Our family is saddened that Stella succumbed to her age Tuesday. She passed peacefully and is now with her brother across the Rainbow bridge. We took her to the veterinarian, and he gave her what she needed to say goodbye.
Stella was born under a Mesquite bush in August 2001 in San Antonio Texas. She was one of five. She and her siblings were rescued, the mother spayed, released and all the kittens came to live at our house. They were bottle fed, and when old enough, her sisters were adopted by three other neighbors. She and her brother Frank were to remain with us to live the best life possible.
She did ask me to remind all pet owners that when it is time to help your pet in this transition, do it remembering the love your pet gave you. It is a sign of your love for them to make the ultimate sacrifice by letting them go.
Stella remains in our hearts but will be missed.
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Oh John.. I am sorry but you are right.. it is our last act of love for them despite it breaking our hearts. Stella will be missed.. she was the instigator of many a discussion on the events in and around your life. hugs to you and your wife.. and Lucy and Bailey too.. ♥
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Thank you so much, Sally. Your kind words are very comforting.
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I am so sorry for your loss, John. Our pets quickly become family, and loving them is so hard. Our thoughts are with you all.
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Thank you, Dan. The hard part is saying goodbye but at times it is the only choice.
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And you cared for her throughout…
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True, Dan.
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Sorry for your loss. All I can think of is how she always looked happy in the pics. Great reminder too.
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Thanks, Charles. She was a very happy cat with many memories.
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That sounds like the important part.
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True.
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Thinking of how much joy she’s brought me through your posts, John, and smiling now in memory. My heart goes out to you guys. Look after each other as the void we be felt. Much love to the four of you… ♡
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Thank you, Audrey. She is at peace as are we.
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I am so very sorry for your loss John. My tears are real. Stella will always be near in your heart.
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She will, Pam. Thank you for your words of support.
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Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sweet little Stella, may she Rest In Peace.❤️
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Thank you, Jill.
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My deepest sympathies, John, to you and your family. Offering prayers for all of you in this time of mourning.
Your pictures and stories of Stella always brightened my days. I know you’ll always treasure those memories she gave you.
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Thank you for the words of comfort, Staci. We will treasure her.
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Oh, John, this is such a beautiful remembrance of Stella. She became part of our lives through your blog. I’m very sorry for your loss and for ours. ♥
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Thank you, Gwen. I so appreciate your words.
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My sympathies. It never gets easier, but the time spent with them is more than worth the loss.
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You are so right about the time, Craig. Thank you.
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Oh, John, I am so sorry. This is such a lovely way to remember her by reminding pet owners that helping them out of their misery is the ultimate expression of love. I will miss Stella.
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Me too, Michelle. Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
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It is hard to lose a pet. I hope Stella is happily chasing the great laser pointer in the sky.
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I’m sure she is, Greg. Thank you.
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So very sorry for your loss. Your posts featuring Stella and her canine siblings were often the highlight of my day.
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The girls will go on. Thank you, Lynne.
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What a sweet tribute to a special pet. I’m so sorry for your loss, John. This is a very positive message about letting go….thanks.
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Thank you, Van. I had hoped it would be positive.
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I’m so sorry, John – I’ll miss seeing her sweet little face on Thursdays.
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Thanks, Teri.
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I’m so sorry to hear this my sweet friend. Our hogs and snout kisses always. XOXO – Bacon
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Thank you so much, Bacon. 🙂
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Oh, sweet, Stella… Thank you for the joy with which you lived your life. We shall keep your earth-bound family in our prayers. ❤
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Thank you, Annette. Such beautiful words of comfort. 🙂
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❤
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Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
Sadly, author John W. Howell announces the passing of his beloved furry kid, Stella, this past week. We will miss her too, John.
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Thank you, John.
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My pleasure, John.
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I’m very sad to read this and for your loss. It is hard when this point comes, but you are right we should remember all the joy they gave us. She will be missed, but will remain in all the hearts she touched.
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Thank you, DL. She was a proud kitty and we are better for having known her. 🙂
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So very sorry, John. The love we carry for our pets is such a beautiful gift. Goodbyes always suck. Really really suck. Thank you for sharing pictures and stories of her. Big hugs to you.
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Thank you, Natalie. Yes, the good-byes are hard but I’m so grateful for the memories.
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My condolences, John. We’ll miss her antics in the photos, but am glad we got to know her. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Phillip. She was a card for sure.
🙂
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I so sorry, John. Beautiful, beautiful Stella. You gave her a home with all the love she could ever crave. It’s so hard saying goodbye, but I know her little paw prints will forever remain on your heart.
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So true Mae. I still have fond memories of all my pets and now she has joined them.
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My heart is with you, John. I know – from my own experience – how hard it is to let go of an animal companion, but your decision was the right one. She has a better “life” now, in her eternal mousing-grounds. Thanks for having given her such a wonderful life.
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Thank you, Pit. Your warm thoughts are appreciated. 🙂
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🙂
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Poor Stella … poor you. I know she’ll be missed, and we’ll all miss reading about her antics. Such a true statement — “It is a sign of your love for them to make the ultimate sacrifice by letting them go.” It’s part of the contract we sign when we take on pet ownership. Sadly, it always comes too early. Big hugs, John.
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It always seems like the time is never enough. Seventeen years went by in a flash. Thank you for the support, Debbie.
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Seventeen years is a long time for a cat. Stella must have had good genes … and I know she had good owners!
