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Rover Rocks
8 singles share how their pets enrich their life
January 24, 2007
Grace and Forgiveness
I never really understood "pet people" before Kaiya entered my life. This cute, apple-faced Chihuahua has brought more joy to my single life than I ever could have imagined! Rather than allowing myself to become too immersed in work and staying late at the office, I remember she's home anxiously awaiting my return. When I'm feeling lonely and wishing I had a spouse to cuddle with on the couch, Kaiya jumps on my lap and snuggles into her favorite spot.
My friends who have children often remind me that as much as I love my dogs, they still hold no comparison to the love I may one day have for my children. Instead of feeling defensive of my "babies," I'm hopeful to know that an even greater love awaits.
Loving Kaiya has softened my heart and taught me patience. Kaiya means "forgiveness," and she now has a miniature Shih-Tzu sister named Gracie. I tell my family that's exactly what they are to me—a reflection of God's grace and forgiveness.
-Kimm
Shelter After the Storm
I was recently divorced. The guy I married beat me up one week after our honeymoon. He was very angry that I reported it was him who'd hurt me when I went to the hospital that night. Even after I divorced him, I lived in fear because he told me someday when I least expected it he'd find me and kill me.
After living with my parents for a while, I found a small home that looked safe. I moved in, but every night I checked the locks many times and feared my ex would break a window to get in. I cowered under my covers at night.
Then one day a friend suggested I put my name in for one of the dogs that had been rescued from a home where 40 dogs were found living under one roof. I did, but didn't really expect to hear back since I was number 243 to apply. But I was lucky and ended up with a sweet little female Lhasa Apso who was about two years old. When I brought Jenny home she was afraid of everything, so I was very gentle and patient with her. I felt like I knew what she was feeling—and what she needed. She had terrible nightmares, so I soothed her with a little song that put her back to sleep.
One night I realized there was a part of me that had changed. I knew if my ex ever found me, he would try to hurt my dog—but I knew I'd stand up and do whatever was needed to protect her. I felt as though I grew stronger because of my dear little Jenny. She gave me a new purpose and strength. I'll always be careful and look over my shoulder, but I no longer feel like I have to hide. I can live my life as God would want.
Two years ago, I held Jenny in my arms as she was dying. I felt her feisty little spirit burst from her body and fly to Jesus. She was a good and faithful servant.
-Renee
Party of Five
I'm the proud pet parent of five critters—a cat, cockatiel, chinchilla, rabbit, and cornsnake. We recently moved over 1,500 miles from the town where I grew up. They've helped me adjust to this new world by being my familiar, loving friends every step of the way.
Daily they demonstrate our Creator's wisdom and imagination. When I feel lonely, homesick, or overwhelmed, they cheer me up. I can observe the intricacy of God's design as my cornsnake gracefully slithers around, find joy in watching my rabbit leap through the air, and fall asleep to the sound of purring in my ear. What could be better than that?
-Mary Lou
Unconditional Love
I've been a cat owner for 21 years. Having a cat has been my biggest help in overcoming loneliness. No, it's not the same as a wife, but it helps, and always gives me something to look forward to about coming home.
I had a cat named Tigger for 12 years, and she was very sweet and affectionate. When I was going through a difficult time as a seminary student, and she would still sit in my lap and purr; she didn't care if I was flunking Hebrew or not. Pets are great examples of God's unconditional love because they're always there for you.
Tigger died at 17, and some friends gave me KC, their Lynx Point Siamese cat. When my mother died, I took her Russian Blue cat, Simone. In March of 2005 I retired from American Airlines and moved to Japan as a missionary. I was excited about the opportunity to come to Japan, and was grateful I was able to bring KC and Simone with me. KC died in June at the age of 19, but Simone is still doing great. My cats have been such a blessing to me, and I'm so thankful for them.
-Michael
The Joy of a Wet Nose
I'm the proud "parent" of two dogs—Eddie and Vessey. Both were rescues and started life in less than wonderful ways; Eddie was found roaming the streets of a suburb, and Vessey is believed to have been tossed out onto a country road at the tender age of four months.
Eddie was a wonderful baby and has grown into a vocal, energetic, and happy dog. Vessey, however, is another story. She and I had a rough first year; she chewed up practically everything I owned and suffered from separation anxiety. It took a lot of time, commitment, and exhaustion to get her to behave and to trust others.
Today, Eddie and Vessey are my confidents when no one else will listen, my laughter when I'm sad, my tissue when I cry, and my blankets in the cold of night. I've learned so much about God's grace and love through two creatures who came into my life when I was most in need of some extra care. I've learned that life isn't perfect, but even so, we don't give up on those around us. I've learned that love goes a long way to heal wounds, and that even when I think I'm unlovable, I have love given to me—even if it does come from a cold, wet nose.
-Sheila
A Divine Example
My rabbit, Hazel, is the color of cinnamon and sports long floppy-ears. I'm grateful to know this strong and velvety creature. She delights my soul and daily teaches me something about God's desire for me.
Rabbits are shy with strangers but are actually intensely social. When left alone for long, they become severely depressed and can even die. Also, because rabbits are (virtually) non-verbal, human caretakers must watch their eyes and ears for wordless expression of a rabbit's joy or pain. To help Hazel have the best life possible, I have to be attentive to what she can't say. I also had to win her trust in much the same way God woos us to himself: by bringing her good gifts, respecting her space, and offering her the pleasure of my companionship.
Once my beautiful bunny was convinced I meant her good and not evil, she began to crave my affection and snuggle into my arms—exactly the same response God wishes from me. Whenever I'm convinced God means me only good, I can come out of hiding to snuggle into the arms of my Father.
-Marya
Give It a Rest
My dear cat shows me unconditional love that's contagious. When I come home, he rolls on his back and waits for that tummy scratch. Whenever I'm crying, my cat comes alongside me and curls up in a ball, purring. He may not know what my hurt is, but he knows his "mom" isn't feeling too great.
I've even learned the art of resting and taking care of myself from watching my cat. Even if he wants to play, if he's tired, he'll rest and curl up for a good long Saturday nap. Many times I'm so stressed as a teacher; it feels as though I'm never finished with all I need to do. Yet, I've learned that sometimes I need to just put the books down, curl up, and rest. I thank God for my little friend who greets me each and every day.
-Roxanne
My Four "Kids"
I love children, but I'm still-single at 30 so my "kids" are my four horses. One of my horses, Daisy, has been my tried and true companion since I was 17. My horses Brighty and Misty are Daisy's eight-year-old son and four year-old-daughter, so I guess that makes me a "grandma" already. My three-year-old niece, Kayla, absolutely loves to ride with me, which is a great way for us to spend time together.
I get a lot of joy from spending time with my horses and sharing them with other people. I work with developmentally disabled people, and they love coming to see and ride my horses. The bond that can exist between a human and a horse is amazing. There's nothing quite like coming out to the pasture and having my horses whinny and come running to see me.
Some people show off pictures of their kids. Me, I show off pictures of my horses.
-Leigh Ann
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