Author: Shadow Cats

In Memory of Millie         8/20/2020 – 5/23/2021

We often say good-bye to a member of the Shadow Cats feline family, but that never means that it is easy, or that any of us ever forget the impact they make in the time that they spend with us. Sometimes their lives are short and we wish with all our hearts that this was not so, but sadly this is all too true with FeLV+ kitties.

Millie lived her life as any kitten should, the two-speed thing, dashing all over and playing or asleep! She arrived at the sanctuary with her sister Callie, found on the streets in Farmersville, Texas, by a good Samaritan. Both had upper respiratory infections and were also found to be FeLV+. The good Samaritan contacted us and we had room so welcomed these two little bundles of fluff to the sanctuary. After a short spell in isolation, they both recovered and joined all the gangin  Cookie’s Place. At the same time, another little bundle of fluff named Rupert had just joined us. Well, these three were almost inseparable! They were always together – fierce friends, wrestling buddies and just bundles of vibrancy in Cookie’s Place. Such a delight, so much kitten energy! This gang loved to be outside on the catios all lined up watching the rabbits, squirrels, and birds. So much to do they were always busy!

Millie was so cute as a young kitten. She was so lovable and entertaining, and as she grew a little older, she blossomed. So pretty, she was still a petite little thing and was so gentle. She would lay in your arms. She loved to be cradled like a baby, loved sitting on shoulders and she had the sweetest meow you would ever hear. She was such a happy little girl. Millie was loved by all the cats in Cookie’s Place. She played with the young ones, and the older ones seemed to take her under their guardianship. She could be seen cuddling with Uncle Tiptoe and Uncle Morris on most days.

Such a popular girl, she had a day named after her on the Shadow Cats: Behind the Scenes Facebook page – Mondays were named “ Millie Monday”.

Our sweet girl Millie became unwell a couple of days ago, due to kidney issues related to leukemia. She suffered a very sudden downturn and we rushed her to the ER where every effort was made to save her. Sadly, a long life was not written in the stars for Millie. Ever so gently, she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was held in loving arms with gentle whispers in her ears telling her she was the best kitty ever.

Almost a year old, Millie lived that year to the fullest. She lived it as any kitten should – happy, playful, and loved so very much every day. Fly high on your angel wings, sweet girl. Be free, play and frolic again. Rest easy, precious Millie, you will be missed. You were loved so much. Your memory lives on in our hearts.

Thanks to all who loved and cared for Millie – staff, volunteers, and her sponsors.

Millie had 2 Sponsors

Amy Juried

Robin Mayfield

In Memory of Sunny         9/15/2015 – 4/25/2021

Sunny along with his sister Cher (yes, Sunny and Cher!) came to us from a group that rescues cats from a municipal kill shelter. This is a story we have shared many times – two little ones with feline leukemia that did not have a future in that shelter, but we had space and were able to offer the prospect of a good life at Shadow Cats. It’s such a great feeling to be able to give kitties with feline leukemia the best lives we can, be it a long or short time they are with us. The two of them were beautiful kittens. Both were very poorly soon after they arrived. They both pulled through with constant care and the best veterinary care we could give them, but, sadly, Cher did not live a long life and passed before her first birthday.

But Sunny! This little orange boy has stolen so many hearts. So many have fallen in love with Sunny. He was the sweetest kitty, just a purr ball who gave the best face nuzzles and loved to be in your lap or on your shoulder or even rocked like a baby. How could you not fall in love with this boy? He had the most gentle of personalities with a face and beautiful eyes that could just melt your heart. When we would talk to him, he would gaze at us with those green eyes and we swear he could understand everything we were saying.

He has lived a full life at the sanctuary. When he was a kitten he was an orange blur always dashing about and playing. He made lots of friends, and as he grew older, every one of the other kitties in Cookies seemed to love Sunny. He was just a gentle soul and they all loved to cuddle with him.

Sunny has never been a healthy kitty. He has had several issues over the years but he has always rebounded with expert care from our techs, and with the best veterinary care possible he recovered and got stronger. Recently, Sunny has struggled. He rebounded one more time a few weeks ago and has enjoyed time out on the catio, relaxing in the sun, watching all the birds and squirrels and being with all his buddies, and getting and giving lots of love from all the volunteers and staff. He was a favorite of so many!

