“Hey, Boss.”
“Hi, Lucy. How are things?
“I’m a little worried about Stella.”
“Tell me.”
“Well, I was going to chase her yesterday, and she wouldn’t take off.”
“Ah. Yes, Stella has arthritis, and it is progressing.”
“Arthur Ritis? Let me at the guy.”
“It is not a guy, Lucy it is a condition that comes with old age. Notice Stella is sleeping more?”
“I notice Pops. She is downstairs asleep right now.”
“Yes, Bailey. After all, Stella is almost seventeen years old.”
“Better give that to them in human years, John. Otherwise, they won’t get it.”
“Good idea Stella. I thought you were asleep downstairs.”
“Said the Einstein in the dog collar.”
“Well, Lucy. Stella is over one hundred and nine years old.”
“Wow. Boss, that is old. I never realized. Is she okay?”
“She is feeling fine. Just much slower. I think your game of chase the kitty is over.”
“I see that, Boss. I hope she will be fine.”
“Sadly, Lucy you can’t stop time. We all have to prepare to say goodbye to those we love.”
“Good job, John. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you, Stella. I love you.”
Aw…this was so sweet, John. Thanks for the early morning smiles. xo
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Thank you, Jill. 🙂
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Nice, John. Our Trevor (JRT) is suffering a little in that department, too. Sadly, Eos (two years younger, larger and much fitter) doesn’t appreciate it.
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I can understand. For some reason Lucy does get it. She gives Stella a kindly nudge now and then but knows there will be no game of tag. By the way, Stella loved to tease Lucy into chasing her.
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Hey … I liked that.
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Thank you, Andrew.
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Out of the mouth of babes, a truth we want to ignore – life is too fleeting. Beautiful reflection, John.:)
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Thank you , Gwen. The fur kids give a lot of comfort and joy and you are right, the time with them is fleeting. 🙂
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Poor kitty. Sorry to hear about the arthritis.
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It is sad to see her slow down, but we keep her comfortable. Thanks, Charles.
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She does look happy in the pics.
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She is happy and loved so we take it one day at a time.
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Awwww. Lucy does have a concerned look, she seems so sweet. Time marches on, but it can be sad.
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So true. And so sad. Thanks, Dan.
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😦 Great big hug, John.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs back.
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The ending brought me to tears. Such an understanding between those eyes and yours. Hugs.
And Lucy? That face!!! *kisses* Sweet girl!
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The ending brought me tears as well, Audrey. She has a trust in me that is beyond what one would expect from a pet. I will be heartbroken when it is time to say goodbye. Thank you.
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I sensed the bond from your words, John. Even after months of getting to know Stella, your words on this post show your love. (((Hugs)))
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Thank you, Audrey.
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Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
John W. Howell gifts us with a sober and moving exchange between himself and his furry kids. Please enjoy!
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Always a joy, John. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie. 😉
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Stella has such a sweet face.
I loved that Lucy was ready to take on “Arthur Ritis” on Stella’s behalf. This was just so heartwarming!
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I couldn’t have said it better, Mae – exactly what I was thinking.
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Thanks, Teri
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Thank you, Mae.
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Nicely explained. Our oldest cat, Thunder, 16 years old has slowed down, too… But still rules the house and dogs:)
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I believe the evacuation from Hurricane Harvey had a negative effect. Stella was much older acting after that experience.
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Awww! But there’s good news, John. One chart of cat ages I saw puts 17 at just 84 human years! 😺
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That is not too bad. Of course Stella is getting thinner and slower and I’m afraid the rainbow bridge is not too far away. Thanks, Kevin.
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Beautiful post. Aging is never easy whether you are a cat or human.
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No it isn’t. I would rather age and let the fur people stay the same forever. But of course, that is very selfish.
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Wonderfully funny and sad at the same time!
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You’ve captured my feelings exactly, Kim. Thank you.
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Lovely as always John and had not idea Stella was so venerable.. good on her and she still has all her marbles… we are dog sitting today for our neighbours and I had no idea how much I had missed having a fur baby sat in the chair next to the desk, giving me nudges from time to time. xx
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I still miss Stella’s brother sitting on my desk. He was with me every day while I wrote. Stella does a visit but not long.
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Stella is beautiful! We had a Siamese, Smokey. She lived 23 yrs. Broke our hearts to say goodbye.
Hugs, John
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I can understand that, Jacquie. I think saying goodbye to Stella will break my heart as well. Thanks.
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Aw, gee, it’s tough getting old, even for our pets. I’d have never guessed Stella was that age — she wears it well!
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She is dignified that’s for sure. Thanks, Debbie.
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Such a sweet post.
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It is one of those twilight things. Thanks, Craig.
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Aw…sadly we outlive most of our fur friends. Stella looks good for her age!
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She does except when she walks. She is very thin as well.
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Awwww – Loved the photos but this was a sad one. It is the price of loving critters that don’t live as long as we do, but it still makes me blue to think about the furry angels who once graced my life 😦 — even though Shih Tzus are a long-lived breed. Tabitha, my last little girl, stayed with me for 19 years. Tink just turned 3 so, hopefully, I have many years left with this particular fur-baby.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!
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When we give them the best life possible, we honor their loyalty. I feel your loss of Tabitha and joy with Tink at the same time. Thank you, Madelyn.
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Aww! This is so sweet, John, but also so sad. 17 years old is pretty ancient for a dog.
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Thanks, Robbie.
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Awww… so nice, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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My pleasure, John.
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Cats are always so composed and dignified right up to the end. So long as she’s happy in her favourite places and purring up a storm, each day if a gift. Good to know that the pups are accepting the slower pace too! 😀
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You said it. Each day is a gift.
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Such a touching ending! Our 12 yr old Diva Dog is having some health issues and we need to be prepared for the end. We’re hoping to have many more years with her despite the issues.
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I hope so too, Deborah. We are nearing the end I’m afraid. Of course you can never tell and it is one day at a time.
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Here too now…one day at a time. 😦
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Hugs
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So sad. Hugs.
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Thank you, Traci.
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😞hug to you and the kids John.
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Thanks, Cheryl.
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Thank you, Traci
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