A Ghost Story – October Sanctuary Update

It probably won’t be a surprise to anyone that I’m a big fan of all things creepy. So, of course, October is my favorite month. In honor of this spookiest of months, I wanted to spend this update talking about ghosts. Not the types of ghosts that lurk in dark closets, shriek in the night, or move around furniture, but the ghosts formed by our memories of those we’ve cared about who are no longer with us. The presences that hang with us and affect us forever. Caring for dogs and cats as we do, with their unfortunately short life spans, means there are lots of the best kinds of ghosts haunting the sanctuary.

As we all know, the cat team here at the sanctuary has experienced more than their fair share of loss over the years. From the early days of Timmy and Bonnie, up through the years of cats like Vivian and Cheetah, to Clem, our most recent loss, many cats have gotten a chance to know a loving and peaceful end that they would not have gotten to experience if not for the sanctuary. Their memories are a constant presence in these halls and a reminder of why we do what we do. In addition to the cats who have passed on while living here, the cats who were adopted from here, to live out their days with a home and family, like Jojo, still live in our hearts as well. Once a cat enters these doors, they are forever an OC cat!

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The dog team at the sanctuary has been fortunate to have never had to experience the passing of one of our residents. However, just as with the cats, when we hear of dogs who have been a part of our lives here, and have lived out their final days in a home we found for them, it resonates so deeply with us. Dogs like Lucas, Sarah, Bud, and most recently, Atlas, hold a place in our memories forever. Even when they caused us challenges and trials, we always knew that their destiny was a comfy home with a loving family.

The spirits of these dogs and cats linger here, reminding us of the good we have done in the past, supporting our difficult decisions now, and encouraging us on toward our future challenges. At the Our Companions Sanctuary, we are haunted in the best possible way.

October saw some more adoption action for the dog team. Our big goofus, Dodger, made his way home with one of our tuck in volunteers. That made room for the arrival of Machiatta, an adorable little Chihuahua mix.

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On the cat side, crazy kittens Sugar and Cinnamon found their forever home, as did Reeses, one of our very “sweet” Tortis. Arriving in our care for the cat team in October were the magical duo of Neville and Draco.

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Thank you all so much for whatever way you support us and our mission. We couldn’t do it without you.