How Much is that Kitty in the Window?

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

How much is that kitty in the window? The one with mouth-painted fur.

I must admit that I am an animal lover. Growing up, my mom nearly had a zoo at times: llamas, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, roosters, ducks, turkeys, you name it. My favorite animal has always been a dog. I’ve owned a number of pets, but my most cherished one was a dog named Prissy. When I was a squeaky-voiced 13 year old, she was my best friend. I had rescued her from a friend’s house. I rode home with Prissy in a paper bag swinging from my handlebars. Just me and my new pet. Of course I hadn’t bothered to ask permission; it was one of those “don’t ask, apologize later” situation.

Prissy and I bonded the very first day. She followed me everywhere. We had adventures on the river, bicycle trips through the country, hikes in the forest. We were always together and whenever I wasn’t in sight she was a nervous wreck.

There came a day when I had been feeling down and was anxious to see her. As I jumped off the bus, I knew my dog would be there to pick up my spirits, but she was nowhere to be found. My heart dropped into my stomach. I frantically searched everywhere for her and for the next two days I felt my world had collapsed. I couldn’t eat or sleep—my best friend was gone. On the third day I found her lying in the grass, soaking wet and too weak to move. Something was very wrong. I scooped her up and screamed at the top of my lungs for help. When my mother came outside she could see the desperation on my face and drove me to the veterinarian hospital. Prissy had been poisoned by raw salmon a neighbor used to fertilize their garden.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stared into Prissy’s eyes. “Don’t die. You can’t die. You’ll be okay.” As she looked back into my eyes, it was as if she was thanking me for all the memories. I squeezed her against me and told her for the last time that I loved her. Her breathing became rapid and I felt her body go limp. I began to sob uncontrollably; I had never felt such pain. I truly felt as though I was going to die.

I removed the collar that I had made for her from around her neck. For the next few days I carried it around in mourning. Prissy had taught me so much in her short time on this earth. Through her I learned responsibility, selflessness, love, and consideration for another life. I came to understand that life is much more fun if we share it with another living being.

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I have cared for many animals since her, but she will always be my favorite. That being said, why am I painting a cat?

The answer is that I am not the only one who loves animals. My little girl, much like her grandmother and father, has a tender heart with much love to give. She also has a favorite animal and you guessed it—it’s a cat. Her name is Dash. I see myself with Prissy every time I see Gracie with Dash. However, all of the love I have for pets cannot be compared to the love I have for my two girls. It is a bond greater than any.

A thought for the day: there’s more than just you to love out there. So what is your excuse?

To your inspiration,

Ron


If you cannot see the video, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy0voWz1-FA

Posted in Ron's Thoughts.

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