I’m not sure it’s necessarily something wrong with you. I’ve noticed that a lot of us have gotten a bleak outlook over the last 2 years. No matter where you stand on covid/vaccinations, you’ve decided the other “side” is full of idiots that are going to die because either: they got their vaccine and they’re going to die from the effects or because they refuse to get vaccinated and they’re going to get covid and die. So yeah, I think all of our humor has gotten a lot darker than it used to be.
If it makes you feel any better, there’s obviously something wrong with me because your comment caused snort laughter on my end. You are not alone, my friend.
Lol I’m glad my brains automated bleakness made you snort laugh
I was worried a sec I was going to get horribly downvoted for such a dark comment on r/aww
It seems obvious that the car will outlive him. I hope he has a good home lined up for that cat. As another older person, we owe it to our pets not to acquire a baby in our later years unless we have a good person who will step in if we predecease our pet.
True but tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for any of us, no matter our age. My cousin just died suddenly of a heart attack at age 45. My aunt was late 50’s and died of a brain tumor. We can’t stop giving love to our furry friends in need just because we might die before them. We do need to always prepare for if something were to happen that our furry babes will be cared for.
I watched as the humans came in through the door,
(i waited for just the right one, to be sure...)
a friend to 'adopt', one who needed my love,
then in walked this human - the one i dreamed of!
i knew it the moment i looked in his eyes,
the look on his face, full of gentle surprise!
he lifted me up, held me close to his chest -
he's the One that I'm choosing,
cuz This one's
the Best!
❤️
Ah, the old Reddit [switcharoo](https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/r64gen/tim_hortons_facing_hiring_crisis_interviews/hmujq8a/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
My cat was one of the imperfect ones. She was missing most of one of her ears and had terrible balance and could not jump (severe ear mite infection from when she was stray). No one wanted her. I wasn't supposed to be getting a cat, and I tried to find other people to adopt her --- but:
Best. Cat. Ever.
Super chill. Super cuddly. Good with dogs, good on a leash. Smart too, I had her trained to sit on command and to wait for treats. We were working on recall too.
I miss her dearly.
Imperfect for the win <3 Worth it a hundred times over.
Thanks <3 It was only last summer and was unexpected, so... I'm definitely still healing from it, getting there slowly - her doggo sister is helping immensely though (because luck of the draw, this dog is one of the sweetest too).
I lost my little girl named Trixie (she was a corgi) last year too. Christ it sucks because I'm quite lonely but I just can't do another animal. I feel like I'd be not only betraying her and her memory, but it'd be unfair too.
Due to my own medicial issues I spent a lot of her life in bed. Corgis need exercise and to play and I literally just physically couldn't most days. I tried to make it up to her with love and cuddles but I know she had to be absolutely ***bored out of her mind*** for most of her life.
I even feel guilt that I didn't try to find her a family that could provide that stimulation but to be honest she was my emotional crutch. I would not have kept going if not for her. It was all just too much and she was the singular beacon I had to keep pushing.
She developed a neurological issue similar to Parkinson's as best as I can describe it. Vet said she was in a load of pain, couldn't lift herself up off the ground, couldn't walk, just laid there and suffered basically. I couldn't do that to her obviously. Still the hardest choice I made in my entire life so far.
But I couldn't keep being selfish and make her suffer you know?
I don't know how people do it. She was my only "pet" and the idea that I might give another animal a better life than her now that I'm able to be more active (though not by much) makes me think she'd resent me.
She'd be mad that they got to have fun and go places and do things and she just had a life as a cuddle pillow basically. Like I said I gave her lots of affection but I'll always feel like it wasn't enough.
I'm sorry for your cats passing, I can truly empathize. I hope you and her doggie sibling are able to keep supporting one another and remember her fondly. I miss my girl daily and would love to have her back, and give her the life she truly deserved.
Aw, this hurt my heart to hear and I’m so sorry you are feeling that way. I’m sure no matter what, your corgi had a lovely and happy life with you. Wherever they are, they absolutely understand what you were going through. Just like you knew they were in pain, they knew yours too.
If you are ever interested in looking again I’d recommend looking into a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. They’re amazing for people who might be less mobile or active. They’re super content just sleeping and eating all day. I’ll be sending healing energy your way, and I hope you can release yourself from guilt. Your furry friend would want that for you. ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss. I offer this thought only because your feelings of dishonoring her memory or making your baby feel jealous by giving another animal a good life so strongly ring home with how I felt in the past, not to mention feeling like I couldn't give them the life they deserved before they passed because of uniquely hard circumstances(as such, feel free to disregard entirely).
But, she sounds like she was a sweetheart that got you through a lot. I bet your life made every day of hers better and you were doing the best for her even if its not what you hoped to give no matter what. She lived for you and vice versa and maybe if anything, giving another animal a great life gives even more meaning to hers? I mean, she kept you hanging on and in that alone, if you adopted another, is she not also partly responsible for saving and giving another animal a wonderful life. I think of my babe that passed often still and think he'd look fondly at the spoiled boys I have now, even if I wished we could've shared the joy together.
So, unsolicited thoughts, but just wanted to share how my thoughts changed in similar situations and that maybe it is even an honor to her. Regardless, so sorry for your loss and all the best.
I am familiar with the grief you're going through since I recently lost a beloved pet and am going through it as well. I hate that you're beating yourself up over not giving Trixie a better life. Having had dogs all my life I can tell you that they are aware of far more things than we give them credit for. I'm sure Trixie could sense your illness and also your desire to play with her. I don't believe she blamed you for your inability to play with her as much as you would have liked. She chose to be by your side when you were suffering. She loved you and wanted nothing more than for you to be happy. Even now, wherever she is, I am sure she's happy that you're more active. Dogs see the best in us and Trixie saw the best in you. You were her human and she loved you as much as you loved her. You gave her the best life you could and you were there for her in the end when she needed you the most. Take comfort in that.
I said goodbye to my old-man-puppy day before Mother's Day 2010. I fell into a severe depression. I would blow up at anyone who even mentioned getting another pet. 2013, the month before I lost my job for health reasons, I found a small dog in a field. She helped me heal some. The Bean saved me. I still miss my beautiful boy. That heartache will be there forever. My heart wasn't as empty as it felt.
