When I was in my third year of law school, I adopted two female kittens from a local shelter: Annie, a 9 month old yellow short hair, and Cissie, a 6 month old grey and brown tabby. Their impact on my life has been immeasurable.
Annie had these big, brown, doe-like eyes. It was her that I fell for first. She was rubbing against the cage and purring very loudly. I was allowed to open the cage and she jumped into my arms. I recall saying “oh yeah, I’ll take her.” I actually only intended to adopt one – which I think she knew because she then went back into the cage and went to Cissie, who sat towards the back of the cage looking afraid. She somehow made it known to me that they came as a pair. So I adopted them as a pair.
They had this love/hate relationship. When they loved one another, all was well with the world. When they did not….well, let’s just say it got a little crazy. Cissie was fascinated by the house plants, and Annie marveled at the looks and sounds of water going down the drain.
Cissie and Annie would lay close to me when I was studying for exams, including the bar. I did not realize that I would nervously click a pen while concentrating. I really only discovered it when I noticed Cissie looking at me while purring and chirping. She would then approach and then start batting it. She also loved the smell of my highlighters – which she would often pry away from me. And Annie would always let me know when it was time to stop studying: she would simply lay down on my books and give me a look that said “and now, it’s all about me.”
Looking back, I think it took Cissie longer to warm up to me. But eventually, she did. When I moved to Boston, I bought her a harness and would walk her in the Back Bay Fens in between Park Drive and the Fenway. She loved watching the ducks in the Muddy River and loved chattering to leashed dogs as they walked by in amazement. She hated being picked up and carried. She preferred walking by my side…or in many cases, dragging me to what she was interested in.
I had Annie for just over 11 years. Cissie stayed with me for more than 16. And yes, I think about them every day.
Today, I have Kit and Betty. Kit is about 10 – she was a stray. She lived with my mom for a few years until she passed away, and has lived with me ever since. She still has a bit of feral in her…which can sometimes make life surprising…and painful, if Bactine is not around.
With Betty – well – the story with her is this: I went into a pet store to get cat food. Many times, local pet stores will help local rescue agencies and shelters promote adoption awareness and on that day, there I was and there was some rescue group promoting its programs and its kittens. I made eye contact with this little 4 month old kitten (again, the big brown eyes). I asked if I could hold her. She looked into my eyes. And that was it. I said to myself “oh sh*t.” She chose me.
While the first meeting was in a pet store – this was no “impulse purchase” – this was an adoption – and it took some time to adopt her. They checked our references – made sure we could handle the responsibility of adopting a kitten. About two weeks later she arrived. She bonded with Kit immediately. I presume that as I sit here in my office writing this, they are hunched under the Christmas tree wondering when I am going to get home and turn it on (because I believe, much like Annie and Cissie, they understand that it really is all about them).
Now you’re probably asking “where is he going with this”: in today’s Boston Globe, there is this report how the recession/depression is not only forcing people to lose their homes, but it forcing them to surrender or abandon their animals. This is not the first report on this issue, nor is it the first time I have mentioned it here. And as the economy continues its trek into the abyss, I know it will not be the last. Things are tough all around. And it’s tough for the local shelters and rescue programs that come to the help of animals in need.
What can we do?
My animals have taught me many life lessons. And I know that animals, with their ability to give us unconditional love, can be a powerful force to bring reason, order, and a sense of truth and beauty to a complex and sometimes chaotic world. We need them as much as they need us. This is why I support the Animal Rescue League.
Since 1899, the Animal Rescue League of Boston has been dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment and neglect. With Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, the League is a leader in providing rescue and law enforcement services and promoting a compassionate and responsible attitude towards all living beings.
Our friends and neighbors face daunting challenges in this economy. Many are forced to make difficult decisions about their pets. Yet despite these challenges, the Animal Rescue League remains committed to provide shelter and veterinary care. For 109 years, the League has been there – in good times and in bad.
Please join me and McLeod Law Offices in supporting the League and its important mission. Together, we can help the League end overpopulation, rescue animals whose lives are at risk, and ensure that every adoption is a lasting and loving one.
Remember, it’s not just the animals; it’s the lives they touch.
Click here to donate or call 617.426.9170 x615
To learn more about the other ways you can help, click here.
