The post we never want to write

With tears streaming down our faces, It is with great sadness that we have to tell you all that our Nellie, our sanctuary Cat gained her Angel Wings this morning with her beloved carers by her side. As you know, our Nellie celebrated her 21st Birthday in June - an amazing achievement for any cat.
For those who don't know Nellies background here's her story

"Our Nellie was a regular boarder with us over the years when her mum went in to hospital. She often spent months in our care at a time till her mum was able to get her home.
Nellie was a typical Torti and could be stand offish. But over the years we understood her quirkiness and she would quickly settle in like she'd always been here strutting up the cattery like she owned the place.
Nellie had been staying with us for a number of years as her mums health had declined, when we received the news that her mum had sadly passed away. It was then that we became Nellie's lifetime guardians. Nellie spent her latter years in the staff flat, waited on by all the staff like the Queen she was. Her bed beside the window she would survey the world outside from her throne.She was quirky, she was feisty, she was a Torti, but oh my word was she loved!Oh did we love that ball of Torti attitude! She loved to sit on the sofa beside you in an evening with a paw stretched out touching you. Sometimes even eyeing up your supper. Over the last couple of years her health started to decline and she gave us a few scares along the way but each time the amazing vets Ashgrove Veterinary Centre stabilised her and on she went.
Sadly this time our road that we walked together came to an end and Nellie let us know that it was time. She was tired.We can't thank Kevin from Ashgrove Veterinary Centre enough for his compassion and kindness today as we all came to say goodnight to our Queen Nellie. and for the calmness and dignity as Nellie skipped over the Rainbow bridge whilst we spoke to her and stroked her fur to let her know it was ok and we loved her.
We know her mum will have been waiting for her.
Jean and Nellie together again.
Hug your puss cats a little tighter tonight in her memory
Much tears have been shed today,
Good night Nellie , sleep tight
You will be so missed but know that you were so loved.

#sleeptightnellie