one day i'll fly away, leave all this to yesterday
Utah Wind Celebration/Kite Festival; Spanish Fork, Utah
,,,>^..^<,,,
Many of you know that I do volunteer work at the Humane Society. I go to play with the cats mostly, holding them or letting them plop down in my lap. I look forward to seeing them every week, and most of them are more than anxious for attention.
While making my rounds this evening, I passed by a cage with a beautiful black-and-white cat inside. Her fur was sleek, and she had what looked like a milk moustache on her mostly black face. Her name was Oreo. She was lying on her side, her golden eyes looking right at me through the cage door. I spoke to her gently, but she didn't move. She didn't even blink. I hesitantly opened the cage, but there was still no reaction. And then I touched her, and I knew that she was gone.
I told a staff member, who placed the kitty in a box and took her away. I said that I didn't understand how this could happen, because Oreo was only 3 years old, had received all her shots and an examination, and hadn't been sick. The staff member had no answers; she told me that this very rarely happens, and she was so sorry that I had to see it.
I moved on to another kitty, who was more than happy to purr in my arms. I tried to concentrate on him and give him all the love and attention that he needed, but I kept seeing Oreo's golden eyes in my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling I had, although I can't really describe what feeling that was.
About 15 or 20 minutes later, I decided that I needed to leave. I usually stay until close and I wanted to stay for the sake of the other kitties, but I just couldn't do it.
I remained composed until I got into my car; then I began to sob uncontrollably.
I know that animals die every day, many without a home. But as I sobbed in my car, all I could think about was Oreo lying in that cage, watching people walk by and wishing that someone would hold her, and then passing away in there, scared, alone, and broken-hearted.
Perhaps I'm anthropomorphizing her, but I believe that even animals want love and security. Oreo was so close to getting that...
I've attempted to distract myself this evening, but every once in a while, I feel that emotional shudder in my chest. I'm sure it's just my state of mind right now, but when I looked at this photo, I thought of heaven. I thought of being free and happy and surrounded by love.
All cats go to heaven, right?
one day i'll fly away, leave all this to yesterday
Utah Wind Celebration/Kite Festival; Spanish Fork, Utah
,,,>^..^<,,,
Many of you know that I do volunteer work at the Humane Society. I go to play with the cats mostly, holding them or letting them plop down in my lap. I look forward to seeing them every week, and most of them are more than anxious for attention.
While making my rounds this evening, I passed by a cage with a beautiful black-and-white cat inside. Her fur was sleek, and she had what looked like a milk moustache on her mostly black face. Her name was Oreo. She was lying on her side, her golden eyes looking right at me through the cage door. I spoke to her gently, but she didn't move. She didn't even blink. I hesitantly opened the cage, but there was still no reaction. And then I touched her, and I knew that she was gone.
I told a staff member, who placed the kitty in a box and took her away. I said that I didn't understand how this could happen, because Oreo was only 3 years old, had received all her shots and an examination, and hadn't been sick. The staff member had no answers; she told me that this very rarely happens, and she was so sorry that I had to see it.
I moved on to another kitty, who was more than happy to purr in my arms. I tried to concentrate on him and give him all the love and attention that he needed, but I kept seeing Oreo's golden eyes in my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling I had, although I can't really describe what feeling that was.
About 15 or 20 minutes later, I decided that I needed to leave. I usually stay until close and I wanted to stay for the sake of the other kitties, but I just couldn't do it.
I remained composed until I got into my car; then I began to sob uncontrollably.
I know that animals die every day, many without a home. But as I sobbed in my car, all I could think about was Oreo lying in that cage, watching people walk by and wishing that someone would hold her, and then passing away in there, scared, alone, and broken-hearted.
Perhaps I'm anthropomorphizing her, but I believe that even animals want love and security. Oreo was so close to getting that...
I've attempted to distract myself this evening, but every once in a while, I feel that emotional shudder in my chest. I'm sure it's just my state of mind right now, but when I looked at this photo, I thought of heaven. I thought of being free and happy and surrounded by love.
All cats go to heaven, right?