Sir Leopold was kind enough to take this transpacific journey with me this time back to Beijing. Well, actually I just took his silence as an agreement when I told, I mean asked him on Christmas Day. I had started planning Leo's paperwork since June of last year due to vaccination requirements and my travel dates. With the help of Hainan Airlines and World Care Pet in Beijing, Leopold arrived safe & sound just in time for Chinese New Year :)
We first met 10 years ago at the Seattle Humane Society, during a 50% of all cats sale. For those of you who know me, you know how crazy I can get about these ;) (both cats & good deals). Anyway, so I had been visiting the shelter regularly, but this time I found a fat grey cat hiding in his litter pan and I knew it was meant to be. When I saw Sir Leo’s big black dilated pupils that was all the confirmation I needed to know I wanted to spend the rest of his days with him. More here on Sir Leopold in Seattle :)
People say animals have feelings and emotions, and that certain animals have more than others, which is probably very true. But this isn’t a competition, this isn’t about whether you’re a dog or a cat person; this is about the connection you have with your pet. Sir Leo is on the timid side, and still runs from me when I stomp around the house, but it’s also his favorite time of day is also when it’s time to go to bed and he can sleep between my knees. His personality reminds me of my innermost tendencies sometimes, except as a human I've learned to consciously work to improve certain aspects of myself that may affect my life. I think the main thing that separates humans from animals is our ability to hold back our feelings when we deem necessary, and seeing animals interact in their true nature brings a sense of ease. What would we all be like if we had no filters?
Shelters often campaign “Adopt a pet, save a life,” but one of the most beautiful things about any relationship is when you realize how naturally and effortlessly you’ve both become interwoven into each other’s lives. I suppose “Adopt a pet, better two lives” isn’t as catchy ;)
Love,
Daze
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.
”