Over the past few days, Sunny has weakened. His time was drawing near and today those gorgeous eyes of his told us it was time. He could no longer fight. He gave us all face nuzzles one last time as the tears flowed. Sunny was cradled in the arms of his caregivers. He ever so gently passed, as we told him he was the best kitty, loved so much by so many.

Sunny was almost six years old and lived the best six years, loved and cared for every day. He deserved no less. He deserved a chance. Our hearts are heavy at the loss of this gentle soul. Our solace is knowing that without Shadow Cats his life would have ended many years ago.

We are grateful to all those who sponsored him and loved him from afar and to all who spent time with this sweet boy every day. You made his life so much better. Rest easy, Sunny. You were a special boy. Fly high, precious one.

Sunny had 4 Sponsors

Sheri and Ronald Carson

Jeni Johnson

Carmen Tym & Robert Marsa

Rita Short

In Memory of Brooke         12/12/2012 – 4/12/2021

This is my story …

I was rescued from the municipal shelter in Arlington Texas on April 21, 2014. With a positive test result for feline leukemia and a clock that was ticking down, there were a whole lot of people working to get me to Shadow Cats – and they did!

It got even better for me. Shadow Cats found me a wonderful foster home and it was a match made in heaven. I loved my human and was glad to get away from all my feline roomies at Shadow Cats! Not that I didn’t love them, I did, I just didn’t want to be with them all the time. 😊 I had the run of the house in my new home and my only job was to be sweet and cuddly and spend lap time with my new mama, which I was happy to do. I lived in my new home for two years until my mom, 94 years old, was in need of a more supervised setting, so I had to come back to Shadow Cats.

I was not happy about that! All those Cats! I’m not one for communal living. I prefer my own space and my own human. I know I can be a little vocal at times, but I just love to talk! I also know I can be a little feisty, I am a calico! It took a very long time, but finally I found a home where I am loved so much. My mom is the best! She gives me the run of the house and it’s BIG! Stairs to run up and down on and lots of great places to sit up high and rule my domain. I have an outdoor space I have all the best toys and I basically get to do what I want, when I want. My Mom loves me so much and I love her! For a year I have been treated like a queen! I slept next to my Mom and complained loudly when she didn’t get up and feed me at the proper time! She didn’t mind even when I sat on her head she gave me even more cuddles.

As a kitty with feline leukemia, I have been really healthy, but a few weeks ago I started to have these peculiar feelings in my back leg and I could not walk properly. A tumor was found, and the prognosis was not good. My Mom loved me even more when we got this crummy diagnosis. She told me she would take care of me and oh boy did she! She was the best Mom ever! I knew that I felt bad a few days ago and I am tired, and today I had to say good bye to my Mom. She was so sad. She held me very close and told me I was loved so much. I heard her whispers in my ears. I was not scared, I was at peace with no more pain. Thanks, Mom, for loving me so much and giving me a wonderful life.

Beautiful Brooke passed gently and ever so peacefully, knowing that she had the best life, knowing she was loved so very much, and knowing she will be missed more than we can say.

Thank you to her first foster Mom and thank you to Martha Waters, who welcomed this feisty girl into her home, treated her like a queen, and showered her with love. We at Shadow Cats will be forever grateful to you , Martha, and we know your heart is broken at the loss of Brooke.

Brooke had 2 Sponsors

Michele Rigdon

Dawn Lawson

In Memory of Sadie         12/28/2005 – 3/8/2021

To say that Sadie marched to the beat of her own drum is an understatement. She lived her life on her terms and we loved her all the more for it.

Sadie was rescued after being found abandoned in an apartment building. We knew way back then that it would be tough to find a home for her. She never fit the stereotype as a cute, cuddly, friendly bundle of fur. Sadie was definitely not that so Shadow Cats was to be her home. But that’s who we are – we focus on the ones that are unique, the ones that have special needs, the ones that are deemed “less than”.

In her early years, Sadie did not like to be messed with at all. She did not seek out pets and a lap was out of the question. There are many that have succumbed to a swipe by our feisty girl when venturing too close. Many can tell that story! We even have the T-shirt, I survived Sadie!

