Goodbye Meelee
Miss Amelia Dingo (Meelee) came into my life in 1996 when I lived in NYC.
She was my first pet as an adult living on my own, and I adopted her from the ASPCA in Manhattan.
Her birthday was estimated as May 1995, but it’s hard to say for sure because she was a rescue.
Unlike Hodjee my mischievous, nutty kid or Simon my lovable, high-maintenance guy, Meelee was never, ever any trouble. She was a shy, quintessential cat who was a little afraid of people.
Meelee was never one to cause a fuss or steal the scene, but she was always as sweet as can be.
She was originally from New York.
And lived in two different apartments there with me.
Then she came West with me to San Francisco, along with Hodjee and Simon, before we all moved North to Seattle.
You can tell which one she here, because there’s only one well-behaved cat in the photo.
Meelee did have a few quirks. She always liked to stand inside the dry cleaning bags and hide from me. She really believed she was invisible when she was inside the clear dry cleaning bags. I didn’t have the heart to tell her any differently.
Also, she would always flip over to show she was happy when I was talking to her. Talk sweet to her and she’d flop over every time.
Again.
And again.
And even again this past weekend.
She loved to chase fuzzy mice and balls…
…as long as no one else disturbed her play time.
And something you may not know about her… she always protected ducklings we raised in the house. From our own Flapper, O’Malley and Chewy to rescues like Juno and Eddie. She kept a mothering eye on us all.
Unfortunately in her last few months she spent far too much time at the vet.
And was on many medications.
It bought her some extra months in the sunshine, and it bought me more time with her.
She also got extra play time in the aviary… something she really loved.
I spent over 13-years of my life with Meelee, in three cities on two coasts. Through a handful of boyfriends, four jobs, four apartments and a house, from 1996 to tonight, August 24, 2009.
Every day with Meelee was a good one.
And even if I had another 13-years with her, it still would never be enough.
I guess that’s why it was so hard to say goodbye to this sweet girl.
I’ve known for awhile now that her time with me was short. But on August 16th when she got really sick again, I made a deal with her.
I told her if she could rebound just one more time, I would use that time to say goodbye, and then I would let her go when she told me it was time. I told her I wouldn’t make her suffer through pain and nausea yet again if she felt as bad as she did in mid-August.
Surprisingly, she rebounded for a few days and we spent a really nice weekend together.
She got to play in the yard and just hang out around the house with me. She was extra affectionate and sweet and I told her over and over what a wonderful time I had with her over the years. It was such a nice weekend with her and I’ll always treasure it.
Unfortunately this morning she didn’t feel well yet again, and tonight it was time to say goodbye. It really was time this time, and she was very peaceful tonight. She was quiet and sweet and loving, as she always was.
Meelee was such a delicate, quiet, sweet soul in a house full of loud mouths (including myself).
I’m going to honor her quiet, sweet nature with a few quiet days myself.
Rest in peace, Meelee Bear. I’m going to miss you my funny bunny.
XOXOX
Love,
Mom
41 Comments
What a beautiful and touching tribute to a sweet and special girl. Rest in peace, Meelee.
I was trying to hold back my tears today because I cried so much in the past week. But tears are rolling down my cheeks again and I can’t stop them.
I’m so sorry Meelee has gone, but I’m also thankful for the special kid she was, to you, to Simon, to Hodjee and all the residents at Casa del Flapper. And to me, I’m thankful I got to know Meelee and share her life for the past five years. She was a pretty lady and very sweet.
Rest in peace sweetpea, thank you for all that you were, and still are.
I’m so sorry Tiff, this is a very touching tribute, worthy of the beautiful kid that Miss Amelia was. My sincere condolences, you are in my thoughts.
Dear Tiffany,
Although I never met Meelee in person, I felt like I knew her through your beautiful stories and pictures. What a beautiful tribute to her life.This made me cry so hard, and I know no words can fill the void in your heart. She is so lucky to have you for a Mom. Her little body may be gone, but I know she will never leave you in spirit. I am so very sorry for your loss, and am sending you prayers of comfort and love at this time. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful animals with us the way you do.It makes me appreciate all that I have, and tonight I have held my own little kitty girl even closer.
Love to Flapper and all your beautiful family xxx
This just breaks my heart. She was such a sweet kid and a beautiful soul. Even though I didn’t know her in person, I’m really going to miss her. Big hug for you. I’ve decided to name one of my kittens Agi Amelia in her honor.
Hang in there, k?
My heart is with you and your sweet family, Tiffany. Emma and the Tweedlebugs and I are sending all of our love your way. Meelee was a sweet and beautiful kitty and you two were lucky to have each other
Losing someone who had been through thick and thin along with you is never easy. Not only you lose that someone but you also lose a part of you and your past together. Meelee reminds me so much of my cat Moo, who died in my arms at age 20.
Moo also had a big patch of white on her chest and white paws. She had been with me for 18.5 years since college days and, just like Miss Amelia Dingo, moved with me to 3 different cities until we settled down. Like Meelee, Moo was also an adoptee and I told her I would be her forever home no matter what. She was a smart cat and always stared me down with her big green eyes.
