I was reading in my room a few minutes ago. It was late and except for the sound of the dishwasher , the house was quiet. Suddenly, this adorable tiny white face appeared under the edge of my book.

It was The Lady Jazz, of course. I held her and talked to her and kissed her (a LOT!), and thought to myself how awesome and amazing is this bond we share with the Furpeople. How sterile our lives would be, without their love and dependence on us -- and our devotion to them!

Just think about it -- no hairballs in the entryway, no throw-up on the stairs, no one missing the edge of the potty box, no valued dishes crashing from the table or pretty paws sneaking into our plates. But also no tiny kisses or head bonks, no warm bodies curled up on our laps, no heartbroken voices wailing "Where have you BEEN?" when we come through the door, no sweet bodies to hold when we need them most or that most endearing of all sounds, the soft purr.

I am an ol' lady now. I can write letters (big deal!), but can no longer lead the parades. I have reached the conclusion that all I can do is to take very good care of these sweet beings entrusted to my care, and leave it to you young, strong ones to fight for a better world. Nevertheless, my heart aches when I think of hurt or hungry or lonely babies who just need to be held and loved.

Heavenly Father gave us animal friends to live with and to love. Where did we go so wrong?

Someplace in this house is a small body that just needs to be held, and a small head that needs to be nestled. I'm on my way!

Copyright © Renee Darvin
May 15, 2004