Milton, Forever in Our Hearts | A #WobblyWednesday Tribute & Commentathon
One year ago, we opened up our hearts and home to a very special kitty named Milton. He was a handicat extraordinaire, if there ever was one. Weighing in at half a pound at nine weeks of age, he had several congenital issues going on. At first glance, you might see a tiny little kitten with barely even one eye, a head that had a mouse or possum-like shape to it, and no tail. At a deeper glance, there was so much more.
Milton was one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever encountered. He wanted nothing more than to cuddle and snuggle all day long. For the almost six days that he was with us, he slept every night on my chest or on my pillow in the crook of my neck. His physical handicaps never bothered or impeded him. He was just a brave and sweet soul who wanted a chance at life.
We adopted Milton on July 10, 2016 and by the morning of July 15th, he was gone. Though I knew going into it that we probably wouldn’t have very long with him, nothing could have prepared me for the heartache of losing him after just barely six days. In that short time, Milton had left his mark on my heart.
It still hurts to think about the loss of Milton, but I will forever be grateful for that week I had with him. I was able to give him a home and an endless amount of love. In return, I got to be on the receiving end of his love.
Milton will forever hold a special place in my heart. He will also forever be in his eternal resting place in our back yard. We planted a white flowering dogwood tree over the spot where we buried him. Shortly after planting it, it bloomed. I look forward to watching the tree grow and blossom for years to come – a constant reminder of my sweet Milton.
I also now have Radagast – another handicat extraordinaire who warmed his way into our hearts and home just a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think the timing of Raddy’s appearance is a coincidence. In fact, I’d like to think that Milton sent him our way.
Dear Milton,
Thank you for sending Radagast to us. I promise to give him the life and love that you deserved. Though I know Raddy doesn’t have the same issues that you had and isn’t going anywhere, I realize I have been guarded with him because of the heartbreak I experienced after losing you. I promise to break down the walls and open my whole heart to him, like I did to you. He has already been a blessing to us and has accomplished so much, despite his physical limitations. I can only imagine what he will accomplish as time goes on. I also promise to honor your memory by continuing to raise awareness and advocate for special-needs animals everywhere, and to help others realize that kitties like you (and Sophie and Raddy) deserve the same love and life that any other cat deserves.
I’ll love you always.
Love,
Mom
Celebrate Milton’s Life with Us This #WobblyWednesday
In Milton’s memory, and in honor of special-needs animals everywhere, I ask and encourage you to celebrate #WobblyWednesday with us today by sharing on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/anywhere a story, post, or video about a handicat or other special-needs animal that has touched your heart. There are so many of them out there. And if you are able, please consider adopting a special-needs animal. I can guarantee that they will change your life for the better.
We are also holding a comment-athon from now until Wednesday, July 19th, 2017. For every comment on this post made between now and then, we will donate $1.00 (up to $50) to Circle of Friends Animal Society, the rescue we adopted Milton, Radagast, Sophie, Delilah, Sampson, and Kylo Ren from.
Thank you always for your support.
MrJackFreckles/Pipo/Angel-Minko/ says
What a sweetie was Milton. And I am so glad he knew only love for that way too short time.
Raddy is a looker too, and I am happy that he found his dwelling with you, to get lots of the love that will guide him to be the kitty he was meant to be.
So many kitties with issues…hope they all find loving and nurturing homes.
Summer says
I remember Milton – sometimes a kitty is so special that even a few days with him can change your life forever.
Karen says
Milton sounds like a small but mighty soul. Although he’s not here physically, sounds like he continues to leave his mark from the other side. Thank you for sharing the story of this special boy, and Milton, continue leaving your paw prints in the world, it’s a little better for it!
Sherry Odum says
“RIP Sweet Milton.”
Emily,
You are a true gem!!!
Thank you for sharing your plethora of love with all of the special critters in your home, including Lucy. Thank you for for sharing your heart with me from the beginning and for years to come. You, my sweet girl, are a gift! I am so grateful for having you in my life! I love you. Be safe. And to Radagast, Welcome Raddy! Finally, another redhead in the family! You found the “pot of gold”. Looking forward to meeting you kiddo!?
Melissa & Mudpie says
I remember Milton. He stole my heart too even though I never met him. The day you posted that you’d lost him I was at a doctor’s appointment with my dad and I just started crying right there. I have no doubt that Milton sent Radagast to you.
The Swiss Cats says
We remember the tiny Milton, no doubt he sent the sweet Radagast to you. Thank you for sharing his story again, and remember us how much we can do in a very short time for special kitties. Purrs
Random Felines says
what a sweet tribute…and we are so touched that you were able to open your hearts to Milton knowing that may be heartbreaking and then open them again for Radagast.
Eastside Cats says
Rest In Peace, Angel Milton.
What a beautiful post.
