Abandoned before her eyes had opened, she lay cold and alone in a back alley. Well worn hands hovered above her and then gently picked her up. She had been rescued just in time. They treated her at an animal shelter. They wormed and desexed her and then put her up for adoption with all the other cats. She learnt quickly to defend herself.
In walks a delicate young woman, wearing grief and trauma like a neon signpost. Their eyes meet through the bars and across the melee of fur between them. There is at once a connection. It is hard to tell whose eyes reflect the greatest uncertainty.
“Can I meet that little one in the corner, please?” she says almost too nervously.
“You can pick her up, love. Just sterilise your hands first and be careful, she’s not that friendly” came the well practised reply.
Lithe fingers reach down and caress the vulnerable ball of fluff, lifting her high and into safe arms. Their eyes meet hopefully again and a lifelong bond has begun. Imperceptible though it was to bystanders each in that moment connected with the other. Each knew that this one was different. This one understands.
.
The girl carries her cargo home safely in a pet carrier bought for the occasion. She lays out a bed, a food bowl, a place for ablutions. All the while, the kitten watches from beneath the relative safety off the table where she immediately ran to be safe.
Soon though she comes gingerly, exploring and sniffing on tiny, padded feet that are ready to run at the slightest movement. The girl lays sadly on her couch and watches protectively as her little one explores.
The young cat soon realises that this is a girl to be trusted. This is someone gentle and kind and so she approaches her feet softly. Up she is lifted into a soft, waiting lap. A lap that the cat senses has known sadness of some kind. Her instinct is to rub the side of her fluffy jaw against the fingers that pat her and as she does, healing begins for both of them.
Later in the evening as the unseasonably cold wind blows harsh rain against the window, the girl and the cat snuggle deep in blankets together. The girl looks down on the impossibly beautiful sleeping face and quietly says “I think I shall call you Clara. Goodnight little Miss Clara.”
With the early morning chill, the cat wakes and begins to preen herself. Looking across the pillow she sees a face that she already trusts, staring back at her with a delicate smile. Softly it says “You are not alone anymore, little Miss Clara.”
Across the safety of her new home, little Miss Clara purrs back, as if to say “And neither are you.”
Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it is too dark to read.
Groucho Marx
The best of friends
When you have given all you have and are so tired that your mind has stopped functioning properly, there is nothing nicer than being looked after. To have someone care for you is wonderful. A well cooked meal, cleaning up or even just making a cuppa helps. The trouble is that we can’t always rely on others to be there at the right time.
Others have their pressures and responsibilities too. Often we are tired and cranky at the same times of day and the need for kindness is just too much. This is where an animal can help.
Why would they give our bravest men and women pets as therapy animals after they have gone through trauma, unless it helps to heal? Why do they give violent prisoners dogs to train and bond with, unless they learn compassion and unconditional love from them? Ever wondered why they require the people who work with sniffer dogs to have a stable home and family, unless that is best for the dog and the handler? Pets work for people with depression, PTSD and other mental health issues too.
Being understood
The right pet fills many voids in our lives. I know it sounds trite, but the unspoken love that an animal gives, comes with no strings attached. My own cat prowls the downstairs area at bedtime and won’t go to sleep at my feet till everyone is in bed. When I am having a blue day, she seems to understand and comes and sits by my side for as long as I need it. She genuinely fusses over me.
Having a living creature that requires nothing from you but your love and a bowl of food is the best deal going. Not a cat person… then get a dog. Not a dog person or live in an apartment… then get a bird. They genuinely reflect the love you give them back to you. Sometimes an animal is the only one who understands.
Links
The importance of friendship » The Good The Bad and The Unrelated
Animals for Mind, Body, and Spirit Health | Psychology Today Australia
Another one to enjoy. 👌💕The Creative writing story about finding the kitten would make a great Children’s story. I can imagine the accompanying illustrations.
Keep them coming. 👏
Now theres an interesting idea. Thanks for such a lovely comment.
Always had animals growing up and in adult life. They are a blessing. The cats we have had in the last 30 years have been full of character and enriched our lives. Great post.
Thanks Roscoe. They really do. I like your phrasing ‘Anchor our lives’.