At the old sanctuary, Sadie had lots of places she could just be herself. She lived in the Downtown area and she had places to be quiet. She had room to roam and she had outside space whenever she wanted. She was perfectly content and in the last years living there, she would tolerate a quick pet as she passed through.

If Sadie never wanted our affection that was ok. We loved her dearly, and we hoped, maybe, one day she would change her mind.

Well, after we moved into the new sanctuary last June it was a joy to behold the change in Sadie. She lived in the Oasis area with squishy chairs to sit on, a big bed to sleep in, windowsills in the sun, and a huge catio whenever she felt like being in sunbeams outside. She seemed so happy and she was! It was as though she just said ”Ok this love thing, and pets thing, and even the laps thing are not that bad”. We were thrilled! Sadie was getting into our laps, and for pets, and it was wonderful. We felt honored to have her sit in our laps. A loner most of her life, she became besties with several cats in the house especially Bette. Sadie and Bette could be seen cuddling in the same bed on many occasions. Don’t get us wrong, she could still give you a swipe, and she would still let you know she was the boss! The ‘ole feisty girl was still in there.

Our beautiful girl Sadie crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. She had not been feeling well over the past few days. We did all we could to make her feel better, but an inoperable mass was found and we made the always very hard decision to let Sadie pass gently, surrounded by love, held close by those that cared for her every day. Sadie was 16.

We will cherish all the memories, dear Sadie. We loved you so much, you feisty gal! We can say unequivocally, precious Sadie, you lived your life on your own terms. You did it your way!  Rest easy, beautiful girl and fly high.

Many thanks to all who loved Sadie, near and far. Thanks to our staff, Sam Bass Veterinary Wellness, and her sponsors.

Sadie had 3 Sponsors

Maitea y Nacho

Monica Waxman

The Hund Family

In Memory of Pepper         2/20/2020 – 3/7/2021

Pepper was one of Puerto Rico boys. The four boys were found on the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they were all just trying to survive. They were all rescued and all tested positive for feline leukemia. No resources were available for these boys, but we had space and they were on their way on the long journey to Shadow Cats. A few months ago we said goodbye to Mandarin and today we said our farewells to Pepper.

We know that a possibility of a long life may not be in the cards for any of our precious feline leukemia kitties but we also know that when they pass they have lived a great life, however long or short. Pepper lived a great life! He would not have had the chance had he not come to Shadow Cats.

Pepper had a huge personality. First and foremost, he was the sweetest kitty, so soft, so gentle, and just gorgeous. He always wanted our attention, always wanting to play. His days were full, zooming about from room to room, a blur at times. He was popular with all the other cats and always had a playmate. He enjoyed his time on the catios and was an avid bird and squirrel watcher! Such a character – he was a climber and our legs were always in play as climbing posts!

Suddenly and unexpectedly today, Pepper had breathing difficulties. We rushed him to the ER, and a large mass was found. He was suffering, so we had to say goodbye to our beautiful sweet boy. We whispered in his ears that he had brought us so much joy, laughs, and smiles and we wished he could have stayed longer. Even though your life was short, sweet Pepper, you lived it to the fullest every day.

We wish we had been given more time to love you but while you were with us at Shadow Cats you knew so much love, laughs and many laps, soft beds to sleep in, plenty of food and care every day. Rescued from the street life, you knew what it was to be a kitten and enjoy life.

Rest easy, dear Pepper, reunited with Mandarin. We know you two are playing already and zooming about! Fly high, precious boy.

Many thanks to all who loved and cared for Pepper, his rescuers, and his sponsors.

Pepper had 3 Sponsors

Sandra Cone

Deborah Anderson

Paige Crew

In Memory of Brandon                          Jan 2004 – Jan 2021

Once a Shadow Cat, always a Shadow Cat.

Thank goodness for microchips! When we found out that one of our precious cats that we adopted out way back in 2004 was in a shelter near Reno NV, with only 5 days to reclaim him, we knew that we had to act fast. This 15 year old boy needed our help. He was homeless and sitting in a shelter, sad and lonely, wondering what would happen to him. One way or another we would get him back.

