103-year-old Lillian Grant has had a rough time recently. Sammy, her beloved cat passed away just last year. The loss was devastating and left her broken-hearted, but thanks to the staff at her assisted living facility, that void has been filled with love once again.
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Lillian lives at Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living in St. George, Southwest Utah. As staff prepared for her 103rd birthday celebration earlier this month, one of the administrators, Debbie Presland, asked for her heart’s deepest desire. If she could have one thing for a birthday present, what would it be?
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“A sweet cat like Sammy,”the centenarian replied.
As fate would have it, Debbie’s brother, Joseph Harradine, works at the St. George Animal Shelter, and together they found a cat they believed would be the perfect fit.
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Meet Marley, a 9-year-old female calico. The cat had been surrendered by her previous owner, who had moved into an assisted living facility that didn’t allow pets. The shelter was hopeful for this match and described the feline as, “A big people pleaser who “wants to be someone’s forever cuddle buddy.â€
That was just what Lillian needed!
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During the April 6 party, Joe showed up with the big surprise. When Lillian saw Marley, she was delighted of course! But she believed that Marley was just there as a surprise guest to help her celebrate.
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Lillian was surprised and overjoyed at Marley’s appearance during her birthday lunch. She instantly took Marley on her lap and they both cuddled each other.
But they helped her realize Marley was hers to keep, and that’s when she nearly burst into tears. Her emotional response brought Debbie, and everyone else who witnessed her emotional reaction to tears as well!
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Just to see her reaction choked me up. I actually had tears in my eyes. It was so sweet.
After giving them some time together, Joe and some of the other staff took Marley to Lillian’s room to settle in to her new digs. But that wasn’t okay with the birthday girl, who didn’t want to wait for the party to end to get in another snuggle session.
So she just jumped ship and headed back to her room.
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It was a great experience for everyone involved to witness this bond take place. I don’t think there could have been a better match between them both.
As Marley settles in to his new life with Lillian, she’ll never have to worry about being returned to the shelter: If the time ever comes when Lillian’s unable to care for her, Debbie’s vowed to take over and ensure all her needs are met.
This sweet centenarian’s dream of having another cuddle buddy came true, and it’s all thanks to Debbie and the rest of the staff who helped organize the big surprise. Share to warm some hearts today!
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