CLAUDINE HELLMUTH
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good bye little stanley
I can not believe I am even writing this blog post. I feel like I am in some kind of nightmare, I'll wake up and our Stanley cat will be here snuggling with me under the covers.

Our little Stanley has crossed over the rainbow bridge.


Stanley cat enjoying the 4th floor view

Late last night he suddenly collapsed and was howling out in pain, he couldn't move at all. I knew right away what it was, because I was warned at every 3 month visit to Stan's cardiologist that this could happen.

We rushed him to the Emergency Vet immediately and it was determined that he had multiple blood clots in 3 of his limbs. They had difficulty finding a working vein to administer IV pain meds. After discussing it with the vet we decided it was time to say good bye. Such a huge and difficult decision to make but even if were able to get the clots under control the likelihood of them coming back were at about 100%. He was in tremendous pain so it was our time to be brave for him and help him cross over.

We are comforted to know that he had amazing quality of life right up until his last hour. He showed zero symptoms yesterday and zooming around just like his usual frisky self.

Stanley was such a joy in our lives. Rescued and bottle fed by Bernie at A Place to Bark at only 2 weeks old. We drove up to Atlanta to get him on our 5 year wedding anniversary and he was just 5 weeks old and our little baby.


stan_mabel2_lr
here he is testing the patience of Mabel!


stan_paul_kiss_lr
he was such a teeny little thing giving Paul kisses ....


These two say "rise and shine!"
Stan and Mabel always hanging out together....


Stanley cat says "time to wake up!"
Always ready when we woke up ..


stanley_sink
he loved watching us get ready in the morning. For a long time I couldn't even use our sink!


Stan getting his blood pressure taken at CCVCA Cardiology in Vienna Virginia
he was so brave at his visit to the Cardiologist every 3 months for his checkup and echocardiogram.


Stanley cat loves the Ikea bags
I couldn't open a shopping bag without him jumping in..


Stanley cat is helping with my artwork
he was an artist ...


Stanley cat loves Paul at home all day
a cheerleader when there was work to get done....


Stanley cat says it's yoga time
and a yoga instructor ...



and lollipop lover...


stan_napping
sweet dreams little Stan..... 4 years was not long enough with you. Our hearts are aching. We miss you already little guy!

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COMMENTS:
So sorry to read this sad news today, I know how hard it is. But you are already remembering the good days with your sweet friend, that will help mend your hearts.
 
Claudine, I am so sorry and saddened by this news. Sending you long distance hugs and hope that your wonderful memories will help you through this most difficult time. He was such a sweet boy and it is easy to see how much he was loved.

Barbara and Beula Belle
 
such a beautiful tribute, we all loved him too...
 
Oh, how sad. Only 4 years old? But it sounds like he had a very good (if too short) life with you. Those are some lovely memories. {hugs}
 
Thinking of you, Claudine. You have such a big heart and gave Stanley the quality of life that nobody other than you could have done.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

Peace,
Em
 
Oh my heart grieves with yours. We lost a cat to cardiomyopathy suddenly and unexpectedly. I thought I'd die. We had less than 2 years. I'm so glad you had 4, and that Stanley was full of life to the end. You will be in my prayers.
 
I am so sorry. I know there isn't anything anyone can say to ease your sorrow, but what a wonderful gift our pets give us by allowing us to be more human, show compassion and love. Stanley's gift to you -- and you have that the rest of your life.

He'll always be with you.
 
I think he was the sweetest kitty I've ever known (of)--his little spirit shone through his photos, especially the one where he's getting his blood pressure taken (my favorite). He had a beautiful, although too short, life with you and Paul and you did exactly the right thing at the end. I know how painful it is to lose a beloved animal--hopefully your wonderful memories of him will help you through.
 
Oh Claudine! Your post brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet little guy. I'm so happy you were home when it was Stanley's time. I'm sure you will miss him greatly but he will always be in your heart.
Betz
 
Claudine, I am so sorry for your loss. As a "cat mom" to two wonderful cats, I know how much Stanley was a part of the family. I will miss seeing his picture in your Twitter updates! Hugs to you and your family in this difficult time.
 
aw, he was such a poppet, and it's clear he adored you guys and had the very best ever time with you. xx
 
Oh, Claudine, I don't even remotely have the words to express how sorry I am. My heart is breaking for you and Paul. There are very few things in the world that are harder than what you're going through.

