cats

darnold1975

Domestic Violence And Animal Cruelty

“The connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty is so significant that it is commonly referred to simply as “the Link.” Perpetrators of domestic violence often threaten harm or bring actual harm to their victims’ pets in order to control them, keep victims from leaving, or to punish them for actually leaving or attempting to leave.”

-ASPCA.org

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to discuss domestic violence and pets. I won’t pretend that this topic is going to be easy to digest. However, it’s one that needs to be brought into the light.

Many of us sometimes love our animals more than people. I know, speaking only for myself, that my animals have always been a source of comfort, unconditional love, and understanding that many people can’t fully embody. They have never spoken a word as their compassion is in their eyes. And all they ask for is to be fed and also loved in return. That is, it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

My personal experience with domestic violence is knowing that absolutely nothing is off limits. And it is their cruelty that can always get worse. Do some abusers change? Yes. But if they are not willing to do self-reflection and to look at their own traumas and behaviors, then they will not change. And most blame their actions on the victim.

Please Read The Following:

     Up to 75% of women entering DV shelters report that their abuser threatened, harmed, or killed their pets in the presence of children (safehouse.org, 2024).

     Up to 65% of domestic violence victims and 48% of battered women remain in abusive homes out of fear for their pets.

     Only around 5% of U.S. shelters have any kind of housing for pets of domestic violence victims (https://www.drmartybecker.com, 2017).

Why Do Abuser Use Pets To Terrorize Their Human Partners?

·        Creating fear: Abusers may torture or kill a pet to demonstrate what they are capable of doing to their human victim or their children.

v  There were many times when I saw and heard my ex-husband’s violence against my animals. He would muzzle my outside dogs all night long most of the time. And he would beat my cats with a belt if they meowed at night. He also scared my cats so much with a broom that they began to have a very strong fear reaction for many years following me leaving him.

·        Leverage to prevent escape: Many women fear for their pet’s safety is the primary reason they delay leaving an abusive relationship.

v  One of his favorite things to say was, “One day you’re going to look up and all of your animals will be gone. You just might come home one day, and they will have vanished.”

·        Punishment and retaliation: Abusers may harm a pet as punishment for a perceived transgression or in retaliation for a partner trying to leave.

v  After 13 years of being in a domestic violence situation, and over a year of planning my departure, I left him hoping things would cool down enough to go back and get my animals as a way of saying, “I’m done.” Two weeks later, I went back to retrieve my animals, and most had been starved. There was no water. A few of the ones remaining had been eaten by other animals or were mysteriously cut in half. On that day, I was able to get out two cats and my African Grey parrot. Only three of the many that I owned. My cats were starving and had old, moldy food. My bird had moldy food and dirty water. My outside cats were nowhere to be found. And my dogs had been shot which was witnessed by a neighbor. And the sights and smells can never be undone.

·        Forcing participation: Some women survivors tell about how they were forced to participate in illegal acts under threat of harm to their pets.

v  Luckily, I was never forced to do this. Because they would’ve had to do something for me. Because I don’t have the capability to hurt my pets.

“Seeing her hurt was more than I could bear. 

I couldn’t and wouldn’t leave my pets.”

-Sarah, DV Victim

Women have reported:

“He kicked the dog repeatedly until it was howling in pain.”

“He put his hand into the goldfish bowl in front of my five-year-old daughter and squashed the goldfish, for no apparent reason.”

“I can remember an instance when he picked the cat up and with full force drop-kicked it from the back door. He did it because he saw the cat on the workshop. I thought the cat might die.”

“He would refuse to allow us to feed the dog-saying he was ugly.” (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 2008).

Resources for victims who want to leave with their pets:

·        National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

·        The Purple Leash Project

o   Our goal: To see 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly by 2025.

·        Safe Havens for Pets

o   For pets are sheltering services that help individuals who are experiencing domestic violence or homelessness with a companion animal (https://www.safehavensforpets.org, 2023).

·        RedRover Relief

o   Mission is to “bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education.

·        URINYC PALS (New York City)

·        Paws for Safety (Rockland County, New York)

·        Praline’s Backyard (Snellville, Georgia)

·        Ahimsa House (Georgia)

·        Shelter our Pets (New Jersey)

·        Network for Pets of Domestic Violence Victims (www.npdvv.org).

·        This is a list of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters (https://saftprogram.org, 2025).

