PAWS: Animal Tales

Skittles

Once, there was a lady that loved animals. Her mother had taught her from the time she was a little girl, to respect the sanctity of other life forms, whatever they might be. She learned of justice and injustice to animals. She developed a sense of compassion and empathy.

Once, there was a kitten. We don't know where she came from. We don't know who her mother or father are. We do know, that when the lady first saw her, she was in a metal cage at the North Shore Animal League, in Long Island. This poor little creature was afraid of all of the people, and other animals. She was afraid of anything moving around her. We do not know why she was so afraid. There is no way to tell exactly what had frightened her so much at such a young age. The doctors at North Shore had to put the kitten under heavy sedation, just so that she might be calm enough to eat, although she was very very thin, and ate very little.

Then, one day, the lady walked into the animal shelter. She looked at all of the animals. Most of them were very cute, and well adjusted to people. But this one little kitten caught her eye. She recognized that most likely nobody would adopt a pet in this condition. And so, without hesitation, and already owning one husband, and one other cat, in a small studio apartment, she adopted this kitten.

First, she brought the kitten home, and named her "Skittles" because she was so "skittish" of people. Then, she took her off of all of the medications she had been on. And slowly, she got her used to the other cat. The husband had to learn to walk a little slower around the apartment, and not to make sudden moves, or any loud noises. Skittles used to hide in an alcove behind two bicycles. In fact, you wouldn't have even known she lived there, because she spent all of her time hiding.

But, as months went by, and Skittles saw that she was loved, and treated gently... She transformed into a cat that would play with her toys, and her "brother" cat. She even became so well assimilated into the family, that she would go out into the hallway, and sit with her brother and watch the neighbors come and go. She actually started to sleep with the lady in her bed at night! She would jump up into the chair with the lady and enjoyed being petted. She started to roll over on the floor so that she could have her belly petted!!

I would have bet my life that this cat would never have been able to live such a happy life. I didn't understand just how much power love and patience and determination could hold. I have since learned differently. I trust I will never underestimate these things again.

And I would like to thank my wife, Emily, for helping little Skittles to live a happy, comfortable, and safe life... and teaching me a very important life lesson as well!

Brian Hecht

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