What a wonderful family you were to this sweet boy. You gave him a loving home and a truly happy life. Stanley will be remembered by all of us who enjoyed seeing his handsome face on your site and in your videos. Thanks for giving us the chance to get to know him this way.

Hang in there.
Love,
Linda
 
Claudine what a wonderful tribute to Stanley. I somehow thought he was much older than he really was. He had some lovely years with you and given that Bernie did what she did, and then you and Paul taking him on, he had some wonderful years indeed. Sending hugs your way at this difficult time. Beverley xx
 
Dear Claudine, So sorry to hear about the loss of Stanley. He was quite a character and loved by many of us out here through your posts about him and his antics. May your heart have peace soon. Big hugs, Shari
 
I am so sorry to read this news. I have enjoyed all of the adventures of Mabel and Stanley so much!

Happy trails, Stanley. We all love you.
 
Claudine I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. As I read this tears are steaming down my face because I know what it's like to lose a pet you love so much! I look so forward to the post about all your pets. At least he had one of the best homes around!
 
Claudine,

I am so very sorry for your loss. You did a wonderful tribute to your Stanley. So many wonderful memories. You are in my prayers.

Shirley
 
This made me cry Claudine. He was so loved. Loosing a dear pet is unbelievably heartbreaking. I am sending you and your husband love.
 
Oh, Claudine (& Paul), I'm crying for you. :( I'm so so sorry! Thank you for giving Stanley the BEST home! I will be thinking of you (and Mabel, too!). xoxoxo
 
So very sorry for your loss.
 
Oh, what an awful thing to be going through. I'm so sorry!
 
I am so sorry to hear about Stanley. When I took your Big Picture class it was fun seeing Stanley and Mabel in the videos. We lost our dog to cancer and it was really sad. My thoughts are with you today.
 
Oh, Claudine, my heart is just BREAKING for you. I'm so very very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm wishing you lots of love and healing. I'm so very very sorry :( :(
 
Sweet dreams Stanley. So sad to say goodbye.
 
I'm so sorry. We just lost our kitty last month also. I still come home and look for her - then remember she is gone. It is hard.
Take care.
 
I'm so sorry, Claudine and Paul. Stanley was well loved. This tribute brought tears to my eyes. I'll hug my golden retriever in honor of Stanley.
 
Oh, Claudine, this is beautiful. I'm sitting here, crying with you. What a sweet and adorable kitty he was! And what a blessing that you have so many happy memories and beautiful pictures of your dear baby.

As one who has also had to make the decision to put a beloved kitty to rest, I know how difficult and painful this decision is to make. It sounds like you did the right thing for your baby, however. He was lucky to have parents who loved him so.

I'm sending thoughts of love, warmth and peace your way.
 
I am so sorry! He was a beautiful cat. Your tribute to Stanley brought tears to my eyes. HUGS!
 
So sorry on the passing of your special family member. hugs to you all.
 
Stanley was a wonderful "grandchild." I like to think that he is frolicking above with Reggie, Friday, Toby, Melvis and Maggie.

Mummy
 
I'm in tears... I'm so sorry Claudine:(
My thoughts went back to the day I picked Stanley up from the pound last nite. Tiny little peanut he was.
All I know is you gave him a life, he never would have had otherwise. We can never have enough time with our pets, ever! But if I ever come back to this life, I want to be one of your pets!
I love you, for being my friend and my right hand, always supporting our rescue efforts and for being stronger than you ever thought you could be.
 
I'm in tears... I'm so sorry Claudine:(
My thoughts went back to the day I picked Stanley up from the pound last nite. Tiny little peanut he was.
All I know is you gave him a life, he never would have had otherwise. We can never have enough time with our pets, ever! But if I ever come back to this life, I want to be one of your pets!
I love you, for being my friend and my right hand, always supporting our rescue efforts and for being stronger than you ever thought you could be.
 
I'm in tears... I'm so sorry Claudine:(
My thoughts went back to the day I picked Stanley up from the pound last nite. Tiny little peanut he was.
All I know is you gave him a life, he never would have had otherwise. We can never have enough time with our pets, ever! But if I ever come back to this life, I want to be one of your pets!
I love you, for being my friend and my right hand, always supporting our rescue efforts and for being stronger than you ever thought you could be.
 
Oh, I'm so sorry. It hurts so bad. Words just can't express that feeling of loss.

Our little one is having a big surgery tomorrow, and our other one is having surgery on Friday.

Give Mabel and Maggie a big hug!
 
I am saddened to hear about your sweet Stanley. You and Paul are so lucky to have had him in your lives for 4 wonderful years. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. And extra hugs for Mabel.
 
