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Sir Walter just celebrated his 1st birthday, and if you'd told me a year ago I'd have him in my life right now, I would have said you are crazy.
Here's what happened: I have had Simba, a yellow tabby male since 1994. He is healthy as a horse, but slowed down a lot and is very set in his ways: He eats, he grooms, he sleeps. And then he does it again. In that order. So last May, at a family reunion, I adopted a little black kitten that a cousin was trying to give away, thinking I would make it a companion cat. Big mistake. The generation gap was too wide, and Simba had been the "only" cat in the house for so long, the youngster really hurt his feelings.
Now, Simba is very loved and respected by my whole family -- he gets Christmas and birthday cards! So when I brought Walter into the mix, several family members expressed concern and pity for Simba. By late summer, when it appeared things weren't going to improve between the two, I reluctantly gave Simba to my 82-year-old aunt who is a 24-hour caregiver to my uncle, 90, who is in advanced alzheimer's and in home hospice. And don't you know? That 17-year-old cat is just what the doctor orderd. He has brought so much joy and calm to their home in a very sad and stressful time. All the care nurses who come in daily to help my Aunt ADORE him -- they've written about him in hospice publications and encouraged other patients to acquire therapy cats. He is so gentle, wise and knowing -- my aunt says she can be having a horrible day, and Simba comes and curls in her lap to make it all right. The nurses have told me that they look into his eyes and know what he's thinking -- HE KNOWS! He greets them at the door with a roll and and rub, then trots back to the bedroom and watches while they provide care.
This cat, who I foolishly thought was near the end of his life and needed a kitten to make him act young again, has instead found new meaning and brought new love and joy to those who needed it far more than I! And in his place, I now have this sweet little 1-year-old boy --- who can't get enougy attention or affection. He follows me everywhere, loves riding in the car, sleeps under the covers with his head on the pillow beside mine. SERIOUSLY! His personality has just blossomed, and I couldn't have wished for the situation to end any better. Cats are remarkable loving creatures. They always know exactly what we need emotionally -- and they provide it unconditionally.
How wonderful for all involved! +1 (with great enthusiasm). Reading your post is inspirational. My most beloved boy was all black. I wish you a long time together full of love and peace.
I wish I knew how to post original photos easily on C-D! Right now as I type this (on my phone) I am laying on my side on the couch, with my head on a pillow and Walter stretched out beside me, his head on the pillow. My right arm is wrapped over him. He hasn't moved a muscle in 30 minutes, except for stretching his right paw out and yawning ever so often.
What a wonderful story. Simba is a lucky cat to have such a great family. Best of everything to all of you!
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