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The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him
Shawn Flynn and his fiancee are excited to start their new life together. They are planning a wedding and have bought a new home. The last thing the two of them need right now is a new cat.
But their recently purchased house seems to come complete with a stray orange feline-a cat with a vibrant personality and a talent for mousing. So Shawn soon finds himself with a regular companion. Little does he realize that this cat will shortly become more important to him than he can possibly imagine.
As Shawn's personal life begins to shift in ways he never saw coming, Kitty remains a constant source of stability and comfort. Shawn gave Kitty a home, and now Kitty gives Shawn the love he needs to heal.
A touching and inspiring story of heartfelt companionship, The Kitty offers an uplifting perspective on what it means to find true friendship in this world. Anyone who has ever shared a meaningful connection with a pet will fall head over heels in love with Kitty and Shawn.
As Shawn discovers, sometimes we don't even realize we need to be rescued-until we are.
But their recently purchased house seems to come complete with a stray orange feline-a cat with a vibrant personality and a talent for mousing. So Shawn soon finds himself with a regular companion. Little does he realize that this cat will shortly become more important to him than he can possibly imagine.
As Shawn's personal life begins to shift in ways he never saw coming, Kitty remains a constant source of stability and comfort. Shawn gave Kitty a home, and now Kitty gives Shawn the love he needs to heal.
A touching and inspiring story of heartfelt companionship, The Kitty offers an uplifting perspective on what it means to find true friendship in this world. Anyone who has ever shared a meaningful connection with a pet will fall head over heels in love with Kitty and Shawn.
As Shawn discovers, sometimes we don't even realize we need to be rescued-until we are.
- GenresNonfictionCatsAnimals
86 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2016
30 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
About the author
Shawn P. Flynn
1 book43 followersA Readers' Favorite Award-Winning Author and a Finalist in both the Best Book Awards and the International Book Awards, Shawn Flynn spent over twenty-five years in a market-research career before he stepped away to pursue his passion for writing. He knew he wanted to explore his deep connection with cats, particularly the first cat he ever rescued.
Flynn and his girlfriend, Carrie, live in Enfield, Connecticut, where he takes care of several indoor and outdoor cats. He also volunteers with the local cat rescue group, Enfield Community Cat Project.
Reach out to Flynn at shawnpflynn@yahoo.com.
Flynn and his girlfriend, Carrie, live in Enfield, Connecticut, where he takes care of several indoor and outdoor cats. He also volunteers with the local cat rescue group, Enfield Community Cat Project.
Reach out to Flynn at shawnpflynn@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 16, 2020
4.0 STARS
The Kitty made me smile!
Kitty is a cat of course. But the kitty didn’t become Kitty, a bushy orange cat with gorgeous green eyes, until the house that had been vacant for over a year was purchased and Kitty refused to leave the backyard or the steps to the front door! The new owner invited Kitty in, fed him, nurtured him, loved him, adopted him. Kitty had a new home full of happiness and love.
Kitty reciprocated with unequivocal love, a love and companionship so strong and powerful, it soothed some of the most intense human emotional pain in that house. Unconditional love!
The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, a novella really, or maybe a very long short story, shines in its simplicity. In a digital world screaming for attention in all forms, shapes and sizes of communications ranging from dubious 280-character bursts to full length gory descriptions of graphic violence or sexual assault, The Kitty resonated with me for its simple message, easy and efficacious delivery and heartfelt love, kindness and compassion.
Part of my Covid reading series, I met Shawn P. Flynn, the author of The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, back in 2016 at the first annual Articulture Westfield (MA) author event and purchased this book at that show … and promptly shelved it in my home office where it resided for over four years. Covid closed my local library so I’ve been turning to all those books I’ve purchased and shelved over the years.
This one was well worth the wait!
The Kitty made me smile!
Kitty is a cat of course. But the kitty didn’t become Kitty, a bushy orange cat with gorgeous green eyes, until the house that had been vacant for over a year was purchased and Kitty refused to leave the backyard or the steps to the front door! The new owner invited Kitty in, fed him, nurtured him, loved him, adopted him. Kitty had a new home full of happiness and love.
