In Memory of Taffy

It seems that there's no relief from the sadness lately - sweet little Taffy has left us. She'd been struggling for over a month with problems caused by the feline leukemia virus, and finally her struggle ended. Dr. Smith had been taking Taffy to work with him every day recently, partly so she could get care at his hospital, but also so that she could be constantly monitored in case her condition suddenly worsened. And that's what happened Friday afternoon - but Dr. Smith and his staff at Central Texas Cat Hospital made sure that she got immediate help and passed peacefully, without suffering, surrounded by their loving arms.

Every kitty that comes through our doors is wonderful, but Taffy was especially charming. Her gorgeous coat and unique markings made her a real beauty. It wasn't apparent at first, but Taffy was a very petite little girl. She and Jodie arrived around the same time and were about the same age, but over the months Jodie quickly surpassed her in size. Taffy not only got to live in the bedroom, but she was a particular favorite of Dr. Smith's - she used to curl up on his shoulder when he came home from work and relaxed in the sunroom reading or watching TV. When there wasn't a person to curl up on, Taffy was fond of letting herself slide down in between the couch or chair cushions and get swallowed up by them - in true kitty style, she could get really comfortable in the oddest positions.

We know from experience that quite a few kittens born with the feline leukemia virus don't make it to their first birthday. But with every single one, we always hope and pray that they'll be among the lucky ones to thrive and survive. And when a little darling like Taffy leaves us after just eleven months, she takes a big piece of our hearts with her. Without Shadow Cats, though, Taffy wouldn't have had much of a chance at life at all. We always wish for more time, but that's not within our control. At the sanctuary Taffy lived a life of comfort and love, and was cherished every day she was with us - that we could control, and did. It's what we do for every kitty in our care, whether for only a few months or many years. And when they leave us, they remain part of our hearts and souls forever...as will Taffy.  

--David