Rest in Peace Sweet Polar Bear

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Hi everyone. Thank you to all who wrote to me wondering if the power was out again. I would have preferred no power to losing yet another beloved kitty. Polar Bear had a lot of health issues for the entire 12 years I had him. I literally picked him up off the street in 2008 when I was cat sitting for someone. It wasn’t the best area of town and he approached me so I started feeding hm for a few days and figured I would take him home. I assumed he was no one’s cat because he was an adult and not neutered and didn’t have a chip or a collar. Even if he had an owner, he/she did not deserve him. I named him Polar Bear after Cleveland Amory’s Cat in The Cat Who Came For Christmas.

He was deaf andย  had feline herpes which caused him to sneeze constantly. I tried endless anti virals on him as well as antibiotics. He was finally sneeze free for the past few weeks. He was hyperthyroid and had been on meds for the past 5 years. The vet felt he had a thyroid tumor when I brought him to the vet in July, but there was nothing we could do as he was down to 4 and a half pounds. We were giving him daily fluids and he was doing well and eating kitten food ( for more calories), but he didn’t gain much weight. On Sunday he seemed weak and by Monday he wouldn’t eat despite the appetite stimulant. He was so thin and the tumor seemed to have grown overnight.

He was always social, but never a lap cat until his final days. I think he enjoyed it so much that he didn’t want to leave us. I slept on the couch with him his last two nights just holding him.ย  We used to call him the polydactyl polygamist because he had two wives, Tallulah and Noel. They both left for The Bridge last year along with KaTwo. This January we lost Millie and Prancie so I was hoping for a break, but I guess it was not to be. We will never forget you my sweet , sneezy boy.

This is Polar Bear years ago before the hyperthyroid and age thinned him out.

 

 

Thank you Ann of Zoolatry for the badge-

And thank you to Teddy’s Mom for this beautiful badge-

I will be back in a few days. Please get the fill-ins from Lorianne’s blog-click here. I will catch up on all your blogs soon.

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164 comments

  1. Twelve years is too short a time, but at least they were GOOD years, filled with Love. We are all heartbroken – for you and for sweet Polar Boy’s fursibs. We hope.you can take comfort in the knowledge that he is now romping around, young and healthy again, in the company of Tallulah and Noelle and Ka-Two and Millie and Prancie and the others who left before, safe in the paws of the Great Cat in the Sky. One day, you will all be re-united.

  2. O, Ellen, what sad news this morning. We’re so sorry of the loss of your sweet Polar Bear. He loved you๐Ÿ’—Soft Pawkisses and a big hug to comfort you๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜ฝ๐Ÿ’ž
    Fly free beautiful Soul๐Ÿ’—

  5. I am so sorry you have suffered another loss. Polar Bear would not have survived long on the streets and you gave him a life full of love and he knew it. My thoughts are with you. (((Hugs)))

  6. So sorry to read this sad and painful news about Polar Bear. He was so loved by you and very lucky to have such a wonderful human. My thoughts are with you and Polar Bear.

  7. Mum and I send you lots of love and hugs as you miss dear Polar Bear.
    He was SO lucky that it was you that found him and we are sure he enjoyed his life with you.
    Purrs and Hugs,
    Julie and Nancy

  8. I’m so very sad that Polar Bear is gone – you have had more loss in the last year than anyone I know. All of your cat family have stories as to how they came into your lives but dear Polar Bear’s always touched me. Deaf and with medical issues he was probably left on his own until you kindly fed him, took him in, and gave him a safe and happy life. So sad for your loss. He certainly will be a most special Angel at the Bridge.

    Love and Hugs, Pam and Teddy

  9. Oh my, such sad news to wake to. Our hearts go out to you all this day. Polar Bear was such a sweet lad, and will live long in all our hearts. May his fond and happy memories be your strength whilst you grieve, and your joy when darkness threatens the light.
    Gentle purrs
    ERin & Mrs H.

  10. So sorry to see this sad news. Polar Bear was blessed to have ‘found’ you, and so were you.
    I am glad he knew love and comfort when you rescued him…and through all his time with you.

    Sending big hugs and many purrs.

    (Am working on a card in his honor…)

  11. I am so sorry, Ellen. My heart just breaks as you continue to lose such sweet cats. But my heart is consoled and hope you are too when I think of what wonderful lives they all had in your loving care. Polar Bear’s story before you took him in is sad. You gave him an awesome home and you were there for him till the very end… he was loved and respected and that is what every cat deserves. Thank you for all you do in rescue and loving your cats with all of your heartโ™ฅ

  12. We are so very sorry for your loss of Polar Bear, paws of sympathy and purrs of comfort from all of us here.

  13. Ellen, I am sad that Polar Bear has flown away. But I am glad to know of his story, his rescue, and that he had a family who loved him and cared for him just as the good stewards we are supposed to be. You and your husband made a monumental change to the good for Polar bear. And he was grateful and loved you both back.
    XO Katie Isabella and Mom

  14. We knew you were caring for Polar Bear and we’re sorry he has gone OTB. He was so lucky you found him. We haven’t been visiting much because Allie is getting ready to head there too. We were glad to see Sammy at Summer Camp. We’re sending purrs and hugs.

