OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/ more pics:)

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Rachel & Chyna (GA)

Member Since 2012
Hi Everyone! I've been trying to visit you all, but have been having the same issues as you all with loading pages and such. And it is hard to write posts sometimes, especially that first week after I let my girl go, everything made me bawl :cry: . Ok, so I still cry everyday, but not continuously. I'm crying as I write this. My Chyna leaving left a huge hole in my home, and heart. Thank you so much for the PMs and continued hugs and such. I've been reading a few grieving books, printed pictures and framed them, and I wrote 6 more pages of memories and thoughts of her just for myself, after I posted my tribute (here: Chyna Tribute )

Well, as some of you know, I've been visiting the SPCA the past week or so, to snuggle furbabies as I was missing my girl so much. I am still grieving, but I remembered something Carl wrote about kitties crawling all over him and it being healing, before he got Polly. So I figured I'd try it. The first time I did ok, then bawled all the way home. I went a few more times and did better. I've been thinking for a long time that "next time way in the future" I wanted to get two. I didn't think I would be ready for adoption anytime soon...but I think the catless lonely house for the first time in 11.5 years was amplifying the grief. And I know it seems so soon after my girl is gone, it's only been two and a half weeks and I hope no one thinks I love her less because of it. But when I looked at all those faces and knew I wanted two, and I had a house and love to give them, I just couldn't stand the thought of them staying in the shelter, when I could save them. So on Saturday, I made sure I had my house set up in case and mom came with me to meet some of the kitties there. I went with two "in mind" to consider while I looked around, and came home with two others :lol: .

Shira is a 1-3 year old female torti (yes, I said I didn't want another torti...but she is black and orange and white, where Chyna was brown mostly...and she stole my heart). She was found abandoned and pregnant in February, so was at the shelter just over two months. She grabbed at me the week before I adopted her when visiting in her cage for love. She kneaded her blanket in the carrier and purred all the way home. She is not shy and acts like she has always been here. She doesn't meow, she purr/chirps.

Ivy is a 4-5 year old female "tuxedo" black and white found as a pregnant stray in Sept, so had been at the shelter 7 months. She is shy but slowly getting better, she did cry on the drive home and was scared. I didn't like the shelter name of Ivana, so she is now Ivy:). She has a teensy meow and walks around looking for me meowing. I think she smells Chyna while she sniffs some places and is looking for her, too.

Both girls were in the "cat playroom" with around 10 or so other cats, so knew eachother. They are vaccinated (etc) fixed and microchipped and come with 6 weeks insurance which I will add to once I pick a plan and we get a free vet visit which I've scheduled for next week. They aren't "bonded" but sat next to each other fine. There have been some nose touches and licks, and sitting close in the same room, and lots of play chasing up and down the hall. They just spent the afternoon on the bed sleeping almost touching, and Shira now has one paw just barely on Ivys back. I think they will be friends :-D . They are still on icky dry food while I transition them, but I don't want too much upset their first few days. So I tried wet (1/4 can of FF for each in their own bowl) the first night. Ivy ate about half and Shira ignored her bowl for petting. Then when Ivy left, Shira ate the rest of Ivys fuds :roll: . I've given them a bit yesterday and today, and Shira has no issues eating it, and Ivy seems to like it but is a slower eater, so I may have to add a bit of water so it's easier for her to slurp to see if that helps...and watch Shira to keep her away from it, lol. Both girls purr when petted but don't really like to be held, although they like to be in the same room as me. Shira did come sleep on me on the couch for 10 minutes, and she has been sleeping around my feet on top of the covers at night. Ivy took over the computer chair that Chyna used to sleep in at night on the blanket I place there.

It both hurts to see them in Chynas places, and helps. I had to get new kitty beds and put Chynas away for now. They didn't take long to start to work their way into my heart and I hope they will soon love me much too as we learn each others personalities. I'm still terribly sad, but these girls are giving me some joy, and they are so good and so happy to be in a home. I hope that Chyna would be proud to know that I saved two others because of how much she taught me about and to love. I can only attach two pictures so here they are:





Much love to all of you and your furbabies :YMHUG:
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Oh, Rachel they're just beautiful!! So glad you were able to give them a wonderful home. I'm sure Chyna is smiling down on you with approval. I hope you all have many years together :thumbup
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

I am grinning like a fool reading your post!! Congratulations.

