We recently had to say goodbye to three beloved members of The Lily Pond family. These transitions are never easy… in fact they are devastating. One of the most difficult aspects of animal rescue is grieving the loss of their passing – a challenge we face regularly given our focus on seniors, special needs, and hospice care. We also acknowledge the privilege of supporting an animal as they cross over into the next phase of their soul’s journey. These moments are sacred and full of grace. We find comfort in the special memories we shared with our beloved four-legged friends and the fact that they were living their best life with us… safe, well fed and cared for, and loved.
Always loved.
POSEY was Queen of The Lily Pond. Got cattitude? Poesy did and she could wrap you around her fluffy paw faster than you can spell the word besotted. An incorrigible flirt, this calico diva loved to be the center of attention. Her green eyes were mesmerizing and her purr sounded like velvet. This lady had moxie. She was smart, beautiful, regal and full of grace. She made a sing-song trilling sound when she was happy and did not hesitate to defy any rule, prancing haughtily across the kitchen counter. Posey was an expert cuddler. Once she settled down in your lap, you would be trapped for days… maybe even weeks. That’s how wonderful she was.
Posey and her sister Sebelina were our very first rescues back in 2012 when I was still living in Manhattan and The Lily Pond was nothing more than a dream sketched on paper. The two kitties had been abandoned in carriers one night on the sidewalk in front of PetSmart in Union Square. Fortunately they were brought into the store and I happened to walk in the next day. Love at first sight! The three of us adopted each other and the rest, as they say, is history. Twelve years of joy, laughter and friendship; the creation of The Lily Pond sanctuary; the move to the Hudson Valley; the work of animal rescue; the moments of sitting quietly together enjoying a beautiful sunset at the end of a busy day.
It was early 2024 when Posey started feeling unwell. I was stunned when the veterinarian diagnosed dry FIP. Posey underwent treatment with the available medication, but instead of improving she seemed to feel worse. And then a second diagnosis: intestinal cancer. Devastated, I tried to keep her as comfortable as possible for whatever time we had left together. We celebrated her 14th birthday in July. Posey was in my arms with Sebelina by her side when she finally succumbed to cancer in late 2024. Her transition across the Rainbow Bridge was peaceful but my heart was shattered. The Lily Pond had lost it’s queen and I had lost my best friend. I find comfort in knowing that her spirit remains, watching over all the animals here at The Lily Pond. I’m so thankful and blessed that this spectacular soul chose to share her life with me. My pretty Posey. I treasure every moment of our time together. Posey’s legacy is one of joy, beauty, and love. I miss her every day.
Thank you Posey for bringing so much beauty, love and joy to our lives.
You will always be the queen of our hearts. ❤️