12 Comments

Penfist, I am seriously glad that you and Hendrix found each other--and yes, fur-walkers are known for speeding up our evolution!

Bill, When I finish here I will head to your link and read it with Gus-to. One thing about the writing here today that stood out like crisp on a turkey: When we think of things that make us grateful, animals come right up.

Radar and Ranger, the two guys who share this house with me, helped me through Covid and the loss of my wife, and other disasters of less damage. Without the structure of my responsibility to them, I might have drifted into the numbness of a permanent fugue state. They knew, and they stayed close, becoming double lap cats.

Two rescue cats (It isn’t clear just who rescued whom), one is a cat, the other a Manx. (cat people know). Together for six years prior to Covid, during the long lockdown we had a chance to really study each other. In the process I reached a level of appreciation for these beings and the gifts they offer--and my own humanity-- that I can only say that it was a quantum leap in life and happiness. I have to go, gotta litter box to scoop and a midnight treat to deliver! People think of cats as pets--did you know that they think of us as staff? Yeah....

Expand full comment

What a cool looking dog. And you are super cool for loving him. Our Sophie came to us from Tennessee. Panting. Shaking. Scared to death. Now we are a pack. Never to be separated. Here is her story, which you may have read already. If not, here ya go. https://billalstrom.substack.com/p/chosen?r=3s3j1&utm_medium=android

Expand full comment
author

I am headed to read it.

Expand full comment
Nov 24, 2022Liked by Penfist

I love Hendrix! I knew you were a kind and caring soul. Rescuing senior dogs is such a gift to both the dog and the human. I love dogs and have had many, but a group of feral cats kind of fell in my lap and now I provide food, shelter and veterinary care including spay, neuter and vaccines for all 15. Some are tame now and are house pets. The rest are “friendly ferals”. I love them all. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Expand full comment
author

I do my best to be kind and caring. I don't trust people who don't love animals. Hendrix makes me better at being human, and I am sure your animals are the same. Thank you for caring.

Expand full comment

Hi Karen! I knew there was much more to you than hat we usually all discuss on HCR.

Expand full comment
Nov 25, 2022Liked by Penfist

Hi Gus, I love that Radar and Ranger were with you through Covid and the loss of your wife. I believe animals are truly a gift, and teach us how to be better. I agree that it’s unclear regarding who rescued whom. My feeling is it’s a mutual rescue, we just don’t realize it until later.

Expand full comment
Nov 25, 2022·edited Nov 25, 2022Liked by Penfist

Absolutely! I could write a book about our journey through the total isolation of covid together--but so could every animal person alive. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Nov 25, 2022Liked by Penfist

My cat, Sammy the Ringtailed Red Cat is my best friend.... always on his terms.

Expand full comment

Hale, glad you know where you stand with Sammy--it makes things easier....

Expand full comment

Happy Thanksgiving 🍽 🍁. Hendrix is very handsome. My Buddy Dutch is a rescue as well. We were lucky to find each other. He has two feline brothers, Earl Grey and Nimbus Orion. That makes me the Queen mama around here 😂 Hope you’re having a grateful day.

Expand full comment
author

I am having a reflective day. I’m in a space of gratitude. Thanks for dropping by my space. Be well and enjoy your animal friends.

Expand full comment