Tiff, please accept my deepest condolences. Words cannot explain how much I feel and understand your pain right now. Time heals all wounds, yes, but there will always be a big scar somewhere in your heart for Miss Amelia Dingo from New York City. And you will treasure that scar.
Tiff,
I am sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to your sweet girl. I know it is never easy. As humans it is the most selfless act we can do for our furry and feathered companions, it doesn’t make it easier, but still selfless.
Meelee, you sweet girl give my Nermal and Chloe a headbutt and sweet purrs to you wee girl.
Thank you for sharing this Tiff. As I mentioned, I lost Alvin last month, and am having tough times with his Surregate mom Sally.
Meelee had a great life, and the best Mom ever. I never met her, and am going to miss her.
I know she was grateful for the many years of love and happiness you gave her, and the comfort you offered at the end of her life.
Goodbye, sweet, fabulous, green-eyed New York girl. Although I knew you only remotely, I will miss you.
very nice tribute to a special friend.
i feel your pain. i had to say goodbye to one of my furry friends on aug 15th.
our time with them is never long enough, and i have to remind myself, with my remaining cat, to enjoy our moments together, because this life is just too darn short.
I feel like I knew her. Thanks for sharing her with me through your pictures. You have some wonderful friends on Flickr. It’s reassuring to know there are so many people who care deeply about animals. My own cat, Andrew, is failing. Every day I have with him now is a precious gift.
Your little friend will be remembered…
such a beautiful girl…
Oh Tiff – I”m so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself.
What an exquisitely beautiful tribute to a lovely cat. My condolences on the loss of your compatriate of so many years. You gave her a wonderful life and she gave you her heart.
I’m so sorry you’ve lost your sweet friend. It’s never easy to say good-bye, even if you know the time is right. I’m glad you had a pleasant, relaxing weekend with her to round off 13 years of love. How lucky you two were to find each other in the big city! I hope all your memories of her sweetness will comfort you today and always.
XOXO,
Annette, Max (my green-eyed boy) and Mick
Tiff, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Meelee had the best of friends and supporters in you, and that she had a life filled with joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tiff,
It is indeed a beautiful tribute and I know it is bittersweet. Hugs for you during this quiet time.
Angela
I can really understand your feelings here. A heartfelt and perfect tribute to such a sweet kitty, she will always be remembered in sunlight.
My condolences on your loss Tiffany. You and your family of furry and feathery friends are in my prayers today and always.
oh tiff! Im so sorry! Hugs!
I am so sorry to read about Meelee’s cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. It sounds like she had a really great life with you and was loved very much. Rest in Peace, Meelee. You and your fuzzy family are in my prayers.
What a wonderful tribute to your friend. And a lovely way to honor your friendship by letting her go when she was ready. I’m sorry for your hurt. She was very beautiful.
I am so sorry for your loss. What sweet photos. You are in my thoughts. Peace be with you.
I am in tears! This was a beautiful tribute. It sounds like you were a good mother to her. Meelee would be so proud of you.
My thoughts are with you and all other friends of Meelee at this difficult time.
Your beautiful tribute has me in tears. I feel as if I’ve lost a friend even tho I never met sweet Amelia. I’ll bet the house seems lonely without her. So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry that your sweet Meelee has gone. Reading this had me in tears before I had a chance to make an attempt not to cry. You are such a good person to your animals, I’m sure she enjoyed her time with you as much as you did with her. You’re in my thoughts *hugs*
That was beautiful and made me cry harder than ever before at the passing of one of you critters. You have my sincere condolences on the passing of your sweet, beautiful girl. She could not have had a better life.
This was a beautiful tribute to Meelee, Tiffany. You and the fam are in my thoughts.
(((Hugs)))
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Meelee. No matter how long we have them, it’s never long enough. That was a beautiful tribute to her.
i don’t even own pets and i’m teary-eyed. she was a sweet, beautiful little kitty. so sorry for your loss. she lived a good life with a good human.
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your beautiful Meelee. I’m very, very sorry for your loss. The pictures are so sweet and her personality comes right through the screen. Take care of yourself and the rest of your brood.
You’re well-loved, Meelee.
Take care, Tiffany
Wow, i feel so sad and teary eyed. We all know what it is like to say goodbye to our pets. I’m glad she is no longer suffering. Your other cats will miss her too for awhile. hang in there Tiff, you did the right thing and in the right timing for Meelee.
Great photos and thanks for the history of Meelee.
such a lovely tribute to a special kitty. my condolences to you & simon and the rest of your furry & feathery family. we never get enough time with the ones we love. rest in peace miss amelia.
It is so hard to lose those pets who are actually our family. My heart goes out to you and I’m glad you got that last happy weekend with her. Beautiful pictures and thoughts.
This is a beautiful tribute to a lovely cat. My condolences during this hard time.
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing her story.
Made me cry,for her & for your loss.What a wonderful touching tribute and thank you so much for sharing .
Sending hugs. I am so, so sorry for your loss but wish you every happiness as you remember her.
My deepest sympathy. You & your family are in my thoughts.
rest in peace kitty cat : (