I completely and unapologetically understand the fear that abusers instill in victims about their victims and their pets. I encourage you to seek help by way of organizations that are listed here and the many others that I don’t have the space to acknowledge. Animal abuse is a crime in all 50 states. And  each state has anti-cruelty statutes that include felony-level provisions for acts of violence against animals. 

And they will “love bomb”  and abuse you until you concede. That is part of their “reign of terror.” They are master manipulators and will suck the soul from your mind and body. And then tell people that you enjoyed it. It is imperative for you and those you love, including your pets, to find a way out of that situation. I beg you to please continue searching for help in every way possible. Because they will do it again. And candy and flowers won’t make it better.

Thanks for reading even though difficult it may be. Please seek help for those you love even if that is for yourself. You and your pets are worth the love and compassion that is waiting for you all. Keep reading. Keep hope alive.

Affirmation: I forgive myself for believing all relationships are abusive and violent.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife











	




			
				


	
	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
National Cat Month
	


	

		

“The smallest feline is a masterpiece.”





-Leonardo da Vinci





Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today is turning out to be on of my favorite months of the year. It is officially National Cat Month. And my family of cats are responsible for some of the happiness that I experience.





National Cat Month is dedicated to celebrating cats and promoting responsible pet ownership, which includes cat health and welfare (https://nationaltoday.com, 2025). These beautiful animals have their own unique standard of living. Which screams royalty. And with cats, you either hate them or love them. They love physical touch. However, it must be their personalized conditions that is acceptable on their time schedule.





I never considered myself specifically a cat person. I’ve always loved and had a special connection with animals in general. However, working for a local vet and being responsible for the puppy and kitten adoption center, would make me a “cat mom” forever. And it took the will of two one week old kittens to change my life forever. And sixteen years later, I would have to make the decision to hand them back to the creator.





For many years, they were all I had emotionally to survive the daily abuse of a domestic violence situation. We left that situation with a monkey of PTSD on our back. And they further helped to support me many nights when I just wanted to cave and go back. But when I looked into their eyes and saw the damage that he did to them, I thought better of it. Many nights I clung on to their fur and unconditional love for me in order to see the morning. Losing them, no matter the reason, left me lonely and defeated for the next five years barely existing. That is, until Coco needed a home. And then Tinkerbell needed a home. And finally, little Pricess Piper who joined us a few weeks ago.





No matter the cattitude that I see with each one, I consider myself blessed to take on the roll once again of “cat mom.”  We are all still adjusting to the newest addition. And the big sisters are finally beginning to soften up their steel exterior. I have included Tink, Coco and Piper’s profile so that you can see how  very unique their personalities are. Piper, while still a kitten, has one of the sweetest and curious temperaments with a total lack of boundaries. No worries. It’s a process that will surely be accepted with the other three family members.










Coco’s Profile:





 She is the mayor of my place known simply as “Camp Frat Pad.”





She enjoys:





       Having first dibs on all food.





       Being brave until she hears or sees wind, rain,      or random noise.





       Waking me up by licking my hair, forehead, and/or eyelids.





Things she’s learned in therapy:





·        She doesn’t like therapy because “She doesn’t do anything wrong.”





·        Be quiet and take a nap.





·        It’s everyone else’s fault.





·        When therapy session is over, always demand treats because she could’ve been a distraction.





·        Boundaries are for someone else.










TINK’S PROFILE:





Her drag name is Sushi. She is a very beautiful calico. She doesn’t care about world peace as long as the dolphin’s are saved from the windmills.





She enjoys:





     Doing maintenance jobs with poppa.





     Playing floor hockey with her litter pellets.





     Walking on the high shelf and purposely knocking things off. Especially, if it’s expensive or requires a lot of work like Legos.





     And practices catching water from the faucet instead of drinking it.

Things she doesn’t enjoy:





        RULES!!!!





        Having to forage for food scraps because Coco eats it all.





        Being “thunder stomped” by Coco when they are supposed to be wrestling For fun.





Bucket list:





         Being top catnip dealer nationally.





·        Being champion of American Ninja Warrior

Lessons in Therapy:





·        That to she must learn to cover her own poop instead of waiting on Coco to walk by and do it for her On her way to the food bowl.





·        That she wants to be a bird.(She’s still working on what’s reality and what’s not. It’s a process. Don’t judge.)





·        Everything is Coco’s fault.





·        Being able to have more schedule ME time when she decides that’s she needs it.





·        With the ability to be successful she, in fact, has to beat Coco to the food bowl.





