Laurence Holyoak, who works with International Animal Rescue, shares the most heartwarming TikToks of her adopted cat Bruiser. Online, she shares her travel adventures across the globe with kids and dogs on Journey & Jaunts.
Note: This one might hit your right in the feels since Bruiser crossed the rainbow bridge. However, he enjoyed a life of love thanks to Holyoak, who saved him from a shelter in his final years. It seems he knew she would be his new mom from the moment they met. After that, the cat gave love endlessly to his human family. Thus, it’s a story that reminds us that adopting older shelter cats, including those with special needs can be incredibly rewarding and life-changing.
Screenshots via TikTok/journeys_and_jaunts
Holyoak shared a TikTok of Bruiser, noting the cat was her best friend forever. You can immediately see how much they love snuggling.
The True Love Story of Bruiser and Laurence
In a TikTok posted in January, Holyoak shared the “love story” of Bruiser. Sadly, he had remained in the shelter for years, which is frequently the case for older cats, especially those requiring special care.
Instantly, the grey cat gravitated to her as if perhaps he knew she would be his rescuer.
“When I walked into an overburdened shelter, I was in no position to adopt a cat with leukemia,” the caption read. “Bruiser came right to me, climbed up my body and hugged me around the neck. He had been in that room for two years. It broke my heart to leave him there.”
After meeting Bruiser, the mother of three couldn’t put the loving cat out of her mind.
“After a month, I couldn’t stop thinking about him and made the 6-hour trip to adopt him. This is the moment we were reunited.”
Later, Bruiser would instantly fall in love with the whole family too!
Bruiser Was Given 2 Months to Live
As the story goes, the veterinarians believed Bruiser probably only had a couple of months to live. However, he surprised everyone.
“He was diagnosed with leukemia, FIV, and epilepsy and was given two months to live. That was 4 years ago.”
After adopting him, Holyoak returned to the vet every 2 weeks for ongoing care. Daily, he needed meds to control seizures.
“I would’ve done anything to make him comfortable, but I also promised I would never let him suffer.”
Treasuring Every Moment
Although Bruiser had a hard life, he was an incredibly loving cat who paid back his human family with love at every opportunity. For the mom, the snuggly kitty became an “emotional support animal” helping her while she helped him.
“Bruiser was a cat who was failed by people time and time again yet had nothing but love to give. I treasure every moment I had with him. But oh what I would give for one more snuggle.”
Until his last day, Bruiser continued to offer comfort to the family. But, it’s never easy to say goodbye.
“I just want the world to know how special he was,” wrote Holyoak.
Recently, the family also lost their beloved dog of 12 years, Katouche, sharing his story on TikTok.
“The memories spinning through my mind as you leave. It was a beautiful life.”
One day, we will see our beloved pets again on the other side. Although their lives are far too short, the love and priceless memories they provide us are forever. Without a doubt, they enrich our lives in profound ways, returning every kindness a thousand-fold.
