According to Bailey and Bella

#92 The Cats' Story

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Hello,

My name is Bailey. My adopted sister and I live with the person who writes this newsletter. She asked us to tell our story. I was willing, but Bella was too shy.

In March 2016, we were roommates in an animal shelter in Redwood City - that’s in California. On a Sunday morning, this older couple came in looking for a new kitten because their cat had to be put to sleep.

The man pointed to me – and said, “she’s the one.” The lady agreed, but then she looked at the window sill and saw Bella. She said, “I want her, too.”

And that’s what the people did. They took both of us to what was our new forever home. Finally, we had a Mom and Dad.

I adjusted quickly, but Bella was scared and spent many days hiding behind the toilet. They thought she might have been hurt early in life.

We got new toys, lots of food, and plenty of hugs and kisses – life was good. I would sit on Dad’s lap, and he would pet Bella for hours – she was happy - they were buddies.

Then, something happened – it must have been bad, but I never understood. Dad was gone for several days, and when he returned, he was different. He was not as friendly, and Mom cried a lot.

Life was still OK, but Dad didn’t seem to love us anymore. Even though they raised cats for over 50 years, and nothing ever happened  – now he was afraid we would poop on the rug or him. What???? He didn’t let me sit with him, and refused to pet Bella. She hid in the closet, and I tried to stay out of his way. I even heard him talk about getting rid of us. Thank goodness, Mom said, “absolutely not.”

Then we didn’t see Dad anymore. Bella told me that one morning when she was behind the closet door under the clothes, Mom came in and sat beside her. She told Bella, “you don’t have to hide any longer - it’s safe, now.”

Mom seemed worried and busy all the time. One day she put each of us in a cage - and I thought, “oh, oh - what’s going to happen?” As it turned out, we went for a short walk – to a new home for the three of us.

It’s been two years since Dad left –Mom said he had dementia and died. I just know he’s gone. Sometimes, she is sad, but she still gives me lots of hugs and kisses. Bella still hides but she is better. She will sit on Mom’s lap and even purr but doesn’t allow for hugs or kisses, and she runs from everyone else.

So, we go on, but it’s not the same. Bella and I agree - we miss him and plan to take care of her. That’s why we sleep on the bed every night - I am at the top of the bed, and Bella at her feet - standing guard.