Remember -- EICD. Chyna will always have a very special place in your heart. You didn't adopt to find a replacement. You adopted because your heart is big and open enough to love two more kitties.
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Oh Rachel I am so very happy to read this :-D :-D Saving these kitties and giving them a 2nd chance is such a loving thing to do. I am certain that Chyna is smiling down on her mama. She knows how much love you have to give and she would have never wanted you to be empty. The heart is a magical thing that constantly generates new love and gives us the ability to give that love to others without taking any away from those gone before us. It is a new and different love depot :-D
Your girls are just beautiful! I am sending you such crazy big celebration hugs and scritches to Shira and Ivy :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Tears of joy here to read this post! :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D You have such a big heart Rachel - I'm glad you took two and that they had been around the shelter a while. :thumbup And Chyna is probably chortling at the Bridge that you got another tortie. :lol:

Scritches to Ivy and Shira from me and hugs to you. :YMHUG:
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Dear Rachel,
Rusty just came over to see the pics of Shira and Ivy and he approves :-D It is wonderful that you have opened up your heart and home to two kitties. What lucky kitties they are! Chyna is smiling down from the Bridge.

Hugs to you and lots of scritches to Shira and Ivy,

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

How wonderful. I'm so glad you're able to share you love with two new furbabies. They are so adorable. I know it is hard, but it does help to have other kitties around. I don't know what I would have done in the past if I didn't have a multi-kitty home when I've lost one. Thanks for sharing your great news with us. :YMHUG: :YMHUG: Keeping you in my prayers.
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)


Welcome to Shira and Ivy, what lucky kitties.
 

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Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Welcome, Shira and Ivy! :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D What lucky kitties you are and your bean is lucky too. Keep us posted!
Liz
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Oh I love this story! How wonderful... Congrats to all of you.
What a blessing you are to them.
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

I am still grieving, but I remembered something Carl wrote about kitties crawling all over him and it being healing, before he got Polly. So I figured I'd try it. The first time I did ok, then bawled all the way home. I went a few more times and did better. I've been thinking for a long time that "next time way in the future" I wanted to get two. I didn't think I would be ready for adoption anytime soon...but I think the catless lonely house for the first time in 11.5 years was amplifying the grief. And I know it seems so soon after my girl is gone, it's only been two and a half weeks and I hope no one thinks I love her less because of it. But when I looked at all those faces and knew I wanted two, and I had a house and love to give them, I just couldn't stand the thought of them staying in the shelter, when I could save them.

Rachel,
I wish I could express the feeling of joy your words just brought to me. Bless you. And your two "heart-healing kitties". :-D
Shira and Ivy,
Welcome Home!

Carl and Polly
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

{{{Rachel}}}:

I got all teary reading this, and for a different reason than your previous posts! :-D :-D :-D I'm so happy for the three of you. They are adorable, and I know you are going to be so happy together. Shira and Ivy are very lucky kitties to have a mamabean as kind and loving as you are, and also one as knowledgeable about kitty health - they have a leg up on kitties that go to other homes! Chyna taught you more than just how to love a kitty, but how to spot problems and deal with them, and these two will benefit tremendously from that. I know Chyna is purring at you from the bridge, so happy to see her mamabean have a reason to smile again.

Please don't be a stranger and let us know how your girls settle in.

Hugs and welcome vines!!! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon cat_pet_icon
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Oh Rachel,
Wonderful wonderful news!
I am so happy for you and Shira and Ivy!
:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

:-D :-D :-D ....oh, tears of joy here, too! Chyna knows she will always own a piece of your heart that no one else can ever touch, but she also knows you have tons of love to give and that there are other babies who just need you as much as you need them. I'm sure you know this...."Shira" means "song" (one of my business partners has a daughter named Shira). They are beautiful girls and I know they will fill your world with love while Chyna's love rains down on you. I am so looking forward to hearing all about them!!!
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

How Wonderful!

