King Kitten
☆ October 19, 2015
I knew, when I posted a picture of Mushy on Instagram, I’d get a question about Eli. I also felt a twinge of weirdness when I posted, a couple of weeks ago, that everyone in the Farmily is doing great. It’s true – everyone here is great. But Eli isn’t here anymore. I am really having a hard time with this – even though it happened a while ago, this is honestly the first moment I’ve had it in me to acknowledge it here. And that’s as far as I can go right now – just acknowledging it. I have a lot written which isn’t ready for public consumption, but when it is, I’ll share it. For now, I’m just going to cry again.
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October 19th, 2015 @ 7:56 am
*sits down and cries with you*
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:00 am
Oh Shreve, I’m so sorry. :’-(
I had to say good-bye to my own 18.5yo orange tabby love-bug this summer, and it was one of the absolute worst things I’ve ever been through. Many, many tears shed, and her absence still felt.
They give so much, and we don’t (or at least I didn’t) realize just how much until they’re gone.
Hugs and solidarity, sister.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:01 am
I cry with you for your loss of love and it brings my loss to the forefront seven years later. These loves, they do remain within our hearts and we miss them always. Be kind to yourself, Shreeve.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:01 am
Sending heart hugs and love to you!
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:02 am
Can’t believe it… In tears. So sorry…
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:09 am
Fair enough, we don’t need EVERY piece of your heart.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:11 am
Wait, what? Eli’s gone? Naturally the first thing that comes to my mind is how Charlie took it…
That -sucks-. Losing a furbaby is the worst thing ever. Sending good thoughts to you from Ohio…
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:16 am
My best (feline) friend passed this past January. Her spirit, her friendship wanted to remain with me, but her body betrayed her and needed to leave. That horrible day feels minutes back. I read a beautiful passage regarding we humans, we have enough room in our heart to love another beating heart that needs our care.
I see Mushy found you.
Blessings to you and your family.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:16 am
Doing what kittens do best; he’s adorable. Sad that Eli is gone.:(
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:21 am
So sorry to hear about Eli. Its never easy losing a family member especially the furry kind. I hope it was natural causes but even so he is happy and feeling good where he’s at now.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:22 am
You have given Eli (and all your animals) the best possible life for him. You never once tried to make him someone he was not; just loved his essential lordly nature. It doesn’t make it hurt less , but I hope you take solace in knowing he had a great life with you.
Eli, wherever you are, I hope you’re still allowing others to worship your supreme felinity.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:34 am
I agree with Marg. You share so much of your heart, and I feel huge love for you and the farmly.
Huge love and light to all of you, and Mushy is ADORABLE!!!!
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:44 am
My dear Shreve, my heart broke reading this *cries buckets*
I’m very, very sorry for the loss. I totally understand if you’re not ready to share more. I totally understand if you are never ready. Eli has been with us for as long as as this blog started, he’ll always be our kitten king, even from across the rainbow bridge now. Much, much love to you and the whole farmily.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:45 am
Oh shit. I am so sorry. No other words are going to help right so I am just going to leave it at that.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:50 am
So, so sorry… Sweet boy is now in rainbow bridge wilderness where he can hunt and wander and sleep and watch over all of you knowing he had the best life and farmily ever!
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:52 am
oh my! i’ve been following since the beginning and it all started with eli taking charge of charlie and showing him the ropes. those early photos of them together warmed my heart everyday. i know what it’s like to lose a beloved four legged family member; i lost my sarah a year ago and still long for her. so sorry shreve; i ache with you
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:57 am
I’m not a cat person and I only knew Eli through what you shared and I”m crying too. It’s really hard losing a beloved pet.
I know you’re grieving…sending hugs.
How is Charlie handling life w/o Eli?
