12/05/2026
Some pets come into our lives quietly… and somehow leave footprints that never fade.
Murtagh was found alone on a farm at just one week old. Tiny, fragile, and needing to be bottle fed around the clock, Emma wasn’t even sure he would survive those first few days.
But on day three, everything changed.
His appetite kicked in, his personality began to shine, and before long, the tiny tabby kitten with the distinct “M” on his forehead had completely stolen their hearts.
As a veterinary nurse, Emma had fostered many kittens over the years. But Murtagh was different.
Because he had no litter mates, the bond between them became incredibly strong. To him, Emma was mum. He followed her everywhere, greeted her at the door every day, chatted constantly in his unmistakable little meow, and curled up between Emma and Steve every night.
Then came lockdown.
Like many of us, home became the centre of everything. The extra time together only deepened their connection. One of Emma’s favourite memories was her 30th birthday during the August 2021 lockdown. Steve had filled the lounge with balloons to surprise her after plans had been cancelled.
Murtagh absolutely loved them.
For days, he batted balloons around the house without bursting a single one. They joked he must have been a football player in another life.
But only a few months later, tragedy struck.
At just 7 months old, Murtagh was hit by a car outside their home and passed away.
Just two days earlier, Emma had also lost her childhood friend to cancer.
The grief was overwhelming.
The house suddenly felt quiet. Every glance out the window brought back painful memories. Even now, years later, talking about him can still bring tears.
To keep him close, Emma had his paw print tattooed on her arm.
Then, a couple of years later, she discovered Reterniti Stones.
Instead of Murtagh’s ashes remaining tucked away in a wooden casket, his memory could become something beautiful. Something present. Something that could sit in the lounge beside the memories they shared together.
Now, Murtagh is back where he belongs.
At home with Emma and Steve.
His Reterniti Stone sits proudly beside a photo collage of his life, serving as a quiet reminder of the love, companionship, and joy he brought into their world.
“It feels like I have a connection with my Murtagh again.”
Thank you Emma & Steve for trusting us with Murtagh’s story ❤️
Read the full story:
reterniti.com/stories/murtaghs-story/
