In Memory of Ivy 10/1/2020 – 1/10/2023
Our little darling Ivy had such a rough start to life. She was found on the streets of Mission, Tx. She was under a year old, pregnant, and in critical condition. It is a sad and scary truth that cats who are not spayed can get pregnant as early as 4 months old. Unfortunately, the kittens did not make it and she ended up losing a leg. Ivy turned out to be Leukemia positive as well. Things were not looking hopeful. But thankfully she found her way to Shadow Cats and she was welcomed in with open arms and open hearts.
Ivy has always been a bit of a wallflower. She is shy and quiet but oh so very sweet! There is not a person around who has looked at Ivy and not fallen instantly in love. Even as she got older, she still maintained just the most perfectly cute kitten face. Due to allergies, over time, the tips of her ears started to curl down. This happens sometimes with kitties. We did not think it was possible for Ivy to look any sweeter but her ears made her look like a cute little mouse.
In her time with us, Ivy was never seen to get into spats; she always showed the utmost respect to all her fellow roommates. She shared her bed, she shared her toys and she even occasionally shared a lap. Ivy was the kindest and most agreeable girl.
Ivy was always easy to find – if it was a sunny day she was on the catio, if the weather was drab she found the fluffiest bed she could. She took full advantage of enjoying the little things in life.
Leukemia is said the be the virus of lovers, this is because it seems like cats with leukemia have the biggest hearts and have the most love to give. Maybe this is because they somehow know their time may be limited and they want to take full advantage of every moment, every cuddle, every warm lap while they can. And that is what our sweet Ivy did. She never wasted a second on anger or aggression. She never said no to a gentle pet or sweet words from a volunteer. She soaked it all in. We could learn so much from Ivy.
Unfortunately, as is so often the case, Ivy’s time was cut short. Over the last few days, she was seeming distant and not wanting to eat. She was taken in for a check up and it was discovered that she had fluid around her lungs and enlarged kidneys. With FeLV, things go fast but we were able to grant Ivy one last blessing by helping her to cross the rainbow bridge, held in the arms of those who cared for her and loved her so deeply. Fly high, sweet girl, you will be so missed!
Ivy had 5 Sponsors
Angie Noelle
Nancy O’Donohue
ALLOTTADOLLS
Mary Diermier
Renee Vorbach