A Heartfelt Message to My Beloved Belleville Neighbours:

Today, on April 15, 2024, marks Whisper’s 2nd birthday. Many of you may recall my extensive search for Whisper over the past several months, followed by a period of silence. Now, I have finally found closure and feel compelled to share Whisper’s story with you all.

I must sadly inform you that Whisper has passed away, leaving me deeply heartbroken yet grateful to have found closure.

Here, I wish to recount his story… On September 25th, my son allowed Whisper outside on his own. At just 5 ½ months old, Whisper was remarkably intelligent, friendly, and quite sneaky. While he enjoyed the outdoors, he had always been accompanied by his brothers, promptly returning when called.

However, on that evening, he ventured out alone for the first time while I was away on an errand. Upon my return, I noticed Whisper was missing, despite only a couple of hours passing since he went outside. We searched tirelessly, checking the backyard and surrounding areas, but Whisper had completely vanished. Surprisingly, our backyard camera showed Whisper leaving and jumping over the fence, a behavior unlike his usual routine of returning promptly. Our search continued throughout the night, but Whisper remained elusive. The following day, we plastered posters, sought assistance from the Lost Cat Network and local shelters, and called Animal Control, yet Whisper remained missing.

Our Belleville Neighbours rallied together, tirelessly aiding in the search by posting flyers, sharing posts, and providing over 100 tips regarding various black cats in the area, each followed up diligently. Despite our collective efforts and countless nights spent searching, Whisper remained out of sight. Anna and I ventured out late into the night, hoping to catch a glimpse of Whisper, but to no avail. Although we encountered and rescued numerous stray and feral cats during our search, Whisper remained elusive. Witnessing reunions of other lost cats with their owners brought moments of joy amidst the ongoing search. However, the void left by Whisper’s absence weighed heavily on my heart, leading to many tearful nights and an overwhelming sense of confusion and obsession.

In November, I consulted a spiritual reader who suggested Whisper had passed with something in his stomach, a notion I initially dismissed. However, in March, a message from the Humane Society regarding a severely ill cat resembling Whisper prompted an immediate visit. Sadly, the cat had passed away en route to the vet. Though resembling Whisper, doubts lingered, prompting me to take the body home for DNA testing.

In July, I consulted an animal communicator who confirmed the cat I had found was indeed Whisper. Tragically, Whisper had been captured by a neighbor, poisoned, and subsequently left to perish. Despite his resilience and attempts to find his way home, he succumbed to his injuries, found only blocks away from our residence six months later.

Whisper’s passing shattered my heart, yet it fueled a newfound determination. During our search, we rescued over 50 cats and kittens, reuniting some with their owners, taming feral cats, and finding loving homes for others. Today, on Whisper’s 2nd birthday, we officially launch Whisper’s Rescue. Your support, donations, and dedication have been invaluable during this challenging time, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing safe, loving homes for rescued cats and kittens.

I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and efforts during the search for Whisper. Your kindness and compassion exemplify the strength of our community, and I am truly grateful for each of you.

With heartfelt thanks and warm regards,

Sarah Colbeck