20 September, 2019

Farewell, Grandpa Mason


Grandpa Mason’s Story
"In October 2016 we trapped an injured feral cat named Mason.  

A surprise diagnosis of advanced terminal kidney disease meant we couldn’t return this fierce warrior to his home in the wild due to daily medical and feeding regimens with a special diet.

Mason’s many scars told us how hard he had fought to survive this long.  So, instead of euthanasia, we felt Mason deserved a chance to experience comfort and freedom from pain in his sunset months.  We didn’t know if he could accept life in captivity, but we needed to try.  

Mason adjusted better than we were expecting, although he doesn’t want Humans to touch him.  That was the best we thought it could get for him, and he seemed quite content.  

What happened next shocked us.
He met some rescue kittens one day, and his life suddenly was complete.  He had a purpose again, and every day since he met his first litter, we have seen a carefree kittenhood emerge that he clearly never had a chance to experience growing up feral.  

He adores his kittens, and teaches them manners, lets them “comfort nurse”, and chases them around the house with great glee.  We’ve never seen anything like it, and we will try to keep him surrounded by kittens as much as possible.    

What he taught us in the last year has been shocking and remarkable. This “lost cause” “worthless” old feral cat has enriched our lives in ways we could never have imagined. Follow his adventures at Grandpa Mason and his kittens.
We don’t know how many days he has left, but we know each one will be filled with happiness, comfort, adventure, love -- on his terms -- and the dignity every living creature deserves after a life well lived."

Yesterday, Grandpa Mason was helped into his angel wings, surrounded by love and kittens.  A unique story; a unique cat.  Rest In Peace, Angel Mason...you were the embodiment of love.


Grandpa Mason and a kitten
Image from Grandpa Mason and his kittens FB site
Tiny Kittens Rescue is in British Columbia, Canada.

25 comments:

  1. I'm so very sorry, but you did such a wonderful thing for him and he returned that favor in spades. What a lovely tribute to an amazing family member.

    Big healing hugs, my friend. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm glad grampa mason found his calling, and you helped.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Run free dear Grandpa, you touched many hearts with your story.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grandpa Mason will be missed byso many but he touched so many lives-a true hero. We mourn his loss together.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Grandpa Mason was a remarkable cat and will be sorely missed.
    In the comment you left on my post today you said, "Angel Eric was gathering up memories" when he climbed the big Oak tree. I have always been convinced of the same.
    It is a very big and old tree and the boys loved to climb it, but Eric hadn't climbed it for a couple of years.
    I truly believe that he knew his time was soon, and he climbed way up to have a look around all the fields he had loved to walk with me and Flynn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our cat friends are much more in tune with the cycle of life than we humans. When their bodies are no longer working for them, they understand that it's time to leave it. It's their love of us, their humans, that make them give of themselves so very much, even when their time is ending. I believe this with all of my heart.

      Delete
  6. Grandpa Mason your story warmed my heart. All any being wants is to be loved and have a purpose in life. You were an angel before you traveled OTRB...may you have warm breezes. Sending butterfly kisses to your sweet nose
    Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh no, I hadn't heard that he died! How very sad. I'm happy, though, that he was able to have joy in his final time on this earth.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Like Rene, I hadn't heard and am glad he had a good ending to his rough life. He'll be missed. ~sigh~ Be well!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Grandpa Mason was loved by so many. He will truly be missed.

    ReplyDelete
  10. How sad. Rest in Peace sweet boy. XO

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am glad you put this here. I was going to do the same but was waiting. I am so terribly saddened that he is gone. He was the most unique, wonderful grandpa they could ever have and if you followed him the way I did, I could see him loved by his kittens, never mind that he loved them. I wonder how the Auracuda will take it without his presence...giving her loves at her meal times. He was the dearest cat not in my family, that I have ever loved. Wasn't amazing too how motherly he was...carrying them and teaching them?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Farewell, Mason ... rest well, you are most deserving of peace and joy forever. You did a good job while here, dear boy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, what a bittersweet story ~ Gpa Mason sure sounds like a sweet kitteh. It is never easy to see such a caring soul leave this earth. He will be missed by all that have met him, and those who wish the could.
    find love, peace, and joy my furiend.....
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a wonderful cat - and how wonderful that his caretakers discovered his precious ability to love and share it with so many kittens. Fly free, Grampa Mason !

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great story this was and an amazing cat. Too many people sell us cats short. RIP, a most gentle cat. - Tom x

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a great great cat. Leaving us is so sad!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a sad, sweet tale of your dear Angel Grandpa Mason. We never knew him, but we're without a doubt that you're love and devotion taught him something much as what his transformation taught you. Such an amazing story.

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a remarkable kitty Grandpa Mason was. I’m sorry to learn his passing but grateful that he enjoyed his sunset years filled with love and kittens. xo

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a superhero cat and superhero humans who gave him a chance. My eyes are leaking so much while I smile at such a wonderful story. Never give up on a cat, they are such incredible beings!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What an amazing Grandpa Mason. I am so thankful he enjoyed his last part of life.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have loved watching him with his little friends he will never be forgotten

    ReplyDelete

Mee-row!
Thanks for your comments; we LURV them! Purrr....