·        That it’s not ok to hear her owners voice calling for her to remain silent and cause undue stress while she is sleeping in the dirty clothes basket. 





·         In order to snuggle properly it requires you to be still.










Piper’s Profile:





She’s still young and coming into her own unique personality, needs and wants.





Things she likes for the moment:





     Jumping on her sisters when they’re asleep.





     Constantly playing “The Floor Is Lava.”





     When momma is busy on the computer, run and jump directly on her chest, that is her throne.





     When she sees momma asleep but still breathing, headbutt until she wakes up angry.





     Pounce on anything that moves, including feet.





Things she doesn’t enjoy:





     Therapy because she doesn’t need to improve her life in any way.





     Boundaries





     Having to be still without being in a food coma.





     Having her paw needles trimmed.





Lessons in therapy:





·        Screaming while having her nails trimmed is counterproductive.





·        She can’t stay still during therapy. She is only a distraction.





·        Walk across momma’s keyboard while she’s in therapy.





·        Boundaries about jumping into momma’s plate does not pertain to her.





·        When she gets smacked down for jumping on big sisters when they’re asleep, she must not play the “victim” afterwards.





Cats are not for everyone. They want to be petted only on their time schedule. However, they are the best supervisors when you go to the restroom. And they show their disgust every time they look at you. But there is also a precious little soul in each one of them that will always provide shoulders and a listening ear. My girls do not like it when momma cries. And they all come running to my lap when they know that I’m struggling.





After the death of my two former cats Simba and Nalla, I thought that I would never be able to open my heart and soul to another feline. And yet, I now have three. They provide a life force for my existence on a daily basis. And though we all get on each other’s nerves at some point throughout the day, the four of us are a family that will provide comfort, love, and entertainment for many years to come. Thanks for reading! Adopt a kitten and make sure to spay and neuter!





Affirmation: I am ruler of everything I see.





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife

	




			
				


	
			
					
	

	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
Tink And The Rubber Band
	


	

		

“Cat fact: Once you own a cat the probability that you bring up cats in conversation increases by 200%.”





-@mickeyandmort





Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to share a short story that I wrote a few years ago. It involves my cat Tinkerbell. Sometimes you just have to take time out to thank the universe for giving things a second chance. This was one of those times.





One night I visited my parents who live no more than 60 ft from my house. I stayed over there for maybe an hour and came back home. My cats never miss a chance to greet me at the door like I’ve just returned from a 21-day furlough in Denton, TX. And they meow like they haven’t been fed the entire time. They do this because when I go to the store to pick up my groceries, I always bring back a snack for them. Therefore, every time I leave and come back that means that they have a new treat. (Yes, I have created this situation, and I hate myself for doing it.) but after ignoring their cat woes they will eventually settle down and find a place to sleep or breakout in an all-out sprinting and body slamming each other which is another little love language behavior. Not paying attention to anything but the movie, I look and see Coco beginning to settle down in her rocking chair. Tink was quiet and out of view. This means the same thing as it does for a toddler, trouble.














I get up and start looking for her. Then I heard what can make me sit straight up in the middle of the night, the sound of a cat vomiting. I flip the light on in the kitchen and realize that Tink has her back to me. The closer my hand gets, her growl lets me be aware that she is trying to hide something from me. Again, I can see that she’s chewing on something and gagging even more. I decided to go in even if I need a rabies shot soon after. I go in for the kill and stick my hand into the dark bracing myself for her angry bite. And I feel something that is not her and yank quickly. All I can do is shake my head. She was trying to swallow a rubber band. She darts out quickly. I angrily shout, “Dammit Tink you could’ve died!!!!” She scurries under the bed and out of sight. I take a deep breath knowing how lucky my sweet, crazy girl was in this situation. I clean the mess off the floor. I take another deep breath. And turn the light off. I look for her frantically to find her sound asleep on the bed and I whisper, “Thank you, Universe.”





Thanks for reading! Never forget to thank the universe for the little gifts that it blesses you with. Keep smiling! 





Affirmation: I have the power to get in trouble for no good reason.





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife



















	




			
				


	
			
					
	

	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
The Girls And Self-Care
	


	

		

“When I feel bad, I just look at my cats and my courage returns.“





-Charles Bukowski





 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to discuss and let you see how the girls’ practice self-care. It’s such an integral part of staying both mentally and physiclally healthy. And I have tried to impress upon the them the importance of this concept. I will take you cat by cat to prove that they have grasped the idea of the importance of self-care.





