giving her baby food, Ensure, Pedialyte, plus all the medicines and most of the tests the vet wanted to try, but nothing made a difference. Yesterday she began vomiting nonstop in the morning, despite not having anything to eat since the night before (which she had vomited back up). They took her in and rubbed her ears, her second favorite Clever Human Trick (first being “opening the refrigerator”), until she closed her eyes and was gone. I had hoped she’d be able to hang on until TJ comes home to visit next week, but I’m happy she’s at peace now. I hope she and Elwood ran into each other and helped each other over the bridge.

    1. Rottweilers are known to be total love bugs. They get an unjust wrap! Your parent’s baby is a testiment to their true nature. So sorry for your loss.

  14. Robyn,
    This is so tragic. I am so very sorry for yours and Fred’s loss. I am sending hugs from Denver.
    -Anita

  15. Oh, Robyn, I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Elwood! It’s clear he was loved and had the best home any kitty could have wanted; this post is a lovely tribute to him. My cats Stanley and Willow and I are sending you and Fred and Jake and the other kitties some virtual hugs and squeaky purrs (from Stan – aren’t squeaky purrers the best?) I like to think he’s got Mr. Boogers to keep him company and show him the ropes.

  18. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Elwood couldn’t have stumbled on a better place to live his too-short life or two better humans to share it with.

  19. Robyn,

    Reading this makes my heart hurt. I’m so very, very sorry for your loss. Ellie Belly couldn’t have had a better life or been better loved.

  20. I’m so very sorry. FIP is cruel. Ellie was so young & vibrant (when I lost my kitty to it she was 17 so, while still hard, the decision was a wee bit easier to make) that it’s really painful to think of how much he’ll be missed by everyone/cat at Crooked Acres. Much love to you guys in this sad, sad time. *HUG*

  23. Oh Robyn — I’m so sorry to hear this. My heartfelt condolences to you, Fred and the rest of the permanent residents. Sending love and hugs (from the people) and purrs and gentle snuggles from Frannie, Zoe and Percy. RIP sweet Ellie Belly.

  24. Oh, I am so sorry. Crying at my desk here at work because I know each and every one of them is special to you, and the way you write about them makes them special to us. Will go home and hug my fur babies extra tight tonight.

  26. I am extremely sorry to hear about Elwood’s passing. You mentioned that he purred so hard that he squeaked sometimes. He must have been a real lovebug!

  27. Oh no! I’m so sorry about Elwood. Sweet baby boy 🙁

    Y’know, it’s really something how you open your home to us every day through this blog and we get to see how much you love all the animals in your care. And now those animals – and in particular the cats of course – have the love of not just two people, but of every one of us who keep checking in at Crooked Acres each week. Our hearts break along with yours and Fred’s when one of those sweet creatures is gone.

    As many have already said, I’ll be giving some extra hugs to my kitties today (like they don’t already get more than they can bear!) and I’m sure yours will too, especially Loony Jake and Tommy.

    1. Amen…well said!! They are all like they belong to all of us. We all love and care for each and every one of them. And we care for you, Robyn and Fred. God be with you.

  28. I’m so very, very saddened and sorry for your loss, Robyn and Fred. What a beautiful, loving boy Elwood was. Elwood knew how very, very much he was loved, as were his brothers. Always keep that with you, and he will remain alive in your heart, in your memories, and in your love for him. He is running free now at the Bridge with my beloved Mollie girl, my Rocky, Pooka, Shibbles, Finn and sweet gentle giant Rudi. Death can never take that from us – they are all with me in my heart, just as all your beloved angels are and always will be. I will light a candle for Elwood tonight, to help light his way. Please take care of your beautiful and wonderful and loving self, and know that we understand how you’re feeling, and how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye. With much love to you – June in Ireland

  29. I saw Fred’s Facebook post about this last night. Sitting here this morning, I’m sobbing like I lost a member of my own family.

    Robyn & Fred, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know, though, that Elwood had the best possible life with y’all. I’m glad that you were able to get that little bit of extra time with him.

    I’ll light a candle for Elwood and Crooked Acres tonight.

  31. So so sorry for the loss of your sweet Elwood…it’s always heartbreaking to lose one of our beloved furries. Sweet squeaky Elwood sure was a lovely boy, and I know he’s over by the Rainbow Bridge, running around with other furry angel friends, free of pain, and squeaking his way into everyone’s heart. Sending love, hugs, and purrs to you and Fred and the rest of the clan.

  32. Robyn, Fred and all at Crooked Acres…I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending postive thoughts to you all during this very hard time for your family. RIP dear Elwood.

  34. So sorry to read about Elwood…he was a special little lovebug and was so happy during his time with you and Fred…((hugs))

  36. Aw no….I’m so sorry. Goodbye sweet Elwood. Your cyber aunties and uncles will miss you. Hugs to you Robyn & Fred. He was such a lucky boy to have lived with you.

