It's amazing how easy one week of babysitting can turn into 20 years of companionship – and a lifetime of lessons.
When I flipped my Humane Society calendar to November earlier this week, a calico cat gazed intently back at me. Anytime I see this type of cat, it reminds me of my own.
In March 1986, my aunt and her boyfriend came across a beautiful calico in the parking lot of the local Canadian Tire. They watched as she moved from car to car, huddling under each new arrival to catch the heat from a still-warm engine.
Seeing no collar or ID tags on her, they brought her to my parents' home, knowing how much my then 12-year-old brother and my nine-year-old self loved our grandparents' calico. My parents put an ad in the newspaper about a lost cat; we would simply babysit until her owners came to pick her up.
No one came.
And thus began a 20-year love affair with an eight-pound fur ball. While my sweet Megans passed away a couple of years ago, the lessons I learned from being one of her guardians still resonate.
One thing Megans taught me: enjoy the simple things in life, like a relaxing afternoon in the garden.
• It's better to share than to keep everything for yourself. Lunchtime would always be much more peaceful if, after opening a can of tuna for myself, I added a taste to Megans' food bowl.
• You can learn responsibility at any age. Even as a child, I understood the importance of someone else depending on me for her well-being.
• Appreciate the simple things, whether it's your favourite food on your plate, a comfy place to rest your head or time spent cuddled up with someone you love.
• As selfish as we can all be sometimes, it isn't always all about you. If my cat wanted to sit on my lap right now – and for the next two hours – I would just have to sit still. And rub her back and tummy.
I asked our Facebook friends what life lessons they've learned from their beloved pets. Here are some of my favourite responses:
• "I have learned to stop and take time to behold the wonder of nature and life! My Guinness has taught me joy! – Lorry-Ann Austin
• "That when life gets rough…go take a nap." – Nancy I. Anderson
• "How to love unconditionally – with my whole heart." – Maija-Liisa Sarkkinen Shelley
• "To love each day and have fun, fun, fun! To totally love the one you are with." – Ay Sontespli
• "Every day is an exciting adventure, even a repetitive menu. Joy is a feeling you must experience every day." – Anne-Marie Smith
• "I've learned that if you want the most comfortable seat in the house, you'll have to move the cat." – Gary McLean
Is there something meaningful – or just plain silly – that your pet has taught you?
