NONA

Many kitties are forced out into the world to fend for themselves under very sad circumstances. Nona was one of those. Somehow she found herself on the side of the road having been hit by a passing car. She could not move and was forced to lie there for who knows how long. Miraculously, a car stopped and the occupant, a very kind woman, picked her up and brought her to a clinic for care. She suffered a broken back. After receiving the proper medical workup complete with bandages and medicine, Nona was released to the woman who found her. She was then brought to the Cats in the Cradle shelter. There she recuperated and healed. It was here that she was given her name, Nona, short for No Name. Understandably, Nona was traumatized by her experience. Although completely healed, she was depressed, sad and despite the loving care she received, even frightened. She must have thought that finding a dark and cozy space would make her feel safe from the world she had grown not to trust. Every day she crawled under the blanket that was meant to be her bed. She might growl and act unfriendly when disturbed. The volunteers lovingly provided her with a special blanket that was just for her. She spent her days dozing under that dark, cave-like place. There was little hope that Nona could find a home quickly. Only the friendliest or the prettiest kitties seem to attract the kind of attention that often leads to finding a forever home. Nona was a lovely tabby girl but had little else to recommend her to someone looking for a loving and friendly pet. She just did not know how to react to attention and continued to hide under that blanket. By a lucky chance, a donation of food arrived at the adoption center and all the kitties, including, Nona, were treated to a dish of wet food. Nona came alive! The volunteers had found an easy way to get Nona out from under her blanket while she smacked down her treat. While eating, she let herself be petted and rubbed. To everyone’s surprise, Nona proved to be a very friendly and loving kitty, even purring. She still spent her days under the blanket, but no one was afraid to reach under and give her the affection she obviously was happy to receive. Everyone suspected that Nona could be that wonderful loving and friendly pet but how to convince someone to take her home and give her a chance? Every new day is another opportunity for a homeless kitty to find loving and caring people. Nona’s day came one weekday morning when a young lady came into the adoption center, looking for a kitty to take home. She looked at all the kitties one by one. Finally, she said, “I want her.” She was pointing to our Nona. It was one of the happiest days at the adoption center. Nona was finally going home. At that point we were not sure how Nona would take to a new home or even how we were going to get her into a carrier but we knew that she would get her chance. Sometimes all you need is a little luck and a lot of love. Now Nona finally had both. So off she went, complete with favorite blanket. There was great joy. Everyone held their breath, waiting for those followup reports on how any kitty is doing in a new home. There certainly was great interest in this story. Nona responded beautifully to her new home and bonded very strongly with her owner. Although she still maintained that gruff exterior and served up her own special growls for the other pets in the house, she realized that dream of all the homeless and disconnected kitties, a safe and loving environment to lay her head. After about four years in her home, our beloved Nona passed away due to kidney failure. To the end, she spent her days enjoying sunshine, the occasional chipmunk chase (Nona was expert at sneaking out) and the love of a family and extended network of neighborhood friends. Nona, we will miss you always and never forget the lessons on love that you taught us all.

 Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to 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, 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 each 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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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 Rainbow Bridge together.... Check out Nona's club on the Home Page!