Happy Easter from the Love and Hope Family

A Tribute to Toezy

Our delightful Toezy left this world on Thursday and crossed over Rainbow Bridge. Toezy was adored and loved by everyone here at the Sanctuary. He was affectionately also known as “The Toe Man” and “Miracle Boy”. The seven toes on each of his paws inspired his name.

 

For me, he was and will always be my “Miracle Boy”. Seven years ago, he was brought to the Sanctuary, having been found by a young woman who worked here. He was about 8 weeks old, affectionate, playful, loving and delicious. He was healthy and energetic, full of life and curiosity. So when I took him to the vet, I was stunned when he tested positive for both FeLV and FIV. 

 

The Sanctuary was only one year old and we did not have a separate room for FeLV kitties. I had not given a great deal of thought to providing a place for FeLV kitties within the Sanctuary. We were very young and only the first building was completed. There was no special room for Toezy. 

 

I appropriated a very small room in the office area that could be isolated and this became Toezy’s home. He was full of life and wanted to play, so I contacted several vets in the area and let it be known that I was looking for a companion for him. Along came Payton, a beautiful orange girl about the same age as Toezy. They adored each other and for almost a year were inseparable. 

 

When they were about one year old, Payton became very sick and died. The FeLV curse had claimed its first victim here at the Sanctuary. Toezy was grieving and although we all played with and comforted him, it just wasn’t quite enough. I made the decision to offer a permanent home to as many of these FeLV kitties as we could, and a room was set aside in our new building just for them.

 

When news of this room reached the vets in the community,  Toezy quickly had many friends and playmates. He delighted in being the host who introduced newcomers and made sure that they settled in and were happy. He continued as the Master of Ceremonies for seven wonderful years. 

 

If were not for Toezy, this room might not have come into existence when it did. Caring for FeLV kittens and cats might not have become one of the most rewarding things that we do. For all of us it also is one that too often brings sadness and loss and tears. Almost all the kittens fulfill the prediction; fifty percent die by the age of one year and eighty percent by the age of two. 

 

But there must be an exception to every rule, and that was my Toezy. He lived for seven joyful and playful years. He loved and was deeply loved by all.

 

I have no doubt that the universe sent Toezy to me as a guide and inspiration in the decision to care for and include FeLV kitties in our Sanctuary. His spirit will never leave Love and Hope. We all will carry “The Toe Man” in our hearts. His living for seven years is indeed a miracle but because of the legacy he helped create, all of our FeLV kitties have had a chance to live and play and bask in the sun because of him; this is the true miracle. 

 

WELL DONE! Life well lived my precious Miracle Boy!