I love stories about strays. Why? Because there’s usually a deeper story there. One that proves strays are not just strays, but the strays of our lives who’ve come into them in different forms and for different reasons.
Kindred Spirits
Have you ever looked into a dog or cat’s eyes and without speaking, touching, or sharing anymore time together than those initial first moments, you knew them? You read their soul, they read yours –instantly.
That’s a kindred pet spirit connection.
Wayne had that with Budly. I loved that little Cocker with my heart and soul but truly him and Wayne were kindred spirits.
I’ve known my own kindred spirit connections, though –with Mackie, Mr. Meow, Murphy, and Tabby.
It’s nice when this happens with a stray who needs a home and you can give them one, but kindred spirits don’t always become family members. Recently I experienced this scenario with Winky, the little stray I couldn’t keep because she was already claimed by others.
Angels
I actually believe all pets are heaven sent and are therefore angels, but some have mightier missions than others. Such as making rescues or warning of danger.
I found a bunch of examples in the Pets’ Animals in the News section. Such as:
• the cat who saved his family from fire.
• the dog named Hero who dragged a car wreck victim from the concealed wreck site to the side of the road where passersby would find her.
• the German Shepherd who saved a toddler –from a roof!
• the Beagle who saved her owner’s life when he went into diabetic shock.
• the pit bull who alerted her family to a fire that broke out while they slept and made sure to wake them all and see them safely outside.
• the dog who saved a man from drowning during the flooding in New Orleans after Katrina.
Family Members in Disguise
My friends in Arizona recently added to their family when they realized the little stray they found one morning on their lawn was not a stray but a family member in disguise.
That happened to me with both Mr. Meow and Tabby. I found them, took them in, and intended to foster them until either their rightful owner came forth or I could find them a new home. But of course, they already were home. It just took me a little while to realize it.
Not Applicable to Strays Only
However, whether they came to us as strays or not, the majority of us are blessed to know our pets are all three –kindred spirits, angels, and family members. Amen to that!
Question to Readers
Do you have a story about a stray? Share it! Either PM me or leave a comment below. You know I’ll love to hear about it.
Courtney Mroch writes about animals great and small in Pets and the harmony and strife that encompasses married life in Marriage. For a full listing of her articles click here.
Related Articles
I’m So Thankful for All of the Animal Lovers Out There
What Do Pets Know That We Don’t?