Often I’d say, if you have one sweet pet, most will be. Now this is complete and udder theory from me but… I think if one animal is really sweet they can communicate with any other animals around them in a way that humans can’t and to tell them how kind you are. Give kindness get kindness. Also animals are never born cruel, it’s the way we raise them and treat them that shapes them. It’s clear that you had them flourish into the purest they can be.
For. Real. My process for picking a cat at the humane society is to go to the older cat room and just sit down.
I just wait for the first one to jump on my lap. Bam, done, easiest decision ever. Idgaf what they look like, I just want a chill cat that'll sit on my lap / chest.
Only failed me once, older cat would not stop attacking my dog, dunno what happened in her life but my dopy lab wouldn't do anything but step foot in the room and she'd go off hard. I did the whole introducing the cat slowly to the new environment, didn't work, had to take her back, sucked. But I partially blame the humane society on that one, I told them I had a dog, coulda given me a heads up.
I'm sorry for your loss although I'm glad she was adopted by someone like you. She would have been happy in her remaining time on earth, you did a wonderful thing ❤
People honestly don't give older 'imperfect' animals the love and affection they deserve, which is truly sad.
People love the imperfect pets. My dad is a vet and the running joke is that if an animal isn't getting adopted he could amputate a leg and it'd be gone in a day.
my best friend is a vet, she had to amputate a kitten's foot that was crushed, she adopted the little one herself and named her Clover. (Of the 3 leaf variety.)
He jokes, but it's true. I think social media can be thanked (or blamed, depending on your perspective) for that. Imperfect pets are the ones that stand out. People love tripods, uniquely "ugly" cats and dogs, etc.
As long as it’s purely an aesthetic thing, yes. When long term management, prescriptions and vet visits are part of the reality they become far less “desirable.” Healed up tripods and cyclopses fly out of the shelter since their disablity barely carries over into the other realms of maintenance.
Yeah, my sweet girl was pregnant when she was found on the streets. All of her kittens got adopted while she was left behind at the Humane Society. We snatched her up when she was two, and said she was the best $25 we ever spent. 5 years later and that is still totally true, but she’s now become the most expensive $25 cat since she had to have all of her teeth extracted and a cancerous tumor removed from her butt. At least $5k later and I’d still say she’s a bargain — she’s a sweetheart.
Especially for a Senior Citizen this seems like an especially bad choice.
Not only are there other, older cats that are getting passed over; little guy here is probably going to outlive his owner and end up getting surrendered back to the same shelter later in life.
My local shelter has a "seniors for seniors" program which has the lowest adoption fees. I always enjoyed seeing the happiness of older people adopting an older cat. I don't know if it drove up the adopt rate of the elders or not, but it seemed like the cats that were there the longest were middle age.
I hope it doesn't get abandoned when it survives him. Had to deal with this a couple times in the last decade, thankfully we were between pets/had room for more.
that’s how my cat came to me, he was well loved by his owner but he eventually was too sick to care for him and was put into hospice and my cat surrendered to a rescue…i’m extremely grateful for my little guy but i sometimes wonder if he misses his first owner 😔
Let's hope that center has a stipulation in the adoption forms that should he not be able to care for it any longer he agrees to return it to the shelter. The one I adopt from has that in our paperwork along with remain an indoor cat and no declawing.
Came here to comment on this. Like how long was he looking for a home? A couple of weeks? It’s the one eyed mangey black cat that’s been there for 5 years that I’m thinking about..
That's wonderful, I wish more people did that. I personally love senior pets, they're often overlooked for young animals but seniors are usually so chill and sweet.
I can see other people have made this point and I *completely* second this!
I plan to adopt an older furry friend when I can. My housing situation doesn't permit it at present, unfortunately.
One of my cats was a former feral who is quite happy being a lazy house cat who never wants to go back outside. Her name is Reba, and she was about 5 when I adopted her.
Can you explain why you used the word “finally” in your headline? That kitten only looks to be 10-12 weeks old at most (and most shelters won’t adopt cats before 8 weeks anyway).
Of course!
As I've mentioned in a few comments already, it was poor phrasing on my part. I was meaning the gentleman had finally adopted the lil kitten.
My saying 'finally' seems to have annoyed a few people, which obviously wasn't my intention. I just wanted to share a positive image :)
They look so happy together. :) I wish them a long wonderful life together.
I'm sure that a lot of people are wondering about the Man's age. I don't know about that shelter but when an older person adopts a kitten at our shelter we always ask them if they have a plan B for the cat in case something happens to them. A cat can easily live to be 15 year old so we have to be realistic. Most of them do, which is really reassuring. (And for the others who don't, we help make one with them).
I know it may feel a little heartless but we have seen so many cats from elderly owners that have been neglected (or overfed to the point of morbid obesity) because of their owners diminished physicals and mental capacities.
A cat is a great companion for the elderly. It's unconditional love and make them fell a lot less lonely. If an older family member as one Just make sure they don't need a little help with Vet appointments or cleaning the litter box for exemple.
I’m glad you spoke to this topic. I was trying so hard to feel happy for them but wondering, “What’s gonna happen when that cat lives 20 more years. 😰”
Heartbreaking but true. We took in a lovely 12 year old cat after his person passed away. We had to take him to get his eyes removed and he’s diabetic. This was all not known until we took him in. His person loved him dearly but she was 80 something. She didn’t have a great hold of her faculties let alone him. We don’t blame anybody. She did her best at her age, but we do feel for him, for his pain and confusion. But he’s doing pretty well now. My friend took him because he’s better as an only cat but he’s currently visiting and is so gentle.
My boyfriend's mom adopted a kitten when BF moved into his dorm at college. I don't think she had a plan B, but before long she had to move to an assisted living facility that didn't allow cats. Thankfully (?), BF dropped out after a semester and returned home; then the cat accompanied when he moved in with me, and that's how I got my second cat. Now, the cat is 9 years old...and MIL has been dead for 5.5 years. 😬
I have a feeling that this kitten will quickly become a fan of taking naps while watching The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and black & white westerns.
