Cat Kinfolk

Although they are eight years old, our cats Hunter and Sherwood have only been part of the family for a short while. Moving in with us was not their idea. They were happy with their first family and indeed put up quite a struggle to keep from being taken from the only home they had ever known.

We both felt sorry for them. They had no idea why they had to leave the people and place they loved. Cats don't understand (and probably wouldn't care, anyway) that they could be a "trigger" to a child with asthma.

At first, they would have nothing to do with us, then, ever so slowly, they began to warm up to me. It wasn't until I was gone to my aunt's funeral that they made up to Richard. Now they hang out in whatever room we're in and will follow me from room to room as I work around the house. Even so, I am sure if given the choice, they would opt to be with the people they have known and loved from kittenhood.

Do cats ever really love you, or do they just own you? Claws owned us, no doubt about that, but he could take us or leave us. These boys seem to genuinely care for us. At least they are pretty demanding of our attention and covetous of our company... And we enjoy hanging out with them just as much.

Today, with the Women of Grace in the morning and going to Donna's in the afternoon, we were both gone most of the day. The fish didn't seem to care, but the other animal members of our household were not pleased to have been left alone so long. They were all quite clings for several hours, the cats demanding some good "lap" time, Baby Snooks bringing her favorite toys for a rousing romp and Higgins presenting his hindquarters for a thorough scratching. Even now as I type this, Hunter is up in my lap and Sherwood on the chair beside me. The dogs have gone to the bedroom with Richard.

These animals who share our home and our lives bless us in untold ways. I can't imagine life without them. Pets provide a special example of love and God shines through them bathing us with a simple, unconditional warmth and acceptance we may not realize from other members of the family.

Subjectively, we somehow know out pets are not concerned about how we look, what we have financially, or even, to some extent, how we treat them. Having worked in animal rescue over the years, I am ever amazed at how abused and neglected animals will so readly give love to the very people who mistreated them.

I am very fortunate in that I feel loved and accepted by many people, but I still know I need my pets. I love loving and being loved by them. I relish their company. They show me a special side of God, and I thank Him that He has blessed me with their company.

A word of caution, though: Count the costs and commitment before making a pet part of your family... that's right... part of the family. If you are not willing to commit to lifelong love and care, perhaps it's best you don't begin a relationship with a critter. Of course, sometimes things beyond your control can happen, but be prepared to put up with inconvenience, some messes, and the rigors and responsibility of pet ownership. We've never gotten rid of a pet... ever. Oh, of course, the pets we had in rescue were rehomed as was the purpose of rescue, but our family pets lived their lives out with us.

I was especially proud of James and Eva who moved all the members of their family from California to Michigan, including the four-footed kinfolk. Not easy, but the right thing to do!

If you live with a critter, say a special prayer of thanks. If not, consider the rewards, and should you decide you want to open your heart and home to a pet, may I suggest one from a rescue group or local pound.