So often we take for granted the positive impact pets have on our lives. We really quite don’t understand what role they play in helping us to heal until we need it ourselves. When I lost my better half Tim three years ago I was able to see that in action for myself. My sweet Pipers (who is a rescue kitty) was there for me every step of the way. Even in my darkest or tear filled moments she would instinctively know that I needed her. She would sit quietly by me, or snuggle close to me and give me kisses. It was her way of telling me everything was going to be fine. “You may not know it Mom, but I do. Trust me.”
I was honored to see that same positive affect in the early days of January. Priscilla was finally adopted! She’d been in the rescue a long time. All of her kittens: Paco, Pedro, Petunia and Pierre found loving homes and I was beginning to wonder when Priscilla would find hers. We’ll she did. Once again she is showing the power of fur and purrs.
We took Priscilla up to Rochester to meet her new Mom Melissa. It was a long car drive, but Priscilla was as good as gold, sleeping most of the way with only the occasional meow to let us know she did not approve of the bumpy roads.
We arrived at Melissa’s to see her eyes light up at all the possibilities that lie before her and Priscilla. Tragically, Melissa unexpectedly lost her older sister last year. It’s been a hard road for her and her family. But out comes Priscilla who looked around and said “I’m home, but oh heavens look at all those stairs!” You could see the light in Melissa’s eyes and hear the excitement in her voice. Her “snuggle buddy” had arrived. Let the healing begin. You could already see how Priscilla lightened the air, and gave a renewed sense of purpose to this very special young lady. Indeed all of her family will benefit from the love of this cat.
We called the other day to check on how she was doing. Priscilla’s
“grandmother” picked up the phone and politely informed that she was too busy to talk to us as she was petting Priscilla! I have no doubt that when Priscilla aka Miss Princess Fluffyface snuggles next to Melissa she is whispering the same thing Pipers whispered to me. All will be well. Trust the power of fur and purrs. -Cindy
That is so true Cindy. Pets do wonderful things for people. As you know, my mother-in-law has altzheimers and was so upset when Bootsie left. It took awhile to figure out why she was so upset because she kept asking for shoes. Anyhow, after adopting Bootsie and bringing her home the change in mom has been amazing. She is so much happier and so calm, although today she’s worrying because Bootsie is in for spaying and hernia surgery, but all will be well this afternoon. It’s a shame that we can’t bring the cats to visit nursing homes to cheer up the patients there.