Saturday, August 20, 2011

Duchess

In exactly one hour and twenty one minutes we will be bringing a new friend home.  I was so excited that I cannot sleep!
Her name is Duchess and she is perfect!

I will be spelling her name a bit differently.  I hope she doesn't mind! Hi Duchess!  I cannot WAIT to see you again!  Oddly, I always have animal names lined up in case I meet another stray.  Duchess was the next name on my list.



While creating my last "New Leash On Life" post I gave in to  PetFinder temptation and I looked in my local area for pets in need.
Several weeks ago I lost one of my best kitty friends, Shenanigan, to cancer.  The loss was unexpected and devastates me to this day.  I miss her more than mere words can define.

I know all too well how many animals need loving homes.  It is heart wrenching.  
All of our kitties were strays.  They literally walked into our lives (and we are all the better for it!)
Since we have moved to our new home there are no strays in the immediate area.  I know.  I have been looking! The subdivision is brand new and devoid of any animal life.  No squirrels, skunks, oppossums, raccoons.  Some birds.  Not many.  No trees.  I digress...

When Shenanigan passed my husband said "well, we are used to having six cats..." Hardened police officer by night, cat furniture by day (he works nights).

I am in no way attempting to replace Shenanigan.  She has a special place in my heart, in the fabric of me.  My animal friends have given me nothing but unconditional love.  It is a breeze and a gift to love them back.  The amazing thing about love is that the more you give the more you have to give.  My pets taught me that.  In doing so, they have planted a seed in my heart and soul.

I called the shelter where Duchess has been living for the past  EIGHT YEARS!!!  They have a policy that you have to wait 24 hours between filling out paperwork an bringing your pet home.  Since they are closed on Fridays we had to wait until today. On Thursday,  Gracie and I sped to the shelter to meet Duchess before they closed.  I was so nervous, afraid she wouldn't like me.  The shelter manager directed me to her cage.  It was open but she was sleeping inside.  All the cats roam during the day.  I was in kitty heaven!
We walked to her cage and asked the manager if Duchess minded if I picked her up.  The manager told me that she didn't know because "no one ever tries".  
I spoke softly and gently lifted her.  She was so full of purrs and affection!
Duchess is thirteen years old.  She was found abandoned in a vacant apartment with her kitten eight years ago.  Her kitten died.  She had a terrible eye infection which necessitated its removal.  Poor, perfect little angel. 
No one had tried to pick her up...  That echoes in my head.
Her story isn't the only one.  There were so many sad looking little babies who had been let down by the people they trusted.

We will be getting ready to leave soon.  
Duchess!  We will be there when the shelter opens! You will sleep on velvet, feathers and silk.  You will eat out of silver and crystal.  We will love you forever. We will cherish every moment of your time with us.  I will never let you suffer again.  I promise.  I promise.



25 comments:

  1. How wonderful Duchess is going to have her own home at this stage of her life, I think that’s wonderful!!!! Most elderly pets aren’t so fortunate to be chosen and if they have are less then perfect even less of a chance so you’re giving her an amazing gift. I wish her many, many years of kitty purrs and loving devotion.

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  2. What a blessing for Duchess, and You and Gracie. My friend, Stacy, just got a new beagle that had been at the shelter for 4 years. Shotgun, is a dear and he and Sissy Dog are in love. I just could not go to the shelter, I wouldn't make it out. Love and animal kisses. Richard

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  3. Oh what a sweet story! I have several kitties we've rescued. They are so sweet. Thanks for wishing my son Happy Birthday. Have a great weekend.

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  4. She is going to have such a wonderful life with you. I was in tears reading her story, I just can't believe that no one has tried to love this precious girl before.
    I would have so many more rescue cats if I could, we have five living with us at the moment and I just can't imagine my life without them.

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  5. Duchess' story breaks my heart. Eight years and no one tried to pet her! But now she has a new home and lots of love. Please give her a pet for me.

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  6. What a lucky kitty!
    She's gonna have such a good home with a wonderful family!
    She is a beauty!
    Mary

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  7. Wow, what an incredible story. No one had tried to pick her up for eight years?? Poor thing! I'm so glad you found each other!

    Take care,
    Pam

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  8. Congratulations on your new family member. She is very lucky to have you and your family.
    Angela and Renee

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  9. This is one of the sweetest posts I've ever read! Wishing you many happy years together :)

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  10. I am so glad she is home with you now. I am sure she thinks she is in heaven after her sad life. Give her a big hug from me and I hope to see some more photos of Duchess and your other kitties.

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  11. I have a lump in my throat reading about Duchess. Never held in all those years. And still affectionate. Animals are amazing. I am so sorry about Shenanigan. I wish pets were like elephants and could live many, many long years. And I hope Duchess has a long and HAPPY life with you and your family!!

    XO,
    Janie

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  12. Oh, how nice, Duchess is adorable, I'm so glad you're taking her home! I lost my pug Ben last year too and I still can't remember him without starting to cry and than I can't even talk, so, I can understand you about Shenanigans. I'm so happy for her and for you! Enjoy life together. FABBY

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  13. dutchess' day has arrived. many happy years to both of you. we had a dear car live to 23, one never knows.......

    enjoy
    debra

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  14. Dutchess's long wait has paid off and her story now has a Happy ending... I Love Happy endings... and I know she's luxuriating in your affections... had to smile at your description of the DH! I'm so happy for you all receiving this new fur baby, she looks positively Regal so it's an appropriate Name.

    Thanks for stopping by and 'noticing'... I've got a Health Club Post coming up that will crack you up...

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  15. So sweet.
    You are all lucky.
    God Bless the four legged lovies.

    xx
    A

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  16. Eight long years. Her story made me cry, no, sob so hard. She is one gorgeous girl, I can't believe no one took her before. God bless you for giving her a home, she waited patiently for you. (Still sobbing...!)

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  17. Bonjour,Andie!

    Your DUCHESS is simply darling! Just came by to say hello and I hope things are going well for you...it has been a long time. Blessings to you and all the furry ones! Anita

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  18. What a wonderful post Andie!!
    She is going to a beautiful home.
    You never get over the loss of your pets. My last cat passed in September and i cannot believe it will be a year next month. It seems like yesterday. Yes the pain of missing them is always there.
    You are lucky no strays in your neighbourhood. Here in the country i see so many and i have to tell myself that they belong to all the farms and country homes!!

    Pamela xo

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  19. Now I'm all teary. A friend of mine told me, when my Amy died of cancer in April, that our pets pass on when they know that there is another waiting for us ... and they leave the door open on their way out. Duchess was waiting till you were ready for her, I believe that. May you and Duchess enjoy every day you have together!

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  20. Duchess is beautiful. Congrats, she is lucky to be going to a home that will obviously welcome here with wide open arms and ready to shower her with a lot of love. Best to you and your new addition to your family!

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  21. How did she ever survive without being picked up and loved. How very sad. It brought tears to my eyes, as it did to your other viewers. I am so happy that you found her. What a joy she will be to you, after your loss. I can't wait to see happy pictures of her in your home with you.

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  22. How exciting for you, and what a lucky cat to have such a loving home...

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  23. So how is Dutchess settling in? Has she taken over the Kingdom yet? *winks, she looks like the type that just might! LOL*

    BTW have you seen Vanna's Closet?! *still swooning*

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  24. That's so wonderful. She's going to be so happy with you.

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  25. Bless your huge, loving and caring heart Andie!!! And a very big welcome to the beautiful and sweet Duchess...may she somehow know that many out here in blog land are picking her up as well, in our hearts.
    So happy for all of you...
    xo J~

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