They give us so much, let’s return the favour
Hey, you have read this before – I so love the little creatures that some call pets. Many over the years have become integral parts of my family. Although not blessed with the life span of their human companions, each of those treasured relationships started with a fourlegged friend needing a home. I contend that each of them gave us far more than we realized.
How many nights did we invest in an animal that needed great care as a result of human acts of unkindness? Yet I have no regrets. A gentle Shepard who came to us underfed, frightened and in need of extensive care was with us for 17 years. I remember holding her in the backseat of my parent’s car. She was bloody, weak and trembling. When she came to us as ‘a foster,’ mom and I took turns sitting with her. We gently gave her a bath as she had horrendous infected wounds that were the result of unspeakable treatment. Just a pup, a baby, alone. Joy of joys, she flourished and you guessed it, she became our family’s protector, guardian and companion. My brother was her focus as he was still a toddler. Nothing missed her watchful eye. When the humans were not watching, she actually saved my brother’s life. Hence, when she passed the hole in our hearts was evident.
Cheetah-Shep welcomed our other rescues and was caring, attentive and patient as we feed kittens too young to be away from a mother. Indeed, they would sleep with her. She would cradle them in her belly ensuring their warmth and safety. From her, as children, we learned compassion and unconditional love. From others – both cats and dogs; Danielle, Tina (Dede – daddy’s dog), Coco, Annie, Kiki (Monkey), Amber – we learned patience, understanding and acceptance. None of these dear ones has stellar early lives, but with us they had real homes. The dear ones we ‘fostered’ all went to real homes.
As a farm girl, I was brought up to care for and respect the animals in my care. Yes, there were economic reasons, but the philosophy extended to the working animals that herded and the many cats that made our barns home. Our four-legged friends give us far more than the few morsels of food and clean water we offer them.
Since 1988, the Tender Loving Care Animal shelter in Digby has perpetuated this message. TLC is a small independent shelter dedicated to rescuing stray, abused and unwanted cats. A registered charity, they do not practice euthanasia and when the shelter is full, try to find foster homes until a space at the shelter becomes available or a forever home is found.
It is located just outside of Digby, in a rural setting on one acre of land. While the shelter provides a happy environment and the best of care, their hope for each of the rescued animals is that they will eventually find a loving home of their own. Donations are most welcome, including food.
Although the time has passed for you to get tickets on their absolutely gorgeous fundraising quilt at a retail selling location, you can still do so online via pay-pal or etransfers are available for those who wish to purchase tickets by this method. Please send to doingitrightforanimals@gmail.com. The draw is not until Dec. 13.
Better still, the shelter always welcomes donations of food. If you are like me it is not the ticket, it is the cause. No fur, four-legged family member has ever been part of my family, unless that darling came from a shelter or was without a forever home. They give so much and ask for so little.