Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A Love Letter to Truffles: One Year Together (w/Giveaway)



Dear Truffles,

Can you believe that we've been together a whole year? In ways it seems like I just brought you home yesterday, but on the other hand I already can't imagine life without you.

A year ago this morning I was so, so excited, but to be completely honest I had some doubts as well. Tara had only been gone for 6 weeks and I hadn't even begun to heal. I was just hoping and praying that you would help me to put the pieces of my shattered heart back together. Still, I had never adopted a cat so soon after the loss of another and I wondered if I was doing the right thing.

I remembered reading a post by one of my favorite cat bloggers, Caren at Cat Chat with Caren and Cody, where she talked about the devastation she experienced after losing her beloved Angel Bobo after 18 years together. A few weeks later Cody came into her life. I went searching for it again and the words she wrote were exactly what I needed to read that day.

My friends used to tell me whenever I felt guilt about having adopted another kitty so soon after Bobo passed, that I loved kitties so much that Bobo would want me to give other kitties that needed a home the same love and devotion that I had given him for 18 years.

He didn't "replace" Bobo, no cat ever could. But as my vet had said, "you aren't replacing Bobo, you are making NEW memories with another cat."


The greatest way I could honor Tara was to rescue another cat. She would have wanted someone else to have the love she left behind. Preferably another tortie. She strutted her tortitude with pride, just like you do!

Truffles, you were an awfully little girl to take on the big job you were given. You stepped up to the plate and performed flawlessly. Not a day goes by that you don't bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Nothing makes me happier than being your Mommy. Your love is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

Our story is only beginning. I look forward to many happy years together. I love you so, so very much.

Love you forever,
Mommy

**********************

As a thank you to all of the wonderful friends we have met through our blogging, Truffles and I are BOTH having a giveaway. Truffles is giving away a gift pack containing 2 packages of treats, a large ball with a smaller bell ball inside (shhh...she's getting one of these today too!), a container of Kong Naturals catnip, and a package of chocolate truffles for the humans :) I'm giving away a lot of 8 cozy mysteries and another small package of chocolate truffles.

To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below, and make sure in your comments to let me know if you prefer the cat items or the books, since I know that some of my book friends don't own a cat. (GASP!!!) There will be TWO winners, and this giveaway is international :)





a Rafflecopter giveaway

75 comments:

GLOGIRLY said...

What a beautiful post. What Caren wrote and what you've shared is absolutely right. What better way to honor Tara than to rescue another cat. Providing a loving home brings you both so much joy. xoxo

Happy Gotchaversary!!! Here's to many, many more!

love,
Glogirly, Katie & Waffles

We would love to win the kitty prize and share it with our shelter. : )

Angel Prancer Pie said...

Happy 1st Gotcha Day, Truffles!
What a sweet post!

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

<3 it! Happy Happy Gotcha Day! Golden Meows :-)

Lone Star Cats said...

Happy Gotcha Day!

I'd luv da kitty prize. Momma seemed interested in da books, but y'all are my friend, so I win.

Candace knight said...

Cute kitty. Thank you and truffles for a chance to win.

servedogmom said...

Gotcha Days are so special. Congratulations on Truffles 1st gotcha anniversary! As much as my daughter's love cats, I am highly allergic, so if IwS fortunate enough to win this give away drawing books would be most appreciated and enjoyed. Servedogmom@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing. I would like the books.

Michstjame said...

Thank you for sharing Truffles' Gotcha Day with us with such a lovely, moving post. She truly is a lucky kitty, and you are a lucky human to have found her.

I would love to win the books (there are so many--very generous of you!).

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

Beautiful post!

Happy Gotcha Day :)

Purrs xx
Athena and Marie

Denise Z. said...

Hope this isn't a double post - I have had many gotcha days myself, including my beloved Stella Beagle. I think you are right about honoring the departed rather than replacing him or her. P.S., I'll take the books if I win.

Ingrid King said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truflles! It sounds like Truffles knew you were ready to open your heart to another kitty, even though you weren't quite sure. You both are lucky that you found each other.

Donna A. said...

I'm glad that Truffles has brought joy to your heart.I wish you many more days of happiness with Truffles.I'll take the books if I win please.Thanks.

Golden Daily Scoop said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles!!! We hope you have a great day! Happy WW!

Linda Szymoniak said...

First of all, Happy Gotcha Day. My senior Treeing Walker Coonhound girl, Suki, has her 12th Gotcha Day coming up in just a few days. Oh, and my three cats told me I have to pick the cat items if I win. LOL!

Unknown said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles! What a beautiful letter...a wonderful gift for a wonderful friend. Happy WW
Oz

Unknown said...

Happy Gotcha Day Truffles !!! Sadly my furry friend is gone, and I haven't had the heart to replace her . I would love to win the cozy books tho ! kathambre@yahoo.com

Fur Everywhere said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles!! You have a very loving mommy and a great home.

