Important life lessons on display at the local animal shelter

Abused and abandoned pets offer insights into the search for a better world

Recently I had one of those days that just shifts things into focus. It happens to me sometimes when I forget to live in mindful ways, when I neglect to appreciate the special moments in life.

Let me tell you about my teacher, Duchess. Duchess came to our shelter recently. The lady she lived with had mental health issues and was an animal hoarder. She recently moved to West Virginia from Alabama, bringing 30 dogs with her. The dogs have not had appropriate veterinary care, and clearly have a multitude of needs and issues. We brought her here to help the overflowing local rescues in that area.

Duchess is a beautiful creature. She’s about a year old, she’s a catahoula mixed breed. Her lovely dappled coat is so soft, and those warm brown eyes just draw you in. She’s not one of those dogs with a goofy grin, she has a very serious face.

Duchess is a very fearful, timid girl. One of the volunteers was walking her outside and Duchess was trying to lean on her the whole time. When she saw a crate outside, she trembled so much she had to be picked up and moved away.

I had the volunteer bring Duchess into my office so they could snuggle on my little couch. They had a peaceful, snoozy afternoon together and Duchess finally relaxed.

The next day the staff asked if Duchess could hang out with me for the day. She found the kennels overwhelming. We offered her the couch, and our vet tech tucked her in with a warm blankie.

She was watchful, but she clearly enjoyed her little nest. Because she’s irresistible, the staff was in and out all day giving her treats or pats and speaking gently to her. She gradually relaxed and was able to have some nice naps.

When she first came in to my office she was shaking from head to toe. Scared, but not running away. (A life lesson?) I put my arms around her and talked softly to her, and in less than five minutes she was in my lap, trusting me to keep her safe, willing to love me.

She has such a soothing, peaceful presence, she is so zen. How is that possible given her background? She really got me thinking about trust, love, living in the moment. Just having her with me, and taking breaks to cuddle with her and talk to her brought so much peace and light to my day.

We have this eight-year-old cat named Ebenezer. He has been abandoned twice. He came in the first time, was never claimed, was adopted, and then was abandoned a second time to fend for himself on the streets. He is sick. He has an ulcer on his eye, caused by who knows what. He has had to have meds and treatment every day for weeks. He tolerates them, and then with a few chin scratches, he forgives the staff working with him (I hear them apologizing to him).

Ebenezer is going to have surgery soon to have his diseased eye removed. With his resiliency he will be just fine. His surgery benefactor is a wonderful little five year old who raised the money to pay for his procedure

Learn from the animals, humans. Love the people in your world. Forgive them when it’s required.

by hosting cupcake day events. Once he has fully recovered we are determined to find him a wonderful, truly forever home.

He deserves no less.

Then there’s Otis, another “eye” cat. Little Otis is only five or six months old, he has lived at the shelter since he was eight weeks old. He was found downtown with 11 other kittens and brought into the shelter.

Poor little guy has a condition called entropian, and he has it in both eyes. His eyelids grew inward and he had to have surgery. His poor eyes have been so sore and uncomfortable and he’s had a cone of shame on for weeks. But all he wants is love. He is so snuggly and loving, even though he’s uncomfortable and scared. He loves to be in your arms, to be petted and loved.

He will try to rub his poor head on you to show you affection. He will pretty much throw himself on you when you open his cage. He knows nothing but shelter life, but he trusts, and he loves, unconditionally.

I had to say goodbye to my Duchess yesterday. She’s been adopted and was headed home to start her new life. I won’t forget her or her gentle lessons.

Learn from the animals, humans. Love the people in your world. Forgive them when it’s required. Truly live in each moment of the day. Appreciate chin rubs and cuddles. Be yourself.