I'm happy to allow Mollie Hunt to take over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Mollie writes the Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery series. Cold Case Cat is the twelfth book in the series and was released last month.
As I was plotting my latest Crazy Cat Lady mystery,
Cold Case Cat, I found myself enamored with the idea of creating a senior cat rescue where the bulk of the action would happen. Following is a deeper look into what moved me to feature this theme in my story.
MUSINGS ON AN OLD CAT SANCTUARY
By Mollie Hunt
Many cat owners give up their feline companion at the first sign of illness. They have their reasons. They may not be able to afford the terrific expense of vet care, special foods, and medications. When a cat begins to decline, the cost can be prohibitive for people who are trying their best to get by as it is. Illnesses may require a commitment over and above the normal feeding and scooping of litter boxes. And then there are people just don’t want to deal with an elder cat, preferring to turn them in for a younger model, but we won’t talk about them.
Shelters and humane societies do what they can, but face it—kittens are a better adoption risk than a scruffy old cat with health issues. Thankfully there are some kind folks who step up for those more labor-intensive cats, but not enough.
If I were rich, I would establish a sanctuary for old cats.
Cats of a senior age often get passed over in the shelters if they are even taken in. My sanctuary would be an environment of plenty for each individual cat; a place where they could live out the remainder of their lives, all needs met, surrounded with love. Being no spring chicken myself, I would hire staff who loved cats to do the bulk of the tasks. I would pay them well and get to know them. I would recruit dedicated volunteers whom I would lavish with perks. Everyone, both feline and human, would be happy.
There would be a hospice wing for those cats on their way to the Rainbow Bridge. They would be treated with respect as they neared their passing. It would be hard to lose them, and we would grieve each one as we scattered their ashes in the sanctuary gardens.
Yes, a sanctuary would be a more than worthwhile project for someone with the means to make it happen.
But I’m not a millionaire, so chances of that dream ever materializing are none. All I can do is the next best thing. I can write about it. Maybe my new Crazy Cat Lady mystery, Cold Case Cat, which involves a shelter for senior cats, will inspire someone to say to themselves, “An old cat sanctuary! What a great idea! I think I’ll start one.”
Why is it important to improve an old cat’s life as it comes to an end?
The short answer—because if we are able to do something to make them comfortable in their old age, it would be cruel not to. How we treat our companion animals is a reflection of our own values. Compassion, respect, and kindness aren't just for them; they reveal our true character. To love and care for animals is to show the best of what humanity can be.
I believe it’s with small kindnesses that we save the world. As for my stories, everyone needs a happy ending from time to time.
"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" (attributed to Mahatma Gandhi)
"The heart of a man can be judged by his treatment of animals" (attributed to Arthur Schopenhauer or Immanuel Kant).
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Cold Case Cat (Crazy Cat Lady Mystery)
by Mollie Hunt
About Cold Case Cat
An injustice done, a murder unpunished.
It’s Pride Month in Portland Oregon, but instead of hanging rainbow flags and streamers, Lynley finds herself obsessed with a cold case murder. Starting work at the Cat Park, a sanctuary for senior and hospice cats, is challenging enough for Lynley, but then she learns the founder of the Park was murdered and the murder never solved. Lynley's cat-like curiosity won't let her leave the case alone.
But why is the Park's new owner so fiercely opposed to Lynley's sleuthing? What's making the Director of Philanthropy grumpy all the time? Who is sneaking around listening at doors? The dead woman’s ancient cat Silver has a twinkle in her eye, but she isn't telling.
As Lynley’s granddaughter and her beau make plans for their upcoming wedding, Lynley has other things on her mind. Something is going on at the Park. Is there more to her new job than playing with cats?
About Mollie Hunt
Cat Writer Mollie Hunt is the award-winning author of two cozy series: the Crazy Cat Lady Mysteries featuring a sixty-something cat shelter volunteer who finds more trouble than a cat in catnip, and the Tenth Life Paranormal Mysteries involving a ghost cat. Her Cat Seasons Sci-Fantasy Tetralogy presents extraordinary cats saving the world. She recently released a COVID memoir which she calls, "a tale of a plague and politics, of depression and inspiration, and an ode to the very real and healing presence of cats." In her spare time, she pens a bit of cat poetry.
Mollie is a member of the Oregon Writers’ Colony, Sisters in Crime, the Cat Writers’ Association, Willamette Writers, and Northwest Independent Writers Association (NIWA). She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and a varying number of cats. Like her cat lady character, she is a grateful shelter volunteer.
Author Links:You can find Mollie Hunt, Cat Writer on her blogsite: https://molliehuntcatwriter.com/
Follow Mollie's Amazon Page: www.amazon.com/author/molliehunt
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/MollieHuntCatWriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molliehuntcatwriter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7768987.Mollie_Hunt
Purchase Link - Amazon
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