From Abandonment to Adoption

Green Adventures: a series in which we invite you into the adventures from our journey.

Last night I found myself doing some work late. Not unusual. But I also found myself with a kitten asleep on my lap, another purring in my ear. Very unusual.

How did this happen? How did I suddenly find myself the owner of two tiny kittens?

You see, I thought I was a dog person. I thought that one pet (our beagle) was enough for us. I though I was allergic to cats. I thought we didn’t have any more space in our home to squeeze in anything or anyone else.

And yet there I was enjoying my time with our 2 new kittens that we got on Saturday.

So how did we get here? Read on to see how my journey to care for God’s creation has helped bring me to this place.

I have often spoken of some of the big steps on my journey to better care for God’s creation. I have discussed my attempts to bake my own bread, to garden, to green my office, to switch my daughter’s diapers, and much more.

I have also discussed how I have been impacted by the work of Not One Sparrow and how it has helped my journey to care for God’s creatures as well. Not too long ago I wrote about how even my own consumption of food has been shaped by this desire.

I have been learning, in a much more tangible way, how much God cares for the animals He has created. From the tiniest sparrow to the largest whale to the youngest kitten, animals are loved by God. Last week I wrote about how I have been discovering more about caring for God’s creation because He Himself cares. If God loves these creatures, cute or ugly, caged or free, loved or unloved, then so should I.

Through the writing on Not One Sparrow about shelters, anecdotes from founder Ben DeVries, and my own personal experience in a recent visit to an animal shelter in New Orleans, I have developed a much deeper sense of empathy and concern for abandoned pets. To view them caged up (even in the best possible shelter conditions) and see the impact on their demeanor is really hard. Of course, to learn of the fate that will become of many of these is no easier. They find themselves abandoned, with little hope of rescue.

A month or so ago, a local woman had a whole litter of kittens dropped off at her doorstep. No note or identification accompanied them. They were abandoned, in need of someone to care. This gracious woman graciously took them into her home until they could be rescued. However, this was in no way a sustainable situation.

When we heard their story a couple weeks ago, I admit I was not very interested. Although I had been developing this new sense of care and compassion, I did not feel ready for a new addition. My thoughts went to all the challenges that would come up: they wouldn’t get along with the dog; lack of space for cats; lack of time to deal with little kittens; allergies; expenses.

We entertained the thought of them, however, as my daughter really likes cats. As we discussed it, more and more we opened up to the idea; more and more my thoughts turned to the alternative; more and more I saw them as creatures loved by God but abandoned and alone.

Long story short(ish), we decided to adopt not one but two of these kittens (which are between 8-10 weeks old). These kittens, which were so scared when they first came into our home a few days ago, have quickly bonded with each member of our family. They are incredibly playful and affectionate. Our dog has been amazing with them and it is clear they will all get along just fine. My allergies (which oddly weren’t present until after college) have not been a problem. It certainly takes time and effort, but is very rewarding.

We have all enjoyed watching them play all over the house. (Don’t let the pictures of them sleeping fool you. They are full of energy most of the time. It’s just hard to get a good shot of them except when they’re sleeping.) We have also appreciated how they cuddle up next to us purring without ceasing. We have liked watching as they learn and discover. We have seen the power of adoption.

If you are in the market for a new pet, I encourage you to consider adopting a pet from a local shelter or other place where pets might have been abandoned to. There are countless animals awaiting adoption. Not only is this a great spiritual metaphor for our own adoption by God, but it is a chance to care for God’s precious creatures.

[Also, if you happen to be in southern California, I believe there are 2-4 more kittens from the same litter needing adoption.]

Also consider:

Beyond the Taco Stand

Eco Theology: Rainbows & Promises

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