In Memory of Sunflower 9/20/2006 – 10/28/2023
A sunflower is a flower associated with radiance, joy, and positive vibes. A big bunch of sunflowers never ceases to bring a smile when you are lucky enough to receive them.
So too with our sweet girl Sunflower, she always made us smile. This little senior lady, estimated around 17 years old, was rescued from the county shelter in Conroe, Texas. In a cage, she had no hope at around 17 and with a FeLV diagnosis. The deadline for euthanasia was days away, so last-minute preparations were made and we were able to accommodate her. It was almost 6 weeks ago that she came to us. She was so ill on arrival that we knew then that whatever time she had we would make sure it was going to be the best days of her life. She was suffering from a host of medical issues.
After a short stay in our ISO ward, with lots of care and love, Sunflower joined the gang in Cookie’s Annex. The Annex is a little quieter than the main room filled with youngsters, and we felt Sunflower would be happy with some of the older cats in the Annex.
Sunflower settled right in! A gentle lady but with a little spice to her. She stood her ground and took no nonsense! This old gal appeared to have a hard shell but was a big old softie on the inside. She loved our pets and attention. She made friends quite quickly with her roommates and was observed cuddling with some of the gentlemen in Annex – you go girl!
The numerous medical issues have been too much for her though. The leukemia has spread to major organs, she has severe anemia, and we have done all we can. Today we said farewell to our sweet feisty girl.
We celebrate the few weeks she had with us. It has been a gift to have her and care for her; she has been a joy. Sunflower got to have some fun with her Annex buddies, got some cuddles from them, and spent lots of time out on the catio laying in sunbeams. Her last few weeks have been the best we could give. We opened our hearts, she stole them, and we gave her all the love we could give. Who knows what her life was before she was with us. We do know that she left us knowing she was loved and cherished.
Sunflower fell asleep ever so gently and peacefully cradled in loving arms surrounded by love and light. Although her time with us at the sanctuary was short, we will always remember our sweet and spicy senior lady with the big beautiful eyes. When we see sunflowers we will smile and think of our girl with the same name.
Run and play at the Rainbow Bridge, sweetheart, healthy and restored, happy and content.
Our thanks to our wonderful caring and compassionate staff and Dr Murdock. Thanks also to her sponsors and our volunteers for all the love and kindness given to Sunflower.
Sunflower had 2 Sponsors
Debbie Patterson
Amy Juried