Nora

I don't always allow change so easily in my life. Let me tell you, as you have heard before, change happens. Letting go so that the change can ebb and flow in our lives is essential to our journey.

One day last week Chuck told me he was lonely. I pondered this a couple of days before telling Shawn or conferring with a friend. I asked Chuck if he wanted a companion, a playmate, he did. He wanted a like minded being in the house to play with and be in cahoots with. I needed clarity on whether it was me wanting another cat or if it really was Chuck. Indeed, Beth confirmed it was Chuck. Chuck at least wanted to try having another cat in the house. Shawn and I were open to another cat but I was scared. I don't understand cat behavior as well as dogs or horses. I wasn't sure how to offer another cat a space in our home. I feared the worst; territorial marking, fights, claws that lash my skin, teeth that leave infected wounds etc. I decided to sleep on it.

The next morning I realized that as much as I enjoy helping animals I also struggled to embrace change in my own home. I like the balance in my family. We all work very well together. I also know that the 'right' cat to come in the home will fit in very well and it was meant to be. I had to let go of the 'me' thing and realize that this wasn't really about me. I actually was getting a companion for Chuck, I was providing for his needs. That makes me happy.

I also feared the emotion pain I may endure visiting a shelter with so many animals looking for a chance, just one look from a person that says " I will love you forever and I want to bring you home". I was in the verge of tears just thinking about all the animals I would encounter and say 'no' to.

There are not words to tell you how very enlightened I was to visit the shelter and meet all those animals. They had stories to share. One cat, Hector, told me he loved his cubby because he had the best view in the house that let him see all that was going on outside (he was next to a window). A lovely flower of a dog just cuddled right up to me and told me she knew why I was here and that she wished me well in finding the right cat for us. I almost cried right there. For a dog looking for a home to come up to me, unselfishly, and wish me well in finding a cat was just beautiful.  She was happy for us and there was no need for me to be sad for her, she was going to find a wonderful loving home. Shelter animals are so inspiring and grateful for life. Suffering just doesn't exist in the animal world. They all, on some level, know their purpose and the reason for their life. Suffering is such a man made thing that we apply to anything that we can't see the light and love in to explain a situation.

Back to the story...Shawn and I looked at several young cats. Our attention was grabbed by Nora (shelter name was Sweetie). She is a feisty 7 month old cat. She has oodles and oodles of energy just bursting out of her. The other cats were wonderful (words can't describe how lovely they all were, and I wish them all the best in finding a forever home) but in our active home with dogs we felt a confident outgoing cat would best fit in here. After a wait to clarify a prior hold on her and paperwork to be finalized, Nora found a new home with us.

It has only been 24 hours. It has been an emotion roller coaster for me. Excited to bring her home, hesitant for the first meeting with Chuck as he is the ultimate decider, disappointment in her less than desirable reaction to the dogs, and finally acceptance and compassion for a little kitten that has grown up in a shelter cage with absolutely zero idea of what a home, dogs, or another cat to interact with.

All of us (furry, feathered, and human) are working together to make this transition. I have been able to be present and aware of every one's needs and try my absolute best to accommodate everyone. We all deserve gold stars! I am coming from a place of compassion, acceptance, and patience for little Nora. Molly is quietly taking her place and slowly moving to support Nora's growing acceptance of her. Rocket is just being quiet as a mouse and gentle as ever to avoid conflict. Norta is bravely navigating her new world in the only way she knows how... boldly and full throttle. Doug is just quietly taking it all in.  And Chuck, tears of joy stream down my face when I think about how amazing this cat is. He is the best role model for Nora to follow. He puts her in her place when she lashes out at the dogs or him out of fear and then he shows her what is appropriate behavior. He keeps track of her to help her out. He plays with her. He kindly shares his food, toys, and litter box. There have been a few squabbles but no major or even minor injuries to anyone. Shawn and I couldn't be more proud than to share a home with Chuck. He surprises me everyday with his wisdom and compassion.

I don't know what lays ahead for the family here. I can only hold space that all is well, peaceful, and as it should be. And everything is as it should be. One moment at a time is all we ever need to worry about. I am confident that things will continue to get smoother with Norta. She is a lovely little girl with lots to say, lots to do, and lots to explore in this big new world.

I am have learned so much about me and all my companions in the last 24 hours. I really am so grateful for this experience. I am so incredibly blessed to a part of their lives.