Lizabell

Lizabell Cole 2007-2024
Tortoise- Shell
Lizzy was our baby girl for 17 years. She was our “special needs rescued Kitty.” She was
physically abused very early in life. As a result, she was constantly afraid and did not trust
people. Somehow before the abuse happened, Lissy and I bonded. After the abuse, I needed to be
very tender and consistent with her. It was terribly frustrating at times, and I often wondered if I
could reach her. As the years passed, she gentled. I was able to lay my upper body on top of her
on top of her condo. As more time passed, she learned to jump up on the condo and coo to me to
hug her. Later still she would follow me around the house continuously vocalizing to me. She
loved her lickables and every day at 3 PM, she would remind me it was time for her snack. She
would greet me each morning by jumping up on her condo for a hug. She would then coo and
coo as I hugged her and asked about her night’s sleep. Each year our bond grew stronger and my
love for her deeper.
On the night before she passed, we had “Girl Time” as we did every night. She’d patiently wait
in my bathroom doorway while I washed and brushed my teeth. Next, I would say it was Girl
Time, and we would begin our “hunting: game. I would hide treats on and around her condo as
well as around the room. As she discovered her treats, I would praise her, and when she had
found all of them, I would applaud her as a great hunter. Then she would take several proud
paces around her room. When “Girl Time” was over she would lead me to my husband Jeffrey’s
office to one of the water bowls. Then she would lead me to the kitchen to wash it and refill it.
Once that was done, she would lead me back to Jeffrey’s office chatting the whole time. I think
she was telling me to hurry up! Once there we would sit together as she drank her cool clean
water. Oh, how she loved water! If Jeffrey was filling the fountain in the kitchen, she would
come running from wherever she was to make sure he was doing it right.
Saturday night we followed rituals. However, on Sunday morning we found Lizzy lying on the
floor with involuntary movements of all four limbs and unable to lift her head. We carefully
picked her up, put her on a pillow, and sat her in my lap. I softly spoke to her and the movements
eased and she seemed to struggle less. I don’t know how long I held her, loving her. Then I felt
her bladder release and she began to vomit. I immediately lifted her head so she wouldn’t choke.
Then my baby girl was gone. My buttercup, my snuggle button, my Lizzy busy, my sweetie bear
was just gone
I so miss her chatter and coos. I am so grateful we got to share in each other’s love.
I pray that she’s safe, happy, chasing butterflies, and completely free of fear. Be filled with our
love Lizzy-bear.
My sweet love, we will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge, when all our family is once again all
together.