Kitty reciprocated with unequivocal love, a love and companionship so strong and powerful, it soothed some of the most intense human emotional pain in that house. Unconditional love!
The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, a novella really, or maybe a very long short story, shines in its simplicity. In a digital world screaming for attention in all forms, shapes and sizes of communications ranging from dubious 280-character bursts to full length gory descriptions of graphic violence or sexual assault, The Kitty resonated with me for its simple message, easy and efficacious delivery and heartfelt love, kindness and compassion.
Part of my Covid reading series, I met Shawn P. Flynn, the author of The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, back in 2016 at the first annual Articulture Westfield (MA) author event and purchased this book at that show … and promptly shelved it in my home office where it resided for over four years. Covid closed my local library so I’ve been turning to all those books I’ve purchased and shelved over the years.
This one was well worth the wait!
December 7, 2017
Absolutely loved this book, couldn't put it down. It was a heart warming true story, that was very much written from the authors heart.
Shawn very much opened himself up to the reader, the feelings he had were very real and very well covered.
I am not ashamed to admit crying.
He has shown the real side of how cat's interact with humans and how they enhance your life for the better.
I have already recommended this book and will continue to do so.
Shawn very much opened himself up to the reader, the feelings he had were very real and very well covered.
I am not ashamed to admit crying.
He has shown the real side of how cat's interact with humans and how they enhance your life for the better.
I have already recommended this book and will continue to do so.
February 19, 2017
In this modern era where human relationships flare brightly, then wink out rapidly, we find great comfort in the uncomplicated, heartwarming relationships we have with our feline companions who demand little from us, but give us so much love and affection in return. Mr. Flynn has been fortunate in that he has been adopted by a charming feline and has then gone on to adopt other stray/rescue cats who have brought additional joy to his life. This is a well-written story that brought me to tears at the end-our feline companions do have the power to heal and fill our hearts with love.
April 29, 2019
I purchased the book "The Kitty who rescued me after I rescued him" by Shawn P. Flynn. I want to thank Shawn so much for writing this bittersweet profound true story of Kitty's and his life together. I read it together with my spouse and one of my children. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I cried and cried at the end. I didn't even get to meet Kitty in person ever and after reading your story I truly miss him as if he was my own cat. I totally recommend this book to anyone, even if your not an animal lover. Such a loving and wonderful story of true companionship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
I loved it this book. The writing wasn’t as fancy as other books I’ve read, but it was still very good. I cried my eyes out at the end. The author has a heart of gold. It was a very enjoyable read, and made you feel good. Any cat lover will surely love this book and understand all he was feeling.
February 2, 2020
SNIFF !!! If you have ever owned a cat, or been owned by a cat, I highly recommend reading The Kitty Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him by Shawn P. Flynn. I highly recommend reading it if you lost a cat, which if you are a cat lover, you sadly most likely have had to say goodbye to them as well.
I have been a cat lover and owner even since I was very young and a stray cat walked into our backyard. That cat was named Tabby and we had her for years until she was old and had to leave us. Although the full impact of owning and loving and having your entire live changed and revolving around a cat didn’t happen until I was in my late 20’s and living on my own. I was working full time, single and I went to a local adoption center and that is where I saw Desmond….or actually he saw me. I was actually interested in the orange kitten in the window next to him but he wasn’t having that. He was going crazy to get my attention and he won. Desmond went home with me and we were together for 16 years. He saw me through some break-ups, a few times of moving, a marriage, a divorce, some family deaths and I saw him through feline diabetes. I had to give him shots of insulin twice a day. I would do whatever I could for him and I did until I had to make the same hard decision that Flynn had to make in The Kitty. You do not want to let your cat go but you have to be strong and brave and let them go. We cannot allow them to suffer even though it KILLS us to do it. I remember walking out of the vets office, through the waiting room, in tears and hearing another patient saying that I must have had to let a pet go……I didn’t….. To this day, many years later, I can still look at Desmond’s picture or think of him and cry. Even though he is gone from this earth, he is always in my heart.
