Two
years ago I saw an ad from a rescue group
looking for someone to adopt Joshua,
a five-month old blind kitten.
Having grown up on a farm and having experience with numerous animals,
including some with special needs, I decided that I could provide the
special care needed. When I contacted the rescue group I learned that I
would have to take Jeremy, Joshua's brother who acted as his eyes. I also
learned that these were feral kittens found living in a dumpster .
The vet who provided
their initial medical treatment said they
were a "handful" and had concerns about domesticating them. I wondered how
I was going to not only train a blind cat but tame two feral ones.
I soon discovered that the lessons were mine to learn. Although
spirited, energetic and
slightly distrusting of humans, both
my feral kittens tamed down quickly and responded to the love the surrounds
their existence with the other animals in the house. Joshua does not know
that he has a handicap and lives life to the fullest. Jeremy, who
has sight, is quieter and less active than his blind brother. Joshua is
a ball of energy and the most adventurous of
all the animals who share his space. I always tell visitors that the
world would be a better place if they took lessons from Joshua. If he runs
into walls, he just picks himself up and starts over. He doesn't know there
is a difference between him and his brother and sister who are dogs. He
loves everyone equally. Both Jeremy and
Joshua have added a tremendous amount of love and companionship to my life,
but I have been especially blessed by the lessons on life that I have
learned from Joshua.
Bonnie
Sauer
Westminster, Colorado
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