Love is a powerful thing. It has the ability to comfort and uplift us through rough times, gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and is a feeling that never leaves us even when our loved ones are long gone. These are definitely sentiments shared by Peggy. It was 2011 and Peggy had just finished watching the emotive movie “Marley and Me” with her husband Scotty. For any animal lover the movie evokes so many emotions, and I’m not sure I know anyone who has finished the movie with dry eyes. For Peggy, it took her down memory lane thinking about her former, beloved cat Annabelle who passed two years prior in 2009. The Siamese, Torti kitty was a constant companion for 21 years of Peggy’s adult life. Through the the ups and the downs, Annabelle was always by her side with unconditional love to give. Though Scotty never had the opportunity to meet Annabelle, he knew how much Peggy loved and missed her former companion.
Filled with sadness while looking at old photos of Annabelle, Peggy was inspired to check out Petfinder to see if she could find a Simese, Torti like Annabelle and fill the little void she left behind when passing. Shortly after browsing Petfinder Peggy stumbled upon a cat name Layla (now Gianna), who was at Williamson County Animal Center, and who looked exactly like Annabelle. The only difference between the two cats was the blaze over her eye was on the opposite side of her face. Filled with instant excitement, Peggy shared Layla’s photos with Scotty and made an appeal to adopt her. Scotty, who was more of a dog person and didn’t quite understand cats, was reluctant to adopt Gianna and mentioned how they already had three rescue cats to care for. Scotty being a dog lover, especially of the Newfoundland breed, really wanted to adopt another Newfoundland dog once he was over mourning the loss of a former beloved dog who was the same breed.
The following day Peggy was unable to get Gianna out of her mind and couldn’t resist visiting Williamson County Animal Center while on a lunch break. Sadly, Gianna was in the back sick with an upper respiratory infection and Peggy was told she couldn’t see her that day. Determined to meet Gianna, Peggy shared her story about Annabelle with staff and how much it would mean to see if she had a connection with the kitty. Filled with compassion, a staff member agreed to let Peggy meet Gianna and escorted her to the back where she was being treated. Gianna met Peggy with big, round, sad eyes and extended her paw. Though sick she still manage to purr with a loud rattle while rubbing her head against the cage. It didn’t take Peggy long to determine she and Gianna had a connection and to know she wanted to adopt Gianna. After pulling herself away from Gianna, so she could return back to work, Peggy told the front desk she wished to adopt the sick kitty, but first needed to get her husbands blessing. That same afternoon Peggy told Scotty about her visit to the shelter to meet Gianna, and appealed to him a second time to adopt Gianna. She was both surprised and elated when he said yes this time. Peggy then called the shelter and advised she would be in the next morning to adopt her new kitty. Little did Peggy know Scotty had plans of his own. Peggy’s birthday was just two days away and he thought Gianna would be the perfect gift and wonderful surprise for his lovely wife. And boy was he right! Peggy was overwhelmed with surprise and joy when she found Gianna waiting for her in one of the spare bedrooms. Because Peggy didn’t think the name Layla fit the personality of her new cat, she asked Scotty to rename her. He thought things over for awhile then settled on Gianna, which means “gift from God.” It was a purrfect name change!
Another pleasant surprise that accompanied Gianna’s adoption was how much Scotty also bonded and fell in love with her. She would frequently sit on his lap while he lavished her with attention. His endearing nickname for her was turtle. They were quite the pair and it was with Gianna that Scotty finally understood how rewarding the bond can be between human and cat. Peggy and Scotty never had children and instead had their fur babies whom they adored. They even purchased a stroller for them. Scotty could be seen in the neighborhood taking daily strolls with Gianna. Both parties loved the daily experience and it amused all whom encountered them while on their walks. From the sounds of it the two brought smiles to many a face! These were good times!
As we all know life is filled with ups and downs. The year 2013 was filled with many challenges for Peggy and Scotty, but they had each other and their faith helped them persevere. Peggy had some health issues and ended up having to undergo a below-the-knee amputation. Scotty had his own health concerns too. Despite all of this the couple would begin each day expressing gratitude. Scotty’s mantra was “to be grateful and enjoy each day as though it were your last.” Such haunting words from a wise soul. Little did Peggy know Scotty’s days were numbered, and how her life would be forever changed on Sept. 4, 2013, when the love of her life died suddenly of an aortic aneurysm.
Throughout all the ups and downs Gianna, like her former Annabelle, has been a devoted companion from day one. She is an affectionate, vocal, entertaining cat, who is always by Peggy’s side. Gianna has been a true blessing and continually fills Peggy’s heart and life with joy, as well to Scotty’s when he was alive. She will be forever grateful to WCAC and Scotty for conspiring to give her such a wonderful gift from God!
When I met Peggy and Gianna I was so moved by their story. Even though her other rescue cats didn’t come from WCAC, I was hoping to meet them and snap a few photos, but was so caught up in moment of hearing about the life Peggy and Scotty shared that the time quickly evaporated and it slipped my mind. Peggy has been through so much and has a relentless optimism when it comes to life’s challenges, love, loss, and beginning anew. Her story is a reminder of the power of gratitude and being fully in the moment with those whom we love. Though I never had the opportunity to meet Scotty or Annabelle, I walked away feeling like I knew them a little. Their love and spirits will always live on in Peggy’s heart and the stories she shares about them. What a beautiful gift!
Linda Tummins - I know and love Peggy. Her kitty is beautiful , as is she.
Bkitty - I completely agree with you!