Looks like you rescued them and they will rescue you.
May they have many many years and no FD.....
:YMHUG:
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Rachel, I'm so happy for you!!! I'm sitting here all teary-eyed knowing how much you love Chyna and how much love you have to give to those two girls. Thank you for saving them from those cages. Chyna would be so proud! Give them scritches from me!!! Big hugs to you! :YMHUG:
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

I can only add how thrilled I am too that you opened your heart and home to these two very special kitties!

I know Chyna approves...and the fact that you had already "decided" on a different two cats, and came home with Shira and Ivy instead tells me Chyna whispered in your ear while you were looking at all the cats and said "these are the ones I sent to you mommy!"

Am just overjoyed at the news Rachel, and so happy for you! They are beautiful!!
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Rachel, I am thrilled for you. They are adorable. I did the same thing when I lost my first cat, Mandie. I also was going to get two different kittens and ended up with my beloved Tortie Tiffany who was about 5 1/2 months and Max. Chyna brought them to you because she knew you would always have kitties. Consider them a gift to you from her.
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

oh rachel. i'm just so happy for you. i went through the same thought process when punkin died - i made it 2.5 months before 2 kittens chose us from the shelter.

you can never replace the one that you loved so much, but there is room in your heart for the new little ones. and they make you smile and ease your grief.

Ivy and Shira scored when they adopted you! :-D
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Rachel, I am very happy for you and Shira and Ivy. I know Chyna is proud of you :YMHUG:
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Hi Rachel, CONGRATS on the new furkids! They are just beautiful. I know Chyna would be so proud. Enjoy the new additions to your household. I am so very happy for you!
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Rachel! YES! great job adopting two kitties!

I know your life will change with these girls by your side and your heart will grow even more! :-D
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

I'm so glad that you decided to rescue these two girls from the shelter. They're going to have such a great life now. I wish that all of my cats could be adopted in pairs. Despite what a lot of people say, cats are social creatures and most of them do like to have a friend of their own species to snuggle with. Thank you for opening up you home to them. cat_pet_icon
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

What great news! They have already found Chyna's places, that means that she approves and wants them there w/ you. No, you won't replace the love you lost w/ Chyna. Theses two will show you whole new paths of love to follow! Thank you for sharing your heart w/ these two sweethearts!
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Oh Rachel!

I'm so happy for the 3 of you!

It is really funny, as I too was looking at cats to adopt this morning. Unfortunately, I will be going out of town for a week in mid-May, so I thought I would wait until after then. I have visited all of the shelters in town several times since I set Ole free, mainly to give the strays some much deserved love. I knew the timing wasn't quite right, but now I feel like it is getting close.

You might remember, I decided to see if Fifi, my recluse, would like to live with Loki in the house. So far, she is doing wonderfully. They don't cuddle, but she no longer hisses at him. Fifi is almost 17, and I worry about stressing her out with another kitty. I did meet a cutie today named Toes (she resembles Ivy a bit), who is 10 years old, so perhaps she would be a good fit. Plus, an older often cat has difficulty in getting adopted. I would like another kitty to keep Loki and myself company. Ole was such a bombastic kitty, and we terribly miss his energy, everyday. Fifi is a reclusive old lady and Loki is a shy Siamese who seems a little lost without an impish leader to keep him in trouble, hahaha.

Ah, what a tangled feline web they weave. I am so happy for you. Your heart is so big, I'm happy to see that it is wide open and shared. Chyna has sent you signs of her approval because her heart is enormous too.

I hope for continued healing for you and your new adorable fur family, together.

All my best, sweetie,

Rebekah
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Rachel!!!! Congratulations on your new kiddos!!!
I am so very happy for you ~ my heart is BEAMING! ♥♥♥
Shira and Ivy are so beautiful. AND they are so lucky to have found you!!!
:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

What a beautiful post! You brought the sunshine to a rainy day!
Your love for Chyna is forever and sharing that love is her legacy. She is smiling.
Shira and Ivy are adorable!!!
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

I had to get a tissue!!! So happy you found two kitties to pour all your love into!! I know Chyna would be ECSTATIC that you've taken in this two beautiful girls!! You're such a good person, Rachel. Way to go!!
 
