We all have likely experienced the loss of a pet. We turn inward and grieve but after time passes, we usually begin to feel the need to find a new attachment… someone to love, to hold, to cherish while keeping us company. This month’s story is exactly about that. The search and the outcome creating joy in our hearts.
The family…. Julie and her three kids… Lucas, Elijah and Olivia. They had two cats before. The last one passed under the Christmas tree at the heart of the holiday season. Everyone was sad and mom decided no more pets for now.
But in the last few weeks she realized that the family was sad. The house was missing the warmth that an animal could bring. So, with the kids in tow Julie started researching and looking for a new pet to bring the love of animals back into her household.
They started to visit places where they could find their new family cat. But Julie said the places they went didn’t feel clean. Even the kids expressed their unhappiness about the places they visited. The places they went didn’t seem to make an effort with their animals… there was no energy to find the dogs and cats a home.
That was until Julie told her mom that the hunt was on for a new cat. Mom spoke up and recommended Abandoned Pet Rescue. She was an APR supporter and believed the family would find just what they were looking for.
They family headed out to visit this latest shelter and admit they were “blown away at how many cats were cared for at APR and what a wonderful environment they lived in.” Julie’s goal was to find one to feline that would bring love and joy into her household.
Marbles was the male that fit the bill. But to make sure Julie decided to leave and return a few days later…. In that process she then met Sly who wouldn’t stop staring at her and following her around the shelter. And she also met Diablo. Once again, she and the kids decided to walk away to return one more time to make their choice.
All three boys were ready for their forever homes but how could Julie and her children decide?
Visit number three was a revelation. Julie and her three kids live in a big house in Weston. She knew she had to have Marbles. She really couldn’t walk away without Sly and that left poor Diablo left to falter at the shelter. A family confab and a little true love just over flowed and before you know it the APR team was thrilled to announce that Julie, Lucas, Elijah and Olivia would be taking all three of these beautiful creatures home with them.
It was an important commitment for sure. The kids needed to learn about responsibility and love and the story is like a fairy tale. After Marbles hid behind the dryer for 2 to 3 days, he now adores the house and loves on his new family.
Diablo hid in mom’s closet and disappeared for 24 hours as many cats do when they first arrive in a new setting, but Julie’s determination brought him out and he now feels right at home.
And Sly, well Sly acts like he’s lived in this home his entire life. He rules the roost, sleeps in bed with everyone, sits on the couch and watches TV with the family just like he was always there.
The kids love their cats and can’t wait to come home from school every day to play with them. In fact, Julie says she can’t wait to get home as well. Kids and cats running around the house. “It’s warmer than ever now,” she says. “It’s a great life.”
