A little boy’s kitty named Salem died suddenly the day before New Year’s Eve of a heart attack. They found the tiny fur ball in the dining room late at night when the family’s other cat Cuddles started making an awful sound. This faithful companion was sitting next to Salem who was lying in a position as if she had been running. The family had a necropsy done and it showed Salem died of a heart attack. Now mom and dad were in no hurry to get another cat right away, so several weeks passed before the mother of this family went to the vet to pick up Salem’s ashes. Our brave little boy accompanied his mom to lovingly pick up the ashes of his friend at the vets. The staff were extraordinary compassionate as mother and her son came to get the ashes. However, they told mom that she should take a peek at a new cat the staff had rescued that they found in a carrier on the steps that very morning. Now this vet office does not usually keep strays, they routinely send them off to another office. That morning, the staff was swamped with emergencies and they neglected to make the call to have the stray taken away. Mom hesitated for a moment because she was sure that the family was not ready for another cat but the staff insisted they go look at the orphan fur ball.
When the vet assistant opened the cage the cat ran to the little boy and immediately climbed up to his neck and started purring. Please note that this mother comes prepared and had her cell phone handy and snapped our Sonshine photo. You must agree that our little boy’s mom took a stunning picture of a “sacred moment.” Mom called her son’s dad and explained this might be the time to bring home another orphan. Without hesitation, dad welcomed the new family member with an open heart.
One wonders if that vet staff knew all along that this would happen when that little boy walked into the room. Then out of the blue our darling young man piped up to his mom that he is naming the kitty, Valentine Sally. When they got home and were looking at the kitten, the little boy said: “Did you see the heart shaped mark on Valentine's paw?” No one really noticed at the vet’s office for any special marks, but when the family looked closely they discovered a surprise under the kitty’s paw. Our little man was so proud of himself that he noticed this special sign and he felt the impulse from God to name her Valentine. Needless to say, the story continues that Valentine has bonded with her new friend. Valentine sleeps on his bed and our little love has filled a void left by Salam. Mom and dad believe that Salem must have sent Valentine to their family.
Many times we have to surrender our pets, our special furry friends who have faithfully kept us safe and warm for years. Then suddenly comes the impulse to go look again and in our search we bring home another stray who is simply waiting for an open heart. A few treats, a warm bed and lots of food never hurts either.
God prays for us as we reflect: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever PURR for joy. Spread your little arms over them, that those who are in your name may rejoice in you.” (Psalm 5:11).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who have rescued many strays over a lifetime. For all the bird food you put out in winter, warm water in your garage for the stray cats, or the extra carrots you cut up for your horses, may God give you thanks for your open heart and may Chase be blessed with his Valentine Sally.
