Friday, April 4, 2014

Cat saved from imminent death, with move of one small paw

A cat's life hung in the balance through circumstances out of it's control.  Did he know his future was in jeopardy?




We hate to hear of cats losing their lives. The small move this cat made, saved his life. 

Read his story below:


In Memory of Barbara

I met Bernard and his traveling companion
 at the park one day, when I noticed his RV parked at the curb on a beautiful day.

My wife, Barbara, and I had been married for over 25 years. We raised a beautiful family together and never let a day go by without saying “I love you”. My wife loved cats. Me personally, I couldn’t see the value of cats. I couldn’t take them on walks, play fetch or other manly things. That aside and being a smart guy, soon after we met, I convinced Barbara I was a great guy when I adopted a cat for her from the local shelter. 

Molly was definitely my wife’s cat. It was a beautiful vision to see my wife curled up in a chair having dozed off from reading a book, and Molly tucked in at her side. Molly was on her lap when we watched TV; watched us from her feeding perch while we ate dinner; and slept near my wife’s feet during the night. My wife spared no expense taking care of Molly. If it made my wife happy, it was all right with me.

I have never been a cat guy, but sometimes I wondered if my wife had to make a choice between me or Molly, how would I fare? When my lovely wife was diagnosed with cancer, I did my part to be supportive and do what I could for her; and she went through all the treatments. Every day I would stay by her side, giving her anything she asked for or needed. Next to her at all times, was Molly. Barbara always had one hand near Molly and she seemed so peaceful when Molly would purr. 

 On a sunny summer day, cancer won and I lost one of the most special parts of my life, and half of my soul. I have never felt so much grief in my life. Family and friends rallied around me for days after her death making sure I had food. When they could find her, they fed Molly and cleaned up after her. Molly was either MIA in the house or she was on top of my wife’s side of the bed. I knew at some point I would have to do something about finding Molly another home or give her to the local pound who would put her to sleep; but this was all I could do for now. 

After the crowd of people dwindled to only visiting occasionally, it was my turn to take care of Molly. It seemed like such an inconvenience in my grieving state. Some days when I really didn’t care, I could hear my wife’s voice reminding me to feed Molly. And I would. But we would just look at each other. My wife used to croon with Molly all the time, but I had never talked to a cat, and I wasn’t starting now. So I fed her in silence. My home was overly silent and sad and Molly was too much of a painful reminder of what I had lost. When I came in the bedroom Molly would look at me and slowly get off the bed and hide somewhere. I didn’t have a connection with Molly, and it never occurred to me that she was grieving too.

One night I was sitting on the couch and overwhelmed in my grief, sobbing for my wife, I felt someone touch my knee just like my wife used to. At first I thought it was the memory of my wife reaching out in some odd way through death to comfort me. I opened my eyes and could barely see through the tears. It was Molly sitting next to me and she had placed her paw on my knee. When I looked at her, I felt her sadness too. Nothing could stop the tears. I held Molly and cried into her fur for the longest time. Something changed in me and I saw Molly differently. Our relationship changed and although we aren’t the close friends she and Barbara were, she and I are kinda buddies. 

I recently sold my home and bought a RV. Molly and I travel around the country doing whatever the day brings. She likes to sit in the passenger seat as I drive, and I talk to her all the time. She doesn’t answer back, but then again Barbara didn’t much either when I was rambling on while I was driving. And that’s all right with me.



Contributed by Bernard J. In Memory of Barbara

Excerpt from: Stress Out for Cats, Dogs and their People ©




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This book is a collection of real life stories from animal lovers and advocates who have learned something about themselves through the cats and dogs in their care. They have also learned how to better care for their animal companions which can then reduce the stress for both. In these personal stories you might read something that helps you to understand your animal companion’s stress and their needs, or find a way to prevent accidents, injury and some illnesses. We hope to inspire you, educate you and provide solutions to some of your frustrations.
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