My parents had to bid farewell to Nella today. She had been suffering with kidney failure for a few years. Within the last few days, Nella stopped eating and had difficulty walking for any more than a few steps. My Dad emailed me this morning to inform me that they would be taking Nella to the Veterinarian for one last visit. We are all filled with sadness. She was such a wonderful companion to my parents for 13 years. I spent the day running errands, but Nella and my parents were never very far from my thoughts.
When I arrived home, Don said there was a message from my Dad to call him. They said goodbye to Nella at 11:30 this morning. We talked about our grief for a bit and then he said they had ‘2 visitors.’ ‘Who?’ ‘Lydia and Luke.’ (I had never heard my parents mention a Lydia or a Luke.) It turns out they are 2 abandoned kittens that the Vet had been fostering. They have been adopted by my parents. I couldn’t be happier for them. For my Mom and Dad, Nella was a constant source of amusement and delight. They loved watching her and cuddling her. They need that. They need, like all of us, to nuture and take care of something. Lydia and Luke found my parents and I have to believe that Nella would be happy for them.
Betty Jo says
Ohhhhhh, I’m so very sorry for your parents loss. How hard it is to let a beloved pet go. I’m delighted that they brought home other kitties though. What perfect timing! ♥
Marsha (Sassy Mini Dolls) says
I am so so sorry for your parents’ loss. I know how much they loved Nella and how much she loved them. There is a new angel at Rainbow Bridge today.
Nella sent Lydia and Luke to your mom and dad because she didn’t want them to be alone! I look forward to hearing about their antics!
I will say a prayer to St. Francis for Nella tonight when I pray for Hannah.
((Hugs))
Marsha
Tracie~MyPetiteMaison says
Ahhh, Claudia… my heart feels for you, your mom and your dad. How wonderful that Nella had a very loving home with people that really cared for her and let her sit in front of the keyboard like a princess! I think it’s really good your parents have Lydia and Luke, all animals need lots and lots of love.
My thoughts are with you.
xo~Tracie
Lisa says
I am so sorry about Nella, I am glad your parents found 2 new additions to their family! We too foster kitties and have 2 now that need a home. We had a woman who lost her sweet kitty one day on a normal visit. Coming to the vet really stressed him. and she picked out 2 of our sweeties that day. She waited a few days to take them both. But has been thrilled ever since. Some people need lots of time but us real animal people cannot go without long! Glad your family had a good day after all.
Hugs, Lisa
Country Wings in Phoenix says
Oh Claudia sweetie, please tell your Moma and Daddy I am so sorry about Nella. The love the three of them shared for these 13 years, will always just be a memory away.
They will see Luke and Lydia do things that will constantly remind them of Nella. They are such wonderful people to give these two little orphans a good home for their 13 lives. When we get older, yes we do so love to nuture something and be needed. It is just wonderful theraphy to have pets to love. Please tell them I said congratulations on their new twins. How exciting. I can’t wait to see pics. Please tell them to share soon.
Country hugs sweetie and so much love, Sherry
RIZZI says
HI CLAUDIA,
SO SAD, A LOSS OF A PET CAN BE HEARTBREAKING. I AM HAPPY FOR YOUR MOM AND DAD THAT THEY HAVE LYDIA AND LUKE. THEY WILL BRING YOUR PARENTS JOY. HAVE A NICE DAY. RIZZI
Beth says
What perfect balance! I’m sure Nella would be glad your parents have Lydia and Luke to keep them company. It is so hard to say goodbye to our constant companions. Such little kitties have such a huge presence.
Dogwood says
I am so sad about Nella. It is amazingly hard to loose a pet. We lost our orange tabby cat last year. Buster was a wondeful pet and gave us so much love and amusement! Loving thoughts for you parents…
Karyn Bernard (French Charming) says
I’m so sad to hear about Nella, it’s so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet. My thoughts and prayers are with you parents and I hope that their loss is somehow bearable with the adoption of Lydia and Luke. I know they have found a good home and will be well loved!
Hugs to you sweet friend!
Elyse says
so sorry to hear about nella but glad to hear about L&L.
xo
Jill says
Oh Claudia, I’m so sorry to hear the news about Nella. I know you adored her. I’m so glad that Luke and Lydia have found their way into your parents’ lives.
