Today I am reminded that the seeds we plant do grow. One of our girls has been with us four different times in her life. At age 12 she joined us for a few months. She went home and had a re-entry into care at the age of 14. She came home for a few weeks and left us again. She returned at the age of 15 for a few short days. She’s home again at the age of 17 and preparing to exit care. Each time she comes home, there is an obvious sign of maturity that is shown in her grade level and physical appearance, but today the sign was the one that makes angels dance and ring the bell over and over again saying “another one got their wings!”
Most people in the community know of our love for animals. It’s almost comical to some at the great lengths we go to to restore their health and include them in our home. During thunderstorms, we are often found under the desk huddled with our beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Sailor. For months post back surgery, he was carried in his crate to allow him to heal while having access to the girls. So today when we were asked to adopt a cat, our four time resident was the first to say YES!!!
The story was all too familiar. The cat is entering care as her caregiver is no longer able to care for her. In this instance, the caregiver is elderly and is moving into a skilled home. Her memory is fading and the cat needs care. When asked why the child wanted to take in the cat her unrehearsed response was “I’ve entered care four times and I remember what it felt like.” The immediate bond between the child and the cat was created out of empathy.
Empathy is not just a word, it is a gesture. It is feeling what someone else feels and taking the initiative to make things better. Today it is obvious that the box has been checked. The child cradling the scared cat who was hours away from a shelter has found a home. As I watch the two connect, my heart smiles. The once angry child who felt the world was against her has grown into a caring young adult.
If you visit a hospital or any program that works tirelessly to heal others, you will likely hear the pitter patter of paws racing down a hall. You will also learn two things. The first is that medical care costs millions of dollars for a long term stay. The outcome is not promised and the negative side effects of medication is obvious. The second is that an animal costs far less and has a positive side effect. The sickest human is kinder when an animal is present. A wet nose, a warm belly, or a long curling tail wrapped around a leg are all signs that the healing has begun. The evidence for us today is the quiet purr of a cat named Olie who has found a home with us.
If you’re able to foster or adopt an animal, please do. They need us as much as we need them. Visit our website often to learn more about what we do! http://www.angelhousega.com.