There are some souls who come into our lives and change us forever. For me, one of those souls was wrapped in orange and white fur, filled with sass, spirit, and a heart full of lessons.
His name was Mr. Mooshie Haines, and I had the honour of sharing life with him for approximately 16 incredible years.
Mr. Mooshie came into my life during a time when I was searching for direction. The absence of animal companionship felt unnatural to me—something was missing. So, I visited the local humane society, hoping that the right soul would find me.
Room after room, sweet cats looked back at me, but none felt quite like “the one.”
Then, a staff member mentioned one more cat in the back—he wasn’t up for adoption yet but would be soon if not claimed. I agreed to meet him, and into the room walked this feisty, independent orange and white fellow who clearly had no interest in me at first. There were far more interesting things to explore! We shared time together quietly in that room—me sitting, him investigating—and slowly, he came to me. We connected.
When I called the following week and learned he was available for adoption, I returned immediately. That was the day Mr. Mooshie and I officially began our journey together. What I didn’t know then was that he would become one of my greatest teachers, mirrors, and companions.
Mr. Mooshie was bold, determined, and beautifully complex. He had a sensitive nervous system, which made him extra alert and reactive at times that often expressed as a desire to be the boss—to assert himself as alpha.
At times, he was lovingly mischievous, cheeky, and totally unfiltered. Yet, beneath that bravado was a deep sensitivity and wisdom. He taught me patience, understanding, and how to listen with more than my ears. He reminded me that healing doesn’t always come wrapped in quiet packages—it can come through challenge, reflection, and unexpected lessons.
When I met my husband and our families blended together, Mr. Mooshie extended his teachings to him as well.
He didn’t just “fit in”—he led the way. He continued to teach us about boundaries, trust, and unconditional love… always on his terms, of course. There are countless memories that still make me smile. The way he would prance around the house like he owned it (because, truly, he did). The way he would look at you, deadpan, if he didn’t approve of something.
The cuddles that came only when he decided, and those rare moments when he softened completely into love and let you see how deeply he cared.
After Mr. Mooshie passed, the grief was deep. But in true Mooshie fashion, he found a way to make sure I knew he wasn’t truly gone.
My husband and I had asked him to send us a sign after he departed the physical plane— and one night, just a few days after his passing, he did. He came to me. At the top of our bedroom, I saw a glowing, swirling light of energy—the unmistakable colours of orange and white. I saw him with my physical eyes, his presence undeniable. It was a gift I will never forget—a message of love that transcends space and time. I shared the experience with my husband, and together we were comforted by the knowing that Mr. Mooshie was still with us.
Mr. Mooshie, thank you. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for your lessons, your presence, your love, and even your stubbornness. You were exactly who I needed, and I will always be grateful that our paths crossed in this lifetime. You live on in my heart, and I feel your guidance still..
