Thursday – A Little Personal – Stella

~ John W. Howell

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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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

103 thoughts on “Thursday – A Little Personal – Stella”

  7. 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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  8. 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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  10. 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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  18. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  31. 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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  34. 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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  35. 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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  39. 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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  41. 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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  42. 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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  43. 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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  46. 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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