What an elegant tribute for your sweet cat. I always loved your Stanley Cat tweets & updates. So sorry for your loss!
 
Claudine, my heart goes out to you in your time of loss. Stanley will be missed. This is a wonderful tribute showing he had a bright spirit.
 
Claudine, I am so sorry for your loss. It seems like you just got him yesterday. Not only were you lucky to have such a great kitty in him, but he was so lucky to have such a great family in you! That is special. Many hugs to you.
 
I am sorry for the loss of your sweet kitty.
 
Oh Claudine,
Such a sad thing. But I bet Stanley was so grateful for the wonderful 4 years you gave him. Imagine being rescued from a not-so-good life ... then becoming a very special cat in a house where he was sooo loved. Wonderful.
I was crying as I read the post - I too have wonderful full of personality cats (or they have me ..!) and I totally understand the sadness.
But Stanley, I'm sure, thanks you -for those great years and your selfless decision.
Take care .
 
Oh, Claudine... I am just so, so very sorry. I wish words didn't seem so shallow. I lost my beloved Montgomery a year ago this Halloween and I know how agonizing this is. I will say a prayer to him to go over and welcome Stanley. I know Montgomery will be happy to be a friend to your Stanley...
 
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a very tough decision to make but rest easy that you made the right one. Even though we "communicate" with our furry family member they really can't tell us the level of pain and discomfort they are in so all we can do is guess. You gave him a great life and treasure the memories you have.
 
Oh Claudine!! That's sooo sad! I'm so sorry for your tragic loss of Stanley. Our pets are the greatest gift to us and they bring such life, warmth, & humor into each day.

He knew he had such a great home with you and you did your very best to comfort him.

Many fuzzy hugs.
 
My heart breaks for you and Paul . . . you are such sweet, caring souls - you have had way too many young pets cross the rainbow bridge than anyone should have to. You are the BEST humans a pet could ask for - the quality of the time you share with your furry babies is unsurpassed. I hope your happy memories will give you some comfort.
xoxx, Renée in AZ
 
Oh how very sorry I am...I have never been to your blog until today...I know the pain of losing a beloved cat... My little Gracie was lost when during a house fire while we were on vacation... and yes, it felt like a nightmare... I couldn't even mention her name for almost a year... it's ok for you to greive in any way that works for you.... no matter what others think... Stanley will always be in your heart and waiting for you.. someday you'll be together again!! God bless and keep you!
 
I'm crying as I know your pain. Stanley had a wonderful home and awesome "parents." Your tribute is beautiful. Sending you healing vibes.

Stephanie
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. Cats just make a place in your heart that is theirs forever. Sending you hugs.
 
Hi, Claudine. So sorry to hear of Stanley's passing. You've made a wonderful, loving tribute to him here. Thinking of you.
 
claudine,
i came to your blog via carmi in canada and found this post. My heart goes out to you and Paul. I have two feline friends and one is 18 years old and quite fragile these days. i dread the day when we will have to say goodbye.
i send you all hugs...
 
Claudine this brought tears to my eyes. I'm so very sorry. 4 years definitely wasn't long enough. Big hugs! I just had to do the same thing with one of my furbabies. I feel your pain. Hang in there and you guys did the best for him and gave him the best life ever! XOXO
 
so sorry to read this claudine.. :( i loved seeing stanleys sweet little face on facebook... {{{hugs}}} it is so hard to make those tough decisions.....
hoping you find comfort in the next few days
 
My condolences. Beautiful way of remembering Stanley. Well loved, little one. Well loved.
 
I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
 
So very sorry for your loss! He was so lucky to have had you both as his family!
 
I am so sorry for your loss, Claudine. Thanks for posting the pictures and allowing us to see who Stanley was. Looks as though he was really sweet and had such a unique personality. :)
 
He was a loved family member, and I bet he felt it every day. You two were brave and strong to let him avoid the pain. Our thoughts are with you.
Michelle and Helen
 
So very sorry. What beautiful photos. Losing a family member is never easy. Praying for your peace and comfort.
 
I am sorry for your loss! I can tell Stanley was a special cat. This is a wonderful tribute and the pictures are priceless.
 