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:00 am
No words can really say how I, or the rest of your followers, feel. For me, I’m still hurting from the loss of 2 my furbabies from a year ago. We’ve talked about that. They are family and we hurt just as bad with their leaving as we do with our human family. Mushy is a sweet little guy and he will help fill the void but nothing ever replaces the ones we lose. My heart is crying for you. Hugs to you and Charlie and Chloe.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:00 am
chills.
how is it possible that i am crying over a cat i never even met? i am not even a cat person. possibly it is because you are a terrific writer and possibly because wow, eli.
sending so much love to you. may you take some small solace in the knowledge that you don’t cry alone, that your boy will always be a truly special soul.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:15 am
Sending psychic love and hugs. Eli lives on in our hearts. <3
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:22 am
Even though we know it’s a part of the deal when we get in it doesn’t make it easier. Hugs to you.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:31 am
They come into our homes, take over our lives, become pieces of our hearts, and then they leave before us! And in the end it is worth the price we pay, and we know we would do it over again, if only we had the chance.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:38 am
Hi,
I have had many animals over the years. All special in their own way and all loved dearly. I lost my Siamese about three years ago. She died in my arms. She was only 10. She truly was my friend. I still cry about it. It helped to read articles and know that the pain lessens but there was something about her. She lived in my heart and she will always. Email me if you need to talk to someone.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:48 am
So sorry to hear <3
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:53 am
Oh no…just no… :(
Sending heart healing vibes ~~~
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:53 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. Eli will leave a huge hole in your life and your heart.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:58 am
Oh no!!! Eli!!! He was Charlie’s Hero!! I’m so very very sorry for both of you and your terrible loss!!! I too have lost animals that I loved and it is so devastating and heartbreaking!! My heart and prayers are with you. I am grieving with you in your terrible loss!! I’m so very sorry!!!
My words are so inadequate. …….
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:59 am
I lost my dear cat a little over a year ago. We were together for 14 lovely years. I buried her at our farm on a hill that looks over all our pastures and woods. The sun always sets so beautifully there. I planted a flowering dogwood above her grave, and I know that she lives on in that little tree, in the wildflowers that grow around her, and in the songbirds and other wildlife that enjoy the dogwood.
Do Not Stand By My Grave And Weep
By Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
I hope that you find comfort in all your sweet memories of Eli and the beauty around you. Losing a beloved pet (and friend) is so hard.
October 19th, 2015 @ 10:32 am
So sorry, Shreve.
October 19th, 2015 @ 10:44 am
Shreve, I’m so sorry … please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is saddened for you … When and only when you feel up to reading it may the following bring some comfort to you … (I had to wait for a time before I could) “To every thing there is a season, and a time” Ecclesiastes 3:1 — don’t rush yourself.
***
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
October 19th, 2015 @ 10:46 am
Eli holds a special place in my heart for he reminded me much of my own Mr. Kitty which I found great comfort in while reading about Eli in The Daily Coyote.
October 19th, 2015 @ 10:49 am
yeah that hurts. rest in peace, Eli.
October 19th, 2015 @ 10:53 am
I know the words won’t help heal, but please find some comfort in the fact that Eli knows how very much he is loved and that you two were able to share the precious time he was here together. How blessed = how dearly missed.
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:07 am
I’m sorry….
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:11 am
Ohhh. So very sorry, Shreve.
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:15 am
every time you post one of the ‘look of love’ pics of charlie , i cry. those eyes are just so much like my guy who left around the same time frisco did. when you connect so deeply in love and spirit with an animal, the loss is just so real. grief is such a tenacious emotion — there is no point in waiting for it to go away because it doesn’t. you just have to find a way to put it in it’s place with all your other emotions and try to find balance. remembering to be grateful for having the opportunity to experience such a deep connection with another helps a little, but it takes awhile to for such philosophizing to have much effect.. i wonder if eli would give a rat’s ass if he knew he has just set off another wave of global hand-holding ?? love.
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:29 am
Aw, I’m sorry…losing a pet is so hard and sometimes, if you keep it inside, you can try to pretend and hang on just a little longer. I get it :(
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:41 am
Shreve my heart goes out to you. Losing a member of your furry family is always difficult. I still dream of my dog, who died 24 years ago and when I wake it takes a few minutes to realize he really is gone. They do take a piece of our hearts with them and definitely give us a piece of theirs in return. Prayers for your healing.
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:50 am
Aw, darn. So sorry for your loss. Hugs.
