Rainbow Bridge.



"Ava Gardner; the Cat"
“Every ending is - in its own way, a new beginning...”  

For the animal kingdom, heaven and hell are abstract concepts. Unlike humans, they lie unbound by the doctrines of dogmatic religion and moral grey areas, and simply live through instinct; an instinct which understands that love – and perhaps a few high quality noms and comfy bed, are really all you need. In essence, evil animals do not exist – only awesome ones. And if you are brave or kind enough to have one in your life, then you are truly blessed...

Today I learned our world has lost yet another of these beautiful creatures, to the wonders which await them in the afterlife. Yesterday - and like many pure-hearted pets before her, Ava Gardner; the delightful, brazen Californian pussy-cat whose story I was fortunate enough to document, crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a short illness. Ava – named after the hard-nosed movie starlet, and whose 350,000 strong Facebook page contained a mixture of heart-warming photos, empathetic charity appeals and awareness causes, and posts which raised a smile to the faces of many, is no longer with us; leaving a collection of wonderful moments and memories, the kind only a cat can offer, with such an engagingly disengaging way. 

On a personal level, I cannot pretend to know how Susie Newton – Ava’s mom, and a lady whose love for animals I always found was impossible to hide, and her family feel right now. All I can do is – like everyone else, extend my condolences and sympathies on their loss, and remind them how happy Ava’s exploits made us feel. The simple beauties of life are often ignored but usually the most profound, and there is good reason cats dominate an often negative 21st century Internet, as a means of positive reinforcement and calming .

As far as Rainbow Bridge is concerned, it is in my view the colourful, soft path which leads to a form of heaven, where only animals and humans who were kind to animals are allowed to spend eternity. It is a golden palace rich in wonder; with unlimited catnip, food supplies, scratching posts, comfortable beds, and never ending wild grassy fields – full of spiders to bully and snails to annoy. It is also a land where all the good-hearted members of families past and present, are eventually reunited; as well as where equality of all forms is never questioned, for equality simply is. Hell is where morons go to create lies to suit their delusions, heaven is where humans go to do little more than care for their animals - and vice versa. 

But until then we have life on Earth, and the time we have here is beautiful; and nowhere near as long as we convince ourselves. Cherish the compassionate who surround you; especially those of the animal kingdom. Life is short, frail, and the capacity to love is by far the greatest gift we shall ever receive. Embrace the marvel of living, and – like the animals of the world know without thought, never allow fear, frustration or desire to deny this power its rightful place in our lives. My condolences go out to the Newton family, and each of the 350,000 souls who Ava made smile on a daily basis. Her spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who loved her, and in the memory of my own admiration for her quiet yet powerful nature. RIP Ava; heaven just became a little more glamorous, with your delightful presence...

Ava Gardner; The Cat.
22/02/2002 – 02/06/2014  


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15 comments:

  1. Absolutely wonderful Lee, thank you so much. ~"S" ... Ava's Daddy.

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  2. Thank you so very much, Lee. I am touched more than words can describe. Ugh, another burst of tears!! But even with them streaming down my cheeks, I feel comforted by your kindness and compassion. Thank you! - Susie Newton, Ava's Mommy.

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    1. Sending you and Steve hugs and prayers. Know Ava is with Lisa's Mimi and my Roary. Forever loved in our hearts.

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    2. Sending you and Steve hugs and prayers. Know Ava is with Lisa's Mimi and my Roary. Forever loved in our hearts.

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    3. Thank you so much, Beth. :-) Yes, they are together and causing havoc. I have no doubt.

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  3. Beautiful article!

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  4. Such beautiful words for a lovely lady.My deepest sympathy to you Susie and Steve.Having been owned by cats and lost them I know the heartache you are going through Ava will always be with you as my cats are though many years have passed since some losses.Ava was a gorgeous girl and she was surrounded by love and,in a way, what more do we need in life than to love and be loved.Lots of love and hugs to you bothXXXX

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  5. bonnie j lynch3 June 2014 at 22:26

    sending hugs and prays. ava will be miss.michelle iam here 4 u if you need anything. love bonnie

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  6. Now for the end of the walk of the bridge.

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  7. so, so, sorry for your loss

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  8. Always enjoyed seeing Ava's postings on my newsfeed on FB.Lovely precious cat.Thank you ! Ava♡♥♡♥

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  9. Eloquently written, Lee. Such a wonderful tribute to sweet Ava. Our thoughts go out to her family and pray that the clouds of grief will soon lift as memories of happier times prevail! Ellen

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  10. Thank you. That was so well said, now I feel better about my past departed loved ones. I have 3 kitties now and one is very old so I will keep your words in my heart.

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  11. I appreciate all your kinds words, and I hope I managed to express the final pathway of our awesome animals, as we all imagine it to be.

    Thank you, Once again...

    Lee Gunnell.

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