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November 27, 2014

Giving Thanks


When Evangeline was found as a stray, her sweet and friendly nature made it obvious to everyone that this little old cat had once had a home. Her shabby condition and serious medical issues, though, belied the fact that she had probably been fending for herself for quite some time.

Evangeline wasn't one to dwell on the past. She acclimated quickly to the shelter, and got along well with the other cats in her social group at PAWS. The volunteers and staff alike quickly fell in love with this special girl. You can imagine how sad we were to learn recently that Evangeline was in end stage renal failure, and that she would not be with us for much longer.

That's when an incredible act of kindness, love and compassion provided a wonderful gift to Evangeline, and to all of us who loved her. Our friend and fellow PAWS volunteer Beth offered to provide hospice care for Evangeline, giving her the chance to live out her remaining days in a real home, with sunpuddles to lounge in, water to play in, new friends to make, and humans of her own.

On Evangeline's second day home, Beth wrote:

Evangeline is a beautiful and sweet cat who I now wish I had known before yesterday. It took only minutes for me to love her truly. When I brought her home yesterday she wasn't even the slightest bit nervous or afraid and is totally comfortable here. She's been exploring the upstairs and everywhere else. There are no rules for her here. She is free to play in the water bowl and there are no crates for her here either. She is free at last.

Six days later, Beth sent the following pictures, which showed that Eva was enjoying her sunpuddles, and even making new friends. 


Only three days after that, Evangeline made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge from the comfort of Beth's arms. Beth wrote:

The doctor just left my house. Evangeline died peacefully in my arms. These photos are from not too long ago. I cannot explain how much I loved and enjoyed this cat. And I will miss her. Thank you from both she and I for this beautiful experience.



We will miss Evangeline always. But we also celebrate and give thanks for so many things that transpired since that fateful day she was rescued from wandering the streets...

We give thanks for places like PAWS, which take in animals like Evangeline who might not get the same chance elsewhere. We are thankful for the opportunity to know and love an amazing little cat, who left an indelible pawprint on us all. We are grateful for Beth's amazing heart. And we are thankful that Evangeline knew a lifetime of love and happiness in her 10 days with Beth.

Most of all, we are thankful that love matters, and that it makes a difference.

Happy Thanksgiving, and much love to all.

60 comments:

Katnip Lounge said...

Tears of love, gratitude, and joy being shed here.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you!

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Bless Beth and all those who go the extra mile for animals like Evangeline. Happy Thanksgiving dear friends.

Gigi said...

Teary, but in a good way, that Evangeline knew love and warmth and care (and sunpuddles! and water! and a woofie!) in her last days XOXOXOXO

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

What an incredibly beautiful story about an angel with fur and an extra special lady. Evangeline knew great love for those precious ten days.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

White Dog Blog said...

We are thankful for Shelters like PAWS and huge wonderful hearts like Beth's that give second chances and love to those so in need. It is our most powerful prayer on this day of bounty and gratitude that every creature know a tender touch, a caring heart, a full food bowl and safety from life's storms...and the peace that comes from knowing they are not alone. Happy Thanksgiving.

san said...

We are glad that Eva found her way safely and with love.

The Whiskeratti said...

Such a wonderful, and heartbreaking, story. We are glad that Eva got to be in a real home before she passed on. Thank you all for making that happen.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

What a beautiful story, and I am so grateful for humans like the one who gave Evangeline the best gift of all - love. Purrs to you and happy Thanksgiving.

Fozziemum said...

A beautiful story that has me leaking at the eyeballs..such love in the world gives me hope..bless all who cared and bless sweet Evangeline..may the sunpuddles favour her face forever..sending our love to Moosey also and wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving..much loves Fozziemum and gang xxx

Deb Barnes said...

From all of us at Zee and Zoey’s we wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving!

www.shelter-cats.com said...

