San Diego Couple Refuses To Let These Two Senior Cats Spend Their Final Years In Shelter
The Smith family from San Diego set out on a heartfelt mission to welcome a shelter cat into their home.
What they didn’t expect was that their choice would lead them to not one, but two inseparable 21-year-old cats, beginning a touching story of love and companionship in the final chapter of the cats’ lives.
The journey starts with Pepa and Meli, a pair of 21-year-old sisters who ended up at the local shelter after the passing of their owner.
Their situation is, sadly, all too common. Amanda Smith shared her perspective, saying:
“They are yet another example of what happens when an owner does not have a plan for their pets should something happen to them. It’s a story shelters hear time after time.”
Amanda and her husband had already opened their hearts to Camellia, a 16-year-old blind and deaf cat adopted from West LA Animal Services.
Around that time, a shelter volunteer reached out to them with a request for help, hoping they might consider taking in two elderly bonded sisters in need.
Upon hearing their plea, Amanda’s heart swelled with empathy. She said:
“A bonded pair of super seniors. I think we all know what the odds are there. To make matters worse, Meli had been moved off the adoption floor due to fearful and aggressive behavior. Being guardian to a previously terrified girl, I knew I had to get them both out of there.”
Without hesitation, the couple embarked on a journey to LA to rescue these precious senior kitties and provide them with a forever home.
Amanda described the challenges they faced upon adopting Pepa and Meli:
“When we adopted them we found that Pepa was emaciated, had severe dental problems, and was severely matted. She is also the most friendly, brave, loving cat I’ve ever known. Of all the cats I have loved, none has nose booped me at every greeting the way she does.”
Each time they come back home, Pepa hurries to the door to welcome them, showing just how deeply affectionate she is.
On the other hand, Meli needed more time to adjust to her new life. She was initially very fearful, finding solace only when their daughter would feed her. Amanda said:
“Though it’s so easy to want instant results, we know that scared cats take time and patience. We are giving her both. Slowly, little by little, we are seeing her begin to become comfortable. We will give her all the time she needs. That’s what family does.”
After almost three months, Meli finally stepped out of her hiding place, showing herself to be a sweet cat who absolutely loves head rubs.
Amanda’s family has always been committed to saving senior cats, despite the emotional challenges that come with loving a cat who may not have many years left. She added:
“No matter how long they are in our care, we can say with confidence when the time comes that we have loved them the best we could every single day they were with us. We gave them a new end to their story. Instead of dying alone, scared, and abandoned in a shelter, they pass in a comfortable home surrounded by love.”
These two senior cats have truly blessed this kind-hearted family, and the Smiths have grand plans for their future. Amanda shared:
“When my husband leaves the Navy, we plan on opening a full-fledged senior sanctuary. That is our heart. That is my life goal.”
All we can do is hope this kind couple’s wishes are fulfilled, because the world could certainly use more homes where senior cats can live out their final days surrounded by love.
