When we moved in together, Bronwyn wasn’t someone who grew up with pets, but Keagan had always been surrounded by animals. For Keagans 21st birthday, we decided to adopt a kitten—our first pet together, and one that would be special for both of us. We named him Cody. He quickly became a part of our little family. Later, we decided Cody needed a playmate, so we adopted another baby kitten and named her May. With two playful, loving kittens, our home felt complete.

But when we made the decision to emigrate, we faced one of the hardest choices we've ever had to make: rehoming Cody and May. They were so young and had so much life ahead of them. We knew they could bring joy to another family, just like they had to us, but it didn’t make the decision any easier.

We didn’t know where to begin, so we reached out to friends and family. Sadly, no one was in a position to take them in. So, we joined Facebook groups for rehoming pets, hoping to find a loving home. However, if you’re going through something similar, you’ll understand the judgment that can come with it. We were called selfish, accused of abandoning them. Some people even compared it to giving up our own children. It was hurtful, especially since we were already heartbroken about leaving them behind. At 21 years old and 22 years old, we simply couldn’t afford the costs of taking them with us.

In our minds, we were doing the right thing by ensuring they went to a loving home instead of a shelter. After weeks of searching, we were starting to lose hope. But then, a distant family friend who had recently lost their own kitten came forward. They were willing to welcome both Cody and May with open arms, and we were relieved. We thought the hard part was over.

But we were wrong.

The day they came to collect the cats was one of the hardest we’ve ever faced. Waking up the next morning and not hearing their little meows for breakfast felt like an emptiness we couldn’t describe. We cried so many times, and oddly enough, it made us think about how hard it would be when our own children—who we don’t even have yet—would leave home in the future. That was the kind of love we had for them.

To anyone going through something similar, we want you to know it’s okay. It’s okay to feel unsure or question if you’re doing the right thing. What matters most is that you find a loving, caring home for them. We’ve heard from the family who adopted Cody and May, and they’re thriving—dining on the glass table, spoiled with toys, and surrounded by love. Although it still hurts that we won’t hear their little paws scratching at our door in the morning, we’re comforted knowing they’re being cared for.

Don’t let others’ opinions get to you. No one truly understands until they’re in a financially difficult situation like this. The memories you’ve made with your pets will always stay with you, and if nothing else, your house will be a little cleaner.