As you may have noticed, I have partnered up with the ASPCA. Organizations as this are essential and hit home for a lot of reasons. This is why I want to share a personal story with all of you. As you can see, here are some pictures of my special little friend, Piper. As I said, some things are a different type of important!
Piper is now about twelve years old. When I read her story, I knew in my heart; she was for me. Piper being special needs because of her kidney issues, also had one of her eyes removed due to trauma she endured in her lifetime. This is where her story starts for me as once I read it, I know she was for me.
I had just moved to a new city and school by myself. As my students grew to know me by sharing stories about all the interesting pets I have had over my life, they kept telling me I should go buy one from the pet store. I said that was not for me as I did not want to get one just for the sake of it. So a seed was planted that I may just need a four-legged companion once again.
By my travels overseas, I experienced the elephant refugee park, and it opened my eyes to a different perspective of how many animals are really in need of a loving home. So I decided to start looking at some of the local shelters, and there she was. This is the story of my Pam Piper.
When she was found, she had already been attacked by another animal. Due to the severity of her injuries, she had to have her left eye removed. She was later adopted, but after about six weeks, her new family decided to return her because she was not pretty enough for their kids. and she needs too much care. She was then fostered out off and on for about a year.
I knew right then she was for me despite her problems. I called and told them that day I wanted her. It was funny though I told my students that I did go and get her after a few days. One of my students said to me, “she is lucky you got her; she needs you.” I forget the exact wording I used by replied that we had both are missing some parts, so we make a good pair. I chuckle at this because I can not explain the connection my little girl and I have even today. We both look at each other with a different type of importance to each other.
As life goes, we all are dealt with ups and downs and some challenging curveballs. With that said, here is my point. This little girl that others mistreated, not wanted because of her looks, is a real little ball of joy. She is my little shadow that just wants to show love and be loved. She is a great pet and my family. She has genuinely been a huge pick me up. This is why I have said though that some things are a different type of important!
Next time you are out and about and see a fundraiser or adoptions places for animals, try to take a second. If you can not adopt one, give a few belly rubs, some behind the ear scratches, buy them a toy, and if possible, even a few dollar donations. As humans, we choose to hurt, fight, be cruel, forgive, heal while correcting our situations, and show love. Animals such as her always do not have that chance unless you take the opportunity. Give them that opportunity.