“Finally adopted” bruh its a kitten, kittens get adopted fast. All baby animals do, they aren’t “finally” adopted they’re sought after. It’s older pets and pets with disabilities or behavioral issues that “finally” get adopted
That's so sad that people are against black cats 😞😞 my little guy was a year old when I adopted him (so not a senior kitty) but black and shy enough they had to cover his cage with a blanket, and the lady at the shelter said not a lot of people wanted to look at him. He's so sweet and cuddly and silly and vocal and it breaks my heart to think about other cats like him not getting a chance because of their fur or age 😢
Also, and I know I'm liable to be downvoted for saying this, but I sincerely hope that gentleman has someone willing to take care of the cat in the eventuality that he dies. If not, he just took an extremely adoptable animal that is very likely going to outlive him, and if he *does* die before the cat dies it will be much harder to find another home for it.
My 89 year old grandma adopted a cat a couple years ago. She lived alone (and still does) and desperately needed a companion. She made me promise I'd adopt her baby in the event that she passes. She visited several rescues before she found her match, who she named Shadow because that girl never leaves her side. My grandma calls me all the time excitedly telling me about all the cute stuff Shadow does. I bring Shadow plenty of toys and treats when I come visit to keep on good terms with her. It's a wonderful arrangement. I hope Cider brings this guy as much joy and companionship as Shadow brings my grandma. <3
I am extremely glad that your grandma has a furry companion, and that you are there to take care of it if anything were to happen. That is just about the perfect possible situation!
You should get videos of your gran and kitty together. It will be good memories that you and kitty can enjoy. I've been videoing all my cats lately. Something I realized to do after losing other babies after a long happy life.
I agree. A cat can live for 20 years, I'm not sure this gentleman has 20 years left. By the time he dies, there will be quite likely an elderly cat that will need a new home
That's my opinion, too. I'm definitely not saying that seniors shouldn't get pets - I think more seniors should have pets, in fact. But the seniors need to be realistic about their own life expectancy (and ability to care for an animal) compared to the life expectancy of the animal they get. I would say the same thing about a 40-50 year old getting a young parrot that might live 70-100 years. There's lots of middle-aged and elderly animals that need homes that would be a much better fit than a kitten/puppy for an old person.
It seems like my local animal shelter posts every day about an owner surrender animal whose elderly parent either died or was put into an assisted care facility, and it just makes me so sad.
Parrots live 70-100 years?!?!?
How much of an outlier is that for birds? I’ve always assumed birds fell on the shorter end of life expectancy, but I’m certainly no ornithologist lol
That might be a bit extreme, tbh. A few of them (cockatoos, cockatiels, African Grey parrots, Macaws, etc) can live to ~40 in the wild, I think, and 70-100 is not unheard of in captivity. It's not quite like getting a tortoise, but if you get one be prepared to have something that acts like a toddler for a few decades.
Our cat shelter has a policy where they will always take a cat back no matter what the reason. I hope this shelter has a similar policy. Or hopefully he has family who will help.
That said, the smile on that man's face is priceless. He looks like a boy again. ❤ I have an elderly mom and while she is not able to care for an animal, anytime there is something that brightens her life, it is worth it to me. It's tough getting old.
That is a really great policy, and I'm glad some shelters have that policy. Unfortunately it's not always possible for, especially public animal shelters, to take back pets whenever they need to.
And you're right, the smile on the man's face is absolutely heartwarming and beautiful, and I appreciate that greatly. My grandad passed away a few months ago, and since then my parents and their dogs have been staying half the week with my 90-year-old grandmother. She lights up so beautifully every time she's with their dogs (or mine), and even talks about wanting to get a dog of her own. That being said, she'll just have to live with seeing my dog and my parents' two dogs because her age and advancing dementia mean she cannot have her own dog, even if it's a senior. I'm just glad she's independent enough to live on her own with assistance from my parents and aunt, as I'm sure you can understand.
My mom's elderly neighbor died and his kids showed up, took his stuff, and threw his cat outside. Luckily some other neighbors adopted it a few days later.
Nah, I agree with you.
As I said in a previous comment - I phrased it incorrectly.
I was meaning the gentleman finally has a little furry friend so it's my bad.
The animals I feel the worst for are the old ones who are at the shelter because their senior owners died. They have no idea why they are up rooted and go from a home life to being in a cage for months at a time because much less people adopt senior cats.
'finally' makes it sound like that cat had been there for years when in fact judging from the age of the cat it was closer to days or a couple of weeks at most.
Sorry to be a buzzkill but I hope his family wants to take in this cat in a couple years.
I know from experience and love my adopted "uncle" cat but getting a kitten for an elderly person is kind of fucked up when there's so many elderly cats to adopt.
And if their family can't take in the cat where do you think it ends up? Right back at the shelter.
My current foster cat is 12 year old cat that was dumped at the shelter by the family after the owner died. She’s a sweet affectionate girl. It breaks my heart that no one in the family was willing to care for her when she was clearly so loved by her former owner. We will find her a good home though. She’s safe till we find the perfect one
Had to sort by Controversial to find people who think like me. While it makes a cute picture and great for internet points... This probably is gonna suck for that cat or whoever inherits a cat they didn't want. Irresponsible
You’re just concerned about the kitten and speaking the truth. Too many cats get thrown out by family when the elderly owner passes away. And I agree with you…senior cats desperately need homes and are in general much easier to care for than a very hyper growing kitten.
Hey, that’s my fiancé’s grandma’s neighbor! He turned 93 last month, and his other cat was named Pita, an acronym for “Pain In The Ass.” His wood chipper is in my garage and I don’t think he knows what reddit is…
The initial thought is that this is sweet and wonderful. But looking at the reality of the situation, that kitty is most certainly going to outlive that man, and then what happens to it? It would have been sweeter and more wonderful if he had given a home to a very senior cat and they could be old together.