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:54 am
Oh, no, so sorry. I have felt that loss — my own Belle almost four years ago now. Gem helps fill the hole, but very few days go by that I don’t think of her with love and longing. Thinking of you and the rest of the farmily.
October 19th, 2015 @ 11:56 am
Shreve-I am so sorry. Through your beautiful pictures and words, I have come to love you and your wonderful animals. I share in your grief, as at 70, I also have lost too many precious pets and still grieve for each one because of how they touched my heart.Every animal you nurture and love is blessed to have you.
October 19th, 2015 @ 12:12 pm
Oh, sweetie. I think I probably know the pain that you’re experiencing. Earlier this yr I lost my 14 yr old momma cat after a long illness of which I was her constant care giver for nearly a year. Even though I knew it was coming, it was still traumatic and numbing. Twenty-eight days later, her son, my sweetest 13 yr old lovebug kitty passed suddenly. My system had a shock and that energetic unraveling was intense. My gawd. My body felt like it had the flu – seriously intense. It took several weeks before I could rote function and even think. I’m 7 and 6 months into the healing and acceptance and I still have my moments. The best advice I ever received was to let it wash over and through me, cry, journal, whatever I need to do, but to really feel it, let it happen, and not press it down or ignore it. I’ve done that and I believe it truly has helped. Even when it’s inconvenient. And I don’t apologize for it if it happens in front of others. I have one kitty left, the momma cat’s firstborn and brother of sweet boy, and we’re making it through. It’s bittersweet. I still have yet to “plant” the stone marker at their graves in the backyard. I’ll get there. So will you. {{{Much love to you and your farmily.}}}
October 19th, 2015 @ 12:37 pm
Hey Shreve It occurs to me that all are assuming that Eli has passed. Maybe he ran away. We don’t know. Either way there is obvious loss. I am so sorry for your pain. I totally get it.xo
October 19th, 2015 @ 12:39 pm
Oh no. I’m so sorry Shreve…I know that pain and it’s searing. Love, light and hugs to you and the rest of the farmily.
October 19th, 2015 @ 1:16 pm
Ah, Shreve. I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing so much of Eli with us. From what I’ve gathered, he had a good, uncompromisingly feline life.
I still miss certain cats very much, and always will. They brought so much to my life. Yet in that sadness there is also joy and gratitude. Bastet keep you and yours.
October 19th, 2015 @ 1:23 pm
Shreve I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost my heart dog in February & our oldest cat in July, I understand the pain in acknowledging a loss. My thoughts are with you & the Farmily.
One of my favorite quotes:
“We who choose to surround ourselves with lives, even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan…”
~~ – The Once Again Prince
by Irving Townsend
Godspeed Eli.
October 19th, 2015 @ 1:48 pm
Oh, Shreve! Eli was one of the oldest members of the Farmily, and a wonderful big brother to baby Charlie. I’m so very sorry for your loss and your pain.
But the pain we suffer when they leave us is its own testament to the strength of the bond, and that in itself is no small miracle.
One day soon, may your memories of Eli bring you smiles instead of tears and joy instead of sorrow. In the meantime, I wish you peace of heart.
Sending hugs, love and my deepest sympathy.
Theresa
October 19th, 2015 @ 2:06 pm
Oh, Eli. Great sadness. Hopefully you can take some solace in that Death comes for us all.
My heart is yours today, Shreve. Much good care and fluffiness.
~F
October 19th, 2015 @ 2:24 pm
Oh no Eli is gone. That breaks my heart. I am so sorry for your loss Shreve and for all the farmily who must miss him so. Big love.
October 19th, 2015 @ 2:35 pm
by the way. you don’t owe anybody any explanation or stories or anything. if you want, just keep it all as your very own. i am so sad and distraught about it .. i can only imagine what you are feeling. just saying, reading all these posts just breaks me down, don’t want to do it again any more than you do.
October 19th, 2015 @ 2:45 pm
Oh NO! Why? I am so sad for you and really that tugged at my heartstrings. HUGS. He will always be amazing. <3
October 19th, 2015 @ 3:02 pm
Oh, so sad.
October 19th, 2015 @ 3:23 pm
Sorry to read this; very sorry for your pain. Hoping you can find peace and comfort. So hard. There will always remain a piece of your heart which belongs to Eli.
