Winston, a once spunky rescue pup, 13, and Tilly, a ginger tabby cat, 15, with a heart of gold, weren’t always the best of friends. Both found themselves adopted by Louisa Crook, a private rescuer, and life sure did get better after having lived very tough lives when they were younger.
Recently, both Winston and Tilly went to the Rainbow Bridge together; wrapped in each other’s paws and oh so peaceful.
Click here for the brief clip from TikTok
Tilly and Winston crossed the bridge together on the 7th of March. They passed peacefully together, cuddled up, the way they always were. It was serene, gentle and kind of beautiful. I am devastated that they’re gone. Life won’t be the same, but I’m glad they got some good years after terrible pre-rescue lives. I just wish it had been more.
Louisa Crook
According to Newsweek and Louisa Crook’s TikTok @CROOK_LOCK, Winston and Tilly had lived together for the past three years and for the last year, had been inseparable.
Cook adopted Winston five years prior, and he had been a true survivor. He had scavenged for food on the streets in an industrial area in the Middle East where Cook has worked for the past eight years. It appeared he had once been hit by a car, and his leg never healed correctly. He also suffered from a skin condition that must have driven him crazy with itching and pain. All that changed with Louisa as his mom; life got better and lots of happy times and adventures slowly dulled the hardships of the past. Two years later, Tilly, an abandoned cat who had also lived in inhumane conditions, was also adopted by Crook.
Tilly had been quite the clingy cat and loved the companionship of the dogs, but she seemed to have found a special friendship with Winston. For the past year, the two had been inseparable; they had found love and a close bond.
Sadly, both had been declining in health; Winston’s heart problem became critical, and Tilly faced liver failure. Trips to the veterinarian had not been able to improve their conditions, and as difficult as the decision was to make, both were scheduled to be put to sleep – but they would make that last journey together.
Winston was unbelievably scared at the vet but when Tilly came and rested up on his chest like she always would, he was visibly calmer and actually laid down more. It’s awful to have any pet put to sleep, even when it’s necessary but this was such a deeply beautiful way to say goodbye.
Tilly and Winston’s story is a testament to the powerful bond that can form between animals; even the most unlikely ones. They remind us that friendship can blossom in the most unexpected places, and that even in the face of loss, the love we share with our furry companions leaves an everlasting paw print on our hearts.
It is very difficult to make that decision to put a pet to sleep, but Louisa did want to leave us with some advice as per her own experiences. Sometimes the prognosis indicates it’s time – none of us want to wait until our pet is suffering before we let them go to the Rainbow Bridge.
Rest in peace Tilly and Winston.
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New born kittens 😉