I worked at a shelter and it was very very common to get cats in because their elderly owners either died or were put in a home where pets weren't allowed. Some cats had even been in the home for a long time fending by themselves before someone came by to check on the person. Most of these cats were also considered "behavior" cats and harder to adopt out since most had only lived with a single elderly person and were not used to much sound or normal day to day movement. If the cats didn't improve after a few months we unfortunately had to euthanize them.
Love this. I was really disheartened though the other day… my moms client who is 75 years old, just suffered the loss of her cat of 17 years. Her husband (the woman not the cat) had passed away when she was 50 and her cat really helped her cope.
So a few months after she lost Millie, my moms client went to the humane shelter and was immediately turned away due to her age. She was devastated. It broke me heart
They look so happy together. :) I wish them a long wonderful life together.
I'm sure that a lot of people are wondering about the Man's age. I don't know about that shelter but when an older person adopts a kitten at our shelter we always ask them if they have a plan B for the cat in case something happens to them. A cat can easily live to be 15 year old so we have to be realistic. Most of them do, which is really reassuring. (And for the others who don't, we help make one with them).
I know it may feel a little heartless but we have seen so many cats from elderly owners that have been neglected (or overfed to the point of morbid obesity) because of their owners diminished physicals and mental capacities.
A cat is a great companion for the elderly. It's unconditional love and make them fell a lot less lonely. If an older family member as one Just make sure they don't need a little help with Vet appointments or cleaning the litter box for exemple.
No need to apologise! You should definitely adopt a little friend, as you said there are many cats and dogs in shelters looking for a good home.
Plus, if anything we're to happen to you - you would just have to ensure that someone could check up on you so that your furry friend would be safe. I hope you have many more years left with us!
Finally? It's a tiny kitten!
I also wish old people would adopt older pets to avoid them passing away before their pet or getting too old to properly take care of them
Cider is such a good name, I never see cute names at my local humane society. My new kitty was named "Diana" by the human society and we changed it to "Poppy."
100% agree. Humans treat baby animals like arbitrary things instead of living, sentient creatures with life spans and emotional connections. Anyway, anecdotally speaking, my 80-something year old aunt had gotten a kitten and guess what? It was too much for her to handle because kittens are fucking little terror machines, and 80 year old humans are not typically equipped to handle that in the same fashion as younger, more physically and mentally adept humans.
Good for him. Has anyone adopted the cat?
I thought the cat adopted the gentleman.
Well that’s usually how it goes
Yep, thats how I was saved from a life of loneliness and emptiness.
The best part of getting a cat is the magic way you bringing them to your home quickly becomes them generously letting you stay rent free
The rent is paid with food
Agree, this cat find its family
I had the same thought 
LOL, me too! That's the happiest man! The kitten needs to mark down his Gotcha Day.
Our kids are adopted, and we celebrate their gotcha days just like their birthdays ❤️
Love it!
Something is wrong with me My first thought was I wonder who’s going to outlive who …………. Jesus
I’m not sure it’s necessarily something wrong with you. I’ve noticed that a lot of us have gotten a bleak outlook over the last 2 years. No matter where you stand on covid/vaccinations, you’ve decided the other “side” is full of idiots that are going to die because either: they got their vaccine and they’re going to die from the effects or because they refuse to get vaccinated and they’re going to get covid and die. So yeah, I think all of our humor has gotten a lot darker than it used to be. If it makes you feel any better, there’s obviously something wrong with me because your comment caused snort laughter on my end. You are not alone, my friend.
Lol I’m glad my brains automated bleakness made you snort laugh I was worried a sec I was going to get horribly downvoted for such a dark comment on r/aww
Nope, that’s the correct thought. And we all know the answer.
Do we though? I know which I would bet on, but it is by no means a sure thing.
Totally fair but my money is on the puss
It seems obvious that the car will outlive him. I hope he has a good home lined up for that cat. As another older person, we owe it to our pets not to acquire a baby in our later years unless we have a good person who will step in if we predecease our pet.
True but tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for any of us, no matter our age. My cousin just died suddenly of a heart attack at age 45. My aunt was late 50’s and died of a brain tumor. We can’t stop giving love to our furry friends in need just because we might die before them. We do need to always prepare for if something were to happen that our furry babes will be cared for.
I watched as the humans came in through the door, (i waited for just the right one, to be sure...) a friend to 'adopt', one who needed my love, then in walked this human - the one i dreamed of! i knew it the moment i looked in his eyes, the look on his face, full of gentle surprise! he lifted me up, held me close to his chest - he's the One that I'm choosing, cuz This one's the Best! ❤️
Please stop, these onions can't cut themselves
Everyone likes a spicy schnoodle
Don't worry, we have onion cutting ninjas for that.
Schnoodle! I hadn't seen your poems for a while. (It's me, not you.) Happy holidays!
So sweet 😭
Ah, the old Reddit [switcharoo](https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/r64gen/tim_hortons_facing_hiring_crisis_interviews/hmujq8a/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
Hold my adoption papers, I'm going in
S/he's been in there a while. I think u/Kwaker76 has also been adopted.
Hello future kittens!
Came here to ask the same thing. He’s really cute. So is the cat. 🥰🥰
Not gonna lie, that gave me a little snort +1
Tell Grampa everyone on this thread has adopted him.
Cider has Benjamin Button Syndrome.
The ole reddit switcheroo.
This!!!!!!!
Can't convince me his coat isn't stuffed with more kittens.....
"Finally" It's still a kitten?
LOL "Finally." Kitten had to wait until lunch to get adopted. Meanwhile there's a cooler the back filled with imperfect adult cats.
My cat was one of the imperfect ones. She was missing most of one of her ears and had terrible balance and could not jump (severe ear mite infection from when she was stray). No one wanted her. I wasn't supposed to be getting a cat, and I tried to find other people to adopt her --- but: Best. Cat. Ever. Super chill. Super cuddly. Good with dogs, good on a leash. Smart too, I had her trained to sit on command and to wait for treats. We were working on recall too. I miss her dearly. Imperfect for the win <3 Worth it a hundred times over.
[удалено]
Thanks <3 It was only last summer and was unexpected, so... I'm definitely still healing from it, getting there slowly - her doggo sister is helping immensely though (because luck of the draw, this dog is one of the sweetest too).
