Claire's dad died

I`m really sorry for the loss and hurt involved here....and I am praying that you will make the best decision possible for Claire...and I`m glad she was able to be with Fr. Grad when he passed......what better "person" could there be (whether human or furbaby) to be with you in your last moments, than a true frined?
Linda

Aw I'm so sorry to hear this! Poor Claire.

Condolences on your loss. I'm happy to hear that you are going to take Claire back. I think she needs you and I think you need her.

Bless you.

eileen,
I'm very sorry to hear that really sad Im glad your taking Claire back into your home you have a very kind heart

Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers, vibes, condolences and kind words.

I met a priest friend of Fr. Grad's at his home yesterday afternoon to pick up Claire. It took half an hour of searching to finally find her buried under the comforter on his bed. Fortunately, she seemed to recognize me and remained pretty calm. Claire is currently in a box under an old comforter in the closet of my spare bedroom. She's been out to eat and has allowed me to pet her, but is understandly scared and confused. I just wish I could do more to comfort and reassure her. Claire obviously blossomed under her dad's care and has grown into an absolutely gorgeous solid white cat.

I'm not sure yet what will happen. Obviously, I'd love to keep her, but there's a lot to consider, as I've mentioned before. For the time being, I'm just going to give her the best care I can. Thanks again! Will keep everyone posted.

Originally Posted by eilcon

Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers, vibes, condolences and kind words.

I met a priest friend of Fr. Grad's at his home yesterday afternoon to pick up Claire. It took half an hour of searching to finally find her buried under the comforter on his bed. Fortunately, she seemed to recognize me and remained pretty calm. Claire is currently in a box under an old comforter in the closet of my spare bedroom. She's been out to eat and has allowed me to pet her, but is understandly scared and confused. I just wish I could do more to comfort and reassure her. Claire obviously blossomed under her dad's care and has grown into an absolutely gorgeous solid white cat.

I'm not sure yet what will happen. Obviously, I'd love to keep her, but there's a lot to consider, as I've mentioned before. For the time being, I'm just going to give her the best care I can. Thanks again! Will keep everyone posted.

Click to expand...

Eileen, bless you for caring so much for the humans and felines around you. You will do the right thing for Claire.

I'm glad you have Claire with you. I know your heart will guide you to make the right decision for her.

As of last night, Claire had emerged from her hiding place and was eager to play. She even let me hold her for a little while.

A coworker of mine is coming by with her son to visit with Claire tomorrow afternoon. I know they would give her a good home. She's got everything going for her in the looks department, but I've told them they'll have to be patient with her in allowing her sweet, playful personality to emerge, especially given all she's been through. Part of me is really hoping they decide on a cuddly, friendly kitten over Claire. Obviously, I really want to keep her and I'm kind of at the point of saying to heck with all the practical reasons why I shouldn't. I'll just have to make it work. I've been through so many ups and downs with Claire, feeling guilty about not being able to adopt both her and Peter, worrying when she was adopted by the family that I didn't completely trust to care for her (they ultimately moved and left her behind), getting too attached to her and struggling to let her go when she was adopted by Fr. Grad. I've lost count of how many "Claire" threads there have been on TCS!

We'll see what happens tomorrow. I can't thank all of you enough for listening and giving me the support that I'm not getting anywhere else.

I just caught up with this thread now. I am very sorry to hear about Claire's dad..I'm glad she is coming around for you now.

My fondest hope is that Clair finally has a "forever" home where she feels welcome & loved. I wish you well in finding that for her.

Well guys, it's looking more and more like Claire's going to join the family.
My biggest concern about adding another cat has been the expense, but I've just had an offer of help with that. The coordinator of our little TNR/rescue group is offering to send some donated dry food my way periodically, along with assisting with Claire's vet bills. She's making it too easy to keep Claire!

So, my plan for now is to still go ahead with plans for my coworker to visit Claire tomorrow. If there's true love there, I won't interfere. If not, Claire will have her forever home with me. (Just thinking about this is causing happy tears!)

This is wonderful news. I am sitting here with a big smile on my face.
Claire has become a very special kitty to so many people.
Of course you will let us know what happens...

Originally Posted by ugaimes

Oh Eileen how exciting!

I am so happy for you and Claire! I'm sure you can come up with a good reason for why your coworker "wouldn't want to take on a special cat" right now

.

Click to expand...

I'm working on it!

Originally Posted by eilcon

I'm working on it!

Click to expand...

Tell her her son would probably have more fun with a pair of cats/kittens, and you know just where some are available. Then refer them to the rescue group. It's a shame you're so far away - we have three adorable little sisters we're trying to find a home for.
I have a feeling that Claire was just meant to be with you and Peter.

Originally Posted by jcat

Tell her her son would probably have more fun with a pair of cats/kittens, and you know just where some are available. Then refer them to the rescue group. It's a shame you're so far away - we have three adorable little sisters we're trying to find a home for.
I have a feeling that Claire was just meant to be with you and Peter.

Click to expand...

Awww, your three little ones sound adorable. We actually have three very friendly older kittens (between 5 and 7 months) that I think would be a much better match for this family than Claire. I'm going to try to be subtle and point then in that direction!

Originally Posted by eilcon

Awww, your three little ones sound adorable. We actually have three very friendly older kittens (between 5 and 7 months) that I think would be a much better match for this family than Claire. I'm going to try to be subtle and point then in that direction!

Click to expand...

Tell them that those kittens might have trouble finding homes, and ask if they'd consider taking a couple. 5 - 7 months is actually perfect, because they're past the stage where you can't leave them alone for more than an hour or so, but still playful, rambunctious, and adaptable, but many people don't realize that, and insist on younger kittens.

Originally Posted by jcat

Tell them that those kittens might have trouble finding homes, and ask if they'd consider taking a couple. 5 - 7 months is actually perfect, because they're past the stage where you can't leave them alone for more than an hour or so, but still playful, rambunctious, and adaptable, but many people don't realize that, and insist on younger kittens.

Click to expand...

Will do! We're usually pretty successful in convincing people that a pair is the way to go.

Eileen, I'm just catching up with this. I remember when Claire and her dad found each other, I'm so sorry to hear that she lost him so soon.

It's wonderful that she has you to care for her and look after her future, whether that is with you or the loving family you find for her. I'm thinking of you both and know that you will make the best decision for her.