She had me at “Me-ow”

I was outside in the yard taking pictures of the many flowering trees, bushes and other Midwest regalia when a furry,calico gift from God padded by. The kitten stopped to look at me – she was so small. Not a kitten but not quite full grown and she was round in the middle. She followed me to the front porch where she devoured two cans of Fancy Feast in a matter of minutes. She let me pet her and pick her up. Her white fur was dirty and her round belly seemed out of place on her otherwise skinny frame, unless she was pregnant, that is. She threw herself down on the ground and rolled over for a good old fashioned belly rub. She had me at “me-ow.”

“Snickers” has now spent the last four weeks in our garage. She’d been our guest for two weeks when we determined that she wasn’t pregnant. My gracious, cat-loving friend, Sandy, and I sponsored her trip to the vet and she’s been recuperating. She only weighs 6.2 pounds and the vet thinks she’s between 1-2 years old. She has the most lovable fur-wrapped soul you’d ever want to meet. She cuddles, plays and jumps without ever baring her claws. And, she loves my husband’s socks with which she has meticulously decorated the garage floor. She’s also been able to carry her full body weight in a man’s shoe across the garage. She snuck into the house once and Hershey, our 46-pound shepherd/lab medium-sized dog flattened her with his front paws. After her rescue, she dusted herself off and walked casually into the laundry room. Since this initial meeting, the two have met daily at the garage door leading into the house before feeding time.

She’s obviously been an inside pet. She’s like a fish out of water living in our garage and I can’t imagine her escaping on her own. Where I live, it’s not uncommon for people to treat animals as disposable objects. I’ve heard of people moving from a house or apartment and leaving their pets behind. Who do they think will take care of them? Other animals get dumped from moving cars or taken out into the country and let loose. Again, these are domesticated animals that have come to depend on humans for food, water and shelter. After holding Snickers in my arms once, I can’t imagine ever treating her like a paper wrapper or tin can – like trash. Yet, that’s how some animals are treated.

In Matthew, the Bible reminds us that whenever we provide even the basic necessities to those in need (food, clothing, help for the sick), it’s as if we have provided it to Jesus. Doesn’t this translate to all of God’s creatures? And, when we fail to give what we can to others, we are failing to recognize God in His creation. (Matthew 25:40, 45.)

Our friends at the Parke-Vermillion County Humane Shelter have offered up a window at the local Petsmart and as soon as she’s had her stitches removed, she’ll travel south to find her forever home. I’d love to keep her but we have three cats and a rambunctious dog already roaming the halls of our seemingly smaller and smaller home. And, I’m not so arrogant to think that our home, or my friend Sandy’s home, are the only suitable, loving environments in all the land. For me it’s an act of faith to give her up to a situation and a new family who will receive love and joy tenfold from her as they give of their own hearts. My friend reminded me that her showing up at our house has been a gift. Good to know that I’m supporting God’s lay-away plan.