Goodbye My Sweet Snowball

245 comments

It is with a broken heart , I am writing this post. My sweet Snowball left us this morning. She had been having health problems since May 15th, but I was afraid to write about them for fear of jinxing her. We finally had our appointment with the cardiac specialist today and came home armed with several medicines to help ( she had just been on lasix to keep her stable). And sadly, she passed away the minute we got in the house.

Thank you Pam for this beautiful badge

Thank you Ann for this beautiful badge

I am going to take a little time off. I will visit you all soon. XO

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245 comments

  1. Oh – I am so sorry to read this ! She was home and she was loved. Fly free sweetie!

  4. I am so sorry. Snowball knew she was loved and cared for. May she fly free at the Rainbow Bridge. Thinking of you and praying for your peace and comfort.

  6. Ellen, I am so sorry and so sad for you and your husband. The losses keep mounting up, and it is getting harder and harder to know what to say. Please accept my condolences. These sudden losses really are the worst. I wish I’d known she was having trouble so I could have begun praying for Snowball. You will be in my heart and prayers as your grieve. Sending lots of love and hugs, Janet

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. Sadly, with a large family of cats it means all the more losses. Snowball was only thought to be 8 so this was a shock. XO and love to you all.

  9. We are so very sorry to hear about Snowball. It’s never easy. We send you lots of comforting purrs and gentle headbutts. The mom sends lots of hugs.

  13. Ellen we are so terribly sad that sweet Snowball has left your loving home..there are no words as these losses are so terribly heart felt..fly free sweet Snowball you will be joining a loving family at the Rainbow Bridge…Godspeed sweetheart..much love to you and your family Ellen…xxxxx Bev Phil Doc Cleo Marbles Dinnermintz Pickles Oscar Felix and Jock xxx ❤???

  14. I am so very sorry to hear about this. Wasn’t Snowball;s discovery the topic of one of your short stories? If so, then I’ve always had a warm spot for her. If I’ve confused the cat in the story with your other white cat, I apologize.

    1. Thank you. Yes,oneof my stories is about her which now makes me want to get it published all the more in memory of her. XO

  15. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. It was just last year that I lost Shakespeare so I know how deep the hurt goes. Just take some time and know that lots of your friends in the blogging world are thinking of you and praying for you. Hemingway and Steinbeck send you soft paw pats and head bumps.
    We all love you!
    Hemingway, Steinbeck and Pam (The Mom)

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. I remember when you lost Shakespeare in such a sudden and awful way. XO and love to all 3 of you.

  23. We are so sorry about Snowball. We are thinking of you. <3

  24. Oh awnty Ellen, our heart is breakin’ fur you. We are so very sorry. Purrlease, ifin you need anythin’, let us know. Mommy said ifin ya’ need to talk, or cry or scream or just sit in silence, not alone, just let her know and she’ll call ya’. We’re sendin’ lots of hugs and purrayers.

    Luv ya’

    Dezi, Raena and mommy Audra

    1. Thank you for these comforting words and for the offer to talk, scream, etc. XO and love to all 3 of you.

    1. Thank you for these comforting words and for the beautiful card you took the time to design for my sweet girl. XO and love to you and your furbabies

  31. We are so terribly, terribly sorry. Mummy’s eyes are leaking too. And it’s all the worse fior being so sudden. Such a shockm
    But at least it must be some comfort to know that beautiful Snowball was in her own home, surrounded by those who loved her, when the Great Cat in the Sky called her to come and receive her Angel wings, rather than in some cold, impersonal vet’s clinic.
    We send you and Snowball’s fursibs comforting purrs and headbutts and kitty kissies – as well as hugs from Mummy.

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. I am thankful she made it home and that I got to be with her when she left this world. XO

  32. Dearest Aunty Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss, and no words will ever be able to express how we feel at such times. We are all here thinking of you and your family and sends lots of purrs prayers and hugs to help soothe your pain. I have lowered the flag at the Palace to half mast, in respect of sweet Snowball travelling to the Bridge.
    Gentle purrs
    Erin & peep

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort and for the sweet gesture of lowering the flag for the loss of my sweet girl. I am blessed to have such good friends. XO

  33. So very sad about Snowball……..she certainly was a brave little girl with all the medical issues she had and you know that you did all you could to help her. She had the very BEST of homes with you and her many brothers and sisters and only knew love – it’s the most wonderful gift of all. Sending hugs…..

