After losing everything, this angel in disguise gave DeAnn a second chance for happiness.
This feature is very close to my heart for many reasons.
As many of my readers know, I lost my father in October of last year. I’ve felt the heartbreak of losing a close loved one, and that’s why today’s feature is extra special.
DeAnn has kindly agreed to share Diego’s story with us, so without further ado, I present to you Mr. Diego Edwin Parfitt!
Hello, DeAnn. Tell us a little about how you found Diego. Where is he from?
Diego was born in Central California, Madera – in October of 2004. He was picked up on the streets by a put down shelter and was one day away from being killed when Marin Humane Society rescued him and brought him to Northern California.
He was very sick; he had a severe case of upper respiratory infection (among other things). After a period of fostering, etc., at 4 and 1/2 months he was put up for adoption.
I understand that Diego’s adoption came at a crucial time for you. Would you mind sharing a bit about that?
At this same time I had just lost my Daddy on December 28th, 2004; my aunt January 13th, 2005; and my first little baby (kitty) January 23th, 2005 (I had her 17 years and adored her). All of this was more than I could take.
I’m not sure who saved who. When I adopted Diego, he brought life and laughter back to me. I knew from the first time I saw him that we were perfect for each other.
How soon after their passing did you decide to adopt Diego?
I first met Diego on February 9th, 2005 & brought him home February 10th.
Who did you name Diego after? My first thought was Diego from the movie Ice Age. Is that who he’s named for?
He is named after the artist Diego Rivera (I’m a professional artist), and ‘Edwin’ comes from his grandpa’s middle name (my Daddy).
What is Diego’s personality like? Is he more of an indoor or outdoor cat?
[Diego] is a very sweet boy, and he goes EVERYWHERE with me; I take him [out] every day. He’s my copilot! He hikes, swims (even in the ocean!), and rides on ATVs and the boat. He goes on all vacations with me.
[Diego] is quite the traveler, [and] he loves exploring the outdoors but is just as comfortable exploring the hotel room. Diego wears clothes (and has a lot of them) and takes baths too – he likes them, just not the blow dryer. He is also a registered Emotional Support Animal – he now goes in hospitals, rest homes and veterans’ homes to help.
How has Diego helped you cope with your loss(es)?
Diego is just an awesome boy with a very gentle and loving personality. He is VERY smart and is more like a real little boy than any cat I’ve ever seen. We understand each other extremely well, and I usually know what he is trying to tell me.
I love Diego more than I can express, and I feel the same coming back from him. Who saved who?
I have the feeling you both saved each other. Thank you so much for letting us feature you. Please give Diego lots of hugs and kisses from us!
Follow Diego’s adventures on his Instagram at @diegoedwinparfitt.
Want to be featured on our blog? Send us your fur baby’s story at themeowplace@gmail.com or use Instagram hashtag #FriskyFelineFeature.
Wonderful post that shows just how much cats enrich our lives. Isn’t Diego gorgeous? He has ‘old soul’ eyes.
He’s a beauty! My cats have definitely enriched my life and helped me cope, and I’m glad to see Diego is doing the same for DeAnn. Cats are wonderful!
Thank you so much for featuring my little boy. Deann (& Diego)
It was my pleasure!
What a handsome boy Diego is! And what a great interview! We are happy to hear that there was a little bit of saving on both sides and that he’s having so much fun in life.
We’re glad too! Cats do a good job of helping us through hard times. As someone who has anxiety and depression, I can attest to their mental health benefits as well.