I LOVED The Kitty and Flynn’s ability to share his love of cats and his lose. I have no idea how he was able to put it to paper, I cried for most of the story……which means Flynn did his job and captured this reader’s attention. I highly recommend cat lovers, and even other animal lovers, to read The Kitty and feel the impact of Flynn and Kitty’s story.
I have been a cat lover and owner even since I was very young and a stray cat walked into our backyard. That cat was named Tabby and we had her for years until she was old and had to leave us. Although the full impact of owning and loving and having your entire live changed and revolving around a cat didn’t happen until I was in my late 20’s and living on my own. I was working full time, single and I went to a local adoption center and that is where I saw Desmond….or actually he saw me. I was actually interested in the orange kitten in the window next to him but he wasn’t having that. He was going crazy to get my attention and he won. Desmond went home with me and we were together for 16 years. He saw me through some break-ups, a few times of moving, a marriage, a divorce, some family deaths and I saw him through feline diabetes. I had to give him shots of insulin twice a day. I would do whatever I could for him and I did until I had to make the same hard decision that Flynn had to make in The Kitty. You do not want to let your cat go but you have to be strong and brave and let them go. We cannot allow them to suffer even though it KILLS us to do it. I remember walking out of the vets office, through the waiting room, in tears and hearing another patient saying that I must have had to let a pet go……I didn’t….. To this day, many years later, I can still look at Desmond’s picture or think of him and cry. Even though he is gone from this earth, he is always in my heart.
I LOVED The Kitty and Flynn’s ability to share his love of cats and his lose. I have no idea how he was able to put it to paper, I cried for most of the story……which means Flynn did his job and captured this reader’s attention. I highly recommend cat lovers, and even other animal lovers, to read The Kitty and feel the impact of Flynn and Kitty’s story.
February 29, 2020
I really like this book I recommend it for kitty lovers and for people who want to learn about there cat
June 2, 2017
I had been planning to read Shawn's The Kitty for some time now but had never gotten around to it. Being a cat lover myself (fanatic!) it almost shames me that I took so long to read this book. From the title, I was not sure what to expect, but I had a hunch I would connect with this story.
And connect I did.
Shawn's story will strike hard at the soul of any cat lover who reads it. It's very simply written, and openly honest. Shawn holds nothing back in telling the story of how he rescued Kitty, and how Kitty then returned the favor by comforting him through difficult times.
So many people take pets for granted, both dogs and cats. I am particularly pleased that Shawn's work helps to completely shoot down the myth that cats are not loyal and not loving. What he and Kitty shared was pure love. There is no denying that.
This book is a must for any cat lover. They will understand it, feel it, and I personally feel close to Shawn after reading this book, because I've been there. All my cats have done the same for me that Kitty did for Shawn. I just never had the brains to write a book about it.
And connect I did.
Shawn's story will strike hard at the soul of any cat lover who reads it. It's very simply written, and openly honest. Shawn holds nothing back in telling the story of how he rescued Kitty, and how Kitty then returned the favor by comforting him through difficult times.
So many people take pets for granted, both dogs and cats. I am particularly pleased that Shawn's work helps to completely shoot down the myth that cats are not loyal and not loving. What he and Kitty shared was pure love. There is no denying that.
This book is a must for any cat lover. They will understand it, feel it, and I personally feel close to Shawn after reading this book, because I've been there. All my cats have done the same for me that Kitty did for Shawn. I just never had the brains to write a book about it.