    Love, Pam (and Teddy too)

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. I am blessed to have such caring friends. XO and love to you both ( and Angel Sammy too).

  37. My heart broke when I heard. I am so very sorry. You did everything that you could. You have another angelcat. Snowball knew love because of you. Hugs, sweet friend. ❤

    1. Thank you, I am blessed to have friends that understand the special connection we have with our furbabies. XO and love to you too.

  39. Dear Ellen and family, we’re so sorry to hear that Snowball has gone to the Bridge. Sending you sympathy and hugs,
    Maggie, Mickey Mouser and Rufus the Red

  40. Oh Ellen, I am truly sorry about Snowball. It is just so hard when our fur babies leave us. It’s a comfort to those of us left behind to know that they knew they were loved and cared for as the family they were. They lacked for nothing and had the safety of a loving home. Beautiful Snowball knew that.

    XXXX

  41. We are so sorry to hear this .
    Such a sweet kitty and that makes it harder to say goodbye.
    We send comforting purrs and hugs.
    Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ

  43. Ellen I am so so sorry. Thinking about you and your husband. Snowball was loved, so much love, and she was respected and loved to the very end by two people who loved and cared about her so much. Thinking of you as you take this time off. Hugs.

  44. We are so very sorry. Snowball is running free now with no health issues and visiting with the many friends who have gone before. Hugs to you from all of us at Forty Paws.

  45. Ellen, we are so sorry and our hearts are breaking for you with the loss of your beautiful Snowball. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and stories of her. Sending comforting purrs and prayers to you and your husband. Hugs.

  46. Ellen we are so very very sorry to read about Snowballs passing…bless her heart to wait til she got to her beloved home to make her trip.
    Hugs madi and mom
    So sweet
    Never to be forgotten
    One loved kitty
    White as Snow
    Beautiful
    Adored by her family
    Lush fur
    Little lady of the house

    1. Thank you for this beautiful poem and your words of comfort. XO and love to you both.

  47. We are so, so sorry to hear about precious Snowball, that beautiful girl was so loved and she always felt the love each and every day. Purrs and hugs from all of us Ellen.

  49. Our hearts ache for Mom Ellen & dad, Sammy and all the Pilch fur sibs. We were so very saddened to read of the loss of the beautiful Snowball. Please know that you gave Snowball the best home and care that allowed her to live comfortable life.

    Purrs from Scout Charles, his fur sibs and mom

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort and for the email too, I am blessed to have such good friends. XO

  51. Ellen, we were so sad to hear that Snowball left so suddenly for the Rainbow Bridge. We know you did everything you possibly could and more for her. It was her time to go. We are sending you all our love and hugs. Please be gentle with yourself and remember how much Snowball was loved by you and by so many. Rest in peace sweet Snowball.

    Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

    1. Thank you for taking the time to leave these words of comfort when you too are suffering. I am praying for your furbabies. XO and love to you all.

  53. Ellen, my heart and thoughts and prayers are with you. Your beautiful Snowball lived a blessed life with you. All of your kitties know nothing but love and happiness with you, and Snowball was no different. She will always be with you, watching over you, until you meet again.

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort and for the amazing drawing of Snowball. I am so thankful for friends like you. XO

  56. I’ve just heard about this awful news about Snowball! Ellen, I am so sorry. There are no words, just much love and purrs and hugs, from Caro and Austin xx❤️❤️❤️

  57. Snowball~~~

    Godspeed your journey beautiful girl. We are truly sorry and send hugs and
    love to mom, dad and your family. We know you are happy healthy and painfree
    yet your family and friends here, have lots of sadness and tears. We hope mom and dad know, if you could speak, you would say to them, thanks….for everything, and you would also tell them, I love you too❤️❤️

    daisy, tuna and dude, sauce and boomer; with hugs and love

    1. Thank you, it was devastating to think we finally had meds, but it was too late. XO

  59. I am so sorry for your loss. May it merely be temporary and not be too awfully long before you-all will be spending all of eternity together in our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven. Now, I cannot say, “Thus saith the Lord,” about this as I can other things, but I cannot imagine Heaven being nearly as joyous without our beloved pets being there with us.

