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.

“Hi, John.”

“Well, Hi, Stella. What you up to today?”

“Nothing much. I just wanted to check and see what you were doing.”

“I’m putting a finishing touch on a story for tomorrow.”

“Isn’t tomorrow the  Thursday post, A Little personal?”

“It sure is.”

“Doing a feature on the canines?”

“No. It is all about you.”

“About me? How appropriate. Can I get up on your desk?”

“Sure. Let me move a little, and you can jump up.”

“Um. I think I need a lift. Grab that glass of water as well.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You know I’m getting up there.”

“Yes, Stella. We talked about that last week.”

“I know, but when you said, “Jump.”

“Wishful thinking I would guess. Here you go.”

“Terrific, John. You sure I’m not putting you out?”

“Oh, no. I can write just fine from over here. Your foot just made your photo go away.”

“Ah, you can get it back. Right?”

“Of course I can. You just take your time and enjoy the water.”

“You know I need to get down now.”

“Given the fact you have permission to walk on the keyboard and drink water on my desk, I’m sure you want down.”

“You’re the best, John.”

“You too, Stella.”

“So Stella, what are you doing behind that chair?”

“Well. John, it’s like this. I can’t seem to find a place for a nap with those canines running around.”

“Come out here. That’s no place to nap.”

“Okay, John. I’m here.”

“What is the problem?”

“Whenever I try to lay down those oafs run over me.”

“That’s not good. What do you suggest?

“Take em outside and play doggie games with them. You know, heave something and have the fools go get it.”

“Alright Girls. Here is a toy.”

“OMG Boss. Please don’t throw it.”

“Yeah, Pops. We get the outdoor stuff. Not in the mood to put that dirty thing in my mouth.

“It’s not dirty, Bailey. Look.

“Bailey, don’t look. That thing looks like it has been outside for a month.”

“I just brought it out here. Honest.”

“Okay, Bailey. He threw it over there. I’m going to get up and take a look.”

“Go for it, Lucy. I’m staying right here.”

“Ya ha ha ha, Bailey. He actually washed it since the last time.”

“I told you two. It’s clean.”

“Let me see. Oh for heaven’s sake. Smells like Dawn.”

“You want clean, right? That’s what they use to get the oil off of birds.”

“Lucy. It may be just me, but I don’t even look like a bird do I?”

“No Bailey. You are a boxer. Boxers don’t play with toys that smell like Dawn.”

“Nice try, Boss. Bailey and I aren’t falling for it.”

“Yes, pops. You might as well hang it up. This toy is dead to us.”

“You guys stay out here. I’m going inside.

“Hey, Stella. Oops. I see you found a place to nap.”

“Huh. Sure did John. Any luck with the canines?”

“No, they didn’t want to play.”

“Too bad. Now maybe you could go outside and try again.”

“I think you are trying to get rid of me.”

“I don’t care what people say. I think you have a good grasp of the obvious.”