While our road trip was great, there was one part that was heart-wrenching. Three days before we got home, Marvin, our big, handsome, loved everyone tabby was killed. Our wonderful pet sitter found his body and she and her husband buried him. (Upon reviewing our Ring footage, he was killed by a dog that came into our yard and up onto our deck.) Kenn and I are both devastated.

I told Kenn that when we got home, Marvin’s sister Nellie was moving inside and that was it for taking care of outside cats/strays. My heart just can’t take it. Kenn is usually the first to gripe about the number of cats in our lives. So, I was greatly surprised when he said that he thought keeping a food dish out for any animals in need was a good thing. I’ve always thought so too, but losing Stumpie and Marvin in a matter of months kind of broke me.

However, it looks like Kenn will get his way.. Our attempts to move Nellie inside have resulted in wounds and bruises for Kenn and I and she is still outside. In addition, our elderly neighbor’s cats are now coming to us for food. In essence, we seem to have lost two outdoor cats and gained three more. Sigh. I guess someday my heart will heal enough to welcome them.