I’ve always believed that animals come into our lives for a reason. They teach us about unconditional love. They help up open our hearts. and sometimes, they even save our lives.
The beautiful poem below makes the rounds on the web periodically, and every time I read it, it moves me to tears. I recently came across this version, slightly altered and adapted for cats, on Romeo the Cat’s blog, and wanted to share it with you today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor
peering apprehensively into the cages.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I meowed, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.
As she read the sign on my cage I hoped that she
wouldn’t feel sad about my past.
I only have the future to look forward to
and want to make a difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up
against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck;
she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and
I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my cage door opened and
her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could
to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Did your cat rescue you? Please share your stories!
Photo of Buckley, taken after she rescued me in 2006.
This poem was originally written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog’s professional dog trainer. Janine’s passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our training support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2011 Rescue Me Dog; .
Ingrid King
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17 comments on I rescued a human today
Katie says:
August 13, 2011 at 12:26 am
My rescued Maine Coon, Reggie, rescues me every day. He knows when I am sad, scared, not feeling well, or just need a hug. He has been my little buddy since the day we crossed each others’ paths last April, and I am thankful each day that he came into my life.
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maru says:
August 12, 2011 at 8:27 pm
The cats in my life do that everyday, through little or huge details that make me aware of their love, and how wise, adorable and superior creatures they are.
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Ingrid says:
August 12, 2011 at 8:51 pm
And sometimes it’s the small things that can make the biggest impact.
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maru says:
August 12, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Indeed!
José Luis Borges -a great Argentinian writer and poet- loved cats, and in one interview he said some people used to say cats were not good companions, but they were so, and the example he gave was one of these big small things… when he was liying in bed, alone -he was blind- suddenly he felt a powerful jump and it was Beppo -his big white cat- who came to sleep by his side, and he perceived its presence like a protective god.
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Bernadette says:
August 12, 2011 at 4:05 pm
They’ve all rescued me, each one has had their part in saving me from something or guiding me to something. I guess I’m one sorry human.
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Ingrid says:
August 12, 2011 at 7:37 pm
LOL Bernadette! good thing you have so many of them to keep you on track!
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Al says:
January 13, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Bernadette:
I do not think you are a sorry person at all. I need my 2 dogs and 2 cats also. They are such wonderful friends….
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Pam says:
August 12, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Oh, yes. I have known the joy of being rescued by a cat. Her name was Shelley, a black/white tuxedo. She passed away in 2008, but there is hardly a day gone by that I don’t think of her.
All my other animals, it does seem that I rescued them, but Shelley, there is no question that she rescued me.
She appeared in my world, meowing and asking for pets, at a time when I was sure I wanted to have a (human) baby. I never had a baby, and do not regret that. My dear Shelley fulfilled what was needed, a warm little being to whom I could give all my love and affection, and who adored me, too. The “baby urge” was immediately gone.
Although I love all my current pets (feline and canine), I still miss Shelley.
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Ingrid says:
August 12, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Shelley sounds like she was a very special cat, Pam. I can see whnull