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