    1. I always say it won’t be Heaven if our pets are not there. Thank you for your words of comfort.

  60. Oh, Ellen, we are so very sorry to hear about Snowball passing. How very sad and sudden. Sending love and hugs to you as you deal with your pain and sorrow. Prayers for you and your family.
    With deepest condolences,
    Angel Normie, Angel Mika, Sasha, Grady Lewis and Mom Joan

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. I am blessed to have good friends that understand the bond we have with our pets. XO and love to you and your kitties.

  61. Oh noooo, i’m so very sorry to hear about Snowball. My heart is breaking for you as it happened so very suddenly and was such a shock. Such a beautiful girl. Prayers are headed your way and I’m also sending big HUGS. It is so tragic!

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. I am trying to accept it was her time, but it is difficult. XO

  66. Dearest Ellen & family: We are very saddened by Snowball’s passing. You did everything you could to save your beloved kitty….we all do what we can but our furbabies still grow old & have to leave us. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. If only saying “Goodbye” was not so difficult!!!
    Sending {{{hugs}}} Sherri-Ellen & ~~~head rubsss~~~ Siddhartha Henry~~~

    1. Thank you, I keep running through it in my mind thinkig I should have gone to TUFTS instead of waiting for the cardiologist, but I am trying to accept it was her time. XO and love to you both.

      1. Been there & done that Ellen. Always second guessing what I could have or should have done. It never changed the outcome & I came to realize that events unfolded as they should…..however I feel badly that the Vet gave meds & sent you home. I suspect Snowball’s time had come & even the cardio guy could not have done much…..
        I am so terribly sad for all of you there. Sending you lots of <3 love <3 & {{{hugs}}} Sherri-Ellen x0x0

        1. I think the cardiologist tried , but knew. I am trying not to think about how everything unfolded being that I can’t change it, that is easier said than done though. XO and love to you both. And Phoebe sends her love to her sweet purrince.

          1. I wondered about the Cardio Doc…in a way I think he should have told you upfront & let you make a decision. I am seeing Vets’ all over the world being cagey & in fact thinking more about the almighty dollar than the actual animal’s welfare….
            At least Snowball was with you when it happened & knew love….
            P SH sends all his LUV an ***paw kissesss*** to his ‘sweet buttercup’……..

          2. My biggest complaint of the cardio doc was that the soonest apt. was 11 days from when she was first sick and that was considered an emergency slot, they need a better system. Phoebe sends paw kisses to her sweet purrince. XO

  68. Oh Ellen!!! I am in shock and so deeply, deeply sorry to learn about the passing of beautiful Snowball. My heart is just breaking. My Angel Bobo passed due to heart issues as well (he had also been on Lasix for a while before he passed). Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, if there is anything at all that you need, I am here. I am so deeply, deeply sorry (((hugs))) and love from all of us.

    1. I am sorry Angel Bobo passed the same way. Sadly, the lasix dose was too low and it was too late by the time we got a partial diagnosis. Thank you for these words of comfort. XO and love to you too.

  69. We are so sorry to read about Snowball. I’m happy that she was able to come back home where she knew she was loved and safe. We’re sending you love and prayers ♥

    1. Thank you. I am thankful she was home and I was with her. XO and love to you too.

  70. Oh, no, no, no. We are so sad. Ellen, I’m so deeply sorry. What a beautiful picture of Pierrot’s sweetheart. I wish there was something I could do.

    We here send our love.

    1. I hope you got my email about Snowball before you read this, I wanted Pierrot to know first. He was a wonderful beau and Snowball was so blessed. XO and love to all of you.

  71. Oh sweet friend Ellen! We are crushed to hear of beloved Snowball going over the Rainbow today. My heart goes out to you and your kitties. Snowball had a wonderful and happy life with you. With you she had a life, that all cats should have. She knows how much loved she is. The love between you is the bond that will always exist and this bond will always connect you, until one day you see her again. And then, it will truly be forever. Murli and I send all our love to you and our hearts and minds are with you. Keeping you, Snowball and all the kitties, in our prayers. Hugs, and may the love of all of us surround you. ?

