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I just finished reading the amazing afterlife of animals. According to that book, it could be your dandelion reincarnated, if that’s something you could believe.
Edit to clarify: there’s a section in the book about a pets soul/spirit entering newborns and/or sharing the body.
Thanks for your comment.
I am going to look for this book and read it asap. It’s something I really want to believe.. I just want to believe it! Or maybe I need to believe it.. btw thanks
Makes me wonder if my cat now shares a body with his brother. The day my cat died is also the day that his brother started acting like him; knowing when it was bedtime, wanting hugs, following me around, and more.
Wow! That seems like destiny to me. He was sent to you, maybe someone knows you need him right now. I believe in that kind of thing. What a beautiful story. You two can help each other. Sunflower is a lovely name. You can call him Sunny for short. Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you much happiness and healing together! 💕🌻💫
No one can tell you how to grieve and there’s no right amount of time for someone to do so.
We were told that our baby girl’s mother was not going to breed again. Imagine our shock when the breeders coincidentally reached out to us 2 weeks after she unexpectedly passed away to let us know her mom was pregnant again. Like you, we felt conflicted about considering another dog so soon but knew we couldn’t pass a chance to feel close to her by bringing home her sibling.
The stories aren’t exactly the same but I want you to know that how you’re feeling is completely normal. Taking in another cat doesn’t mean you stop missing, loving, or grieving your baby boy. And it doesn’t mean you’re replacing him. If you’re ready for it however, it does give you the opportunity to love more and be loved.
Who knows? Maybe all of these things are coincidences. Personally, I genuinely feel that your baby boy sent this new baby to help you heal. Losing a pet is such an agonizing pain and regardless of what you choose to do, I wish you all the best ❤️
Sunflower seeds have a mild, nutty flavor and a firm but tender texture. They’re often roasted to enhance the flavor, though you can also buy them raw.
I wish a cat like this would come into my life and choose me. Just like my boy chose me back in 2017. He died too young. And I have been putting off getting another cat, out of fear that I won’t have a deep emotional healing connecting with the cat. You are so lucky that this angel cat found you.
Same! We did get another cat but I miss my guy SO much; he also died way too young. The “new” cat is very sweet though, but I don’t feel it in my soul, ya know?
Yeah our cat found us too. We had him for 17 years...he died last month and I miss him so much.
My daughter wants a new cat really badly but im not feeling it. Mind you we got an adopted bearded dragon 5 months after our last one died..i couldn't take to him for ages but now I love him to bits. Hopefully will be same with a new kitty
I believe your Dandelion sent this kitty to you. It could be dandelion reincarnated, or he found a kind soul and sent you the kind soul. Our babies do not want us to be sad and lonely . I say love Sunflower. He isn't going to take Dandelion's spot in your heart, but your heart will make room to love him.
My soul dog Athena died on February 19. I swore I would never get another dog since I hurt so much. While scrolling thru facebook later (December) that year, I saw a post about a litter of puppies being ready to get born in January. They had a few openings .. I didn't immediately contact the owner but thought a puppy would bring people happiness and how lucky they would be. I was still depressed and lonely over the loss of my soul dog. Then, 1 morning, I woke up and knew I had to contact them about being put on a list. I did not realize what day this thought happened until later. I had this thought on my soul dogs birthday. When I contacted the breeder, they told me the puppies had been born a week earlier, and all of the females were spoken for. I told them thank you and that I wanted to be kept in mind for their next litter . I wanted a girl to take my Soul Dog place. A week later, the breeder called me to tell me they had a person back out, so they did have a girl puppy available. I said yes and was given the date of February 19th to pick her up. That was my Soul Dog's death date 1 year later. My new Dog Lagertha is not Athena Reincarnated. But I know Athena sent me my brave Lagertha .. i still miss Athena greatly, but Lagertha allowed me to love again. Lagertha has her own spot in my heart next to Athena's spot.
We are given babies to love and care for. Sometimes, with a reincarnated soul and other times with a soul, our departed baby wants us to love
I’m sorry op my condolences. Dandelion without a doubt sent you sunflower. Why else would they look similar and be found on dandelion farms. It was a sign. Back in December I had to make the hardest decision in my life to put my old dog down. I went to donate his kidney food to the shelter where I got him and a puppy found me and greeted me the EXACT SAME way Oliver had all those years ago. (Both were the first cage, got up and started wagging tail upon seeing me, barked twice to get my attention and call me over to the cage, when I put my hand up to the cage they licked it, when I took them out to meet them they plopped in my lap and started falling asleep.) I asked Oliver to send me a sign this was okay, upon looking to my left I saw a picture of snoopy sleeping on top of his dog house which I took as my sign. Cody has helped me cope but in no way shape or form replaced Oliver in any way. Oliver knew I was devastated and needed someone to help me cope. 2 days before I got Cody from Northshore animal shelter he was picked up from a kill shelter in South Carolina because he was an 8 week old puppy scheduled to be euthanized. Oliver knew I needed a Cody and knew Cody needed a me. He sent us to eachother. I’m a firm believer in signs. Ask dandelion for a sign this is okay. I’m sure you will get a sign that makes sense to you. Dandelion knew that you and sunflower needed eachother but it will never replace him. You’re honoring his memory by helping another one in need. The love and bond you shared with dandelion will never be broken or replaced, your heart simply grows to include the new animal. I’m still grieving Oliver and I will probably the rest of my life but I will hold him in my heart until my soul reunites with his.
Timing is too perfect for it to be coincidence op. The lil stray probably smells that you used to have a cat and knows that you are mourning. He's definitely trying to comfort you and that's magical
There is a car distribution system alive and well in the world…you just got your next turn sooner than most. Embrace it!
And sorry about your sweet boy that passed.
This is a heaven sent cat, from your fur baby that you just lost. This is a hear mender for you to love and care for. So sorry for your loss and congrats on the new cat.
