It is with great sadness that I share the following news my mom sent last night –
Cliff and I are sad to report that Lillian Valentine Younger (18 or so) departed from this world today. Suffering from an infection as well as other aging issues, we made the decision, under the advisement of her veterinarian, that it would be best to send her to peaceful rest.
She was a cat of cats, and we are grateful she was ours for these seven plus years. What a happy day for the Younger family when we stepped into that shelter and set our eyes on Lillian.
We thank those of you who cared for her with such affection, brought her tuna and other treats, and inquired about her well-being.
With much appreciation!
Barbara and Cliff
She came into our family on Valentine’s Day and left the world yesterday with fireworks. A firecracker of a cat, no doubt.
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Aww I’m sorry to hear this. I know she has gone to happy cat heaven though 🙂
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Aw I’m sorry to hear about your cat Kath. I’ve never lost a pet but I can imagine it must be pretty heartbreaking. Hope your day starts looking up soon.
Lindsey says
So sorry to hear about your loss! There has been a few pet losses in the blog world today.
Michelle M says
Sorry to hear about your family’s loss. I know how hard it can be to say good bye to a pet that’s been a part of your life for so long.
Katharina says
Aww so sorry to hear that! I loved seeing her on the blog.
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
Poor Lilian. I am sure she had a happy and much loved life, at least in the last 7 years.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
This makes me so sad! I remember losing my childhood cat like it was yesterday… it was so tough. Thinking of you all.
Gretchen says
So sorry. I just lost a cat so I know the feeling.
Sara says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Lillian! I’m sure she is playing and having fun somewhere! I lost my childhood cat two years ago and it was really hard.
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
I’m so sorry to hear that! It’s always hard losing a pet!
Liz says
Argh, so sorry to hear so. 🙁
luv what you do says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss! We had to make a similar decision earlier in the year and it was heart breaking. However, the funny memories and stories continue to bring us joy and laughter even today. Thinking of your and your family and wishing you happy memories of your cat!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Aww, what a sweet tribute. It’s tough to lose any member of your family!
Johanna B says
Sorry to hear the news about “Lillis Billis”. She was a cool cat.
Cait's Plate says
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that! She had a good, long life and you can see she was well-loved! My best to you and your family.
casey says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Lilian. Your family is in my thoughts.i
mel says
Oh I’m so sorry! I have two dogs and they are the loves of my life. I can’t fathom what I will do when they pass away. Lillian seemed like a wonderful, spunky cat and I’m sure she lived a spoiled, fantastic life.
Jennifer says
I’m so sorry. I’m sure that was a very difficult decision for your parents. I hope each day gets easier for them and they certainly have a lot of fond memories to remember her.
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I’ve lost 2 cats and the only thing that really helped me get through it was knowing that they only died for one minute in one day. They *lived* for so, so many more. I can’t focus on one minute in their entire beautiful lifetime!
Jen says
I’m so so sorry. I lost my 16 year old cat a few years ago, and I don’t remember feeling pain like that, ever. My thoughts are with your family!
Angel7 says
Sorry to hear about your loss, Kath & Younger family! Cling to the many fond & fun memories of Lillian!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Roxanne says
Ah, so sorry, I am sure you have cherished memories and the love will still shine through!
Kate says
So sorry for all of you. It sounds like your mom and dad were fortunate to have her in their lives and vice versa. Loss of beloved pet is so hard….
Kelsie says
So sorry to hear that, Kath. Pets sure are a special part of a family.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
My heart is sad for the news but it must be great knowing that you all gave her a wonderful life. Hugs.
Kel says
As soon as I saw the picture I knew what you were going to say.
Sending vibes to you and your family. I know how pets ARE family members and this is hard for all involved.
Theresa says
I’m sorry about your dear kitty, she was well loved by your family.
Jane says
Such sadness. I know how hard it was for your parents to have made that decision. What a cat indeed. Sending you all my warmest condolences.
Emily @Emily's Olives says
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your family cat. She looks like a legend! Such an interesting character face, she must have had such a personality. Sending you good wishes during this time.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
So sorry! I know how hard a decision that is myself. She sounded like a character!
Sara says
Oh, Kath — so sorry to hear about your Lillis Billis. That’s the trouble with pets — they’re beautiful companions but they rarely last as long as we do. Thinking of you.
Sue says
Lucky kitty to have a family who loved her….18 years is a good long time for a kitty. Condolences to you and your family for the loss of your friend.
sheryl says
i’m sorry for your loss – Lillis Billis will not be alone at the Rainbow Bridge and will live forever in the hearts of those that loved her. your family is in my prayers at this time.
Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats says
She lived a long and happy life and is in a better place now. It’s always hard to lose a cat. <3
[email protected] Broken Cookies Don't Count says
That’s so sad to hear. I know how it feels to lose a kitty. I’ve had four and each passing was difficult. Now she’s at peace.
Hillary B says
Sorry to hear about your loss – my thoughts are with you and your family! She was so lucky to have you all as her “forever home!”