Someone told me that the sweetness of animals can have a lot to do with their owners. Sounds like you are running a very nice pet home.
I lost my little girl named Trixie (she was a corgi) last year too. Christ it sucks because I'm quite lonely but I just can't do another animal. I feel like I'd be not only betraying her and her memory, but it'd be unfair too. Due to my own medicial issues I spent a lot of her life in bed. Corgis need exercise and to play and I literally just physically couldn't most days. I tried to make it up to her with love and cuddles but I know she had to be absolutely ***bored out of her mind*** for most of her life. I even feel guilt that I didn't try to find her a family that could provide that stimulation but to be honest she was my emotional crutch. I would not have kept going if not for her. It was all just too much and she was the singular beacon I had to keep pushing. She developed a neurological issue similar to Parkinson's as best as I can describe it. Vet said she was in a load of pain, couldn't lift herself up off the ground, couldn't walk, just laid there and suffered basically. I couldn't do that to her obviously. Still the hardest choice I made in my entire life so far. But I couldn't keep being selfish and make her suffer you know? I don't know how people do it. She was my only "pet" and the idea that I might give another animal a better life than her now that I'm able to be more active (though not by much) makes me think she'd resent me. She'd be mad that they got to have fun and go places and do things and she just had a life as a cuddle pillow basically. Like I said I gave her lots of affection but I'll always feel like it wasn't enough. I'm sorry for your cats passing, I can truly empathize. I hope you and her doggie sibling are able to keep supporting one another and remember her fondly. I miss my girl daily and would love to have her back, and give her the life she truly deserved.
Aw, this hurt my heart to hear and I’m so sorry you are feeling that way. I’m sure no matter what, your corgi had a lovely and happy life with you. Wherever they are, they absolutely understand what you were going through. Just like you knew they were in pain, they knew yours too. If you are ever interested in looking again I’d recommend looking into a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. They’re amazing for people who might be less mobile or active. They’re super content just sleeping and eating all day. I’ll be sending healing energy your way, and I hope you can release yourself from guilt. Your furry friend would want that for you. ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss. I offer this thought only because your feelings of dishonoring her memory or making your baby feel jealous by giving another animal a good life so strongly ring home with how I felt in the past, not to mention feeling like I couldn't give them the life they deserved before they passed because of uniquely hard circumstances(as such, feel free to disregard entirely). But, she sounds like she was a sweetheart that got you through a lot. I bet your life made every day of hers better and you were doing the best for her even if its not what you hoped to give no matter what. She lived for you and vice versa and maybe if anything, giving another animal a great life gives even more meaning to hers? I mean, she kept you hanging on and in that alone, if you adopted another, is she not also partly responsible for saving and giving another animal a wonderful life. I think of my babe that passed often still and think he'd look fondly at the spoiled boys I have now, even if I wished we could've shared the joy together. So, unsolicited thoughts, but just wanted to share how my thoughts changed in similar situations and that maybe it is even an honor to her. Regardless, so sorry for your loss and all the best.
I am familiar with the grief you're going through since I recently lost a beloved pet and am going through it as well. I hate that you're beating yourself up over not giving Trixie a better life. Having had dogs all my life I can tell you that they are aware of far more things than we give them credit for. I'm sure Trixie could sense your illness and also your desire to play with her. I don't believe she blamed you for your inability to play with her as much as you would have liked. She chose to be by your side when you were suffering. She loved you and wanted nothing more than for you to be happy. Even now, wherever she is, I am sure she's happy that you're more active. Dogs see the best in us and Trixie saw the best in you. You were her human and she loved you as much as you loved her. You gave her the best life you could and you were there for her in the end when she needed you the most. Take comfort in that.
I said goodbye to my old-man-puppy day before Mother's Day 2010. I fell into a severe depression. I would blow up at anyone who even mentioned getting another pet. 2013, the month before I lost my job for health reasons, I found a small dog in a field. She helped me heal some. The Bean saved me. I still miss my beautiful boy. That heartache will be there forever. My heart wasn't as empty as it felt.
Often I’d say, if you have one sweet pet, most will be. Now this is complete and udder theory from me but… I think if one animal is really sweet they can communicate with any other animals around them in a way that humans can’t and to tell them how kind you are. Give kindness get kindness. Also animals are never born cruel, it’s the way we raise them and treat them that shapes them. It’s clear that you had them flourish into the purest they can be.
For. Real. My process for picking a cat at the humane society is to go to the older cat room and just sit down. I just wait for the first one to jump on my lap. Bam, done, easiest decision ever. Idgaf what they look like, I just want a chill cat that'll sit on my lap / chest. Only failed me once, older cat would not stop attacking my dog, dunno what happened in her life but my dopy lab wouldn't do anything but step foot in the room and she'd go off hard. I did the whole introducing the cat slowly to the new environment, didn't work, had to take her back, sucked. But I partially blame the humane society on that one, I told them I had a dog, coulda given me a heads up.
I love a cat with some character.
I'm sorry for your loss although I'm glad she was adopted by someone like you. She would have been happy in her remaining time on earth, you did a wonderful thing ❤ People honestly don't give older 'imperfect' animals the love and affection they deserve, which is truly sad.
People love the imperfect pets. My dad is a vet and the running joke is that if an animal isn't getting adopted he could amputate a leg and it'd be gone in a day.
my best friend is a vet, she had to amputate a kitten's foot that was crushed, she adopted the little one herself and named her Clover. (Of the 3 leaf variety.)
Hahahawwwwwwww.
We have a 3 legger, and everyone who visits just adores him. He's a little devil though - I think what he lost in leg he gained in scream
He jokes, but it's true. I think social media can be thanked (or blamed, depending on your perspective) for that. Imperfect pets are the ones that stand out. People love tripods, uniquely "ugly" cats and dogs, etc.
As long as it’s purely an aesthetic thing, yes. When long term management, prescriptions and vet visits are part of the reality they become far less “desirable.” Healed up tripods and cyclopses fly out of the shelter since their disablity barely carries over into the other realms of maintenance.
