Tom was a great friend and a terrific cat doctor. We had many fun times together and discussed countless issues concerning feline medicine. Gone too soon
Philip J Shanker,DVM
Diplomate ABVP feline specialty
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I had the privilege of working for Tom as a technician for a couple of years at the Irvine clinic. He taught me so much about cats and feline health care. We remained friends up until his death and I was so glad I was able to see him one more time the fall of 2022! Happy Heavenly Birthday Tom!
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Dr. Elston was simply a very good man. He was so caring toward our cat Pookie who we lost several years ago now, and it has been a sad week for my wife Sue and I, as Pookie's offspring Cougar (aka Tiny), passed away a week ago this past Monday. She passed in my arms as we loved her. This is what Dr. Elston was... love! Ironically, Tiny was born on 4/17/2006....
Ron and Sue T.
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We talked about Dr. Elston today at The Cat Hospital in Marina Del Rey and shared his legacy a bit with the newer staff and had a team lunch in his honor today. He was so wonderful and kind and is very missed here. -Dr. Blair
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Thank you, Dr. Elston. We will forever remember you and appreciate the gentle care you provided to our kitties. May you rest in peace.
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2025, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Oliver remembering Dr Elston
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I was very sad when I heard about Dr .Elston’s passing. I just read this as I’m looking for another cat vet for my two babies. No one has compared to the care and love Dr. Elston gave my 3 cats. This broke my heart. Rest in peace Tom ❤️
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I am just learning about Dr. Tom passing away. My condolences to his family and friends and patients. I worked at T.H.E. Cat Hospital for several years. He was a kind man, with a gentle spirit. He was supportive while I worked there and was in nursing school and helped me study medication dosage calculations. Not only did he take care of kitties for clients, but for staff he would take care of our dogs too. My beloved dogs Lucy and Wednesday were under his care till I fully parted ways onto my other career. I will never forget Dr. T and his Tron Car. May you rest in Paradise and snuggle all the fur babies; including mine. 🐾
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We moved to Irvine in 1989 and soon got our cat, Rusty. We were so grateful that shortly afterward, The Cat Hospital opened and Rusty was under the care of the kindest, most compassionate and knowledgeable vet ever. Dr. Elston then cared for Rusty, Luigi, Sam, Bella and Wrigley. We will always be grateful for his wonderful care and send our deepest condolences to his friends and family.
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We are just finding out and so sorry to hear about Dr. Elston.
We are thinking about all his family, former staff, patients and clients.
Our sincerest condolences,
Newport Pet Clinic
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I hate that I just saw this email. We were so sad when Dr. Elston had to close his clinic—especially sad were my two cats EO and Dahlia. We were new to California, and it’s so hard finding a new vet after leaving another beloved vet. We found a good one in him. I had a special bond over both attending CSU in Fort Collins, and my cats loved him. We secretly hoped he could return to his post as the great vet he was, so this hits us hard. All selfish feelings aside, I’m so sorry for your loss. Condolences to his family and friends.
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I remember the visit and first exam appointment for my beloved female cat Tasha with Dr. Elston. She was having digestive symptoms.
Dr. Elston was so gentle with her and my cat was relaxed and calm around Dr. Elston. It was a thorough exam and I learned many things about my cat. I do not think I would of learned many things about my cat from any other veterinarian. I too, felt very confident and comfortable with Dr. Elston, and I so glad and thankful for the recommendation and finding a wonderful feline veterinarian specialist.
Since then, I took GreyStar, Spice and Maverick my newly adopted kittens to see Dr. Elston. And has been treating my cat Sugar for IBD onset from a diet dry cat food as he just turned one year old. With Dr. Elston, an excellent feline veterinarian I was guided well and helped me to remain calm , and calm throughout sometimes waiting for test results. Thankfully Sugar is doing very well with the change in diet (has food allergy to chicken) and the medication.
We will greatly miss Dr. Elston. Our hope is only in Jesus, and Our hope that is consoling: is one day, we will all see Dr. Elston in Heaven and at the Rainbow Bridge where he is taking care and playing with his feline friends.
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We were heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dr Elston, He has the been the kindest and a great veterinarian and took care of my beloved Tasha since 2007, then to my Kitty GreyStar for the last 12 years, is 13 years doing well. Then Sugar since he was 6 months old, Spice and Maverick my newest kittens.
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I met Tom in the first year of my business. He signed up to be my client and I his. For the past 28 years Tom cared for Peek-a-Boo, Cutiepie, Cuddles, Cooper and Pumpkin. We all loved Dr. Tom.
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Best vet for kitties I've ever had. Always had informative and educational responses to my questions. Very compassionate doctor.
Kathy Haas
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Dr. Tommy literally saved one of our Abbys who was suddenly sick. We didn’t have an appointment, and failed to call ahead, but the staff ushered us into an exam room, as soon as we told them what was happening, followed closely by Dr. Tommy. We will always treasure the memories of his compassion and tenderness then, and in all of our subsequent visits, even when some preceded the walk over the Rainbow Bridge.
Rest peacefully with your friends, Doc😿🌈.
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The Bradshaw family was so sad to learn of Dr. Elston's passing but thank you for creating this page and hosting such a wonderful Celebration of Life, which Robin, Gillian and Caroline attended. Caroline was good friends with Teal in school and it was nice for her to see him briefly - unfortunately we couldn't stay for the reception as we had to get to another event. Dr. Elston took such wonderful care of Harley, Scooter and Sam and it's thanks to him that we still have Scooter at age 21!
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