The Lost and the Found: Who saved who

The Lost and the Found: Who saved who

Every once in awhile, we are blessed when someone comes into our life, offering us a lifeline. It was another dark period in my life (one of many). My son and I lived in our house for a few years and an opportunity arose to adopt a cat. Since my son was allergic to most cats, it had to be the right cat. He did not react to this one, so we were able to bring him home.

The story of Chat Botte (CB) touched my heart. He was kept in a small basement room for creating kittens. At eight years old, he “aged out” from the cattery and was put up for adoption. When we brought him home, he was terrified. The house space was so large; he did not get to look outside windows before, bask in the sun or was able to sleep on the sofa and he certainly wasn’t used to being loved and wanted for being himself.

As time went on, he slowly became accustomed to being a cat. Because CB was older, we were blessed to adopt a kitten for my son who became the love of his life. It was endearing when this kitten was a bit rambunctious and how CB took care of him to help him grow up with some sort of manners. Just seeing the quiet nurturing CB offered to Doo was heartwarming, how kind he was to let this kitty into his heart.

As we progressed in trust and patience, we filled a void in our lives, offering the comfort and snuggling that meant so much for both of us. I have had other pets before and loved them. CB, he was so different and special. Maybe it was the space I was in, our stories, the deep despondent type of loneliness that my most sweet, sweet lovable boy filled for me and me for him. He became the patriarch with the others. We had our bedtime ritual, too. He knew my routine and refused to participate when I was on my right side in bed. He waited until I turned over on my left side, I lifted up the covers. He traveled down to my knee, turned around and went right into the crook of my arm. We scooched together and fell asleep snuggling.

I am blessed to have had him for nine years. To me, nine years was not enough. When you have that one special one, the pet that can love us unconditionally who knows when we need that little extra attention and acknowledgement to fill those empty spaces. It seems like when we rescue a pet, they can rescue us.

CB really filled a lot of those spaces. When he passed, I cried and cried for weeks. I cried more for the loss of my beloved cat than I did for people when they passed. My heart felt so broken and I wondered how I can feel whole again.

He has been gone for 15 years and my heart is healing. I still miss him every day. I catch a glimpse of him and occasionally feel him rub up against my leg. Because of him, my heart has softened and I have allowed me to be open to others I have learned to trust enough to let some inside. Like CB allowed his trust and love to unfold, so have I. I think a big part of being able to marry again was because of his impact on my life.

Pets seem much safer to open our hearts up as there is that unconditional love and kindness whereas people can be more hurtful and demanding. Of course, cats have their demands. Dogs have owners; cats have servants. Yet, our pet relationships can feel like a safer option than people.

I was lost; he was lost. We found each other and were blessed by gaining healing love. We both took that chance.