    1. Thank you, I am blessed to have such good friends that understand the special bond we have with our beloved pets. XO and love to you both.

  73. We are very very sad to hear that Snowball had to leave you for The Rainbow Bridge. Our Best Purrs Of Comfort to all of you…

  74. Our thoughts are with all of you in your time of sadness. Our fur babies are such an important part of our lives, we miss them terribly when they’re gone. Sending you hugs.
    Love, Sundae, Gypsy and Motor Mommy

  76. I’m so sorry about Snowball. And we are sorry you’re in pain. We love you and are praying for you. Love Sabina and the kitties.

  77. I’m so very sorry Ellen. Goodness, there has been so much loss in the cat blogosphere over the past couple weeks. Having gone through heart issues with both Tara and Truffles, saying a long goodbye to one and an instantaneous loss with the other, there are just no words to ease your pain. Just know we’re here for you if you need anything at all.

  80. My dear sad friend….while I did not know your beautiful Snowball, as I looked into her face, I saw my precious Miss Hunny Bunny once again. What a fluffy white cloud of a kitty…I am sad that she lost her battle to stay here in your arms.
    May memories of her comfort the sadness you feel in your heart…
    We care…the cozy cottage cats and momKarla

  83. I’m so sorry. I heard about this from another blogger. Such a beautiful girl – she reminds me of my Anya. *hugs*

  84. Oh no, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Snowball. She was a very lucky kitty to have had happy life, loved and cherished. My heart goes out to you. Sending hugs.. xo

  85. Ellen, we are so very sorry to hear that Snowball had to go to the Bridge. We wish we could say or do something to make it easier, but we know that’s not possible. Please know you are in our thoughts, purrs and prayers.

    1. Thank you, I am thankful for friends that understand how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. XO

  87. We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your dearest Snowball, Ellen. No sadder news could reached us this morning. We feel heartbroken for you. Will send Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3 <3 <3

    1. Thank you for these words of comfort. There has been too much loss in the blogoshere. XO

  88. All three of our hearts go out to you on losing your Snowball. Take comfort in knowing many of us feel your pain and sadness. Take care.

  89. Sweet Snowball, so so sorry to hear! I did not know if your struggle so this is a shock. I believe I met you Xmas before last. I want to wish you good speed on your rainbow bridge journey. We are never ready for this and my heart goes out to Ellen, your human and family!
    Love & Hugs, Carol, Peaches & Paprika

    1. Thank you for these kind words and for the badge and photo of Snowball you sent me. XO and love to you and your kitties.

  93. My heart breaks for your family. What a breathtaking loss, so soon after a visit in which you’d hoped to get answers. I hope taking time away helps you to heal. And I hope you know we’ll all be here for you when you’re ready to come back.

    Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie

  94. Oh we are so sorry and sad to hear this news about your precious Snowball. Sending you our love and gentle purrs and holding you in our hearts and thoughts…

    Be Well Sweet Snowball
    Love from Clooney, Neytiri & Karyn

  95. Snowball was beautiful, both inside and out. And even though she may no longer walk this Earth, she is now up in Heaven where she will experience nothing but good health and love. Perhaps she will meet up with Nissy there, and together they can run through the Heavenly nip fields with the warmth of the sun on their backs, chasing butterflies.

    Until we meet again.

    Love and purrs always,
    Seville

    1. I hope Nissy was waiting for her with all our lost friends. XO and love to you sweet Seville.

  97. Ellen, please accept my deep condolences for your loss. Every loss hurts and you’ve had more than your share recently. Take all the time your need to grieve and heal. The only comforting thought from what you wrote was that Snowball died at home naturally and not at the vet’s. Hugs and soft purrs xo

    1. Thank you for your words of comfort. I am thankful she made it home before she passed and that I got to be with her. XO

    2. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss, Ellen. Every loss is painful, and you’ve experienced more than your fair share lately. Allow yourself as much time as you need to grieve and recover. The only reassuring aspect of what you described was that Snowball died naturally at home rather than in the vet’s office. xo Hugs and gentle purrs

      1. Thank you. Not sure why this post popped up for you. Snowball passed away 4 years ago, but I appreciate your kind words. XO

  98. I’ve been a lurking follower for just a couple weexks, but as a catmom of 3, I know how deep the love is and the loss hurts. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort.

