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Post 228 of 288

Cover Girl is gone

From Sheila Smith at ShadowCats:

I know so many people loved her from afar and care about what happens to her and I want to make sure they all know. I just can't write so much right now.

I took her in early this morning. They worked on her all day, including a blood transfusion but to no avail. She was too weak and continued to spiral. Within just a few days she went from a healthy appearing girl to one that was asking for release.

She was so weak at the end I was able to hold her as she passed. The last thing she heard whispered to her was how much she was loved by so many. She passed quickly and very, very peacefully.

I am so sorry that she did not have a long life here with us and that we weren’t able to keep her from this end, but I AM so very grateful for the time we had with her (it would have been a year Sept 17th) and knowing that before she left this world, she knew not just the depravity of man but also the kindness and love from so many.

She was able to develop trust and to feel safe. She absolutely and beyond any doubt knew she was adored by thousands of people from all over the US- because I told her so every day.

So many others from the GKR have gone before and I know they are all greeting her now.

This hurts so bad!!! I hope everyone that has been so supportive and cared about CG and written about her or expressed concern over her knows just how much that means! Its very hard to express grief to those that don’t understand. I know you all feel the same way about these cats and you have all lost precious companions too.

Photographer Troy Snow made the photo montage sometime ago of one of the photos he snapped of Cover Girl in the compound and the happy photo of her in her home. He wrote:

"For anyone who's ever doubted the power of love...
The first shot is from day one of the Pahrump cat rescue operation. The temperature was 115 degrees that day. I honestly didn't think this girl was going to survive the week.

"The second shot was taken just the other day by the beautiful family that agreed to take "Cover Girl" into their home, and make her part of their family.

"This photo was just e-mailed to me a few minutes ago.... I can't begin to describe emotions I'm feeling right now. All I can say to everyone involved in the rescue, is 'Thank you, from my heart'

Posted Aug 18 2008, 06:41 PM by BarbaraWilliamson

Comments

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:04 PM by carrie_fosters

Rest in eternal peace, you sweet, strong girl. Your image alone moved so many people to physically help with and to donate to the Great Kitty Rescue. You are a hero to your fellow imprisoned and neglected felines and Sheila and Roy are heroes to all of us who couldn't take on Leukemia cats ourselves.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:04 PM by JAK

Sheilia I am so very sorry, I know you love each and every one of your babies... But you gave something to Cover Girl that she needed so badly and you got to be there to help her across the bridge knowing she was loved .. Pretty awesome given her life.. So you did the right thing and she fought as hard for as long as she could , but it was time, I believe God called her home... and she went where there is no sickness, only joy and health.
Love ya girl!!!! and God speed
JAK

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:17 PM by feralfriend

She was truly an Angel and I think she was sent her to give us a message of love and forgiveness. No hate, no bitterness at what her previous life held- just a willingness to accept the love we all offered to her in the here and now.
I think we are all marked by the animals that go through our lives and we are all better for having embraced them.
You are right JAK, God Speed Sweet Angel!!

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:22 PM by ktsmom

I simply can't stop crying and I can't imagine how how many tears you must have shed today. My Siamese cat "Chang" is on my lap now-trying to comfort me. I think I scared him when I opened this page and started yelling "No,No, Oh No"!! Sheila, forgive my ignorance, but is this how leukemia usually works? My sincerest sympathy to all of you.May CG rest in peace-I've asked my husband Bob to watch for her, he was so devoted to our cats always. Love and prayers...Gloria.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:29 PM by atuttle32

Oh, Sheila, you have many people across this nation crying with you tonight. I know a piece of your heart must feel like it's missing, but you are right in that we should be thankful that Cover Girl found so much peace and joy in her remaining days - thanks to you and Roy.

And thank you for holding her and telling her how much she was loved and by so many. I never met her, but I have seen that look in many cats' eyes, and seeing the despair turn to love is very profound. I'm lighting my candle for her early tonight. Thank you for sharing her life with us.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:38 PM by nutmegger

My heart is breaking.

