It’s been a while since my last post, and to be honest, it’s a draft I’ve been putting off writing for a couple of months. It’s never easy to share heartbreak, but it feels necessary—both to honor a legendary companion and to share a cautionary message that might save another family from going through what we did.
A few months ago, Serena and I lost Loki.
Loki wasn’t just a pet; he was an awesome Maine Coon and truly my oldest fur friend. He was a constant, steady presence in our lives, full of personality, and an incredible indoor/ outdoor mousing cat who took his job seriously. Losing him left a massive, quiet void in our home.
What makes losing Loki even harder to process is how it happened. We believe he ingested poison that had been put out nearby.
When you have an outdoor cat who is a natural hunter, the world is full of hidden hazards, but rodenticides are among the most dangerous. People often put out mouse or rat poison without realizing the devastating ripple effect it causes. A poisoned rodent doesn't die instantly; it slows down, becoming easy prey for a skilled mousing cat like Loki. When the cat eats the rodent, it ingests the secondary poison, which is often fatal.
If you are dealing with a pest problem, please consider the neighborhood pets and local wildlife before reaching for chemical poisons. There are safer, more humane alternatives that don't put beloved companions at risk. No one should have to watch a family member suffer from something so entirely preventable.
Serena and I have spent the last couple of months mourning Loki, missing the way he claimed his space in our lives. The grief doesn't entirely disappear, but time has allowed the sharpest edges of it to soften. And recently, we decided it was time to let some light back into the house.
Our home is no longer quiet. In fact, it's full of chaotic, tiny energy, thanks to two new kittens who have joined our family.
First, there is Freddie Nugget, who is right around 8 to 10 weeks old now. He is a ball of pure curiosity and playfulness. Joining him is Stella, a sweet little girl who was unfortunately separated from her mom about a week or two too soon. Because of her early start, she requires a bit of extra patience and care, but watching her adapt and bond with Nugget has been incredibly rewarding. Even though Nugget is playing, we do have to watch for him being too rough.
They will never replace Loki—no cat ever could. He was one of a kind. But Nugget and Stella are helping us heal, reminding us of the joy of new beginnings, and keeping us entirely on our toes.
To everyone who loved Loki from afar, thank you for being part of his journey. Hold your fur friends a little closer today, and please, let's keep our neighborhoods safe for the animals who watch over our barns and backyards.
Until next time,
