Evelyn Mason Wells: Incredible Journeys
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
~Job 12:10, NIV
I held Clancy close, my heart breaking. As Dr. Martha hugged me, I saw tears in her eyes.
.
.
.
Because of the outstanding veterinary care Dr. Martha provided, Clancy was able to enjoy a much longer life than he otherwise would have. Now, my journey with Clancy had ended after fourteen years.
Clancy had come into my life by default. Being aware of my love for cats, my niece, Carol, had called me. As always, she said, “I have a six-week-old kitten for you. Can you pick him up, or would you like me to bring him to you?” My journey with Clancy began the moment Carol placed this tiny, Lilac-Point Siamese kitten into my outstretched hands. He was to me, a family member. He was the four-footed variety but loved as much as any of us.
Clancy loved being in our big yard and enjoyed patrolling the area just inside the tree line. He took seriously his responsibilities of “watch cat,” chasing away dogs and other cats who ventured into his yard. Deer passed through often, stopping to graze. Clancy liked them. Once he approached a doe and stood on his hind legs to touch noses with her.
He was a loving kitty and spent his evenings contentedly purring himself to sleep in my lap as I relaxed in my easy chair. He spent the night curled up beside me on my bed and belied the myth that felines are indifferent to their humans. My sister lived next door. Clancy believed he had two moms and visited her every day where he often curled up on her bed for a nap. When I was gone overnight, he stayed with his “Aunt Jean.”
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
~James 1:17, NASB
My house felt empty that first evening after Clancy’s death, and after hours of tears and loneliness, I realized the most fitting tribute to Clancy would be to adopt another cat. Wavering between guilt and resolve, I went online to find the cat most in need of a home. I checked animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and humane societies.
I read the descriptions of a hundred homeless cats before I found my new kitty under a listing of Calicos. The picture on the computer screen showed a small adult cat with soft gray fur. She had an off-white underside and paws with a peachy color brushed here and there. Her face looked unnaturally thin, and her ears seemed enormous. She was at the point of starvation, every rib visible.
Although her picture showed evidence of a difficult life of defeat and resignation, her eyes expressed expectancy and hope. The animal rescue had discovered her waiting beside a box containing her kittens. I was drawn to her, knowing her kittens would be easy to place, but the chances of finding this momma kitty a home was slim-to-none.
I named my new kitty, Bella. While she can never take Clancy’s place, this now healthy and beautiful cat has established a place of her own. Thus, a new journey has begun, and I am loving every minute of it.
Reflect on a special pet God has brought to you.
Thank You, Heavenly Father for Your presence in all my journeys and for the pets You have given me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2020: Incredible Journeys: Evelyn Wells: All Rights Reserved.