Mercy Mercy Me
Mercy was rescued from the mean streets as a kitten, and he went to live with Paul’s mom. She always shared her home with dogs but as she got older, thought a cat was a better companion. She worried about being able to walk a dog and house training. So when we introduced her to Mercy, it was love at first sight.
Mercy lived with Paul’s mom for six years. They spent every day together especially the last few years when she was unable to leave the house very often. Mercy was good company, keeping her entertained, sleeping on her lap and purring her to sleep at night.
When we would take Mercy for his vet appointments, she would get tears in her eyes and say, “Don’t let anything happen to my cat.” We would get teary-eyed too thinking we didn’t know what we would do if something did happen to Mercy. She loved him so much.
Paul’s mom and Mercy came to live with us in 2013. They both adjusted to sharing their home with others, Paul’s mom with two humans, and Mercy with two cats. Both Tootie and Mercy had been living independently and their routine was now interrupted. But they had each other, and you would see Mercy following her around, curled up on her lap for a nap, and snuggled in beside her purring her to sleep at night.
The last time Tootie was here, Mercy clung to her. When it was time for her to leave, he just wouldn’t let go. He wrapped his paws around her arm and tried to pull her back. Paul and I were broken-hearted too and tried to be brave for his mom. She stopped and gave Mercy a few more chin scratches and told him she loved him and to be good boy.
Mercy seemed to know. We make sure to give him extra love and attention. Yesterday, Mercy seemed lethargic and didn’t move from a blanket on the ottoman all morning. He didn’t even run to Paul for his morning treat. I kept an eye on him, checking in every ten minutes or so.
Mercy’s Heart is Broken
Those of us who live with cats know they bond with us and Mercy and Tootie were bonded. Our cats seem to know instinctively when we are having a bad day, when we don’t feel well and when we are feeling anxious. We think Mercy knew his mom was very ill and understood she wouldn’t be coming back. Mercy’s heart is broken just like ours.
We have made an extra effort to pay more attention to Mercy and give him lots of love. So yesterday afternoon when I checked on him again and saw him on the Cat Power Tower, I was so happy. This was the first time in over two years of living with us that he jumped up on the tower.
And he seemed quite happy with himself too. Can’t you tell from the photo above? I took the photo of him on the tower and sent it to Paul at work. Paul texted back, “How sweet. I am so relieved to see he is feeling better.”
Mercy ate dinner, played hide and seek with Annie and wrestled a few rounds with Eddie. We will keep giving him extra attention and hope that we can help heal his broken heart.
Oh my, it is so hard to see the bewilderment and confusion when our furry friends *know* something is wrong or changing.
I am thankful he has had so much time to be comfortable with Annie & Eddie and your love. I am sure it helped him discover a comfy and pleasant spot on the Cat Power Tower.
Let Mercy know he looked quite gorgeous on the shelf.
Oh, my goodness, Joanne, this speaks to me so much. I struggled for well over a year after the Sheriff first arrived two years ago. He was very bonded with my niece, and I think he just didn’t want to bother with anyone else. All my efforts and fussing about him weren’t cutting it, plus the separation was causing him additional stress above that he had before. It wasn’t that he wasn’t affectionate or sweet, he was. But there just wasn’t any deep connection. He wanted his own true love and that was that. It wasn’t until I let go of my hope that he see me as his human that things began to change. I hurt like crazy, not only for me but also for him because he couldn’t have what he wanted. Still, I resolved that I would do the very best for him as long as he was with me (the rest of his life, as I see it) and that one day he will be reunited with the human he loved so deeply. Wouldn’t you know that as soon as I did that he began to come around. I don’t know if we’ll ever fully bonded, but it’s much better. And I am okay with that. However our arrangement works will be the best for both of us.
We will keep you in our thoughts and send loving wishes for you all.
Cats most definitely do grieve. I thought I was going to lose my Rocky when he lost his best buddy, Irving. I had to find him& drag him out. Then I just held him & let him know that I was grieving too. Only then did he & I both begin healing.
Oh Joanne…if only we and our cats could talk to each other in the same language..as it is we must both use the language of touch and of love…sometimes that is enough…Hugs…to all of you..
Oh my heart breaks for you and Mercy too! It’s so true that our animals know when we’re hurting, and and hurt themselves when they can’t be by our sides. I’m glad that Mercy was up on the Cat Power Tower, I hope that he has lots of fun times ahead. I am happy that he’s in a home as loving as yours!
It’s a difficult path to travel, but together your hearts will mend. We’re wandering the same path in grieving the loss of our Ollie whom we lost just 2 months ago. We’re hoping that rescuing an older guy (been at the shelter for ~6.5 years) will work wonders for all our souls. Sending healing thoughts to you all!
I’m really glad you gave us an update. I’d been wondering how he was doing/adjusting and its wonderful that Mercy is (emotionally) healing. Sounds like he is exploring where his place is now! Thank-goodness Annie and Eddie are helping =D Hugs and head scratches to you all!
I am so glad you are there for Mercy, and taking such good care of him.
Purrs and headbutts coming your way. Mercy please be strong. Your family will need you as much as you need them right now. I am so sorry for your loss.
I send positive thoughts your way in healing your hearts.
Asha, Yuki and Abby send their purrrrrayers to Mercy to heal his grief and to be happy very soon.
Thoughts and prayers being sent to your family.
Thank you so much for sharing this and letting all of us send our love and comfort, to all of you. <3
It’s hard to watch them grieve, but anyone who thinks they don’t have bonds and can’t feel grief for a loss needs to be awakened. The housepanthers here have lost several cherished elders and hospice fosters and we send Mercy loving energy to help him heal.
mercy; we R troo lee sorree bout yur mom buddy. we noe that ewe R & all wayz will be loved…
we all sew noe that yur sister annie & brother eddie loves ewe two….N they all wayz will 🙂 ~~~~ waves two ewe both 🙂
haz a grate time on that cat tree…itz awesum !!! ???
Sending Mercy hugs. Cats grieve just like us I think.
Sue B