  38. I’m so sorry. It’s now the second time I’ve seen a case of FIP in a cat that wasn’t newborn or very old. The first time… my own poor Sava, 4 years old. Very, very cruel disease.

  39. Sending many internet hugs to you, Fred and all the kitties. I’m so sorry…I’m sure he lived a very happy life with you. Wherever you are Elwood, rest in peace.

  40. Oh Robyn…so very sorry to hear about Elwood. As always, you have some of the most precious photos as reminders of what he meant to you all…he had the greatest gift of all…a family that loved and adored him. Thank you again and again…for opening your hearts and home to the most special of kitties.

    Love and hugs to all!~
    Suzanne

  42. He ended up at the home he was meant to go to, he was loved, spoiled and happy, what more can a cat ask for? Hugs to both you and Fred…((HUGS))

  43. Oh this just sucks. I am so very sorry that Elwood got the nasty FIP and that he had to cross the bridge. I know what a wonderful home you gave him and he had tons of love with you. Sadly, I had to let my flame point meezer, Junior, cross the bridge on the 19th. After 5 days of hospitalization and several tests, we finally figured out he had a hold in his sotmach, most likely caused by cancer, and it had been leaking into his body. It was a rough five days, so I feel your sorrow. Elwood and Junior can explore together in their new home.

    ((HUGS))

  44. We’re so sad to hear about Elwood. His life wasn’t very long, but we know he was much loved and cared for. Hugs and purrs from our house.

    ikkkkloi (Sissy sends her sympathy, too.)

  45. Oh no. I am so so sorry to read this. Oh dear. 🙁 Purrs and hugs to all of you. Poor sweet angel Elwood. Run free now. Take care
    x

  46. Robyn, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I also wanted to say thank you. If I hadn’t randomly found your blog years ago, I’m not sure I would have realized that I am actually a cat-lover. Now, I recently adopted a kitten of my own and don’t know how I ever lived without cats. So from me and my buddy Bode, thanks so much 🙂

  49. I’m so sorry about Elwood. You write so well. I feel like I know all your babies. RIP, sweet Elwood.

  50. Breaks my heart to hear of Elwood’s passing. I am so very, very sorry that this had to happen. He had a wonderful life there with you & Fred, and most certainly was a happy kitty.
    Though I hated reading this news, I can appreciate how difficult it must have been for you to write about it & post the photos. I don’t think I could have. My 5yr old Bucky died about a year ago, and I still get teary-eyed looking at his pictures.
    Again, so sorry for your loss, and hugs & prayers to you and Fred.

  52. I literally went “Oh, no, Elwood!” when I saw the facebook story pop up in my feed. I’m so sorry you’ve lost him. He and Jake are about the same age as my two girls, and I can’t imagine what you and Fred have to go through. We’ll keep you in our thoughts.

    ….and I’ll laugh and laugh if another little Russian blue/korat kitten (or 2) pops into your life. 🙂

  53. Robyn-((hugs)) to you and Fred and all the the other permanents on the loss of Elwood. I didn’t get to know him very well but I wish him the best in his new life in the great beyond.

    I look forward to hearing about “new” fosters just in time for Christmas. Yay!

  54. My heart aches for you – I’m so sorry for the loss of your handsome boy. I have read your blog for a few years now and have gotten so much comfort and joy – I am now sending back healing prayers and blessings to you and your family.

  55. Oh Robyn and Fred, I’m so sorry. I’m sending you both and his kitty family hugs and maybe somewhere he’s playing with my Shortie, Doc and Kramer.

  58. I am so sorry for all of you in the loss of Elwood…I just said goodbye to Mabel as you know, so it is fresh with me what you go through with that. I only wished I lived close enough to come and hug and cry with you. You’re in my thoughts, for sure. I know he had a grand life with you. So amazing how they just wrap their paws around your heart–you wouldn’t have missed that for the world, but oh, the pain of missing them!
    have to settle for virtual hugs. Also hugging the other residents till they protest.

  59. I’m so, so sorry that Elwood is gone. He will be missed by all who read here but not half as much as you, Fred and your entire furry family. Hugs…

  60. His life was full of so much love. He was a happy cat and my heart aches for your loss. Sending you lots of warmth and love.

  61. I write this with tears streaming down my face…we lost our beloved 12 year old Jezabel 5 years ago in December so this month is still sad for me…even though I never met Elwood, I know I would’ve loved him with all my heart just as you and Fred did..and Jake and Tommy! Rest in peace sweet boy!! ♥♥

  62. Wishing Elwood an endless supply of snacks and sunbeams in Kitty Heaven. I think sometimes I love your cats like I do my own, you never fail to put me in tears with your eulogies. Thoughts are with you and Fred.

