Valentine's Day will never pass by without me thinking of two of the most loved and loving cats that I had the privilege to share my life with.
Mr. Ed and his beloved Lily.
I captured this photograph of their embrace that symbolized a heart. They met when Ed was almost twenty and Lily was thirteen.
Lily, who was seven when I adopted her, was my cuddle-bug for years. She would love to curl up on my lap anytime, day or night. She followed me around like a puppy.
That is, until the summer of 2009 when a nineteen year old, blue-eyed, seal-point Siamese entered her life.
I adopted Mr. Ed from the Lanark Animal Shelter. He was nineteen, toothless, emaciated and depressed. He was brought into the shelter with numerous other cats from one home where their needs were not being met. He was in a sad state. When I saw him and read his bio I didn't expect he would be adopted. He was too old and worn out. No one would want him at that advanced age. He looked like he didn't have much time on this planet and would more than likely cost a fortune to improve his health.
So...I brought him home. lol
Once we got Ed's health where it should be (and it did not break the bank and I thank my wonderful vet, Dr. McEwan for helping him) which took about two months, he blossomed into one of the most handsome felines I had ever seen. He was magnificent. Lily thought so, too.
It was love at first sight for Lily and they spent every hour of the day and night attached at the hip, so to speak.
They were together for almost six years. We knew we did not have a long time with him and enjoyed every minute we could loving up this fella. And at the ripe old age of twenty-five, we sadly said farewell to our beloved Ed. It broke our hearts. I worried so much about Lily. It was a very sad time.
Our Annie soon took Lily under her wing as cats are very aware when someone is depressed. She stayed by her, slept with her and stretched out in front of the wood-stove with her in the evenings.
It was wonderful to watch Lily come back to us from Annie comforting her and have her once again be the contented cat we knew and loved.
Valentine's Day will always bring back those memories of Ed and Lily and our now beautiful Annie and how they were there for each other in their time of need.
Mr. Ed and Lily are resting side by side now on our property.
Together again as it should be.
=^..^= =^..^=
A big "Happy Valentine's Day" to everyone from all at the mouse-house.
Deb, Gary, Annie, the audacious Audrey & free-loading Forrest. xoxoxoxoxo
Oh! My goodness! I lost the post half
ReplyDeleteway through...Oh! Dear! Bless!xx
It's o.k. l can see it now!
I still think that my most favourite
photo, is the bottom one...'Theirs was
a love~story'...Followed closely by the
one of Simon..up there on the right!
Happy St Valentines Day to one and all,
especially the furry ones! Bless!x
what a lovely *sob* sad *sob* story! how lovely that you took in a poor old man & nursed him back to health *bawls* & he also found love! awesome!
ReplyDeletebrought back memories of B.B. my dog when she lost Teddy, she was so incredibly sad, & they say animals don't mourn, pffftt. what do they know? loved the story of Mr Ed & Lily, have been curious about those two ever since i saw them on the side bar.
i still cry when i'm gardening near where all mine are buried too.
thanx so much for sharing a beautiful love story
What a wonderful Valentine story. Bless you for taking him out of the shelter and providing a wonderful home for him.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful story. I always loved reading about Ed and Lily. What a gift it was to Ed to bring him home with you, and what a gift it was to Lily, too.
ReplyDeleteThose two stole my heart when I started reading your blog. I will always think of them and true love. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful love story! Hugs and love to Just Cats!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful kitty love story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us~
ReplyDeleteOoh Deb, what a wonderful story of Mr. Ed and Lily, it made my heart skip a beat.
ReplyDeleteHe lived out his life, content, well-loved and with a companion by his side, what could be better, especially on this day for lovers...
Wishing you and yours a Happy Valentine's Day dear friend.
You have a huge heart !
Hugs,
~Jo
~Jo
Bless you for bringing such love and life to these precious cats.
ReplyDeleteA most beautiful story Deb ... thank you for sharing it with us this Valentines Day. I must confess I could barely make it to the end & see the screen as my eyes were so "fogged over". What a wonderful love story they had & are now resting together x x x x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb, for this wonderful reminder of the unconditional love animals have for one another and those of us who love them. The photo you took of Ed & Lily forming a heart shape is amazing! It's always been one of my favorites on your sidebar too, as someone above said.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to you too. You are such a loving person. Sending love your way from Nebraska ><>
P.S. Tears here too.
The devotion that animals often develop for one another is heart-warming. How wonderful that Mr.Ed had a second chance at life and was loved.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful love story, and I'm so glad you took in Ed at his age and gave him a happy home for 6 years!! You are truly an angel! xo
ReplyDeleteThey were just right for each other.
ReplyDeleteTears of joy that you were able to rescue Ed and thus he found his Lily. Tears of sadness that they are no longer with you. And dear little Annie who gave Lily the love to ease the grief. Kitties are the most amazingly sensitive little beings. I'm thankful every day for their presence in my life.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
Hi Audrey!
THe love in your heart shines thru your words Deb...
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely story...💕
Cheers!
Linda :o)
aww what a wonderful story of Mr. Ed and Lily and Annie. You are such a good soul for taking in these kitties...even when they're old and worn out. Bless your good heart. Thank you for the lovely blog!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very touching story. Very beautiful cats.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is happy and sad at the same time. Love those two. ♥♥
ReplyDeleteSuch an endearing love story! Siamese cats seem especially to take up large portions of your heart. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be the loveliest love story of today Deb.
ReplyDeleteFancy Mr. Ed getting a new lease on life when he met Lily - 25 is amazing.
Sweet Annie too.
You are the best kitty catty lady ever - so many cats have you to thank for many special years of happy living.
Bl
Happy hearts Day. Thx for sharing. Gail
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling Ed and Lily's story; I had not gotten in on the beginning of their relationship. Twenty five, my goodness. I've never had a cat live anywhere near that long. Did you feed something special?
ReplyDeleteHe did love his moist Wellness Chicken. My vet told me that Siamese have a longer life in general and that the oldest one in her practice was just shy of 30.
DeleteThat's a perfect Valentine story. Sheer devotion and true love.
ReplyDeleteBest love story EVER. ♥
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Gosh. How sweet! I loved that story. Thank you so much for sharing. Cats are amazing when it comes to sensing sickness, depression, etc. I totally believe that. One night when my heart was racing and would not settle down, Jason's cat Spice came and sat on my chest, right over my heart, for hours while I rested. I did not put her there. She did it on her own and stayed! I think she knew...
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lynn
Oh Deb, I'm so glad I didn't miss this sweet story. What a perfect Valentine love story and they do look like a big fluffy heart. You have such a tender heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for telling the story of Mr. Ed and Lily. I've loved looking at their picture on your side page and always wondered about their story. And what a beautiful story it is!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for loving Mr. Ed in his twilight years! they are both beautiful fur babies. : )
Ed and Lily! My goodness, theirs was the love story we want for ourselves! They brought us such amazing joy and happiness. I've never forgotten them. Their love for each other will always warm my heart. I can only hope that their life forces are together showering the universe with their special magic.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved their story.
ReplyDelete