The Courageous Heart of Daisy the Cat
A Tale of Love and Loss
This story was written by Squeaky’s and BB’s Mum, who kindly sent it to Freddy. This story is written in American English.
Finding Forever Home
Years ago, a young couple visited the animal shelter and fell in love with a small tuxedo cat named Daisy. They brought her home to join their family of three, hoping to provide their new daughter with the same feline companionship the Mom had grown up with. Daisy was given plenty of food, toys, and the freedom to sleep wherever she liked. However, their happiness was short-lived when the Dad discovered he was allergic to her. Despite his protests, the Mom refused to return Daisy to the shelter, and instead, a cozy bed was made for her under the carport to call her own.
As the family grew to include two lovely boys, Daisy was thrilled to have playmates in the yard. They doted on her, lavishing her with strokes, treats and even sharing their meals. Eventually, the family outgrew their small home and decided to build a larger one. Daisy watched as all their belongings were packed up, wondering where she would end up.
But to her delight, her Mom scooped her up and brought her to a spacious new house with a huge garage.
Getting a New Brother
In her new home, Daisy was given a room in the garage, complete with a bed and plenty of toys. However, she soon discovered she wasn't alone - a curious tomcat named Murphy had been living there for some time. Despite initial hesitation, the two quickly became friends, exploring the surroundings and showing each other the best places to catch mice or find food.
Living in the garage had its perks - the family installed heating in the winter and a large fan to keep them cool in the summer. The children made it a habit to visit every morning and evening to provide fresh food and water for the cats. Although they lived in the garage, the door was always left open a few inches so they could come and go as they pleased. And on the coldest of nights, the door was closed to keep the warmth in, and a litter box appeared for their convenience.
Lost in the Woods
The family continued to grow, and they soon had a hundred chickens. Daisy was never interested in eating birds and became friends with them. Some days, she would go to the coop when the children were in school and sleep in the nesting hay while they were out rooting for worms and hugs.
One night, the family was awoken by a commotion in the yard. A pack of wild dogs had come in and were killing the chickens. Daisy tried to flee, but one of the dogs caught her by the tail. After a harrowing escape, the kitty was traumatized and wouldn't let anyone near her. She lost half of her beautiful tail, and it took her days to even come out from behind the wardrobe where she hid. Daisy lost 75 of her chicken friends that night and remained scared.
After she healed, Daisy's demeanor changed. Although she still went outside when the family was out there, she no longer explored the yard alone. She would always venture out when the kids were playing, or Mom would hang the laundry on the line. Still, as soon as everyone else retreated indoors, she would follow suit and head inside, too.
She particularly enjoyed greeting her beloved Granny when she arrived, bringing treats and scrumptious wet food.
Despite the family's additions of a few furry dogs, Daisy remained the queen of the house and made sure to give them a swat if they got too close. Over time, however, the dogs and Daisy developed a mutual understanding and became good friends.
But when the family decided to add a couple of pigs to their furry family members, Daisy hesitated to get too close. She observed the pigs from a safe distance as they quickly grew in size and made unfamiliar grunting noises.
Despite her reservations, Daisy remained a gentle soul. She purred at the slightest touch and greeted everyone with a friendly meow. Her presence brought joy and comfort to all who knew her, especially the children who had grown up with her by their side.
A Terrible Night
The family continued to grow, and they soon had a hundred chickens. Daisy was never interested in eating birds and became friends with them. Some days, she would go to the coop when the children were in school and sleep in the nesting hay while they were out rooting for worms and hugs.
One night, the family was awoken by a commotion in the yard. A pack of wild dogs had come in and were killing the chickens. Daisy tried to flee, but one of the dogs caught her by the tail. After a harrowing escape, the kitty was traumatized and wouldn't let anyone near her. She lost half of her beautiful tail, and it took her days to even come out from behind the wardrobe where she hid. Daisy lost 75 of her chicken friends that night and remained scared.
After she healed, Daisy's demeanor changed. Although she still went outside when the family was out there, she no longer explored the yard alone. She would always venture out when the kids were playing, or Mom would hang the laundry on the line. Still, as soon as everyone else retreated indoors, she would follow suit and head inside, too.
She particularly enjoyed greeting her beloved Granny when she arrived, bringing treats and scrumptious wet food.
Despite the family's additions of a few furry dogs, Daisy remained the queen of the house and made sure to give them a swat if they got too close. Over time, however, the dogs and Daisy developed a mutual understanding and became good friends.
But when the family decided to add a couple of pigs to their furry family members, Daisy hesitated to get too close. She observed the pigs from a safe distance as they quickly grew in size and made unfamiliar grunting noises.
Despite her reservations, Daisy remained a gentle soul. She purred at the slightest touch and greeted everyone with a friendly meow. Her presence brought joy and comfort to all who knew her, especially the children who had grown up with her by their side.
A Tragedy
Unfortunately, one day, tragedy struck. Daisy ventured out to relieve herself and encountered a snake lurking in the area. The serpent bit her hindquarters, causing her to drag herself to the garage with only her front paws. Her Mom discovered her there, unable to move her back half. The family rushed her to the vet, but the venom had already wreaked havoc in her system. Despite their best efforts, there was nothing they could do, and they were forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to let her go over the rainbow bridge.
The family mourned Daisy's loss and buried her under the shade of her favorite tree by the garage.
Daisy had always been resilient and brave despite facing many hardships. Her gentle spirit touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to bring comfort and joy to those who loved her.
Daisy's story reminds us that love and kindness can prevail even in the face of adversity. Let us take comfort in knowing that Daisy lived a life filled with love and that her legacy will continue to inspire us to approach life with courage, kindness, and an open heart.
Thank you, Squeaky’s and BB’s Mum, for telling us Daisy’s story!
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P.S. Exceptionally, this story is written in American English, as Daisy was American.
Sweet Daisy you certainly lived life to the full and brought such joy and happiness to your family. You gave them your heart and they gave you theirs. Your memory will live on forever ❤️❤️
Oh Daisy, you were so brave and beautiful. Have fun over the Rainbow Bridge my friend ❤️