Making every moment count for a cat in hospice care

Aubrey Tsosie was perusing Instagram one day when she landed on a post about a senior cat named Elton at Best Friends in Salt Lake City. Aubrey had been thinking about adopting an older cat, and as soon as she saw him she thought maybe he was the one. Then, she found out he had an untreatable form of cancer and was sure he was the one.

According to veterinarians, Elton had about a year to live. So Aubrey decided to spend as much time as she could with the orange tabby, helping him experience as many things as possible that would bring him joy. Every day, they’d experience a new adventure together.

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It didn’t take Elton long to relax and let his guard down in his new home. Aubrey wanted him to know what it was like to be part of a big, loving family. And soon after settling in, he could often be found sitting next to Aubrey’s father, keeping him company while he worked.

Elton’s health started to take a turn a little more than a year after being adopted. And although Aubrey worried that she wouldn’t know when it was the right time to say goodbye, she felt peace on Elton’s last day. Elton greeted everyone that morning like he always did: with love.

Ask Aubrey whether she’d adopt another cat in hospice care, and she’ll tell you “Yes” without missing a beat. She’ll also tell you that helping Elton live his best life, for however long he had, changed her life, too.

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After Aubrey adopted Elton, she got his paw print tattooed on her arm, along with lyrics: “How wonderful life is, while you’re in the world.”

Now, the lyrics from “Your Song” by Elton John serve as a reminder of how Elton the orange tabby helped Aubrey see the world through new eyes. “Sometimes life is short, and when you find a moment to experience, you’ve got to take it,” says Aubrey. “Those memories stay with you forever.”