It was a cold winter day. I was out running errands and decided to drop by the Humane Society to see what cats were available. You see, I have always loved animals and have a special place in my heart for those that are sick, injured, maimed or just in need of some extra help. I walked into the back area where the cats are housed and I was drawn to a young, extremely skinny tortishell. She had been injured and it was obvious the Humane Society had aided her by providing medical care. Immediately I knew this little one was going to be the newest addition to my four legged family. 

 

     After speaking with the staff, I was given the opportunity to adopt her and I transported her to my veterinarian for a thorough examination. She had been injured and one of her eyes had been removed and sewn shut. The other eye had a gray cloud over it which obviously limited her vision. When she walked it appeared she was almost tip toeing, or what I call “twinkle toeing” across the floor. I knew from the start she was going to be a special girl. I didn’t realize at that time she would touch my heart forever.

 

     “Twinkee” settled right in with the family. I knew she would eventually be completely blind so I started to take a paper towel, scrunch it up and throw it. With her listening for the “ball” to land, she would chase after it and retrieve bringing it back to me.

 

     For three years we shared a life with very little medical concerns but then one day things started to go haywire. Twinkee started to loose weight. Since she had neurological problems she had never gained much weight. Mealtime was just not high on her priority list. We tried countless options to try and stimulate her appetite. Unfortunately, we were loosing ground. Exploratory surgery was suggested and it was found she had hepaticlipidosis “fatty liver disease”. 

 

     I had a decision to make. To either insert a feeding tube or let her live the remaining days of her life as comfortable as possible. While I was contemplating this, a decision was already being made for Twinkee. I was hand feeding orphan kittens when I observed Twinkee pacing around the room some what confused. Suddenly she had a severe seizure. I immediately picked her up to comfort her and called my veterinarian.   I knew in my heart that our time shared was nearing the end. 

 

     With tears streaming down my face, I knew I could no longer be selfish. I held her in her blanket as she took her last breath. I remember the veterinarian saying to me, “Twinkee’s body just couldn’t keep up with her spirit”.   

 

     Twinkee touched my heart. Her spirit was so incredibly strong. To this day, I visit the Great Falls Animal Shelter looking for that one special friend who may be in need of extra help.

 

     I thank the Humane Society for going the extra step to help Twinkee when she was injured. By doing so, it allowed her to touch my life. If you are ever looking for your special friend, please stop first at the Great Falls Animal Shelter.  There are so many animals in need of your warm, caring protective arms. The animals are unable to say thank you but in their own special way they will repay you a million times over.

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