-d-
October 19th, 2015 @ 4:12 pm
Love you. I know.
He’s curled up purring in your heart forever.
October 19th, 2015 @ 4:40 pm
But damn did he have an awesome life or what? How many cats can say they were the Alpha male to a coyote. I wish you and the rest of the fuzzy one the best.
October 19th, 2015 @ 5:14 pm
Oh, Eli! You were the heart and soul of the Farmily, its very foundation, and the image of Toby, my very first cat when I was ten. I have no more words — only tears.
October 19th, 2015 @ 5:16 pm
Shreve, Thank you for sharing Eli, Mushy and all your farmily with us. Whenever or never, sharing deep emotions or detailed stories of loss is not a requirement. Your words and pictures convey how you feel and so many of us are in awe and enjoy the love AND respect you give your farmily. Eli is loved and missed by many, but you keep the memory alive with your words and pictures.
October 19th, 2015 @ 5:54 pm
I loved Eli through your photos, book, and postings. I shed tears, and wish you the best memories ever of him.
He lives on within us all.
Bless you forever Eli.
October 19th, 2015 @ 6:49 pm
*hugs*
October 19th, 2015 @ 6:50 pm
I’m so very sorry. We lost our beloved dog on 9/15 and there are still people I haven’t told because I can’t bear to write the emails so I understand the feeling. A couple of days after it happened, I sent an email to the dog rescuer we adopted her from 9 years ago to let her know, and then it took me a month to have it in me to write the email to my dog group letting them know. It’s just hard to think about it.
October 19th, 2015 @ 6:52 pm
Today marks 10 years since I said goodbye to the Best Cat Ever (also known posthumously as Stupid Damn Cat for the huge hole he ripped in my world).
I am guessing, from the what you said or didn’t say, that it wasn’t the gentle goodbye you would have liked. I’m sorry if that’s the case. Sending extra scritches to the Farmily.
October 19th, 2015 @ 6:53 pm
It is always difficult to love so much, but we do it anyway and accept what the future brings. Like everyone else- I cry with you, my heart breaks with yours. Eli sees and hears your sadness and your love for him.
October 19th, 2015 @ 7:24 pm
So sorry for your loss. He was great. Charlie couldn’t have asked for a better older brother.
October 19th, 2015 @ 7:43 pm
I’m so sorry, Shreve. Love to you.
October 19th, 2015 @ 7:50 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Love and sympathy to you, Charlie and the Farmily.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:34 pm
I’m reading this for the first time as I rub the paw of my yellow and white boy Arnold Palmer. He nurses on himself to soothe. I hate to hear this about Eli. I have a special place in my heart for ginger kitties.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:46 pm
XO
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:48 pm
XOXO
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:49 pm
I’m so sad to hear this. Eli was one of those ‘even more special than most’cats. We’ve had 14 cats so far since the 70’s and some, like some people, just connect with you more deeply than others. I haven’t kept up with your posts for awhile, but saw this on Twitter and was swept up in a wave of sorrow.
October 19th, 2015 @ 8:50 pm
Didn’t mean to send that second round of x’s and o’s but you can definitely have them anyway.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:14 pm
Yours was named Eli, mine was named Cowboy and as many other commenters have noted, he brought back fond memories of their own versions of an Eli through you sharing his stories and pictures of him. There’s some kind of magical magnetism about big yellow cats with an air of James Dean cool that’s hard to resist…even for non cat people. You gave him an awesome name, a loving home and Farmily and a fabulous life. What a charmed life he had with you! Sending you love.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:21 pm
So sorry for your loss. Lots of love and light going out to you and the Farmily.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:23 pm
thank you for sharing all the beautiful pics and stories about Eli over the years. It’s hard to share when you are in pain, so let us share with you-sending healing thoughts and love your way…..
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:31 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss.
October 19th, 2015 @ 9:40 pm
awww tears here with you. Eli was a great kitty. hugs
October 20th, 2015 @ 12:19 am
So sorry for your loss. He was a great cat. <3
October 20th, 2015 @ 12:50 am
Alpha Cat to a Coyote. That’s an epitaph. Wherever he is, I imagine him still packing heat & dining on elf legs.