I could just fall into the pools of Radagast’s eyes!
da tabbies o trout towne says
Milton; ewe left a mark that can never bee erazed ~~~~~~~ we sendz lovez yur way… N ta mom N dad two, we noe thiz iz knot an eazee day for either oh them ~~ ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Tamago says
I remember Milton with broken heart and also with gratitude for the time he got to spend with you, loved dearly in his own forever home. The dogwood tree is beautiful. I hope it will grow big and blossom every year. I like to think that Milton sent you Radagast, too. Sending hugs to you remembering your precious angel.
CJ Bauman says
Thank you Milton for shining a light on the “special” babies that bring so much light and love to our lives.
Alicia Wilson says
Milton sounds like an amazing kitten, thank you for taking him in! I foster with Circle of Friends Animal Society and they do some pretty neat stuff to saves the ones left behind!
ellen beck says
Little Milton left pawprints on our heart. Sometimes short termers give the most and teach us our biggest lessons. It allows our heart to grow although we grieve.
Madi and Mom says
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh so sweet and one thing I know for certain you gave Milton more love in 6 days than he would ever have gotten if you had not welcomed him into your home. The dog wood is beautiful and carries on giving you joy.
Hugs madi and mom
Sam and Teddy says
Emily you and your husband have such huge hearts and I remember when you gave Milton a chance to know absolute TRUE LOVE even knowing he would not be with you long. That’s such a selfless and brave thing to do and Milton DID know love – the greatest gift. Radagast is absolutely ADORABLE……will be anxious to hear more about him. In the meantime, know that Milton left his little paw prints on ALL of our hearts…………….
Hugs, Pam and Teddy too
Karen Lucas says
Oh, Emily, its hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since he left us. Such a brave loving kitty and so lucky to have found you even though it was such a short time. We loved him then and love him still.
Brian Frum says
We loved your tribute to dear Milton and we hate he couldn’t stay long. Milton touched so many hearts in such a short time.
caren gittleman says
Sending purrs of comfort as you remember sweet Milton (((hugs))))
Karen McKinley Smith says
What a heartwarming story about Milton, I cried, so touching.
We have a blind cat, his name is Buggie. If you were to see him you would not know that he is blind. We love him so very much.
Ellen Pilch says
Such a beautiful post, you made me cry. I am sorry you had such a short time with you, but that time was filled with love. XO
Kitties Blue says
Emily, this was such a special post. It hurts my heart to read about and remember tiny Milton. I am positive he sent Raddy, just as I am positive that Fiona sent Cooper. What a gorgeous portrait of Raddy. Such a handsome young man. You are a blessing to your handicats and to all of us who call you friend. Love and hugs, Janet
Astrid sends Sampy a bajillion kisses and love to last a lifetime. ?
The Island Cats says
What a special way to honor and remember sweet Milton. Even though he wasn’t with you long, you can sense how much a part of your life he had become. Sending you purrs this day….
Mary McNeil says
Shared. Thank you for reminding us of Milton. Purrs to Raddy, Sophie, and all of your crew !
Lily Belle & Waylon says
Sweet Milton, thanks for shining your light on this world. How wonderful of you to send Raddy into your family’s hearts.
Lola The Rescued Cat says
What a beautiful post for Milton. We had to hand Mommy a tissue. Kitties leave pawprints on hearts no matter how short a time they spend with people. Milton was lucky to have you as a family.
As the World Purrs says
What a great tribute to Milton. You were very lucky to have that little guy love you even if only for a short time.
Beth Patterson says
It is amazing how sometimes you don’t need much time with another being to love them forever. I am glad that you are opening your heart up to Raddy. Sometimes love hurts, but it also heals!
Fur Everywhere says
Oh Emily……I couldn’t read your whole letter to Milton because I’m sitting here near tears for you. I can relate to your pain. It takes a very special kitty mama to take in a terminally ill kitty, and I thank you for giving Milton the love he deserved for the short time you had with him. You are such a wonderful kitty mom. He was very lucky to have you. And your new baby, Randy, is adorable!! I know Milton is watching over you from above, and I’m sure he had a hand in picking a new companion for you. <3
ATCAD- Scylla,Chimera,Yin,Yang, Fenris & Tuiren says
We are so sorry you didn’t have more time with Milton. We hope that Raddy can make the pain of losing him a little less and we know Raddy will create his own special place in your heart.
Louise Roseberry says
What a beautiful story of a tiny precious little kitten, heaven sent to you for a purpose. A sweet helpless kitten needed you. and you were there. And you were there in a big big way. So thankful he was tenderly loved and cared for, and in return, this little fella gave everything he had back to you. Incredible. This just pulls at my heart strings! Bless you for caring and giving so much of yourself to God’s little creatures. You are an angel.
Edie Chase says
Milton sounded like a very special kitty. I shared this post.