The “Dog Days of Summer," our lighthearted devotional summer series, is wrapping up and we smile reflecting back on our summer learning from the adorable Saint Luke pups. The hot, humid days of August are slowly loosening their grip, and every so often we already get a glimpse of fall. So far we have met some of the canines of Saint Luke and heard from the owners that love them as to the many ways their dogs have taught them about faith.
As we conclude our journey together, we lean into our belief that at Saint Luke, all are welcome. No exceptions. This even extends to our feline friends during the dog days of summer! This is why we are so delighted to introduce 4 cats as our final piece of the series. Just like our canine friends, these furry friends have illuminated profound truths about our relationship with God, offering up important lessons about life, faith & God. We really think they are the cat’s meow.
Meet the cats
This feline crew comprising of Buddy Love, Little Rock, Zebra and Joy Joy traded in farm life for a domesticated apartment home full of family love. They all get along despite having completely unique personalities. Their ages range from 20 years old down to two, but age really is just a number. These feline friends all love a good nap, delicious meal and of course some love. They trustingly rely on each other and their loving owner, Susan, for everything and anything that life throws their way.
Here is what one of their owner, Susan had to say about her furry family:
The Basics
Buddy Love is the oldest love. At age 20 years old, he is deaf, but that does not slow him down. He is everybody’s hero and the family of felines aspire to be like him. He spends most of his days sleeping, but is never to tired to scope out his mama’s lap.
Little Rock carried on his father Rocky’s name. He is a yellow and white swirly tabby. He is a mommy’s boy and will run and hide if anyone enters the apartment. He may be shy with strangers but loves his family with boldness.
Zeba is his sister, a black tabby who is always ready to eat. She is named after her many “zebra” like stripes. She loves a good snooze next to her friend, Buddy Love.
The youngest of the bunch at only 2 years old, Joy Joy loves to take charge and be the boss of everyone. She is a tricolor Calico. She is named after her great-great -great grandmother, Joy, who was the queen of the family’s farm.
How did they each join your family & why?
My cats in the past and the present came to my home from my family's Dairy Farm in Pottstown. In the past it was because they had a life threatening situation and were going to die. Buddy was at the farm and I would notice him. He had badly infected ears but was wild and hard to catch! Finally I got him taken to a special veterinarian and he had an operation. He almost did not make it but he was amazing, strong and did very well despite the resulting deafness. I found out that he could not hear when I was vacuuming and he did not run away and hide! Zeba and Little Rock are sister and brother. I noticed them at the farm for a while and they were not adopted, so they went to my home because they were so beautiful. I had just lost some of my older cats (only two left at home) and it felt empty. I like to have 4 or five cats. At one time I had nine! It all worked out wonderfully. I brought Joy Joy home from my family's farm because she was gorgeous and the little boy needed someone to straighten him out. I thought she would do the job and she did. Joy Joy did not take anything from him, gave it back and they became best friends!
Lessons about God & faith
What has your cat taught you about faith & how have they influenced the way you see God?
Faith is our complete trust in God Almighty. I believe my cats are beautiful and wonderfully made and only God can do that. I am very thankful for them. It is amazing their complete trust in me! It makes me trust God even more. This relationship could not happen without the presence of God and His guiding hand!
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Can you share about a time you experienced God’s love because of your cats?
I remember when Buddy was going to have his operation and the doctor told me he may not make it. The doctor left the room and I was thinking maybe I should stop saving cats. Buddy was laying there weak and my hand was near him. He took his paw and pulled my hand in and held my hand. I knew then what we were going to do. The doctor came in, I said we are going to do it, the doctor could not believe it and the operation was successful! Praise God!
We often grow in our faith by following Godly examples. We follow Christ’s lead and aspire to be like him. How have you learned about this from your cats?
Buddy is everyone’s hero & the others aspire to be like him. Buddy's mother was the most amazing cat I have ever met. She was very smart, the way she would communicate with me was different. On the family farm I saw her break up tom cats fights and nobody does that! She was very glad to do it and then stopped fighting. When I brought her home, she walked in and licked her paws, said I am incharge. My cats looked at her with amazement and she was the Queen.
What an honor to have known her and an honor to have Buddy as my Beloved Buddy. He takes after his mom. He is confident, knows what he wants and is strong.With the new kittens coming in the home, I am sure Buddy was not really excited. He kept sleeping with his paws over his eyes thinking this is not real. As the kittens have matured they needed a leader, someone to show them how to be a cat, a proper cat. They need to learn how to respect each other, have fun and how to relate in a household of other cats. I see Little Rock going to him and looking for direction. Zeba sleeps with him or near him every night, that is special.
Pets rely on their owners for their needs to be noticed and met, even when challenges arise which is common in multi-pet households. What has caring for multiple pets taught you about dependance & connection with God?
All of my cats get along well. I am top cat and they respect that. I let them be cats- eat, sleep, play, and love! I check in with them throughout the day to have connection and relationship and to let them know they are truly special.
I see this too in my work at What A Good Dog, a kennel in Malvern. I am a boarding shift leader so I see up to 100 plus pets each day. One of the highlights of each day is bringing dogs back to their owners and seeing the joy of reconnection. The owners are always surprised to see the joy in their dog's reaction. Just as we have joy in connecting with God!
It doesn’t matter if you are tall, short, big or small, famous or not, the dog knows who cares for them and it brings them greatest joy.
One of the big words at WAGD is “connection”, Whether it is staff/dog, owner/dog, etc connection creates trust. We connect with God through prayer, the Bible, fellowship and music. Pets connect with their owners because of God’s love!
Lord, lead us in a life of love. You created each creature big and small, and give us the opportunity to connect to them in meaningful ways, just as you invite us to connect with you. Teach us of your provision as we care for those entrusted to us. Teach us of your devotion as we encounter their unwavering trust. Teach us of your guidance as we encounter their dependance in our leadership. We praise you for the great examples you made in our pets. We see your reflection in their adoring gaze, gentle affection, and unhindered delight. Make us more like them & more like you. Amen.