Thank you Lesa for posting this for me. Thank you everyone for all your kind words.
Losing my Hunter was devastating. When I found Hunter's fur I knew then that he was not just another missing kitty but that he had been killed. Just knowing what horror he must have endured by that wild coyote and trying desperately to save his own life, just ripped my heart out. I felt as if I had failed to protect him even though I gave him the very best care. I was riddled with guilt. I have cried and cried buckets of tears. I feel like I lost the love of my life. I now have to focus on my surviving cat Haney. He has been so sad too. He meows and searches the entire house looking for Hunter all day long. It is heartbreaking to see.
I don't think I fully understood the dangers of living above a canyon that is full of wild life. I do now. My cats had so much open space to explore and do what cats love to do. Run, and chase mice, butterflies, lizards, grasshoppers and bugs. I never ever let my cat outside after dusk because I knew that is when most predators would be out. I thought I was doing every thing right to protect them from harm and yet let them do what cats enjoy. Six months ago when Harley went missing, I searched for months for him. Put up posters on every corner, handed out fliers to every house on my street and some on the next road. He was such a beautiful cat, that I was sure he had found another home or had gotten stolen. Now in the event of what happened to Hunter, I now believe that Harley probably was a victim to a coyote too. I can't be certain but it does make sense to me now. It is hard to accept that two darling cats have lost their lives while in my care and it hurts like hell to admit it, but it's true. I am going to be looking into putting up cat fencing after the first of the year since I now understand I need to do more to protect my cats. I have learned a tough lesson here and putting up cat fencing to keep my cats contained in my own garden will not be cheap but I think it is the responsible thing to do. I know in my heart that I will be getting another cat for Haney and I need to make sure they are kept safe.
Hunter and Harley, my two precious kittens who grew up to be such wonderful playful brothers. When they first arrived in my life I had no idea that I would be so completely and deeply in love with them, but I was. It did not take long before I knew that they had stolen my heart. I was completely cat crazy and head over heels in love with them both. Hunter and Harley brought such joy to my life and filled my home with so much love. I could watch them for hours just wrestling at play while running and chasing each other throughout the entire house. The bells on their collars would ring and ring as they tumbled and rolled together. It was like sweet music to me. I would laugh so much! No pet that I have ever owned has made me laugh so much.
As they grew from sickly little kittens into strong young adult cats, they began to show me and reward me with just how well balanced and independent they had become. They were my dream boys, my cats! I was so very proud of my Hunter and Harley. I knew in my heart I had been a wonderful cat mum to them. I provided them with medical care with a wonderful vet who I trusted and tenderly nursed them through all their illnesses. I provided my two boys with the very best home two cats could ever want. They were spoiled rotten with cat toys and trinkets and fed the best foods but most of all they were so incredibly LOVED. I thought that we would all grow old together. I never dreamed that I would loose them both. My heart is broken.
Some may say that I should not have let them go outside as there are so many dangers in the world, but I believe that cats are free spirited. It is in their natural nature to hunt for mice and search out lizards and catch as many grasshoppers as they can. My Hunter and Harley were playful hearted who loved to explore and I know that they were truly happy cats.
I have cried so many tears and it is so hard to let them go but no amount of tears could ever bring them back. I know that Hunter and Harley are now together and will be waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge. I am so sad that their lives ended so tragically. I miss them so deeply that my heart actually feels pain. I love you Hunter and Harley. I guess this was God's plan for you boys. I will see you again my loves. Haney is not the same without you Hunter. He is so very sad and meowing for you in every room. Haney misses you so much.
I do find some peace just knowing that I have been able to share their lives with you all from kittens to cats. Thank you to you all for your support and love.
RIP Hunter and Harley, I love you so much. The day I adopted Hunter and Harley from the rescue shelterHunterHunter doing what he loved best....catching bugs and bringing them back home to me! Harley Hunter and Harley Here is Hunter laying on the couch with his best pal, Haney. Haney is so sad now too.
I LOVE YOU FOREVER HUNTER AND HARLEY!