There are many stray cats in Latvia. There is not much financing for managing stray cat and dog issue in the country and I am not even sure we have animal shelters. Even if we do, seeing how many animals roam the streets - definitely not enough.
And so sometimes it rains cats in the morning. When you look out of the window and see many of them curl up on top of parked cars looking like raindrops. Catching warmth of the cooling car engines.
I've been seeing Pinky hiding from the cold winds we get in this seaside town, finding shelter in the corner of the house. Between the wall and the entrance steps.
When I was growing up, stray cats could hide away at the basements of the buildings and so they always had a shelter when the weather got cold. But some years ago people blocked all ways in to the basements to keep the cats out and now I have no idea how they get through the winter or where they hide on rainy days.
Stray cats tend to not trust people much. And I don't blame them. There are kind-hearted people in my town who feed them (thank God for their kindness!) but generally stray animals get chased away because they are an inconvenience. Besides, many of them used to be home pets but sadly ended up being left on the street..
Pinky looked at me with caution. I decided to try and make a contact, stretching my hand out and coming to my knees. She made a few steps forward but stopped unsure if she could trust me. I waited and eventually she came up to say hi. She let me stroke her side still watching my movements carefully, just in case.
When Pinky saw I was no harm she relaxed and got very friendly. I was astonished at how much love this little, cute animal had to show! She purred loudly and brushed against my legs, and hungrily caught every stroke I gave her. Poor Pinky! I wonder when was last time she got any affection.
I had to go for my run and I left Pinky behind feeling really sorry for this sweet, loving animal. She meowed a few times calling me back and sat down in the middle of the road watching me go. Under the light of a street lamp. Just like in movies. My heart contracted with sadness.
When I returned, Pinky was in her favourite spot in the corner doing her evening bathing routine. I sat down on a step and she came right over for the cuddles.
She excitedly walked all around me brushing against my legs, my back and welcoming with passion every stroke I gave her. Every now and then looking up into my eyes. Aww! So much Love in this little animal and so much desire to receive Love!
After sometime she settled on my lap. Curled up, hid her nose under my arm and purred softly. So much love and so much Trust..
It was a quiet Sunday evening. Still air, black skies and many light up windows in the nearby houses. People watching Sunday TV shows, having suppers and getting ready for the new working week.
All they need is Love. Just like all of us. Love and Care, and a bit of warmth :) Cats loooove warmth. Pinky was so content sleeping on my lap. It is way better than sleeping on the cold ground...
These little creatures get hurt and disappointed in us people, but they are always ready to give us a second chance. Like Pinky.
Because they hold so much Love! And yes, they know we can be a source of food. But it is not food Pinky was after last night. She wanted affection and warmth. So simple.
I got cold and had to return home leaving Pinky on the street. But I will see her again tomorrow. Because we are friends now :)
She smells of street, her fur looks dull and ear is half broken. She is just a stray. But she is a great teacher about what real Love and Acceptance mean. How showing Trust melts hearts and sharing Tenderness awakens compassion.
Pinky is such a Charmer! ❤
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Donating, volunteering as an animal cuddler at a shelter (so much fun!), engaging in animal projects, sponsoring a new shelter - is a massive help and are so rewarding! Animals are a great part of our happiness and we can always give back through a small or big action.
When I was little, I brought a tiny stray kitten home. She got hurt by a young boy and we had to nurse her back to good health. Even though she remained rather wild in her ways, she lived a long happy life of 20+ years. We lost count after she turned 20 ;)
It takes so Little to make a Big Difference to a Life! :)
May we see the Loving Soul in All Living Beings, honour and support All Life on this magical and exceptionally beautiful planet Earth! <3
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Who knows - maybe someone will offer a new home to Pinky :) She is in Liepaja, Latvia. Me or my parents can't have her but there are always many kind people out there :)
Much Love and Kindness to you all!
Lidija xxx
I have Wonderful News!! Pinky is our home pet now!! Woohoo! Me is so happy!
After a month of hearing stories about this kitty from me - my parents warmed up to the idea of having a new kitty home after our elderly cat passed away some years ago. And here she is - now enjoying cuddles, warmth and being a part of the family! :)
She took some time to adjust to the new environment by hiding away for couple days making me real worried but did come out and begin integrating into the family very well! She looooves cuddles, purring, talking-meowing away and sleeping on the lap. Such a cutie! You can tell I looove cats! ;)
The street life left some 'scars' on her like the damaged ear and a missing tooth but otherwise she is most charming kitty. So much love and affection in this little body with a biiiig heart :)
I'm so pleased this story I wrote has a happy ending! Who would have thought? It is so lovely to know that this little soul now has a second chance for a good life. When walking home in the cold evenings I smile happily knowing she is home warm and safe :)
I actually think she knew all along that she'd be living with us! She had just been patiently waiting till we made up our minds ;)
When I volunteered at an animal shelter in America last year I was told some real curious stories about cats. I was told that They Pick Their Owners and not the other way around.
The assistant at the shelter told me that it would often happen that many cats at the cat enclosure would never come out to greet the visitors, simply staying at their favourite sleeping spots and never bothering to come round. Until the day would come when the animal minders arrive to work in the morning and notice that the 'unsociable' cat would be sitting by the enclosure's door waiting. Then first visitors arrive and the cat is super friendly with them. And, of course, they choose to adopt that cat! :) The assistant told me with a meaningful look: "Like if there are some mystical forces at play" Hehe This sure made me smile! Oh Yes!
This kitty must have chosen me and my family that very day I met her :)
It was also very interesting to watch that on the day when my parents gave their final decision - the kitty was especially vocal when I met her outside later in the day. As if she knew she was soon to have a new home! She made friends with my dad that day as well catching him outside the house. She knew it all along, I am convinced! :)
Now she is 'helping' me write lol as you can see from the pics. There is also a pic of her with my dad after getting a bath and when she first came out to greet us.
Here is to more kitties finding their perfect homes and to more stories with happy endings! :)
Pictures below! :)
Much Love and Light,
Lidi xx