Re: OT-Hello from Rachel; I was adopted/pics:)

Thanks for all your visits and kind words, everyone! You're all so amazing. I’m sorry it’s taken so long for me to respond, between problems with the site and work I didn’t get it posted. I still have my emotional breakdown moments, and I think I’ve cried a bit at least once every day for my sweet Chyna and had a big blubberfest on the weekend. I can’t say it isn’t hard sometimes to see them in “her” places, but these girls are a blessing to have.

-Tara, thanks, I’m so glad others think Chyna would approve:)

-Sienne, I’m very happy that I could make you grin! Thanks for the affirmation, I know they aren’t replacing her. They never could, but they are sweet little girls in their own right.

-Kim, thanks, my heart has some new love spots to be filled for these girls, even though one of the spots is empty with loss. I’m glad you think Chyna is smiling at me:)

-Wendy, thank you, I always planned on getting from the shelter again, and I was glad to find two that I liked so much that had been there awhile. I love the image of Chyna chortling that I got another torti;)

-Ella, I’m glad Rusty approves! Thank you, I hope that they soon love me as much as I want to love them:)

-Carla, thanks for your words and prayers. It is hard, yet good, to have some sweet little faces waiting for me. And some fur to attempt to kiss, lol. They are gradually letting me smooch them for brief periods!

-Anne, Liz, and Zener (and Tillie!), thanks for the welcome to my girls, we are all lucky to be a new family! I’m glad they are so happy to have a home:)

-Kelly, thanks, it is wonderful. Not a home without a cat is a very true saying for me!

-Carl, I can’t tell you how many times I read your post both when you posted, and when I lost my girl and was wondering how long to wait to adopt, and what to do to heal. It stuck with me, and as hard as it was to go there I am glad I did so thanks:)

-Tricia, I’m glad I have some emotional friends that cry both for joy and happiness or from sadness for me, you are all a blessing and I’m so glad Chyna brought me the people on this board. She DID teach me much about kitties and health, too, and I hope I can put it to good use. Or maybe it will make me hover more than I should, lol. Thanks so much for the hugs and welcome vines!

-Mariko, thanks, I am happy to have so many special people to share this news with, and I appreciate the hugs!

-Amy, more tears that I appreciate. I did look up the meaning of the names and liked Shira. The meaning of Ivy is for a plant but somewhere I found it was for “gentle” too, and she is. I do have more love to give even with a broken heart:)

-Rhiannon, thanks, I think they do rescue me. I hope for many years and no FD, as well!

-Heatsweet, thank you, I think they are amazing too!

-Deborah, thanks for your kind words. I love that so many of you are crying with me, first from sorrow and now from joy. I hope my girl would be proud and I’m glad that at least two kitties are saved from the shelter.

-Chris, thanks so much. I’m so grateful for all of you! I hope that she sent them to me, that is a beautiful thought:)

-Elise, thanks for that thought that my girl brought me two new girls. I hope they will enjoy their new home, they seem to be!

-Julie, thanks. I thought about the long weeks and months stretching ahead of me and didn’t think I would survive the grief and lonely time at my house. They do make me smile, especially when they run around chasing each other like mini elephants tumbling around, lol.

-Dyana, I so appreciate your words that Chyna would be proud. Thanks for being happy for us!

-Michelle, thanks, I think they are pretty beautiful I appreciate the congrats and hope to be honoring my girls memory.

-Linda, it sure is different having two younger ones over one older one. It’s good that it’s different and new. Thanks:)

-Tina, I wish all kitties were adopted in pairs, too Thanks so much, I hope to provide a good life for them!

-Dian, you’re so right! I think I will always need to be owned by a cat or two;)

-Ann, thank you. You are right, I could never replace the love, just learn to love “new”. I am learning;)

-Rebekah, thanks. I know you know how this feels so recently. I hope that you are picked by some wonderful kitty soon, when you are done your vacation. Meantime, it’s nice that you are giving much needed love to the shelter kitties! I may just keep visiting there once in awhile to do so, too. But I don’t want any extra kitties to adopt me, lol.

