Tribute to Ernie

Ernie Wesley Teeples (middle and last name picked out by Dallin) went to heaven on August 26, 2008. Tad gave Ernie to me as a Christmas present our 2nd Christmas together. He got him from the Humane Society where they said he was 1 year old. We've since learned he was actually closer to 4 yrs. old (according to our vet). We had Ernie for 8 years. He was a very mischevious, and downright naughty cat at times, but he somehow managed to keep our love. When we lived in Woods Cross, Ut. he was often found on the roof of our house or our neighbors homes. He was very friendly and most kids in the neighborhood knew him. Whenever someone came to our home, he loved to rub up against their feet or their legs. He got very mad when we went out of town and left him home. In his anger, he peed on our bed, carpet, Tad's shirt, etc. When we first got Ernie, Tad would comb him every day. Then, along came Dallin and he had to get used to being second. Poor Ernie learned to deal with a toddler following him around everywhere and pulling his tail. Dallin has always loved Ernie! So, when we moved to New Jersey, Tad and I wanted to find a home for him in Utah, but Dallin insisted that he came with us. We paid the $50 and he flew on the plane with Dallin and I. Thank goodness there was a baby crying on the flight so noone could hear his death-sounding meow. Ernie adapted quickly to New Jersey and found many animals to try to catch. He started getting sick about a month or so ago, and quickly got worse. Dallin and I took him to the vet and she said he had "FIP" (peritonitis) and that it was fatal and that he was suffering. Tad was out of town, so Dallin and I brought him home that night and loved him and said goodbye. After I got the kids to bed, I held Ernie for a long time and cried. It is so hard to make the decision to put your pet to sleep, and to say goodbye to a friend. The next day, Dallin and I took him to the vet, and he went to heaven. Dallin asked, "Will Ernie be resurrected and come live in our home again?" I had to explain that he'll get resurrected when we do. (I sure hope cats do or else I lied). Dallin wanted to know if Heavenly Father will take care of him. It made me cry. It makes me sad just to type this post. On the positive, I don't miss cat hair all over and when we went out of town last week, we didn't have to worry about him. I hope it's true that all cats go to heaven. Thanks for 8 years Ernie!!

Dallin and Ernie

Ornery Ernie