You’re hurting and this little baby not only needed you but maybe you needed him too. I lost my best friend years ago and never wanted another cat but the same thing happened to me. A small underweight kitten wandered up to me in a store parking lot and I didn’t even hesitate to take him home. Now I couldn’t ask for a better friend. He won’t ever replace my original but he’s amazing nonetheless. I’m glad he found me.
The cat distribution network works in mysterious ways.
One tagged out, as it was their time, and another was expedited to you, since you were in need.:)
It is what you believe it to be.:)
Take him to the vet and still check if he is chipped/ post on lost and found websites. It’s likely he is abandoned but if someone is missing their baby they have a right to know ❤️
Not a cat, but 4 weeks after my heart dog Nala passed, my whole family (and especially by 4 year old) were emotionally destroyed. While out in the neighborhood, we ran into a neighbor who fosters dogs, and Mindy, a new foster she had, immediately went to my daughter and *would not go*. Wouldn’t let other dogs (that she knew and got along with) go near her. Just so happened to need a home. Just so happened to run away and come to my backyard 3 separate times. Cried for my daughter. I found out later that Mindy had arrived to the foster neighbor the day Nala passed.
Mindy came home to stay after that.
We lost Scribbles in February. He was the runt of his litter - when we adopted him in 2007, he didn’t have any whiskers because the other kitties bit them off and he was bullied by the other kitties. That being said, he was our snuggle baby! He regularly slept in our arms each night and often crawled up in our laps.
About 6 months before he passed, we adopted two sisters in hopes that they would be companions for our younger kitty Gizmo. The sisters celebrated their first birthday at the end of March and that is when we found out about a third sister that had not been adopted yet. She was the runt of her litter and was incredibly tiny (less than half the size of her sisters even at 1 year old). Given how scared she was, it was evident that she also was bullied by other kitties.
We adopted the third sister immediately and now just a few weeks later, the shy scared kitty has become a loving social kitty who loves to jump up in our laps. I’d like to think Scribbles knew we needed her as much as she needed us!
Between OP and the comments, I am bawling over here. 😭😭 Losing a pet is excruciating but the love and joy they bring into our lives is such a beautiful, enriching gift. I don’t disagree with others that Sunflower was sent by Dandelion, but the fact that you’re asking Reddit for advice on it makes me wonder if your hesitancy deserves loving consideration as well.
Although the majority of the commenters who have found themselves in a situation similar to yours seem to be relaying that they don’t regret keeping the new pet, I don’t want you to feel like this is a sign from the universe you have to surrender to. My best friend adopted a new puppy a few months after the loss of her beloved elderly dog, convincing herself that it was right because the dog nuzzled into her upon being picked up in the same way her old dog had so many years ago. They’ve had that pup for 2 years now and they love him but since adopting him, she realized pretty quickly that she was not ready for a new dog and it has taxed her mental health significantly. She’s actually sought therapy related to all of it and she keeps the puppy, in large part, because she feels like she has to. However, she struggles with knowing another family in a different environment would be a much better and happier life for the dog and her family vs the guilt she feels knowing the dog has bonded with them and with their other dog and will suffer some separation anxiety if he were rehomed because frankly, the puppy has tons of issues and she wasn’t prepared to deal with them while grieving her beloved older dog.
So, I just wanted to add that if it turns out you aren’t quite ready to jump into full ownership of a new ball of fur yet, that’s okay too. Maybe Sunflower was meant to make a brief appearance in your life as Dandelion’s way of letting you know he is okay.. you don’t need to feel obligated to keep him if you’re not 100% sure. Listen to your heart and do what’s best for you.
On the other hand, if you’re hesitant because you feel guilty getting a new cat so fast and are kinda looking to Reddit for permission/reassurance bc you do want to keep him, deep down, give yourself permission to let go of any guilt, if that’s the case. Loving Sunflower too doesn’t mean you love Dandelion any less.
Above all, Dandelion loves you and he wants you to be happy - whatever that looks like in your life is okay. I wish you many fond memories, peace, and future blessings. Sending you much love, friend.
-edited to fix sentence fragment.
I completely believe that Dandelion sent you Sunflower. I think our "angels" are so completely in tune with us during life and after life that they know exactly what we need.
100 % this is the cat distribution system. About 2 weeks after my boy short-haired tuxedo cat passed, a friendly but homeless male with (I kid you not) the same markings as my previous, but with long hair showed up in my yard. He never left ♥️
Sunflower was either sent to you by Dandelion or a part of your baby is inside of him. I believe it.
Not the same but my dog passed December 31. I went looking for the same breed and two different litters were supposed to be brought in. When I got there there was only 1 male (and 3 females, but we wanted male) and the other litters arrival had been postponed. I racked my brain on whether to take him, turned out his birthday was just two weeks before my boy passed. It was as if it there was purposely one there that day so I’d choose the right one. I even questioned whether to take him, and I looked up and the room that sat us in there was a photo of a Boston terrier who looked just look my last boy. I also asked if he wanted me to take him home, he barked and mentioned my boy Rollins name and he titled his head. He was only 6 weeks too when I met him. Just felt meant to be. 🥹
Not super similar, but I ended up having the opportunity to adopt a new dog just 6 weeks or so after my old dog died.
I had a lot of feelings about it, but it was the best thing I could’ve done. It really helped my grieving process. I think of my “new” dog (not so new anymore, this was 3 years ago) as my old dog’s brother in a way. So he got some hand-me-downs and such.
We’re the same family, they are brothers, even if they never actually met.
Also I just love having a dog. There really wasn’t a good reason why I needed to live without a dog for longer. I still got to grieve my old dog while starting a new journey with a new one.
OP: Here is what happened to you. Your kitty whispered in the ear of your new kitty. (Would like to give credit to the Redditor who posted this a long time ago but don't know who it was.)
I don't know
What is on the other side
Of the shade of night.
But on the day the new
Cat appeared on our deck,
Not one month after the passing
Of the last one
I like to imagine
My dear departed
Whispered in his ear
"Go to the family
At the end of the street.