I can see her now at the bridge... running and playing with all our loved ones. Free from any pain, just as happy as can be.

It's the ones left behind who continue to suffer because we love and miss them so much.

This to me is quite powerful... to me she was a miracle. There was no way that little girl should have made the comeback that she did. She was indeed a warrior and hero.

Sheila,

I agree with Barb, Cover Girl just needed enough time to learn unconditional love and care... she was finally brave enough to tell you "Thank you for loving me, I love you too." and then she was needed elsewhere.

She will always be with us... we will never forget you Cover Girl. The tears are flowing for you in Utah today.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:51 PM by jennifer

Sheila & Roy - there aren't words enough to thank you for all that you've done, helping Cover Girl to trust & love and believe in people again, and sadly, helping her to cross the Bridge when she needed to.

As I drove home tonight crying (Mark called me at work to tell me that Cover Girl had crossed) the word that came to my mind was Valiant.

I thought the same as others - she was here for what she needed to be, and then it was time to go. She will always be with us - as a symbol of what love can do.

Say Hi to Buster for me Cover Girl!

Saddest of purrs, Jenn

Posted 18 Aug 2008 7:53 PM by pattycatty

It's at times like these that I have to believe that our animal friends truly live in the present. I just know that her final months were her best months and that's what she took with her to the Bridge. For those that invested love and effort this has to be the most painful of times.

Cover Girl leaves behind a physical empty spot, but her spirit is larger than ever and will continue to shine down upon those that loved her so much. You were all her true heros and she will guard and guide you forever with her strong spirit and generous heart.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 8:06 PM by rook86

I am so sorry to hear this news. I had just seen the post today regarding her turn for the worst, but was hoping for another miracle. Guess there is the one miracle we can always be thankful for. Thank you for all you did for Cover Girl and for all you do for the other Fe-leuk kitties. It is so hard to see them go downhill as I have had 2 myself.

Lend Me a Kitten
I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

I fancied that I heard them say 'Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done'
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him whom we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

Author Unknown

Posted 18 Aug 2008 8:18 PM by bogiedew

This just breaks my heart. Thank you Shelia and Roy for loving and caring for Cover Girl..and you know she loved you to. It was obvious in the video posted this weekend. Thank goodness we all got to see that. That is how we will remember Cover Girl..the happy girl she was.
Rest in Peace beautiful girl..we will all miss you.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 10:12 PM by Mimi

I'm crying as I type this, even though I never met Cover Girl, or any of the Pahrump kitties. She was an inspiration to stay open to the possibility of love, no matter what the present moment brings. And Sheila, you are an inspiration as well, to the truth that real service, born of love, is never wasted. Thank you, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Posted 18 Aug 2008 11:14 PM by Kittycrazy

I can hardly believe that dear Cover Girl is gone. She was so beautiful and relaxed in the video. It was a joy to see the incredible change in her from when we first became aware of her plight. Thank you so much for giving her a chance to feel love and tenderness during her time with you. I know I will never forget her.
Suzanne

Posted 18 Aug 2008 11:37 PM by cindybey

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of our dear sweet Cover Girl. It was within the last few weeks of visiting the sanctuary that she had allowed a few of us volunteers to pet her. We were obviously thrilled and so glad we got to be part of her journey of recovery here in Texas. Rest in peace dear one - you were loved.

Cindy

Posted 19 Aug 2008 12:08 AM by stonjes

Oh Sheila- I am so sad to hear the news, I'm writing this through blurry eyes. I only recently watched the You Tube video. I was amazed at how happy and peaceful Cover Girl was in the video.

I am so glad that you opened your heart and doors and that CG was able to join you in Texas. It gives me some peace to know she had the benefit of you and your groups love and care. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.

Know we are grieving with you...

