Just A Little Love

Simba came to the rescue when he was already middle age. Life on the streets had not been kind to him as evidenced by his cauliflower ear, numerous cuts, sores and boney frame. He was flea infested, malnourished and had diarrhea likely from worms. I was sure he’d already lived at least half of his 9 lives.

But for all the things Simba did or did not have he had one most redeeming quality; he loved affection. Despite all his emaciated body hinted at he’d been through; his spirit had seemingly not been affected.

In other words, Simba hadn’t given up on life or humans as many abused or neglected street cats do.

I nursed this sweetheart back to health and when he was strong enough, I had him neutered hoping to stop his desire to pick fights with the other cats and his territorial spraying. While his fighting discontinued his spraying did not.

There are no potential adopters who will take a sprayer into their home and since I only adopt my cats to those who provide inside homes, Simba was wholly unadoptable.

It saddened me to think this sweetheart would never have his heart’s desire — his own family or person to love just him. And as much attention as I gave Simba, it was not enough. So, he settled for what he could get.

He became the kitty welcome wagon at our farm and rescue, making his presence known to every visitor. His bright eyes looking up expectantly for petting and head scratches — his sad eyes looking down when another cat was chosen for adoption.

This battered up old tomcat had somehow amazingly survived the brutal street life with his sweet spirit intact. His willingness to forgive and forget — to choose to accept love — is one of the greatest lessons I have learned as a rescuer.

This morning I unexpectedly found my Simba dead in his warm, comfortable building. I don’t know why he left, perhaps he died of a heart broken too many times on earth.

Ot maybe, just maybe, Simba knew a secret only cats know: When your 9th life is finally lived, your 10th is spent forever in Heaven. A place filled with more than just a little love.

Jackie Deems copyright 2022