My tripawd Jerry Cat passed away on October 9th, 2017. Jerry became a tri kitty in June of 2015 at age 14 when we woke up one morning to see his shoulders were uneven and he was limping. Osteosarcoma was suspected, but it turned out to be chondrosarcoma, and so his scapula and right front leg was taken. Jerry lived almost two and a half years after his amp surgery. He was happy, healthy, and became so cuddly (when previously he hadn't really enjoyed being loved on before). The amputation did not hold him back in any way. It gave him (and us) a few additional years together. Unfortunately and seemingly overnight, once again, Jerry was rushed to the vet when he suddenly fell over one afternoon and was wobbly when trying to walk. He had a very rough weekend while we waited for tests to come back. My Jerry Cat did not make it. He had stopped eating and drinking, could no longer sit, or walk or use the litter box. He passed away on the exam table at the vet while waiting for our appointment. I was devastated. Jerry had been with our family for 16 years. He was a fighter. The vet's office was stunned and saddened - he was one of their favorite patients. I would often bring him into the office when my dogs had appointments, because everyone wanted to see the miracle tri kitty who made it through.

After Jerry's sudden and traumatic passing, I swore to my family I'd never be able to have another cat. Like, ever. Because Jerry was it for me. I didn't think it was fair to another cat...to have to attempt to "fill his paws."

I ended up donating many of Jerry's things to a cat rescue near me called Meow House. In the process, I began talking with one of the foster moms who had 15 cats! I told her I wasn't ready to adopt, but one day after work, I decided to stop by her house. Just to "look."

My young daughter and I stayed for over an hour and played with lots of kittens, but I had my eye on an adult female (Stella). #1, she was a Tuxedo, and I've always been fond of them. And #2, she had come into the rescue with four kittens. One hadn't made it, but the other three were cute and got adopted quickly, of course. And that just left mama. Waiting since May, for HER new home. The foster mom told me she was pretty tolerant of kids, and didn't mind dogs. She also mentioned that this mama cat was so sweet that she had taken in an orphan kitten and nursed him too, along with her own.

I left that afternoon and walked down the driveway to my car and turned to look back and who did I see sitting in the window? The only cat out of 15 to watch my daughter and I walk away...Stella.

Needless to say, I couldn't stop thinking of this cat who has been up for adoption since May. I told my husband we were gettin' a new cat.

A few days later, on December 9th, we drove back to the foster mom's house and picked up our new cat, Stella. She is a playful, cute two and a half year old Tuxedo girl. We love her so much.

A couple weeks after we adopted her, I invited the foster mom (who has become a nice friend) over for coffee so she could see Stella again. While we were talking, she started showing me pictures on her phone, of Stella when she first came into rescue back in May. In one of the photos, is my Stella, nursing her kitties and the orphaned boy she was tending to. And guess what this little boy's name was?

Jerry.

I don't believe in much nowadays. I'm cynical about a lot, but I 100% believe that my beloved Jerry Cat sent me to adopt this sweet Tux girl for our family to love. We have a lot of love to give and there are so many pets that need a home. Jerry just had to show me I could open my heart again and be ready to let Stella in.

Thanks for reading!

Hattie and Jerry (RIP), and Stella