Sophie came to Talbot Humane on May 18, 2011- scuffy, aged (we estimated between 13 and 14 years) and rather persnickety.  She was brought to us because her owner had inherited her from a deceased family member, and Sophie was not adjusting to the other animals in the home.  Once she passed our initial medical exam and behavior test, our Animal Care Supervisor Dayniese  moved her into the adoption program.  Even though her sassy personality quickly grew on staff and volunteers, week after week, Sophie was passed by.  Visitors would comment on how beautiful she was, then would see her age.  You see, Sophie came at a horrible time for an old cat- kitten season.

Some time toward the end of the summer, Sophie moved from a hallway cage into my office, and quickly took over- she definitely wanted my job!  She lounged on my desk, rearranged my papers,  stole my paper clips and enjoyed snacking on my lunch on a regular basis.  She would escape my office and lounge on the front counter, or sun herself by the front door, giving us all a bit of sass when it was time for her to return to her suite.

Later in the year she began developing some medical issues.  Blood work and a trip to the vet revealed some issues we felt would not be fair to pass on to a new adopter.  We removed her from the adoption program, but, we made a commitment to keep her as an “office kitty” as long as we could maintain a quality of life with meds and care.

Last Friday when I arrived to work, it was clear something was not quite right.  More blood was drawn, and a sonogram was performed.  It was discovered she had intestinal lymphoma, a painful condition.  Yesterday she passed over the rainbow bridge.

Sophie’s story is not extraordinary.  She was one of the millions of animals entering U.S. shelters every year.  What is extraordinary is the affect one sassy, messy cat can have on your heart.  She resided in my office a little over 6 months, but when we learned of illness, it was as though she had been mine for years.  I am thankful to have known Sophie, and I can only hope she felt loved during her time with us at Talbot Humane.  I am certain of one thing, what these animals give us, is far more than we will ever be able to provide in return.

Until there are none, please, adopt one…

Patty Crankshaw-Quimby