Embracing Endurance
She was homeless.
Her children snatched to foster care.
She birthed triplets just to have them perish.
The friend she turned to for comfort died.
She helplessly watched as her beloved mate breathed his last.
All within a year.
This is her story.
21st of February, 2021
Even though we were not officially moving in until March, our kind landlord allowed us to move our belongings in. Several barn cats scattered from the front porch, but a pair soon returned to reclaim their sunny spot.
Most of the barn cats acted quite feral and stopped hanging around the now-occupied house, but not these two. Ella named them, against Farmer’s advice.
Coby readily warmed up to us and became Ella’s beloved companion, loyally following her around the yard. We only caught glimpses of Goldie ducking under our porch or roaming about with Coby when no humans were outdoors.
June 21, 2021
Goldie decided my car was the purrfect place to store her three kittens whilst she went out hunting. After several close calls involving kittens in my engine, we brought in the two we removed from my car’s innards.
Goldie must have previously removed the other kitten, who we had noted was much smaller and rather feeble. I felt rather guilty taken her young, and was concerned about the final kitten. But when I found Goldie relaxing by the barn the kitten was nowhere in sight. Perhaps she had found a new location for it.
I gently spoke to her, hoping she somehow understood that I was taking good care of her daughters and thought she was a great mother. I also pleaded with her to keep away from our automobiles.
July 30, 2021
Ella found that last kitten.
Her eyes required many vet visits, and she is still very tiny (obvious she was the runt), but she fits right in with her sisters. The vet stated Goldie most likely weened her, as they were around 10 to 12 weeks old.
August 23, 2021
Ella hugged Coby goodbye as we began another school year. He had been quite ill, and we found out from the vet he has FIV. He recovered nicely after a round of strong antibiotics but it sealed his fate as an outdoor cat. The risk of him spreading it to our indoor cats was too concerning.
October 3, 2021
I located the sound of loud purring. A blissful Goldie nursed a new batch of kittens behind our air conditioner.
I was a bit concerned because autumn’s chill was no doubt not long off, but they seemed happy and healthy. We left plenty of food and fresh water out on our porch, and soon Goldie was as friendly as Coby.
We loved spending time with the family. The kittens were so healthy, and both Coby and Goldie ever watchful. Soon Goldie started letting them follow her out into the farmer’s fields to hunt.
November 7, 2021
Everything was great, until it suddenly wasn’t. I found Reba unable to stand in the middle of our yard. I brought her in. Tried to give her kitten formula. Laid her limp body on a warm pack. Nothing worked. She was dead within hours. We were crushed.
The next day we found Stripes and Mint looking the same way. Goldie watched as I brought them inside. I promised her I’d do my best to help them. They died within minutes of each other just hours later.
I tearfully showed Goldie her lifeless babes. Her eyes met mine, but I do not think she understood. Days after we buried the three she still wandered about, mournfully calling for her babies.
Later on I talked to our vet about what might have been the cause. She thought perhaps a genetic flaw, since they all died within days. I thought perhaps a more likely cause was mouse poison, which is all over the barn. Our landlord claims the cats know not to ingest it, but who knows if playful kittens might have?
November 15, 2021
Goldie had taken quite a fondness to our elderly dog, Bubba.
Whenever I trudged through the snow holding Bubba’s leash, she appeared from under the porch. She rubbed up against him, purring loudly. He lowered his head and wagged his tail, as if greeting royalty. It was quite the sight. I truly regret not ever captured any photos of the two friends. At the time my main concern was wishing he would hurry up and do his doggie duty so I could get out of the cold. I figured I’d get some cute shots in the spring.
December 15, 2021
One cold night Goldie jumped right into my arms, shivering. Bubba and I shared a look.
Coby and Goldie spent several frigid days inside our warm home, quarantined to a bedroom. Both seemed very appreciative.
January 31, 2022
The best-friends photo shoot was never to be. Bubba passed away in Corbin’s arms after a massive seizure.
March 2022
Goldie often meowed at our door, as if waiting for her friend. She took Coby’s lead in finally accepting us as harmless helpers. They became constants on our deck, which always had a steady supply of cat food and fresh water.
Coby developed an ugly leg sore, which I treated with topical antibiotics and bandages. Unfortunately it worsened until he was too weak to walk properly. In Mid-March the weather grew chilly so we brought the two inside, mostly so I could keep trying to treat his festering wound.
Part II: Reciprocating Rewards of Resilience
We were emotionally numb. My heart ached for Goldie. She was back to living on our porch. I wrapped a blanket around her, but it felt shallow. What did she have left for outside? I opened the door, an offer to become a permanent member of our household.
Would she accept?
She cautiously walked in. Mya was sunbathing on the couch. Goldie jumped up and hugged her. Thankfully I had my camera ready.
Her meeting with Silver was much more reserved. Goldie seemed to humbly beg for her daughter’s forgiveness. Silver graciously accepted.
The other cats treated Goldie like the matriarch she was. Unfortunately, after we brought her to the vet for a thorough checkup and spaying she drastically changed. For months she would rarely leave the safety of underneath the couch when humans were around.
We gave her time and space. I saw the mirror of my own journey of refinding myself in her wide green eyes. In a way I knew her tortured pain. I think many of us do.
August 2, 2023
It took well over a year, but Goldie is mostly back to herself. She has formed a strong bond with our mellow male cat Meeko, and is often the first feline to come running when the cat treats are brought out.
Her ability to not just endure but to dare to enjoy life and love again is a testament to her resilience. Our household loves her dearly.
Life can get dark and depressing, There may appear to be no end to the pain. But if we just hold on and endure, our resilience will light the way to better days.
Goldie is a testament to that.