  65. So sorry, Robyn. 🙁 Elwood had the best life a cat could ask for, thanks to you and Fred. He’s now chasing many D-birds in kitty heaven.

  67. I am so so sorry. I have been an avid reader since 2008 and love all your babies. I’m crying because I am so attached to your guys as I’ve watched them grow. I know how difficult it must be, as I’ve lost a sweetheart before her time. Sending much love your way. He lived a full and happy love-filled life he wouldn’t have been able to get from anyone else. I’m positive of that.

  69. My condolences to you, Fred and all the non-human residents of Crooked Acres. I am fighting back tears over this news (I would actually shed the tears but am not in a situation to be able to do so now).

  70. Robyn and Fred and all the feline residents of Crooked Acres, please accept my deepest condolences. Elwood, sweet boy, rest in peace.

  71. Oh Robyn… Oh he was such a uniquely lovable boy. And so great with the kittens. I’m gonna miss that perpetually “smiling” face of his so much, and i know you, Fred, Jake and all the other residents will too. He was a great guy. And he had a beautiful life with you at the best place on earth to be a cat. My sympathies and love to you. <3

  74. so sorry for your loss. It never matters how old or sick they were,you are never prepared for the loss in your heart. Your brain may understand, but your heart wants them to stay.How are the others reacting?

  75. I can only add my sympathy. Elwood was a lovely cat; I’m glad you had him for as long as you did, and that he enjoyed his life so much.

  78. Oh, so so sorry. Such a beauty and sweetie. I’m glad he was able to go peacefully, though, and be buried in his favorite spot–a couple of small comforts.

    One of my cats might have FIP, the dry form. It’s still not certain. He is about 2 yrs. old. 🙁

  79. I am so sorry to hear this! It’s never easy to let go and it never gets easier. Many hugs to you and Fred.

  81. So sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a beloved cat to FIP years ago. How are the other kitties handling his passing? Do they seem to be mourning?

  82. I am so sorry for your loss. I cried when I read today’s post. Love to Jake and Tommy and everyone else.

  84. I’m so sorry – I saw this on Facebook last night, but I still cried when I read your post. Jake and Elwood have always seemed to me to be the center of your Permanent Residents (maybe because I love the names!). I can’t imagine Jake without Elwood – scritch his ears for me, and Tommy’s, too.

  86. Aww, damn. I’m so sorry to hear this, Robin, and much sympathy to you, Fred, and the rest of the critters. (I don’t know if cats notice these kinds of things, but why not give an extra scritch, y’know?)

  88. Dang. Double dang.

    Deep condolences from the land of aloha ~ thanks for the info on FIP.

    Peace to all of us this season of the renewing light.

  90. I let out an audible gasp when I saw the title of this post and then I cried. I’ve always been especially fond of Jake and Elwood from the day you found them in the box on the porch. It’s never easy when you loose a family member. My thoughts are with you, Fred and the rest of the Crooked Acres gang. RIP sweet boy.

  91. I’m so so sorry about Elwood. I lost my cat Fo several years ago to a congenital heart condition, so I understand how hard it is to lose a beloved cat.

  93. Ohhhh Robyn, I am soooo sorry. I couldn’t believe the news at first. I had to read the top of your post twice before I realized what had happened…and then I started to cry. And I’ve been crying the whole time as I read through all 195 comments before mine and then read the post again. My heart is breaking for you.

    I can’t believe that you had the strength to go through and look at your photos of Ellie-Belly to pick out the ones to share with us and to write about him. I lost my beloved first cat, Leila, in June, and I could not look at any photos of her until a month or two ago. And I still can’t bear to try to write about her. She’s not the first of my cats to die, but she was my first cat. And the pain of her loss is still fresh and raw. I think there are always some cats who are just extra special and who occupy a special place in our hearts that no other cat could ever replace. I suspect Elwood was one of those cats. I’m so sorry you had to part with him so early in his life.

    I too send my hugs to you, and Fred, and loony Jake and Tommy and all the other permanents.

  94. I’m so sorry Robyn and Fred! He looks just like my Smoky that I had to let go on the 3rd. FIP is a horrible disease like most of them are. I’m sure he will be sorely missed by all of you. Blessings to you all.

  95. Oh I am so very sorry! I hate FIP. It’s this lurking evil thing that you cannot (effectively) vaccinate against, nor treat long-term, nor can you know even which kitties might be vulnerable to it.

    Elwood clearly had a lovely comfortable life. He and his brother hit the jackpot being left with you.

  96. I am so sorry, Robyn. It just seems too awful to be true. Thank you for the loving tribute to your sweet boy – I hope he is playing and snuggling with Mister Boogers, Coltrane and Rupert now. Big hugs to you, Fred and the kitties, especially Jake and Tommy. And I hope the new foster babies will at least bring some smiles with their cuteness and kitteny antics. Take care.

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