Not Much Happened but One Small Miracle

How I gained the trust of a timid soul.

Have you ever run a marathon? I haven’t, but I have friends who do. Yesterday morning felt like the dreaded mile 23 they always mention – the one where the end was close yet patience and reserves run thin. I had opened the bedroom door with a heartful of hope as I brought breakfast to Snickers and Midnight. I thought for sure the morning would bring the corner we’d turn - that after nearly six weeks in my care, Snickers would emerge from the carrier when I was in the room.

I had reason for optimism. The night before I had settled myself onto the bedroom floor and stretched my right arm into Snicker’s carrier as I’d done three times a day since his arrival. At one point when I stopped to pet Midnight with both hands, Snickers peeked his wide tabby head out of the opening and reached his right front paw gently for my arm as if to plead, “Keep petting me.” After that encounter, I felt certain dawn would bring a less-reluctant feline. My ready heart was not indulged. Midnight eagerly awaited my arrival at the door. The big orange fella was firmly planted in the carrier. Again.

Snickers hiding in the cat tower before he moved to hiding in the cat carrier.

I knew he left the cave in my absence. There were clues. Orange tabby fur was firmly woven into the blue fleece blanket on the chair. The litter box, cleaned before my bedtime, was doubly full by morning. The towels spread on the floor to capture the lightweight litter were scrunched into a pile with litter scattered everywhere.

Snickers and Midnight had been surrendered after eight years of having one home. Their family had cared, or had the means to care, at one time. Both cats had been neutered. When Midnight began peeing outside the litterbox, the bonded pair had to go. No investigation or medical intervention to the cause. They were surrendered to a shelter to be someone else’s concern.

They came to my foster home a hot mess. Snicker’s face was swollen. Drool dripped from his mouth. Tears seeped from his right eye. Skinny Midnight would gobble his food and beg for more. First order of business was a trip to the vet’s.

Snickers gum was so engorged that the veterinarian surmised he had an abscessed pre-molar. Oral antibiotics were prescribed. Midnight’s blood was tested. He was started on a thyroid medication for hyperthyroidism.

For two weeks, I’d lift Snickers out of the carrier (top loading systems are the best!), wrap him tightly in a blanket, then pry his mouth open to shove in a pill. After, I’d rock and pet him while he hid his head in the folds. I’d then nestle him in the corner of the carrier where he’d smoosh his body against the back wall.

I fed him in the carrier with the door shut to keep pesky Midnight from stealing his meal. I’d leave the room so he could eat without worry of me. Ten minutes later, I’d return to open the carrier door and remove the uneaten bits. I’d then lay on the floor with my hand in the carrier, waiting patiently for a sign from Snickers it was ok to touch him.

At week three, he began grooming my fingers. At week four, he completed a somersault while my fingers scratched his back. At week five, he inched his body close to the opening of the carrier.

Thanksgiving weekend, I found his canine tooth on the floor. The origins of the swollen gum now identified. He wasn’t just a shy guy. He was a feline in pain where hiding was an indicator of something wrong. How painful the last month must have been as the monstrous tooth decayed from its root.

During his second vet visit, Snickers purred so loudly from the vet tech’s attention that the veterinarian could not hear his heartbeat through the stethoscope. Progress.

Last night, I lay on the floor, arm outstretched, and watched Snickers twist and flip and purr as I petted and brushed him. When Midnight pounced on my stomach, I stopped petting Snickers to scrunch the cheeks of Midnight. Lo and behold, Snickers exited the carrier – whole body, not just head. His front paw gently nudged my arm, pleading for my attention.

He began exploring the room within slinking distance of the carrier, his head low, swinging side to side, checking for trouble. I held my breath so as not to be the troublemaker. I counted my lucky stars and proclaimed the adventure a miracle!

This morning, Snickers was outside the carrier when I entered the room. He scurried back to safety yet peaked his furry face at me from the opening. I sat by the carrier with my hand on the floor. “Hello, brave boy.” The orange stripes of his front paw gently nudged my arm in response. “Pet me, please.”

Snickers seeking attention.

I can’t imagine how Snicker’s life would have unfolded had he not had medical intervention, antibiotics, and a safe, warm, patient place to heal.

While it takes a village to save a life, it takes a connection to save a soul. That’s why I foster!

I’m curious. What did you do to connect with your pet? Leave a comment below!

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SHILOH’S SECOND CHANCE

November was senior dog month, and my orange ball of fluff, Shiloh, got to be a star. In Shiloh’s Second Chance, featured in the Who Will Let The Dogs Out newsletter, you can read about my strategies that help her stay healthy and vibrant as she ages.

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Shiloh had just finished licking the last of the oatmeal and a few blueberries from my cereal bowl when I came upon a story by Kristi Keller that caught my attention, When Licking the Plate is the Most Exciting Part of the Day. Apparently, I’m not the only one indulging my pets with measly scraps.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA FOR DOG LOVERS

Need a holiday gift idea for the dog-lover in your life? Perhaps you are a dog lover and wish to see shelters provide better care? For $25.00, you can help save dogs. Who Will Let The Dogs Out is running a campaign to raise funds to get the soon-to-be launched book, Who Will Let The Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues, into the hands of shelter staff and advocates for free.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR CAT LOVERS

Need a gift idea for the cat lover in your life? Cat scratching boards and furniture are gifts that keep on giving long after the wrapping has been removed (although, the wrapping is often as fun as the gift to a cat!). Pamela Cummins reviews a few styles in her post Cat Scratch Fever on Scratching Board.

Help me connect with other people who love their pets. Please share!