The rescue community is mourning the loss of one of their own, a young woman named Ashley Morrison and known as the “Youngest Old Cat Lady.”
Ashley took her own life last Thursday, much to the dismay of those who worked with her, and followed her on social media. On Sunday, Whatcom Feline Alliance wrote:
We have some very sad news news about the recent passing of a fellow rescuer. Ashley Morrison died of a self inflicted act secondary to her troubled mental health issues. We are very shocked and discouraged by this outcome as she was someone who we networked with and who had sponsored TNR for feral colonies up here in Whatcom & Skagit Counties without fail anytime she was asked. We had spoken to her just 2 weeks prior about an upcoming project. We don’t know any of the personal details that led up to this act, but we are really sad for her, her family both two legged and furry, and the rescue community at large. It is a tremendous loss.
On Ashley’s Instagram account, she let her 238,000 followers know through a scheduled post that reads:
Thank you for the years of support and a wonderful life you’ve given me. I don’t want anyone to take this as a sign to quit. I have been struggling for so long. I am so sorry I was not strong enough to continue. This battle is over for me. And with that, I am at peace. Please, take care of each other. ❤️
This is a scheduled post.
Ashley’s family issued a statement on Instagram as well:
It is with debilitating sadness in our hearts that Ashley’s family and I must deliver the unbearable news that she has passed away. Despite her own and her loving family and supporters’ efforts to get effective treatment for a brain chemistry to fragile for this world she succumbed to her mental illness and chose to take her own life. Ashley has joined her dad, her beloved miniature Yorkie Emma, and countless other loved ones in heaven and will truly be the most giving and beautiful Youngest Old Cat Lady forever in our hearts.
Ashley’s time here on earth was far too short, but her legacy will live on in each of her followers’ memories, and the families that she gifted with the 100’s of Mommy cats and kittens that she rescued and lovingly delivered to their families to bring them joy and warm their homes with the love of an animal for years to come.
With a special request for donations in her memory:
In memory of her, donations can be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or an animal rescue or spay.
Rest in peace Ashley.
May you RIP Ashley. Loving prayers to your family. :'( :'(
Christ, just another tragedy. one after another. Life has become a battle everyday as the moral fabric of people is slowly being destroyed from all angles. While I did not know this young girl you can see the love in her eyes when she is holding one of her rescued babies. This is such a shame to lose such a positive force when you see all the garbage that walks the streets free to destroy whatever they can. I wish there was another outcome for this young woman but she could no longer bear to see the ugly face of what we are becoming. My condolences to her family and her four legged babies who will all miss her dearly. I hope her mind is at peace and her soul is with God!
Us who love animals so much, often feel animals pain through our own pain. It can be unbearable to us that we can’t save every animal too. RIP sweet lady. Sometimes there is no one who knows the pain and hopelessness we feel. You are missed.
What a sad story. Cannot begin to imagine what mental anguish this young lady must have endured for her to decide to take this drastic action. Hopefully her legacy will inspire others to continue in her memory to get involved with helping the rescue and cats that meant so much to her. Heartfelt condolences to her family and her friends at the rescue.