Please Help- I hope I've done the right thing.

whollycat

whollycat

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Mar 20, 2012
Messages
538
Purraise
37
Location
NW Iowa
Aw...I'm so glad you adopted Willie.
Oh my...
your story really touched me.

When I lost my Tuffy to CKD, I had feelings so similar to what you wrote that they could have been written by me. Tuffy is the reason I've become such a kitty advocate. He's the reason I do what I do to try and help other kitties on different forums. He's with me every step of the way, in every word I type, in every kindness shown to other kitties. Tuffy gave me his ever lasting legacy all wrapped up in a total devotion to help other kitties in his memory. He taught me that I have a huge heart and it should be shared with other kitties--that this love we shared was meant to be shared. In a way, I kinda feel like that is what Henry has done for you. He showed you that you have a huge heart too.


Since Tuffy's passing we've welcomed Maxie (Maine Coon) and wee little Miss Izzy (rescue) into our family to join me and Tuffy's litter-mate brother, Abby.

I feel that if we hadn't listened to those gentle heart tugs and erred on the side of sending caution to the wind, we would have missed out on so much! You and Willie are so lucky and blessed to have found each other.

Just look out--I would bet money that you will see some of the same characteristics that Henry had, in Willie. They're just Henry's way of saying, "I sent Willie to you, Mom!"
 
L

lexcilla

TCS Member
Kitten
Joined
Oct 27, 2012
Messages
1
Purraise
0
Hello,

Don't worry, you needn't feel guilty--I'm 80, and I've loved and eventually lost quite a number of

beloved cats over my lifetime.  You need to love the new one, and this kitty needs and will gradually love you.  You need each other.  You have to know, cats and dogs don't last all that many years in human terms.

My next to last cat was Willer; she gave me something no other cat did--we lay on the floor, facing each other and played a mind game I can't explain--and I swear, although she didn't make a sound, that from the look in her eyes, she laughed when I made a point.  She was 17 when she died.  The last one was Catzilla.  When my husband was alive we never had her in our bed.  When he died, I wanted her close, and of course, she loved it.  Unfortunately I have a lung ailment which kept me up all night, coughing from her dander.  I was living in  a 2nd floor apt. then, and when we went out on the balcony, she would cry to get down to talk to the free cat she saw below.  Where my husband & I had lived before, Catzilla had her own cat door, plenty of undeveloped area to roam in.  She and cat friends would sit for hours on the porch, chatting, I'm sure, even though no sounds passed between them. 

When I met Catzilla at the shelter, we "recognized" each other.  I involuntarily reached out to touch her, and she licked my hand. 

Anyway, I couldn't keep her because of my medical problem, so I gave her to a friend who had taken care of Catzilla, fed her & played with her twice a day during the months I was in hospital and rehab.  So all I have now are cat statues and photos.  But (you don't have to believe this part) I expect to see all of them (as well as God, Jesus, and other human spirits) when I pass over to The Other Side.

Love and enjoy as many cats as you can over your lifetime!  God bless you & your kitty!

Lexcilla
 
kookycats

kookycats

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 7, 2010
Messages
2,253
Purraise
287
Location
Naples, Fl
I'm so happy that you have Willie in your life now. Of course he'll never replace Henry -- but will create his own special place. Look forward to seeing you post pictures of your new little baby. I hope you have many years of happiness together!
 
J

jaspers mummy

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Dec 5, 2004
Messages
627
Purraise
1
Location
Adelaide S.A. Australia
I posted a while back about my gorgeous cat Henry dying of illness and being put down. It's been a couple of months now and in that time, I have grieved for him constantly- cried endless tears. I'm doing better now but the empty house started to destroy me.

Henry was an amazing cat- and I will never ever lose a place in my heart for him.

I'm sorry for your loss
It's a hard thing

I feel like I did something bad today, I've been looking online at shelters- because I've been so lonely without a cat. It's not the same without a pet. Today I finally worked up the courage to go out and see some of cats I liked the look of at the local pound.

Don't feel bad or sad you have done a good thing for him and for you


I ended up holding one of the cats I'd been looking at online. He is between 1-2 years old and looks like the cat from the kid's show "Postman Pat" (if you know it). As soon as I saw him in his cage, I felt a strong connection, he was looking at me with interest, wanting me to come over and play. When I was holding him, I felt like part of my heart had healed. He rubbed his little face against my chin and was just the most placid and loving thing I'd seen. Me being me, I ended up crying again.

