My beautiful Lily
She has lived with us for 12 years now. She was another 'sorry sight' when she arrived. Her story is one of sadness and abandonment She was found as a kitten in a barn by an elderly woman who cared for and loved many stray cats. The old woman was very loving and gave her a few good years. As she aged, the woman had people move in and care for her. They were not feline-friendly and the cats were put into another building in the yard. They were fed daily but that was all the attention they received. There were 14 cats crowded together, living in a small shed-like building. The cats were fed off of one large plate in the center of the floor.
Lily was shy and afraid of some of the bigger male cats so ate very little food. After months of this terrible situation, they were found by someone who was very experienced with cat rescue and she immediately picked them all up. She called everyone she knew who she thought could help.
Lily came to me with a mouth full of rotten teeth and damage to her gums from lack of nutrition. After 24 hours of her vomiting up every bit of food given to her I took her to the vet. Her gums were infected and it was causing her stomach to react. They advised that all her teeth be removed. This poor cat. What an ordeal for her to go through. I reluctantly handed her over but knew that there was no choice in the matter. After surgery and some time at the clinic, I picked her up and brought her to her new home. She settled in quickly. I remember walking the floor with her wrapped in a blanket, keeping her calm. She did very well after surgery living on baby food for a week. Soon she was eating regular meals again. She has blossomed over the years and became one of my most treasured cats.
I love her so much and now I watch her age and start to fail. Her heart is not good but it keeps beating in spite of the vet's diagnosis. She is 18 now and spends her days with her Siamese friend,
Ed.
Two lost souls found each other and neither of them have a tooth in their head.
hugs, Deb
Forgive me for asking, but what happens to the one left after one of them dies? They seem to be so close.
ReplyDeleteDon't think I don't worry about this. One good thing is that they also get along great with the other three cats and will have to adapt with time. You may not realize this but Ed will be 25 in May.
DeleteYes, I know about Ed's remarkable age. I've never heard of a cat living that long.
DeleteWhatever happens, I know that they will get the best care and love from you!
How fortunate for Lily that she was rescued, she is a wonderful little soul. I didn't know she was toothless too, she and Ed are certainly made for each other.
ReplyDeleteI am watching my Kona fade and I agree, it's hard. I just love her as much as I can.
What a sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteSweet Lily and Ed have a special place in my heart! When I watch them sleep curled up next to each other it just makes me think that getting old with a best friend is not all that bad! Hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteAwww it made my heart swell to read that lovely story about sweet Lily. How lucky she is to have found a home with you and a sweetheart in Mr Ed.
ReplyDeleteSmooches
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx
oh, they are so cute. it nice they found such a great home! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Debbie
This brought tears to my eyes, especially the last picture.
ReplyDeleteGlad Lily got to live with you to a ripe old age of 18 despite having no teeth! My Manny Boy has very few teeth and I dread having to take him in for his teeth cleaning because he won't be able to eat before going and the only way I get him to walk into the carrier on his own is to bribe him. The chase, catch and drop method is hit or miss. Sometimes I win, sometimes he escapes and gets out of his appointment!
ReplyDeleteWELL, this breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes, so early in the morning. I shall never understand humans who lack the compassion for animals. Mae was rescued from a similar situation. I am so very thankful that Lily was rescued and found her way to a loving family. The sight of Ed and Lily cuddling together is truly heartwarming.....there is always something to be thankful for everyday....they are so precious...
ReplyDeleteI have such a soft spot for Lily and Mr Ed.
ReplyDeleteEven though this story makes me want to cry, I keep trying to remember that is is treasured and loved now.
Such a sweet, gentle little soul is your Lily.
Tears in my eyes ... gentle hugs to Lily and Mr. Ed ... and you!
ReplyDeleteLily and Ed....squeeeeeee! We love this beautiful old couple so much. Lily is such a beautiful cat and carries her age very well. It's got to be heartbreaking for you to see her begin to slow. I simply cannot bear to think of a world without Lily or Ed. They are the one thing that can always bring sunshine into my heart.
ReplyDeleteEd and my mum share a birth month: I like that.
I want to warp my arms around her,and bury my face in her fur. I love oldies.
ReplyDeleteJane x
I meant WRAP my arms!!
DeleteJane x
Very lucky cats to have found you!
ReplyDeleteShe is just so lovely and I'm so glad she found her perfect forever home with you. And that pic of her and Ed is so heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteThat is a sweet love story on many levels. J
ReplyDeleteLily's story makes me tear up. Can't bear to think of her in that situation, but what a blessing you took her. She must be the sweetest little soul. And I just love to see her and Ed together.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that came Lily to have the home she has with you. You rescued her and gave her so much love and care... thank you. And thank you that she gets a special treat of milk/cream every morning... Bless you, Deb.
ReplyDeleteSending special love to Lily and her Mr. Ed today. How I wish I could hold them gently close and press my face into the fur – ever, ever so gently.
Love,
Another Lily, WA, USA
What a sad start poor Lily... when I read or hear about these cruel situations (I went through this several times) I think life is unfair but at the same time because of this terrible situation both of you had the opportunity to meet each other♥
ReplyDeleteAfter all that suffering Lily couldn´t be more safe, loved and lucky all these years enjoying now her last years next to Ed, to you and your lovely family!
Loves Lily Ed and Deb♥♥♥
Thanks for sharing this story. We love these two older and gooder kitties
ReplyDeleteAll the pain Lily once had to endure are nothing but the odd, fleeting nightmare now. She knows only peace and love and contentment with her family and friends. It'd be a happy ending - but Lily isn't finished yet. May she have much more time with you and Ed.
ReplyDeleteWe are sad Lily had to endure some years suffering in the hands of fools before she came to you.We are very happy though to know that she has spent many, many, many more years with you in the lap of love and luxury. Oh were all the mistreated animals out there so fortunate!
ReplyDeletethe critters in the cottage xo
What a kind person you are to take in these two lost souls. I lost my ancient siamese last May. She was 21 years old. It's hard to watch them fade but you should feel good about the great life they have had... Sucks about the teeth, though. Mary A
ReplyDeleteMiss Lily and Mr. Ed's friendship story brings tears to my eyes. Bless them and you as well.
ReplyDeleteAndrea in Calif
Beautiful story and beautiful cats.
ReplyDelete