| BOB
2004 - February 18, 2009
Yesterday, I lost one of the most special gifts that God has
ever given me. I decided about two months ago to tame and
socialize a five year old feral cat that had been living in
my yard for five years. Although I had fed him every day for
those years, he would never get near me. Although some would
say it could never happen, I know that God created all creatures
with the ability to love and be loved. At first it was rough
and I wondered many times if I had made the right decision.
But with patience and care, the feral cat and I created a
bond that was stronger than I could ever imagine. His fear
of me and my fear of him were one in the same. He had most
likely never been touched by human hands and I had never been
so close to an untamed animal completely resistant to affection.
He eventually felt comfortable enough to let me pet him with
a fake hand and in turn I eventually felt comfortable enough
to pet him with my own hand. Soon after, he began eating food
from my hand. It was a lesson in courage, patience, and faith
for the both of us.
Sadly, yesterday, Bob suddenly became very ill. When I woke
up and went to say good morning like I had been doing every
day, he looked in my eyes and meowed (something he had never
done) and I knew instantly that he was dying.
His death was caused by an infection that had been living
in his body for some time. Although at first I could not make
sense of this untimely death, I understand now that this gift
was given to me so that this creature would not die a horrible
death, alone, in the woods, having never have known love.
As I had only been able to pet his head, I knew when he allowed
me to pick him up and gently put him in the carrier that the
bond I had set out to make had been accomplished. God knew
he would soon need an angel and he kindly chose me.
I urge you all to please spay and neuter your animals. Feral
animals hardly ever survive without dying a horrible death
of exhaustion, starvation, and/or sickness. Also, when that
poor stray animal comes into your yard remember that he just
might have been sent to you for a special reason.
In memory of Bob may his little soul rest in peace and may
his spirit roam free in the woods in which he called home.
- Melanie
Poem
For Cats
And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.
Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.
But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.
Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.
Author Unknown
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