Susan in Dallas

Posted 19 Aug 2008 12:31 AM by dmolstad

Sheila, I am so sorry to hear about Cover Girl. It hurts my heart to hear of her passing. As it does for all of the Pahrump Kitties. I will place a stone on her headstone at Angeles Rest in her honor and memory. From the time she was rescued your care has been her foundation to continue. Her time with you was the best of her life and you should feel honored that you could share her life. We shall all miss her, but all of us who helped the Pahrump kitties in some way have been inspired by her. I hope there is a special place for her at Angeles Rest and it will be my first stop the next time I am in Kanab. Sheila, thank you for giving Cover Girl the best care for the last protion of her life, probably the best part of her life.
David Molstad.

Posted 19 Aug 2008 2:07 AM by corinnem

Cover Girl, you embodied the spirit of the Great Kitty Rescue and Shelia, you and Roy the spirit of the “rescuers”. Every victory, every small step, every loss is a cause for deep feelings for those of us that have come to know these magnificent cats. Some days, it is all too sad, but that will never stop us from fighting for the best all of the cats from the Great Kitty Rescue. We can still champion forward, even with tears streaming down our faces.

Posted 19 Aug 2008 3:23 AM by pedrolobo

Before making plans to attend the dedication ceremony for the Great Kitty Rescue cats earlier this year, I had a conversation with Ellen Gilmore. I suggested to Ellen that one could easily come away from the GKR with a rather dim view of humanity. All of the suffering people had caused, and so forth.

Ellen wasn't buying it, though. On the contrary, she said, the Great Kitty Rescue had “restored her faith in humanity.” (Yes, that’s an exact quote — I was so struck by her comment, I jotted it down immediately.)

She went on to tell me about the “daily miracles” she’d witnessed as part of the Great Kitty Rescue, and the “changed lives” of the people involved.

I didn’t know it at the time, of course, but Kate and I would soon be witnessing daily miracles for ourselves, both at home (first with Flora, then Dazzler, and then Sebastian) and at Miss Sherry’s. And we’re now among those whose lives were changed.

As Corinne wrote earlier this evening, Cover Girl “embodied the spirit of the Great Kitty Rescue,” and Sheila and Roy “the spirit of the rescuers.” I couldn’t agree more. Just look at all the comments posted here! Many of them are from people — like me — who never even met Cover Girl, Sheila, or Roy (our loss, obviously).

Which gets me back to Ellen’s comments. Cover Girl, with all of her Warrior Princess spirit, was instrumental in rallying the support the GKR cats needed (and continue to need). And in doing so, she also touched the lives of who knows how many people. She was, herself, a “daily miracle.”

Cover Girl, you will be missed dearly. Sheila and Roy, our tender thoughts and warmest sympathies are with you.

Posted 19 Aug 2008 5:11 AM by Spax

Thank you, Sheila and Dr. Roy, for giving Cover Girl so much love and care, and for sharing her story with all of us. Mike and I are so sad that she did not have more time in this better part of her life. So many kitties from the Great Cat Rescue have crossed already, it is so heart-breaking...
Cover Girl, you are loved and you will never be forgotten!
In tears, Andrea

Posted 19 Aug 2008 9:27 AM by cherylt

Will my tears ever stop flowing over the loss of Cover Girl. She was loved by thousands of people around the world and her loss will be difficult for everyone who followed her story. Sheila and Roy, my heart aches so much right now and I wish there were something I could say that would make things easier for you. You gave her so much love and gave her the chance to be happy in a wonderful, wonderful home with two of the best people in the world. We will all miss you, Cover Girl, and will love you forever.

Cheryl

Posted 19 Aug 2008 11:14 AM by czimmer671

I was very sorry to hear that CoverGirl Crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

In the beginning Cover Girl defined the neglect and abuse that was discovered in that horrid desert "sanctuary". That first picture of her emaciated, filthy and sick little body delivered the message to, not only Best Friends, but to members of Best Friends around the world.
"Help us" she said, and help we did. Hundreds of cats went to homes, and found love. CoverGirl did. And now that she has left us, I think she still defines the Great Kitty Rescue. This formerly feral cat who feared and despised people, passed while in the arms of her Mom, listening to Sheila tell her how much she is loved and always will be.