    The Florida Furkids

  16. Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the news on FB this morning. Polar Bear was a handsome boy and lived a wonderful, beautiful life with you. He lucked up big time the day you found him, and I know you feel the same too. I hope the cherished memories will bring you comfort. Sending hugs and love to you.

  20. Well, crap!
    Farewell, Angel Snow Ball.
    You fought the good fight; now you can rest.
    Your humom will never, ever forget you, especially the last two days when you snuggled with her.

  22. We here at Mark’s Mews are so very sorry to hear that Polar Bear had to leave you too soon. Our Best Purrs Of Comfort to you… You gave him a home of constant care and love.

  23. We are all so very sorry Ellen, Polar Bear was a beautiful kitty and was so lucky you’re the one who found him. Hugs and love from all of us.

  24. Bear hugs ((( ส•ใฃโ€ขแดฅโ€ขส”ใฃส•ใฃโ€ขแดฅโ€ขส”ใฃส•ใฃโ€ขแดฅโ€ขส”ใฃส•ใฃโ€ขแดฅโ€ขส”ใฃส•ใฃโ€ขแดฅโ€ขส”ใฃ)))

  25. Polar Bear…and peeps.
    I send you all my deepest condolences…..P.B. you were a most distinguished white kitty….From the day you were found by Ellen the best days of your life began and were furever filled with TLC
    Hugs to you all Cecilia

  26. Polar Bear; we know St Francis accompanied you on your journey to heaven, so you weren’t afraid, felt alone, or had any suffering. We are truly sorry and send hugs and loves to you, as well as to mom, dad, and the family you leave behind on earth. We know everyone met at you heaven’s gate, with Tallulah and Noel being there first. โ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅ

  27. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. He put up the good fight and he knew he was loved which is the most important thing for a kitty who comes off the streets. He was a beautiful fellow and will be welcome at the Bridge by all his friends and family. We send you lots of purrs and prayers as you have had such a hard year. Polar Bear watch over us and say hello to all our Angels for us. We will come to see you when our time comes and will play in the fields under the warm sun and nap in the cool shade.
    Timmy, Dad Pete, Toby, Rumpy Bump, Miss Fitz and Einstein

  28. I am very sorry to read of Polar Bear’s passing, but very glad to learn of his life with you. He would not have survived long alone, nor even, probably, with other humans. Your care and love provided a living being with happiness and contentment. That is not as easy an achievement as it may seem, and all too rare in the world. Godspeed, Polar Bear; your family will see you again one day.

  30. awwww so sorry for the loss of your sweet kitty. You are so good with all the cats you care for, and I know it’s so hard to say good-bye. <3

  31. Oh Ellen youโ€™ve had such a tough year. Iโ€™m so sorry to hear about Polar Bear. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜˜

  32. Polar Boy must have been so happy to have your love and TLC after his uncertain life on the streets. You are a kitty angel, Ms. Ellen. I wish so much sadness didnโ€™t come along with the joys of living with cats.
    Love and sympathy,
    Maggie

  38. Ellen I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your Polar Bear. What a beautiful kitty boy he was! You gave him a wonderful, safe life with love and affection. I know it is so hard to lose kitties and there is never enough time with them. Sending hugs and purrs and love. XO

  39. So sorry for your loss. Losing a cat or pet is so hard but in time your pain will fade.
    Always and I mean always cherish the memories you have with Polar bear.

  41. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers, Ellen. Polar Bear was so blessed to have you. Thanks to you, he lived a happy and wonderful life, even despite his ailments. You have yet another angel watching over you now, until you all meet again. Purrs and prayers to all of you.

  42. I am so so sorry for the loss of your beloved Polar Bear, what a beauty he was and will always be in your heart. Words are so limiting with expression of loss and love, but your sweet PB will always be with you and I hope that the memories of love and joy help in the healing of your heart. Keeping you in my prayers.

  43. I’m so sorry for your loss, Ellen. I can’t believe you’ve lost another and my heart breaks for you. Polar Bear was a handsome guy in his younger days! It’s tough to see them age and to be so unwell, knowing their days are numbered. It sounds like you made the very best of those days, and he certainly knew how much he was loved! Sending big hugs.

  45. RIP, sweet Polar Bear. You put up a great fight, but sometimes things get too tough. You were a very lucky kitty to have been scooped up by Ellen that day and then become a member of your beautiful family. Soft woos and gentle hugs to the family from all of us.

    Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom

  47. Polar bear with a beautiful cat and he was blessed that you found him and kept him so happy for so many years. My condolences and my heart hurts with your heart and you did have a lot of loss in the past year. So sorry

  48. Fly free sweet Polar Bear ! There must have been almost as many to meet you as there were ones who were sad you had to leave !

  49. What a hard year for you all, I am so very sorry at the loss of beautiful Polar Bear – hugs and extra hugs. Run free sweet bear and roll in fields of nip with your friends.