Evangeline was content and happy to be safe at PAWS. But Beth's generous and loving gift of a real home for the time she had left, touched all of our hearts.
I'm grateful for PAWS and caring people everywhere.
xxoo
Maggie

Vanessa Morgan said...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Fuzzy Tales said...

Of course I'm bawling my eyes out now. I'm so glad she got to live her last days in a real home, surrounded by love.

Peace and blessings to you all, to all your volunteers, all those who open their hearts and give so much love.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Purrs.

The Island Cats said...

What a beautiful story. We're so happy that Eva's last days were spent in the comfort of a loving home. Thank you for all you rescuers do.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brian's Home Blog said...

We too are so thankful she got the love and care she so deserved in her final days. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us.

wildcatwoods said...

Such a touching story - Eva found love in her last days and so did Beth.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Marty the Manx said...

I am shedding tears of happiness that one sweet little cat could experience such love and security because of incredible people like you and Beth. I am so thankful that there is such goodness in the world!
Love to you all.
Marty's Mom

Hilary said...

what an amazing story… HOw wonderful that she got to spend her last days in a home filled with love

Fur Everywhere said...

We are very sorry to hear about Eva. I'm so glad, though, that Beth took her home with her for her final days. I bet Eva was so thankful for that. <3

Savannah's Paw Tracks said...

Just wonderful to know Evagelone knew the loving warmth of her own home as she left for Th Bridge

CatInTheFridge said...

We're thankful for people like you who care so much! Happy Thanksgiving! Love, Crepes.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

We are so thankful that this dear sweet girl had comfort before death. Thank you to all who helped her.
Happy Thanksgiving dear friends ~ we are so thankful to know you. xx

LP said...

Happy Thanksgiving to Tracey, Kevin and their crew and to all the volunteers at PAWS who make the lives of kitties so much better! A special Thanksgiving nod to Beth who understands that the quality of time is in the measure of love received. We know Evangeline received all the love she needed to make her feel comforted and whole again in the ten days she had with Beth. :)

the critters in the cottage xo

Just Mags said...

We are so happy for sweet Evangeline and thankful she is thriving with lots of love and a forever family. Happy Thanksgiving to you all! We are thankful for you and all you do to care for and help kitties find loving homes. Hugs and nose kisses

Cathy Keisha said...

Aw, you made us all leaky eyed. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you guys. I feel grateful to call you blogging furrends.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Health and happiness. Happy Thanksgiving x

Anonymous said...

<3 Pawkisses for a Happy Thanksgiving :) <3

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

How wonderful that Beth gave Evangeline her forever home for the last days of her life and to know how loved she was.

pilch92 said...

Heart breaking, but glad Evangeline could be loved at the end.

Anonymous said...

We hav da leaky eyes here. Dat wuz so pawsum she got to hav a home and luv and warm sweet awms to hold her. We know dat she wuz so gwateful too. Weez awe so fankfull PAWS took hers in and helped her and all da kitties they help. Fank you fur sharin' hers story wiff us. Hav a Blest Fanksgivin'.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

The Florida Furkids said...

How wonderful that Evangeline got to have someone to love her at the end of her life. That's truly something to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Florida Furkids

Tamago said...

What an amazing story. It's so wonderful Evangeline got to live in the loving home, make friends and played as much as she wanted, being loved and cherished before leaving for the Rainbow Bridge. We are thankful for everyone at PAWS.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all xoxo

Mickey's Musings said...

Happy Thanksgiving !
That story truly shows the meaning of love and thanksgiving.
Thank you for sharing.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ

Fr. Tom Fish said...

We were so touched by this story. I'm glad Evangeline had a home where she was loved and she was wrapped in cuddles at the end. RIP little one. <3

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oops. YOu made us cry. But we're glad she had a chance to be happy, even if it was short.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

This made me cry as it also made me think of some that I have loved and lost. I am thankful to share this world with critters and people like you. Hugs.

Clooney said...

