When I told my mom I was thinking about getting a cat, she said I was crazy. “You don’t even like cats!” she protested. “I know. But I’m not home enough for a dog and they practically take care of themselves.” Hesitantly, she agreed to come up to the Humane Society with me and make a walk through.

I played with a few younger cats, noting how energetic and rambunctious they were and how I might be getting in over my head. I wasn’t feeling the ‘spark’ everyone talks about, that instant connection I was hoping would smack me in the face… “We can come back another day mom, I need to think this over a bit.”

We passed a communal room on our way out that had at least a dozen cats inside who were all chasing toys, climbing the cat trees, sunbathing in front of the window… except for one. “Look at how pretty that one is” my mom said as she pointed to a beautiful Siamese mix who was curled up in the corner, vehemently trying to escape the sounds and smells of this new space. I asked if I could pet her and was told that she is quite the moody grouch. Hmph, that makes two of us.

I tried anyways. She wasn’t having it. The HS employee gave us her story, a 20 something year old cat that was left overnight at the front doors with nothing but a note saying “I am homeless. Please take care of her. Bless you.” After an examination by the vet, it was found that almost all of her teeth were rotted and needed to be removed… on top of being deaf and partially blind. You can imagine how scary and confusing this all must have been to her.

That was it. Right smack in the face. She was coming home with me and I fully prepared myself that she would likely never want to be around me and never let me pet her. I could at least provide her with a quiet, peaceful home where she could spend the rest of her days.

Who would have ever thought that Corrine would have lived another 4 years with me and reveal herself as the sweetest, most affectionate beautiful soul. I know people always say “I didn’t rescue them, they rescued me” but it’s true. The impact she has made on my life and the overwhelming unconditional love she has given me is something I could never thank her enough for.

As I laid at home this week with a fever, body aches, and a relentless headache, I saw a change in you. You were telling me that you were getting ready to leave me. I didn’t know how fast it was going to happen, so I didn’t leave your side for the last 36 hours. I carried you to the bathroom, stood you up so that you could drink from your water bowl, and gave you all the cuddles and pets I could while still respecting your space. I started to think that you weren’t going to leave if I was nearby, but I’m glad you finally surrendered in my arms. As terrible as I’m feeling, I am grateful it allowed me to be by your side.

Until we meet again, sweet girl.