COCO





Spread out and give yourself room





Get plenty of rest.





Feel your feelings and stay safe.





Find a safe place





Tinkerbell





Make new friends





Do yoga.





Eat a good old fashioned snow cone.





Exercise










Make sure you get plenty to eat.





Piper





Find healthy outlet for your anger.





Stay nice and warm.





Stay hydrated even if it’s your momma’s drink.





Ask for what you need.





AND ABOVE ALL….PRAY!










I hope that you’ve enjoyed this blog. Always remember that self-care isn’t a chore. It’s a necessity. Keep smiling!. And keep reading!





Affirmation: I choose to relax and enjoy the moment.





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife










	




			
				


	
			
					
	

	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
Tink and Coco’s Hide-And-Seek Troubles
	


	

		

“Cats choose us; we don’t own them.”





-PC Cast and Kristin Cast





Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. I know lately I’ve been storming the door with some hot topics. So, I thought that I would take time out to talk to you about some of my cat parenting woes. Tink and Coco are my girls, and I love them dearly. But one thing I have come to notice is how they suck at playing the game “Hide-and-Seek.”  I had finally reached the end of my rope while suffering in silence over this. And I had to just breakdown and get a “Hide-and-Seek” tutor. Do you know how difficult they are to find?! 





When I’m finally brave enough to ask a tween to help explain the concept to my children in a way that they can understand, I have to face my fears and tell them that my children that have the issues are not “technically” human children. They are my cats. They begin laughing hysterically. Not the cats. Coco and Tink are horribly embarrassed and are not grateful for my efforts. The child that has empathy for our situation prefers to remain anonymous.





Ok, I’m going out on a limb, while swallowing my pride, to show you the reasons why I had to get a tutor for my cats. Below are a few examples.



















Tink: Psst! guess who?





Coco: Tink you have to put your ears down dummy.





Tink: you big idiot! You just gave away my hiding place!!!! Ugh!!! She wouldn’t have noticed!! I hope you get a dingleberry the size of a tennis ball!!!!





























I understand that their recovery is “a marathon, not a sprint.” And I ask for your prayers for the three of us as we continue to work as a family, to continually face our fears to help Tink and Coco with their deficits in playing a simple game that is shared and played throughout all cultures and regions of the world. And how one day we can bring awareness to other cat families about how we can learn to live unaggressive and how to enjoy “family time” comfortably again in the near future. Thanks for your support as we struggle!





Affirmation: I am perfect enough.





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife 










	




			
				


	
			
					
	

	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
From The Mouth Of Piper
	


	

		

“I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It’s not. Mine had me trained in two days.”





-Bill Dana





Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today, I want to update you on the speaking of Piper. She might be little. But she is mighty. The following is a conversation that we had recently.





Piper: “Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow.”





Me: “Piper, what are you saying?”





Piper: “Mooooooomma?”





Me: “There you go. I knew you could do it.”





Piper: “Wait! What am I doing?”





Me: “You’re speaking English. What were you doing just now?”





Piper: “Oh, I was talking to tha Jesus.”





Me: “Really? About what?”





Piper: “Well, I was saying a prayer while speaking “Cat.” Do you think he understood me?”





Me: “Well, I would guess so since he created you.”





Piper: “He created me?”





Me: “Why yes. Jesus is behind all things good.”












Piper: “But momma those other people unalived my littermates.”





Me: “Ah yes. Baby, he’ll take care of those people. One day I’ll tell you about the red light in the ground. But he made sure you and your brother made it.





Piper: “Why? The red light in the ground? What is that?””





Me: “Well, I don’t know. Maybe it was because he knew that me and your sisters needed you in our family. And the red light in the ground is where bad people go. They always need water. It’s hot. And they will be sad forever.”





Piper: “Whoa. Do you mean Jesus can do that? Well, I don’t want them to die. I just want them to be covered in fleas without flea medicine.”





Me: “Oh yes. Jesus can do anything.”





Piper: “So, how do I thank the Jesus for doing that?”





Me: ”Well, you just pray and tell Jesus.”





Piper: “Do you mean like I was doing?”





Me: “Of course. Go ahead and speak English. He’ll understand.”





Piper: “So, does Jesus have Google translate or Rosetta Stone?”





Me: “Well, Jesus doesn’t need that. But if he did, he would use it. Go ahead and talk to him.”










