In Memory of Jolene 12/28/2019 – 7/22/2025
The dreaded second red line, or blue dot, depending on your brand of test. When testing for feline leukemia, a cat’s fate is decided so often based upon the presence of that line or that dot.
“They’ll simply die anyway,” some say.
Still, there are always people who look into the cats’ eyes and see a better life for them. Jolene, a feline leukemia-positive cat rescued by Karnes County Humane Organization, had a group of determined people advocating for her. They searched tirelessly for a forever home for her, but despite Jolene’s beautiful dilute coat and sparkling personality, she garnered no interest. Jolene began to shut down in the shelter environment, and their veterinarian recommended euthanasia.
But still, they looked in those sweet, bright eyes and knew that she had a life to live, that she deserved a chance above all else. They began to look for sanctuaries for her, a forever home with the knowledge and heart to give her the best life possible. They reached out to Shadow Cats, and in August of 2022, Jolene joined the ranks of Cookie’s Place.
Jolene was only about 2 years old when she came to us, and she still had so much kitten energy within her! No matter how many toys they gave this sweet girl, she seemed to always defer to tried-and-true tail-chasing. She started off a little shy, but as introverts tend to do, she gravitated towards other softer-spirited kitties and developed some truly beautiful friendships, like her friendship with Juniper! The two dilute girls would pass the time playing with each other, prancing around the length of Cookie’s Place without a care for their diagnosis.
Despite generally preferring alone time, it didn’t mean that Jolene didn’t enjoy the company of other cats. It wasn’t unusual to see her snuggling with them, or even grooming them. She didn’t have a flamboyant or bold personality. Where the sun may blind with its intensity, or scorch in its heat, Jolene was warm sand, soft sunbeams trickling through a canopy of leaves overhead. Everything about her was soft, gentle, and sweet.
She loved people, and though she did, she never fought over a lap. She never minded the company of other cats or had complaints if you scritched the ear of another. She’d still look up at you like you hung the stars in the sky, the dilute greys and oranges of her coat a reflection of the soft warmth within the very heart of her. She was an avid biscuit maker, a professional pâtissier if you will, and she’d greet you with the cutest nose boops! Everything about our sweet Jolene was precious as can be. Contrary to her namesake, she wouldn’t even think about stealing anyone’s man…but she did collectively steal our hearts.
It’s why, when her feline leukemia activated and began sprouting problems within her, it was hard for us to cope with the idea of having to say goodbye. Her kidneys worsened, and though nothing was apparent at the time, she had a mass spreading within her. Sweet as can be, you never would’ve known. And if anything, in her last weeks, it’s like some part of her knew…because she dosed us with extra sweetness daily, and we welcomed it with open arms and laps at the ready. We watched her carefully, knowing our time with her was limited, but that it’s also our sacred duty to make the last of her days even more special than the rest.
She was absolutely spoiled. She enjoyed the finest of summer sunbeams, and our lone wildflower seeded into an entire field, leaving none unawares of her innate beauty and special spirit. It was as happy as it was sad to witness, knowing what it meant.
When she told us it was time, we listened. In the fluffiest of beds, on the softest of blankets, with her sweet head cradled and paws held in loving hands, with sweet praises whispered gently into her ears, Jolene left this world swaddled in the purest, everlasting love. In the corner of the room, Lottie seemed to almost watch as something lifted up high, leaving to stand at life’s final crossing.
Jolene, with the sweetest gaze, doesn’t look at her final chapter with sadness or regret like so many of us do. With a heart as warm as the love within her eyes, she gazes upon the faces of familiar friends whom she once slept soundly beside, snuggled, protected, warm…a far cry from her life’s cold beginnings. Jolene isn’t sad; she never was. She looks upon her new chapter with gratitude, knowing that despite the most sinister of viruses, not even sickness could rob her of her strength, her beauty, her sweetness, or her gentle spirit. There is not a soul purer than that in Jolene. Together, they bound through an expanse of endless green, of plentiful, sprawling trees, winding paths, celebrating the life they lived, and the eternity they’ve found now, together.
Thank you to her amazing sponsor, Kristen S. Thank you to the volunteers who always made space for Jolene on their laps, who brushed her beautiful coat, and praised her beauty. Thank you to the staff who delighted in Jolene’s silliness, softness, and when she received her diagnoses, remained by her side until the very end…her shepherds. Thank you to Vista Vet for her amazing care, and to Lap of Love for the most peaceful of crossings. Thank you to anyone who ever giggled at Jolene’s name and was pleasantly surprised by how contrary it was to her inherent sweetness.
We love you, Jolene. We always will.
Jolene had 1 Sponsor
Kristen Stanley