The Great Kitty Rescue saved Cover Girl. She went home to Texas. She found what every animal deserves, love, caring and lots of people to cater to her every whim! The food was so good, she was even described as plump. And when her time came, she wasn't alone under a bush somewhere out in the middle of nowhere, she was with her family. I think that defines success.

Bless each and everyone of you for the success of the Great Kitty Rescue.
Cristina Zimmer, Noah and Buck Rogers

Posted 19 Aug 2008 12:26 PM by whitecatmom

My heart was so heavy when I read the news about Cover Girl yesterday. I could not stop crying to write... even now.

Cover Girl's picture was on every poster, flyer and donation form we passed out just about a year ago asking for supplies to bring to Pahrump. The reaction to that image of her trying to walk away was so visceral for all who saw it. Most of the people who filled up our truck we didn’t even know. Cover Girl’s image was in a way our ambassador to ask for everything (and then some).

When we arrived in Pahrump with supplies, we spent time with Sherry walking around the site. It was a full scale disaster response that reminded me of being on the Gulf Coast after Katrina. And then in one of the hospital buildings – there she was! Looking much better but still so battered from the abuse she’d endured at the hands of FLOCK.

A short time later Cover Girl and her friends left for Texas… we followed her story and smiled. What a fierce will to have survived at all. It was a joy to watch her progress through the months. Who would have ever thought she’d ever be plump?? Pettable?? Cuddle up next to a human?? No way… But it happened though Sheila and Roy’s amazing care and love.

Although the news of her passing breaks my heart, it is remarkable that she was so surrounded by love from so many people.

While I carry so many images with me from this rescue, Cover Girl will always be the Face of this rescue to me…

Patti
& all the white cats - Romeo, Merlin, Serafina
…and sweet Eskimo who went to meet her at the Rainbow Bridge

Posted 19 Aug 2008 1:59 PM by mxipp

This is a hearbreaker. All I can say is what everyone else has said already: the last year of her life was the best, and she passed on knowing she was much loved.

Posted 19 Aug 2008 2:51 PM by feralfriend

As I read through the postings of love and support for Cover Girl, I realize even more how much she was cared about all over the country and how our pain is also yours.

I believe the reason is as you say, she had work here to be done- to represent the horrors of abuse and to bring attention to the GKR. What could have been more hopeless than her skeletal body moving one leg in front of the other there in the desert? It was this picture that captivated and moved a nation of animal lovers. She brought such realism to what was happening and made it impossible to turn away. It was not that she was any more special or any more loved than any other precious soul lost to this horrible place, she was just the one who became its Face. WIth her passing, we mourn all the cats she represented, all the horrors we know they experienced, and feel the incredible sadness for so much pain and suffering. She was the mother lode of all we felt.

I absolutely and beyond a doubt in my heart, believe after this life, we are all going to be met by the animals that graced our lives here- what a reunion that will be and is my idea of Heaven.

Cover Girl is being cremated today. I would like to send most of her ashes to be interred at Angels Rest. Meg sent me a video of it and how beautiful and peaceful! Cover Girl does not belong to me-- she belongs to all of us and we belong to her. Without Best Friends and first responders intervention and all the volunteers that day in and day out made such a difference, I am sure this atrocity would be continuing to this day . It is because of them that the suffering was brought to a stop. I believe she should be interred there- in a place where others can come and they can visit and pay their respects to a little eight pound cat that made a difference in so many lives- human and feline. I will ask Barbara and Danielle about that.

