I can’t believe it. We both are still in shock.
Dave and I were enjoying our vacation in Asheville, NC, when I got a call from the vet where we boarded our kitties. She tells me that Ace is not doing well. As she describing what was wrong with him, I interrupted her. “You mean Puddin, right?” Puddin is our 12 year old kitty, who I’ve noticed in the last month or so is moving slower. Ace just turned 6, had more energy than two cats, and was fine when we dropped him off at the vets four days earlier. “No, it’s Ace.” She said he had fluid in his lungs and they were working on him, but a half hour later when she called back, he was gone. It looks like he had a heart problem, even though we never saw any symptoms. We got in our rental car and drove home.
We adopted Ace back in August 2012. I wrote a post about him here. He was such a little kitty. The local humane society was having an adopt-a-thon at the local pet store. He was so friendly with not just us, but the other cats waiting for their forever homes. We were surprised when we got him home that he was so scared of everything except us and Puddin. If you came over to our house, you would never see him. But with us, he was always around.

He and Puddin became fast friends. Sleeping together in my chair was common until recently since she has had trouble jumping up to the recliner. But they still have remained close, him often laying on the floor next or near to her and almost always in the same room. He was always pestering her, even right before vacation. He loved her so.
Ace loved to drink out of my water. I had no idea he was doing it until one day I caught him!
He recently took over a rope bowl I made. He thought I made it for him. I guess I did.
He also love sitting in the sling.
One of the last photos I got of him was just a couple weeks ago when he was sitting in this red fabric box I was planning on throwing out since it was all torn up. He loved it so much I couldn’t dare throw it away.
He never really got on my table until I reorganized my studio in March. The railing under the windows that he used to walk on to get to the big picture window was now blocked by my shelving so in order to get to the window, he would jump from the floor to the railing. But once he was there, he would walk on over to my table and I’d catch him often checking out what I was doing.
I’m really going to miss the special game we played every night after dinner. He’d be waiting in the hall, just outside the dining room. When I was finished with kitchen cleanup I’d throw him three treats, one at a time. I’d throw them as high as I could and watch as he jumped and then slide across the living room laminate flooring catching each one, but usually batting it around first. He only got three after dinner, but sometimes if he’d meet me in the hall after lunch, we’d play again, but that time only for one. I had no idea last Wednesday’s game would be our last.
Dave and Ace were especially close. They had their own games they played. I’ve been after Dave to buy a new chair for his desk, but he just couldn’t because Ace liked that chair. They shared the same birthday month so we always had a birthday picture together. Here is the very first picture taken in September 2012, and then the March 2018 birthday picture.


We’ll bury him today out by the garden so he’ll keep Dave company. I’ll put a temporary rock over his grave until I can paint one just for him.
I hate how these furry little creatures just crawl into our hearts, and in no time they are gone, leaving such a large hole. I swore after Sidd that I’d never get close to another cat. It was way too painful losing him, but then Ace came in and just stole my heart. I can’t believe that he had to leave us so early. It again reminds me that today is all we have.
Puddin was crying last night. She misses him too.
This is such a special post. I want to encourage you to print a blog book with all posts in it that you’ve mentioned Ace in and especially this one as the final. It will be that special tribute that you can look through when those ‘moments’ come upon you.
Luann, Thank you. That’s a great idea. Thanks again.
Yes, they do work their way into our hearts but as it should be. And you have a big heart to give a wonderful home and life to another. So sorry for your loss. You have such wonderful memories and thanks for sharing them with your readers!
I am sooo sorry to hear of your loss. It sure sounds like you made Ace’s life a good one. I hope Puddin copes with the loss of her buddy. I will give my two kitties extra cuddles in honour of Ace.
Great photos to have. I am so very saddened for you. What a terrible shock. Poor Puddin will be mourning too. Hugs to all.
Dear Lynda and Dave, So sorry to hear about your beloved buddy Ace. What a handsome boy. I know you will miss him terribly but take comfort in knowing that you gave him a wonderful life. I am ice dyeing today and was just making a shirt with blacks and grays. I will call it my “Ace” shirt in honor of him 😊
I am so very sorry for your loss. It is heart breaking loosing one of your furry family, I feel your pain. Just how wonderful that Ace found you and had a very happy time with you. Sending much love and a tear. xxx
What a handsome boy he was . . . Take some comfort knowing you and your husband gave him the gift of love and a good home.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your pictures of Ace are beautiful and he certainly looks happy and well loved. You are so right, “today is all we have,” and Ace seems to have made the most of each of his “todays”. I lost two dear pets since October and it is very tough. Sending love.
Robbie, Thank you for your kind words and stopping by.
KJ, Thank you and yes, do give them extra cuddles. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Hi Dolly, Thanks. Yes, it’s been pretty sad. Thanks for the hugs and for dropping by and commenting.
Tamra, Thank you for your comment. And that is so sweet of you to call your new shirt Ace. Means a lot to me. Thanks again.
Kathy, Thank you for your sweet comment.
Janice, Yes, we have to remember that he had a good life, even though too short. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Rebecca, Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss too. Yes, we have to remind ourselves that this is it. Tomorrow might not get here. Thanks for the love and commenting. I appreciate it.
Losing a pet is the hardest part … I am never ready for it… young or old. And some seem to take up so much more space in your heart in such a short amount of time, minutes!!!
Beth, You are so right. Thanks for commenting.
I share in your grief for Ace who was a very special cat. He was so lucky to have had you and your husband adopt him and give him a loving home for those 6 short years.
I’m sorry for your loss of this beautiful pet.
Jane, Thanks.
June, Thank you.
So sorry Lynda for your loss. Ace was a sweet kitty and deserves your grieving. These little creatures of ours leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same without them. Warm Hugs to You, LuAnn in Oregon
Sorry for the loss of Ace. Loosing a pet is very hard. Your pictures are adorable. I am not a crafter, somehow got on your email distribution. I have enjoyed seeing your talent and art. I do want to do the Tye dye T Shirts. When the timing is right adopt another kitty.
I’m so saddened to hear of Ace passing way too soon. I just loved seeing the photos of him in boxes or your famous rope bowls. He was a beautiful cat and a loving member of your family, that’s easy to see. No words are comfort enough for his missing little heartbeat, I’m so sorry for you and Dave.
Carolyn, Thank you for your comment.
Jaime, Thank you.
LuAnn, Thank you.
My heart goes out to you, you poor darling. I hope that time will help you. Such a shame that we get such a short time with our beloved pets.
Suzanne
Suzanne, Thank you!