This little announcement is a long-time coming. I have thought about it many times, and have started to write a sponsor-a-day blog post in my head on several occasions, but somehow just never got it out.
You can skip to the end for actual chimpanzee content!
For those who have been following the blog for a while, you might remember a very important non-primate sanctuary resident – office cat LouLou.
Not surprisingly, after a long and good 23 years of life, she passed away early this Spring.
The office is simply not the same without her. She is buried not far away in the little catio that J.B. built for the cats (we used to have three total) outside of the caregiver house at the sanctuary. I planted a small and haphazard garden over her grave this summer that produced a few tomatoes and lovely sunflowers in her memory.
Shortly before LouLou passed away, J.B. and I took in a foster dog named Nala from a local rescue called Josie’s Misfit Ranch.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, we adopted Nala shortly after she came to live with us. Now, the caregiver house where J.B. and I reside is full of dog energy (don’t let these calm photos delude you into thinking calm is the norm). If you are interested, the dogs have their own Instagram page here.
There is still some cat energy at the sanctuary, however. Barn Kitty (BK), though he comes and goes as he pleases, still frequents the barn and its surroundings.
As you well know, we have many talented artists in our midst who have donated art for various auctions and fundraisers. When LouLou passed away, I reached out to one of them, Sue Cartwright, about doing a portrait of LouLou and one of a previous office cat, Peanut. Sue did an amazing job! Now all three of our cats our represented to purrfection. In the below photo, that’s a painting of Cuba in the middle by a Seattle artist named Vicki Nelson.
So, this is what is called burying the lead. I’m glad you are still with me!
Sue Cartwright has also painted a stunning and large portrait of Cy for our upcoming Comfort & Joy online auction! Are you ready??!!
For an idea of size, the painting is leaning up against a tall dog crate:
There are more original art pieces and some other fun items that will be part of Comfort & Joy. It that doesn’t cause you to immediately register for the online auction, well, I just don’t know what will.
Firstly, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful kitty. Lou Lou looks like an exceptional office cat and companion. May you take comfort in her memory :pray:
Secondly, your dogs are adorable and your barn cat BK is too! Lastly, the portrait of Cy is amazing! Kudos to the talented artist :clap::clap::clap:
Cara said everything I was going to say. Oops, I lingered over the pictures of the dogs for so long that my ice cream bar melted.
Oh no, Nancy, one must always diligently be mindful of ice cream treats, but those pups are so sweet.
Diana, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. It’s good to know that dear Lou Lou has a special spot and is still nearby. My own two cats are in their twilight years and I dread the day when I have to say goodbye. Those three innocent angels look as if butter wouldn’t melt etc, but I can imagine their ‘mischief’ time!
What a handsome guy Cy is…..perfect for a portrait, and he must sit still with his books for longer than a certain other little man who never stops playing!
So sorry to hear about Lou Lou. She is beautiful, so are her sunflowers. I am sure the office feels a little empty without Lou Lou.
I had no idea your pack had an Instagram page. Fantastic! Lucky, lucky Nala being a failed foster.
Love Sue Cartwright’s portraits. Had a wonderful time scrolling through her site. I’m predicting Cy’s image will have a bidding war. Looking forward to this year Comfort & Joy auction!
I am so sorry for your loss, Diana & J B as Lou Lou was so very much part of your lives. But, like the turning wheel of life, as sweet Lou Lou passed Nala came into your lives bringing love and enormous energy. The photos of your canine family do you proud. Nala is blessed and so are you all at the sanctuary. Happy
days and happy life with your extended family.
Oh, I’m sorry to hear about LouLou, Diana! 23 yrs is indeed a very long time for felines. And what a happy life! Tons of human attention every day. and windows with great views! And a catio!
Sorry to learn of Louous passing. I can’t imagine how much you are all in pain after spending 23 years with a beloved animal
My thoughts go out to you with LouLou’s passing. 23 years is a very long time for a cat, but it’s never really enough.
The pictures of your canine family are absolutely adorable. I can certainly imagine the chaos, though.
And that portrait of Cy! It definitely does his wise and handsome visage justice!
So sorry for your loss. LouLou was beautiful. I remember reading a while back how up in years she was. Sounds like she had a nice, long life. Sue has done an amazing job of capturing Cy so acurately! I wish I had a place for a painting that large.
So sad about LouLou. Sad for the humans who loved her. Now you have a catio for some rescue felines in desperate need of a home. I hope you foster fail some kitties in the near future.