Piper: “Dear Jesus, thank you for my momma that took us out of that hot sun and to the vet. Thank you for letting them help me. However, I didn’t like the thermometer. I could really do without that. And thank you for my new mommy. She does say words I don’t understand. But I think it’s because of my needles attached to my baby paws. So, please don’t be mad at her. She loves me so much! And dear Jesus, as your humble servant, I ask that you please take that evil hiss out of my sisters’ throats. Amen.”





Me: “Incredibly good, Piper. 





Piper: “How do I know if he heard me?





Me: “When you said, “amen” it was like you put a stamp on the letter. It was delivered straight to heaven. Just give your sisters time. Jesus will work on them.”





Piper: “Thank you, momma. Can I have another cookie?”





Me: “You’re welcome, baby. Ummmm. You’ve already had sixty-two treats.”





Piper: “Then can I have 63?”





Me: “Fine. But only one more.”





Thanks for reading. Make sure and subscribe to this blog. So, that you never miss another post and updates on the lives of me and Coco, Tinkerbell, and Piper. Keep reading. And keep smiling.





Affirmation: The world can be cruel. So, I won’t be.





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife










	




			
				


	
			
					
	

	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
And Then There Was Piper
	


	

		

“Kittens are angels with whiskers.”





-Alexis Flora Hope





Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today is a special day because I brought this beautiful little girl into our family. She is the epitome of being a survivor.





I had been wanting a new kitten for over a year. And I always thought that the name Onyx would be a great name for a black cat. I looked locally and the black kittens were either feral, no veterinary care or too expensive. But then I saw the story about this litter. And I just could not seem to put it out of my mind.










The story goes like this…Someone left a litter of  kittens in a concrete parking lot in a metal cage. And there were two little ones that were hanging on for dear life. I know. I want to find those people and set them on fire too. People are just a special kind of evil for doing things like that. A lady saw them as she pulled up to the store and rescued them. And went to get veterinary care. She and her family also hand fed and spent countless hours and emotions making sure those two babies made it. A month later, I my heart told me, “That little girl is the one.”





Me and the owners talked, and I realized what this special little kitten would be for me. I met up with one of the owners at a neutral place. I got the kitten’s tiny little body out of her crate while she meowed. And I melted and then lost my breath all at once. That little girl melted my heart once I saw her. I lost my breath not from her beauty but from her tiny little “murder mittens” that reached out for safety and grabbed my boob. I felt like I had just been stabbed and was clinging to life. I’m pretty sure I dissociated too. I really hope the fear in my face and the gasp from my throat wasn’t noticed.










To keep from trying to make her a black cat when she is not, I have changed her name to Piper. And from what I can tell, the name suits her simply fine. We need each other. Her sisters Tink and Coco are not grateful for her arrival currently. I am guessing that it is because neither of them wanted to share lap space or cookies. I talked to them like toddlers saying, “We do not hiss and try to bite our friends. She is a kitten. Not a crocodile. And she is your sister.” They did not seem to care about the rationale. And they continue to hiss and sulk.





I am now at my “cat limit.” Me and my girls know how to do two things, “We know how to adapt to change and love.” We do not always do it with a smile on our faces and with love in our hearts. But little Piper is just what the three of us needed to complete our family unit. 





Big brothers, Marshall and Copeland, will give her “a run for her money.” But they will no doubt love her too. She already speaks English and is sassy and mouthy just like her sisters. Stay tuned for more interactions with my three amigos. Welcome Home, Piper! 





Thanks for reading! And Please Spay and Neuter Your Pets!





Affirmation: I am getting to know my new family.





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife



















	




			
				


	
			
					
	

	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
Tink And The Fart
	


	

		

“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: Music and cats.”





-Albert Schweitzer





Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. One of my favorite things to do is writing captions and dialogs about my cats Tink and Coco. They both have a very extensive vocabulary. And even more developed is their imagination and view on life. Coco is a very dominant shorthair grey tabby who takes her seniority very seriously. And Tink is a very submissive calico who thinks that the closer she is with her momma, the happier she is. She does, however, have one major problem. She likes to “crop dust” her farts all over my house and on me. She has absolutely no conscience about doing so. Now, sit for a few minutes and enjoy reading, “Tink and the Fart.”





Tink: “Oh that’s a good one!!”










Coco: “Tink did you fart?!”





Tink:”Yes. I was playing with our shiny toy balls and my stomach slammed on breaks and said, “Fart Now! Fart Now!” So I did and I feel better.”





Coco: “Well I’m on the brink of death! Who or what did you eat?!”










Tink: “I don’t have to tell you anything!”