Anyway, I wanted to say thank you for all of these notes. They help so much. We have all lost precious companions and knowing you all know and have felt yourselves what we are feeling right now, lessens this pain. I know Cover Girl and all the cats that have crossed are watching over us all and would want us to celebrate their lives!

Posted 19 Aug 2008 4:11 PM by cherylt

Sheila - Your note was just beautiful and I know you are still feeling the pain as we all are. I am sure everyone who loved Cover Girl will pay their respects to her at Angel's Rest. From my own experience from my first visit to BF, Angel's Rest, albeit sad, is the most beautiful and peaceful place in the world. Please take care, Sheila - we are all thinking of you.

Cheryl

Posted 20 Aug 2008 10:39 AM by veganmarcy

I too was shocked at such a quick progression for our dear little buttterball. I'm also struck by how she ended up - prefering indoors to out, comfy cushions to hiding, and affection to fear. With a tummy no less. She knew full well she had a better life, the life that she wanted, and wasn't going to waste a minute of it looking back. However long that new life was, thank you so much for making it happen. She is a hero...she saved over 800 cats (and other critters rescued there) by being impossible to ignore, stubborn as hell, and loved by many. Not content to rest on her laurels (comfy chairs being another matter entirely!) Cover Girl went on to be a shining example of how meaningless the word "feral" is and why it should never be a final sentence on how a cat's life should go. The fact that she passed away letting you hold her says so much. She was home, and now it was time to go Home once more...
I'm crying but happy for the life that she got.

Love,
Marcy & her rescued "ferals"-turned-smoochey-cats

Posted 20 Aug 2008 12:09 PM by kittychump

Through tears all I can say is that Cover Girl was the spokeswoman for the Pahrump Rescue kitties - she told the whole world that Justice must be done - and LOVE MUST WIN OUT. Bless her courageous and powerful spirit - and bless you all, Sheila, for holding her in love - right up to the end - and in your hearts always. Prayers for all - I can only imagine the "Welcome Home" party that's taking place now, across the Rainbow Bridge....

Posted 20 Aug 2008 4:19 PM by judylew

Others have expressed so much better than I ever could what I'm feeling right now. Thank you, Shiela & Roy for taking Cover Girl and teaching her that she could trust and love humans. Thank you!!

Posted 20 Aug 2008 5:34 PM by Lora726

You both have my deepest sympathies on the loss of Cover Girl and my profound respect & admiration for all you do. Know that the loss of Cover Girl is, indeed, a loss for us all, but a lesson in courage, grace and redemption as well. Rest in peace, sweet and noble Warrior.

Posted 20 Aug 2008 6:34 PM by kitty_ronda

Shelia,

I am so sorry about Cover Girl. Thank you and Roy for opening your home and hearts to her and others like her, so that they may live the rest of their lives in love. You showed her that humans can be caring and loving, and she got to live the best life possible these last 11 months. God bless you both!

Ronda

Posted 20 Aug 2008 6:41 PM by Justice4Cats

Cover Girl is our Heroic Warrior Princess! Her first photos to her last tell a story that we will never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the kitties that are there to greet our dear Cover Girl.

Posted 20 Aug 2008 7:44 PM by Heacri999

I remember seeing Cover Girl when I volunteered in Pahrump. I hoped and prayed that she would find a home of love and happiness. Thanks to Sheila and Roy my dream came true. I also adopted Austin (Now ZyeDeCo) from the GKR and he is blind in one eye and FIV+. It was due to CG that I wanted to adopt a cat that I could help out. She was the "Cover Girl" in all senses. I now have cried for over 30 minutes reading of her passing, and ZyeDeCo is on my lap after pressing himself against Cover Girl's pic on the computer. It was like he senses her passing also. I cant say THANK YOU to Sheila and Roy enough for all they did for her! And THANK YOU dmolstad for buying a stone for her at Angels Rest at BF. What a sad day this is for me, but I bet the Higher Power is happy to have such an angel among him now.