October 20th, 2015 @ 2:25 am
My heart is broken for you.
I know how hard it is when they are gone.
He was a character and brought much love and laughs to all of our lives.
Thinking about you.
October 20th, 2015 @ 2:40 am
What a wonderful life Eli had with you. One of the luckiest cats in modern times.
October 20th, 2015 @ 5:11 am
I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing him with us
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:07 am
Felt a rush of emotion reading about Eli and a profound sadness even though I never met him. But you described in such an amazing way all this while, that I felt I knew him. I am so sorry for your loss. Eli was a champ and will always remain so. *hugs*
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:27 am
I’m so sorry.
Your tears have company from Oregon. I will miss Eli a lot.
Thank you for sharing him, Shreve.
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:30 am
Awwwwww…… Hugs to you. Sometimes a good cry is the best course of action
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:35 am
Shreve, I am so sad to hear this news of Eli….he and Charlie were such buddies…heavy heart….my thoughts are with you and the family and hugs to all….
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:53 am
I lost my 16 year old cat Simon on August 5. I knew I would miss him terribly but underestimated the emptiness he would leave. Daily routines still hold his “place.” Very sorry for your loss.
October 20th, 2015 @ 8:02 am
I’ve followed your website from the very beginning..Eli
Was though I never met him dear to me…I am so sad
To think he is not there..sorry..fir I know how you loved him so..I hope Charlie has adjusted..Anaximander though hey mourn..have better concept of saying goodbye..I’m sorry. Marlene in Cambria
October 20th, 2015 @ 8:24 am
Oh crap. I’m so sorry, Shreve. Eli was a sheer delight, and the memory of him will remain so. I’m torn between the joy of knowing about all the animals who are so very fortunate to have found you, and the sadness of knowing it opens you up to such heartbreak. How courageous of you to pull them all into your heart anyway.
I relish all the pics of Eli with Charlie and the rest of the farmily. I’ve always anthropomorphized him into the cat with the James Dean swagger, a pack of cigarettes rolled up in his t-shirt sleeve, ears tattooed with battle scars and an adoring coyote and hound as his posse.
These comments are simply wonderful; I’m grateful for each and every one, and I can only imagine what a balm they are for you.
Share more only if and when it’s helpful in your process. You are loved.
October 20th, 2015 @ 8:59 am
Tough to type through tears, but wanted to let you know how very sorry I am for your loss. What an incredible special fur-kid he was!
October 20th, 2015 @ 9:09 am
Very sorry for the loss of Eli. I’ve been through it too and it’s so hard, but you have great memories of him, so hold them tight.
October 20th, 2015 @ 9:27 am
I am so very sad to hear about Eli. I had to say good-bye to my outdoor cat Dante in September and it is heartbreaking. he was 10 years old and he had a place on my enclosed porch, warm bed and safe..i miss him very much and am thinking of you and the rest of the Farmily.
much love
October 20th, 2015 @ 9:38 am
They leave a lasting pawprint on our hearts. On the day I said goodbye to my 14 yr old apricot tabby Biff I was returning to work and saw a note posted about a found kitten on the 3rd floor of the parking garage I use. I called the number and said if she wasn’t claimed, I would take her. Serena, so named because I felt it was serendipity, while so different physically from Biff, has several of his outstanding and endearing personality quirks. I believe he sent her to me. :-)
October 20th, 2015 @ 9:47 am
XOXO((((ELI))))XOXO
October 20th, 2015 @ 9:52 am
So many of my favorite pics are of Eli with young Charlie showing him the ropes or curled up sleeping next to our favorite coyote. It’s difficult to imagine a coyote accepting a feline into the pack but to imagine a cat welcoming a young coyote into its Wyoming home highlights the mystery of life and points to the pure magic of Eli. Eli was blessed to live in such a special home and we were blessed to enter a part of his life through your photography. Heartfelt tears for Eli and hugs to you Shreve for capturing his magic.
October 20th, 2015 @ 10:08 am
When I saw the kitten… I had a feeling about Eli. I’m so sorry. He was and is well loved and had a great life.
