Hold on Tight Part 3: For the love of a cat

My husband and I started dating in May 1993.  We spent every day together that summer and looked forward to going to college in the fall.  He had attended Ball State University for two years, and I was transferring there.  Fast forward two years, John finished school, left to complete an internship, graduated and then landed a job in another state.  After spending every.single.day together for two years, I did not know what to do with myself!  I started visiting a shelter, and that is where I met Kelsey.

Kelsey, who was actually named Katie by the shelter workers, was a stray who lived under a deck after being dumped when she was just a few weeks old.  The woman did not mind, until several months later when Kelsey had kittens of her own.  Kelsey was wild, and now the one cat turned into 4 hissing cats.  The women some how caught them and turned them over to a no-kill shelter.  At the shelter, there was a lady named Jenny who was the only person to befriend Kelsey.  She pretty much hid anytime someone came into the room.  After my 3rd or 4th visit, she started to come out when I was around.  It was not long after that, she would run to me when I entered the room.  She was the sweetest and most beautiful cat.  I just adored her!  I brought John to the shelter to see if she would take to him, and she did.  I took her home the next day.

Kelsey lived a vagabond life with me through my last year of college.  I loved having her around.  A year later, I got married and Kelsey and I moved to Michigan.  As fate would have it, I got a job back at home.  Kelsey and I then moved in with my in-laws.  We lived there for 10 months, until John and I were able to get a house.  I truly believe my mother-in-law missed the cat the most when the three of us moved out!  ;)  John's parents loved her just as much as I did.

When we bought our house, we adopted another cat...and two years later, a dog.  The cats were best friends, until the dog came.  The cats were fighting to the death from that day on.  We had to keep them separated at all times.  After 4 months of trying to reintroduce the cats, we gave up.  John's parents were willing to take Kelsey back.  I was so sad, but knew it was for the best.

She was born a stray, became a shelter cat, was adopted and became a beloved pet.  Once she moved into John's parents house, her status became QUEEN!  :)  She lived a life of love and devotion and was down-right spoiled.  She was a blessing for my father-in-law as he fought cancer.  She spent 6 years with him sitting in his chair.  She was a true comfort to him.

We had to have Kelsey put to sleep just a week after finding out my mom had cancer.  I miss her beautiful green eyes.  I am so thankful for the love, joy, companionship, and comfort she gave.

Papa and his girls!  :)