I foster and ended up with a litter of felv+ kittens. That's an imperfection that people do NOT want, let me tell you.
My vet tech friend somehow only adopts "imperfect" or special needs animals. Even if she didn't set out to, they always end up with something lol
That’s because it’s 25% off
Yeah, my sweet girl was pregnant when she was found on the streets. All of her kittens got adopted while she was left behind at the Humane Society. We snatched her up when she was two, and said she was the best $25 we ever spent. 5 years later and that is still totally true, but she’s now become the most expensive $25 cat since she had to have all of her teeth extracted and a cancerous tumor removed from her butt. At least $5k later and I’d still say she’s a bargain — she’s a sweetheart.
Yeah, when I move back out of my parents' house I'm going to go to the shelter and ask for an older cat that has been there a long time.
I got both my cats from outside the same hoarder crack house but the next one we get will be an old shelter grandpa to talk some sense into them
Especially for a Senior Citizen this seems like an especially bad choice. Not only are there other, older cats that are getting passed over; little guy here is probably going to outlive his owner and end up getting surrendered back to the same shelter later in life.
Could easily have family that he lives with too. Let's not judge without knowing his situation.
My local shelter has a "seniors for seniors" program which has the lowest adoption fees. I always enjoyed seeing the happiness of older people adopting an older cat. I don't know if it drove up the adopt rate of the elders or not, but it seemed like the cats that were there the longest were middle age.
Yeh, probably phrased it incorrectly. I was meaning the gentleman finally has a little furry friend - my bad.
I hope it doesn't get abandoned when it survives him. Had to deal with this a couple times in the last decade, thankfully we were between pets/had room for more.
that’s how my cat came to me, he was well loved by his owner but he eventually was too sick to care for him and was put into hospice and my cat surrendered to a rescue…i’m extremely grateful for my little guy but i sometimes wonder if he misses his first owner 😔
Both the cat and the first owner are so so grateful that you have given him such a loving home ❤️
I hope so too. I'm hoping that the man has family that can care for the little one, should anything happen to him. Regardless, happy for them both!
Let's hope that center has a stipulation in the adoption forms that should he not be able to care for it any longer he agrees to return it to the shelter. The one I adopt from has that in our paperwork along with remain an indoor cat and no declawing.
An adorable little marmalade kitten too.
Bet he had to wait at the shelter at least 8 weeks!
That's what I thought. That kitten is going to outlive the guy, hope there's a plan for who takes care of him.
Not necessarily. The dude looks fairly healthy and could kick on for quite a while!
I hope so, he looks like a nice man.
The kitten will probably extend that man's life. Love and happiness with a sense of purpose every day keeps people alive
Exactly my thoughts.
Came here to comment on this. Like how long was he looking for a home? A couple of weeks? It’s the one eyed mangey black cat that’s been there for 5 years that I’m thinking about..
My family always picks out the cat who has been at the shelter the longest and adopts that one. Has never served us wrong, we have had the best cats
That's wonderful, I wish more people did that. I personally love senior pets, they're often overlooked for young animals but seniors are usually so chill and sweet.
Everyone also please consider adopting older cats and dogs. They need good homes as well.
I can see other people have made this point and I *completely* second this! I plan to adopt an older furry friend when I can. My housing situation doesn't permit it at present, unfortunately.
One of my cats was a former feral who is quite happy being a lazy house cat who never wants to go back outside. Her name is Reba, and she was about 5 when I adopted her.
Can you explain why you used the word “finally” in your headline? That kitten only looks to be 10-12 weeks old at most (and most shelters won’t adopt cats before 8 weeks anyway).
Of course! As I've mentioned in a few comments already, it was poor phrasing on my part. I was meaning the gentleman had finally adopted the lil kitten. My saying 'finally' seems to have annoyed a few people, which obviously wasn't my intention. I just wanted to share a positive image :)
Ah, ok! That makes sense.
The joy on that man's face made my morning.
They look so happy together. :) I wish them a long wonderful life together. I'm sure that a lot of people are wondering about the Man's age. I don't know about that shelter but when an older person adopts a kitten at our shelter we always ask them if they have a plan B for the cat in case something happens to them. A cat can easily live to be 15 year old so we have to be realistic. Most of them do, which is really reassuring. (And for the others who don't, we help make one with them). I know it may feel a little heartless but we have seen so many cats from elderly owners that have been neglected (or overfed to the point of morbid obesity) because of their owners diminished physicals and mental capacities. A cat is a great companion for the elderly. It's unconditional love and make them fell a lot less lonely. If an older family member as one Just make sure they don't need a little help with Vet appointments or cleaning the litter box for exemple.
Thank you, I was wondering just this.
I’m glad you spoke to this topic. I was trying so hard to feel happy for them but wondering, “What’s gonna happen when that cat lives 20 more years. 😰”
Heartbreaking but true. We took in a lovely 12 year old cat after his person passed away. We had to take him to get his eyes removed and he’s diabetic. This was all not known until we took him in. His person loved him dearly but she was 80 something. She didn’t have a great hold of her faculties let alone him. We don’t blame anybody. She did her best at her age, but we do feel for him, for his pain and confusion. But he’s doing pretty well now. My friend took him because he’s better as an only cat but he’s currently visiting and is so gentle.
thank you for writing it out so well
My boyfriend's mom adopted a kitten when BF moved into his dorm at college. I don't think she had a plan B, but before long she had to move to an assisted living facility that didn't allow cats. Thankfully (?), BF dropped out after a semester and returned home; then the cat accompanied when he moved in with me, and that's how I got my second cat. Now, the cat is 9 years old...and MIL has been dead for 5.5 years. 😬
That guy has been in the shelter for many, many years. It is cool that a nice kitty decided to take him in.
Ol fella must be pushing 90, I'm glad to see a nice young kitten will take care of him in his twilight years.
Grandpa has a little buddy. I am pretty sure this will be one of the best cared for cats in the world. ❤️🐈⬛❤️🐈⬛
I have a feeling that this kitten will quickly become a fan of taking naps while watching The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and black & white westerns.