May 31, 2017
After reading some heavy and depressing books, I was in the mood for something happier and light hearted that could remind me there is still good in this world. The Kitty fit the bill and gave me so much more. The Kitty was in my list of recommendations since I had previously read many of the Street Cat Bob books. It tells the story of how Shawn discovered Kitty already living at the house he had just purchased. As the story evolves, Shawn soon discovers something many of us who live with animals already know. Kitty ceased to become a pet and became a full-fledged member of the family and Shawn’s best friend. Shawn shares his frank experience with a failed marriage and other challenges made easier by Kitty standing by his side. Some of the most powerful and poignant parts of the book are those toward the end where we see Shawn caring for an elderly Kitty. In these moments, the reader clearly understands how much Kitty meant to the author and the depth of their friendship. Kitty’s relationship with Shawn also inspired him to save three additional lives as he also writes about the other cats that became part of the family. But it is Shawn’s and Kitty’s relationship that is paramount in the book. As someone who also knows the joys of being a cat dad, the story really resonated with me. My only issue with this wonderful story is that I wanted a bit more as I’m sure Kitty, Squeaks, Girlie, and Gypsy must have had many adventures. This book accomplished its purpose for me – it reminded me that there is good in this world as exemplified through the love and bond between man and cat.
May 6, 2018
House hunting can be quite an adventure. You are never sure what may be inside the house or what may happen. An orange cat shows up out of the blue. Though not a cat person Shawn decides to take the cat with him. Shawn's life changes in significant ways. The cat is with Shawn though it all.
Well written and somewhat sad. Mr. Flynn opens his heart to share with the rest of us very difficult issues. it's amazing to read about the cat. It's as though someone saw Mr. Flynn's future and decided to give him some support. Mr. Flynn also sharing the grief with the reader. I think many will love this book.
I didn't find any issues.
I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because although it's a good read, it isn't my cup of tea. ~Copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
Well written and somewhat sad. Mr. Flynn opens his heart to share with the rest of us very difficult issues. it's amazing to read about the cat. It's as though someone saw Mr. Flynn's future and decided to give him some support. Mr. Flynn also sharing the grief with the reader. I think many will love this book.
I didn't find any issues.
I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because although it's a good read, it isn't my cup of tea. ~Copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
February 5, 2018
This is a charming little book for cat lovers. Flynn tells of his life with Kitty, a stray he ends up keeping and the other two cats he also ends up with. Kitty helped him through a divorce, and he learned to love cats. The ending had me in tears for at least the last 20 pages, because it reminded me a lot of my last cat (who looked quite a lot like his Squeakers.) It's a very slim volume - I think it took me maybe an hour to read - but it is worth rereading. I put it on the shelf with my other 'comfort books' - books I've loved and like to reread when I'm feeling a bit down. I highly recommend it.
November 20, 2017
I have just finished reading a cat book called The Kitty - Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him by Shawn P Flynn. Simply written but this a depth of genuine raw emotion that can’t but touch the readers heart in a profound way. The book excellently highlights the value other sentient beings bring to our lives. As a vegan I know only to well how all animals have something to teach us, not only about themselves, but also about ourselves too. I read this book in under an hour but it will stay with me for a very long time! Highly recommended.
Anita Kelsey BA Hons, MCFBA, CIDBT- published author of Claws. Confessions Of A Cat Groomer.
Anita Kelsey BA Hons, MCFBA, CIDBT- published author of Claws. Confessions Of A Cat Groomer.
January 2, 2018
"Shawn Flynn has written a moving story of the secret powers of redirecting our focus off of ourselves and onto another, even if it's an animal, and especially if it's a cat. Flynn has vividly shown what we are supposed to do! We are all social creatures that are supposed to help other living things. When we do what we were put here on this earth to do, the world becomes a much better place for everyone and everything, including ourselves. 'THE KITTY Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him' should be on everyone's bookshelves who wants to live in a better world, and especially those that love cats."
November 22, 2019
I have read The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, by Shawn P. Flynn, twice. It is a sweet and gentle story of the close relationship between the caregiver and his cat. It is so touching, and I so appreciate being given this intimate look inside the love between Shawn and Kitty. It offers the day-to-day growth and nurturing of this friendship that turns into love and, yes, the rescue of both parties! You will love it. It's something that can be easily savored on a flight or a quiet moment at home. I also love how Shawn turns into a wonderfully responsible and responsive cat rescuer, and adds to his feline family and increases his advocacy.
