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Lillian lives at Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living in Utah and remarkably, she was about to turn 103 years old! Before the big day, Debbie Harradine Presland, the administrator of Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living, asked Lillian what she would like. As a long-time animal lover, Lillian replied that she would like a cat. Lillian’s cat Sammy passed away a couple of years ago and she missed her friend.
Debbie wasted no time in contacting The St. George Animal Shelter to inquire about adopting a cat, knowing she wanted to make Lillian’s birthday party at the assisted living home as special as possible. The animal shelter had a perfect fit: Marley, a nine-year-old, laid-back tortie.
Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living planned a birthday bash for Lillian … who had no idea Marley was waiting for her!
Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living
After enjoying food and drinks, Debbie’s brother, Animal Services Officer, Joseph Harradine, surprised Lillian with her new BFF!
Marley instantly started purring in Lillian’s arms. It’s clear the two shared an instant bond!
“Her reaction was priceless and brought tears to my eyes. She is certainly one very happy lady and you can tell Marley loves her new adopted momma,” Debbie told LoveMeow.
During the birthday party, staff took Marley to Lillian’s room to get her settled. All Lillian wanted to do was go to her room and see her cat!
Lillian’s close family will help care for Marley and kindly, St. George Animal Shelter waived Marley’s adoption fee. The shelter also sent Marley to her forever home with a care package!
We are so glad Marley and Lillian have found each other, but are also thrilled that Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living opted to adopt. Having a companion animal in one’s life is incredibly beneficial at any stage of life and our senior years are no exception. If you’re thinking of adopting an animal for an elderly person, check out these useful tips to keep in mind.
Help us wish Lillian a very happy birthday by sharing this article with your friends and family! We wish Lillian and Marley many happy days filled with cherished memories.
Image Source: St. George Animal Shelter/Facebook
Beautiful story. Shows you NO human can take the place of an animal. May this beautiful can and woman have good years still together and PLEASE ensure that the cat is looked after when the senior lady goes to heaven.
Ps. Its a shame that not more old age homes house pets as pets help with healing and stability of elderly people and kids.
It should be a RULE that pets should be accommodated at old age homes.
TRUE FRIENDS.