Alive Rescue Mourns the Loss of Beloved Cat
Chicago-based animal rescue organization, Alive Rescue, has shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of their beloved cat, Simba who has had a rough journey, returning to the rescue home in poor condition twice.
In a September 11th Instagram post, the team expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for the time they spent with their furry companion
“Our sweet boy left us yesterday,” the post read. “We are unbelievably heartbroken, but are grateful he made his way back to us in the end.”
Simba, an 18-year-old cat, had a remarkable journey. He was originally left outside to fend for himself by his previous owners and was rescued and adopted by Alive Rescue. The cat was later adopted into what the rescue home felt was an amazing home. Despite being adopted, Simba was later found on the street again, emaciated and in need of medical attention.
Sharing Simba’s story in a September 3 Instagram post, the Rescue wrote: “Four years ago we took Simba into our care after he had been left outside to fend for himself because his “owners” moved and didn’t want to take him along. He was adopted through us several months later into what we felt was an amazing home.”
“Unfortunately, we received a call over the weekend from Chicago Animal Care and Control letting us know an emaciated cat was brought in after being found on the street once again with a microchip registered to us. He had to be sedated in order to be shaved down because he was severely matted and had maggots in his fur.”
Despite being upset by the situation, the rescue team noted that they were grateful he was back with them and on the road to recovery. “It’s a miracle he survived outside on his own,” they shared.
Despite the team’s best efforts to keep Simba healthy, the cat sadly passed away, leaving the shelter and the community heartbroken.
In the announcement, Alive Rescue described Simba’s passing as a peaceful transition, noting that he had just headed to a foster home the night before. They believe he chose his own time to leave, wanting to experience the love of a home one last time.
“We held him. We sang to him. We gave him all the pets,” the rescue wrote. “Just before he transitioned, we brought him over to a patch of sunlight coming in through a window. He absolutely loved the warmth of the sun and knew that would make him happy. It was there that he took his last breath.”
The Rescue revealed that they observed an unusual number of birds, butterflies, and dragonflies in their facility the night of Simba’s passing.
They found solace in the symbolism of a dragonfly, which Native Americans perceived as the “souls of the dead.” They believe that Simba’s soul may have taken form in the spirit of a dragonfly, offering them assurance that his spirit is free
Alive Rescue expressed gratitude to those who gave Simba a loving home during his final days and to the volunteers who helped make his last week comfortable.
The post garnered attention, with many people taking to the comments section to express their sorrow for Simba and thank Alive Rescue for their efforts in providing him with a happy and comfortable end to his life.
“What a roughy journey for sweet Simba. But he got to feel love again at the end,” One user wrote.
“This guy touched my heart 4 years ago and it sickens me to know what he’s gone through. Thankfully he found love again at the end and had Alive help him through,” another added.
“Sweet Simba. thank you for rescuing him and giving him the peaceful moments he deserved before his journey,” another user commented.
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