As Lillian celebrated her 103rd birthday, she never expected her one and only wish to come true!
Hoping to fill the emptiness in her heart after the loss of her beloved cat “Sammy” years prior, only one thing was on her mind. She desperately wanted another loving feline to complete her.
A long time cat lover, she would often leave milk outside in the hopes of helping local cats needing food and love.
The staff at Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living in St. George, Utah went above and beyond for lucky Lillian. Working with the St. George animal shelter, the team set the scene for a surprise party to rival none other!
Colorful balloons and decorations filled the courtyard of the facility. A delicious barbecue luncheon awaited Lillian and all her friends. The party was in full swing when the guest of honor arrived.
Marley, a gorgeous 9 year old female calico was presented to an overjoyed Lillian! It’s unlikely Lillian’s loving reaction to the cat left a dry eye in the house.
The two instantly hit it off and Marley settled right into Lillian’s lap.
Believing Marley was just there for a visit, the birthday girl was even more surprised to learn the feline was there to stay!
The administrator of the living facility had organized for Marley to become a purrmanent resident, sharing her life with Lillian.
Marley’s previous owners had surrendered her to the shelter recently, through no fault of the caring feline. She was a absolute cuddle kitty so the staff know she’d make the perfect fit to help heal Lillian’s heart.
The shelter waived the adoption fees and even delivered Marley complete with an accompanying cat “care package”.
The staff and Lillian’s friends will continue to care for both these loving souls until their journey’s end.
That is so beautiful that the caregivers and the home have made a lady happy with a cat. My heart goes out to her for the loss of her Sammy and That Marley has made her so happy. May they have the time of their lives together and be blessed forever.
I wish our places are here in Michigan would do something like this to comfort the elderly.
Hope, this wonderful idea will be seen by other responsible persons taking care oft the elderly. It is heartbreaking to all oft us to lose a beloved furry Partner, but I can’t imagine what it means to someone living in a facility, abandoned by most oft the old friends and sometimes even family. I hope, they’ll be able to share a long and loving time together. Wishing all the best.
I am only 84 years old but I miss my Domino something awful. I can not get another cat because I won’t live long enough to take care of it. I am so happy for this woman because now when she passes she knows her new cat will always be taken care of.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Domino is such a cute name! I hope happy memories bring u smiles today and always. Love always endures
Hi Marillyn, I don’t know if it’s feasible, but have you considered fostering older, or elderly cats?
I know it is hard to give up a foster to new parents, but you would be helping them get a new start, as well as freeing shelter space for other cats in need. Plus you get feline companionship and don’t have to worry that they will be abandoned if you are no longer able to foster them. Many shelters will cover the costs of any new, or on going, medical treatment, and are usually very supportive of foster carers.
As I say, I don’t know if fostering is a viable option for you, but it is something I am already considering for later life as I can’t imagine not having a fur baby to share my life with.
Oh!! Happy feels. Such a great story! Happy Birthday Lillian. Happy Homecoming Marley!!
I’ve seen other heart-warming posts like this. Just because people have aged doesn’t mean their love of animals goes away.
This is the kind of thing that I’d like to do now that I’m retired. Planning to relocate to Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA and will look into current rules at local senior facilities regarding bringing pets in for visits (or possibly adopt a cat for the facility).
May this loving relationship continue for years to come as they help each other cope with their losses. May they spend eternity together.
Wonderful story. It’s been proven that pets can be the best therapy for the elderly. Too often see beloved cats surrendered to animal shelters because elderly owners are moving into retirement facilities with no pet rules.
Hellow my name is MartinNum. Wery capable post! Thx 🙂
Bless you both Lillian and Marley…May you time together be long and loving…My best wishes for two beautiful ladies!
Awwww, this is so wonderful, I hope someone is as kind to me if I ever reach that age 🙂
What a wonderful story, after having had some disappointment this evening, we needed something like this to cheer us up, and to restore our faith in the world.
Sammi and Ria in Aberdeen, Scotland.