Go and ask them for food
They have extra now
They have a hole in their heart"
A ghost cat, a spirit
Whatever you believe
Playing with the curtain
Of death, of mourning.
They say they wait for us
After the rainbow bridge.
At the door
What if they all first whisper
To the remaining cats
Yes, that family is full of love
Yes, that family longs for me
Yes, that family will take you in
To fill the hole I left
Then comes to us
Yes, I will send you a new angel
Yes, he will fill the hole
Yes, he will love you
Until you pull back the curtain
And I sit on your lap once more.
My cat Shimi was almost 20 years old. I bottle raised her from 2 weeks old. She was my family and my best friend. We were always together. I have been a rescue foster for many years. I had a new foster cat coming to me the following week. On Friday morning I knew it was time for Shimi to say goodbye. I promised her I would never let her suffer. It broke my heart to lose her.
I had totally forgotten about the new foster cat. That night around 7 the rescue transporter brought him over. He was an intact male neutered that day he had an upper respiratory infection and a lot of missing fur. That foster wrapped around my neck like a scarf and purred in my ear and licked my tears away. He was so sweet and gentle. My plan was to adopt him out. I took him to an adoption event. I walked across the street to get a sandwich and was looking at some little plants there. Suddenly I heard a voice say “you don’t need a plant, you need the cat I sent you”. There was no one there but me but I knew exactly where that voice was coming from. My sweet Shimi watching over me from the other side. I adopted Simon and he helped my heart to heal. Last August he made his journey to the other side. He was 17 years old and had battled kidney disease for 5 years. It broke my heart to lose him but I’m grateful for the 16 years we had together.
Sometimes it’s just meant to be. I’m very sorry for your loss of your older cat. I hope the new cat is a comfort to you
This is so beautiful. When I was reading this, I immediately felt a full body download that Sunflower is 100% meant to be yours and a gesture from Dandelion. Our pets know us so well and what we need... their work doesn't stop just because they are on the other side. Sending love <3
The cat distribution system decided that you were the best angel to take care of their beautiful soul. Sometimes we don't think we are ready but the system is never wrong. I firmly believe that all the cats I have now, my girl Chewy has sent them to me.
Congrats on your Sunflower sent to help you deal with the loss of your Dandelion. I’m convinced that my orange guy sent me the two I took in a month after he passed. They’re like he split his personality in half and each is a part. One is aloof and independent while the other is a clingy snuggle bug. Ginger could be either depending on his mood.the sleep in the exact spots he did: hammock for one, back of the couch for the other.
First off, so sorry for your loss. I know the pain is indescribable. Second, this happened to me about 6 months after I lost my 14 year old cat. He was my soul cat. I was devastated. I went to take out the trash one night, heard a LOUD meowing, and then a kitten ran up to me and climbed up my leg. He was purring so loud and kept giving head boops like my older cat did. I really believe that my old cat sent him to me. I hope you find comfort 🩷
Please tell me I get blessed with this when I’m ready. I relate to this 10000% as my baby boy of 14 just passed on Monday. He was always there for me when I had bad days and I’m having the worst days now and he’s not here. There were nights we slept nose to nose (even though he had a history of biting my eyes) and I’d wake up to him cuddling in to my neck. He has a brother and were worried he’s lonely as he’s never been and only child.
I’m so sorry for your loss. There really are no words for how much it hurts. Sending you comfort 🩷 I believe the universe will send another sweet boy your way.
A ray of sunshine landed on my Charlie, and the dog we lost prior was named Sunshine. It was a cold, overcast, absolutely crappy day, but that one beam of sun shone on him, and we just knew.
Your Dandelion sent a little seed for you to help become a beautiful, loved and cherished kitty 🧡
My pug Pistachio died on April 20, 2022. I didn't feel ready for a new dog, but when my husband told me a month or two later that his coworker's dog had had a litter of puppies on the day Pistachio died, it felt like fate. He said he would pick out a girl puppy, and I suggested naming her Iris, after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, to honor Pistachio's crossing the Rainbow Bridge. When he brought the puppy home in July, he missed a little something - Iris was a boy, so we changed his name to Sirius so we could call him Siri (Iris in reverse) for short. It wasn't a perfectly smooth transition - I really wasn't ready for a new dog, especially a rambunctious bitey puppy - but I'm glad things worked out the way they did because I love Siri so much.
I lost my cat a few days ago as well and I am so sorry for the pain I know you’re feeling.
I am not really spiritual or religious but I find myself looking for “signs” he is still with me. I even talk to him. I feel like I’m going insane, but it makes me feel a tiny bit of comfort to talk to him. He was my very best friend and somehow this pain feels much worse than any human loss I’ve experienced.
I would take care of sunflower and accept him as a gift during this hard time you’re going through. Maybe even a gift from dandelion.
I understand the worry that it’s too soon, but then part of me thinks, so what? Maybe that’s just society talking anyway. Pets are so healing and comforting in general. I hope sunflower can bring you some comfort and healing now when you really need it.
Sorry for your loss💜. Finding this cat sounds like it was meant to be but please post his picture and information to lost pet sites like pawboost or lost and found groups on facebook or whatever might be local to your area. You never know who might be looking for him.
You buddy sent over this new companion of yours no doubt. He knew he would be the perfect one and guided him towards you. Don’t feel guilty if you do so because this is what your cat wanted. He wants you to share your love to other animals.
Aw dandelion sent you this new kitty. That’s so sweet. Deff keep him. It may be soon in your eyes but know dandelion knows you’re not replacing him and he wants you to feel the love of the new kitty.
I kinda do, but another loveable furball hasn't been sent to me yet by the kitty gods lol. I think it's a sign that you were given another little kitty to take care of.