Coco: “I know your butt told me what you did!”





Tink: “Momma!!!!!”





Me: “What is that screaming?!  OMG, Tink did you fart?”





Coco: “Yes Ma’am. And I think she summoned a demon when she did it. She did it under the sign you had posted.”










Tink: “Yes sorry. It slipped.”





Me: “Coco, what are you doing?!”





Coco: “I’m looking for good air anywhere I can find it.”





Me: “In the sock drawer, really?”










Coco: “I was desperate.  Momma hurry grab the zofran!!”





Me: “Coco y’all are such drama queens.”





Coco: “But I can’t breathe and I see Nannie!”





Tink: “That’s right. You big baby!”





Me: “Hold up. If you farted and are now seeing Nannie that means you are close to death.”





Coco: “You have no idea how close.  you’re going to pay big for that one, Tink!”










Coco: “Mama, now I’m seeing Nannie and Jesus! I see the bright light, too!!!!”





Me: “Where, Coco, where?”





Coco: “They’re on the ceiling.”





Me: “Coco stop looking at the ceiling!!!”





Coco: “Where did the bright light, Nannie and Jesus go?”





Me: “Coco, you were not about to die. You were looking at the lights on the ceiling fan.”





Coco: “But what about Nannie and Jesus?”





Me: “Nope. Seeing Jesus after cat fart poisoning is highly unlikely.”





Coco: “But mama? I could’ve died. Tink, you better not ever close your eyes!!!”





Me: “Coco you better not hurt her. Remember SHELTER!!  2 female cats = Drama”





“Love is like a fart, it comes unexpectedly.”





-Unknown





Affirmation: “I embrace my farts and all their glory.”





***Don’t forget to watch the video!***





#Thispuzzledlife










	




			
				


	
	

		

			 darnold1975 		


		
Welcome Home, Tinkerbell!
	


	

		

“Rescuing one cat won’t change the world but it will change the world for one cat.”





-Unknown





After the death of my sweet little Marley, my aching heart cried out for another cat. I soon brought Coco into my life. But even then, something didn’t sit right with me. I sat with that feeling for about a year stumped me at what it all meant. One day, like a light bulb, it would be revealed that I had a cat shaped hole still in my heart. I thought back to when I had Simba and Nalla and how devasting it was to see and experience the loss while watching the other one go around looking for the missing one and calling her through the meowing. They were littermates and kept each other company when I got busy. I always said that if I ever decided to have cats again, I would make sure and have two. I struggled so hard with the decision because my heart and mind weren’t in complete agreement. Would I, once again, be able to be vulnerable enough to step out and take that chance again? Turns out I did.





Returned to the same veterinary clinic and asked if they had any female kittens that needed a home. I didn’t care about the color or the markings. One of the receptionists said, “I think so.” She called to the back and within minutes a technician brought me the prettiest little calico. When our eyes met instantly I needed her, and she needed me. I was told that her name was Maisie. I said, “Today her name is Tinkerbell (Tink).”










I left the clinic with that sweet baby in my arms. I began to feel the healing of my heart wound. My only concern was how Coco would adjust. They both hissed at one another the rest of the day. By morning they were both peacefully sleeping and seemed to be getting along great. I was told by the clinic that her health was in good shape. But this little girl was walking, crouching and sitting like something was wrong. I panicked thinking, “Please not again!” my heart was beginning to retract. next place I checked was the litter box for anything abnormal other than their regular Tootsie Rolls. There was the most horrid diarrhea that I had ever seen. That was not the sign of a healthy kitty. She would constantly be going back-and-forth to the litterbox. My entire house smelled like I had been cooking a turd casserole. And This went on for a week. I felt so bad for her. She would play and then suddenly curl up into a black, white and orange ball of fur. She had a severe case of intestinal worms. I’m assuming that she had been given dewormer. Gradually, she started getting better.





The girls’ personalities instantly began to blossom. And have been the best of friends ever since. “Tink” has always looked to Coco for guidance on how to be a cat. Some of the instances are quite funny. Just to imagine their “supposed” conversations and I get to have a nice laugh.





Living as a friend, sister, niece, aunt, daughter and mom with a traumatic past isn’t always about being sad or depressed. I try to go through life laughing, as much as possible, when the moment arises. It’s who I am. And it saved my life. 





Please continue to read this blog as funny short stories, dialogs, and captions I will post soon.





“Not all angels have wings. Some have whiskers.”





-Unknown





 #Thispuzzledlife