  52. Oh Ellen, I’m SO very sorry. I too assumed it was your power. I wish it had been ๐Ÿ™

  53. I am SO sorry for your loss Ellen. It sounds like you and Polar Bear had an amazing life together. I’m so glad you had the last two days together – I know how important that is. Sending you all the love I can muster – you’re one of our Featured Friends at Friendship Friday and we ALL send love your way! xoxo

  54. Oh Ellen! We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of beautiful Polar Bear. We love white kitties and they look like angels. 12 years is way to short but he knew you loved him so much. May his memory be a blessing

  56. We were so sad to hear that another furbaby had gone over the bridge. The heart remembers most what it has loved best. I know words do little to ease the pain you feel when a cat like Polar Bear passes on. Keep the memories close to your heart and know that we are keeping you in ours. Sending you virtual hugs, purrs, head bonks and strength.
    Love Barb (and Marv, Jo Jo, Kozmo, Cinnamon and Angel Nellie)

  58. Oh Ellen, Iโ€™m so sorry.. My heart is broken to read this sad news. Polar Bear had a wonderful life despite health issues because of all the love he received since he found you. Itโ€™s so special he decided to become a lap kitty in his final days. He must have felt extra safe and happy. Hugs to you.

  59. Oh Ellen! My heart broke for you and lovely Polar Bear. You lost a fine cat and he was so lucky to have found a wonderful mom in you.

    Fly free Polar Bear, Dash will be there with the crowd to welcome you to the Bridge.

    Marjorie and Thomas the Visitor Cat

  60. Ellen,

    I’m sorry to read the sad mews about Polar Bear. I feel the weight of your broken heart. He was a pretty kitty who offered you much in this life, now he’s earned his wings. Sending love, hugs (big ones) and prayers to you, dear friend!

  63. Oh awnty Ellen, iour eyes are leaking rivers. We’re so sorry fur your loss. We too will miss Polar Bear. Purrlease ifin you need anythin’, let us know. We’re sendin’ lots of hugs and purrayers.

    Luv ya’

    Dezi, Raena and mommy A

  64. Deere Miss Ellen wee jsut gotted here (Furiday) an reeded ‘out Polar Bear! Hee sure was a hansum man cat. An you gived him a wudnerfull life deepsite his health issuess.
    Wee are furry sorry Polar bear had to leeve you tho’. You have THE BIGGEST <3 heart <3 an wee hope it will mend with time an love.
    Polar Bear run free butt pleese watch over yore Meowmy from Purr Land.
    ***purrss*** an ~~head rubss~~BellaDharma~~ an gentell (((huggiess))) LadyMew

  65. What a grand and special boy! I’m so sorry you’ve lost him. It’s always too soon. But I’m so glad he convinced you that you needed to take him home.

  66. Miss Ellen, we are so sorry to hear about Polar Bear. We hope the fact that you gave him a great life and that he brought you much joy helps you through the sadness you are feeling. Purrs and hugs….

  67. Ellen, I am so sorry for this loss of precious Polar Bear. What a wonderful friend he had in you. It is a rare occurrence an animal finds such true love and care. I know he loved being in your care and he sounds like he was a perfect and handsome fellow. Love and prayers to you.

  68. Ellen, we are so very sorry that Polar Bear had to go to the Bridge. Thank you for loving Polar Bear so much, and so well. Even though his time with you was much too brief, he knew a lifetime of love with you there. Sending so much love, and gentle purrs and prayers.

  69. Oh no, we are devastated at the news, RIP Polar Bear, we hope mew’ve found Basil and all the other RB kitties and are having a reunion. Big hugs and gentle purrs to your Mom, Dad and family, we’ll light one of our special RB candles in your honour tonight dude XOX

  70. I am so sorry for the loss of Polar Bear, Ellen. 12 years is not very old but I think his life would have been shorter and less happy if you hadn’t rescued him.

  72. Charlee: “We are very sorry to hear that Polar Bear had to leave for the Rainbow Bridge.”
    Chaplin: “Run free and chase those grasshoppers and butterflies in the fields past the Rainbow Bridge, sweet boy!”
    Lulu: “I send fluffy tail wags for you at this difficult time.”
    Charlee: “And we Hipsters send purrs!”

  75. We’re late, but we wanted to tell you we’re sorry for the loss of your sweet Polar Bear. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

  76. We had a hard time accepting Polar Bear was gone too! My God what a horrible year for losing our beloved friends.

    We send you soft licks an the gentlest of purrs as you accept the passing of Polar Bear.

    Jean, Shoko and Tyebe

  77. Oh Ellen! We are so sorry to hear about your sweet Kitty. You took such wonderful care of your boy, as you do all the kitties who are lucky enough to end up part of your family. Sending you lots of love and purrs! XOXOXO

  79. I am so deeply sorry about Polar Bear. I’m glad, though, that you had those two special nights with him. I know you’ve had so much loss in such a short amount of time. It’s so sad, but you and your hubby have been such blessings for these kitties. You have a heart of gold.

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