October 20th, 2015 @ 10:28 am
Eli. Was meant to be a mouser yet became a sage.
October 20th, 2015 @ 10:38 am
I’m so, so very sorry. I have no good words, just holding you in my thoughts with love and light.
I will ask that my furry ones who have passed before him keep their eyes out for him and welcome him to whatever world they exist in until we are ready to be with them again.
October 20th, 2015 @ 10:47 am
You never forget your first. Eli was your first. I’m crying too. Hugs to you.
October 20th, 2015 @ 11:28 am
The first time I came to your blog (7.5 years ago?!) and I saw you had a cat AND a coyote, I thought “oh, this is not going to end well,” and I have been constantly amazed at the life they’ve (you’ve plural) all lived together. I have momentarily thought about a time when one or the other or the other has left and how that might feel to you and to us who have seen just a sliver of that life through your posts, and it breaks me up as if it’s my own family almost. Again, so sorry, Shreve. And thank you for the package so fast. Gem loves his antlers from you.
October 20th, 2015 @ 11:32 am
I’m so sorry, it does not make it better right now but time does ease the loss. I lost my Spuddy who was 17 and my best friend last December. Only now can I start to remember what joy he brought me without sobbing. Hang in there!
October 20th, 2015 @ 11:42 am
Oh, Shreve, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I anticipate the words you have written about Eli, knowing that they will be both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
October 20th, 2015 @ 12:27 pm
I’m so, so sorry to hear about Eli. My sympathy is with you. I’ve been there many times. Eli will be greatly missed by all of his followers here.
October 20th, 2015 @ 1:12 pm
I’m so very sorry, Shreve…
October 20th, 2015 @ 1:29 pm
So very sorry, Shreve.
October 20th, 2015 @ 1:48 pm
Shreve, I’m so sorry to hear about Eli. The loss of a furry friend is always difficult, even (especially?) for the other furry friends. Have you noticed Charlie or any of the other farmily members noticing/reacting/mourning the loss of Eli? Take care.
October 20th, 2015 @ 2:31 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about Eli :( I know he’ll remain forever in your heart ((((hugs)))to you and the Farmily
October 20th, 2015 @ 3:57 pm
I can’t really have a cat (allergic), so the next best thing is seeing Eli, and his ilk, pop up on my Apple TV like a lava lamp of life. Thanks for all the pics and words you share. To me, he’s still ticking, snuggling, playing, ignoring because you have made him immortal!
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:45 pm
Oh, Shreve. I am so sorry.
Eli was a wonderful cat. And he had a fabulous life. As your friend posted, how many cats can claim to be the alpha of a pack to a coyote and a dog. He lived a good, long life, the life he wanted and the life he chose.
I’m sure if Eli had been given a choice, he would have chosen to live exactly the life he had with you and the farmily.
RIP King Eli.
October 20th, 2015 @ 7:51 pm
My condolences. I can’t imagine what you are going through, but please know your internet family loves you, along with your Farmily. I have too much of a Zen background to consider death and ending, but i understand some of these transitions hurt like hell. Please take it easy on yourself as much as possible, and know Eli was well loved by more people than most people are!
My you see the blessings and peace unfold before you each day along your path of transition.
October 20th, 2015 @ 8:49 pm
see how many of us are there with you? we all know. Charlie knows. To write about the loss is to acknowledge your heart, and what is missing. That you found Mushy to fill the hole, or part of it, is divine. We simply cannot stay as we are, must move forward. Other animals, so many, are there to join us as we move through this life. I’ve had 2 dogs, and one cat, consume and fill my heart and mind. They are all now gone. My sweet cat, Fozzie, left a year ago (Oct 8, yes I am keeping track) my only cat…for awhile. I know when you are able to write your grief, we will all be nodding our heads, agreeing with you.
October 20th, 2015 @ 10:13 pm
Oh no, not Eli! I feel sorrow just hearing that. I loved those photos of Eli and puppy Charlie–what an extraordinary cat. I’m so sorry!