Such a touching story. It warms our hearts to know that sweet Evangeline was so cared for and loved both at PAWS and in her final days with Beth. PAWS and its volunteers are so special. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

M. K. Clinton said...

Wow, my eyes are burning from tears. What a beautiful story and it certainly reminds us to give a special thanks to those who volunteer and share their hearts in time of need. I am so glad to know that Evangeline had a special love when she left. Happy Thanksgiving to you and thanks for all that you. ☺

Kitty Cat Chronicles said...

Tears of love and gratitude! What a sweet and touching story. Thank you to Beth for giving Eva the home and love she deserved, and thank you to PAWS for rescuing her. We are so incredibly grateful for people and kitties like you guys! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
P.S. Thank you for joining our blog hop!

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

I knew Evangeline for only the few minutes it took to read this post and yet, in those very few minutes, I fell in love and am in tears, already.

How wonderful that she had a loving home and family for her last days on Earth. THANK YOU to all who loved her.

Purrs,
Nissy

Kitties Blue said...

What an amazing story. Beth was an absolute angel to give Eva this extraordinary gift. I fell in love with Eva in the time it took me to read this post. The people in our world with the giving and loving heart that Beth possesses will have a special place in heaven.Thanks for sharing. Sending purrs and prayers for Moosey. Happy Thanksgiving. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

BoSoxAmy said...

Thank you for sharing the story of Evangeline with us.

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We are so thankful her final days were happy ones.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

an incredible story and we deeply thank you for sharing (((hugs))) Hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xoxo

Unknown said...

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving guys.
Luvs Freya Rose Blossom and Frankie de tabby x

Unknown said...

This post just proves how a little love can create so much gratitude!
Oz

KarenMcG said...

What a sad yet happy coming together for Evangeline and Beth. We're sorry at the end outcome but we're glad to know these two found each other, if but for a brief time.

Colehaus Cats said...

Thank you for sharing Evangeline and Beth's PAWS story. We can't think of a better one to read for Thanksgiving every year. Purrs....

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

I'm so glad that Evangeline was able to spend her last days with love and sun puddles.
I love to hear about stories like this even though they break my heart.

Quill and Greyson said...

What a beautiful post. Happy Be-Lated Thanksgiving to you!!

Taffy said...

I am so thankful for shelters and rescues! Thank you for saving dogs from puppy mills just like me! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Kwee Cats and Art said...

See, Beth is an Angel. And now so is sweet Evangeline. Our hearts are so happy for Beth and Evangeline. Thanksgiving really comes home sometimes. We're just so happy. Thank you.
Hugs, hugs to everyone.

Everycat said...

What a sweet and sad story. We are happy that such a sweet old girl got to spend her final days in a real home and left this world in the arms of love.

It's amazing how long cats soldier on in such adversity. They truly are remarkable.

Run free Evangeline, you very special girl

Luff
(and sniffles)
Mungo
& Jane xx

A Tonl said...

What a bittersweet and lovely tale. HUGE thanks for the generous and loving heart of the one who took her in. That is truly a special gift.

Katie Isabella said...

Mommy's eyes making too many tears to write just now. Maybe later. xxxooox Evangeline, we will all see you again precious baby and thank you to the person who loved her.

Hannah and Lucy said...

Thank you for your kind comment to me
when Mum trod on my paw and damaged 2 ligaments - it was very ouchie but the
vets have made me feel much better but I will have to take extra care for another few weeks - this I don't understand as I didn't stand on my paw with boots on like she did!
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

What a wonderful post. I have tears in my eyes as I write this.

Rest in peace, sweetie xx

McZ19 said...

Bless you, Beth, for having a heart big enough to take this kitty in, even when you knew that your heart would soon be broken. What a precious gift for Evangeline!

da tabbies o trout towne said...

God's speed Evangeline; never forget you were loved. God's blessings to you Beth
♥♥♥♥♥

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

I´m glad that Eva found her way safely and with love <3 <3 <3

XOXO