Reston Pets of the Week: Honey and Merlin

This week’s Reston Pets of the Week are Honey and Merlin, siblings who have given their owner a lot of love over 11 years. Here is what owner Matt has to say:

Honey and her brother, Merlin, both came from a litter on my aunt’s property in Pennsylvania. She woke up one morning to find them all in her shed out back.  By the time I adopted Honey and Merlin, the other four kittens were already adopted. These two were inseparable, so my aunt was hoping they could wind up together. I took them home, listening to Honey meow through her cage as I repeated over and over again not to worry — I’d take care of her now.

Honey was much more reserved and it was months before she let me pet her.  Once she did, there was no going back. She became my shadow for 11 years. In a lot of ways, she was my first real love. She forced herself next to my body every night to sleep no matter how much I fought. She woke to eat breakfast with me, watched TV with me, and and has waited by the door for me to return home every day.

One month ago, she was diagnosed with cancer, so we’re in our final weeks together and I’m doing my best to live in the moment and appreciate the time I have, as opposed to focusing on the what the future holds. She’s been there for every new home, new girlfriends, the death of family members, the birth of my son, holidays, etc.

In 11 years, she’s gone from a feral cat in a shed to one of the most important lives to have crisscrossed with mine. Because her brother Merlin was always the more outgoing of the two, he always stole the spotlight with guests — but I’ve shared a secret, silent, and mutual adoration with Honey for 11 years and I thought it might be her time to be in the spotlight in Reston.  

Honey, Merlin and Matt will receive $100 in Becky’s Bucks, as well as some treats, from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care. Also, best wishes to Honey as she battles her illness.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.