Deborah Hodge, a single mom of two, knew the pain of losing a pet all too well. Not once, but three times, she had been forced to say goodbye to furry friends she loved like family.
First, it was her two huskies, Siri and Starshine, and later her cat named Jamal. Deborah lost all three pets due to strict landlords who didn’t allow animals in the home.
Losing them had left a wound that never truly healed, as she shared in an interview:
“It absolutely broke my heart. Your pets become part of your family and it was just absolutely devastating having to say goodbye to them.”
Then came India, the black-and-white tuxedo cat who arrived in Deborah’s life like a little ray of hope. For years, this kitty was her constant comfort through life’s ups and downs.
But one day, tragedy struck when India was hit by a car, leaving her with only three legs. That accident only deepened their bond.
Now, more than ever, India relied on Deborah, and Deborah couldn’t imagine a life without her, as she shared:
“She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children.”
But just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, another blow came. Deborah unexpectedly lost her job and faced yet another eviction.
The fear of losing her home was overwhelming, but even worse was the thought of being forced to give up India. She had fought so hard to keep her, sending endless emails to convince her landlord to allow the cat in the first place.
Now, with nowhere to turn, she needed to do something drastic, sharing:
“I’m on my last pennies. I’m terrified of losing India. I can barely leave my house with anxiety over what the future holds and I’m just desperate not to lose my cat.”
That’s when she came up with a bold plan, one that might seem outrageous to some but, to her, was the only way to protect India. She decided to marry her cat.
It wasn’t about making a spectacle or seeking attention; it was about making a statement. If landlords wouldn’t let her keep pets, maybe they would hesitate before separating her from her legally wedded ‘spouse.’
By holding a wedding ceremony, Deborah was sending a message to the world: India was family and nothing would separate them, as she shared:
“I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I married my cat! I recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart.”
A friend, legally ordained, officiated the ceremony as Deborah, dressed in a tuxedo-style outfit, stood proudly beside India, who wore a tiny bow tie, a cape, and a shimmering gold lamé piece.
The sun was shining, the park was peaceful, and around them, friends gathered to witness a love story unlike any other. Of course, not everyone understood. Some of her friends, as well as her kids, thought she had lost her mind.
But Deborah didn’t care. She had lost too much already. This time, she made it clear: she and India were a package deal, bound by love and, now, by marriage, sharing:
“By marrying India, I need any future landlords to know that we come as a package and we cannot be separated under any circumstances as she is as important to me as the children.”
Now, some may call her eccentric. Others may say she was desperate. But Deborah knows one thing for sure – she would rather live on the streets than give up India, as she shared:
“I refuse to be parted with her. I’d rather live on the streets than be without her…I don’t believe in organized religion; however, I do have faith. India always came back, even after losing a leg. I am her universe and that is why I married her.”
So, was she crazy? Maybe. But to anyone who’s ever loved a pet like family, her decision might just make perfect sense.
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