Responsibility

I have always tried to be a good steward to the animals in my care. I feel a heavy responsibility to tend to my critters, and have since I was a teenager, and began understanding that responsibility seriously.

When Wimpy died when I was in high school, only my father was emotionally supportive.  Years, years later, my mother acknowledged her lack of support and her regret.  When Mack died, I had lots of support, for which I will be eternally grateful.

I place the well being of my current critter family in high priority.  But Sake was weaned when she came to live with me; she adapted well, and is pretty self reliant.  She was more adult than kitten, even then.

Haiku had a hard start in life. She seemed to really appreciate the esteem with which I treat her, although Sake has dominated her, at least until Taki came, and the dynamics of our family changed.  Haiku has learned to assert herself more, not totally, but more.

I reflect on Taki.  Of course, I try to be a good steward for her, also. But sometimes, I think how very fragile her life was when I found her, and how very vulnerable she was to harm.  

I have to wonder what a parent feels when they look at their fairly helpless child, and the overwhelming responsibility they feel.  Children depend on their parents a lot longer than do cats or dogs.  My heart swells at my responsibility. I can not explain it, but I know many of you out there understand.