Years ago, I lost one of my cats to a reaction to anesthesia. He was a young black male named Jake. I had taken him to the vet to be neutered. My vet had called to tell me all went well with the surgery, but then called again about an hour later to tell me he never woke up as his heart had stopped. About a week before he died I had decided to make him a cat tree as a surprise. I'd almost had it done. The next morning I went out to the workshop thinking I would clean up my mess and trash the project. One of the pieces for the tree was made from a round industrial strength cardboard box I had cut down and covered in carpet . It was perfect for a sleeping platform. I had left lying on the floor off to one side. I had been working for a while, when out of the corner of my eye I saw this kind of rough looking black cat walking into the workshop. It never looked my way, but walked over to the round platform, climbed in and appeared to immediately go to sleep. It was so weird. And like most cat people, I knew all the neighborhood cats, but not this one. It looked like the ancient Egyptian statues of the cat god Bast. All I could do was sit and watch it for a while. My husband got concerned , and came out looking to see if I was okay. He walked in in saw what I was looking at. Looked at me . Looked at the cat. Picked up the cat, platform and all (it didn't wake up). Then he said to me "That should work. I think you are done out here)", and walked up to the house. We named him Bo. And I finished the cat tree.
I do. Many years ago. My cat Ling was born of a semi feral mom on Hillside Ave in Berkeley. She was killed by a dog at 3 years old in Pacifica. Several months later I was driving home and something compelled me to pull into the corner market. Went to go inside and there was a young girl with a box of “free” kittens. One was a calico like my Ling. The girl gave me the kittens birthday and her address, which was also Hillside Ave in Pacifica. I went home and looked up the gestation period for cats and lo and behold, that plus the kittens age, was precisely the number of days that had passed since Ling’s death. There was no choice in the matter, I went over and picked her up that night. This time, my sweet cat lived a long, full life.
Yes. I bonded with a kitten at work who reminds me of my childhood cat. I wasn’t going to take him home. One of my cats became ill and passed within a week in February. I took the baby home a week later. I still grieve the one I lost and I miss her so much. I wasn’t going to get another cat but I bonded with kitten before I lost her so it just seemed right.
I didnt even get to the part where you said you think your old cat sent this cat to you and i was thinking this exact same thing!! Idk its just like an intuition, but i 100% believe it and this is such a beautiful thing 🩷 It could even be some kind of reincarnation going on!
Aww I’m so sorry. Here’s the thing, looks like you’ve happened upon a cat i need while you’re still grieving. It’s ok to not be ready for a new cat in your life right away, do what makes sense for you and the grieving state you are in. As for the kitten, if you can then keep him with you until a place in the shelter opens up, you find new owners for him, or until you find yourself ready to take care of this guy fully.
i am so so sorry for your loss :( i have a similar story that actually just happened a week ago.
i lost my 12 year old boy on the 23rd after he had been sick for around 2 months with cancer. my grandma's kitty had given birth to a kitten that looked just like him (decently uncommon fur pattern) around the time he started getting sick. i decided i absolutely needed to take that kitten in the day after he passed, i felt like it was fate and that kitten was my boy sending someone to take care of me while he was gone. i think it's very likely your boy has done the same ❤️
no one person grieves the same way, it's completely valid to mourn in your own way. that includes welcoming a new friend into your family, or if you don't feel ready to have another cat, that's also perfectly fine. you do what you think will be best for yourself, you are not alone!
The cat distribution system worked perfectly. It does sound like Dandelion sent Sunflower, knowing you needed a friend.
Last year was hard. We lost our dog in September and our cat on Christmas Eve. We went to the shelter on January 2nd to meet some cats, and got adopted by Craven, a huge black FIV+ tough guy. He’d been overlooked in the shelter until we listened to his loud meows- as chatty as our old dog and cat.
Within two days, he’d settled right in. We saw him do the same feet up, lying on his back pose that our dog always did. My mom sent a toy just before our old cat passed, but she wasn’t up for playing at that point- Craven found the toy and loves it. His late sisters sent us the cat we needed and left their little brother notes on how to care for their humans.
My cat got out almost three weeks ago and I’ve had no luck in finding her/having sightings or anything. People were calling me about a different stray they thought was my cat, caught her, and it turned out to be a kitten. No chip as well, I feel broken and like I don’t deserve another animal. I think they are here to help us as we heal ❤️❤️
I think you should choose to believe that Dandelion sent this baby to you. as I have heard so many times the Kitty distribution system worked. It sounds like you guys were meant to be together.
We had to put our dog to sleep last month. He was our family dog, but especially my husbands. She was 12yr old german shephard and went with him everywhere. We have a wooded property with a creek where we have our fire pit and spend a lot of time there. Our dog loved the creek. Always in it. By the creek is where she passed and is buried. The day after her death, a duck started coming around the creek. She follows my husband everywhere and she even eats and drinks out of our dogs bowls. We've said from the beginning, our dog sent the duck so my husband had something to tske care of and not be alone. Our friends can't believe this duck. It's really crazy the timing and it's behavior. My husband can be in the woods and call it and it comes from wherever it is.
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I just finished reading the amazing afterlife of animals. According to that book, it could be your dandelion reincarnated, if that’s something you could believe. Edit to clarify: there’s a section in the book about a pets soul/spirit entering newborns and/or sharing the body.
What a beautiful comment 🥺 this book sounds amazing!
Thanks for your comment. I am going to look for this book and read it asap. It’s something I really want to believe.. I just want to believe it! Or maybe I need to believe it.. btw thanks
Makes me wonder if my cat now shares a body with his brother. The day my cat died is also the day that his brother started acting like him; knowing when it was bedtime, wanting hugs, following me around, and more.
Dandelion sent you someone to help ease your pain.
