“It was a great experience for everyone involved to witness this bond take place,” Harradine said. “I don’t think there could have been a better match between them both.”
A woman named Lillian was celebrating her birthday at Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living, where she lives in Utah, but this wasn’t just any birthday – it was her 103rd birthday.
Source:
Ridgeview Gardens/Facebook
Her friends at the assisted living center thought it would be a great idea to through their dear friend a big surprise party. They wanted to go all out for Lillian – food, cake, decorations, and great company. But they also wanted to surprise her with a very special gift.
Just a few years ago, Lillian had a cat named Sammy whom she loved dearly. Sadly, Sammy passed away and left a giant hole in Lillian’s heart, she had always dreamed of having another cat in her life. In fact – that’s exactly what she wished for on her 103rd birthday.
Lillian’s friends knew that she wished for a cat and ended up finding a cat named Marley who wished for a companion – they knew it was the perfect match.
Source:
St. George Animal Shelter/The Dodo
Staff members at the assisted living facility contacted the St. George Animal Shelter and found out about a 9-year-old kitty that was super loving, friendly, and sweet. It really couldn’t have worked out better and they picked Marley up and whisked her back to the assisted living facility so she could meet her new owner.
When the staff brought Marley out to meet Lillian, she had no idea what was going on at first.
Source:
Ridgeview Gardens/Facebook
“Lillian was surprised and overjoyed at Marley’s appearance during her birthday lunch,” Animal Service Officer Joe Harradine, who transported Marley to the party, told The Dodo. “She instantly took Marley on her lap and they both cuddled each other.”
At first, Lillian thought that they just brought the cat over to snuggle for a while, she had no idea that the Marley was going to be her new companion.
Source:
Ridgeview Gardens/Facebook
“Lillian just thought Marley was visiting for her birthday,” Harradine said. “When she was told that Marley wasn’t visiting, but was going to be her cat, she gasped and hugged Marley even more. We could tell a connection between Marley and Lillian was instant. Lillian had a big smile and also shed happy tears over Marley.”
Harradine and the facility staff brought the cat inside to get him settled and introduced to his new surroundings while the party continued outside. But all Lillian could talk about was how she wanted to go inside to be with him, she couldn’t focus on the festivities now that she met her new feline friend.
Source:
Ridgeview Gardens/Facebook
It was within seconds of meeting each other that Lillian and Marley became completely inseparable.
Not only was the birthday surprise a giant success, but Lillian and Marley both had a hole in their hearts filled that day. It’s a moment that no one will soon forget. Now, Marley isn’t just getting love from his new owner, but he’s quite the hit with all of the staff and other residents.
Source:
Ridgeview Gardens via Facebook
Source:
Ridgeview Gardens via Facebook
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By Ashley Fike
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Ashley Fike is a contributor at SBLY Media.