It is surely better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.

Athea came to us via a few good Samaritans who discovered there were two kitties (Athea & Othello) living in a home for an undetermined length of time after their owner passed away. We are grateful to have been able to help these kitties, although Athea’s time was almost done when we got her. She had mammary cancer that had gone untreated for a long time. It is fairly common to see mammary cancer in unspayed female cats. Who knows if spay surgery would have saved her life?

While we lost little Athea soon after she came in, we will never forget her incredibly good-natured purr and attitude which she kept up until she passed, even through her obvious suffering and discomfort. It was a stroke of pure luck that a former adopter, Ladonna, came in and encouraged us to attempt to treat her. She weighed only a few pounds, was dehydrated, and had the telltale chain of tumors with open sores. But when their eyes met, it was like magic.

This little four pound cat inspired us all. She was brave, gentle and kind, and gave us hope that anything was possible. Athea lost her private battle with cancer only a few days after her arrival. But in that moment, she inspired us all.

Othello, her ten plus year old brother went to HART, who graciously opted to help us with our cause. This cat has more purrsonality than ten cats! The staff just fell in love with him, and we hope he finds the purrfect home soon.

The Rainbow Bridge

"Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

"When an animal that has been especially close to someone here dies, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

"The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.

"They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

"Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together."

--Author Unknown