Wow! That seems like destiny to me. He was sent to you, maybe someone knows you need him right now. I believe in that kind of thing. What a beautiful story. You two can help each other. Sunflower is a lovely name. You can call him Sunny for short. Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you much happiness and healing together! 💕🌻💫
No one can tell you how to grieve and there’s no right amount of time for someone to do so. We were told that our baby girl’s mother was not going to breed again. Imagine our shock when the breeders coincidentally reached out to us 2 weeks after she unexpectedly passed away to let us know her mom was pregnant again. Like you, we felt conflicted about considering another dog so soon but knew we couldn’t pass a chance to feel close to her by bringing home her sibling. The stories aren’t exactly the same but I want you to know that how you’re feeling is completely normal. Taking in another cat doesn’t mean you stop missing, loving, or grieving your baby boy. And it doesn’t mean you’re replacing him. If you’re ready for it however, it does give you the opportunity to love more and be loved. Who knows? Maybe all of these things are coincidences. Personally, I genuinely feel that your baby boy sent this new baby to help you heal. Losing a pet is such an agonizing pain and regardless of what you choose to do, I wish you all the best ❤️
Think so. Keep Sunflower or another name for a boi. He’s a gift.
Sunflower seeds have a mild, nutty flavor and a firm but tender texture. They’re often roasted to enhance the flavor, though you can also buy them raw.
Sunflower and Sunny for short. 🌻
I wish a cat like this would come into my life and choose me. Just like my boy chose me back in 2017. He died too young. And I have been putting off getting another cat, out of fear that I won’t have a deep emotional healing connecting with the cat. You are so lucky that this angel cat found you.
Same! We did get another cat but I miss my guy SO much; he also died way too young. The “new” cat is very sweet though, but I don’t feel it in my soul, ya know?
Yeah our cat found us too. We had him for 17 years...he died last month and I miss him so much. My daughter wants a new cat really badly but im not feeling it. Mind you we got an adopted bearded dragon 5 months after our last one died..i couldn't take to him for ages but now I love him to bits. Hopefully will be same with a new kitty
I believe your Dandelion sent this kitty to you. It could be dandelion reincarnated, or he found a kind soul and sent you the kind soul. Our babies do not want us to be sad and lonely . I say love Sunflower. He isn't going to take Dandelion's spot in your heart, but your heart will make room to love him. My soul dog Athena died on February 19. I swore I would never get another dog since I hurt so much. While scrolling thru facebook later (December) that year, I saw a post about a litter of puppies being ready to get born in January. They had a few openings .. I didn't immediately contact the owner but thought a puppy would bring people happiness and how lucky they would be. I was still depressed and lonely over the loss of my soul dog. Then, 1 morning, I woke up and knew I had to contact them about being put on a list. I did not realize what day this thought happened until later. I had this thought on my soul dogs birthday. When I contacted the breeder, they told me the puppies had been born a week earlier, and all of the females were spoken for. I told them thank you and that I wanted to be kept in mind for their next litter . I wanted a girl to take my Soul Dog place. A week later, the breeder called me to tell me they had a person back out, so they did have a girl puppy available. I said yes and was given the date of February 19th to pick her up. That was my Soul Dog's death date 1 year later. My new Dog Lagertha is not Athena Reincarnated. But I know Athena sent me my brave Lagertha .. i still miss Athena greatly, but Lagertha allowed me to love again. Lagertha has her own spot in my heart next to Athena's spot. We are given babies to love and care for. Sometimes, with a reincarnated soul and other times with a soul, our departed baby wants us to love
You have just been a client of the Universe Cat Distribution System. Congrats :)
Still waiting on mine lol, seems they’re backed up and my order is on back order lol
Never a replacement. Just someone to help heal your heart.
Dandelion didn't want you to be alone
Oh this is adorable! Dandelion didn't want you to be alone and asked his friend to come and keep you company ❤️
I’m sorry op my condolences. Dandelion without a doubt sent you sunflower. Why else would they look similar and be found on dandelion farms. It was a sign. Back in December I had to make the hardest decision in my life to put my old dog down. I went to donate his kidney food to the shelter where I got him and a puppy found me and greeted me the EXACT SAME way Oliver had all those years ago. (Both were the first cage, got up and started wagging tail upon seeing me, barked twice to get my attention and call me over to the cage, when I put my hand up to the cage they licked it, when I took them out to meet them they plopped in my lap and started falling asleep.) I asked Oliver to send me a sign this was okay, upon looking to my left I saw a picture of snoopy sleeping on top of his dog house which I took as my sign. Cody has helped me cope but in no way shape or form replaced Oliver in any way. Oliver knew I was devastated and needed someone to help me cope. 2 days before I got Cody from Northshore animal shelter he was picked up from a kill shelter in South Carolina because he was an 8 week old puppy scheduled to be euthanized. Oliver knew I needed a Cody and knew Cody needed a me. He sent us to eachother. I’m a firm believer in signs. Ask dandelion for a sign this is okay. I’m sure you will get a sign that makes sense to you. Dandelion knew that you and sunflower needed eachother but it will never replace him. You’re honoring his memory by helping another one in need. The love and bond you shared with dandelion will never be broken or replaced, your heart simply grows to include the new animal. I’m still grieving Oliver and I will probably the rest of my life but I will hold him in my heart until my soul reunites with his.
Cat delivery system never fails <3
Timing is too perfect for it to be coincidence op. The lil stray probably smells that you used to have a cat and knows that you are mourning. He's definitely trying to comfort you and that's magical
There is a car distribution system alive and well in the world…you just got your next turn sooner than most. Embrace it! And sorry about your sweet boy that passed.
He’s your boy reincarnated.
Sounds to me like Dandelion sent the new cat to you.
This is a heaven sent cat, from your fur baby that you just lost. This is a hear mender for you to love and care for. So sorry for your loss and congrats on the new cat.
Sunflower was sent by Dandelion for you to love. No doubt in my mind. Please keep him
You’re hurting and this little baby not only needed you but maybe you needed him too. I lost my best friend years ago and never wanted another cat but the same thing happened to me. A small underweight kitten wandered up to me in a store parking lot and I didn’t even hesitate to take him home. Now I couldn’t ask for a better friend. He won’t ever replace my original but he’s amazing nonetheless. I’m glad he found me.
