Julie moved from a small farming community in one state to another. She was escaping an abusive partner. Often, the family pets in domestic violent situations are also in danger. The abuser hurts the animals to ‘get back’ at their human victim. Sadly, the victim often stays too long because they have nowhere to go with their
pets.
She came up with a good plan for her much loved cat... or so she thought. She gave seven-year-old Shadow to neighbors.
“It broke my heart, but Shadow was safer and happier,” said Julie. “I gave his new family explicit instructions that should they be unable to keep him then he was to be returned to me.”
Then she moved away; but months later, one of her old neighbors told her that Shadow’s family had moved and abandoned him. How could that this be paws-ible? Everyone loved him. He is a sweet-gentle soul. Even though he is a big cat, he is a lover. He'd rather turn and run than fight.
Luckily, Shadow’s life was about to make a turn for the better. The neighbors rescued him and gave him space in their carport. (Their ‘crabby old cat’ would not allow the homeless kitty into its home.)
Julie was in turmoil because her ‘crabby old car’ was “acting up” and she knew it would not make the long drive up and back to get her kitty.
Not knowing what to do, she posted her cat-conundrum on Facebook message boards in each county. The results were heartwarming.
“The outpouring of good will and the willingness of people to help reunite us was moving,” said Julie. “One reader, Rabecca said that she was driving up and back for a one-day turn-around trip and would love to pick up Shadow.
On the day of her 550-mile trip of kindness, I waited with anticipation. I had warned her that he was a big cat, but apparently, I wasn't descriptive enough. She was surprised to see that he is a 25-pound Maine Coon, 3/4's the size of a bobcat. There is no way he would fit into the normal cat carrier she had for his trip home.
Like a champ, Shadow happily roamed in their vehicle. He was content because he had only been in cat carriers on those scary trips of running and hiding from the abusive man in his life. This was a new adventure.
“When they handed him to me, he immediately rubbed his head against my hand in recognition,” said Julie. “We placed him in his old cat carrier for the rest of the trip home. He fearfully began meowing asking, ‘What is going on’, but as soon as I put my hand in his carrier and told him he was back with his mommy who loved him, missed him terribly, and apologized profusely, he quieted down. He kept rubbing his head against my hand and gave it kisses.”
Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my Facebook posting and to Rabecca for her gift of time and my cat. This community has many wonderful-caring beautiful souls. Shadow and I are happy together, to be here, and look forward to meeting many more of you.”
* Names and locations were altered for the woman’s and cat’s safety.
