In Memory of Chelsea 3/15/2009 – 1/16/2022
Trapped as a feral kitten, Chelsea went into an adoption program, but she wasn’t nearly social enough to get adopted, so she spent a long time in the shelter, waiting for a miracle. Then someone took her home to foster her in the hope that she’d gain the social skills that would help her find that forever home. Alas, that didn’t happen – she had moments where she could be downright, well, cranky would be a nice way to put it.
We were contacted and Chelsea moved in to Shadow Cats. She’s certainly not the first “problem child” we’ve taken under our wing. She was a feisty one, but we had all the patience in the world to help her settle in and find out just what she needed to live a happy life on her own terms.
Being feisty was a kind way of describing our Chelsea – she often lashed out at other cats and us humans, too. They are many of us at Shadow Cats who have a Chelsea story to tell; we have been on the receiving end of growls, hisses, and swipes! We would not get too close to Chelsea. All she need do was give us ‘that look’ and we knew our attention was not welcome. Even though our girl was a snippy one we loved and cared for her every day. She always had a squishy bed, always given her favorite foods, the best seat on the catio, her favorite toy, and the best care, and was loved very much for who she was.
Chelsea has battled some medical issues over the years and being such a grumpy girl she was never the easiest to medicate. We knew she wasn’t feeling well and when she let us try to help her feel better and did not complain too much, a trip to the hospital was planned. Advanced renal disease was the diagnosis and over the past few weeks we have done all we can to keep Chelsea comfortable. There have been growls but Chelsea has allowed us to pet her, very sparingly, and she has allowed us to just love her up close a little.
Today Chelsea was tired. She looked at us with those big eyes and told us her fight had left her. Today, she let us love her, she let us cuddle her and after giving her scores of kisses, Chelsea passed peacefully surrounded by those that loved and cared for her all her days at the sanctuary. The room was filled with love, sweet music playing softly.
Rest easy, Chelsea. We will miss walking into the Harmony room and seeing you on the cat tree. We will miss your door dashing, we will miss seeing you on the shelves on the catio, and we will miss you for who you were. You made us smile every day with your ‘attitude’. You lived your life your way and we loved you so much for it!
Thanks to her sponsors, our staff. and volunteers for loving her.
Chelsea had 4 Sponsors
“In honor of Gingee and all the other terrified, lonely and misunderstood cats in the world.”
-Phaedra Kline
“In honor of Mitzi, the grumpiest cat I’ve known, and Intrepid, who looked like Chelsea and taught me to love cats.”
-Monica Harrison
Roxann Baranowski
Joani Tompkins