We would like to enter to win the kitty package :)

Unknown said...

What a great story! Mom always says that the best money she ever spent was my adoption fee!! Awesome giveaway too!! Happy WW!

sandy l said...

What a lovely way to honor Tara and thank Truffles - Happy Gotcha Day!

Karen B said...

Happy Gotcha Day to both of you! I'd like to enter for the books.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I am COMPLETELY FLOORED that you included my words in this MOST SPECIAL post. I have tears in my eyes. I have them for you because I am so happy that you have experienced (and are experiencing) such joy with Truffles and I have tears that my words impacted you so deeply. THANK YOU. I am HONORED. When my vet said those same words to me, they were exactly what I needed to hear as well and I am glad that I could give the same gift to you!!! I was going to enter the give-away, and will, but if I win, please donate my cat prize to your favorite shelter, it wouldn't be right for me to win after you mentioned me if it is me who wins the items. HAPPY HAPPY GOTCHA DAY TO YOU BOTH....you are THE PURRFECT example of what a Kitty Mama should be and I am proud to have you as my friend. Cody and I send MUCH LOVE!! Here's to MANY HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER!!!

scaro said...

Happy1st Gotcha Day !!! I would love to enter for the books.. No cats but 2 Cairn Terriers plus my son moved back home with an American Bulldog and Heinz variety dog. Thanks for a chance to win.
Carol Smith. penelope223@yahoo.com

Sue F said...

The books

Viki said...

What a great story. Have no pets but would love the books.

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Gotcha Day, Truffles and Melissa! I would love either prize!


patucker54 at aol dot com

NoraA said...

Happy First Cativersary. I wish I could enter BOTH! My SIL just got a new cat 3months after losing her Jackie. I know she'd love the prize for her new tuxedo cat.

But I'm going to be greedy and enter for the books.

Random Felines said...

HAPPY Gotcha Day!!!! What a lovely post. :) Mom tells people in her rescue work that there is no timeline on grief - that sometimes you just have to know in your heart that you are ready. We are glad you found each other and know that Tara is happy as well.

as for the prize, mom is a book lover, but we are going to overrule and go for the TREATS! MOL

traveler said...

What a wonderful giveaway. So lovely. I would enjoy the books. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Kitties Blue said...

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY TRUFFLES! The kids say cat goodies purrlease! That year does seem to have zipped right on by. Most people probably think our mom adopts too quickly after one of us passes away, but she says that she has so much love to give and so many kitties need homes that she feels it important to make sure we have as many kitties as we can afford to support. Our dad has capped that at eight. Anyhow not a one of the past kitties is ever forgotten. She loves each and everyone for ever and ever! You were so smart to give Truffles the most loving and happy home even if only six weeks had passed since Tara left you. That made Tara so happy that another kitty would enjoy the love and life she had. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

ROCCO LOTEMPIO said...

ROCCO was so touched by your letter to Truffles! so now he wants me to write him one LOL. We would love to win either, but of course ROCCO prefers the cat one!

skkorman said...

Thanks so much for your generosity in sharing Truffles' Gotcha Day with us! I would love to have the books, please and thank you!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

The Diamond Dogs said...

Happy Gotcha Day Truffles-and that is a wonderful heartfelt letter to you from your Mommy.

CatInTheFridge said...

Happy gotcha day!!! You are so right - the adoption fee is the best money spent EVER. Unless you got your cat off the street, which is where I found my tortie, but she has expensive tastes so I'm still spending on her. I'm so glad you guys found each other. Truffles, you couldn't have a better, more loving Mom! You really lucked out. Hugs and love to you both! -Alana and Crepes.

Unknown said...

Happy gotcha day! :)

Sue said...

Happy Gotcha Day! What a wonderful post. It makes me remember how I promised to my Katie Beagle that I would get another lady beagle in her honor---and I did get the most wonderful little girl. If I win I'd like the books because my beagles would steal real cat toys--my cats play with dog toys.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

The Island Cats said...

What a sweet Gotcha Day post. Happy Gotcha Day, Truffle. We're so glad you and your mom found each other.

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

Entry for Becky Prazak

Unknown said...

I would prefer the books. I don't think my dog would be crazy about the cat items. Thanks.

Robin Coxon said...

Your year has been made richer by the adoption of Truffles. Although the cat box items look great, our boys wouldn't care one bit about them. I would prefer the books. Thanks for the chance and continued happiness with Truffles.

Mariodacat said...

Happy Gottcha Day Truffles. Yes money can by happiness when it's used for adoption fees. We agrees with you over here.

Unknown said...

Love cats, but we don't have one at this time, so would love to win the books , please. Ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com

brokenteepee said...

How wonderful for both you and Truffles. You are meant to be together. I've never been without more than one cat. Sometimes it makes it easier when one passes. Maybe Truffles needs a friend? hahahaha!

