A Special Love Story
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VICTOR AND SKITTLES
POND HOME:??WRENTHAM, MA
Just in time for Valentine???s Day the last chapter of a very special love story that has played out at Pond Home for almost 10 years has been written.
First a little history; Pond Home, a Residential Care Home in Wrentham has had a house cat or cats for at least the past 25 years.
These cats have been given and receive much love from residents and staff alike. In the fall of 2003 Skittles and Mittens, two year old sister cats, came to live at Pond Home. At first they seemed scared of their new and big surroundings, but after just a few days they adjusted and each staked out their individual territory in the big home that houses 40 elderly residents at any time.
They each connected with several residents who enjoyed their frequent visits to their room. Skittles claimed the 2nd floor east wing of the home as her primary territory.
In July 2007 Victor Morey moved into Pond Home in a room on that 2nd floor east wing. He was a Franklin High School and Bentley School of Accounting graduate.
He grew up in Franklin, a first generation American, as both parents emigrated from France. They lived on a small farm where his family had chickens, the occasional pig, and a horse and buggy, which was their main mode of transportation.
So, Victor enjoyed being around animals, but as an adult working in the banking industry he never had a pet.
Soon after arriving at Pond Home he and Skittles made each other???s acquaintance and the special love story began. Even though Pond Home supplied all the things Skittles needed to be healthy, Victor began making purchases on his weekly shopping trips for toys and treats for ???his special girl???.
Even after the trips in Pond Home???s bus became too much for Victor he would make regular requests of his niece Marilyn to pick up things for Skittles. He delighted in visitors stopping by to see him and spending time discussing what a beautiful and special cat Skittles was.
??He loved to tell the story of Skittles moving off one chair in his room each evening so another resident could stop by to chat. Skittles would be curled up looking comfortable and as soon as the other resident headed into Victor???s room she would get up and move to the back of the chair Victor was sitting in!
Early in this relationship, the overnight staff at Pond Home often had to convince Victor that he needed to get into his bed, even if Skittles was comfortably curled up in the middle of it. She would move off long enough for Victor to get in bed then curl up under his arm for the night.
Victor often said, ???I love that cat. I never thought a cat could be this friendly.??? The love was clearly mutual.
Last Monday, February 6th at 98 years old Victor died. Skittles remained close to his room, snuggled on a blanket that still had his scent.
??At 16 years old Skittles was an old girl. She was extremely thin and having difficulty keeping her food down. She still loved a good cuddle, but the staff noticed she was showing signs of pain.
Becky Annis, the Administrator of Pond Home took Skittles to the vet and the difficult decision was made to put her down.
This occurred on February 10th.
Having known Skittles since the first day she arrived at Pond Home 14 years before Becky stayed with her at the vet. She thanked her for all the love and laughter she had provided to residents and staff as she passed. Skittles the cat had a great life at Pond Home and she added so much to the home.
Here is where the love story gets bittersweet. Becky called Victor???s niece to let her know the decision had been made to put Skittles down. Arrangements were made to bring Skittles to Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin where Victor???s funeral was being held on Saturday.
Without hesitation Jim Ginley agreed to take Skittles??? body and tuck her into Victor???s coffin.
It is comforting to all that knew them to think of this sweet love story continuing into the afterlife.
Pond Home, where this love story played out, is located at 289 East Street (Rte. 140) in Wrentham, offers elders long term care in a beautiful, warm setting.
Pond Home is licensed by the Department of Public Health and is a not-for-profit Residential Care Facility with a Supportive Nursing Section. As such, nursing staff are on site 24 hours per day and can provide more medical support than typical Assisted Living facilities.
The entire building is handicap accessible. The volunteer Board of Trustees oversees professional management of Pond Home by Rogerson Communities, a leader in not-for-profit management of elder housing and health services.