Posted 20 Aug 2008 9:25 PM by txcatlover47

I saw this beautiful girl today before she was cremated at my work. I pet her goodbye and lovingly prepared her to be returned to her family.
I heard the story about her beforehand and considered it a total honor to respectfully care for her. I am a proud donor to Guardian Angels monthly and have been a BF member for years.
Sometimes it can be a small world, I read BF stories all the time online and was totally aware of the plight of the Nye County rescued cats. From BF to a wonderful home in Texas with an awesome family. Then sadly came thru my hands.
She looked stunningly beautiful in the "After" picture. Sheila and Roy, you are totally awesome for caring for these precious cats that need so much. I am so sorry she had to leave you so soon. God will truly bless you. It was a privilege to take care of this beautiful cat for you and know that for just a short time she knew love and happiness at your home. We will all see her again someday. I believe she will be right there to greet me at Heaven's Gate, with my cats and all the precious animals I have prepared to send back home to their grieving parents. What a glorious day that will be!

Posted 20 Aug 2008 11:47 PM by feralfriend

Tears anew!! Txcatlover47 what a small world this is for certain. I had no idea! Thank you so much for this gift of information and caring. I have been so torn with what I knew was happening even though I know she is no longer in that body. Thank you, thank you for the love you gave her.

We thought about the inscription and ended up with :
Cover Girl
2002-2008
Our Warrior Princess
Survivor, Companion, Teacher

Thank you again for being with her in that final time and showing such compassion and respect for her.
Big hugs to you!

I am with all of you- the tears wont stop for this baby, and I dont cry much. I also missed that dmolstad is buying a stone for her at BF. Thank you so much! I have to find that posting.

Posted 21 Aug 2008 1:36 AM by honormacy

I read of Cover Girl passing yesterday but was so overwhelmed with sadness I could not write.

I first met her in Pahrump and another volunteer told me, "She is called Cover Girl because her picture tells it all". I had not seen the CG picture and although she was hunkered down in the corner of her cage, I could see how very frail she was. Her sad eyes looked at me as I put her food in her cage and I told her how happy I was to meet her and how things would be better-I PROMISE. She leaned forward and sniffed her food but preferred I leave before she ate.

That night I said aprayer for all the kitties and made a special request that CG would survive and find a wonderful home and REALLY KNOW the love she deserved.

Thank you, Sheila and DR. Roy for answering my prayer and, of course, that of many other people. CG knew love and really flourished in your care. She became the beautiful kitty she was meant to be.

God bless you, Angel Kitty. I will forever think of your resilience and strength. Rest in Peace Cover Girl.

Posted 21 Aug 2008 12:51 PM by Fletch

Sheila:

I am there wtih you in spirit. I have been away from the site and just saw this today. Even though I never met CG I am crying. Thank you so much for teaching her love and helping her through to the end.

It takes tremendous strength to take in kittes with health issues. I can't tell you how much respect I have for you and how thankful I am that you are such a good and strong person. Cover Girl chose wisely when she chose you and Shadow Cats. Cover Girl will not be forgotten.

XOXO
Fletch

Posted 22 Aug 2008 1:17 PM by ttorres

Sheila,

I don't have the words to say how sorry I am that Cover Girl has passed. Her story gave us strength and hope..quite often when I was up against a particulary sad and sickly case...I'd picture her before and after pictures and think...if she could do it so might mine....

Thanks so much for giving her the love and care you did. I have several leukemia cats and you are so right about how quickly they can go downhill.

You are in my thoughts and all my cats will get extra hugs tonight.....

Trisha

Posted 22 Aug 2008 2:55 PM by Cat_Masher

I can't write more - ditto what Fletch said - all of it.