-Josie, it’s so sweet your heart is beaming, I love the way you said this. Thanks for the congrats and support:)

-CD, thanks, I’m glad you see sunshine from me, and that you think Chyna is smiling! :)

-Patty, I am happy to be adopted. Even if it’s hard sometimes! Thanks for your tears of joy for me!

Both girls had their free vet visit on Monday and passed pretty well. Ivy had been scratching her ears since I got her, and she has an ear infection so lucky me, I get to give ear drops to her for a week and cleaning every second day for a week...to a kitty that is still getting to know me:O She’s so gentle and sweet, it makes me feel so awful but it needs to be treated! She also has some gingivitis but nothing the vet was worried about right now. Shira is ok, as far as they could tell. Dirty ears, but not infected. They are both eating the wet food even though dry is still out sometimes. Today I took it away for the day for the first time. At lunch time when I went home, I was told by Ivy that she was hungry. She is a grazer, so I hope she can learn to do mealtimes, as Shira waits for her to finish eating then goes to finish Ivys bowl after she eats hers...once the dry is gone all the time maybe she will be hungrier at those times. I hope so! They are both good girls who use the LB and such. Shira will play with anything, even the litter scoop when I’m scooping. Her and Ivy seem to be getting to be better friends. They aren’t always together, but playing has changed from just chasing to full on body playing. Nose touches and sometimes sleeping close to each other...I hope to catch them cuddling sleeping someday. Some mini baths have been initiated by Ivy. Shira does like to watch Ivy use the LB but so far Ivy doesn’t seem to care. Maybe she is teaching Shira good bathroom habits as she seems to be covering her poo better now than at first, lol.

I’ve had some PMs checking on me that asked for pictures and such, so I put some on picasa and hope you can see it this time:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1082024503 ... directlink

Sorry for the gigantic post! I will be visiting condos when I can to keep up on you all. Many hugs and good thoughts heading to all of you. Vines for all your furbabies and loved ones who need them too!
 
Great pictures!! :-D :-D I think they seem like good buddies, sleeping near each other and giving baths. I'm sure they are still working out their relationship. And how to spend their lottery money. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Liz
 
Hi Rachel, Your kitties are beautiful. They look like they love the new place. They were awfully lucky to get

you as their mom. I love all the pictures and the names: Shira and Ivy.
 
Awwwwww.....they look like they get along beautifully. Such pretty, pretty girls - and SO lucky to have you as their bean :-D !!!
 
I'm so glad the kitties are getting to be good friends. I hope Ivy's ear infection clears up quickly. Such cute pictures. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Hi Rachel! I am so glad that you have been able to open up your heart and give these two beautiful gals a home and bean of their own!! Chyna will always have that special place in your heart and that will never change.... When someone we love passes on, they always leave a hole in your heart. Shira and Ivy are here to help fill that hole up just a tiny bit so it's not so big.

Congratulations on your two new babies! I know Chyna is purring away to see you with a smile on your face and love in your heart.
 
Loved the pictures. They are settling in pretty well, I'd say and obviously get along well. It's only a matter of time until you catch them cuddling. I miss cuddling kitties, too. Minka and Kisa were the only ones that even came close, and the four I have now don't even like to share a room, much less a bed.

Thanks for sharing. Keep us posted on how you, and they are doing!
 
(((Rachel)))

My heart is full of joy for you. No one would ever ever ever think this diminishes your love for Chyna. To me, you are honoring her memory and her love by saving two lives. What an incredible tribute to her.

Shira and Ivy are gorgeous and they don't yet know what lucky, lucky girls they are. I hope each day, they will continue to bring you more smiles to offset the tears. Chyna will always and forever be in your heart but you have such an enormous one that there is room for these wonderful girls, too.

We wish them both long, healthy, happy lives and hope you will rent a condo often and post their pictures and updates.

:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
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