Cody by Melinda Y. in Ohio, USA

I work for an underground construction company in the accounting department. One day I came back from lunch to find a box on top of my paperwork. Inside were two precious kittens, a male (Cody) and female (Tikkers). One of our crews was setting out an orange cone when a fur ball rolled out. They were only 4 weeks old and I was smitten right from the beginning. I had moved in with my parents to help care for them - Dad had emphysema and cancer and Mom had just had a heart attack and a 5 By-Pass surgery. They agreed to the little purring machines thinking they would be something "living and full of life" for me to come home to.

Little did we know the joy and love they would bring. Cody was a "Secret Agent Cat". His antics made us smile and he had an ability to detect our needs. He always made it his mission to care for us giving "Cody Kisses" or back rubs by kneading with his paws.

Cody seemed to understand that my Dad had trouble breathing so he would sit on the back of Dad's chair with a tail wrapped around touching his right shoulder and a paw touching the left. When Mom was diagnosed with cancer - Cody would always be "on duty" keeping watch with one paw tenderly touching her. During visits, the hospice nurse would explain to him, with a smile, that she was not hurting mom, only listening to her lungs. Cody would grunt one quick purr then sit at the end of the bed watching every move she made. This earned him the title of Cody Nightingale. He was so amazing.

I lost Dad, Mom, and my only brother to cancer. On the rough emotional nights, Cody would be there, sniffing the tears and gently touching my face with his paw.

This past July, on my birthday, Cody had a blood clot break loose, paralyze him and within hours take his life. My heart aches more than I could have imagined. To this day his sister Tikkers and adopted sister Misty won't lie in his favorite spot at the top of the climber.

I have to tell you I've screamed at God to GIVE HIM BACK! As deep as the ache is, I'm grateful to have known this precious four legged angel. It was a privilege and I am so very thankful to have been his human for 13 years.

It truly amazes me, the stories people send about their empathetic cats. People used to say that cats were independent and aloof - but these cats are very aware and involved with their people. Thank you, Melinda, for the amazing story of Cody. I hope your heart heals and finds peace.

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