CatMasher (with tears of sadness, but gratitude)

Posted 22 Aug 2008 4:28 PM by feralfriend

I wanted to post Cover Girls blog entry here for the record since this is where we are communicating about her.

http://network.bestfriends.org/Blogs/PostDetail.aspx?g=68d1ed2beabd415dbf0dc137a5ec1224&bp=9242

Posted 25 Aug 2008 12:55 AM by Cat_Masher

So Sheila, was Cover Girl going to go live with someone else (to be a part of their family) just before her final decline started? I'm confused.

That poem on her blog is absolutely beautiful.

Posted 25 Aug 2008 11:36 AM by feralfriend

This was her home for the rest of her life. No plans were ever considered to rehome her. The only cat I had thought I would rehome was Marmalade before he ever got here. I had a perfect home for him (my friend, Susan) and knew I could follow him. But before he got here, she took in poor Sistina (felv+) and also when Marm arrived to Texas, he had too many health issues so he never left here once he came.
All the cats that came from BF have a home here all their days and rehoming any of them (the heart is involved now!) is not an option- they have too many health issues that require constant monitoring.
They are my kids now.

What posting made you think that?

Sheila

Posted 25 Aug 2008 12:00 PM by feralfriend

Oh, I think I see why. The post from TxCatLover?
She works at the pet funeral home our veterinary hospital uses. It is a wonderful and compassionate company- Paws in Heaven -with caring and committed staff- and she was recounting her experience of finding Cover Girl there for her final resting preparation and her care of her. Cover Girl was returned back to us on Friday.
Sorry for that confusion. If that wasnt it, please let me know. I dont want their to be any doubt as to where her home was:) Thanks for bringing that up Cat Masher for clarification.

Posted 25 Aug 2008 12:48 PM by Cat_Masher

"The second shot was taken just the other day by the beautiful family that agreed to take "Cover Girl" into their home, and make her part of their family."

This (quoted above, from the article that heads this thread) was what made me wonder - but now I see that Troy wrote it and it was referring to YOU. I'd thought that you'd taken her for life, since you definitely had the resources to give her (and the others) the care that they needed, but when I read that sentence about the second picture, I wondered if I'd misunderstood. Sorry for the confusion.

Posted 25 Aug 2008 5:40 PM by MamaAussie

Sheila,

Ditto everything Fletch said. You are a godsend to these kitties and Covergirl knew everlasting love and kindness in your home.

My tears are joining yours and everyone elses.

Jennifer

Posted 30 Aug 2008 6:50 PM by mytwocats

hello sheila and i'm very sorry to hear about covergirl!!!!She was a very special cat and will be missed by everyone.I know that covergirl loved you and just know this,my sister,she'll be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge when our work here is done,you take care of yourself and write to me if you can.mytwocats

Posted 30 Aug 2008 10:34 PM by TamayasLori

Sheila, Roy and Cover Girl,

I recently returned from my first trip to BF. On our last morning, I made a second visit to Angel's Rest and in the quiet of that morning I stood in front of the GKR memorial and I promised those that are memorialized there that I would do as much as I could to not let something like that happen ever again...that none of us would ever forget.

I couldn't go to the GKR to volunteer but I did read the updates daily and none of the volunteer's, workers or cats were far from my prayers. I followed to story of Cover Girl and her friends that joined you in Texas and I watched the You Tube videos of your home and those sweet cats.

Cover Girl, I promise I will never forget your story and I will tell it many times through the rest of my life. I will tell about the jury that was found in a pile of sand and the paws and noses burned from the sun and hot sand. I will tell about all of you that found homes and those so traumatized that they are yet learning the humans aren't so bad.

Sheila and Roy, you are true heroes. You took in Cover Girl and her friends knowing what was ahead of you and not knowing how long you would have these sweets ones with you. Thank you for loving them. Thank you for opening your hearts and homes to them and thank you for continuing to share them and your life with them with all of us.

Know that there are many of use that mourn with you. Some of us met Cover Girl in person and some of us only knew here through your stories and videos. It is a privledge to get to know Cover Girl through your words.

I look forward to meeting you all one day.

Lori