Our Unity theme this July is “service,” and it seems fitting to talk about animal love and service, as well as our love and service to animals. There are so many remarkable stories of animals saving human lives, including ones we would never consider, such as a snake or a rabbit or pig. And there are amazing stories of how humans love and help animals as well. It is all a vast subject that can be almost overwhelming.
During my years of ministry as a single parent, it was impossible to have a cat or dog since I was away a lot, and after my work serving at church and spending time with my kids, I did not have an ounce of energy left to take care of a pet. Finally, one “caregiver” in my first church decided to help. She brought over a rabbit cage with a baby rabbit and said there was barely any care, and my boys could handle it! Wrong!
Rabbits are rather messy. It turned into a sad situation since she brought us a baby rabbit taken from its mother too soon, and it died within a few weeks. My youngest son, Justin, was bereft and carried his grief to school. His teacher made a condescending comment to him that took me in to see the teacher and principal. At least my son’s spirits were lifted when I fought for his right to grieve a pet.
Then, someone brought us an outdoor cat (since my boys were allergic, it could stay in the yard), but the cat ran off. I guess the Gods took pity on us, and sent, amazingly, a peacock, out of the blue. It lived in our yard and slept on our roof, and we fed it for a while. But, apparently a wild animal finally found it. We had little luck in the pet department during my early years of ministry!
I have wondered if that’s why both of my sons chose wives who work with animals: one at County Animal Control who also trains dogs, and one who owns her own dog grooming business and tends to collect pets. The family in California always has their own dog and a foster service dog and have also fostered cats. In addition, they now have a snake for their 10-year-old daughter who loves reptiles. The family in Minot are the ones with 5 dogs, 1 cat, 5 chickens, and a rabbit. Anyway, I’m thrilled with all the grand-pets, especially the dogs, who have always been my true love since I was five years old, and my puppy, Taffy, saved our family when our house burned down.
One of my grand-dogs was dying after I had lived with him and his family for a while in Northern California. His spirit showed up every night for two weeks when I went to bed each night. Not only that, but I was on the road guest speaking between Arizona and Southern California. I did not know it was him until my son called and told me “Freddy” was dying from kidney failure. The morning after he passed, I woke up to feel him cuddled against me as he always had! I thanked him for all the ways he had blessed his family and told him to go into the light. Then, he left and did not return again, and I was absolutely certain he had found me in another state to tell me goodbye as he was leaving and just after. I can hardly speak of it now without tears, I was so moved. And, it convinced me beyond all doubt about the consciousness of these amazing animals who share our world.
Though some may be young souls, others are highly evolved and have much to teach us. Let us stay awake and aware of ways to bless animals.
Love & blessings,
Kathy