The incredible network of rescue friends sprang into action and what happened then was amazing. After many calls, many people involved, a wonderful lady, Leslie Benton, known in rescue, immediately went to the shelter and reclaimed our boy.

Brandon had become very depressed. He had stopped eating and needed lots of TLC. Brandon felt secure, safe, warm, and very content living with Leslie while we were making plans to get him back to Shadow Cats. A love story was in the making!

This handsome 15 year old tuxie was responding so well – his coat became shiny again, he was putting on weight, he was playing, and he looked as though he had a smile on his face he was so in love with his new Mom, Leslie. And Leslie had fallen heads over heels in love with Brandon. Happy days! Brandon never made it back to Shadow Cats, because, with our blessings, he was adopted by Leslie. We were so thrilled.

Brandon lived the last years of his life very much loved. He played in the sink with water, had toys to play with, loved to cuddle with his furry family. He may have been spoiled rotten, and yes, he was very content!

How many kitties can boast that they have their own Facebook page? Brandon did and had many followers to Brandon’s Excellent Adventures. It was a joy to read.

We were so very sad to learn of the passing of Leslie, a truly wonderful lady, who loved animals and loved Brandon with all her heart.

We were devastated to also learn of Brandon’s passing shortly after Leslie. Although circumstances are not known, we know that Brandon and Leslie are reunited, that gorgeous tuxie is sitting in her lap, looking at her with those big eyes and purring loudly and he is so thankful for the time they had together. Leslie is kissing his head and giving him so much love.

Rest easy, Leslie and Brandon, a wonderful lady and a very special cat.

In Memory of Stella         10/15/2013 – 1/8/2021

Another very special Shadow Cats kitty gained her angel wings today… our precious sweet girl Stella.

Stella was one lucky kitty. This stunning girl with the most gorgeous eyes was found on the side of a busy freeway in Houston by a Good Samaritan who saw her and stopped to help. She was motionless, crying, and unable to move. She had a very serious injury – a crushed pelvis. Just imagine the pain she was in, but we knew she was a fighter and her will to live was evident. She was taken to an area rescue group, Copper’s Cat Commune, who helped her, but the news got even worse – she tested positive for feline leukemia. Stella did have a microchip and her owner lived a few miles from where she was found, but when they learned the extent of her injury and her FeLV+ status, they declined to take her back, saying that they’d be unable to care for all her needs.

As it turned out, Shadow Cats had recently rescued another cat from the streets of Austin, one that had the potential to be adopted, so Copper’s Cat Commune and Shadow Cats worked together and we exchanged cats. They have Calvin and we have Stella. Truly a wonderful outcome for both cats and what rescue is all about. We truly believe that rescue has no bounds, sharing and caring to do the best for each kitty that passes through our doors.

Being here for “last chance” kitties with no other option is our mission at Shadow Cats. After veterinary care and extended cage rest, Stella fought and recovered and became the official Shadow Cats Office Cat, where she earned her keep as a wonderful lap warmer.

Stella was happy to live her life in the office as an only cat. We tried several times to introduce a buddy but our girl was not having it – she liked her own company and was very content. Always a feisty girl, and a little bit stubborn too, and oh so picky with her food! Some days there was a smorgasbord of food laid out for her! Although she did not get along with other cats, Stella loved people. Every day we were greeted with the best head bumps and gentle kisses. She was always pleased to see any humans! Being the office cat did have a few perks – she spent her time with Sheila and Jacki every day, like she had two extra Mom’s. Stella Bella was loved so much. We told her all the time she was the best. She spent her days in our laps, under warm blankets when it was chilly, laying across our desks and at times our keyboards. There may have been a strange message sent on occasion from one of our computers as she sprawled across the desk! She had her favorite beds and her very favorite cat tree. Stella loved to sit on the very top shelf surveying her office and watching the world out the window, and she also had her private catio to spend time in when she felt like being outside. She did enjoy watching the squirrels, the birds in the trees, sitting on her special stool in the sun, and the constant coming and going of the Amazon delivery van! Some might say a little spoiled, we say, not at all, she was living the life she deserved, her best life. She lived her life on her own terms and she was a happy girl. She ruled the Shadow Cats office and kept us on task every day!

