I've Lost a Lot, but Hope for Brighter Days Ahead.

czygyny

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Sometimes I chide myself when I sit here in tears thinking about my beloved pets that have recently passed, but when I think of all that has happened it is no wonder I am still sad. I have lost four pets and two family members in the past year and a half, overcome a serious health issue, and have taken over the care of my mother due to stroke.

First it was lovely Lilo, a truly 'trash to treasure' cat, most beautiful cat I've ever seen and had the privilege to know. She was a stunning dilute torbie with perfect gold eyes. Dumped on our property along with her momma and sister, her sweet face and soft fur won me over.She was with me for two years, then she went out extra early one morning to hunt and never returned. I didn't find her remains until a couple of days later, but I knew she was gone before that. I felt her heft jump on the bed at night and heard a meow, like from a distance, but she wasn't there. I later found where the coyotes had torn her beautiful fur away and left me just the tip of her plume tail.


After this, my dog Ginger, a rottweiler cross, developed congestive heart failure and died. A month later my full Rott, Jewel succumbed to bone cancer in her leg.

The following spring, Miss Tippi, found at the local shelter, another lovely dilute tortoiseshell, maybe not quite as beautiful-but so personable, loving and sweet, was also taken by coyotes. I often sleep outside during the spring and summer and she crawled out of my sleeping bag in the dark of the morning and that was the last I saw of her, too.


During this span of time I also lost my father and brother and took on the burden of cleaning up their hoarders' nest in the next town.

Not all is grim, though. Six months ago I found the sweetest Rott X stray at the same shelter I had found Tippi and later, Mooni,  Now named Sonja, she is a regal, gentle, loving dog to accompany me on long walks. She is tolerant of my seven cats, my chickens and hates deer as much as I do.


Now I have Mooni, eleven weeks old at this point. She was just four weeks old when I got her from the shelter, the first thing she did was sneeze kitty snot all over me with a freshly developing kitty-cold! I began to think I had made a wrong choice since when she regained her health she was so very aggressive. It was like holding onto the wrong end of a chain-saw. I was covered with scratches and bites, but after reading all the articles I could about the problem, she and I have come to terms with her energy, intelligence and need for instruction and entertainment. I think she's just the kitty I need right now. She is the most entertaining kitten I've had by far!


I have six other cats, and one stray tom who comes visit on this rounds, most of them rescues and dumpees--someone else's problem set on my doorstep. Ranging from the age of four to 16,  I love them all, but none have captured my heart like the three; Lilo, Tippi and now Mooni. I hope and pray that miss Mooni lives and enjoys this kitty paradise for the span of her years. Trees to climb, rodents to catch, places to run and play, barns to climb in, all she has to do is stay within the five fenced acres.

I do hope to see my departed pets, though, someday in the beyond. To see their silhouettes in a doorway waiting for me would be paradise indeed.
 

feralvr

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Oh you have me in tears now, but it is alright!!! I, too, have lost two VERY special dogs and one VERY special cat in the last year and a half. As well as my uncle (whom I was extremely close too) and my FIL. I know of your pain and also know of the joy when another little being is bestowed on us and brought into our lives. We cannot replace the ones we lost though sometimes I wish I could find that "once-in-a-lifetime" dog again (my Wilbur was that :touch:) BUT then it would not be a "once-in-a-lifetime" gift. Right???!!! I was and have been blessed with many little special pets and as you, I still cry from time to time missing them terribly. At times, I will have a dream or two - very real - and won't want to wake. They come to tell me that life is a gift, to enjoy each day as they did, to be strong and courageous as they did, and to live in the moment as best we can and to try not to live with "too" much regret. ;) AND that we will meet again. :rbheart: These are all the lessons and more that my departed loved ones taught me. I seem to learn more from my pets than I do from anyone else on the planet. Amazing little creatures and I can't imagine my life without adding more. There is such a need for good and loving homes. Bless you for keeping your heart open to love again. :heart3: :rbheart: :heart2: :hugs:

p.s. Sonja is beautiful and sounds like a very special dog to you and to your kitties. And AWWWWW Mooni - TOO CUTE for words. :rub:
 
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di and bob

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Sometimes it seems that the pain is never ending, one tragedy after another. My heart cries for what you went through and I pray you will be blessed for all the love and care you gave and still give to these precious souls. Your sweet babies never deserved to die the way they did, they are innocents in a world full of danger and evil. They were so lucky to have been loved by you and I hope their precious memories comfort you when you need to know that the world is not always such a place of pain and sorrow. Thank you so much for letting us know these sweet animals, your tribute to them is a testament to the love you have for them. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, give Sonja and Mooni a kiss from me, I hope they have a long and love filled life. Take care of yourself and keep us posted on how your little family is doing.  

May they all, human and animal, RIP in a place that  is safe and happy and warm, where we will all be reunited one day and it is our turn to wait for our loved ones that are left behind. 
 

jcat

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That's a lot of losses in a very short span of time - my condolences. It's so good of you to open your heart and home to other needy pets. They'll never replace your lost ones, but their presence will help alleviate the pain.
 

troub95

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I think all animal lovers understand and feel your pain and also rejoice with you with the new additions. All of us have lost that "one" and the pain never disappears but we continue on helping others in need. Like @jcat  said, their presence does help alleviate the pain.

Thank you for what you are doing for the forgotten and unwanted ones. Keep on keeping on.

Brandi
 

nurseangel

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I'm so sorry for your losses, but of your pets and your family members.  And I'm happy that you've kept your heart open to adopt again.  Bless you.  
 
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