October 21st, 2015 @ 12:10 am
Oh Eli!! sniff… the first of the farmily i think wasn’t he? But so many wonderful photos of him with his Charlie…what a great calendar that would make! so dear to our hearts it would be for those of us who have been following those two all along.
October 21st, 2015 @ 6:30 am
I couldn’t even comment yesterday because I was so upset for you and so sad that King Kitten is gone. He truly led a fantastic life and he was the ruler most high to all his servants, including a coyote. Hugs and much love to you. xoxo
October 21st, 2015 @ 6:56 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful kitty <3
October 21st, 2015 @ 7:26 am
So sorry for the loss of Eli. I have been following your websites since the beginning and I know how special he was and what he meant to you. Thinking if you ❤️
October 21st, 2015 @ 8:26 am
I am saddened by your news. My heart aches for your loss. Hugs!!!
October 21st, 2015 @ 8:38 am
xoxo
October 21st, 2015 @ 11:14 am
I’m so very, very sorry Shreve for your great loss of Eli, and for all the pain and heartache you must be enduring now. It is so hard to believe that Eli is not with you anymore.
Eli, beloved King Kitten, and the most amazing big brother and teacher Charlie could ever have asked for – may your wonderful free spirit in eternal bliss forever reign and roam in your heavenly kingdom.
And yes…what an awesome, extraordinary life for an extraordinary cat (with an extraordinary lady, and an extraordinary “Charlie”) He would not have wanted it any other way.
Holding you, Shreve and all in the Farmily in my heart and prayers.
October 21st, 2015 @ 11:24 am
I know those strange twinges. Usually nothing you could have done if you knew what was going to happen.
October 21st, 2015 @ 12:24 pm
I am so sorry. Eli had a life many cats can only dream of, off doing cat things but always with a home to come back to. And he did a great job of training Charlie and Chloe.
October 21st, 2015 @ 2:56 pm
Sorry about King kitten i have you in my thoughts.
October 21st, 2015 @ 4:01 pm
I am so sad to hear this news. Eli was such a solid member of your family, and I know that you feel his loss deeply. Although we weren’t vocal about it, Eli had quite a large fan club. He was a very special cat, and I know that you cared for him very much. Sad. . .
October 21st, 2015 @ 8:04 pm
Hope the echo of love for Eli helps! We all love your farmily through the extension of your personal love and devotion to them, and we willingly suck all the joy you send us. So it is part of the balance for us to share the sorrows too, and I hope the shared Eli love helps to blanket the pain of your loss. Thanks for sharing him with all of us!
October 21st, 2015 @ 11:07 pm
I’m thinking of you
October 22nd, 2015 @ 6:28 am
So sorry to hear this Shreve. Warm fuzzy thoughts that purr are being sent your way, xox
October 22nd, 2015 @ 8:27 am
I’m sorry. Eli held a such special place- After all how many cats are befriended by a coyote. I’ll miss hearing about him.
October 22nd, 2015 @ 9:22 am
*hugs*
October 22nd, 2015 @ 12:50 pm
I’m so sorry Shreve. So very sorry.
October 22nd, 2015 @ 2:49 pm
Pharaoh and Moses send kitty kisses your way, gentle paw taps to say they’re sorry and purrs to make you feel just a little bit loved. We are so, so sorry. May his journey to the Rainbow Bridge be swift and may his wait for you be filled with trees to scratch, things to chase and lots of sunbeams to nap in.
October 22nd, 2015 @ 4:49 pm
I’m sorry Shreve. All of us are missing Eli with you.
October 22nd, 2015 @ 7:55 pm
So sorry to hear about Eli. I loved hearing about him and the friendship between him and Charlie was amazing!
October 23rd, 2015 @ 7:52 am
These Comments! are so helpful and cathartic. Expressing in so many different words how I/we feel about Eli. What a guy. The cat who smacked coyotes. Tough guy with a heart of gold. We miss you, Special Boy. I’m so sorry, Shreve.
October 23rd, 2015 @ 10:48 am
He was loved by many, but most importantly by YOU and worshiped by Charlie. I know there is a very real emptiness with his loss. He is with your grandmother I am sure as I know how she loved all kitties. Hugs and prayers.
