The bond between human and animal can be at least as strong as the one between two people, as anyone who has ever had an animal knows. The same was true for Jill Layton Hartman’s grandmother. Her grandmother, whose name was Dorothy, had a very strong bond with her cat, Gabby. The way Jill’s grandmother and cat hung out together and the love they showed each other was something that inspired Jill when she raised her own puppy, Riley. But as it always happens in life, there comes a day when it’s time to leave this earth. And when that day came for Dorothy’s cat, it was followed by something happened that brought tears to my eyes.
When cat Gabby was two-years-old, she was adopted by Jill’s grandmother and grandfather and instantly at home in their company. Unfortunately, though, Jill’s grandfather died shortly thereafter, and Dorothy and Gabby were forced to move.
“Not able to keep up with a big house on their own, Grandma and Gabby moved into an apartment complex for seniors, where help was offered if they needed it, but still allowed for independence,” Jill tells The Dodo.
In the years that followed, Gabby and Dorothy developed a close bond as they grew older together.
“Until the very end, Gabby spent her days hanging out with Grandma and her nights walking on Grandma’s head while she tried to sleep,” says Jill.
But slowly, the inevitable crept ever closer. Both Gabby and Dorothy grew older and age began to take its toll.
“Eventually, Gabby would keep to herself for most of the day, and she wasn’t interacting much with Grandma. Grandma wasn’t able to eat much anymore, and had dropped too much weight. They were both nearing the end, and Gabby was ready,” writes Jill.
Finally, Gabby became so thin and withdrawn that Dorothy took her to the vet. Then, she and the vet made the decision that the best thing for Gabby was to put her to sleep.
“Grandma held Gabby and comforted her as she closed her eyes for the last time. Grandma lost her best friend and, perhaps, her soul mate. After Gabby was gone, Grandma went home and took a nap on the couch. She never woke up.“
Just hours after Gabby had left this earth, her best friend, Dorothy, joined her on the other side.
Jill Layton-Hartmans (Instagram)
“Maybe it was just her time and a strange coincidence, maybe she died of a broken heart or maybe their souls couldn’t be separated. They are buried together, and I’m certain their bond is still just as strong as it was when they were two little old ladies loving life and each other,” granddaughter Jill wrote on The Dodo.
I must admit that this was one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time. I hope and believe that Dorothy and Gabby are enjoying each other’s company on the other side and that Gabby is safe in Dorothy’s arms.
Read Jill’s moving piece here.
Please share Grandma Dorothy and her cat Gabby’s beautiful and moving story. May their souls live on.
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