Feline Feature: Jabba the Loved
In 2015 I volunteered for the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) in north Florida. It was my responsibility to take profile photos of the new cats and dogs for their online adoption listings. One cat, Jabba, had been at the shelter for a long time. I knew her well as a sucker for love and attention, however, behind a closed cage door she looked scared and unwelcoming.
I decided to make a short video of her to show the world that all she needed was for someone to give her a chance. Shortly after posting the video online, my family moved across the country.
I left my best wishes and a piece of my heart with Jabba.
A year went by and one day I received the following comment on Jabba's video:
I adopted Jabba a little over a year ago and renamed her Stevie after Stevie Nicks. She has since become so brave (used to hide a lot-poor thing didn't understand why she was adopted and brought back previous to my finding her so she must've been apprehensive). She also has the nickname "Beldar" after the Coneheads movie because of her cute little nasal condition. She jumpsup on my bed when wanting attention, purrs, meows to tell us she's hungry and explores all over thehouse fearlessly, always happy to get petted or kissed by her many family members, but she lovesher mommy most as she sleeps with me every night right by my side. She also gets along with herbrothers Pumpkin (2, kitty) and Cooper (6, wiener dog) plus loved her late sister Reases (14 yrs. kitty) who taught her the ropes of things with the patience of an older sis before passing just recently this month. I love my girl, Jabba/Stevie/Beldar.
Text: Hi! I’m Kayla. I was the one that created the video of Stevie/Jabba at the Humane Society. [smile emote] I hope it’s okay that I sent you a friend request!
I reached out to Jabba (now Stevie)'s mom, Abbey, on Facebook and learned that she found her from my JHS video. From then on, Abbey and I kept in touch.
Text: Hey Kayla!! That’s so funny. I was actually just thinking about how perfectly timed getting Stevie/Jabba was the other day by viewing your video! She is a healthy 14 year old girl today, loves her special seafood bisque food and sitting on the safe, screened in porch in the warm. [hearts happy emoji]
She shared pictures and happy moments with me showing just how much love Stevie now had in her life.
In early October of 2022, Stevie's health declined rapidly. At at least 15 years of age, she developed complications that indicated it was her time to fly free. On Sunday, October 9, 2022, Stevie passed away peacefully at home while lying on her mother's chest with her family of humans and her sibling cat.
Stevie spent eight years surrounded by safety, kindness, and love. I want to make sure every cat has the opportunity to live like Stevie for the simple reason that they all deserve it.
