Not sure how my reply got gobbled up and disappeared into cyberspace grrr... I posted on the 10th, even went back and read it just before Rene's reply. I say this because so much time has passed and my heart has been with you. I don't think I can possibly recreate it fully but here is a try.

I am so glad that you got to contact Gracie/Bella's family. The odds of that happening were fairly slim, knowing how the system works. Having done shelter work and animal control, I know how heartbreaking it can be. I have also seen some beautiful reunions. I have seen people assume and judge when an animal arrives in poor shape. As a vet tech I saw countless people with badly behaved pets that blamed it on "must have been abused" instead of not taking the time to teach and train properly. You would laugh if you knew how many times I would ask how old they were when they were adopted and heard 6, 8, 10 weeks old! 

I went through a bad divorce in my early 20s. I had to give up 2 beloved cats because my 5 month old son and I had to move in with my parents briefly and my mom was so allergic that cats gave her asthma attacks. Once I relinquished my rights, I found out that I had no say in their future. Relinquishing rights means that unless you are quick enough and they are still there that they can be adopted out. 

You and Griffin, in my heart of hearts, feel like wise old souls. When I read what happened, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Griffin had his paw in this. And you... you didn't judge, you didn't assume, you didn't jump to the normal conclusions. You were Bella's savior here on this earth. Because of you she felt love in her last days. I have never met anybody that can take pain and grief and turn it into love and kindness the way you do. You are truly one of a kind.

Thank you for following your heart and finding Bella's family. Thank you Griffin for leading mama to a furbaby and family that lived through such sadness and pain. 

Stacey, what you did was a true gift for Bella's people. It is hard enough finding out your beloved pet has passed, but knowing she had you to help her cross over has to be an amazing comfort for them. 

My thoughts are with you. Sending you huge hugs and so much love

PS Brownie's mama posted here also and I see her post has disappeared too. Not sure what is going on but know we are all thinking about you. 

Thank goodness. I wish I had a Gremlin bat, lol...