Kid 'forced' to surrender cat leaves heartbreaking letter for future adopters: 'If he’s happy, I’m happy'

At times, some people willingly get pets, not realizing that they are not just cute, cuddly companions but an actual responsibility. As they grow in life, welcoming a partner and eventually having children of their own, they begin to consider their pets as an added burden. Hence, without a second thought, owners abandon them as if they never mattered, as if all the love they once had could be discarded so easily. While it may not be earth-shattering for the adults to move on from these innocent animals, children are usually more affected by the separation. An individual who goes by u/anasuissecret on Reddit shared a heartbreaking letter a child wrote for potential adopters while surrendering their cat, Bootsie.

The handwritten letter began with the child innocently talking about the different names they like calling 'Bootsie,' adding that he is a complete foodie and sometimes even throws up because of overeating. "Bootsie's full name is Boot Scoot... if he's cute I say is Bootsie being cutesie?" the child wrote. Elaborating on Bootsie's nature, the child revealed that he was in need of a one-cat family, as he doesn't seem comfortable sharing space with other felines. "He is good with kids, and also he loves tummy rubs," the child added. Moreover, they revealed that Bootsie loves being indoors, isn't  excited to go on hunting adventures, and can befriend anyone except for other cats. He got along well with the two dogs his previous owners had, the child shared.

"Bootsie’s a lap baby, or if you want, you can hold him in your arms, not tightly but softly, and he will start hugging you right away. If he starts kneading you and you don’t want his claws on you, tap his paw softly, the paw that has his claws out, and he will stop, sometimes. Otherwise, just take him off you," the child wrote. They also warned Bootsie's future parents against petting him on a specific spot where the cat had a worm. Though it had been nearly a year, Bootsie hadn't healed completely. "One more thing about Boots is that if he’s happy, he will drool, so don’t worry. It’s not rabies! I will miss him, but if he’s happy, I’m happy. His dream is to become a loving fat cat who stays indoors. Take good care of Bootsie, please," the letter read.

Reacting to the Reddit post, u/celestier revealed, "When I was like ten, my grandma got rid of our two dogs while I was at school and made me believe they ran away. She let us search the neighborhood, calling their names for three days straight, and my other aunt drove me around to look at the animal shelters nearby for them. Still never forgiven her for that one." Similarly, u/kk1289 commented, "Wow, that is heartbreaking. I remember when I was a kid, we had to surrender my rabbit; I'll never forget that day. The kid who wrote that cares a lot. I hope Bootsie gets adopted soon."

u/reefkeepersteve said, "Brutal. I wish they would find a way to keep these two together, but if Mr. Boot Scoot, and Boogie (Bootsie) are out there and need a home, he has one with my family. Just reach out; I'm happy to qualify for adoption." On the other hand, u/venusvalkyriejh wrote, "Aww, I’m crying, man. If I couldn’t keep a cat, but then I saw my child put so much effort in and show such a profound understanding of their pet… I would move heaven and earth to keep it."