Holden

2022 - 2025

Holden’s guardians Almut and Richard would like to express our deep-felt gratitude toward Galway Cat Rescue and Briarhill Vets which helped us rescue Holden through the TNR program (Trap Neuter Return), and supported us so much on his journey, including saving his life in 2023 when an ear infection almost killed him and he was in intensive care for a week.

Holden quickly became the heart and soul of our household, a mischievous but also fiercely loyal and affectionate individual. He was not happy to live fully indoors, yet always checked in throughout the day, every day for 3 years, except for the day when a tragic traffic accident took him from us.

Holden loved getting in trouble, annoying the neighbour’s dog, and lounging under trees and with us on the couch. Watching bird TV, his favourite was the jay. He would always try to jump into the phone to get it. Every day he lovingly bumped his forehead against ours. He enjoyed being picked up and carried around like a baby. If he didn’t receive enough attention, he would sit in front of the TV to block the view or turn it off by stepping on the power button. Incredibly smart, he sulked when he saw us packing bags to travel, understood when we were phoning the vet, and always communicated his needs/demands very convincingly. He even figured out that he can open everything but cans without human help.

A true tuxedo with 4 lovely white socks, he had a penchant for drama, excitingly galloping towards us whenever he hadn’t seen us in a few hours, flopping down on our laps with passion, and making us laugh with an exasperated sigh when he wanted more treats.

No words can fully express how much we loved him, how much we miss him, and while we knew that he likely would not live as long as us, we had hoped to have way more time with him.

Sweet Holden, you are truly irreplaceable. May our hearts grow bigger through this pain as we continue to cherish and safekeep those precious creatures like you, which are often overlooked and misjudged. May all stray and lost cats find their guardians.