How Fluffy Helped Us

Sam's version

I work from home the majority of the time and I loved having Fluffy as a co-worker. She could read my mood throughout the workday and when things got too stressful she would just look at me and I could feel the the tension and anxiety melt away. She often slept near my desk and during very trying times I knew I could always lie beside her and give her some pets in order to help me get my mind back to a good place and where it needed to be. I would look for her throughout the day and often found her jelly belly without a care in the world or in some crazy position on the bed and I wondered how cats could defy the laws of physics. She would always give me a gentle reminder around 4 o'clock that while it was not quitting time, it was time for her to eat. That would allow me to take a break and to take care of my valued co-worker.

After hours Fluffy helped me as well. She could bring a smile to my face and a laugh to my lips like no other. She would love to stand outside the bathroom and startle me when I opened the door. While it gave me a scare at first it always ended with me laughing. She would also try and get me at other times as well like when I would walk through the living room and she would hide behind a chair and come bolting out at the last minute. There were times when she would get what we called the "zoomies" and just run like a possessed person throughout the house. Lastly, I loved when Fluffy would jump on the bed with us a night and lay on my legs. Having her so close to us helped us feel even more connected to her and solidified us as a family.

Michele's version

When we first met Fluffy I was a bit unsure about taking in a stray cat. I worried that she might have fleas and/or ticks and that they would get inside the house and cause problems. I worried what she would do or how she would act once inside the house; would she damage something. What I learned by taking a chance on helping another living being is that the love you receive and the joy you get from taking care of another living thing gives you far more than you could imagine and the reward is far greater than any potential cost. Fluffy taught me to lead with my heart and to take more chances. She taught me to get outside of my own head and to enjoy the quiet moments that we spent together, usually early in the morning when it was just her and I. I loved to get up early on weekend mornings, brew my coffee, and just sit with her, petting her. The sense of calm that I got from being next to her is like nothing I have ever experienced. She was also extremely funny, and I love to laugh. I loved watching her play with her toys or run around outside chasing bugs. Although Fluffy was considered an adult cat when she rescued us, she would often play like a kitten. She taught me that you are only as old as you feel and you are never to old to play and enjoy life.