I think you will enjoy Jodi Chapman and Dan Teck’s book, Goodness Abounds: 365 True Stories of Loving Kindness, available on Amazon. There are over 275 Soulful Contributors of which I am but one. I chose to tell a story about the life of a precious kitty named Amelia. And as the story goes…
********************
An eight-week-old kitty arrived in a bucket at the community animal shelter. Her little malnourished body was deformed, and her infected eyes were crusted over. Unfortunately, she also had cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects the part of the brain that controls physical coordination. Sadly, many kittens with CH are euthanized.
Our Veterinarian, Dr. Mary, was on duty that day and chose to take her back to her own clinic. She sensed her strong will to live, and after the kitty survived a few more days, she could see that this little kitten might have a fighting chance. She named her “Amelia” and introduced her to Michelle, my daughter who has taken care of many rescued cats. As members of Michelle’s family, we have witnessed the magic of loving care for the homeless feline.
Amelia is seven months old now and weighs only five pounds. Because of CH, she may never be able to stand alone. However, she has an amazing appetite, and with help, eats all food offered. She has learned what the litter box is for but is still unable to negotiate the in and out process on her own. She is good at grooming parts of herself such as her right front paw, which she holds up in front of her face like a stop sign. Amelia seems to recognize us now and looks up at us with her beautiful turquoise eyes. At her own pace, she is growing stronger day by day. She purrs and cuddles in your arms the minute you pick her up.
Each member of the family has marveled at her determination. Taking care of her has been such a pleasure for all of us. We take turns carrying her around with us, making sure she is included in every way. Because of Dr. Mary’s act of kindness and the loving help of Michelle and her family, the survival of this little kitty has become possible.
********************
Story Update…
Amelia crossed over the Rainbow Bridge early in the morning on December 31st. She seemed to be smiling and sleeping peacefully. It was a gentle leaving. Her body was still warm, yet she was no longer in residence. We took turns holding her one last time. Though she was a tiny little being she was full of love’s energy. She will be missed and she will be remembered. Michelle and I learned so much about the care and feeding of a fragile kitten. Our family learned that love has no bounds. Amelia had many internal abnormalities. At first thought, she would live only a few short months. Yet she lived a little over a year. We are grateful to her for the lessons and the time she spent with us. Our family is blessed to have had this opportunity to share in Amelia’s journey.
If you enjoyed this story from Goodness Abounds: 365 True Stories of Loving Kindness, be sure to order the book so you can read the other 364 stories. For a limited time, receive over 60 bonus gifts when you order. If you can’t wait until your book arrives for a little more goodness, you can read a story by another contributing author, Marci Kobayashi.
