Animal Therapy: Meet Tilly

I got a new kitten the other day.

For those of you following along, it’s not like I needed another animal in my personal zoo.

But my precious companion, Roosevelt , died in April. 

roosevelt in box on table spring 2017

Which was just in time to make the anniversary of Dominic going to Heaven, his funeral and his birthday harder since I didn’t have my favorite cat’s calming presence in my lap when grief overwhelmed me.

Once all the family festivities died down (seeing our grandson, celebrating our daughter’s wedding) I realized I really needed another cuddle bug.

My two other indoor cats are giants-great at hanging close to me but lousy at sitting in my lap.

So, meet Miss Tilly the Kitty.  

Tilly under kitchen chair 6_16_19Isn’t she the cutest? 

I’m trying to do on purpose what I did by accident with Roosevelt.

I’m working on orienting her to me, getting her comfortable being held and training her as a good traveler on the cart and in the car.  I need her to sleep next to me in the bed at least until I fall asleep.

So far, so good.  

After one day going around with me to feed in the morning, she’s no longer afraid of anything except the donkeys’ loud greeting.  (Which could make a grown man jump if he didn’t expect it!)

She makes me laugh.  She runs like a bat out of you-know-where between the living room, kitchen and dining room.  She’s entertains me and herself for nearly an hour at a time by rolling a  jingle bell ball around on the floor.

And she’s been really good company. 

As I’m typing this, she climbed in my lap which is exactly what I want her to do.  She lies down with me at night and sleeps so hard I can reposition her like a limp dishrag.  That’s what Roosevelt used to do,so I’m hopeful.  I’ve slept better the past few nights than I have since he died.

Today Tilly finally convinced one of the big cats to play with her a little.  The other one just shakes his head and walks away.  I’m calling them the “bachelor uncles” because all they really want out of life is a routine that includes plenty of food and peace and quiet.  I think they are not pleased I’ve brought this young whipper snapper into their previously predictable home.

 

moonshine and lightening grown in my chair faces

They’ll adapt.

Eventually.  

As for me, I’m enjoying the animal therapy.  

❤

tilly on my knees and computer june 19

Author: Melanie

I am a shepherd, wife and mother of four amazing children, three that walk the earth with me and one who lives with Jesus. This is a record of my grief journey and a look into the life I didn't choose. If you are interested in joining a community of bereaved parents leaning on the promises of God in Christ, please like the public Facebook page, "Heartache and Hope: Life After Losing a Child" and join the conversation.

14 thoughts on “Animal Therapy: Meet Tilly”

  1. Nothing better than a little kitty to brighten your day. We recused a puppy about 8months after christy left for heaven. I found her on an adoption web site. That night when thinking about getting her I wanted a name that would remind me of christy and it came to me in the middle of the night! Sasha! It was a name she called herself when she wore her favorite wig❤️ I hope little Tully brings you years of joy❤️

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  2. She is gorgeous…pretty Kitty cat, she will be such a comfort to you Melanie.
    I am so tempted, our own Gertie having died only eight months after Luke rushed on ahead. Lap cats are just the best x

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    1. I rationalized that I already had two indoor cats and shouldn’t saddle myself with a kitten. But my heart won out. The other two are sweet but not the same as Roosevelt. Tilly is learning to be MY animal. And I think that’s just something I’ll probably want as long as I’m able to care for one. I say go for it! ❤

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  4. My collies can sense when I am struggling.
    They get up, on the sofa, set next to me and put their heads on my chest and hug me.
    They lick the tears from my face.
    They bring me such comfort.

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    1. Isn’t that the best? Animals are gifted by God with a special empathy for their chosen humans. I’m thankful for their love and comforting touch. ❤

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  5. She is soooo cute❤️ Our cat, Lulubelle, is 16 now. She has been such good company. She was Sawyer’s kitten. Thinking about her inevitable decline really scares me💔

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    1. Anticipatory grief is real and awful. I’m so sorry that Lulubelle is aging and her decline is on your heart. I pray she continues to be healthy for a bit longer. Some well cared for cats live into their 20s. ❤

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