September 23, 2017
If you have ever experienced that deep, unconditional, never wavering love of a cat you will thoroughly enjoy reading this book. The bond that developed between Shawn and Kitty and the love and the respect they had for each other is heartwarming. How much Kitty effected Shawn's life in such a positive way is uplifting. From page one I was hooked. I smiled, I laughed, I cried and I did not put the book down until I read every page. This book is wonderful and I am so very grateful Shawn was generous enough to share his story with those of us who were lucky enough to read it.
February 4, 2017
This was a goodreads win and I must say I was crying at the end of the story. I won't spoil it for anyone but the end was a real tear jerker if you love animals. This was a very easy read and well written. I wish the author had included more emotion and more insight into his marriage but then again I realize this book was about Kitty and not his wife. I really enjoyed this novel and read it under an hour. Well done.
December 11, 2017
THE KITTY is a superb book, a must read; it illustrates the meaningful and amazing love between an adored cat and his beloved person. I hope that Shawn Flynn is working on his next book. A hint: I'd love to read more about Squeakers, Girlene, and Gypsy. And, oh yes, the life and times of Shawn Flynn!
February 21, 2018
What a beautiful read! Shawn covers the wonders and benefits of owning a pet and how therapeutical they can be for humans in sad times. I can see so much of myself in reading this book and relate 100 percent. I read all of this touching story in virtually an hour. And yes I shed a few tears when Shawn had to let Kitty go.
July 4, 2024
This was a short book (88 pages) but it told of a man who was kind, compassionate and a rescuer of cats who were abandoned or strays. He spent his time and money getting them well from fleas, ticks, matted fur and eventually had to deal with more serious illnesses. The book was very basic in its writing but filled with love and devotion to the cats.
November 4, 2018
At first I felt the writing was a bit juvenile (reason for 4 stars vs 5), but before I knew it the book was done and I was crying and hugging my oldest kitty. As a cat dad of 5 rescues, this story hit home. Heartwarming and filled with truth. Highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
July 5, 2019
A touching book
A very unusual story about a man who rescued a cat and developed a special relationship with the cat. That he went on to rescue other cats is wonderful. I have been in cat rescue for about 30 years and you just don't see many men in it. Keep on rescuing.
A very unusual story about a man who rescued a cat and developed a special relationship with the cat. That he went on to rescue other cats is wonderful. I have been in cat rescue for about 30 years and you just don't see many men in it. Keep on rescuing.
July 23, 2019
If you have not done so already, READ THIS BOOK! It won't take long. I read it in one sitting and it had a beautiful message behind the story... a message I believe everyone should hear. I legit cried reading the end of the book. Very well written and such an amazing story.
January 12, 2017
A short, true story that will resonate with any animal lover.
Meet the author at our CT bookstore Sat. 2/11 10-2:00. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/12057...
Meet the author at our CT bookstore Sat. 2/11 10-2:00. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/12057...
January 18, 2017
WHAT A HEARTWARMING STORY! A WONDERFUL READ ~ I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL.
January 23, 2017
Awesome read for anyone who has ever felt the unconditional love of a pet!
August 24, 2017
Loved it. Wonderful book. Highly recommend it. Identified with the part where he had to put Kitty down. Had to put our Mr Whiskers down yrs ago. I felt Shawn's pain.
October 30, 2017
Tugs at your heart!
Shawn is a real special person!
I met him at the Renaissance Fair and today at a cat show in Groton CT.
I am so glad I met him and read his story!
Roger
Shawn is a real special person!
I met him at the Renaissance Fair and today at a cat show in Groton CT.
I am so glad I met him and read his story!
Roger
January 27, 2018
I'm not supposed to write my review now, I'd love to read it. I thought I should write a review of what I want to read.
I'm sure the cool cat is epic.
I'm sure the cool cat is epic.
Read
February 14, 2018I won this book via Good Reads First Reads. I am an ECE administrator and I look forward to adding this book to our lending library for staff and parents at my school.
February 22, 2018
Awesome book! This is book any cat lover will relate to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews