Last week was one of those weeks. It started with our oldest son having a health scare which entailed us making a quick trip to South Carolina. Fortunately, our son is fine. After we got home, our over-the-range microwave died. While we were dealing with the replacement of the microwave, which was much more time-consuming than it should have been, it became obvious that it was time to say goodbye to one of our cats.
When we moved into our home almost 6 years ago, Stumpie was a feral cat. It didn’t take him long to learn that we had a steady supply of food and water for our outside cats and any other critters that wanted to partake. Stumpie became a regular fixture in our yard. He didn’t trust us and would run off if we got too close. Over time, he wouldn’t run as far. Then, he began trying to befriend our cats and was rewarded when Roscoe took him under his wing (leg?) and they became besties.
All this time, he was watching Kenn and I and saw us interact with the other cats. After 3 years, he decided to take a chance on trust and love and gave me the honor of selecting me as his person. He decided that he enjoyed being petted but didn’t want to see my hand during the process. So, when Stumpie would come to me for attention, he would turn his back to me so he could enjoy pets without seeing my hand.
Over the past couple of months, Stumpie had developed a problem that I knew would eventually lead to his demise. Last week, it was time to let him go. As I have done with all of my furbabies, I held him and told him how much I loved him as he left this world.
It’s hard going to a home that no longer has Stumpie in it. He’s no longer be there to greet me with his gravelly voice and weave between my ankles as I shower him with attention. He’s no longer there to escort me to the food dish and to carefully turn his back on me so I can pet him.
All pets leave a hole in our hearts when they pass, but for some that hole is a little bit larger. I miss you Stumpie. Home just isn’t the same without you.
Linda Lou's Life 
His life was better because of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Betty. I have to remind myself of that when I’m feeling blue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for your loss of Stumpie Linda. I have adopted the squirrels and birds at the Park in lieu of a pet as it is so heartbreaking to lose them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is hard but I can’t imagine my life without them.
LikeLike
I know – I would love another companion pet as I live alone, but don’t want to go thru the grief again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our pets are such blessings to us and the pain of their loss hurts. Stumpie was a character from your description of him. We had a feral cat called Polly once who sounds very similar although she had a habit of biting you to let you know that “petting” time was done. We still miss her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a cat who did the biting thing too. I love their different personalities!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes. So hard. Every pet, no matter how small, leaves behind such a hole in your heart and your home. I’m so glad you earned his trust and gave Stumpie such a great life, but the sense of loss that hits you daily is just that much rougher. Do you still have Roscoe? How is he taking it? Many hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, sadly Roscoe died a couple of years ago. Stumpie was kind of lost without him. Fortunately, Nellie stepped up and they became buddies. Now she seems a little lost without Stumpie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, dear, Nellie needs a new buddy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She still has her brother, Marvin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having gone through this myself just a few months ago, I know your pain well. My deepest condolences on your loss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Wow, what a tough week for you and your family! I’m so glad your son is okay and you have been able to make it through, it must have been a very difficult time. I’m sorry to hear about your cat, but it sounds like he had a great life full of love and companionship. Thank you for sharing your story, it is truly inspiring. Thank you to the author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLike
What a beautiful story of resilience and friendship! It’s so amazing how Stumpie overcame his fears and trusted you. It’s so special when animals show us that kind of love. Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always extra-special to me when a feral cat learns to trust. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I am glad the news was good about your son and hope that continues. Stumpie was a handsome guy and obviously had affection for you. While the feeding and watering is a great gift on its own, it is heartwarming that he came to trust you. Thank you for not only giving him a better life, but being present while he left it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind words.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what a week! It’s really amazing how things can change in the course of a few days. Thank you for sharing your story, it’s really inspiring how resilient your son is and how Stumpie found trust and love with your family. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
What an incredible story! It’s amazing how much trust and love Stumpie had to have in order to finally come around. I’m so glad everything worked out with your son and that Stumpie is now part of your family. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and reminding us of the power of love. Thank you to the author for sharing this amazing story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a very touching story and it’s amazing to hear how Stumpie slowly developed trust and love towards you and your family. It’s amazing how your family was there for Stumpie even though he was a feral cat. It must have been so hard to say goodbye to Stumpie after all that time, but I’m sure it was for the best. Thank you for sharing your story, it was really beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful story! It’s amazing that Stumpie was able to learn trust and love after all that time. It’s amazing the bond he was able to form with the other cats. Thank you for sharing this story, it’s really heartwarming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Missing Marvin | Linda Lou's Life
Pingback: Cat Math | Linda Lou's Life
Pingback: Well, That Was Easier Than I Expected | Linda Lou's Life