I got this email from a friend today. I don't know where it came from orignially and don't know where to get permission to print it. Whoever you are that started this, I hope you don't mind if I post it here.
It made me cry.
I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
As I was sitting reading this with tears running down my face, Deiter is right there on the computer desk rubbing his head against me. And I think "OK, who did rescue whom?!" Zip and I took him out of a cage at a pet supply store, give him food and a home where he can live a hopefully happy cat life and love him as if he were our child. But look at the joy we have received from his returned love, loyalty and constant companionship. PRICELESS!!!
My friend Marian and I were talking yesterday and I was telling her about how I wish my elderly Mom would welcome an animal companion into her home. She complains of being lonely and doesn't like living by herself. I keep telling her that if she had a cat to talk to and take care of, loneliness would be less of a problem. She has hearing problems and cats are excellent 'hearing ear' companions.
But the CAT HAIR!! She always exclaims. This from a person who cleans daily no matter what!
Marian stated that it's a shame a person would give up the love and affection of an animal because of HAIR. And I agree!!!
My Rescue Crew: Tipper, Isabell, Peneople and Deiter.
I'd eat hair for breakfast (and probably do) if it was the only way I could have a cat.
That is so true. I get so much more from Millie than she gives to me. I hope your Mom changes her mind. It would be a great companion for her. Keep trying.
ReplyDeleteOh Pat - love this post!
ReplyDeleteMy resue team - Sid, Nicky (who both have since passed with a pieces of my heart), Miles, Riley and Jonesy!
They sure do bring smiles into our lives.
About your Mom - I think you should just show up with the kitty (not a long hair of course!) and all the necessities - drop and run! She'll forget all about the hair!
Ain't that the truth! You often wonder who saved who when they bring so much joy to our lives! A pet for your Mom would be great! Just make sure the claws are taken care (out?) of as my Grandma had a few scary moments after her skin got so thin...
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post this morning. Just melts your heart...
ReplyDeleteIt struck me that your last post was about the lack of hair and it seems that cats are in your life to give you love and all the hair they can spare.
Maybe if your brought your mom a cute kitten for her to babysit for a few days maybe she would change her mind. But then some people love animals and others don't. JB
Oh my beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThe story was so true, they do rescue us from loneliness.
I would love to have another cat and may some day if I out live my husband, but I wouldn't give up my 20 lb Yorkie either.
A-ha, Julia!
ReplyDeleteI see the irony here! The problems of too much and too little hair. LOL!
Just never the right amount! That gave me my chuckle for the day!
Pat - it was lovely to be with you today. You sent me this piece early this AM and I loved it. I don't know what I would do without Eloise. I never feel that I live alone. When people ask I always say that I live with Eloise. Yes, her hair is in every rug I hook but who cares. A little part of her in the rug is just love, love, love.
ReplyDeletePat ~
ReplyDeleteThank you! I wish more people would see this and perhaps rescue instead of buying and encouraging puppy mills!
I loved Julia's comment and perhaps if you showed up with a kitty for your mom to just "babysit" for a few days... If it doesn't work, you'll just have another addition to the Wenger clan. I love all your kitty pictures!
Hugs :)
Lauren
Pat,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I cried through it twice remembering when I "rescued" my black lab Oni from the shelter. I remember peering through the cage talking to him and he offered me his paw and I was sold. I have been rescued twice more by my Brit (golden retriever) and my calico cat Jordan. They ARE my kids and life without them is unthinkable. Love the pics of your furry kids.... they are all so sweet. You are a dear dear woman.
Cyndi
Greetings Tipper, Isabell, Peneople, Deiter and of course Pat,
ReplyDeleteWhen ever dad goes to buy my food from the pet store, he cannot help but visit the cats that are up for adoption. It always breaks his heart that he cannot bring each and everyone home.
He had even talked about bringing a kitten, but I won't have any of that. This is my home/territory.
Even this animal loving house there is a difference of opinion when it comes to my cat hairs. Dad takes it all in strides but mum on the other hand tells dad that there won't be any more cats in this house. The ending to this story is still unwritten.
Best wishes,
Miss Kitty and Egmont