“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” (Anatole France)
All pet owners know how these four-footed creatures can worm their way into your heart. Four years ago, I started to have a great longing to have a pet. I thought a puppy would be nice. However, after much thought and deliberation, it became clear to me that walking a dog in winter might not be that easy for me. So it was that Cali was adopted from a family who were not able to keep her anymore.
With an adopted cat, one is never sure what one is taking on. Cali is a very scaredy cat. She is one of my “late blooms” as I never had a pet before. Not only did Cali have to get used to us, we had to get used to her. It wasn’t only getting used to looking after her physical needs for water, food, and a clean litter box, but getting to understand what she was like. It was very hard at first – on both sides.
I had always heard about “unconditional love” and thought that it was a human trait that existed between parents and their children. On some level, we are always seeking this kind of “love” in our lives. Never did I imagine that having a pet is where I would really understand what this meant. To love unconditionally is to love someone the way they are. Well, I can’t say that I loved Cali the way she was when she came. I wanted to touch her and she ran away. She was very finicky and not the most lovable of cats. However, over time, we have developed a kind of love and understanding for each other where I’m not wanting Cali to be other than she is and she seems to be fine with me the way I am.
She offers me companionship at all times and when I’m out for a few hours and heading back home, I think of her as soon as I exit the subway and start walking towards the house. Unlike dealing with another human being who may be trying to change me to their habits, ideas, likes and dislikes, and so forth, she welcomes me just as I am. We start interacting right away and it is always the most pleasant of exchanges. She has time for me and I have time for her. Having Cali has given me the opportunity to “bloom” in so many wonderful ways and shows how it’s never too late to grow in new ways and understanding of life. Pets have a lot to teach us about “unconditional” love.
Hope you enjoy the collages!