Our sweet little Fiona girl

(From Nick)
Often you hear the phrase,” If you would have told me ten years ago I would be...” That phrase is very common for people our age given many of us have been married, bought houses and had children all within the last ten years, myself included. Even though its oft-used, I have to break it out for this blog. If you would have told me ten years ago I would be crying over a cat that we had to find a new home for, I would have said you were out of your mind!

But so it is as it was time for us to find a new home for our sweet girl Fiona. When we brought her to our home from a shelter 5.5 years ago, she was the smallest, most terrified cat you can possibly imagine. We had to designate an entire room for her as she was terrorized by the Big Bad Lou and it took her almost six months before she even made the trip downstairs to our living room. What she lacked in bravery, she made up for in compassion and loyalty. Through mostly Amy’s patience, Fiona became part of our family. She was a regular on your lap while you watched TV at night and was always on my side of the bed at my feet at night. She never cared much for strangers preferring only Amy and me and would always appear at the side of the boys when they would cry as newborns.

Unfortunately, for all of Fiona’s wonderful traits, she had one she could never outgrow, the litter box. Fiona thought any piece of uncovered carpet was her litter box. We tried multiple litter boxes (currently at three, including two in our bathroom), we tried pheromones, we have tried some crazy concoction from the vet that was like a Xanax ear rub. Add the Xanax ear run to the list of things I never would have done 10 years ago! Nothing worked and our patience and our noses finally gave in.

We listed her on Craig’s List as the thought of taking her back to a shelter after all of our work and success was unbearable. We found Fiona a new home where she will be the only cat and a new friend will her enjoy her company on his lap. Lou was my first pet and is the one I will credit for my different perspective on pets. Fiona will be the one I will always remember for her loyalty and loving nature and living proof that you can undo any bad that was done to an animal in a prior life.

The hardest part was watching Evan cry when we left her at her new home. He took her toy to her and wanted her to come play with him. I honestly didn't think he would notice, but goes to show you what I know. Her new owner said we can come visit any time we want, but I just don't think I can yet. Honestly this sucks - it hurts to know we couldn't be her forever home.

Love you Fiona Girl.

Love,
Nick, Amy, Evan and Wyatt - and Lou.