    Peace to beautiful Snowball.

    Nani, Kaline, Carla and Marco

  99. Poor Snowball was just too worn out to wait. You loved her, that was obvious, and wanted her to stay, but it was time. I’m sure she would have stayed with you if she could, but we have so little choice in such matters. What counts is to make the most of what time we have, and Snowball did. Godspeed, Snowball.

    1. Thank you. Hugs and love to you too, I am blessed to have such good friends.

  101. We are sending you our purrs and prayers of support at this sad time. Dear Snowball watch over us all until that day we all meet again as we must.
    Timmy, Dad Pete and Family

  103. Ellen, I am so very sorry to hear about Snowball. My heart breaks for you. I hope you can find comfort in the many memories you shared with her. You gave her a wonderful life full of love. Sending purrs, prayers, love, and hugs to you.

  107. This is my first day making the rounds since Friday and somehow I missed this post on Friday; I apologize and I feel like I neglected our friendship – a friendship that means so very much to me. I know I could talk for hours and it won’t bring even a tiny bit of comfort. The loss is too great … the heart too broken. But please believe you’re in my thoughts and that I’d help in any way I could – all you have to do is ask. You aren’t alone … and I know a cat is not just a cat like so many people try to use to comfort us when we lose a fur baby. Each cat is something – has a unique personality … a unique way of living … a unique way of loving … which makes them irreplaceable. I’d love to hear more about Snowball when you’re ready <3

    1. NO need to apologize, I know we all have different schedules- I knew you would comment when you could. I am thankful for friends like you that understand how special each cat is and that special bond. XO

  108. […] Have you ever had a camera pointed in your face and you just didn’t feel like it? Well, I have. The other day I was sitting in mom’s room thinking about something sad and mom said, “Toby, look at the camera. Toby. Toby. Kitty, kitty.” She kept saying it in a sing-song voice as if that would move me. It didn’t. I was sad (and still am) and I wasn’t going to let her have her way. Why was I sad, you ask? My sweetheart, Penny, lost her sister Snowball and while I didn’t know Snowball personally, my heart hurts for Penny and Miss Ellen. I am sad for them and all the other kitties at 15andmeowing.com. […]

  109. I am so sorry for your loss. Snowball is such a precious kitty. *hugs* I will be praying for you as you heal.

  111. Oh my, Miss Ellen. I’m so very sorry. I wish I could bring her back to you. Kisses and hugs. I will watch for Snowball’s star in the sky tonight.

  113. I’m so very sorry to hear about Snowball. I know how it feels to lose a furry child, so my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you lots of hugs.

  114. We are slowly catching up (we were out of town most of last week) – and we wanted to come right over and offer our condolences. Words just seem to be so inadequate to express our deep sorrow at your loss.

    May Snowball’s memory be a blessing to you ….

  115. I’m so sorry to read this sad news about Snowball. I can imagine how hard and painful this must be for you. Wishing you lot of strength, my friend. My thoughts are with you.

  116. 11 day wait for an emergency appointment?? That is ridiculous! I am so sorry this has happened to you. it just seems Vets’ on our side of the world are not as dedicated as they used to be to their practices. Snowball should have been fitted in the day she got ill. You did your best. And I KNOW that a 4 legged would rather be with their Human(s) than at the Vet’s when it is their time to go……

    1. Thank you, I know it isn’t right. There seems to be a shortage of services everywhere. XO

  118. hello 15andmeowing its dennis the vizsla dog hay i am heer with the hipster kitties to say we ar sorry to heer that yore sweet snowball had to go over the rainbo bridj!!! we ar sorry we did not git to meet her she luks like sutch a nice kitty!!! i am sending vizsla tail wags and the hipster kitties ar sending purrs!!! ok bye

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