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Monday, February 13, 2012

One Year Ago | Bell and Whiskers

My life was changed by someone. She was small and scared and curled up in the back of her cage. Her neon green eyes stared at me sadly. I remember the first time I held her in my arms. She just collapsed into a ragdoll shape and molded herself into the crease of my elbow.



My then-husband and I took her into the "get acquainted" room where she was more concerned with finding a good place on us to snuggle up than she was with playing. She'd walk back and forth between our two laps, getting nice and cozy.

I texted my dad a picture of her. His response: "Just looking, right?"

At the time, we were just looking. The Humane Society has always been a place that I've frequented to visit with the animals, looking forward to the day when I could adopt. I had no idea that, upon setting foot inside the Humane Society that day, I would find my forever friend.



Her name was “Bella.” She was a one year and nine month old short-haired tortoiseshell cat.

She filled my heart with joy that day.

"Well, let's go fill out the paperwork" he said.

"What?! Really?" was my response.

I guess I had always kind of blocked the whole ‘actual adopting’ idea out of my head. I had figured I'd be visiting these homeless animals for years before I'd be able to adopt one of my own. I was wrong. The more we sat there and spent time with "Bella," the more she fit right into our hearts.

He went and got the paperwork, we filled it out, took the card out from the outside of "Bella's" cage, they gave us a box, we paid a small fee, and she was ours. Bella had a new family. Someone who'd never give her away.




Bella soon became Stella. It fit her perfectly.

For the next few days, Stella was quiet, scared, and didn't do much - including eating, drinking, or using the litter box. Finally, she warmed up to us and the rest is history!

During the rough months of my life, I truly felt the bond between Stella and I grow. It may sound crazy for those of you who don't have a pet, but I couldn’t imagine my life without her. She’s been my little shadow; my Toto running after me everywhere I go. Waking up every morning to her all snuggled up beside me with those sweet, green eyes just makes my day.




The reason I’m writing this today is because yesterday marked one year since I adopted Stella. She has been such a joyful addition to my life and I’m excited for many more years with her :)



For all the times she’s reached over to my hand, woken me up in the middle of night by coughing in my face {yes, this really happened}, for all the boxes and presents she’s so willingly helped me unwrap {because she can’t wait to sit on the tissue paper}, and for all the times she’s just been there by my side, I love her with all my heart :)

19 comments:

Melissa C said...

Awe! My husband and I feel the same love for our dog, Dodger. It is amazing how our animals become our family. :)

Michelle said...

Your cat is so pretty!

Home on Poplar said...

Ohhh she is so beautiful! I absolutely love torties and calicos!

Lindsey said...

awww I miss my cat. Stella is gorgeous and this post was so sweet. MEOW

Jess said...

This is adorable!
SHE is adorable :)

I live by myself so my little kitten is all I have.
I'm so thankful for her!

xo

Amanda C. said...

Stella looks like a sweetie. There is no love like the love from an animal.

Carolyn said...

This is so sweet!!! :) Stella is very lucky to have such a sweet mama! :)

ashlyn | nicole said...

Aww she is so sweet Chelsea! Amazing how a little cuddle buddy becomes your best friend :)

Unpublished Life said...

Absolutely gorgeous little tribute to Stella!

Isn't it strange how these little creatures can wiggle their way into our hearts. They are like our children, complete with mischevious personalities and unconditional love.

She is gorgeous. Happy 1 year anniversary!:)

http://unpublishedworksofme.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

So so sweet! Im so glad you shared your story! I rescued my pup from the humane society and am so glad I gave a pup a second chance. Such a sweet story!

Denise said...

I used to have a cat that looked just like that!!! Then she ran away.. I'm glad you gave her a good home :)

Sarah @ 90 Percent Blonde... said...

Aw, yay! I love animal stories with a happy ending and this one, for sure, is a happy one!

Whitney Tomlin said...

This brought tears to my eyes! I love animals more than anything! Happy anniversary to you and stella! she is adorable<3

Ashley said...

Aw, what a cutie! I love her name! Such a sweet story, too. All-around adorable. Hope you've been well, missy!

Heather said...

I love this post!! Great blog.

Visiting from #FF

xo
h

Anonymous said...

Such a pretty Kitty!

Raquel said...

Awwww this is so sweet Chelsea! Bella is so precious :)

C Mae said...

Link up tomorrow for Tail wagging tuesday V day link up!! Do you have any pictures of you kissin your little stella? Share them! :) You don't have to lol just a fun link up

Michelle said...

I love this post, she is beautiful!! Glad I found your blog :)