Time Heals All Wounds

Today was a rainy day and I let all of the kids hang out in the house. By "all of the kids" I really mean the dogs. The indoor kitties always have free reign in the house. I had laundry to do as well as getting ready to sell our Zinfandel Grape Jelly at the "Windsor Farmer's Market Goes Indoors" opening.

I found both India (dog) and Chloe (cat) sleeping on the clean laundry... on the bed... just inches from one another. I just stopped at the sight of this and had to go and get the camera. I need to explain why this event is so remarkable.

About a year and a half ago India "caught" Chloe in the back yard. At that time Chloe was living as a feral outdoor kitty with her brother, Tiger, and sister, PJ. On the day in question, Jeff and I were in the backyard along with the dogs and Chloe chose that moment to hop into the back yard. I couldn't believe how fast the dogs ran at her and India caught her by her left hind leg and shook her. Chloe was able to get away but not without a severe injury to her left femur/hip.

In my blog on July 31, 2006, I wrote about this "Cain and Abel" clash. I know I am not their birth mother but I sure felt like a mother that day; angry with India and worried about Chloe, yet compassionate to the natural impulse that India's breed carries regarding protection of property.

After a two week period I was able to trap Chloe, have x-rays taken, and then brought her inside to begin her convalescence and taming. With Julian's help (our gray kitty) Chloe became a love bug. She now sleeps in my arms at night and snuggles with me and Jeff on the couch.

Chloe's hip has healed enough for her to be able to jump up onto the bed, onto window sills, and when she is a bad kitty, up on to the kitchen counter. I watched her walking today and saw that she has a barely perceivable limp. She is so sweet, so soft and loves to play.

Whenever I see Chloe sleeping near India, I find it remarkable. India severely injured Chloe and yet Chloe has learned to trust her. I know that I assign to my animals human attributes , but don't you think we can all learn to forgive one another through the tale of Chloe and India?

I know I will take this lesson and hold it close to my heart, along with sweet India and Chloe, my little girls.