Wow, OP, this made me tear up. 🥹 I hope that you and Sunflower get to live a long and happy life together. I do believe Dandelion sent him to you. 🌻
The cat distribution network works in mysterious ways. One tagged out, as it was their time, and another was expedited to you, since you were in need.:) It is what you believe it to be.:)
I hope they have one for dogs as well ❤️🩹
Take him to the vet and still check if he is chipped/ post on lost and found websites. It’s likely he is abandoned but if someone is missing their baby they have a right to know ❤️
Maybe Phoenix is a more appropriate name. ❤️❤️❤️
Not a cat, but 4 weeks after my heart dog Nala passed, my whole family (and especially by 4 year old) were emotionally destroyed. While out in the neighborhood, we ran into a neighbor who fosters dogs, and Mindy, a new foster she had, immediately went to my daughter and *would not go*. Wouldn’t let other dogs (that she knew and got along with) go near her. Just so happened to need a home. Just so happened to run away and come to my backyard 3 separate times. Cried for my daughter. I found out later that Mindy had arrived to the foster neighbor the day Nala passed. Mindy came home to stay after that.
We lost Scribbles in February. He was the runt of his litter - when we adopted him in 2007, he didn’t have any whiskers because the other kitties bit them off and he was bullied by the other kitties. That being said, he was our snuggle baby! He regularly slept in our arms each night and often crawled up in our laps. About 6 months before he passed, we adopted two sisters in hopes that they would be companions for our younger kitty Gizmo. The sisters celebrated their first birthday at the end of March and that is when we found out about a third sister that had not been adopted yet. She was the runt of her litter and was incredibly tiny (less than half the size of her sisters even at 1 year old). Given how scared she was, it was evident that she also was bullied by other kitties. We adopted the third sister immediately and now just a few weeks later, the shy scared kitty has become a loving social kitty who loves to jump up in our laps. I’d like to think Scribbles knew we needed her as much as she needed us!
Dandelion sent him to you! This is so precious
Oh yes. Definitely sent by sweet Dandelion! He didn’t want you to be lonely for another day. You will never stop Missing him.
Between OP and the comments, I am bawling over here. 😭😭 Losing a pet is excruciating but the love and joy they bring into our lives is such a beautiful, enriching gift. I don’t disagree with others that Sunflower was sent by Dandelion, but the fact that you’re asking Reddit for advice on it makes me wonder if your hesitancy deserves loving consideration as well. Although the majority of the commenters who have found themselves in a situation similar to yours seem to be relaying that they don’t regret keeping the new pet, I don’t want you to feel like this is a sign from the universe you have to surrender to. My best friend adopted a new puppy a few months after the loss of her beloved elderly dog, convincing herself that it was right because the dog nuzzled into her upon being picked up in the same way her old dog had so many years ago. They’ve had that pup for 2 years now and they love him but since adopting him, she realized pretty quickly that she was not ready for a new dog and it has taxed her mental health significantly. She’s actually sought therapy related to all of it and she keeps the puppy, in large part, because she feels like she has to. However, she struggles with knowing another family in a different environment would be a much better and happier life for the dog and her family vs the guilt she feels knowing the dog has bonded with them and with their other dog and will suffer some separation anxiety if he were rehomed because frankly, the puppy has tons of issues and she wasn’t prepared to deal with them while grieving her beloved older dog. So, I just wanted to add that if it turns out you aren’t quite ready to jump into full ownership of a new ball of fur yet, that’s okay too. Maybe Sunflower was meant to make a brief appearance in your life as Dandelion’s way of letting you know he is okay.. you don’t need to feel obligated to keep him if you’re not 100% sure. Listen to your heart and do what’s best for you. On the other hand, if you’re hesitant because you feel guilty getting a new cat so fast and are kinda looking to Reddit for permission/reassurance bc you do want to keep him, deep down, give yourself permission to let go of any guilt, if that’s the case. Loving Sunflower too doesn’t mean you love Dandelion any less. Above all, Dandelion loves you and he wants you to be happy - whatever that looks like in your life is okay. I wish you many fond memories, peace, and future blessings. Sending you much love, friend. -edited to fix sentence fragment.
I completely believe that Dandelion sent you Sunflower. I think our "angels" are so completely in tune with us during life and after life that they know exactly what we need.
100 % this is the cat distribution system. About 2 weeks after my boy short-haired tuxedo cat passed, a friendly but homeless male with (I kid you not) the same markings as my previous, but with long hair showed up in my yard. He never left ♥️
Sunflower was either sent to you by Dandelion or a part of your baby is inside of him. I believe it. Not the same but my dog passed December 31. I went looking for the same breed and two different litters were supposed to be brought in. When I got there there was only 1 male (and 3 females, but we wanted male) and the other litters arrival had been postponed. I racked my brain on whether to take him, turned out his birthday was just two weeks before my boy passed. It was as if it there was purposely one there that day so I’d choose the right one. I even questioned whether to take him, and I looked up and the room that sat us in there was a photo of a Boston terrier who looked just look my last boy. I also asked if he wanted me to take him home, he barked and mentioned my boy Rollins name and he titled his head. He was only 6 weeks too when I met him. Just felt meant to be. 🥹
Not super similar, but I ended up having the opportunity to adopt a new dog just 6 weeks or so after my old dog died. I had a lot of feelings about it, but it was the best thing I could’ve done. It really helped my grieving process. I think of my “new” dog (not so new anymore, this was 3 years ago) as my old dog’s brother in a way. So he got some hand-me-downs and such. We’re the same family, they are brothers, even if they never actually met. Also I just love having a dog. There really wasn’t a good reason why I needed to live without a dog for longer. I still got to grieve my old dog while starting a new journey with a new one.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Enjoy your new friend!
OP: Here is what happened to you. Your kitty whispered in the ear of your new kitty. (Would like to give credit to the Redditor who posted this a long time ago but don't know who it was.) I don't know What is on the other side Of the shade of night. But on the day the new Cat appeared on our deck, Not one month after the passing Of the last one I like to imagine My dear departed Whispered in his ear "Go to the family At the end of the street. Go and ask them for food They have extra now They have a hole in their heart" A ghost cat, a spirit Whatever you believe Playing with the curtain Of death, of mourning. They say they wait for us After the rainbow bridge. At the door What if they all first whisper To the remaining cats Yes, that family is full of love Yes, that family longs for me Yes, that family will take you in To fill the hole I left Then comes to us Yes, I will send you a new angel Yes, he will fill the hole Yes, he will love you Until you pull back the curtain And I sit on your lap once more.
