Entrant's First Name
Natasha

City
Old fort

My Story
When I found Hazel I was looking for a young cat to be friends with my calico rescue Penni. I was scrolling through McDowell Co shelter site and saw an older black cat that had been sponsored and was about to be taken off the rescue list (euthanized). She had been there for so long with no one wanting her that she was ready to be given up on. She was ugly and beat up and crusty and a black cat that had been through a horrific ordeal  (we assume hit by a car) she was scarred and afraid and untrusting. I was iffy but my boyfriend mentioned his grandmothers name was Hazel so it struck a love nerve. It was closing time at the shelter so we broke the speed limit to get there. I asked to see her and the assistant said "really?" Like it was such a surprise that someone wanted to see Hazel. Yes I said. I took Hazel in my arms and she curled up in a tight ball on my shoulder and sunk her big sharp claws into my skin and I knew right then that we needed each other. I never even put her down again until the paperwork was done and we were on our way back home with her. It wasnt until after we got home and the woman that sponsored her told me why she had done so. A woman named Hazel (her aunt) had taken care of dozens of community cats until she passed away and she had named this cat in her honor.  My heart goes out to this woman for bringing me my angel. Hazel is still damaged and mostly stays to herself and hides her head in my elbow and still curls up in a ball and brings blood when I hold her. This reminds me of the pain she has gone through and her desparate need for me to love her unconditionally and teaches me great patience. She represents not only a grandmother but an aunt and all black cats and the hardship of a life forgotten and abandoned. She represents life and keeps me humble. She represents ME and my life and I am forever greatful for the Angel that came to me in the form of a crusty untrusting unwanted cat. She is spoiled now with no worries in life and a warm bed and a full belly. I gave her a chance at life just as I was given and when she looks at me with trust and love and dependance I know that my life is complete with her. #myhazel
Because of Hazel and Penni I am now a full time pet foster parent so I can continue to help these angels find there place in life.
#gofarley is also a foster of mine, another inspirational story. Thank you for listening.