Last June, a dear FieldHaven friend, Susan Gardiner passed away. We were entrusted with the care of her 4 cats. Here is a letter I wrote to Susan today to let her know where her kitties are now.
Dear Susan – We are starting 2009 without your soft smile, your easy laughter and your always positive attitude. Our lives haven’t been the same since you left us and we miss you.
We think of you often and your spirit lives on here at FieldHaven and in your beloved cats. All of us took very seriously the responsibility given to us to care for your furry children until a new human family could be found for each of them. I wanted to let you know where Gretta, Mikey, Paisley and Casey spent their holidays.
Gretta is reigning royalty in the home of Julie Anderson along with her new 4-pawed family. Julie’s home is a peaceful nirvana for each member of her feline family. Everyone there is assured a lifetime of the best care and love. Gretta couldn’t be in a better home.
Mikey is settled into his new home, finding his sleeping position on the bed or snuggled into a corner of the couch to best observe the household action. His 4-footed sibling is a dog and his new dad reports they get along wonderfully.
Paisley spent the holiday in a “hopeful” home. Paisley and her prospective parents are still working out their differences and it looks like it may not work out to be a marriage. But we will work hard to find that very special match for Paisley. It will come. And, in the meantime, Paisley will continue to be showered with love by the many FieldHaven volunteers.
And, then there’s Casey. I know Casey and you had a special bond and I assured you I would look after him and bring him into my home if we couldn’t find that special place for him. I wanted to give Casey an opportunity to have an “exclusive” relationship so I waited several months before making that decision to introduce him to the queen of my household, Louise.
Thank you, Susan, for bringing Casey into your life several years ago and for entrusting him to our care after you left this earth. Casey has been the best Christmas present Preston and I could have!
As I write this Casey is sitting with me in my office. He is a good companion, giving head butts, curious looks and a solo concert of loud purring throughout the workday. He romps through the house chasing imaginary mice, picking his favorite toys out of the toy basket and chattering at birds through the window, imagining himself as a successful hunter. He enjoys giving Preston and I each equal time of his personal vibrating self on the rare times we’re sitting down in the evening. Surprisingly, with a houseful of family for 4 days over the holiday Casey was in the midst of the bustle, enjoying every moment of the attention. My nephew, Evan, was so excited to have Casey sleep with him – a special treat.
We are still working out a few kinks amongst the girls of the household. Like most siblings, they have their bickering but each one has their place in the house to call their own. Casey has Timothy’s old room which has been remodeled since Timothy passed. Colors to complement Casey’s splendid silver grey fur of course.
He imagines himself wanting to go outside but whenever he does you can bet he’ll be back in quickly. A few times he’s been out and has ventured down to the Cat Trailer, maybe to check in with the crew down there. I’ll see him wandering about and call him. He glances at me for a second then leaps into a full run, hastening back to the house just as fast as he can. It’s almost as if he says, “that’s right I have a HOME now!”.
Rest peacefully Susan. Your babies are well loved and cared for. Thank you for sharing them with us. And, for gracing our lives with yourself for all too short of a time.
Fondly,
Joy
Dear Susan – We are starting 2009 without your soft smile, your easy laughter and your always positive attitude. Our lives haven’t been the same since you left us and we miss you.
We think of you often and your spirit lives on here at FieldHaven and in your beloved cats. All of us took very seriously the responsibility given to us to care for your furry children until a new human family could be found for each of them. I wanted to let you know where Gretta, Mikey, Paisley and Casey spent their holidays.
Gretta is reigning royalty in the home of Julie Anderson along with her new 4-pawed family. Julie’s home is a peaceful nirvana for each member of her feline family. Everyone there is assured a lifetime of the best care and love. Gretta couldn’t be in a better home.
Mikey is settled into his new home, finding his sleeping position on the bed or snuggled into a corner of the couch to best observe the household action. His 4-footed sibling is a dog and his new dad reports they get along wonderfully.
Paisley spent the holiday in a “hopeful” home. Paisley and her prospective parents are still working out their differences and it looks like it may not work out to be a marriage. But we will work hard to find that very special match for Paisley. It will come. And, in the meantime, Paisley will continue to be showered with love by the many FieldHaven volunteers.
And, then there’s Casey. I know Casey and you had a special bond and I assured you I would look after him and bring him into my home if we couldn’t find that special place for him. I wanted to give Casey an opportunity to have an “exclusive” relationship so I waited several months before making that decision to introduce him to the queen of my household, Louise.
Thank you, Susan, for bringing Casey into your life several years ago and for entrusting him to our care after you left this earth. Casey has been the best Christmas present Preston and I could have!
As I write this Casey is sitting with me in my office. He is a good companion, giving head butts, curious looks and a solo concert of loud purring throughout the workday. He romps through the house chasing imaginary mice, picking his favorite toys out of the toy basket and chattering at birds through the window, imagining himself as a successful hunter. He enjoys giving Preston and I each equal time of his personal vibrating self on the rare times we’re sitting down in the evening. Surprisingly, with a houseful of family for 4 days over the holiday Casey was in the midst of the bustle, enjoying every moment of the attention. My nephew, Evan, was so excited to have Casey sleep with him – a special treat.
We are still working out a few kinks amongst the girls of the household. Like most siblings, they have their bickering but each one has their place in the house to call their own. Casey has Timothy’s old room which has been remodeled since Timothy passed. Colors to complement Casey’s splendid silver grey fur of course.
He imagines himself wanting to go outside but whenever he does you can bet he’ll be back in quickly. A few times he’s been out and has ventured down to the Cat Trailer, maybe to check in with the crew down there. I’ll see him wandering about and call him. He glances at me for a second then leaps into a full run, hastening back to the house just as fast as he can. It’s almost as if he says, “that’s right I have a HOME now!”.
Rest peacefully Susan. Your babies are well loved and cared for. Thank you for sharing them with us. And, for gracing our lives with yourself for all too short of a time.
Fondly,
Joy