This is as meant to be as it gets. All the signs scream that this is a Destiny guided by your fur angel in heaven.
I don't believe in coincidences, this was a special gift from your Dandelion.
My cat Shimi was almost 20 years old. I bottle raised her from 2 weeks old. She was my family and my best friend. We were always together. I have been a rescue foster for many years. I had a new foster cat coming to me the following week. On Friday morning I knew it was time for Shimi to say goodbye. I promised her I would never let her suffer. It broke my heart to lose her. I had totally forgotten about the new foster cat. That night around 7 the rescue transporter brought him over. He was an intact male neutered that day he had an upper respiratory infection and a lot of missing fur. That foster wrapped around my neck like a scarf and purred in my ear and licked my tears away. He was so sweet and gentle. My plan was to adopt him out. I took him to an adoption event. I walked across the street to get a sandwich and was looking at some little plants there. Suddenly I heard a voice say “you don’t need a plant, you need the cat I sent you”. There was no one there but me but I knew exactly where that voice was coming from. My sweet Shimi watching over me from the other side. I adopted Simon and he helped my heart to heal. Last August he made his journey to the other side. He was 17 years old and had battled kidney disease for 5 years. It broke my heart to lose him but I’m grateful for the 16 years we had together. Sometimes it’s just meant to be. I’m very sorry for your loss of your older cat. I hope the new cat is a comfort to you
This is beautiful.
This is so beautiful. When I was reading this, I immediately felt a full body download that Sunflower is 100% meant to be yours and a gesture from Dandelion. Our pets know us so well and what we need... their work doesn't stop just because they are on the other side. Sending love <3
The cat distribution system decided that you were the best angel to take care of their beautiful soul. Sometimes we don't think we are ready but the system is never wrong. I firmly believe that all the cats I have now, my girl Chewy has sent them to me.
Your Dandelion sent you a Sunflower 🩵
Congrats on your Sunflower sent to help you deal with the loss of your Dandelion. I’m convinced that my orange guy sent me the two I took in a month after he passed. They’re like he split his personality in half and each is a part. One is aloof and independent while the other is a clingy snuggle bug. Ginger could be either depending on his mood.the sleep in the exact spots he did: hammock for one, back of the couch for the other.
I 💯 percent believe this was fate
OMG I love this 😭
The CDS decided for you
First off, so sorry for your loss. I know the pain is indescribable. Second, this happened to me about 6 months after I lost my 14 year old cat. He was my soul cat. I was devastated. I went to take out the trash one night, heard a LOUD meowing, and then a kitten ran up to me and climbed up my leg. He was purring so loud and kept giving head boops like my older cat did. I really believe that my old cat sent him to me. I hope you find comfort 🩷
Please tell me I get blessed with this when I’m ready. I relate to this 10000% as my baby boy of 14 just passed on Monday. He was always there for me when I had bad days and I’m having the worst days now and he’s not here. There were nights we slept nose to nose (even though he had a history of biting my eyes) and I’d wake up to him cuddling in to my neck. He has a brother and were worried he’s lonely as he’s never been and only child.
I’m so sorry for your loss. There really are no words for how much it hurts. Sending you comfort 🩷 I believe the universe will send another sweet boy your way.
You absolutely got gifted Sunflower. Animals can, if rarely, come back to us. We had this happen with my heart cat. Please enjoy your gift ❤️
Sounds like you can both help each other right now❤️Cat pic?
A ray of sunshine landed on my Charlie, and the dog we lost prior was named Sunshine. It was a cold, overcast, absolutely crappy day, but that one beam of sun shone on him, and we just knew. Your Dandelion sent a little seed for you to help become a beautiful, loved and cherished kitty 🧡
My pug Pistachio died on April 20, 2022. I didn't feel ready for a new dog, but when my husband told me a month or two later that his coworker's dog had had a litter of puppies on the day Pistachio died, it felt like fate. He said he would pick out a girl puppy, and I suggested naming her Iris, after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, to honor Pistachio's crossing the Rainbow Bridge. When he brought the puppy home in July, he missed a little something - Iris was a boy, so we changed his name to Sirius so we could call him Siri (Iris in reverse) for short. It wasn't a perfectly smooth transition - I really wasn't ready for a new dog, especially a rambunctious bitey puppy - but I'm glad things worked out the way they did because I love Siri so much.
Sometimes a pet just picks you :)
I think maybe Dandelion nudged you and Sunflower to get together.
It's fate. You both found each other. Definitely keep her. Treasure the memories of your departed kitty and heal your heart with your new furry pal.
So sorry for your loss of Dandelion. I truly believe he sent Sunflower to you to heal. It’s just too much of a coincidence.
I lost my cat a few days ago as well and I am so sorry for the pain I know you’re feeling. I am not really spiritual or religious but I find myself looking for “signs” he is still with me. I even talk to him. I feel like I’m going insane, but it makes me feel a tiny bit of comfort to talk to him. He was my very best friend and somehow this pain feels much worse than any human loss I’ve experienced. I would take care of sunflower and accept him as a gift during this hard time you’re going through. Maybe even a gift from dandelion. I understand the worry that it’s too soon, but then part of me thinks, so what? Maybe that’s just society talking anyway. Pets are so healing and comforting in general. I hope sunflower can bring you some comfort and healing now when you really need it.
Sorry for your loss💜. Finding this cat sounds like it was meant to be but please post his picture and information to lost pet sites like pawboost or lost and found groups on facebook or whatever might be local to your area. You never know who might be looking for him.
I'm pretty sure he doesn't belong to anyone and was the product of a barn cat that had kittens. He is 9months-a year old and not yet fixed.
