I’ve decided that animals are put here at least in part to bring out the best in us. Maybe we all have the opportunity to benefit as I did from participating in the life of a needy animal.
The first time it was a cat from across the street. I called her Miss Kitty, which I realize is not particularly unique or novel. Still it was all I could think of at the moment. I was busy sneezing every time she invited herself over to my driveway and it was distracting me from any proper naming. Anyway, it was the first time that an animal showed up uninvited at my house and adopted me for a short time. It wasn’t for long, just until she could find her way to her true home. The second time it was Lambkins, a small wooly looking poodle who eventually ended up with the name of Toodles. While Miss Kitty simply meandered over from across the street, Lambkins actually jumped in my car while it was moving. That is a story all in itself.
What happened, you ask? Well, after trying to wish both of them away and even enlisting the help of Casey Lou the dog to bark at Miss Kitty, I found that I had somehow become a temporary helper in each of their stories. For Miss Kitty it was some much needed help with her unborn kittens. For Lambkins/Toodles it was giving her temporary haven until she found a new home. How did they know to stop by my place? I’ve given that some thought lately.
Maybe they didn’t just stop by my place. Maybe they gave lots of people the opportunity to help them and somehow I was the lucky one who ended up there. I know for sure that Toodles was marching up and down the street in our neighborhood for a good hour or so before she jumped in my car. It wasn’t even me who opened the door; it was a friend of mine. As for Miss Kitty, she was persistent in making me her friend, despite my allergies. I take no credit other than to say that I have been known as a bit of a sucker for all things lost. This makes me hopeful.
I’ve decided that animals are put here at least in part to bring out the best in us. Maybe we all have the opportunity to benefit as I did from participating in the life of a needy animal. You don’t have to know much to participate, just be open to the unexpected. Those who adopt these animals on a regular basis already know what kind of hope and heart they bring to a house. So, if you are feeling hopeless, remember this. Down at the local pound, or wandering alone down a street, or even just visiting from across the road, are those who can bring new hope to your heart. And all you have to do is open the car door, preferably while it isn’t moving. I’m really hoping you do.