Marshmallow was a very special cat. I adopted her during a time when I was experiencing unrelenting depression. I was in my mid-twenties and living with my mother. I convinced my mom to allow me to adopt a cat, and on June 15th, 2017, I adopted Marshmallow from Homeward Bound. She was a sweet, silky soft, gentle, and affectionate young cat.

Marshmallow was my best friend through an exciting year of transition. I got my first apartment where we had a balcony that Marshmallow loved soaking up the sun from under my supervision. She followed me absolutely everywhere, and did not like when I closed a door! She would slide her paw under the door and try to pull it open – often with success if the door was not locked! She enjoyed napping in open dresser drawers, on linen closet shelves, and any other warm, cozy place she could find. She also liked to climb up and perch on my shoulder. She was playful and I didn’t have much money at that time so I made most of her toys, but she was a happy and very loved kitty. She even became an excellent traveler and frequently went with me to my mom’s house for visits.

Sadly, she got sick and was diagnosed with heart failure in November 2018. Despite taking her to BEVS and starting her on a regiment of 5 medications, she only lived another month. As we were waiting for the vet in her last moments, I started to cry and she used her last bit of strength to get up off the table, sit on my hand, and nuzzle me. Marshmallow was a loving and selfless cat and I was lucky to have had her in my life, even if only for a short time. The unconditional love I received from her and the purpose that I felt in caring for her changed my life. I try to honor her memory by showing love to other animals, through volunteering at Homeward Bound and adopting senior/special needs cats.

Today (2024) she would be 8 years old if she were alive. I often wonder whether she and my current kitty would have liked each other. At this point I remember Marshmallow with love, gratitude and happiness for the memories that we did have together. I will always remember the way Marshmallow would gaze into my eyes at night as we fell asleep together. I still miss that.