“The time to be happy is now. The way to be happy is to make others
so." ~ RG Ingersoll
Hands deep in his pockets, Geoff
wandered aimlessly, ill equipped for the storm that was brewing. Soon the rain came in drenching fashion. He was about to head for home when wind-whipped
willows revealed the smallest glimpse of a weathered old house. Geoff ran to it for cover.
A brief pause from the driving rain, Geoff quickly surmised
that the oldest residents of this old place were the spiders. Even their once intricate cobwebs now lay in
dusty rags. As his senses adjusted to
the artifacts of a life abandoned, an almost-inaudible whimper drew him towards
a closet door. He opened it.
Inside a cowering dog lay against the back wall. Dirty and malnourished, it had clearly been
abused. Geoff noticed she was still
breathing and rushed her to a local animal shelter where she gained excellent medical
care . . . and a reputation.
They named her Jasper and went about the task of finding her
an adoptive home. But this dog had other
ideas.
Nobody remembers now how it began, but Jasper started
welcoming all new arrivals at the shelter.
It wouldn't matter if it was a kitten, a rabbit or, probably even a
bobcat, Jasper would peer into their cage and, where possible, deliver a friendly
lick.
New animals often arrive disoriented: new sights, sounds,
smells. Not to mention new people! Jasper, that timid, abused, deserted waif,
became the shelter's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might’ve
been born for.
She had a knack for reducing much of the stress newbies felt
and helping them settle into their new surroundings. The list of rescued pets she cared for grew by
fox and badger cubs, chicks, guinea pigs, and a wounded fawn later named Faith.
Just 11 weeks old, Faith was found semi-conscious in a
field. Upon arrival at the shelter,
Jasper went into full foster mom role, cuddling Faith to keep her warm, and showering
the young deer with affection and making sure nothing was matted in her fur. They became inseparable.
Jasper cared for her until Faith was old enough to return to
the forest. When that happened, Jasper never
got depressed – she was too busy sharing love and affection to the other orphans
or victims of abuse.
How many times have you actually been able to save a life? I mean literally pulling a child or animal
from certain death, and bringing them back to life. Fostering something wounded is an incredible
experience. Alas, many of us will let
the inevitable pain of letting them go at the end of the experience . . . blind
us from the joy of the journey.
Sweet Jesus, bless those who open their hearts
and homes in the most selfless and giving of ways to those that deserve it most. Move believers worldwide to be consumed with
compassion for those in foster care, and make themselves available for how You
want to use them. Amen
