Slightly timid

My name is Marilynn! I’m about 3 years old… at least, that’s what the humans say.

Everything before “that” day is a little fuzzy. I like to think of it as selective amnesia — not the scary kind, just the kind where you decide the future matters more than the past.

What I do remember is waking up in the care of kind people at AARCS, sore and confused, with a very broken pelvis and leg, and a hernia that needed fixing too. I had some big surgeries, have a shaved backside I’m still a bit shy about, and a long road of healing ahead of me. But here’s the important part: I made it.  And I’m still learning how strong I really am.

Right now, I’m working on my physical therapy. It’s helping me move better every day, even if I still have a little limp — a reminder of what I survived. I’ll need a special human who’s okay continuing those exercises with me (mostly just playing with me and making sure I’m using my leg), and maybe taking me back to the AARCS vet clinic once or twice for rechecks. Don’t worry — AARCS has that covered. You just bring the love and the patience.

I’m a gentle soul. I love face and ear pets — they’re my favorite — and I’ll happily lean into your hand while you tell me how brave I am. I don’t enjoy being picked up, though. I prefer to keep all four paws on the ground and my dignity intact. If I’ve had enough attention, I’ll let you know politely. I’m very good at using my words… or at least my body language.

At night, I like to sleep near my person. Not on top of you, not far away — just close enough to feel safe. Close enough to know you’re still there.

I’m learning how to trust when it comes to food. Somewhere in my forgotten chapters, meals weren’t guaranteed. Sometimes I guard my bowl or try to bury a little for later, just in case. But my foster dad is showing me, every single day, that I don’t have to worry anymore. And I’m catching on faster than anyone expected.

I can live with other older, calm cats if introductions are slow and respectful (you’ll get a guide — the humans are very organized). That said, I think I might truly shine as an only cat, where I can relax completely and not feel like I need to stay on guard. I’m very protective of my tiny 4-month-old foster sister during our supervised visits — it seems that even with amnesia, my heart remembers how to care. Dogs, though? No thank you. That’s one memory I don’t need to recover.

I know I’m not a “pick-me-up-and-go” kind of cat. I’m a choose-me-and-grow-together kind of cat. I’m healing, learning, trusting — and hoping.

If you’re looking for a companion who has survived hard things, who offers quiet loyalty instead of chaos, and who will choose you every day in her own gentle way… I think I remember why we’re meant to meet.

Love, Marilynn🐾💗

Will you help me complete my healing journey?