Mom says
Thank you all for your kind words about sweet Lilly. She was a great cat!
Andrea says
I’m sorry for your family’s loss! It sounds like she had such a happy 18 year long life! My dog, Shelby, who was 11 years + 9 months, passed away on the first day of summer. He was a chocolate lab and liked kitties, so maybe they will find each other and run and play. 🙂
TinaD says
Sorry to hear about your loss. We had to put our 16 year old cat down 3 years ago, and I still miss him.
Sara says
Aw, what a sweet little thing she was. Hope you can find comfort in knowing that you gave her a wonderful life.
Dominique says
I am so sorry to hear about Lillian. One of my cats passed away in April (he was only 3) so I know exactly what you and your parents are going through. My fiance, Sean, loves to see pics of Lillian. He was so excited to see the first photo and then I scrolled further down and read him to sad news. 18 years is a long time though and I am sure she is now in a better place.
Nichol says
So Sad.
Susan Mc says
I’m so sorry to hear about Lillis Billis, she was a cat who spoke volumes with a single look. I know your family treasured her.
Ann says
I’m so sorry 🙁 Pets become such a huge part of the family, and hold such a major place in our hearts. She is as lucky to have found you as you all are to have found her – and what a wonderful reminder to consider adopting an older dog or cat. Shelters are too full of them!
Betsey C. says
I loved her unique face. I am sure she will be sorely missed. She was a very lucky girl these past 7 years, though. Treated like a little furry princess! My favorite picture is the one of your dad kissing her when he got home from work, how cute is that!
Cindy says
So sad! Lots of hugs to your family.
Carol B says
So sorry!! Makes me want to run home and hug my Tinker…. Tell your parents how sorry I am.
Robyn says
I’m sorry about family kitty.
Kelly says
Ohoh, Lillis Billis, we will miss your perpetual scowl! She was such a cute cat. 🙂 She got to live for 18 long years! Glad you shared her with us Kath and sorry for your family’s loss.
Jennifer says
I’m sorry to hear about Lillis Billis. I always loved seeing pictures of her, she was such a beauty.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Ohhh that’s sad – hugs to you and the family, Kath!
Dunja says
Oh no! So Sorry for you and your family! It was such a special cat!
Tracy says
I’m so sorry. All the animals I have ever had have meant the world to me.
erica says
i’m sorry for your loss. 🙁
losing a family pet is tough.
Becca says
I lost my childhood kitty on July 1st, 2012, so I know how it feels!
Debbie says
Sorry about the loss of a truly loving cat and wonderful cat. Cat’s can be such fickle creatures but I love their attitude and the joy my cats have brought to my life.
Cait says
i’m sorry..
Kylie @ immaeatthat says
So sorry for your loss. It’s always sweet to hear how much people love their animals. They truly are a part of the family. My mom is a veterinarian and over the years I’ve gotten to see that people will do just about anything for their pets. It’s heartwarming. And it sounds like y’all gave Lillian the best life she could have hoped for:)
Anne P says
Awww. 🙁 How sad! She was so cute.
Robin says
wow Im so sad to hear about dear old Lillis billis, makes me tear up. I loved that sweet old face of hers. Ive got a shelter cat too. I hope when your able you ll bring another one in, so many need a home. RIP dear kitty.
Jeanie says
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s cat. Personally, I’m a dog person (but my daughter has and loves cats), and I know how very hard it is to say goodbye to them. Makes my heart hurt just thinking about it. Blessings to all.
Janet Pickard says
So sorry for your loss as Lillis Billis was “one of a kind”. Thank you for sharing this news with you and your family and allowing us to support you in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy says
My condolences on the loss of your family member kitty; it is never easy even though it is the right decision so they can find more happiness. She sure was a pretty cat, thanks for sharing the pictures and thoughts.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
So sorry to hear about your family’s cat. It is SO hard to lose a pet- especially one that have you 18 great years! Warm thoughts with you and the family tonight.
Julia H. @ Going Gulia says
Sorry to hear that, Kath :\ I googled it out of curiosity and apparently Lillian lived quite the long life for a cat! I’m sure it was a great 18 years with you all taking care of her.
Jasmyn says
My sincerest sympathies on the loss of a beloved family member. I lost my own little furbaby last year, so I realize how much they bring into our lives and how dearly they are missed.
Rachel says
So sorry for your loss, it is hard to lose a part of your family.
Tamra says
So sad – I’m sorry. I know you will all miss your girl.
Mom says
Thanks again for all the kind words. It’s always sweet too, to hear about other readers’s pets.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Sorry to hear this 🙁 I wouldn’t know what to do without my cat – he is part of the family.
Erin says
I’m just seeing this now (have been out of town on vacation, and then home and planning a move), but I wanted to say how very very sorry I am. Our family cat, Baxter, passed away on New Year’s Day 2011–she was a gift for my 14th birthday, which made her over 16 years old. She, too, was a “cat of cats” and is still sorely missed. I know the very particular kind of sadness this kind of loss leaves a family with, and I know how important Lillian was to all of you. Know that you’re in my thoughts!