Hugs,
Jill
Melanie@The Old White Cottage says
I’m so sorry. I lost my dog 2 years ago and I still miss her. I hope their new companions can ease their grief.
kimsminiatures says
I’m so sorry Hugs~ Kim
The Feathered Nest says
Oh Claudia, I’m so sorry for the passing of precious Nella…and yet how wonderful for them to have adopted Lydia and Luke ~ I’m sure these kittens will be adored!! They all need one another right now ~ hugs and love, Dawn
Cindy says
I’m sorry to hear of Nella’s passing…but how wonderful that your folks can pour their love onto a duo of kittens who can help ease the grief :)
GardenofDaisies says
I am so sorry about Nella! And yes, Nella is very glad that your parents are providing for two little cats who needed a loving place to call home.
We just went through this same thing with our cat before Thanksgiving. It’s heartbreaking. We adopted two new cats within just a few days. We felt our house was not complete without a little feline friend or two. And they helped us to get past the sadness.
Brynwood Needleworks says
Hi Claudia:
Sorry to hear about sweet Nella. It’s never easy to say godbye to a beloved pet. Although they can never been replaced, I’m sure that Lydia and Luke are going to help your parents through their loss.
We can draw comfort in the fact that our pets will be waiting for us…whole and healthy…when it’s our time.
Hugs,
Donna
Sares says
I am so sorry for your parents, it is so hard to lose a beloved pet. I am SURE the two new babies will make the transition much easier. God Bless sweemelbyet Nella.
Kitty M says
Hello Claudia what a beautiful blog you have, I am only sorry to have found it on a sad day for your family :-( I have a little cat Poppy who has been a constant companion for the past ten years we would be lost without her so I am very sorry for your loss xxx
The Curious Cat says
So sorry to hear about Nella…we lost our cat Boris that way a year ago…it is so sad…at least she lived to a good old age and I think it is wonderful that your parents have adopted those needy little kittens…sometimes people are put off doing this straight after the death of a pet but I think it is good to because there are so many animals in need of a good home and love. It helps mend the broken heart a little too, and Nella will always be there in your memories…and I’m sure she had a very happy life, which not all pussycats are lucky enough to get. xxx
Paula says
So sorry for their loss Claudia:)
Nella’s in a better place, free of pain and that must bring comfort.
How sweet they have 2 new loving creatures:)
Donna says
Oh, Claudia, my heart is breaking for your mom and dad. I know only too well the heartache that they are experiencing. Nella certainly had a long and happy life thanks to them.
I am thrilled that Lydia and Luke found their way into your parents’ hearts though. They are two very lucky kitties to have found such a wonderful forever home!
Donna
Kim says
I’m so sorry to hear about Nella. It’s so hard to make the decision to stop the suffering of our beloved pets- I feel so much for your Mom and Dad-I’ve been there too and it hurts. Lydia and Luke are so blessed to have such wonderful new parents- they will have a good home with your Mom and Dad.
A big hug for you Claudia♥
Michelle@Fromhousetohome says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is wonderful that Nella helped fill the void by bringing them together with new babies to love.
~Michelle
Bunny Rose Cottage says
Oh no!! I am so so sad to read this Claudia :( After just seeing Nella on your previous post. This just breaks my heart! Poor baby :( I love animals so much and it is so hard when they pass. I am so glad that two babies have now been adopted into a loving home, that is great news!
Love and hugs to all,
Amy
Queen of Dreamsz says
Hello Claudia,
I’m so sad for the passing of Nella. I know how she will be missed…but I’m really excited that those two kittens “just happened to be at the vets” waiting for your parents to arrive. :0)
I definitely believe that everything happens right on time even when we do not understand it or that it saddens us or makes us happy….
Hugs,
Stephanie
Mary says
Such a heartwarming story – the loss of a pet pal is always so hard, but bringing home sweeties who need love makes it a truly wonderful thing.
Coralie Cederna Johnson says
Your parents are the BEST! Giving a home to two new kitties just as they are forced to say good-bye to their dear Nella, beloved member of the family. I’m sad for their loss but so proud of them to opening their home and hearts to the new kids! Such kindness is wonderful!
Cozy Little House says
Oh, I’m so sorry, Claudia. I’ve been outside the past couple of days and haven’t read this till now, Thursday morning. The new members of the family may not ease their grief, but will fill them with love that will help them heal.
Brenda
Sweet Cottage Dreams says
How so sad…..
Sweet little Nella is in Heaven now…she has crossed that Rainbow Bridge.
It is so difficult to lose a loving pet. I am so sorry for your parents’ loss.
hugs,
becky