So sorry to hear you've lost Stanley....what a lovely blog tribute you have posted. It may have only been four years but he was given a second chance by Bernie and yourselves and the outcome could have been so much worse. You were blessed with having four years of Stan...and he was blessed with four years of loving 'parents'...thinking of you xxx Ange xxx
 
Claudine I am so sad and sorry to hear :( Stanley gave so much love and joy to you and well everyone. Thank you for sharing the stories and pictures of all your fur babies. Their love is so unconditional and always, always there. Sending you love and light.
Deborah Douglas
 
I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a loving and heartfelt tribute!
Goodbye beautiful and loving little Stanley.
I can tell just how very special he was.
Peace to you,
Kimber
 
So Sorry for your loss Claudine. May Stanley rest in peace xx
 
I am so sorry for your loss - we just recently lost our 12 year old doggie to cancer, so I know exactly the pain you are feeling. Hopefully it will lessen every day. RIP Stanley!
 
So, so, sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and comfort from far away.
 
Oh poor Stanley. You gave him such a wonderful life. He was a little doll. I loved your posts about him. I'm sorry for you Claudine but I know how much he loved you and you loved him. A special boy always. My thoughts are with you and I'm saddened by your loss.
 
Claudine,
I just completed, and loved, your online class. I am so sorry to hear you lost your precious kitty. I know it has been a terrible year for you and your husband losing your dog and cat. Pets are so important and take such a place of honor in our homes. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner and mother of 2 human kids and I always think that dogs and cats are like children 0-3 years. I guess the human kids begin talking and the furry kids can't use words hence they never get past the preschool age! I lost my dad and my dog in the same week 3 years ago and I haven't been able to even consider another pet until recently- I am looking at dogs again with longing and once again think puppies are sooooo adorable. I see Disney has a new movie coming to TV called "In Search of Santa Paws" about a beautiful white dog that looks exactly like my Shelby who was also a Great Pyranees. Hmmm as me thinking....

Remember the good times and you are correct that 4 years is no where near long enough.
 
Oh Claudine, I am so sorry to read this - I know how important he was in your life. I am sorry for your loss, but so glad that he got to share his life with you. Sending you big hugs.
 
My heart breaks for you all tonight!

What a beautiful tribute to Stanley!

Hugs from me and my four-legged family members to you and yours!

Delores
 
His pawprint will be forever on your heart.
 
i'm so terribly sorry, claudine. there never are words enough to cover the sadness. but know that we are all thinking of you, and paul, and mabel. it is just so, so sad.
 
Oh sweet little Stanley cat you will be missed every day.
Make lots of friends,take lots of naps in the sunshine and play hard in kitty heaven.

B-
 
I am so sorry to hear about Stanley. It is so hard to let go of our beloved fur babies.
HUGS to you.
 
Hi Claudine, so so sorry to hear about Stan, and LOVED your photographs. This is the first time I've looked at your blog (I was told about you while watching a House of 3 webshow last week). I love collage and make decorative magnets, mini books and gift tags etc. Here in New Zealand ranger products are very hard to come by which is such a shame as I adore them! We have a cat that we rescued from the SPCA in Singapore almost 8 years ago. 4 years ago he was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and he regularly has flare ups. This lovely pussycat is such a honey and a very sensitive soul - I love him to pieces so got a tear in my eye reading your post. Smiles from New Zealand
 
claudine, i am crying right now after reading your tribute to your little guy...i'm so sorry....i have a friend who just lost her cat too...my fred is old and frail now, very boney and i'm getting scared for him now...he was born in 1992...
anyway, my heart hurts for you and paul and mabel...much love, diane
 
I am so sad and sorry about the loss of your Stanley. His life may have been shorter than you all wanted, but it was a good one because of your love.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about Stanley. He was such a character and I so enjoyed your posts about him.

What a wonderful life you gave him. Sending you thoughts of comfort and peace and I'm giving my kitties extra hugs tonight.
 
Oh, my sweet friend. I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain of losing a loved animal much too soon. Positive thoughts being sent your way!
 
Claudine, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear sweet Stanley Cat. Hugs of strength and healing coming your way.

Blessings to you my friend.

Shari
 
ohhh, sweet Claudine. I am so sorry to hear of your loss
((((hugs))))
 
I'm so sorry! I lost my baby four years ago and I know how empty it feels. I wish there was something I could say or do to make it better. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Oh Claudine...I am so with you in spirit dear friend. Being the cat lover I am I know how you must feel...just like when our Sterling went after 17 years.
God Bless Stanley and all the kitties in heaven and you guys too.
 
I'am sorry to read this sad news. I know how great friends cats can be. I love the pictures from Stanley, he was a beautiful cat!
Hugs Nans.
 
