In Memory of Elliott 4/5/2003 – 6/21/2022
Elliott had the saddest of starts in life. We know that his long life at the sanctuary has made up for what could have been an even sadder story, one we may not have had the chance to tell.
Imagine … his mom was a stray cat, living in the most desperate conditions. She gave birth to a litter of kittens in a woodpile and was unable to care for them. One by one they succumbed until only a single kitten was left alive. With not a moment to spare this little bitty tabby kitten was found and luckily came to Shadow Cats. He was so tiny he fit in the palm of your hand, but he was in need of care and quickly! He was named Elliott. This little one received round-the-clock care and blossomed into a wonderful sweet kitten. He had the sweetest face and all who met him fell under his spell, he was so adorable! Adoptable, yes, and he was adopted, but our sweet kitten when in a home had many issues with his litter box habits. We can call it “litter box challenged” 😊
That’s a tough thing to handle in a home, we understand! We always stand by “Once a Shadow Cat always a Shadow Cat “ so Elliott was on his way back to the sanctuary. Goodness knows we are used to spills and accidents at the sanctuary, and litter box challenges we can cope with! We always hope that we can improve on bad habits but if not to be, that’s ok too! Over the years there have been some puddles in some unlikely places and we always knew the culprit! It was that rascal Elliott!
We say often that the sanctuary will not seem the same when one of our precious kitties passes but never more true than with Elliott gone. Our dear boy was in his 20th year and has been with us his whole life!
Elliott has lived large at Shadow Cats. In his almost 20 years he has seen so much, all the comings and goings at the old sanctuary plus he moved to the new sanctuary at a ripe old age of 17 and never missed a beat. He was one of the old guard. His personality was a mixture of laid back calmness, pet me please, to, don’t bother me I’m asleep, always in the most comfy bed! He had the knack of finding the most squishy bed. He would share with other kitties, but Elliott was a little on the large side so sometimes not much room for cuddle mates, although they made it work usually with one kitty (not Elliott) hanging off the side of the bed. In his younger years he was not much for laps but as he became older he loved to sit on laps and loved the attention. One thing – yes, Elliott was a big kitty, always first up for mealtimes, and even to his last days he was always on the lookout for food to arrive. He always made us smile, waiting at the door at the top of the ramp with that cheeky look on his face.
Not quite sure we can put into words how big a void you will leave, Elliott. You have just always been with us. 20 years is a long time, and we just knew you were there watching over us, and being the best grandad to all the newbies who crossed your path. Recently, you were the best grandad to Darby – you seemed to know she had had a rough start in life like you, and over the past few months the cuddles you two have had have made us all teary. You were the odd couple!
Today we said goodbye to our beloved Elliott. We knew it was his time. Cradled in loving arms, sweet whispers of love in his ears, Elliott peacefully and ever so gently fell asleep. Our hearts are heavy, and tears have flowed freely. The sadness we feel is overwhelming knowing our Elliott, our sweet Grandad kitty, will not be at the sanctuary tomorrow. Through the tears, we celebrate a life well lived, a kitty that had a terrible start in life but despite that, lived his best life, deeply loved and cared for every single day he spent on this earth. The cherished memories you left with us we will hold close in our hearts forever.
We will miss you, gentle Elliott. Rest easy, sweetness, loved beyond measure. You live on in our hearts.
Our thanks to our amazing caring staff and volunteers for loving Elliott deeply. Thank you to his sponsors who loved him equally deeply from afar.
Elliott has 4 Sponsors!
“Elliott – I’m thrilled to be your new sponsor and can’t wait to meet you! You’ll see me soon with catnip toys in hand for you and your buddies!”
-Jeanette Cacciola
Julie Ferguson
Fred Peterson
Laurie Heupel