the power of pets
Illustration Courtesy of @leandrofca
In the first grade my very first pet was a Siamese cat named Gigi. Ever since that time I have always lived with a pet. Over my lifetime our family had quite a few cats, 2 dogs, 2 hamsters, and fish tanks that became the main attraction in our living room.
Honestly, if you’ve never been exposed to pets or owned one you will never understand the joy and emotional fulfillment they provide. In all the years we’ve had pets in our home, this is the first time I’ve experienced losing one like I did this past week. I cried like a baby and I still have moments when I shed a tear because I am reminded of her absence.
I found Guano 12 years ago outside my building. She was this tiny little kitten that had been meowing under my window for three days in a row. When I found her she fit in the palm of my hand and had been hurt so her eyes were shut closed. My intention was to bring her inside, feed her and drop her off at the local pet shelter for adoption.
The universe had other plans, being that I was grieving a few major life events. All happening simultaneously, my grandfather’s passing, the loss of my job, and a very nasty separation from my High School Sweetheart. After a few calls to local pet shelters I had now become a proud pet owner for the first time in my life as an adult.
Guano has been through it all and seen it all. From the very beginning she took on some of my characteristics. To which I will admit weren’t good ones. She ruled my home fiercely threatening anyone who attempted to disrupt her energy. As she got older she became softer and calmer. It seems we evolved together. She definitely came to me right at the beginning of my spiritual journey.
Over the years I learned the spiritual significance of cats. They are known to have magical powers. One being having the ability to heal its owner and promote spiritual enlightenment. Their ancestors date all the way back to Egyptian deities. They were the protectors and totems of good luck. Overtime, they became labeled as bad luck or evil from wellll...you know western culture.
My cats added so much structure to my day and kept me active around the house. Its been a struggle this past week realizing there are things I just do not have to do anymore. The hardest part is losing my source of unconditional love. My surviving pet has been struggling as well. I have been focused on providing lots of love and maintaining our normal routine as much as possible.
Like any other major life change everything will take time to get use to. I am extending grace and keeping the positive moments at the front of my mind.