Ernie, Jr. Suggs & Kelly

Ernie of Suggs and Kelly Feral Colony

Spring, 2021 – May 1, 2023

The Suggs and Kelly Feral Colony lost its most beloved member, Ernie, on May 1, 2023, to complications of FELV. He was 2 years old.

Ernie leaves behind his colony mates Earnestine, Grizzly Adams, Gumby, Hissy Mama, Hobo, Tom Thumb, Sire, and Spitfire - as well as his broken-hearted Caretakers - Karen, Lisa, Stoney, Tom, and Valerie.

Ernie was discovered at the Suggs and Kelly Feral Colony on July 6, 2021. He was an unusually friendly Colony member and plans were to find him a permanent home off the streets. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed FELV-positive – so he was reluctantly returned to the Colony – where he could live with his Colony Companions.

Caretaker Tom speaks for all of us as he shares his thoughts of Ernie:

“Ernie was the warmest heart of the S&K Colony.

He was always the one you could expect to be the first to greet you, a kitty whose happy eyes said, “Oh, I’m so glad to see you! Where have been? I’ve been waiting for you! Oh, you’ve got food, too, I see? That’s great, but let’s just take a moment to be together now that you’re here - and say hello properly!”

And when, on those dreary rainy afternoons, when one had to quickly put the food out before you and it were wet through and through, this little Tuxedo Kitty brought a smile to your heart as he came up to you to be recognized and petted, and - if he was feeling extra happy - to allow you to hold him on your knee or against your chest, scratching his purring throat.

And when you saw how he would often sit under the thinnest of bushes, getting soaked in the rain while he waited expectantly for you (his friends), the deep warmth of his cheerful heart was unmistakable and seemed to somehow protect him from the cold rain with an impermeable warm aura, which disregarded the rain, no matter how hard it came down.

Ernie was our very dearest friend at S&K, and that is saying a lot - given all the uniquely beautiful and individual kitties there! Our hearts are broken for his having to leave us now, after so short a life, but we’re all just very thankful to have known him and helped him when we were able, especially that last week when his very dear friend Stoney noticed how tired and sick he was.

We thank God for both you, Ernie, and for God’s angels, Stoney and Valerie, who did so much to make your last days as comfortable as they could possibly be. And Tom is also very grateful he got a chance to visit you last Saturday afternoon and see how delighted you were to finally have the chance to ride home with Stoney and Valerie, just like you always wanted to do.

Bless your sweet soul, Ernie, our dearest little friend, and please always know that thoughts and memories of you will always be in our hearts. Goodnight sweet kitty, you will always be one of The Best Kitties!”

Ernie - your Caretakers are devastated that you had to leave us so soon. Our hearts break each and every day because we miss you greeting us in the parking lot. Our hearts break each and every day because we miss leaving you little “snacks” by the dumpster. But mostly we will miss your sparkling personality and silliness that made us smile and provided us with whole hearts.

We love you, Ernie…

…from your Caretakers - Karen, Lisa, Stoney, Tom, and Valerie