Who rescued whom?

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”

~ Anatole France

I firmly believe this to be true.  That is not to say that those who do not love animals are unenlightened.  However, I do believe that until you have opened your heart to a furry soul, part of your own soul does in fact remain asleep.

We have rescued animals ever since I can remember.  My brother and I would bring home stray cats and dogs, and my mom would never turn them away.  We always had a house full of furry family members.  From rescuing we learned compassion, patience, heartbreak, love, loss and the circle of life. 

My husband, kids and I still rescue.  Our cats and dogs are rescues.  We tried fostering.  That failed.  We ended up adopting our 11 year old foster pup.  Best fail ever!

“When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” ~ A.D. Williams

When I look into the eyes of animals needing rescue, I feel their fear.  I sense their sadness.  I feel the desperation.  They have all this love to give, yes, even the broken ones.  The ones that have been abused, starved, neglected and forgotten.  Stuck behind bars and often on death row, they are begging for a chance.  Just a chance. 

Can you imagine being 12 years old and suddenly the family you’ve loved unconditionally wants a newer, younger version of yourself?  They drop you off at a smelly, cold building where you are locked up in a small enclosed space behind bars.  Can you imagine being left there to die?  Wondering what you did wrong.  Shivering in a corner, confused and frightened.  You are passed over because you aren’t feeling friendly.  Is it a wonder why?

There are those that say animals don’t feel.  They don’t have souls.  Oh how I beg to differ.  No, I do not offer scientific evidence.  I offer my experience.  The animals we’ve rescued show their appreciation in unconditional love.  No, they don’t all crawl up in our lap and purr or cover us in kisses.  But the feeling of relief – of knowing they are worth life.  It’s palpable.  If you open your heart to them, you can feel it.

I honestly can not imagine my life without animals in it.  Yes, we are often covered in pet hair and drool.  Yes, they have behaviors that annoy and sometimes truly irritate us.  And sometimes we don’t vacuum quick enough when people stop by to visit – so we keep hair rollers by the door for them.  But the gift of their unconditional love is one that fills our lives, our hearts, with such joy.  They are always happy to see us.  There is always a wet nose nudging us or a furry little body rubbing against our legs.  Those soulful eyes staring up at us, their tail wagging – ever ready to love.

   

Yes, we rescue animals.  And truth be told, my dream is to have my own animal rescue/sanctuary.  Until then, my little house is their safe place.  A home where they are loved, appreciated and protected. 

I wish I could save them all.  I do.  But to those that I was able rescue I say – who rescued whom?

Choose love.

*Disclaimer.  I am not a vegetarian, although I rarely eat meat.  And I am working on the hypocrisy of that.