Some of you know I volunteer at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in Brewster. If you’d like more information about volunteering at the ARL, please contact Jill Buck via phone at (508) 255-1030 or via email at: jbuck@arlboston.org.
Early this fall a handsome orange tabby stray cat showed up in terrible shape. His skin was awful with big red raw patches in various spots on his body. You would think he would be a cranky boy and he was just the opposite. He was always purring when someone spent time with him!
Over the past few months, the folks at ARL have tried all kinds of things to resolve this issue. He wore the “cone of shame” for a while and he became an expert at taking that off! They’ve tried different medicines, both internal and topical, as well as, changing his food. Some of it has helped, but not completely. The good news is they think they have a treatment plan that will work for him going forward.
All through this ordeal, he has been such a good sport tolerating all the tests and treatments. And, the purring has continued.
During one of my recent visits with him, he was able to roam around the room and explore. At one point, he came over to where I was sitting on the floor, stepped into my lap and nuzzled in for some quality time. Oh, and by the way, he was purring the entire time.
As he napped, I thought about what lesson this handsome boy who had been through so much was teaching all of us at the 
ARL. For me, it was incredibly clear as I sat there just enjoying the weight of him in my lap…it was to be present.
Earlier that day, there was lots of drama with someone, and as I sat there with this kitty, feeling the warmth and listening to him purr, all that drama melted away. Being right there, with this cat who was going through his own life drama and enjoying the beautiful connection we had, was all that mattered!
As you go through the holidays and move into the new year, please find ways to stay present and absorb the small snippets of magical moments where you are able to connect with another being. The benefits of this gift to yourself will be much more valuable than you realize.
