Francie did not want a cat. She’s ambivalent about pets and didn’t grow up with them. But our eldest son knew better and gifted us an SPCA adoption fee and a kitty carrier for Christmas. And that’s why Reggie the kitten happened into our lives in February.
So why a cat and not a dog? I grew up with cats but wasn’t pushing for one as Francie is allergic. Both our boys independently encouraged us to get a cat here in NC, knowing how enjoyable it would be to add a furry family member.
Pets give unconditional love freely and willingly. They pepper you all day long with little moments of sunshine and smiles…and these little stress-free moments all add up. In hindsight, (again) we regretfully wish we would’ve adopted a pet for our boys while they were younger.
During the Covid years, an orphaned neighborhood kitty named OJ discovered us and became our son’s comfort animal. Cats are incredibly sensory and are known to latch onto those who suffer emotionally, to calm anxiety and relieve stress. So, it’s no wonder OJ bonded to my son so quickly.
OJ
OJ visited daily on his morning routes, stopping for a snack and playtime, then they would exit to our backyard garden and sit peacefully together, enjoying the morning calm in each other’s company. Those moments were an oasis of serenity and joy, in the whirlwind of worry that is life.
After our son left for college, for days OJ would cry out for him with the loudest, saddest meows you ever heard. Just thinking about that still haunts me today, and at the time it brought me to tears. I knew my son needed OJ as much as OJ needed him.
OJ was our son’s spirit animal and my son was his Chosen One. In heaven, our son has met with his spirit kitty; we are certain because he’s flashed us intricate purple laser-etched profiles of cats quite randomly at times.
Fast forward to NC, while frustrated by the choices on the adoption pages, Francie shares visions of a gray and white cat lying out-stretched near our fireplace hearth. Our eldest son confides, “Hmm, that’s funny. That’s the exact color cat I was thinking you should get.” We get chills, feeling that someone is engaging from above.
Finally, one night while scrolling through the SPCA pages yet again, a kitten shows up with an exact match! I jump on the online application but adoption was already underway with another family. Our hearts sank.
Undaunted, Francie waitlists us in case something falls through. No chance, I thought. Who on earth could deny adopting such a cutie pie like this?
The next day as I’m busy with work, I hear Francie shouting: “We got him! He’s ours if we want him!” No way! I am in disbelief. We drop everything, rush to the SPCA nervous and naïve as newborn parents, and return home with the most chirpy purry love bug you have ever seen. Yet again, we witness a little heavenly nudging, and the impossible becomes possible.
Such is the story of Reggie, our super-cute little fur ball. Reggie shares my son’s spirit, so smart, gentle, caring, sweet and slightly rascally. I have no doubt my son has paved Reggie’s path to our lives.
This time around Reggie is The Chosen One, our spirit kitty. We cherish him as a gift, a celestial and terrestrial collaboration from our boys. The love we share with Reggie is special, as it embodies our love for our sons.
And it’s returned with the same.
Family pets are the best. You found yourself a goodie!
I agree! Thanks for reading Tricia! 💜
Thanks for sharing Tony, et al.
Integrating a feline into your healing process is a superior move. Let’s talk, as I have some positive personal feelings I’d be pleased to share along these lines. Aloha!
Shannon, would love a chat with you it’s been so long my friend. I’ll need to google up our time zone differences and figure out how we can make that happen! Thank you for joining us here, it is meaningful to us. 💜
As a cat lover, I get it. I have so many stories of how cats have made a difference in my own life. Reggie is a cutie- cats know when they are needed.
I would love to hear some of those stories sometime Margy! He’s definitely become our comfort animal. Thanks for reading!
Reggie is the absolute best – loving, caring, engaging and super fun to be around! So glad you landed him!
He’s a keeper, and he really liked you! Glad you 2 could meet! 💜
Beautiful, amazing, unfiltered LOVE!!❤️
Pets are like that aren’t they? It’s much needed in many lives, I wish we could have seen through this long ago to break down some of the excuses we put up re: getting a pet. Thanks for reading Carson!
I absolutely love this!!! It’s fun to see the pictures you share too
Reggie’s fairly photogenic. 😄 💜
I’m so glad you have this miracle in your life now! Cats are awesome and cat behavior can be magical. I lost my ‘heart cat’ on Christmas Day in 2019 and I was blown away by how the other 2 cats in the house just knew I needed them. One was not even my own, she belonged to my son’s girlfriend and up until that day blew me off at every turn. From the minute I came home from emergency vet however, she took over and would not let me out of her sight. She learned how to curl up in bed with me, right under my chin where Scout used to. They are super smart and intuitive. Trust every coincidence’ and every miracle! They know exactly what you need and how to communicate with you. Congratulations on your new family member!
Thank you so much for sharing your story Linda, I think they are remarkable animals that way. They are so sensory and in tune with one’s inner self, I feel like they “get you” emotionally somehow.
Here kitty, kitty ! Ahhhchoo ! I share Francie’s allergies with cats, but they are such cute little things. Reggie especially so…TJ was looking ahead for a greater family pet experience…they are soothing in the midst of the day to day we all have, for sure. I think Alex and OJ would approve too.
Agree on all fronts. TJ is wise beyond his years. We all approve Reggie, he’s so full of love!
Pets are magical, I agree! They read us and our feelings so well and love to cheer us up and purr our worries away!
A wonderful post, Tony.
Thank you so much for joining us here Joanie, and for your kind words! 💜
Such a sweet post, Tony! I’m so glad the Lows and Reggie found each other. Pets (and young adult children) are so intuitive. May he fill your lives with solace–and fun!
Thank you Teresa! He already has, he’s definitely our comfort kitty, a gift from heaven. 💜
Connie, the one of us that has all the allergies, loves pets. At one point we had two dogs and two cats, quite the menagerie in our house. We are currently pet less. However, Connie now volunteers at two Equine Rescues, and cares for a neighbors horses on weekends. I believe she is getting her fill.