It’s that time of year again…the leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting cooler and our thoughts are turning to parties, pumpkin pie, and peace on earth. Each year, before I begin my holiday shopping or plan my family get-togethers, I like to spend some time thinking about all the animals for whom I am thankful. You may recognize a few favorites from my Thanksgiving column last year as well as some new ones!
I AM THANKFUL for Miss Bella, my rescued British Shorthair kitty, whose early life in a “kitten mill” caused her to mistrust people. Throughout our years together, you have taught me that our past doesn’t determine our future. With gentleness and grace, you have shown a remarkable ability to forgive humans for their shortcomings and you’ve blossomed into a loving and trusting member of my family.
I AM THANKFUL for my work, for it is through writing, teaching, and videography that I am able to share my belief that animals bring bountiful blessings to our everyday lives. This year, I learned a great deal about Facebook Twitter, and YouTube, social networking sites that have given me a national platform from which I have the opportunity to share my love and knowledge about our four-legged kindred spirits.
I AM THANKFUL for my extended furry family—Axel, Bashful, Chaos, Felice Navidog, Felix, Hope, Java, Kung Pao, Mietz, Olive, Pasha, Ricky, Russie (R&R), Sandy, Teddy Bear, and Yum Yai—you are all love personified and I feel privileged to care for you when your human families are away.
I AM THANKFUL for the foster kittens who have allowed me to be their ephemeral “mom.” With your impossibly tiny whiskers and claws and oh-so-soft fur, you have wrapped yourselves around my heart and brought me endless joy and amusement.
I AM THANKFUL for the happy hounds who prance and play in the park. You bring a smile to my face and instantly transform my ordinary day into an extraordinary one. You are gentle reminders that life is meant to be lived in the precious present moment.
I AM THANKFUL for the blue jays, the sparrows, and the hummingbirds whose presence never ceases to add a bit of beauty to my garden. You add color, entertainment, and a symphony of sweet sounds to my day.
I AM THANKFUL for all the many furred and feathered creatures who serve as animal ambassadors at my “Compassion for Critters” classes so that children may learn more about you – for it is the compassionate children of today who will grow up to be the kindhearted adults of tomorrow.
I AM THANKFUL for the animal rescuers and animal shelter volunteers whose never-ending work to save abandoned and abused animals often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. You take the animals’ broken bodies and shattered spirits and make them whole again. You give them a chance to become someone’s treasured companion – a chance to live wonderful lives. I am in awe of you.
I AM THANKFUL for the many animals with whom I have shared my life. I am thankful for your unbridled joy every time I walked into a room—whether I had been gone for five minutes or fives hours. I am thankful for the late-night “therapy sessions” where I confided my innermost thoughts and concerns to you without feeling judged. Even though your physical bodies no longer exist, you will always be with me in spirit.
I AM THANKFUL for all the animals with whom we share our planet. Thank you for your willingness to be here to teach us, to guide us, to inspire us to be better people. I am thankful that you have allowed us to open our hearts and souls to you, for it is through your unwavering love and loyalty that we begin to understand that the connection between us is stronger and deeper than we ever imagined.
I AM THANKFUL for ALL of you.
