I’m starting to realize that things really do happen for a reason. People come into our lives to show us something, give us something or teach us something. Events happen for the same reason.
And I truly believe animals are on this earth not only to share our lives, but to enrich them.
I’ve learned so much from the souls I’ve met through my work with the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.
The first time I truly lost my heart was to two Shih Tzus named Chewie and Gizmo, who came in early in my career at CVAS. One was brown and one black. Those two boys followed me absolutely everywhere. I swear I didn’t even need a leash. Their adoption day was the first time I felt a real bittersweet happiness.
Chewie and Gizmo taught me how hard it can be to say goodbye.
Then came Titus. Titus was a mastiff mix who had one blue eye and one brown eye. Titus was so big that I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first. But I shouldn’t have been. He was such a gentle giant.
Titus taught me not to judge a dog by his size.
Tucker arrived not very long ago. He was a Shih Tzu who I swear understood what I was saying to him. He was the happiest soul I’ve ever met and so good with everyone – adults, kids, other dogs.
Tucker taught me how much I wish animals could actually speak so he would know that we were never meant to be together. I sometimes still wonder if he looks for me in his new home – that’s how much of a connection we made.
Alfred was an older Shepherd mix who just had soulful eyes. I don’t know how else to describe it. I took him to nursing homes with me and as I would talk and share stories with the residents, he would rest at my feet. When I would tell him it was time to head out, he would heave a huge sigh and slowly stand up. For no other reason than I had asked him to do so.
Alfred taught me about true devotion.
I had met Colonel only after his adoption, but his stories were legendary. A purebred German Shepherd, he somehow figured out how to get out of his kennel. No matter what staff did, he would get out, get through three closed doors and greet them at the front door each day.
Colonel taught me how sometimes dogs are just smarter than we are.
Quincy lived at CVAS just this year. A young pit bull mix, Quincy was the epitome of ornery. He liked nothing more than a tussle and a romp.
Quincy taught me to appreciate the joy in every moment of life.
Maddie was an all-gray cat who had all four of her paws declawed. She came into the shelter with a wound on her back because she had been declawed and then left outside to fend for herself. Whatever attacked her had a really good chance, because she had no claws with which to fight it off.
Maddie taught me about strength and survival and resilience.
We have so many kittens at CVAS right now. I will tell you, nothing in the world can soothe a rough day more than a quick visit to the kittens. Watching those little tykes wrestle and race around and purr in your ear can alleviate a lot of ills.
Kittens always teach me about fun.
Jolene was a gray-and-white cat who lived at CVAS for a year and two months. Jolene was very much a cat’s cat. When she liked you, you were cool. When she didn’t feel like talking, don’t push it. A woman came into the shelter 14 months after Jolene had arrived and asked to see the cat that had been with us the longest.
We all crossed our fingers and introduced her to Jolene, with the warning that sometimes Jolene could be a little persnickety. Jolene walked in the room and immediately rubbed up against the woman’s legs and started purring. It was as though Jolene knew this was her chance. The woman adopted her that day.
Jolene taught me that the right person is out there for everyone.
Things happen for a reason. People and animals come into our lives for a purpose – good, bad or indifferent.
What have you learned from the four-legged and two-legged beings in your life?
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Jennifer Vanderau is the public relations coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at [email protected]. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, readers may call the shelter at 717-263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates thrift stores in Chambersburg and Shippensburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the stores.