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She was in good health until Hurricane Harvey. She did not do well in the evacuation
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I’m so sorry to hear about Stella. As a fellow pet lover and furry person Mom, I know she will be greatly missed. I will pray for you and your family.
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Thank you so much. We were lucky to build seventeen years of memories.
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Oh John, I am so sorry to hear this. Yes, love flows from our furry family to us and back to them and we are blessed to have them in our lives. It is a loving decision to help them on their way to join their spirit family, but so tough. Hugs for you, your wife, Lucy and Bailey too. ❤ Xx
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Thank you so much, Jane. Your words are comforting.
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Oh John, I actually have tears in my eyes as I read this. I know what a beautiful part of your family Stella was and my heart breaks for you. There is nothing else to say. I feel your loss. Hugs!
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Thank you, jan. She was wonderful and you are right. Thank you for the comforting words.
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John, I’m so sorry for your loss, it is like losing a child. They are such an important part of our families. Keep those good memories since pets now gone remain in our hearts forever.
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So true, Joan. Thank you.
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Oh, that is very sad, John. The loss of a beloved pet is difficult. I am so sorry.
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Thank you, Robbie.
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Lots of love and hugs to you and yours, John. Stella was a lovely little member of the family and I’m sure you ‘ll cherish lots of good memories. ❤
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We will, Jan. Thank you so much for the comforting words.
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Our sympathies, John. But I do love the idea of Stella and Frank frolicking on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. It’s like the Big Rock Candy Mountain … but for cats.
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I would like to hold that vision. Thanks, Kevin.
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So very sorry, John! It’s sad to loose Stella, a loving pet. Totally agree, in love we must help our pets make the last journey over the rainbow bridge. We’re done it a few times, and have two more dogs aging much too fast! 🐶🐶 Christine
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I know Christine. I just wish they lived longer but life is what it is. Thank you for the comfort.
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💛😻💛
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My heart goes out to you and Molly, John. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Great big hug.
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Thank you, Teagan. I appreciate your kind words. Hugs back.
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Oh, John, I’m very sorry. Stella was a beauty. I hope she enjoys chasing butterflies in Heaven {{hugs}}
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Thank you very much, Jacquie. You describe a beautiful vision. 🙂
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Stella brought joy not only to you but to those of us who got to know her through your posts. The dogs may even miss her. It is a difficult decision but a kind one in the end. I am sorry for your loss but you gave her the best life possible when you rescued her. She is now an Angel Cat!
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Thank you so much, Jo. It is comforting to think of her as an angel cat. 🙂
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I understand the closeness with a family pet. You become so warmly attached to them. Just like a beloved family member who passes, you miss them so and it messes up your comfort zone. But all the wonderful fun and funny memories stay forever!
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Thank you. The memories take over when the pain eases off.
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So sorry to read this. We’ve been through a rash of this over the last couple of years. I hope you are holding up okay. These blows always hurt.
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They do hurt, but she was such a good friend that the memory of her keeps us uplifted. Thanks for the kind words, Craig.
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Oh, I’m so sorry, John! I know how you love Stella. What a sad time for your family. Hugs to all of you, flesh and fur.
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Thank you, Luanne.
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Thoughts, love and prayers for your loss of beautiful Stella, John. Our kitty Midnight is 13 and we treasure each day we have her by our side. ❤ xo
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I can understand. Yes, Stella was seventeen and she just needed to rest. Thank you for the warm words, Bette.
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John – so very sorry for your loss. These little lives never stay with us long enough! Our ‘fur’ family members are always in our hearts and though we would love to keep them longer, the decision to let them rest when it’s their time is always bitter-sweet.
Best regards and may your heart be comforted – Mikel
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Thank you, Mike. Your words are of great comfort.
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So sorry for your loss! What a wonderful life you have given Stella. As you mourn your loss, may you also cherish the memories.
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Thank you for the comforting words, Cheryllynn. We have many cherished memories.
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So sorry for your loss John 😦 We have three right now and it is tough when they have lived a long life and ready to go to Kitty Heaven XO… She was a beauty. 17 is a long time for Cat years, so be proud you took such good care she made it to 17. They do become part of the family. My condolences my dear friend.
On a different note, Merry Christmas to you and the family XOXO
Catherine
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Thank you, Cat. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Hugs. 😀
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Oh, Stella… you will be missed by more people than you know. Thank you for coming into our lives. You were one terrific cat. John, how are Lucy and Bailey doing? Dogs know these things. And, how are you? My sympathies and very best wishes to you and your family.
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I know I already commented on Facebook, but I just had to pop over here and comment again. Finding that “perfect” time to let go is really, really hard. It takes a lot of strength, love, and unselfishness to let go when your furry pal needs you to let go. The best years of her life (her whole life) were with you. By the way, I told my husband that if we ever get another female kitty, I want to name her Stella ❤
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Aw. Stella would like that for sure. Thank you for the comforting words, Marie.
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❤️
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MWAH
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John, I’m so heartbroken for y’all. I know this pain well. Hugs my friend 💙
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Thank you, Lennon for the comforting words.
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😢 sorry to hear about Stella she was gorgeous
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Thank you, Charlotte. She was that for sure. 🙂
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Oh John I am so sorry I missed this post. I have been trying to catch up. While I am saddened by the loss of your beautiful Stella, it is good to know she had a wonderful life amd you understand the importance of letting go. Hugs to you and the redt of the gang. 😞
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Thank you, Cheryl. She was at peace and left us in the same care we gave her for seventeen years. We miss her but her memories remain.
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