Over the past months, Stella’s health had begun to decline – renal failure and the effects of leukemia. Our little miss feisty girl had become weak and tired, her fight had left her, and today she looked at us with those gorgeous eyes and told us she was ready, she had to go. She spent her last hours on the top of her favorite cat tree where she wanted to be. We held her very close, we surrounded her with love and told her what a beautiful kitty she was and how much we loved her, as she ever so gently crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Many many tears flowed. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of this sweet girl. There will be a huge hole and the office will not be the same. The best head bumps and kisses we received every morning will be sorely missed. Stella Bella, so very special, loved beyond measure, rest easy, precious girl. Although your star has dimmed, your memory will remain ever strong with us,. You will never be forgotten; the special memories will be held close in our hearts forever. Thank you for the joy you brought us.

Soar and fly high, Stella Bella, on your angel wings.

We thank her sponsors, our wonderful staff, our volunteers, and all those who loved Stella and care about cats everywhere.

Stella had 3 Sponsors

Amy Juried

“In memory of all the kitties who are less fortunate”
-Jennifer Ebbeler

Mimi & Matt Baker

In Memory of Donnie         8/8/2014 – 1/2/2021

This memorial is a heartbreaking one to write. The tears are flowing freely and words cannot express the larger than life presence of this incredible cat.

One of a kind! The most spectacular cat! Some cats are really special and that was Donnie. He was a rock star, just known to everyone as “The Don” or ”The Don Father”

He began his life as an outdoor tomcat and all the risks that go with that. He was hit by a car twice and shot with pellets – one of the pellets lodged on his spine and created urinary issues and blockages, but with surgeries and veterinary care, and special diet Donnie lived a safe, very much loved and carefully monitored life.

Over the past couple of weeks, Donnie had not felt well. Blood tests were done and, to our shock, Donnie tested positive for feline leukemia. Donnie has never been in contact with any feline leukemia cats at the sanctuary. He has always lived a life as king in the house part of the old sanctuary. We learn more and more over the years about this disease. Donnie would have been exposed somewhere in his young life and it became active for whatever reason in recent weeks. A very sudden downtown, our big boy had severe breathing difficulties and the most precious gift we can give is a gentle passing. Cradled in loving arms, with sweet whispers and singing in his ears, Donnie crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We told him he would have stories to tell that would be amazing. We are sure he is sitting in a chair at the Bridge, all relaxed, and reliving all his stories of his life here.

The memories that “The Don’ leave with us will be cherished forever. This special boy was full of personality and so good looking – the whiskers and the fluffiness, oh my goodness, so stunning! You could prop him up in any chair and he would just watch the world go by. One of the smartest cats, he seemed to always try and figure out how to use those opposable thumbs. He lived the life of a king at the old sanctuary. When time came to move to the new sanctuary last June, Donnie lasted a day! He just said no, I want to go back, that larger than life personality on display! So he returned to the old sanctuary, to be fostered by the Smiths, where he ruled and was showered with love every day. He and his besties Smitty and Wyatt (Sheila and Roy’s personal cats) spent their days exploring, snoozing in the sun, and generally just being besties, and we think maybe getting into a little bit of trouble! They were a dynamic threesome but Donnie was always the boss!

To be able to fully put into words how much Donnie will be missed is hard. The only word that comes to mind is immeasurable – the hole left in our hearts is huge.

There will never be another like you, Donnie. We will never forget your presence in this world. You were loved by so many – the nannies and volunteers loved you so much, you even had a brushing schedule. You had the following of a rock star on social media. You propped up in a chair, surveying your kingdom, is the picture that will always be in our hearts. You made us smile and laugh at your antics.

Rest easy, Donnie, our stunning, floofy, big whiskered precious boy, loved by many near and far.

Thanks to our staff, his sponsors and the hundreds of people that loved “The Don”. Miss you already, precious boy…

Donnie had 5 Sponsors

Dawn Leighton

Stephanie and Karl Redlin

Julia Dunn

“He looks like Pria, who was a doppelgänger for our cat CC.”
-Marisa and Lou Rossi

Sherri Biggs