I thought long and hard about the decision all day and finally decided, I wanted to take him home.

The only trouble is, I feel so guilty. I loved Henry so so much. I'm scared that when the new cat comes from the vet tomorrow, I won't love him enough or I'll feel like I've replaced Henry more so. I didn't want to feel that way.

I'm scared I got him too soon and I feel awful.

I know people might be critical of me and I understand that. I just need some help and advice. I'm real animal lover and I'd hate to destroy a special relationship.
The only advice I can give you is to try not to think to much about it and try not to compare him with Henry I speak from expiriance but haveing said that me and my boys are the best of buddies it was a little rocky to start with for me and my Bazz I felt just like you do now when I went to look for a new kitty but I promise every cuddle helps heal your heart your not replaceing Henry your just starting a new chapter in your life I have a locket with my beloved JJ's fur in it that I wear everyday so he is still close to me I still think of him every day and I still have trouble talking about his passing and it has been 9 years but now when it hurt's I have 2 little guys that curl up on my lap and say it's ok mummy we love you just love him you will never forget Henry and I think your new friend is a lucky little guy to have found such a wounderful mummy to love him and you will love him
Click to expand...
 
A

abisiobhan

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Mar 2, 2013
Messages
186
Purraise
16
Congratulations!! Henry will ALWAYS be part of you. Willie is a new member of your family with his own needs, own personality and in a way, it sounds as if it was meant to be. NEVER feel guilty. You gave part of your heart to Henry and now you can share some with Willie!! Good luck!
 
jcat

jcat

Mo(w)gli's can opener
Veteran
Joined
Feb 13, 2003
Messages
73,213
Purraise
9,851
Location
Mo(w)gli Monster's Lair
No pet can replace another, but they can find a place of their own in your heart, which Willie is sure to.
We lost my "heart kitty" March 1, and our house and lives seemed so empty. Eight days later, I brought Mogli home from the shelter, and he's been our "grief counselor", cheering us up with his antics. He's so very different from Jamie and can't take his place, but he's carving out his own.

I agree that giving a home to a needy cat is the best tribute you can make to Henry. Learning to love Willie for his own sake in no way lessens the love you had, and still have, for Henry.
 
mewlittle

mewlittle

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 20, 2012
Messages
1,632
Purraise
127
Location
usa
Henry wanted you to save this new one don't feel guilty at all i know how you feel this new was meant to be.
 
natalie_ca

natalie_ca

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
21,136
Purraise
223
Location
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hearts are a wonderful thing.  There is always room for more love!  Don't feel guilty about loving another kitty.  Be happy that Henry brought you and your new kitty together.  Nothing will replace the love that you have for Henry.  Your heart will be just a little bit more rich with love.
 
 
Last edited:
tara g

tara g

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
5,678
Purraise
96
Location
On the farm
jcat said:
No pet can replace another, but they can find a place of their own in your heart, which Willie is sure to.
We lost my "heart kitty" March 1, and our house and lives seemed so empty. Eight days later, I brought Mogli home from the shelter, and he's been our "grief counselor", cheering us up with his antics. He's so very different from Jamie and can't take his place, but he's carving out his own.

I agree that giving a home to a needy cat is the best tribute you can make to Henry. Learning to love Willie for his own sake in no way lessens the love you had, and still have, for Henry.
Click to expand...
So sorry to hear you lost your Jamie :rbheart:. I must have missed that in my intermittent visits lately.


This thread is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes while I remembered the wonderful furbabies I've had and never forgotten in my life. None of them were ever replaced. I only found ways to open my heart to giving a wonderful life to another homeless cat that deserved love and a good life as well.
 
Last edited:
kaisersmom

kaisersmom

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Mar 30, 2013
Messages
35
Purraise
10
Location
Virginia
Mewlittle said:
your phone knows what to say hahaha
Click to expand...
Ohhh no! I can't be held responsible for what my phone says lol. Actually... You might be on to something! Tell people off- "oh! I'm soo sorry! My phone said that! NOT ME!!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top