I would love to enter for the Farm cats. Thank you

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Truffles your Mom's heart is filled again with love. A heart you helped to heal from the brokenness that a devastating loss can bring. I too went through pangs of Guilt (???) for adopting Annabelle. Even though I knew she wasn't not replacing Abby (no one could) I still wondered if I was doing the right thing. You know what? We both did the right thing. Truffles and Annabelle have helped lift us both up when times got hard, to help us see and feel love again and find happiness. I am so glad you Truffles found you, you both deserve each other.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Oh we forgot if we were lucky enough to win we'd chose the kitty package!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Happy Gotcha Day! What a touching post!
Lily & Edward

Piranha Banana said...

Lovely, Lovely, lovely! Concatrulations on your gotcha day celebration. I tell people thinking that it is too soon, that at times, going to adopt another is a way of honoring your pet. You are saving a life, that could have otherwise been lost, had it remained longer in a shelter. And as such, with so much love to give, why not by saving that life and sharing it. All the best to you my friend - MEOWOOF!

Kuzlin said...

I would rather the books. My cat just went to the vet for her annual visit and he wants her on a diet!

Rachele Baker said...

What a wonderful and touching letter to Truffles! I would prefer winning the cat treats for my very large Maine Coon cat Chessie. Chessie voted for the cat treats too!

Unknown said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles. You look so much like my Shadow. But since she has past on I.ll have to go for the books. Thanks for the nice giveaway.

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY! May your day be filled with love & cuddles and treats & nip. Lots & LOTS of the nip, for sure.

Purrs,
Nissy #Niss4Senate - tell the PM, today.

Believe it or not, I'm goin' for the books. I figure if I win, Peep #1 will owe me BIG time. Plus, she has a birthday comin' up next month. Nice to think of your peeps at least once a year. purrs

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles! Sounds like mommy spoils you the way you should be spoiled. :D
I have to go with the books. The hubby is allergenic to cats. Otherwise, I would probably be know as the crazy cat lady.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! We hope you have at least thirty or forty more.

Anonymous said...

Happy Gotcha Day to both of you! I'm glad that Truffles adopted you. Such a sweet letter to her :) We absolutely need to honor our beloved pets that have gone OTRB by continuing to help other animals.

holdenj said...

That's so nice! I would prefer the books. Thanks!

Cathy Keisha said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles. What a pawsome Mommy you’ve got Truffles to write you such a beautiful letter and to love you so much. My peeps waited almost 5 months because TW had found out she was allergic to cats and didn’t know if she could handle her throat always feeling closed. She’s learned to deal with it and me too.

Cathy Keisha said...

Oh yeah, I’d like to enter for the kitty treats.

jnalpath said...

Happy gotcha day.

Unknown said...

Happy Gotcha Day Truffles! We agree totally with your mom, the best way to show your love for a lost pet is to rescue another one. I know mom misses her kitties a lot even though she has me, and hopefully some day she can rescue another one. Love Dolly

Marty the Manx said...

Happy Gotcha Day Truffles! You and your Mom are so lucky to have found each other! Hope you have had a wonderful day together!!!! We don't care what we enter for, book or cat.
Marty

meowmeowmans said...

Such a beautiful and loving post. Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles and Mommy!

We'd probably choose the cat stuff if we won, so we could share it with the PAWS cats. :)

katsrus said...

Happy Gotcha Day! I would like either prize. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sue B

Lisa Ks Book Reviews said...

Happy Gotcha Day to you both! And thank you for the giveaway!

bookwomen said...

Congrats and have a Happy Gotcha Day

bookwomen said...

Books, my cats are already spoiled.

Jenne said...

Congrats! :) I would love those books :)
Jenna

Anita Yancey said...

I would prefer to win the books, since I don't have a cat yet. Thanks for having te giveaway.

Kitty Cat Chronicles said...

What a beautiful post! You said everything perfectly. It warms my heart to know that Truffles has brought you so much love and comfort :) Happy Gotcha Day, Truffles!
We would love to win the kitty prize!

Anonymous said...

Happy Gotchaday Truffles, what a gweat posty!!! Meez wuld luv da kitty goodys ifin weez win. Suwe hope yous havin' da time of yous life!!! :)

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

Elisa and Abby said...

Happy 1st anniversary Truffles! Your mommy wrote a beautiful note to you. Your one lucky gal! Congrats again. We would love the books. <3
Elisa & Abby

jdown55 said...

books for me thanks for running the contest

cyn209 said...

Happy Gotcha Day!!!

I would like the books, please!!!
thank you!!!

Shelley P said...

Happy Gotcha Day Truffles!! And so nice of you to celebrate with a contest. I would love the cat prize pack.

Red Iza said...

What a beautiful love letter :) Truffles sure has found a happy home. After my old Nolwenn passed away and left me with a broken heart, we rescued 2 cats - they're part of our family !

kiki w said...

Happy 1 year. I would love the books.