"The
assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our
treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively
outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal
compassion is the only guarantee of morality."
--Arthur
Schopenhauer
RESCUE
STORIES
In
this second article of the series, the focus will be on the rescue of
animals from unfortunate (or dangerous) circumstances, where acts of compassion and
love saved a life, gave them a better life and a good home.
It
wasn't until I received some photos of the animals featured here
from my sister and discussed them with her that I recalled that each
of them had been a rescue story, of one kind or another. Some of the
animals I have known; others I hadn't the chance to meet, due to
geographical separation between me and my sister for a period of many
years.
My
sister Irene loves animals, as I do. She is an advocate who has
worked to rescue animals and find homes for those who languish in
shelters, and has adopted many animals throughout her life.
Irene
lives in North Carolina and now has three companion animals, Mina
(Irish Jack Russell terrier), Stro and Weasle (cats).
I'll
start with a few stories of animals she has rescued and adopted.
Irene's Cats Malvolio, Beanie & Rahab
NEIGHBORHOOD
WATCH
Beanie
Beanie
was a cat rescued by Irene. She and a friend were out one day
bicycling near a reservoir when they saw a tiny kitten struggling at
the edge of the water. He was soaking wet, his fur sticking up in
spikes. My sister said he was “as skinny as a beanpole” which
was the reason he got the name.
Irene
heard the voices of some men nearby, and saw 2 men walking away into
the woods. She thought it was probable that Beanie was thrown into
the water to drown. But when she found him, he had somehow managed to
make his way nearly out. All she had to do was pull him up and dry
him off.
Irene
adopted him and gave him a home, where he was loved by all who knew
him.
Beanie
was very sociable. He made a habit of rising with the sun, going
outside every day around 6 AM. (Which meant Irene had to set the
alarm clock to let him out. I must say, that would be too much, at
least for me.)
In
the yard, he would conduct his daily neighborhood watch, to greet
various neighbors, all of whom were friendly to him. Each neighbor
told Irene that he/she felt there was a special personal relationship
with Beanie.
But
one neighbor turned out to be unscrupulous. When Beanie was 2 years
old, he was abducted by one of his “admirers”. He had told my
sister that he believed the cat really wanted to live with him. He
told Irene that he would be moving away from the area and asked if he
could take Beanie with him. Of course, my sister said no. She loved
him, and he already had a good home, where he had relationships with
2 other cats, Malvolio and Rahab.
But
the neighbor disregarded Irene's answer and took matters into his own
hands. He simply absconded with the cat and Irene never saw Beanie
again. As Irene stated, the day the neighbor moved, Beanie
disappeared.
The
way I saw it was that although he had insisted that he “loved”
Beanie, that was no excuse for what he did. If you really love an
animal, your first priority would be HIS wellbeing and happiness,
rather than getting what you want, at the expense of others. The same
holds true for human beings, but animals, like children, most often
have no power to make the choices which would best serve their own
interests. And although they do “speak” it is not in a language
that most people understand. Or maybe, they're just not listening.
Uprooting
Beanie from his real home was not “love”. Disregarding Beanie's
feelings (making unwarranted assumptions) was not “love”. And
breaking Irene's heart by stealing a member of her family was not
“love”.
To
anyone who truly loves animals, once adopted, they are family. An
adoption of an animal should be for a lifetime –till death do we
part. And that certainly was the intention, as far as Irene was
concerned.
Irene
told me she hoped Beanie had a good life, that was the most important
thing to her. I hope so too, but I know I could not be as charitable
in my sentiments about a person who stole a piece of my heart.
THE
LIONHEART
Malvolio
Irene
once worked at a residential home for boys, from which she rescued
Malvolio as a kitten.
I
don't think I need to go into detail about the way emotionally
damaged adolescents can treat an animal. Malvolio was most likely
“dumped” there by irresponsible people and left to fend for
himself.
I
knew and loved Malvolio, who lived to be 16. He had the heart of a
lion and was a courageous protector of the young (including his own)
and defenseless.
In
future articles there will be photos and stories of Malvolio's
friends and relatives, Shulamith, Shulamite and Euphrates (all of
whom I adopted).
THE
CHOSEN
Weasle
Shortly
after Malvolio passed away, Irene adopted Weasle from an “animal
control” shelter. She told me that Weasle chose her by reaching out
her paw and hooking her claws into her sleeve as she passed by the
cages.
Irene
could not ignore the summons. She took Weasle home that day.
The
amazing thing about Weasle is that she was adopted in 1997, at which
time she was full grown (age unknown) and so must now be over 20
years old.
I
remember reading something about the oldest known living cats, one
setting the record at age 26.
The
oldest cat I ever had was Aphrodite, who lived to be 18. But that's a
story for another time.
FREE
AT LAST
Mina
Irene
adopted Mina from a breeder. It was not a puppy mill, but Mina was
kept for the first 5 years of her life in an outdoor pen.
Mina
didn't have the chance to run free, and never had a loving home until
she was rescued by Irene.
Mina's
favorite activities are going for walks in the park, and riding in
the car. She especially enjoys the walks where she can meet and greet
other dogs, some of whom she has got to know, as they are 'regulars'
at the parks.
I've
never had the chance to meet Mina (though I hope to), but I've talked
to her on the phone many times and she is in my prayers every night.
Mina, enjoying a ride on the way to the park
THE
USURPER
Stro
One
morning Irene heard the sound of a piteous mewing outside the window.
So she went out and searched for the source. The cries were coming
from beneath her car. There on the ground was a small kitten, whom
she was able to identify as a Russian blue. It took some time and
coaxing, but Irene managed to get Stro to come out from under the
car. She offered food, and placed a blanket out.
It
took a few days for Stro to make herself at home. When she first came into
the house, she was hiding, but always came out when dinner was on the
table. (Nobody can hide like a cat, as I've learned to my dismay on
countless occasions.)
But
once Stro settled in, she more or less took over and commanded the
attention and homage she craved, and which she'd absolutely no doubt to which she was entitled. She usurped the best spots for
lounging, the most comfortable beds for naps, and even the food
served to the others in the home. Long live the Queen!
Irene (left) with Mina at The Blessing of the Animals
We
must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we
treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity
does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty
to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of
compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.
--Albert
Schweitzer