I first laid eyes on Dolly over 16 years ago in front of the
grocery store in a box labeled "free kittens". She was so timid and
frightened. The owners had to retrieve her from a tree, having been
chased up there by a dog. As tiny as she was, I could hold her
in the palm of my hand. Originally, I thought I would get her for my
2 year old son, so that he would leave my older cat, Dillon, alone.
I was hoping that they would become attached to each other and be
best friends. Well, to say the least...HE'S A BOY!! They
never bonded. I was always running to protect her. She had
her own room, as my first cat, Dillon, was "King of the Castle".
I would try to introduce the two of them, but Dolly was just too
aggressive toward Dillon, so I had to keep them separated. Maybe a
little sibling rivalry...as I think she wanted all the attention
from me. I shared my exercise room with her...we worked out
together every day. I pamper my cats to the extreme. On
Dolly's first night with us, I slept on the floor in her room so
that she would feel safe and not be frightened of her
new surroundings. I had to rotate Dillon and Dolly
through out the day.
When I lost Dillon, she then had the run of the house, but for
the most part, preferred the safety
of a room far away from everyone else. Once in a while we
would see her stroll through the living room, just to check
things out. Dolly was a feisty little thing, but she was also the
epitome of a "Scaredy Cat". However, when I would go into her
room and her arms would wrap around my neck, I could feel her love
and trust...even though I am the only one to ever get it. The last
few years have been so difficult for her. She just wanted me
to hold her in my arms all the time. Sometimes she would look
at me as to say, "Help me Mom, I don't feel well... and I'm
afraid."
I hated the fact that she was so miserable. I felt so
helpless.
I will never forget the embrace of those furry little paws
hugging me, and the love of such a wonderful friend...my Dolly.
Nancy B.