October 24th, 2015 @ 7:27 pm
Blessings to all the Farmily. I hope the sharing here is easing your sorrow.
October 25th, 2015 @ 2:30 am
Mushy is a beautiful little kitten. I am so sorry to hear about Eli. I have encountered a lot of loss recently in my family. My sister Susan lost her favorite cat to poison a couple of weeks ago. Within days of that my sister Janice lost her dog Lizzie due to immediate collapse due to unknown cancer. Both have suffered shock and grief so I know something of what you are experiencing. I have lost pets too and I don’t think one ever really gets over the loss though it gets easier with time. It does help to write about the loss and I also found that drawing and painting,etc. also helps.
October 25th, 2015 @ 3:26 pm
i am so very sorry to here this, shreve. love and light sent to you. xo
October 25th, 2015 @ 11:37 pm
so sorry
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:45 pm
Oh, just read the Eli news. I am sad, too, Shreve. Thank you for sharing glimpses and stories of him throughout the years. I send you a virtual blog-reading hug. What a great cat. Three cheers for Eli! And three coyote yips, too. I bet Charlie is mourning as well.
October 27th, 2015 @ 4:07 pm
Oh, Shreve, I’m so sorry! I used to read your blog religiously and then (from a lack of time) I stopped a couple of years ago, and just came back to check how things were and saw this. I can’t imagine how devastating this must be, for you and the rest of the family. How is Charlie doing? I know how much animals can grieve for their family, so my heart goes out to all of you.
October 27th, 2015 @ 8:31 pm
Ohhh, I am sooo sorry to hear about king cat .. Eli … I’ve saved so many photos of Eli and Charlie together … how much Charlie worshipped Eli when he was little. That big feisty orange cat (he reminded me so much of my also lost and gone yellow tabby, Otis) … may he rest in peace.
Hugs to you Shreve … and love to you
October 28th, 2015 @ 3:10 pm
Cry, Cry, and then cry some more… until the tears are all gone.
Rest in peace, Eli, you big fluff of love.
October 30th, 2015 @ 10:11 pm
So sorry to hear this.
Its amazing how deeply these little balls of fyr can byrrow nor only in your heart but yoyr soul too.
When the pass its loke a piece of you go with them.
October 31st, 2015 @ 6:09 pm
I’ve been following your blog since the very beginning and I was so sorry to hear about Eli that I had to say something :( Much love.
November 2nd, 2015 @ 11:54 am
SO SORRY honey!!!! XOXOX My heart breaks for you…. :(
November 3rd, 2015 @ 12:27 pm
So sorry for your loss. Long live the king kitten. :(
November 3rd, 2015 @ 12:46 pm
Shreve,
I am so so very sorry for your loss.
We lost our black cat Sabrina 3 years ago tragically.
I still miss her little sashay. Her really awful meow, and her utter gracelessness and un cat like behavior.
Looking at pics of her from our first Christmas as a family- she was our first furkid together. And then became our daughters best friend two years later. Is still hard.
She now rests easy on the book case. The one place she never attempted to climb or sit. Unlike the curtains, Christmas tree or neighbors roof.
We are blessed to have these animals in our lives.
November 6th, 2015 @ 12:04 pm
My eyes are full of tears foe Eli. I often flip to pics of him and a young Charlie in the book.
November 12th, 2015 @ 6:47 pm
I see him now, golden, backlit for better effect across the rainbow bridge on soft grass surrounded by a crowd of admiring animals, Eli holding court telling his admiring audience “you know, my brother is a coyote….” and “wait until you meet my entire farmily, we are the definition of love in diversity!” He had an amazing live with you Shreve. Hugs.
November 14th, 2015 @ 6:23 pm
Thank you Shreve, for sharing Eli with us. His spirit lives on in the wonderful images you captured with your camera and loving eye.
December 10th, 2015 @ 6:31 pm
I hated reading that Frisco was gone. I’m devastated at the loss of Eli. Please share what happened when you can. I feel like I need to know so I can get closure too – reading about all the adventures of your farmily and you makes them known to us.
March 23rd, 2016 @ 10:57 pm
…just remembering how fabulous Eli the Teacher was….