"In Honey's Memory" is my way of reminding myself that every kitty that has been abandoned and has no home deserves to be loved and cared for in the same way that Honey was. That is my promise to every kitty that walks through the door of my shelter.
–Anna
Late May, Early June, 1999
Honey was a 12 week old orange tabby kitten. At this time in his life, he was more than ready for solid food. While his brothers and sisters would eat, Honey would runaround his mommy constantly wanting to nurse off of her. Mommy wanted nothing to do with Honey.
I spoke with my vet, Dr. Peters, who explained that "Honey could just be a kitten that wasn't meant to make it. Honey's mommy is shooing him away because there might be something else wrong with him." Dr. Peters suggested feeding him formula with a syringe every few hours so he could gain strength. So, I took over the mommy job. Every time I would walk into his room to feed all of them, or to give them attention, or to clean, Honey was in my arms. He would not stop meowing until I picked him up. He loved my attention, and I loved him. I didn't mind the multiple feedings all hours of the night. Then Honey got sick, and I took him to Dr. Peters and he explained, "Anna, you can try giving him these pills, but he's just so thin and his little body is just very tired of fighting."
Well, you know what? He was not going to die. I wasn't going to let him. I didn't care what it was going to take, but I was not going to give up. I continued the multiple feedings, and gave him his medicine. Honey got so used to the pills, that I wouldn't even have to open his mouth, he did it for me. But the feedings were getting worse. Half of the formula ended up on him. He would fight the entire time. He didn't want to eat, but he did want me to pet and hold him the entire time I was in the room.
I was asked by my boyfriend Tony to go away with him the next weekend – Friday June 4th to Sunday, June 6. He begged me to go and explained it was very important to him that I go. So, I spoke with my close friend Becky because I knew I could depend on her to take care of my kitties. I made plenty of food for Honey and left directions for his feeding times and medicine. I reluctantly left for the trip.
The next day, Saturday morning, I called Becky and she told me that everyone was doing great – even Honey! I was so happy to hear that Honey was doing well! I shared the news with Becky that my boyfriend Tony, had asked me to marry him.
We arrived home on Sunday around 6 p.m. and I ran into the house so fast and opened the door to Honey's room that I didn't notice a note taped to the door. I looked all around for Honey, he wasn't there. Tony walked into the room with the note in his hand and looked at me. I said, "What? What's wrong? Where's Honey?" He gave me the note. You see, Honey had passed away Sunday morning. Becky buried him next to one of her beloved pets and put flowers on his grave.
In the end, Honey simply got tired of fighting to live. I never got to say good-bye to him, I never got to hold him, or to hear his meow or feel his soft fur again.
"In Honey's Memory" is my way of reminding myself that every kitty that has been abandoned and has no home deserves to be loved and cared for in the same way that Honey was. That is my promise to every kitty that walks through the door of my kitty shelter.
Visit
We are open for personal appointments. If you are interested in adopting one of the kitties, volunteering, or giving a donation, please call Anna at 413-667-0049
Adoptions
Please note that nearly all of our kitties are indoor cats only. Call and schedule an appointment with Anna to meet the kitties and choose one that suits you. Then fill out an adoption application. It can be filled out at the shelter or taken home with you. Applications can also be mailed out. The adoption fee is $75 for a spayed female and $55 for a neutered male. ALL proceeds go to the shelter.
Donations
We gratefully accept donations of food, litter, laundry detergent, bleach, blankets, towels, cages, and monetary donations.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations given directly to the shelter are appreciated and help the kitties 100%. You can easily make a donation via PayPal by using the button below or by mailing a check made payable to In Honey's Memory Adult Cat Shelter and send it to the shelter at:
| In Honey's Memory Adult Cat Shelter P.O. Box 147 Huntington MA 01050 |
Please remember to give us your e-mail address if your donation is over $50 so we may contact you regarding your FREE Business Cards. We would also like your mailing address so that we may send you a thank you note.
Medical Donations
Help paying for medicines and vaccines is also needed, you may send monetary donations to:
Southwick Animal Hospital
c/o In Honey’s Memory Cat Shelter
498 College Highway
Southwick MA 01077
Please make checks payable to Southwick Animal Hospital with a note saying it’s for “In Honey’s Memory” Cat Shelter.