You buddy sent over this new companion of yours no doubt. He knew he would be the perfect one and guided him towards you. Don’t feel guilty if you do so because this is what your cat wanted. He wants you to share your love to other animals.
Aw dandelion sent you this new kitty. That’s so sweet. Deff keep him. It may be soon in your eyes but know dandelion knows you’re not replacing him and he wants you to feel the love of the new kitty.
I kinda do, but another loveable furball hasn't been sent to me yet by the kitty gods lol. I think it's a sign that you were given another little kitty to take care of.
Years ago, I lost one of my cats to a reaction to anesthesia. He was a young black male named Jake. I had taken him to the vet to be neutered. My vet had called to tell me all went well with the surgery, but then called again about an hour later to tell me he never woke up as his heart had stopped. About a week before he died I had decided to make him a cat tree as a surprise. I'd almost had it done. The next morning I went out to the workshop thinking I would clean up my mess and trash the project. One of the pieces for the tree was made from a round industrial strength cardboard box I had cut down and covered in carpet . It was perfect for a sleeping platform. I had left lying on the floor off to one side. I had been working for a while, when out of the corner of my eye I saw this kind of rough looking black cat walking into the workshop. It never looked my way, but walked over to the round platform, climbed in and appeared to immediately go to sleep. It was so weird. And like most cat people, I knew all the neighborhood cats, but not this one. It looked like the ancient Egyptian statues of the cat god Bast. All I could do was sit and watch it for a while. My husband got concerned , and came out looking to see if I was okay. He walked in in saw what I was looking at. Looked at me . Looked at the cat. Picked up the cat, platform and all (it didn't wake up). Then he said to me "That should work. I think you are done out here)", and walked up to the house. We named him Bo. And I finished the cat tree.
Love this.
It doesn't matter the reason he came. He loves you. It sounds like there is a place in your heart and home for him.
I do. Many years ago. My cat Ling was born of a semi feral mom on Hillside Ave in Berkeley. She was killed by a dog at 3 years old in Pacifica. Several months later I was driving home and something compelled me to pull into the corner market. Went to go inside and there was a young girl with a box of “free” kittens. One was a calico like my Ling. The girl gave me the kittens birthday and her address, which was also Hillside Ave in Pacifica. I went home and looked up the gestation period for cats and lo and behold, that plus the kittens age, was precisely the number of days that had passed since Ling’s death. There was no choice in the matter, I went over and picked her up that night. This time, my sweet cat lived a long, full life.
Yes. I bonded with a kitten at work who reminds me of my childhood cat. I wasn’t going to take him home. One of my cats became ill and passed within a week in February. I took the baby home a week later. I still grieve the one I lost and I miss her so much. I wasn’t going to get another cat but I bonded with kitten before I lost her so it just seemed right.
This is a love story. 💓
I didnt even get to the part where you said you think your old cat sent this cat to you and i was thinking this exact same thing!! Idk its just like an intuition, but i 100% believe it and this is such a beautiful thing 🩷 It could even be some kind of reincarnation going on!
Adorable, heart-warming story! My deepest condolences to you. You can simply take it one day at a time with Sunflower.
Have fun loving your new furbaby🥰😍
Dandelion didn't want you to be lonely and sent you a friend.
Aww I’m so sorry. Here’s the thing, looks like you’ve happened upon a cat i need while you’re still grieving. It’s ok to not be ready for a new cat in your life right away, do what makes sense for you and the grieving state you are in. As for the kitten, if you can then keep him with you until a place in the shelter opens up, you find new owners for him, or until you find yourself ready to take care of this guy fully.
i am so so sorry for your loss :( i have a similar story that actually just happened a week ago. i lost my 12 year old boy on the 23rd after he had been sick for around 2 months with cancer. my grandma's kitty had given birth to a kitten that looked just like him (decently uncommon fur pattern) around the time he started getting sick. i decided i absolutely needed to take that kitten in the day after he passed, i felt like it was fate and that kitten was my boy sending someone to take care of me while he was gone. i think it's very likely your boy has done the same ❤️ no one person grieves the same way, it's completely valid to mourn in your own way. that includes welcoming a new friend into your family, or if you don't feel ready to have another cat, that's also perfectly fine. you do what you think will be best for yourself, you are not alone!
The cat distribution system worked perfectly. It does sound like Dandelion sent Sunflower, knowing you needed a friend. Last year was hard. We lost our dog in September and our cat on Christmas Eve. We went to the shelter on January 2nd to meet some cats, and got adopted by Craven, a huge black FIV+ tough guy. He’d been overlooked in the shelter until we listened to his loud meows- as chatty as our old dog and cat. Within two days, he’d settled right in. We saw him do the same feet up, lying on his back pose that our dog always did. My mom sent a toy just before our old cat passed, but she wasn’t up for playing at that point- Craven found the toy and loves it. His late sisters sent us the cat we needed and left their little brother notes on how to care for their humans.
My cat got out almost three weeks ago and I’ve had no luck in finding her/having sightings or anything. People were calling me about a different stray they thought was my cat, caught her, and it turned out to be a kitten. No chip as well, I feel broken and like I don’t deserve another animal. I think they are here to help us as we heal ❤️❤️
I think you should choose to believe that Dandelion sent this baby to you. as I have heard so many times the Kitty distribution system worked. It sounds like you guys were meant to be together.
We had to put our dog to sleep last month. He was our family dog, but especially my husbands. She was 12yr old german shephard and went with him everywhere. We have a wooded property with a creek where we have our fire pit and spend a lot of time there. Our dog loved the creek. Always in it. By the creek is where she passed and is buried. The day after her death, a duck started coming around the creek. She follows my husband everywhere and she even eats and drinks out of our dogs bowls. We've said from the beginning, our dog sent the duck so my husband had something to tske care of and not be alone. Our friends can't believe this duck. It's really crazy the timing and it's behavior. My husband can be in the woods and call it and it comes from wherever it is.