I am so sorry to hear about losing Stanley at such a young age. But he was lucky to have you, and you him. Much love to you and Paul and know you're in my thoughts.

XOXO, April
 
My heart goes out to you, Paul, Mabel and Maggie. Seeing a Twitpic of Stanley would always be one of the highlights of my day. ♥
 
Claudine,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Stanley. He and my Murphy look so much alike right down to the freckles on the nose. I had to make the same decision with my Max last spring. It is so hard but relieving to know they are not in pain. I hope your memories comfort you through the days.
 
So sorry for the loss of your sweet cat. :-(
 
Dear Claudine & Paul, I am so, so sorry. I can't believe that Stanley Cat is no longer with you. He was only with you for 4 years, but my goodness, what happiness he brought you & what love you gave him.

I know he will be having a wonderful time over the rainbow bridge, stopping every now & then to lick a lollipop & to cast a eye at the new members arriving, waiting for the day he will see someone he knows & loves.

Huge hugs to you both & to Mabel Cat & Maggie Dog.
 
Oh Claudine, I am soooooo sorry! It is never easy to loose one of our babies - especially one as special as Stanley. I know how much your heart is hurting right now....I also know that although it will never hurt less, in time, it will hurt less often. Stanley was very lucky to know the quality of love that you and your husband gave to him. I hope Mabel is coping with the loss also! Hugs and more hugs,
Karen
 
So sorry. x
 
so sorry, claudine. he was such a cutie pie. i'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
 
Dear Claudine, I am so sorry for your loss. Wanted to come by with a hug when I saw the FB post. Love, Marylinn
 
I'm so, so sorry, Claudine. I know you are heartbroken. Thinking of you. xoxo
 
our hearts go out to you......and our arms are around you right now, claudine. xox
 
So sorry for your loss...we had to have our doggy put to sleep just before going on holiday at Easter - he was 14 1/2 and it broke our hearts!!! Take care...xxx
 
Really sorry to hear this Claudine... Take care...
 
So sorry for your loss, words can't describe..... many hugs to you and Paul.

Tara~
 
I'm crying with you right now. I'm so sory for your loss.
Big hugs, Natasa
 
Dear Claudine-
There are no words to comfort someone who has just lost a family member. We can only say that we understand the central role of pets in our lives. Although you knew this might happen, nothing can really prepare you.

Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself time to grieve. Everyone understands. And know that Stanley was a happy, happy cat with you two.
 
oh I just stumbled by here, and could not leave without sending love. Such awfully sad news, but what a beautiful tribute, gorgeous photographs and , I am sure, wonderful memories.
 
What a great story of a great cat. He had a lot of personality in those eyes! Glad you gave him such a good life...he looks like he accomplished more in his few years that most cats! xo
 
So sorry Claudine...we are never ready to say goodbye to our babies.
What a lucky kitty he was.
Judy K (ps I like what you are doing with new house :-)
 
I had a beautiful ginger cat named Aslan for years and reading about Stanley made me remember him with tears ...and tears for you and Paul too. I'm thinking of you all.
 
I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. My heart goes out to you and your husband.
 
so sorry for your loss of your little friend,
 
Your pictures touched me very much. I had a cat that looked liked yours. You and your husband look like you had a very loving relationship with your Stan. I am sorry he is not with you anymore. May you and your family heal and hopefully can add another member to your family soon.
Sincerely,
Norma
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty. We have an orange tabby, Sampson, who is getting on in years. Your Stanley reminds me so much of our Sammy. Thanks for sharing Stanley and Mabel with all of us!
 
My heart goes out to you and Paul and Stanley.
 
I'm so sorry to hear this. My cat has heart failure. He's on 4 different type of medication to slow it down. I'm a nerveous wreck all day making sure I know where he's at and he's eating properly and using the restroom.
 
thank you so much to each and everyone of you for posting a comment. it means so much to both Paul and I. Stanley was such a sweet little soul I feel lucky to have spent 4 years with him even though I would have given anything for more time.

thank you again so much for posting!! every message has truly touched us!!
 
Oh Claudine, I'm so sorry. Losing a pet at anytime is hard, but when it's so sudden the loss is truly devastating. Be kind and gentle with yourself and know that you are no alone. You are an amazing pet Mommy.

Blessings,
Anne Marie
Orlando, FL
 
i know how much you miss stanley.my calico was 20 yrs. old when she passed a couple years ago and i still think of her daily.she was my best friend.we have 5 more cats that we saved and indeed love them all dearly.
 
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