Day One Hundred Eighty One

Love sought is good; given unsought is better...
William Shakespeare

I have learned a simple truth for my life - animals are God's (or the Universe's) way of bringing love to humans. Millions understand this. A few abuse this gift, which is so sad. I am one of the millions who've experienced soul healing through the love of an animal. I am positive they are creatures of the heart.

The other truth I've learned is nearly every creature has come into my life in a unique way - some completely unexpected; others destined to be in my life...

Maddy - I wasn't looking for another dog when a friend asked me to go to a dog show with her to check out a dog she was getting. When I saw two little chubby butts walking on a leash, I thought they were pigs. They were French Bulldogs. When I approached them, the little female crawled into my lap as though, "There you are! I've been looking for you!" Maddy came into our lives and hearts then and there. She also brought us "the girls" - two of the biggest heartbreakers on the planet.

Poco - When friends rescued eleven pregnant Premarin mares, little did I know my soul mate was among the herd. I was going through a nasty time in my life, and I just wanted to take my mind off me and help my friends take care of the horses. Poco showed me how God can heal two broken hearts through love.

Jack - For years, I had been wanting to get a red Bullmastiff. When I found a breeder with a litter of puppies, I chose the one I wanted from a picture. Unfortunately, he was spoken for. Somehow, in my heart, I just knew he would be ours. When the phone call came saying the other buyer had changed his mind; asking if we were still interested, I was overjoyed! Jack was always meant to be our guy.

 

Rooney - I've told the story of how Rooney came to live with us many times. She is a love - and everyone says it. Rooney helped us get through the loss of our Frenchies.

Eli - A friend had predicted months prior that I would be getting a kitten around Valentine's Day and it would come at a time when I really needed the comfort. I was working with a Ragdoll breeder and had chosen another kitten from a litter, but he had a reaction to a vaccine and died. Eli was the only kitten who had survived and he came into my life on February 12. One month later, a family crisis tore my life apart. As I sobbed into the fur of that precious kitten, I knew why he had been sent into my life.

 

Fancy - Fancy found me. It was around the time of my father's death. Fancy has black fur and green eyes and he knows he's special. My father had green eyes and, in his prime, black hair. And my father was quite certain he was special. I like to think of Fancy as the Universe's way of reminding me of my father's love. Oh, and like my father, Fancy talks incessantly!

Finn - When my cousin died, so many people were devastated. Rick was a larger than life, wonderful human being. He was funny and kind and so loving. When we were children, I thought he was the greatest person on Earth. He even forgave me for breaking his fingers (long story.) Finn came into our lives around the time we lost Rick. Finn is our angel cat who always reminds me of kindness and love. It is also interesting that, in nearly every picture of Finn, his fur is glowing...

Chance - I love cats, and I wanted another Ragdoll. When a friend had pictures up of a litter, I saw one little guy who caught my attention. The way I left it with her was that, if no one claimed him, he was meant to be mine. Somebody did. I was very sad, but figured it was meant to be. A month or so later, I got a call from her asking if I still wanted the little guy named, Browning. Apparently, the owners had a baby and didn't want him anymore. I didn't hesitate. Chance was renamed, and he is the little guy who is teaching me about patience and unconditional love. I adore him, even when he sometimes forgets to use the litter box.

Dash - I really didn't need another cat but I started researching Abyssinians. I almost got one from a breeder in NC, but my Ragdoll friend gave me the name of a woman in Florida. Her kittens hadn't been born yet, but I really liked the woman and decided to wait for one of hers. I am so glad I did! Little Dash has brought more joy and laughter into my life - while I struggle with constant pain. I can't imagine life without our Little Man!

Even Roxy and Petey came into our family when we least expected it. I have learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to the creatures in my life. Which is why the next story is so - well - typical.

I have felt guilty that Dash doesn't have another Aby to play with. He is unique, and very, very different than the other guys living here. His two brothers went to the same home and they are two lucky guys. I have also wanted a female! While I love my guys, it would be nice to have another female around these parts. Rooney is clearly a Daddy's Girl, and I really want a female Aby to complete the family.

Well, I was so excited to learn Dash's mom was having another litter. I hoped there would be a little girl in the litter, but there were two boys. I just figured it wasn't meant to be. Andy was also relieved.

Here's where the story takes a "Patti Twist." (cue the harps) I haven't spoken to the Aby breeder in weeks, and just assumed the little "boys" were spoken for. Out of the blue, yesterday, I had one of my "premonitions" in which I got a call telling me one of the kittens is a girl. I just got off the phone with the breeder who called to tell me - "one of the kittens is actually a girl!"  And it's the little ruddy, who looks like our Dash! Oh, gosh.

I wonder if I can plead my case to Andy using the premonition as proof it is meant to be. And then there's the fact we just lost little Petey, which has thrown me way off. I guess if the Universe decrees this - then the Universe better follow through and help convince him we need one more cat!

Did you hear me, Universe??