Silent Miaow – Molly 2002-2018

The Silent Miaow* - Ellie Kennard 2015
The Silent Miaow* – Ellie Kennard 2015

It’s always so hard to say goodbye. In this case we didn’t even get a chance to do that. We lost Molly last night, when we were thousands of miles away.

Molly was such a different cat. She took 16 years to really come out of her shell and learn to play and show affection. Her last years got better and better as she gained confidence and began to enjoy her life. She discovered the fun of chasing her tail this summer, at almost 16 yrs old. It’s so sad that, having got to that stage, her life ended so suddenly.

Molly had a special fashion sense. This photo demonstrates it best…

Molly's manicure- Ellie Kennard 2015
Molly’s manicure- Ellie Kennard 2015

Molly was very serious almost all her life, with an intense way of looking at you – almost right through you. We sometimes called her The Looking Cat. We never knew why she was like that as Cornish Rex cats normally are very playful and not at all timid. Her life long companion, Rupert is totally different. He is gregarious, fun loving, affectionate and full of confidence. The first 2 weeks we had her she spent lying flat between the mattress and the box spring of a bed, almost too frightened to come out to eat. Once she began to trust us, after about 10 years, she would sometimes just sit and stare at us unblinkingly, making everyone feel slightly uncomfortable. She looked right into our souls.

Molly's intense stare - 2015
Molly’s intense stare – 2015

Molly knew how to be elegant. Like all cats, she loved the sun and would always seek it out, whether indoors as here, or outdoors as in the opening image, wearing her harness which kept her from straying.

Molly Silhouette - Ellie Kennard 2013
Molly Silhouette – Ellie Kennard 2013

Goodbye Molly. Rupert will miss you. And so will we.
*Molly was here sitting in front of the book “The Silent Miaow” by Paul Gallico

12 Responses

  1. I’m so sorry to hear it, Ellie – I know how hard losing a pet can be.

    “We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
    Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
    We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
    never fully understanding the necessary plan.”
    Irving Townsend.

  2. Thanks for alerting me to this , Ellie. You guessed correctly that I had not seen your posting.
    I am so sorry to hear about Mollie. If asked, i would have thought that Rupie would have been the first to leave. I know only too well the heartache you are experiencing. I also know why your hearts are broken…it’s because Molly needed a piece to take with her. You are right about her coming out of her shell later in life. I remember how honoured I felt when she finally came up onto my lap of her own accord. She was special and all who knew her will miss her but especially Rupie and you two. I send my love and a huge virtual hug to you both.

    1. Thank you so much, Janet. We have been through other heartaches together, this is not the first, nor will it be the last, I’m afraid. Hug your little family for me. And Thank you for sharing your own memory of Molly with us. And for the love and hugs.

  3. So sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve always thought that the “price” we pay for our beloved critters isn’t purchase, care, vet, etc…it’s the ache we feel when they are gone. But I also believe that the “price” we pay is a sign that we are fully human, fully alive. The tribute you wrote for Molly is so beautiful. It gave me more than one lasting visual image (the “flat cat” in the bed!).

    No words can take the pain of loss away, certainly not my words. But I wanted you to know that someone out here (me and my Molly, a dog) rejoice that your Molly had a good and loving home. May your gratitude for, and memories of, her life be a rich and enduring comfort.

    1. Thank you so much for your kindness in the words of your comment, Sandra. All of us who have known the pain of the loss of a companion animal can feel it again through the loss of another’s. But we also can share in the rich memories of happier times, which are the more enduring ones. And that sharing of our humanity is a rich gift.
      Ellie

  4. A beautifully told story at such a difficult time, I’ll miss her too she was often very vocal on Skype. Love Joyce.

  5. Your story of Molly’s ‘goodbye’ will live on in your readers’ hearts, Ellie. So sad for you to lose her when you’re far away from her. But she was loved so much, and this should be a comfort to you. Sending hugs x

    1. Thank you so much Prue. It is a comfort, or will be when this moment passes. Your hugs are much appreciated.
      (I trust you have read “The Silent Miaow”? If not, please look for a copy (probably in the library as it’s out of print). I think you will love it.

  6. Oh Ellie and Steve, my heart is aching for you. So sorry you lost your dear Molly while you were away. :'(

    We’re having some issues with our dear little siamese, Pookey, (a persona a lot like your Molly) at the moment. Taking her to the vet today. She’s only 12 as of this September.

    Our little pets leave their paw prints on our hearts for life. We’re sending lots of love and sympathies. Hold on to those good memories of your little Molly girl.

    1. Thank you so much dear Bev. You expressed it so well, the memories are what we hold on to. I really hope your little Pookey has nothing serious going on. 12 is too early. Any age is too early, I’ve discovered.
      xo

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