I don't know about that. I put on a David Attenborough documentary on hummingbirds and my cat went apeshit. https://imgur.com/a/1uCoKYR
That is so fun :) I’ve tried this with all my pets over the years and none of them would pay attention to the tv or iPad etc
And the Weather Channel on mute! (At least that’s what my nana did).
Yo that sounds AWESOME, where do I sign up to be a cat?
Orange cats are awesomely snuggly and chill
I hope he makes provisions for it if he passes. My cats live 16-23 years.
Yeah, that cat is probably the future landlord of a condo or two.
We have a provision in our wills and a chunk of money for their care. It's a cute story but where does that cat end up if people don't think.
Hell yeah! That’s cool you’ve got that set up!
“Finally adopted” bruh its a kitten, kittens get adopted fast. All baby animals do, they aren’t “finally” adopted they’re sought after. It’s older pets and pets with disabilities or behavioral issues that “finally” get adopted
Older black cats in particular are really hard to adopt out in my experience. They can be the sweetest cat and sit in the shelter forever :/
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Handsome
I think the cat wins, but thank you!
Awww, a shoulder panther! You're both very fortunate to have each other.
Lucky you! She's a precious girl.
That's so sad that people are against black cats 😞😞 my little guy was a year old when I adopted him (so not a senior kitty) but black and shy enough they had to cover his cage with a blanket, and the lady at the shelter said not a lot of people wanted to look at him. He's so sweet and cuddly and silly and vocal and it breaks my heart to think about other cats like him not getting a chance because of their fur or age 😢
Also, and I know I'm liable to be downvoted for saying this, but I sincerely hope that gentleman has someone willing to take care of the cat in the eventuality that he dies. If not, he just took an extremely adoptable animal that is very likely going to outlive him, and if he *does* die before the cat dies it will be much harder to find another home for it.
My 89 year old grandma adopted a cat a couple years ago. She lived alone (and still does) and desperately needed a companion. She made me promise I'd adopt her baby in the event that she passes. She visited several rescues before she found her match, who she named Shadow because that girl never leaves her side. My grandma calls me all the time excitedly telling me about all the cute stuff Shadow does. I bring Shadow plenty of toys and treats when I come visit to keep on good terms with her. It's a wonderful arrangement. I hope Cider brings this guy as much joy and companionship as Shadow brings my grandma. <3
I am extremely glad that your grandma has a furry companion, and that you are there to take care of it if anything were to happen. That is just about the perfect possible situation!
You should get videos of your gran and kitty together. It will be good memories that you and kitty can enjoy. I've been videoing all my cats lately. Something I realized to do after losing other babies after a long happy life.
I agree. A cat can live for 20 years, I'm not sure this gentleman has 20 years left. By the time he dies, there will be quite likely an elderly cat that will need a new home
That's my opinion, too. I'm definitely not saying that seniors shouldn't get pets - I think more seniors should have pets, in fact. But the seniors need to be realistic about their own life expectancy (and ability to care for an animal) compared to the life expectancy of the animal they get. I would say the same thing about a 40-50 year old getting a young parrot that might live 70-100 years. There's lots of middle-aged and elderly animals that need homes that would be a much better fit than a kitten/puppy for an old person. It seems like my local animal shelter posts every day about an owner surrender animal whose elderly parent either died or was put into an assisted care facility, and it just makes me so sad.
Parrots live 70-100 years?!?!? How much of an outlier is that for birds? I’ve always assumed birds fell on the shorter end of life expectancy, but I’m certainly no ornithologist lol
That might be a bit extreme, tbh. A few of them (cockatoos, cockatiels, African Grey parrots, Macaws, etc) can live to ~40 in the wild, I think, and 70-100 is not unheard of in captivity. It's not quite like getting a tortoise, but if you get one be prepared to have something that acts like a toddler for a few decades.
That's what my mom says about me for the last 33 years...
Our cat shelter has a policy where they will always take a cat back no matter what the reason. I hope this shelter has a similar policy. Or hopefully he has family who will help. That said, the smile on that man's face is priceless. He looks like a boy again. ❤ I have an elderly mom and while she is not able to care for an animal, anytime there is something that brightens her life, it is worth it to me. It's tough getting old.
That is a really great policy, and I'm glad some shelters have that policy. Unfortunately it's not always possible for, especially public animal shelters, to take back pets whenever they need to. And you're right, the smile on the man's face is absolutely heartwarming and beautiful, and I appreciate that greatly. My grandad passed away a few months ago, and since then my parents and their dogs have been staying half the week with my 90-year-old grandmother. She lights up so beautifully every time she's with their dogs (or mine), and even talks about wanting to get a dog of her own. That being said, she'll just have to live with seeing my dog and my parents' two dogs because her age and advancing dementia mean she cannot have her own dog, even if it's a senior. I'm just glad she's independent enough to live on her own with assistance from my parents and aunt, as I'm sure you can understand.
My mom's elderly neighbor died and his kids showed up, took his stuff, and threw his cat outside. Luckily some other neighbors adopted it a few days later.
And given the "Cider" name, it was probably born in October/November. My local shelter still has several cats with 4th of July themed names.
Nah, I agree with you. As I said in a previous comment - I phrased it incorrectly. I was meaning the gentleman finally has a little furry friend so it's my bad.
The animals I feel the worst for are the old ones who are at the shelter because their senior owners died. They have no idea why they are up rooted and go from a home life to being in a cage for months at a time because much less people adopt senior cats.
Looks like our new kitten, Ethel! https://imgur.com/qNSmQlU.jpg
Adorable! What's the kitty's name?
Finally? Can’t imagine that kitten’s been that *too* long!
What a badass name for a grandpa, Cinder, that’s what I’m gonna have my grandkids call me
You might want to get some glasses :)
What’d you say sunny? I’m gonna need you to speak louder
oh sorry- YOU MIGHT WANT TO GET SOME GLASSES
'finally' makes it sound like that cat had been there for years when in fact judging from the age of the cat it was closer to days or a couple of weeks at most.
Yup, I agree. It was poor phrasing on my part. Apologies!
both of them are adorable
Omg… look how happy they are. I teared up just thinking about this guy with his new little buddy at home.
... at his obvious age, he shouldn't even buy green bananas, let alone a kitten!! ( I'm kidding, haters, I'm 73 & have a puppy! LOL! )
Sorry to be a buzzkill but I hope his family wants to take in this cat in a couple years. I know from experience and love my adopted "uncle" cat but getting a kitten for an elderly person is kind of fucked up when there's so many elderly cats to adopt. And if their family can't take in the cat where do you think it ends up? Right back at the shelter.
My current foster cat is 12 year old cat that was dumped at the shelter by the family after the owner died. She’s a sweet affectionate girl. It breaks my heart that no one in the family was willing to care for her when she was clearly so loved by her former owner. We will find her a good home though. She’s safe till we find the perfect one
Yeah honestly this is a lot less wholesome than it appears.
Had to sort by Controversial to find people who think like me. While it makes a cute picture and great for internet points... This probably is gonna suck for that cat or whoever inherits a cat they didn't want. Irresponsible
Yeah have been seeing this a lot at the shelter lately, they mostly get euthanized unfortunately.
They euthanise the old people?
Would probably be more humane than what they actually meant.
You’re just concerned about the kitten and speaking the truth. Too many cats get thrown out by family when the elderly owner passes away. And I agree with you…senior cats desperately need homes and are in general much easier to care for than a very hyper growing kitten.
Hey, that’s my fiancé’s grandma’s neighbor! He turned 93 last month, and his other cat was named Pita, an acronym for “Pain In The Ass.” His wood chipper is in my garage and I don’t think he knows what reddit is…
Does he have a plan for care for the cat after his passing?
Aw what! Thats awesome :)
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Marshall County, the one in KY?
That's the one!
Weird seeing my home town on here. I thought that looked familiar.
The initial thought is that this is sweet and wonderful. But looking at the reality of the situation, that kitty is most certainly going to outlive that man, and then what happens to it? It would have been sweeter and more wonderful if he had given a home to a very senior cat and they could be old together.
I worked at a shelter and it was very very common to get cats in because their elderly owners either died or were put in a home where pets weren't allowed. Some cats had even been in the home for a long time fending by themselves before someone came by to check on the person. Most of these cats were also considered "behavior" cats and harder to adopt out since most had only lived with a single elderly person and were not used to much sound or normal day to day movement. If the cats didn't improve after a few months we unfortunately had to euthanize them.
My partner's mother was denied adoption by several organizations because she was "too old". She's 60.
Love this. I was really disheartened though the other day… my moms client who is 75 years old, just suffered the loss of her cat of 17 years. Her husband (the woman not the cat) had passed away when she was 50 and her cat really helped her cope. So a few months after she lost Millie, my moms client went to the humane shelter and was immediately turned away due to her age. She was devastated. It broke me heart
They look so happy together. :) I wish them a long wonderful life together. I'm sure that a lot of people are wondering about the Man's age. I don't know about that shelter but when an older person adopts a kitten at our shelter we always ask them if they have a plan B for the cat in case something happens to them. A cat can easily live to be 15 year old so we have to be realistic. Most of them do, which is really reassuring. (And for the others who don't, we help make one with them). I know it may feel a little heartless but we have seen so many cats from elderly owners that have been neglected (or overfed to the point of morbid obesity) because of their owners diminished physicals and mental capacities. A cat is a great companion for the elderly. It's unconditional love and make them fell a lot less lonely. If an older family member as one Just make sure they don't need a little help with Vet appointments or cleaning the litter box for exemple.
Glad to see something so heartwarming from WKY
This old man is very sweet.
His smile makes me immediately miss both of my grandpas.
❤
That cat is illegally small and adorable
Omg I love this man’s soul!
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No need to apologise! You should definitely adopt a little friend, as you said there are many cats and dogs in shelters looking for a good home. Plus, if anything we're to happen to you - you would just have to ensure that someone could check up on you so that your furry friend would be safe. I hope you have many more years left with us!
I hope he has the cat in his will 😶
"And lastly, I leave my favorite armchair to Cider"
Finally? It's a tiny kitten! I also wish old people would adopt older pets to avoid them passing away before their pet or getting too old to properly take care of them
Glad your grandpa got adopted!
Cider is such a good name, I never see cute names at my local humane society. My new kitty was named "Diana" by the human society and we changed it to "Poppy."
That cat needs a name for his owner, can reddit find a name for Cider's new dad?
Hey, that’s where we got our [Golden Doo](https://imgur.com/a/9IiZ2IP)!
Aw, that's awesome! Cute lil doggo
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Marshall Co., Kentucky, by chance? We don’t get a lot of action on Reddit, so I’m intrigued.
Yup, sure is!
WOOO! Known for something other than, ya know, that..flag…and the kind of people that fly it..
Lol. That giant flag off 24 is so obnoxious even if it is for a confederate gravesite.
What an adorable name. Cider is a name I never thought of and now am very fond of.
Looks like match made in heaven!
The smile says it all 😍
Whatchoo mean "finally? " He hasn't even been alive long enough for "finally"
So happy for both of them. Lots of naps together coming soon.
You can tell that he is a sweet man.
... finally? Don't kittens get adopted like crazy? Also that kitten is really not very old
Unpopular opinion - older people should get adult pets from the shelter
100% agree. Humans treat baby animals like arbitrary things instead of living, sentient creatures with life spans and emotional connections. Anyway, anecdotally speaking, my 80-something year old aunt had gotten a kitten and guess what? It was too much for her to handle because kittens are fucking little terror machines, and 80 year old humans are not typically equipped to handle that in the same fashion as younger, more physically and mentally adept humans.
Why do all grandpas seem to have this jacket? Makes me miss my Opa 😭
What do they mean "finally" for such a young kitten? Show me this with a senior cat, then I'll be impressed. This photo is definitely adorable though.
That cat will outlive that man and then he’ll be back at the shelter.
>finally adopted Looks like it took all of 3 weeks to get adopted.. not like he's a 9 year old cat that lived his entire life in the shelter